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Thursday, March 13th 2025
Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro Review
The Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro is a great option if you need the extra bandwidth perks of X870E as well as an impressive set of features, without breaking the bank. At $360, the board is considerably less expensive than some competing offers.
FuturLab Announces PowerWash Simulator 2, Teases 2025 Launch
What's better than first-person sprayer PowerWash Simulator? A second PowerWash Simulator! That's right, we're thrilled to finally be able to talk about the next soap-erior sequel in our beloved franchise, PowerWash Simulator 2, coming in 2025 to Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Epic Games Store. Available to wish list now on your platform of choice. Those of you who are eagle-eyed Game Pass fans may have enjoyed the original already, but for those unfamiliar with the concept, let me give you the rinse. PowerWash Simulator is what it says on the tin: find yourself in a mess, clean it up, build your business, become deeply immersed in soothing satisfaction, and indulge in some fascinating lore, including a mayor, a cat and… aliens?
That sounds random, but this game has been so beloved (by over 17 million of you!) that we wanted to give you more. Design Director Dan Chequer tells us a little more about why a sequel was the natural next step. "PowerWash Simulator has exceeded our expectations by taking off in the incredible way it has. Although we've added a huge amount of incredible content to the original game, we built and designed the game over four years ago when we never expected it to become so large. As a result, it has some technological limitations keeping us from adding new and interesting features. So, it made sense to start discussing where we could go from here."
That sounds random, but this game has been so beloved (by over 17 million of you!) that we wanted to give you more. Design Director Dan Chequer tells us a little more about why a sequel was the natural next step. "PowerWash Simulator has exceeded our expectations by taking off in the incredible way it has. Although we've added a huge amount of incredible content to the original game, we built and designed the game over four years ago when we never expected it to become so large. As a result, it has some technological limitations keeping us from adding new and interesting features. So, it made sense to start discussing where we could go from here."
Leak Suggests Recent Arrival of Significant Nintendo Switch 2 Shipments on US Shores
Nintendo seems to readying a speculated mid-2025 launch of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hybrid games console, according to industry watchdogs. International preview events are scheduled to happen throughout April, so online theories have settled on potential May or June release windows. Members of Famiboards—a Nintendo discussion forum—have kept tabs on a wide variety of pre-launch information outlets, going back to 2021. Their latest tracking activities—with eyes firmly trained on shipping manifests—have produced compelling evidence of Switch 2 materials turning up on North American shores in the recent past. A Famiboards detective detailed their discoveries: "so, it finally happened. HVBG exported 383,000 units of the completed console set between January 17th and January 22nd. They were all shipped to the US, and all were of the USZ (US/Canada) region code. 41,598 units of the charging grip were also shipped to the US, confirming that HGU0620 is the charging grip with a product code of BEE-A-ESSKA, which matches the Switch 1 charging grip's HAC-A-ESSKA."
Nintendo's mid-January unveiling of Switch 2 served as a refreshing break from the norm; the Japanese gaming giant operates under very secretive conditions. Their early 2025 teaser showcased a device that seemed to recycle its predecessor's feature set, but the CGI trailer implied mouse-like functionality. Patent leaks have provided further insight into the design of Nintendo's next-gen Joy-Con. Last month, Shuntaro Furukawa—the company's president—disclosed that his team was taking "all possible measures" to provide sufficient stock for Switch 2's launch window. This week's insider investigation paints a promising picture, at least for potential North American buyers: "383k is a decent-sized shipment, but I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers increase. HVBG had received 1.2 million units of one-per-system parts like the SoC and screen as of December, and 1.7 million as of January, and we can expect 100% of those to end up in units shipped to the US. One thing we can learn from the shipments is that the console set is not a bundle."
Nintendo's mid-January unveiling of Switch 2 served as a refreshing break from the norm; the Japanese gaming giant operates under very secretive conditions. Their early 2025 teaser showcased a device that seemed to recycle its predecessor's feature set, but the CGI trailer implied mouse-like functionality. Patent leaks have provided further insight into the design of Nintendo's next-gen Joy-Con. Last month, Shuntaro Furukawa—the company's president—disclosed that his team was taking "all possible measures" to provide sufficient stock for Switch 2's launch window. This week's insider investigation paints a promising picture, at least for potential North American buyers: "383k is a decent-sized shipment, but I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers increase. HVBG had received 1.2 million units of one-per-system parts like the SoC and screen as of December, and 1.7 million as of January, and we can expect 100% of those to end up in units shipped to the US. One thing we can learn from the shipments is that the console set is not a bundle."
Framework Dives Deep into Desktop Model's Deployment of Ryzen AI Max
We dedicated a lot of our launch presentation of Framework Desktop to the Ryzen AI Max processor it uses, and for a good reason. These truly unique, ultra-high-performance parts are the culmination of decades of technology and architecture investments that AMD has made, going all the way back to their acquisition of ATI in 2006. For our first technical deep dive on Framework Desktop, we're going to go even deeper into Ryzen AI Max and what makes it a killer processor for gaming, workstation, and AI workloads.
What makes Ryzen AI Max special is a combination of three elements: full desktop-class Zen 5 CPU cores, a massive 40-CU Radeon RDNA 3.5 GPU, and a giant 256-bit LPDDR5x memory bus to feed the two, supporting up to 128 GB of memory. Chips and Cheese did an excellent technical overview of the processor with AMD that goes even deeper on this, and we'll pull out some of the highlights along with our own insights. We'll start with the CPUs. Ryzen AI Max supports up to 16 CPU cores split across two 4 nm FinFET dies that AMD calls CCDs. These dies are connected together using an extremely wide, low power, low latency bus across the package substrate. The CPUs are full Zen 5 cores with 512-bit FPUs and support for AVX-512, a vector processing instruction set otherwise only available on Intel's top end server CPUs. We're excited for you to see the multicore performance numbers these CPUs can do in our upcoming press review cycle!
What makes Ryzen AI Max special is a combination of three elements: full desktop-class Zen 5 CPU cores, a massive 40-CU Radeon RDNA 3.5 GPU, and a giant 256-bit LPDDR5x memory bus to feed the two, supporting up to 128 GB of memory. Chips and Cheese did an excellent technical overview of the processor with AMD that goes even deeper on this, and we'll pull out some of the highlights along with our own insights. We'll start with the CPUs. Ryzen AI Max supports up to 16 CPU cores split across two 4 nm FinFET dies that AMD calls CCDs. These dies are connected together using an extremely wide, low power, low latency bus across the package substrate. The CPUs are full Zen 5 cores with 512-bit FPUs and support for AVX-512, a vector processing instruction set otherwise only available on Intel's top end server CPUs. We're excited for you to see the multicore performance numbers these CPUs can do in our upcoming press review cycle!
Indian Retailer Holds Baffling Competition - Lucky Winners Will Buy COLORFUL GeForce RTX 5080 Cards at "MSRP"
A farcical "GIGABYTE RTX 5090 Super Bundle" was highlighted by PC hardware media outlets last week—the steep demand for flagship and high-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series "Blackwell" graphics cards has prompted the creation of many "innovative" anti-scalper selling strategies. Another ludicrous example has emerged courtesy of fresh news coverage focusing on an "EliteHubs x COLORFUL RTX 5080 Campaign." This competition is open to residents of India—EliteHubs advertises itself as a popular regional "computer accessories store and Esports tournament organizer." Unfortunately, current global market conditions have inflated prices of recently launched new generation graphics card models—the "EliteHubs x COLORFUL RTX 5080 Campaign" apparently rallies against such practices, albeit in an extremely limited fashion. The competition's author delivered crucial details: "we're thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity where three lucky winners will each receive a brand-new COLORFUL RTX 5080 Ultra White OC graphics card—one unit per person! This powerhouse graphics card is available at the official NVIDIA MSRP of Rs. 1,10,000 (~$1265 USD)."
According to TechSpot, a quick investigation revealed that the advertised cost of ownership was accurate—they noted: "checking other online stores in India shows all the COLORFUL RTX 5080 Ultra W OC models are priced above that MSRP. This is a higher-end third-party card, admittedly, so it appears participants are getting the chance to buy it at a slightly cheaper price than usual. Still, most people expect competitions to have actual prizes, and the fact there will be only three winners is a bit comical." Prior to official launch—in late January—a Vietnamese customer managed to bag themselves the same model for a princely sum of $1400. VideoCardz did not receive a response from COLORFUL, prior to the publication of their news coverage. The Chinese AIB did not provide comment when asked about said promotional campaign.
According to TechSpot, a quick investigation revealed that the advertised cost of ownership was accurate—they noted: "checking other online stores in India shows all the COLORFUL RTX 5080 Ultra W OC models are priced above that MSRP. This is a higher-end third-party card, admittedly, so it appears participants are getting the chance to buy it at a slightly cheaper price than usual. Still, most people expect competitions to have actual prizes, and the fact there will be only three winners is a bit comical." Prior to official launch—in late January—a Vietnamese customer managed to bag themselves the same model for a princely sum of $1400. VideoCardz did not receive a response from COLORFUL, prior to the publication of their news coverage. The Chinese AIB did not provide comment when asked about said promotional campaign.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 Development Started
Focus Entertainment Publishing, a subsidiary of PULLUP Entertainment Group, Games Workshop, and Saber Interactive are proud to announce the development of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3, the next instalment in the legendary franchise set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Space Marine 2 continues to captivate players, and this new edition promises an even more immersive experience, staying true to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with intense, brutal, and spectacular gameplay.
Space Marine 2 continues to captivate players, and this new edition promises an even more immersive experience, staying true to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with intense, brutal, and spectacular gameplay.
GIGABYTE Announces Availability of MO27U2 4K 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, announced that its groundbreaking MO27U2 QD-OLED monitor is now available. As the industry-leading 27-inch 4K 240 Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor, the MO27U2 delivers ultra-crisp visuals with a remarkable 166 PPI, setting a new benchmark in clarity and precision for its popular size. The MO27U2 is engineered to redefine visual excellence in the QD-OLED display industry with cutting-edge Tandem OLED panel technology, upgraded Tactical Features, and Graphene Thermal Film Technology.
With built-in G-Sync support and seamless integration with the latest GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards featuring DLSS4, the MO27U2 delivers an extraordinary 4K 240 Hz gaming experience. Its high 166 PPI ensures every detail is rendered with exceptional clarity, while advanced color accuracy is achieved with delta E≤2, 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and Pantone Validated certification. Additionally, its 0.03 ms gray-to-gray response time ensures super smooth, low-latency visuals.
With built-in G-Sync support and seamless integration with the latest GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards featuring DLSS4, the MO27U2 delivers an extraordinary 4K 240 Hz gaming experience. Its high 166 PPI ensures every detail is rendered with exceptional clarity, while advanced color accuracy is achieved with delta E≤2, 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and Pantone Validated certification. Additionally, its 0.03 ms gray-to-gray response time ensures super smooth, low-latency visuals.
Mountaintop Studios Announces Imminent Closure, Spectre Divide Will Go Offline Soon
Dear Spectre Fans, it's been two weeks since we launched Spectre Divide Season 1: Flashpoint. We're incredibly grateful for the positivity and support that you've shown over that short time. Unfortunately, the Season 1 launch hasn't achieved the level of success we needed to sustain the game and keep Mountaintop afloat. We were optimistic about the first week. We've had ~400,000 players play, with a peak concurrent player count of ~10,000 across all platforms. But as time has gone on, we haven't seen enough active players and incoming revenue to cover the day-to-day costs of Spectre and the studio. Since the PC launch, we stretched our remaining capital as far as we could, but at this point, we're out of funding to support the game. This means Mountaintop will be closing its doors at the end of this week.
We expect to take Spectre offline within the next 30 days, but we plan on disabling new purchases and refunding money spent since Season 1 launch via the platforms. We'll be following up with more information on this soon. We pursued every avenue to keep going, including finding a publisher, additional investment, and/or an acquisition. In the end, we weren't able to make it work. The industry is in a tough spot right now. This is a painful update to share. We love Spectre, and we're incredibly proud of what we built with this community. From the entire team at Mountaintop, I want to thank the Spectre community for all your support these past few years. We've loved every minute, and we're sincerely going to miss you. Special thanks to our incredible investors too, without which Spectre wouldn't have been possible.
We expect to take Spectre offline within the next 30 days, but we plan on disabling new purchases and refunding money spent since Season 1 launch via the platforms. We'll be following up with more information on this soon. We pursued every avenue to keep going, including finding a publisher, additional investment, and/or an acquisition. In the end, we weren't able to make it work. The industry is in a tough spot right now. This is a painful update to share. We love Spectre, and we're incredibly proud of what we built with this community. From the entire team at Mountaintop, I want to thank the Spectre community for all your support these past few years. We've loved every minute, and we're sincerely going to miss you. Special thanks to our incredible investors too, without which Spectre wouldn't have been possible.
Samsung Reportedly Planning Mass Production of "Exynos 2600" Prototype SoCs in May
Late last month, industry insiders posited that pleasing progress was being made with Samsung's cutting-edge 2 nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) node process. The rumored abandonment of an older 3 nm GAA-based project—in late 2024—has likely sent the South Korean foundry team into overdrive. A speculated Exynos 2500 flagship mobile processor was previously linked to said 3 nm node, but industry watchdogs believe that company engineers are experimenting with a 2 nm GAA manufacturing process. According to the latest insider report—from FN News SK—Samsung Foundry (SF) has assembled a special "task force (TF)." Allegedly, this elite team will be dedicated to getting a newer "Exynos 2600 chip" over the finish line—suggesting an abandonment of the older "2500" design, or a simple renaming.
Samsung's recent launch of Galaxy S25 series smartphones was reportedly viewed as a disappointing compromise—with all models being powered by Qualcomm's "first-of-its-kind customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform," instead of in-house devised chipsets. According to industry moles, one of the SF task force's main goals is a boosting of 2 nm GAA production yields up to "economically viable" levels (roughly 60-70%)—apparently last month's best result was ~30%. Mass production of prototype chipsets is tipped to start by May. Samsung's reported target of "stabilizing their Exynos 2600" SoC design will ensure that "Galaxy S26 series" devices will not become reliant on Qualcomm internals. Additionally, FN News proposes a bigger picture scenario: "the stabilization of 2 nm (SF2/GAA) products, is expected to speed up the acquisition of customers for Samsung Electronics' foundry division, which is thirsty for leading-edge process customers." A forthcoming rival next-gen mobile chip—Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2—is supposedly in the pipeline. The smartphone industry inside track reckons that Qualcomm has signed up with TSMC; with a 2 nm manufacturing process in mind.
Samsung's recent launch of Galaxy S25 series smartphones was reportedly viewed as a disappointing compromise—with all models being powered by Qualcomm's "first-of-its-kind customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform," instead of in-house devised chipsets. According to industry moles, one of the SF task force's main goals is a boosting of 2 nm GAA production yields up to "economically viable" levels (roughly 60-70%)—apparently last month's best result was ~30%. Mass production of prototype chipsets is tipped to start by May. Samsung's reported target of "stabilizing their Exynos 2600" SoC design will ensure that "Galaxy S26 series" devices will not become reliant on Qualcomm internals. Additionally, FN News proposes a bigger picture scenario: "the stabilization of 2 nm (SF2/GAA) products, is expected to speed up the acquisition of customers for Samsung Electronics' foundry division, which is thirsty for leading-edge process customers." A forthcoming rival next-gen mobile chip—Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2—is supposedly in the pipeline. The smartphone industry inside track reckons that Qualcomm has signed up with TSMC; with a 2 nm manufacturing process in mind.
Initial Intel 18A Node Wafer Run Lands in Arizona Site, High-Volume Manufacturing Could Start Earlier Than Expected
Intel's 18A node, often referred to as Intel's silver lining, has just produced tangible result. In a LinkedIn post of Intel's engineering manager Pankaj Marria, we learn that Intel's 18A node is now being produced in initial wafer lots for testing and evaluation by Intel's customers. This means that Intel's 18A node PDK is officially in version 1.0, and customers are already using that PDK for testing of custom chips. "The Eagle has landed," noted the post, referring to the node development as a major milestone for a node developed and made in US. There were even posters with the same slogans being brought up, meaning that possible customers are also happy with inital test runs. With high-volume manufacturing slated for second half of 2025, we could even see 18A HVM going before initial targets.
Intel's leadership transition to CEO Lip-Bu Tan has overlapped with a recalibration of corporate messaging around the foundry business. Tan's internal communication explicitly frames Intel's strategy as a dual-track approach that maintains both product development and foundry services under unified corporate governance. This position counters speculation regarding potential foundry spinoff scenarios, though it doesn't categorically exclude future structural changes. Previous industry rumors had outlined potential joint venture configurations involving TSMC and major US semiconductor firms, including AMD, Broadcom, and NVIDIA, taking equity positions in a separate foundry entity. While such arrangements remain theoretically viable, Tan's emphasis on fab strategic importance aligns with predecessor Pat Gelsinger's manufacturing-centric vision, suggesting continuity in Intel's Foundry and Product model despite market pressure.
Intel's leadership transition to CEO Lip-Bu Tan has overlapped with a recalibration of corporate messaging around the foundry business. Tan's internal communication explicitly frames Intel's strategy as a dual-track approach that maintains both product development and foundry services under unified corporate governance. This position counters speculation regarding potential foundry spinoff scenarios, though it doesn't categorically exclude future structural changes. Previous industry rumors had outlined potential joint venture configurations involving TSMC and major US semiconductor firms, including AMD, Broadcom, and NVIDIA, taking equity positions in a separate foundry entity. While such arrangements remain theoretically viable, Tan's emphasis on fab strategic importance aligns with predecessor Pat Gelsinger's manufacturing-centric vision, suggesting continuity in Intel's Foundry and Product model despite market pressure.
Dune: Awakening's Deep Desert Coriolis Storms Shift the Landscape Itself, Changing the Map
On May 20, Dune: Awakening, the first-ever open-world, multiplayer survival game set on Arrakis, will launch. In today's new video, Funcom is proud to show the scale and scope of the desert planet, which is inspired by Frank Herbert's legendary sci-fi novel and Legendary Entertainment's award-winning films. Discover what lies beyond the horizon in Exploring Arrakis - Secrets of the Desert.
Although a desert planet, Arrakis is surprisingly diverse, as showcased in the recent Beauty of Arrakis video. Reveal the resources of your immediate surroundings through your personal scanner and modules attached to your vehicles, or climb the highest peaks to launch a survey probe that fills in a large area of your map, including important points of interest, like shipwrecks or ecology labs.
Although a desert planet, Arrakis is surprisingly diverse, as showcased in the recent Beauty of Arrakis video. Reveal the resources of your immediate surroundings through your personal scanner and modules attached to your vehicles, or climb the highest peaks to launch a survey probe that fills in a large area of your map, including important points of interest, like shipwrecks or ecology labs.
CHIEFTEC Intros Hunter 3 and Night Hunter Gaming Cases
CHIEFTEC introduces the Hunter 3 (GS-03B-OP) and Night Hunter (GS-03B-BLK-OP) gaming cases, both supporting back-connect motherboards (ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero compatible). The CHIEFTEC Hunter 3 improves on the Hunter 2 series, featuring a wider, sturdier chassis measuring 440 x 238 x 450 mm, tempered glass side panel, a perforated steel front panel (with removable dust filter), and improved radiator support. The new internal layout allows up to 360 mm radiators in the front and top, CPU coolers up to 178 mm tall, and graphics cards up to 425 mm long. It comes with four 120 mm A-RGB fans already installed, linked to a hub to sync with the motherboard and control fan speed. The front I/O panel features 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, Audio-out (AZALIA / HD-Audio), and Mic-In ports.
CHIEFTEC Night Hunter gaming case is "the black-out, airflow-focused variant of the Hunter 3 gaming case." The main difference being the four preinstalled 140 mm fans (no RGB) versus Hunter 3 120 mm A-RGB. Both cases support Mini ITX, microATX, ATX and E-ATX motherboards and plenty of internal drive bays (3x 2.5" and 1x 3.5" / 2x 2.5" and 2x 3.5").
Presentation videos follow:
CHIEFTEC Night Hunter gaming case is "the black-out, airflow-focused variant of the Hunter 3 gaming case." The main difference being the four preinstalled 140 mm fans (no RGB) versus Hunter 3 120 mm A-RGB. Both cases support Mini ITX, microATX, ATX and E-ATX motherboards and plenty of internal drive bays (3x 2.5" and 1x 3.5" / 2x 2.5" and 2x 3.5").
Niantic Offloads Games Division to Scopely - Deal Valued at $3.5 Billion
We're announcing changes at Niantic that will set us on a bold new course. Nearly a decade ago, we spun out as a small team from Google with a bold vision: to use technology to overlay the world with rich digital experiences. Our goal: to inspire people to explore their surroundings and foster real-world connections, especially at a time when relationships were becoming increasingly digital. To bring this mission and technology to life, we started building games; today, more than 100 million people play our games annually, with more than a billion friend connections made across the world.
People have discovered their neighborhoods, explored new places, and moved more than 30 billion miles. They've also come together at our live events - where everyone is a participant, not just a spectator—contributing over a billion dollars in economic impact in the cities that host them. As we grew, the company naturally evolved along two complementary paths - one focused on creating games and bringing them to the world, and the other dedicated to advancing augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and geospatial technology. Meanwhile, the rapid progress in AI reinforces our belief in the future of geospatial computing to unlock new possibilities for both consumer experiences and enterprise applications. At the same time, we remain committed to creating "forever games" that will last for generations.
People have discovered their neighborhoods, explored new places, and moved more than 30 billion miles. They've also come together at our live events - where everyone is a participant, not just a spectator—contributing over a billion dollars in economic impact in the cities that host them. As we grew, the company naturally evolved along two complementary paths - one focused on creating games and bringing them to the world, and the other dedicated to advancing augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and geospatial technology. Meanwhile, the rapid progress in AI reinforces our belief in the future of geospatial computing to unlock new possibilities for both consumer experiences and enterprise applications. At the same time, we remain committed to creating "forever games" that will last for generations.
AMD Ryzen 9000X3D Series Processors Now Available in iBUYPOWER Gaming PCs
iBUYPOWER, a leading system integrator of high-performance custom and prebuilt gaming PCs, announced today the general availability of computer systems using AMD's new line of AMD Ryzen 9 9000X3D series CPUs - the 9900X3D and 9950X3D. Starting today, customers eager to jump into the world of PC gaming can now do so with an AMD Ryzen-equipped computer, which is backed by iBUYPOWER's comprehensive warranty consisting of three years labor and two-years parts.
AMD's Ryzen 9 9000X3D Series processors are built with exclusive AMD 3D V-Cache technology, enabling the largest on-chip memory available on a gaming processor with up-to 144 Megabytes. The new CPUs were also designed for AMD's AM5 platform, which is enabled with the fastest DDR5 memory speeds, and is equipped with PCIe 5.0 for incredible bandwidth. Those who purchase an iBUYPOWER system with a new 9000X3D Series processor can feel ultimate performance in any game or creative workload with AMD EXPO technology, which was designed for increased frequencies to unlock higher and smoother frame rates.
AMD's Ryzen 9 9000X3D Series processors are built with exclusive AMD 3D V-Cache technology, enabling the largest on-chip memory available on a gaming processor with up-to 144 Megabytes. The new CPUs were also designed for AMD's AM5 platform, which is enabled with the fastest DDR5 memory speeds, and is equipped with PCIe 5.0 for incredible bandwidth. Those who purchase an iBUYPOWER system with a new 9000X3D Series processor can feel ultimate performance in any game or creative workload with AMD EXPO technology, which was designed for increased frequencies to unlock higher and smoother frame rates.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti & RTX 5060 Speculative Prices Leaked in China
The PC hardware rumor mill theorized that NVIDIA would unveil its GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 graphics cards today (March 13). An official announcement has not yet transpired—at the time of writing. Earlier in the week, specification sheets for Team Green's cheaper Blackwell GPU models were leaked online—courtesy of kopite7kimi, a noted inside tracker of NVIDIA activities. Not long after that disclosure, reportage focused on an Acer Nitro N50 pre-built gaming PC—featuring an unannounced GeForce RTX 5060 GPU with 8 GB of GDDR7 SDRAM. The relatively rapid delivery of GB206 related leaks suggests that something is on the imminent release horizon.
An anonymous tip-off from a Chinese audience member has resulted in the publication of another VideoCardz investigative article. Apparently an unnamed local e-tailer provided pre-release price points (presumably including VAT) for GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 graphics card; 4299 RMB and 3799 RMB (respectively). For reference, the tipster's screenshot also included prices for various GeForce RTX 5070 models—the cheapest being 4799 RMB (~$663 USD). As noted by VideoCardz, Chinese baseline MSRP for the RTX 5070 is 4599 RMB (~$635 USD). Curiously, the webstore's entry for a non-specific GeForce RTX 5060 card designates it as a 12 GB VRAM variant. This could be a pre-launch error, based on placeholder material—recent leaks have indicated the existence of a lone GeForce RTX 5060 SKU, with 8 GB of VRAM. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is tipped to arrive in two forms: with 8 GB or 16 GB VRAM configurations onboard. VideoCardz has heard whispers from industry moles about a possible official lifting of new product embargoes, ahead of next week's GTC 2025 conference.
An anonymous tip-off from a Chinese audience member has resulted in the publication of another VideoCardz investigative article. Apparently an unnamed local e-tailer provided pre-release price points (presumably including VAT) for GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 graphics card; 4299 RMB and 3799 RMB (respectively). For reference, the tipster's screenshot also included prices for various GeForce RTX 5070 models—the cheapest being 4799 RMB (~$663 USD). As noted by VideoCardz, Chinese baseline MSRP for the RTX 5070 is 4599 RMB (~$635 USD). Curiously, the webstore's entry for a non-specific GeForce RTX 5060 card designates it as a 12 GB VRAM variant. This could be a pre-launch error, based on placeholder material—recent leaks have indicated the existence of a lone GeForce RTX 5060 SKU, with 8 GB of VRAM. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is tipped to arrive in two forms: with 8 GB or 16 GB VRAM configurations onboard. VideoCardz has heard whispers from industry moles about a possible official lifting of new product embargoes, ahead of next week's GTC 2025 conference.
Moon Studios Showcases "No Rest for the Wicked" Huge Content Update
The wait is over! Our second Wicked Inside is complete. Join us; for an exclusive deep dive into the new content, features and improvements in The Breach Update as well as everything coming next for "No Rest for the Wicked." There are a few surprises along the way! Let us know what you think!
The Breach—our biggest update
You wanted more of our campaign, you wanted more story, more zones to play in, more enemies, more bosses… in short: more of everything. And that is exactly what we have been focusing on. The Breach will be launching on the 30th of April 2025. Watch our latest showcase for the detailed updates and fixes.
The Breach—our biggest update
You wanted more of our campaign, you wanted more story, more zones to play in, more enemies, more bosses… in short: more of everything. And that is exactly what we have been focusing on. The Breach will be launching on the 30th of April 2025. Watch our latest showcase for the detailed updates and fixes.
Epomaker Launches its First Carbon Fiber Keyboard - the Epomaker Carbon 60
This keyboard combines a durable carbon fiber shell with a minimalist design, offering users an unparalleled typing experience and superior usability.
Carbon Fiber Shell and Comfortable Typing Experience
The Epomaker Carbon60 features a durable carbon fiber shell that resists corrosion, oxidation, and scratches, extending its lifespan. Unlike plastic shells, carbon fiber gives the keyboard a more refined and modern feel, enhancing its technological appeal. Paired with stylish spray paint, the Epomaker Carbon 60 exudes a fashionable and sophisticated visual aesthetic, perfectly catering to users who value both performance and appearance. Additionally, the light blue handle design adds a thoughtful touch, making it even more portable.
Carbon Fiber Shell and Comfortable Typing Experience
The Epomaker Carbon60 features a durable carbon fiber shell that resists corrosion, oxidation, and scratches, extending its lifespan. Unlike plastic shells, carbon fiber gives the keyboard a more refined and modern feel, enhancing its technological appeal. Paired with stylish spray paint, the Epomaker Carbon 60 exudes a fashionable and sophisticated visual aesthetic, perfectly catering to users who value both performance and appearance. Additionally, the light blue handle design adds a thoughtful touch, making it even more portable.
MicroProse Announces Knights of Frontier Valley, a Hardcore Roguelike RPG
MicroProse is thrilled to announce its publishing partnership with Adamant Studios for Knights of Frontier Valley, a challenging, old-school-inspired roguelike RPG that brings the depth, danger, and discovery of classic fantasy adventures to a living, breathing digital world.
In a major development for the RPG community, tabletop gaming legend Rob Kuntz—one of the founding pioneers of Dungeons & Dragons—joins the project to bring his unparalleled experience and creative vision to the game.
In a major development for the RPG community, tabletop gaming legend Rob Kuntz—one of the founding pioneers of Dungeons & Dragons—joins the project to bring his unparalleled experience and creative vision to the game.
ViewSonic Starts Shipping Its First 5K Monitor for Mac and PC Ecosystems
ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and edtech solutions, has begun shipping its next-generation desktop monitor, the ColorPro VP2788-5K. Designed for seamless integration into both Mac and PC ecosystems, the VP2788-5K delivers outstanding functionality and performance, making it ideal for professional content creators, businesses, and other commercial applications.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K is a sleek 27-inch desktop monitor designed with precise visual performance and sharpness. Featuring stunning 5K (5120x2880) resolution, an exceptionally high pixels-per-inch, and a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, the VP2788-5K provides a vibrant and powerful complement to Apple's scaling functionality, allowing for razor-sharp details and Retina-like clarity. With Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the monitor provides ultra-fast data transfer and up to 100 W charging through a single cable. It also supports the daisy chaining of up to two 5K monitors for a continuous multi-display setup.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K is a sleek 27-inch desktop monitor designed with precise visual performance and sharpness. Featuring stunning 5K (5120x2880) resolution, an exceptionally high pixels-per-inch, and a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, the VP2788-5K provides a vibrant and powerful complement to Apple's scaling functionality, allowing for razor-sharp details and Retina-like clarity. With Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the monitor provides ultra-fast data transfer and up to 100 W charging through a single cable. It also supports the daisy chaining of up to two 5K monitors for a continuous multi-display setup.
Insider Foresees Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs Arriving in Desktop & Mobile Forms
The oft-rumored status of Intel's refreshed generation of Arrow Lake processors (ARL-R) was the topic of much debate in 2023. By September 2024, certain industry watchdogs believed that the endeavor had ended. Early last month, Golden Pig Upgrade proposed that Team Blue leadership had resurrected the troubled project—at least with "ARL-S Refresh" desktop CPUs. Earlier today, the noted leaker of inside information returned to the topic of Arrow Lake Refresh. According to industry moles, the launch of refreshed desktop processors (on LGA 1851) is confirmed.
An extended timeline was disclosed in Golden Pig Upgrade's latest musing: "Arrow Lake HX Refresh is confirmed to return. Don't criticize the interface for only one generation. AI PCs are getting bigger and stronger." Given that ARL-HX-equipped high-end notebooks and mini PCs—with Core Ultra 7 200 series APUs—are relatively new arrivals, a mild update later on in the year could be considered pointless. Intel has committed themselves to a launch of Panther Lake mobile processors (PTL-H) in the second half of 2025. As disclosed by past leaks, the "beefing up" of onboard NPUs—to Lunar Lake-esque standards—is a reported goal; at least with Arrow Lake-S.
An extended timeline was disclosed in Golden Pig Upgrade's latest musing: "Arrow Lake HX Refresh is confirmed to return. Don't criticize the interface for only one generation. AI PCs are getting bigger and stronger." Given that ARL-HX-equipped high-end notebooks and mini PCs—with Core Ultra 7 200 series APUs—are relatively new arrivals, a mild update later on in the year could be considered pointless. Intel has committed themselves to a launch of Panther Lake mobile processors (PTL-H) in the second half of 2025. As disclosed by past leaks, the "beefing up" of onboard NPUs—to Lunar Lake-esque standards—is a reported goal; at least with Arrow Lake-S.
KIOXIA Unveils High-Capacity LC9 Series 122.88 TB NVMe SSDs for AI Applications
KIOXIA America, Inc. today announced the development of its new LC9 Series 122.88 terabyte (TB) capacity NVMe SSD in a 2.5-inch form factor - the first SSD built with the company's BiCS FLASH generation 8 3D flash memory technology QLC 2 terabit (Tb) die.
As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, and data volumes continue to grow, enterprises require storage solutions that can keep pace with the complex demands of modern workloads. High-capacity drives are critical for certain phases of the AI process, including large language models (LLMs), training and storing vast datasets, vector databases and the rapid retrieval of information for inference and fine-tuning. Designed for generative AI applications, the new enterprise-class KIOXIA drive is built for capacity and provides a PCIe 5.0 interface and dual-port capability for fault tolerance or connectivity to multiple compute systems. These high-capacity QLC-based SSDs are suitable for deploying in hybrid cloud and multi-cloud systems. High-capacity SSDs feed training and inference data to AI server systems via these cloud configurations.
As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, and data volumes continue to grow, enterprises require storage solutions that can keep pace with the complex demands of modern workloads. High-capacity drives are critical for certain phases of the AI process, including large language models (LLMs), training and storing vast datasets, vector databases and the rapid retrieval of information for inference and fine-tuning. Designed for generative AI applications, the new enterprise-class KIOXIA drive is built for capacity and provides a PCIe 5.0 interface and dual-port capability for fault tolerance or connectivity to multiple compute systems. These high-capacity QLC-based SSDs are suitable for deploying in hybrid cloud and multi-cloud systems. High-capacity SSDs feed training and inference data to AI server systems via these cloud configurations.
ASUS Also Announces the Vivobook S14/S16 Copilot+ PCs
Today marks the launch of ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 (S3407QA/S3607QA), a pair of Copilot+ PCs engineered to be the ideal companions for everyday life.
Featuring the latest high-performance Snapdragon X processor with up to 45 TOPS NPU, these ultra-slim, lightweight laptops deliver powerful AI capabilities, extended battery life, and next-level connectivity. For work, study, or play, Vivobook S14/S16 provide an immersive entertainment experience with stunning 16:10 FHD OLED or 2.5K 144 Hz IPS displays, along with Snapdragon Sound and Dolby Atmos audio. Designed for style and durability, these devices ensure effortless AI computing with premium metallic chassis, military-grade resilience, and advanced security features for total peace of mind.
Featuring the latest high-performance Snapdragon X processor with up to 45 TOPS NPU, these ultra-slim, lightweight laptops deliver powerful AI capabilities, extended battery life, and next-level connectivity. For work, study, or play, Vivobook S14/S16 provide an immersive entertainment experience with stunning 16:10 FHD OLED or 2.5K 144 Hz IPS displays, along with Snapdragon Sound and Dolby Atmos audio. Designed for style and durability, these devices ensure effortless AI computing with premium metallic chassis, military-grade resilience, and advanced security features for total peace of mind.
ASUS Reveals the Vivobook S14/S16 Series (S3407CA/VA / S3607CA/VA)
Today marks the launch of the ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 series (S3407CA/VA and S3607CA/VA), 14- and 16-inch laptops crafted for everyone.
ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 deliver outstanding performance in a sleek, lightweight design, weighing just 1.40 kg and measuring 1.59 cm thin, and featuring a durable metal chassis that ensures style and reliability for users on the go. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) and a 70Wh battery offering up to 20 hours of life with fast charging, they maximize productivity. The dedicated Copilot key provides instant access to Copilot's AI assistance, while ASUS AI noise cancelation and ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) video technology enhance conferencing. Premium 16:10 display choices—up to a stunning WUXGA OLED or an anti-glare WUXGA 144 Hz IPS panel—deliver immersive visuals for work or entertainment, and make Vivobook S14/S16 the perfect choice for everyday life.
ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 deliver outstanding performance in a sleek, lightweight design, weighing just 1.40 kg and measuring 1.59 cm thin, and featuring a durable metal chassis that ensures style and reliability for users on the go. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) and a 70Wh battery offering up to 20 hours of life with fast charging, they maximize productivity. The dedicated Copilot key provides instant access to Copilot's AI assistance, while ASUS AI noise cancelation and ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) video technology enhance conferencing. Premium 16:10 display choices—up to a stunning WUXGA OLED or an anti-glare WUXGA 144 Hz IPS panel—deliver immersive visuals for work or entertainment, and make Vivobook S14/S16 the perfect choice for everyday life.
NVIDIA ACE Autonomous Game Characters Debut This Month In inZOI and NARAKA: BLADEPOINT MOBILE PC VERSION
NVIDIA ACE is a suite of RTX-accelerated digital human technologies that bring game characters to life with generative AI. Earlier this year, we unveiled AI-powered NVIDIA ACE Autonomous Game Characters, adding autonomous teammates, NPCs, and enemies to games, unlocking a whole new set of gameplay possibilities. These ACE autonomous game characters make their debut later this month in two titles. In the life simulator inZOI, players can customize "Smart Zoi" NPCs with life goals that in turn use AI to guide behavior and interactions with other NPCs.
In NARAKA: BLADEPOINT MOBILE PC VERSION, NVIDIA ACE-powered teammates help players battle enemies, hunt for loot, and fight for victory. Additionally, NVIDIA ACE technologies continue to advance, incorporating new vision and audio language models, enhancing facial animation with new model architectures, and accelerating game development with updated ACE plugins for Maya and Unreal Engine for offline authoring.
In NARAKA: BLADEPOINT MOBILE PC VERSION, NVIDIA ACE-powered teammates help players battle enemies, hunt for loot, and fight for victory. Additionally, NVIDIA ACE technologies continue to advance, incorporating new vision and audio language models, enhancing facial animation with new model architectures, and accelerating game development with updated ACE plugins for Maya and Unreal Engine for offline authoring.
ASUS Showcases Servers Based on Intel Xeon 6, Intel Gaudi 3 at CloudFest 2025
ASUS today announced its showcase of comprehensive AI infrastructure solutions at CloudFest 2025, bringing together cutting-edge hardware powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors, NVIDIA GPUs and AMD EPYC processors. The company will also highlight its integrated software platforms, reinforcing its position as a total AI solution provider for enterprises seeking seamless AI deployments from edge to cloud.
Intel Xeon 6-based AI solutions and Gaudi 3 Acceleration for generative AI inferencing and fine tuning training
ASUS Intel Xeon 6-based servers leverage the Data Center Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) architecture, providing unparalleled scalability, cost-efficiency and simplified maintenance. ASUS will showcase a comprehensive Intel Xeon 6 family of processors at CloudFest 2025, including the RS700-E12, RS720Q-E12. and ESC8000-E12P-series servers. The ESC800-E12P-series servers will debut the Intel Gaudi 3 AI accelerator PCIe card. This lineup underscores the ASUS commitment to delivering comprehensive AI solutions that integrate cutting-edge hardware with enterprise-grade software platforms for seamless, scalable AI deployments, highlighting Intel's latest innovations for high-performance AI training, inference, and cloud-native workloads.
Intel Xeon 6-based AI solutions and Gaudi 3 Acceleration for generative AI inferencing and fine tuning training
ASUS Intel Xeon 6-based servers leverage the Data Center Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) architecture, providing unparalleled scalability, cost-efficiency and simplified maintenance. ASUS will showcase a comprehensive Intel Xeon 6 family of processors at CloudFest 2025, including the RS700-E12, RS720Q-E12. and ESC8000-E12P-series servers. The ESC800-E12P-series servers will debut the Intel Gaudi 3 AI accelerator PCIe card. This lineup underscores the ASUS commitment to delivering comprehensive AI solutions that integrate cutting-edge hardware with enterprise-grade software platforms for seamless, scalable AI deployments, highlighting Intel's latest innovations for high-performance AI training, inference, and cloud-native workloads.
8BitDo Introduces 64 Bluetooth Controller
The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller revives the iconic N64 layout, but wrapped in an ergonomic, updated body. A precision hall-effect joystick with the original gate and signature concave rubber joystick cap. Say goodbye to the infamous loose joysticks. We're bringing back the signature C-buttons, A/B and Start—with the button sizes, positioning and feel just like the original.
Multiplayer on the N64 defined an era, and now with Analogue 3D and the 8BitDo 64 Controllers, that era is redefined. The 8BitDo 64 Controller, designed hand-in-hand with Analogue, creates an experience like no other when paired with Analogue 3D. It's a celebration of the N64, the greatest multiplayer system ever. It's Bluetooth-ready, with vibration support and platform compatibility with the new Analogue 3D, Switch, (including N64 Online) and more. Play N64 games like never before—with the best of both worlds in your hands. Available to pre-order at Amazon—MSRP $39.99.
Multiplayer on the N64 defined an era, and now with Analogue 3D and the 8BitDo 64 Controllers, that era is redefined. The 8BitDo 64 Controller, designed hand-in-hand with Analogue, creates an experience like no other when paired with Analogue 3D. It's a celebration of the N64, the greatest multiplayer system ever. It's Bluetooth-ready, with vibration support and platform compatibility with the new Analogue 3D, Switch, (including N64 Online) and more. Play N64 games like never before—with the best of both worlds in your hands. Available to pre-order at Amazon—MSRP $39.99.
NVIDIA DLSS With Multi Frame Generation Available in Over 100 Games and Apps
More than 700 games and applications feature RTX technologies, and each week new games integrating NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex, and advanced ray-traced effects are released or announced, delivering the definitive PC experience for GeForce RTX players. With the addition of the latest DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation games, our newest performance multiplier is now available in over 100 games and apps, making it the most rapidly adopted NVIDIA game technology of all time.
Additionally, we can today reveal that Lost Soul Aside, Mecha BREAK, Phantom Blade Zero, Stellar Blade, Tides of Annihilation, and Wild Assault will all launch with DLSS Multi Frame Generation, and our suite of other DLSS technologies, giving GeForce RTX gamers the definitive PC experience in each. Furthermore, today we released an updated Zorah demo, built in Unreal Engine 5, that showcases the latest advancements in neural rendering powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series and AI.
Additionally, we can today reveal that Lost Soul Aside, Mecha BREAK, Phantom Blade Zero, Stellar Blade, Tides of Annihilation, and Wild Assault will all launch with DLSS Multi Frame Generation, and our suite of other DLSS technologies, giving GeForce RTX gamers the definitive PC experience in each. Furthermore, today we released an updated Zorah demo, built in Unreal Engine 5, that showcases the latest advancements in neural rendering powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series and AI.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW Brings More Blizzard Gaming to the Cloud
Bundle up - GeForce NOW is bringing a flurry of Blizzard titles to its ever-expanding library. Prepare to weather epic gameplay in the cloud, tackling the genres of real-time strategy (RTS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and more. Classic Blizzard titles join GeForce NOW, including Heroes of the Storm, Warcraft Rumble and three titles from the Warcraft: Remastered series. They're all part of 11 games joining the cloud this week, atop the latest update for hit game Zenless Zone Zero from miHoYo.
Blizzard Heats Things Up
Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard's unique take on the MOBA genre, offers fast-paced team battles across diverse battlegrounds. The game features a roster of iconic Blizzard franchise characters, each with customizable talents and abilities. Heroes of the Storm emphasizes team-based gameplay with shared experiences and objectives, making it more accessible to newcomers while providing depth for experienced players.
Blizzard Heats Things Up
Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard's unique take on the MOBA genre, offers fast-paced team battles across diverse battlegrounds. The game features a roster of iconic Blizzard franchise characters, each with customizable talents and abilities. Heroes of the Storm emphasizes team-based gameplay with shared experiences and objectives, making it more accessible to newcomers while providing depth for experienced players.
NVIDIA and Microsoft Open Next Era of Gaming With Groundbreaking Neural Shading Technology
NVIDIA today announced ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) groundbreaking enhancements to NVIDIA RTX neural rendering technologies. NVIDIA has partnered with Microsoft to bring neural shading support to the Microsoft DirectX preview in April, giving developers access to AI Tensor Cores in NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs to accelerate neural networks from within a game's graphics pipeline. Neural shading represents a revolution in graphics programming, combining AI with traditional rendering to dramatically boost frame rates, enhance image quality and reduce system resource usage.
"Microsoft is adding cooperative vector support to DirectX and HLSL, starting with a preview this April," said Shawn Hargreaves, Direct3D development manager at Microsoft. "This will advance the future of graphics programming by enabling neural rendering across the gaming industry. Unlocking Tensor Cores on NVIDIA RTX will allow developers to fully leverage RTX Neural Shaders for richer, more immersive experiences on Windows."
"Microsoft is adding cooperative vector support to DirectX and HLSL, starting with a preview this April," said Shawn Hargreaves, Direct3D development manager at Microsoft. "This will advance the future of graphics programming by enabling neural rendering across the gaming industry. Unlocking Tensor Cores on NVIDIA RTX will allow developers to fully leverage RTX Neural Shaders for richer, more immersive experiences on Windows."
Half-Life 2 RTX Demo Coming on March 18
NVIDIA has announced that the Half-Life 2 RTX Demo will be available on March 18th and include a two-hour gameplay demo with full ray tracing, remade assets, and animations. The demo is remastered with RTX Remix by Orbifold Studios and will be a free mod on Steam for all Half-Life 2 owners.
The demo will feature NVIDIA DLSS 4, NVIDIA RTX Neural Radiance Cache, RTX Skin, RTX Volumetrics, and other new NVIDIA technologies. The release of Half-Life 2 RTX Demo marks the official release of RTX Remix, which was released a year ago in beta. According to NVIDIA, over 30,000 modders have since used the platform to mod a bunch of classic titles, with over 1 million gamers playing those modded games like Portal with RTX and Portal: prelude RTX. As said, the new demo will go live on Steam on March 18th.
The demo will feature NVIDIA DLSS 4, NVIDIA RTX Neural Radiance Cache, RTX Skin, RTX Volumetrics, and other new NVIDIA technologies. The release of Half-Life 2 RTX Demo marks the official release of RTX Remix, which was released a year ago in beta. According to NVIDIA, over 30,000 modders have since used the platform to mod a bunch of classic titles, with over 1 million gamers playing those modded games like Portal with RTX and Portal: prelude RTX. As said, the new demo will go live on Steam on March 18th.
GUC Launches First 32 Gbps per Lane UCIe Silicon Using TSMC 3nm and CoWoS Technology
Global Unichip Corp. (GUC), the Advanced ASIC Leader, today announced the successful launch of industry's first Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) PHY silicon, achieving a data rate of 32 Gbps per lane, the highest speed defined in the UCIe specification. The 32G UCIe IP, supporting UCIe 2.0, delivers an impressive bandwidth density of 10 Tbps per 1 mm of die edge (5 Tbps/mm full-duplex). This milestone was achieved using TSMC's advanced N3P process and CoWoS packaging technologies, targeting AI, high-performance computing (HPC), xPU, and networking applications.
In this test chip, several dies with North-South and East-West IP orientations are interconnected through CoWoS interposer. The silicon measurements show robust 32 Gbps operation with wide horizontal and vertical eye openings. GUC is working aggressively on the full-corner qualification, and the complete silicon report is expected to be available in the coming quarter.
In this test chip, several dies with North-South and East-West IP orientations are interconnected through CoWoS interposer. The silicon measurements show robust 32 Gbps operation with wide horizontal and vertical eye openings. GUC is working aggressively on the full-corner qualification, and the complete silicon report is expected to be available in the coming quarter.
Antec Intros FLUX SE ATX Mid-Tower Case
Antec Inc., a global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories, is proud to announce the launch of the Antec FLUX SE ATX Mid-Tower Case. This latest addition to Antec's chassis lineup brings the success of the FLUX and FLUX PRO products with a new style and focus of quiet computing alongside the cutting-edge modern performance the FLUX series is known for.
Flow Luxury
F-LUX Platform, abbreviation of Flow Luxury, features ultra case structure design for excellent airflow and 5 x 120 mm fans included, delivering enhanced GPU cooling performance.
Flow Luxury
F-LUX Platform, abbreviation of Flow Luxury, features ultra case structure design for excellent airflow and 5 x 120 mm fans included, delivering enhanced GPU cooling performance.
TRYX Launches PANORAMA SE AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
TRYX, a leading innovator in PC cooling solutions and the PC chassis market, is excited to announce the launch of the new PANORAMA SE.
Building on the success of the TRYX flagship CPU liquid cooler, the PANORAMA, TRYX has been striving to bring its innovative AMOLED curved screen to an even broader audience. Introducing the all-new PANORAMA SE series, equipped with the newly launched ASETEK Adela cooling solution, engineered for reliable and stable performance. Now, PC DIY enthusiasts on a budget can enjoy the flagship PANORAMA experience, complete with a stunning 6.5-inch, 2K, 60 Hz AMOLED display.
Building on the success of the TRYX flagship CPU liquid cooler, the PANORAMA, TRYX has been striving to bring its innovative AMOLED curved screen to an even broader audience. Introducing the all-new PANORAMA SE series, equipped with the newly launched ASETEK Adela cooling solution, engineered for reliable and stable performance. Now, PC DIY enthusiasts on a budget can enjoy the flagship PANORAMA experience, complete with a stunning 6.5-inch, 2K, 60 Hz AMOLED display.
YUNZII Launches x MADLION MAD68 HE Budget Hall Effect Wired Gaming Keyboard
YUNZII has introduced the MAD68 HE, a budget-friendly wired gaming keyboard featuring an 8,000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect magnetic switches. Built for gamers on a tight budget, it does not lack premium-oriented features, such as a low latency of 0.125 ms and 0.02 mm actuation accuracy combined with Rapid Trigger technology. The Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) allows customization, enabling users to assign multiple functions per key press and adjust actuation points. For more advanced customization it relies on YUNZII's web-based software, which allows users to adjust Hall Effect settings, remap keys, configure macros, and personalize the south-facing RGB lighting effects.
The YUNZII MAD68 HE came in a 65% compact layout measuring 320 x 116 x 37 mm with the inclusion of directional keys being a nice touch. The MAD68 HE also features hot-swappable magnetic switches (Magnetic Amber Pro Switches) for effortless replacements. Also, it features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for accurate key registration while a reinforced metal positioning plate and multiple layers of sound-dampening foam provide users with a stable and comfortable typing experience. Another little addition is the personalized strap that can be attached to the keyboard.
The YUNZII MAD68 HE came in a 65% compact layout measuring 320 x 116 x 37 mm with the inclusion of directional keys being a nice touch. The MAD68 HE also features hot-swappable magnetic switches (Magnetic Amber Pro Switches) for effortless replacements. Also, it features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for accurate key registration while a reinforced metal positioning plate and multiple layers of sound-dampening foam provide users with a stable and comfortable typing experience. Another little addition is the personalized strap that can be attached to the keyboard.
Cooler Master Unveils the HAF 5 Pro Gaming System
Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced the HAF 5 Pro, a fully built gaming system designed to deliver robust performance and seamless gameplay. Powered by an Intel Core i7-12700F processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, the HAF 5 Pro leverages Cooler Master's expertise in high airflow cases, efficient cooling, and premium power delivery—paired with the enhanced gaming features of Windows 11.
"We've taken our hallmark high-airflow concept and built a system that's both powerful and visually striking," said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master. "Our customers know and trust the HAF lineup for cooling prowess, so outfitting it with top-tier components, a dedicated VGA fan, and Windows 11's advanced gaming capabilities was a natural progression to offer an all-in-one experience."
"We've taken our hallmark high-airflow concept and built a system that's both powerful and visually striking," said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master. "Our customers know and trust the HAF lineup for cooling prowess, so outfitting it with top-tier components, a dedicated VGA fan, and Windows 11's advanced gaming capabilities was a natural progression to offer an all-in-one experience."
AMD's Reference Radeon RX 9070 XT "Made by AMD" Pictured in China
AMD is not releasing any "Made by AMD" (MBA) reference designs of its latest Radeon RX 9070 XT GPUs based on the RDNA 4 IP. However, leakers in China managed to get ahold of what appears to be an MBA Radeon RX 9070 XT design, assumingly being used as a prototype. While there are custom designs by AMD's AIB partners, AMD itself hasn't released the reference design to the public. The latest leak from Chinese forums confirms that this GPU actually exists beyond the standard press renders/mockups, meaning that someone can get their hands on it. The seller is offering a brand-new reference edition of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT with a warranty for one year, with the second year requiring self-paid repairs. They specify no disassembly and no damage to the unit.
The standard price is set at 5000 RMB, with a preference for local pickup. For buyers outside the city, shipping via SF Express is available with insurance, requiring a payment of at least 5800 RMB. The physical card matches the previously leaked render with its three-fan design, though with a notable color difference. Instead of the expected gray finish, the actual unit features a complete black design. Currently sealed in an antistatic bag, the card appears unused. The asking price of approximately $800 initially seems high but aligns with current market rates for custom versions. The listing has already disappeared, suggesting someone has already snagged this rare prototype. With serial codes visible, AMD can potentially trace the person who put it up for sales, so its not a good outlook for anyone that wanted to sell it.
The standard price is set at 5000 RMB, with a preference for local pickup. For buyers outside the city, shipping via SF Express is available with insurance, requiring a payment of at least 5800 RMB. The physical card matches the previously leaked render with its three-fan design, though with a notable color difference. Instead of the expected gray finish, the actual unit features a complete black design. Currently sealed in an antistatic bag, the card appears unused. The asking price of approximately $800 initially seems high but aligns with current market rates for custom versions. The listing has already disappeared, suggesting someone has already snagged this rare prototype. With serial codes visible, AMD can potentially trace the person who put it up for sales, so its not a good outlook for anyone that wanted to sell it.
Silicon Power Launches Four Advanced TLC SSDs Under the New Endura Series
Silicon Power (SP) is excited to launch the Endura series, a new SSD lineup featuring four models: E55, E60, ED90, and ES75. Designed with advanced 3D TLC NAND technology, these SSDs offer a comprehensive range of storage solutions catering to diverse user needs, all with the reliability- and performance-geared features that define TLC.
E55: 2.5" SATA III SSD
The E55 delivers robust and stable performance, making it an ideal choice for casual users and system integration builders seeking accessible, dependable storage. With a SATA III 6 Gb/s interface and capacities ranging from 512 GB to 2 TB, it offers broad compatibility for diverse devices and storage needs. Delivering speeds up to 500 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write - 15 times faster than a standard HDD - the E55 combines reliability and familiarity in a versatile, user-friendly solution.
E55: 2.5" SATA III SSD
The E55 delivers robust and stable performance, making it an ideal choice for casual users and system integration builders seeking accessible, dependable storage. With a SATA III 6 Gb/s interface and capacities ranging from 512 GB to 2 TB, it offers broad compatibility for diverse devices and storage needs. Delivering speeds up to 500 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write - 15 times faster than a standard HDD - the E55 combines reliability and familiarity in a versatile, user-friendly solution.
QNAP Upgrades 100GbE Switch QSW-M7308R-4X, Adds support for Breakout, 40GbE QSFP+ and Cloud Centralized Management
QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, has enhanced its 100GbE Lite-L3 managed switch, QSW-M7308R-4X. The 100GbE QSFP28 ports now has backwards compatibility with 40GbE QSFP+, and supports breakout cables to four 25GbE SFP28 ports. IT staff can also monitor multiple switches centrally via the AMIZcloud management platform, enabling efficient and flexible network deployment and device management, reducing initial investment and operational maintenance costs for enterprises deploying 100GbE networks. Users can enjoy these features by upgrading the QSW-M7308R-4X to the latest QSS Pro v4.1 software version.
"QNAP continues to enhance the advanced software features of our 100GbE switches to meet the high performance and flexibility required for enterprises expanding their 100GbE network infrastructure," said Ronald Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "The QSW-M7308R-4X is one of the few switches that supports 100GbE backward compatibility at an extremely low cost, along with MC-LAG fault tolerance, half-rackmount design, and cloud management capabilities, making it the most cost-optimized choice for small and medium-sized businesses upgrading to 100GbE."
"QNAP continues to enhance the advanced software features of our 100GbE switches to meet the high performance and flexibility required for enterprises expanding their 100GbE network infrastructure," said Ronald Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "The QSW-M7308R-4X is one of the few switches that supports 100GbE backward compatibility at an extremely low cost, along with MC-LAG fault tolerance, half-rackmount design, and cloud management capabilities, making it the most cost-optimized choice for small and medium-sized businesses upgrading to 100GbE."
MSI IPC Introduces High-Performance ATX Motherboard MS-CF05, V2.0 for Industrial and Embedded Applications
MSI IPC, a global leader in industrial computing solutions, proudly unveils the MS-CF05, V2.0, a high-performance ATX motherboard engineered for industrial automation, edge computing, and embedded applications. Designed to support 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors, the MS-CF05, V2.0 delivers exceptional computing power, scalability, and I/O flexibility, including a PCI slot for legacy support, making it ideal for modern industrial needs.
ASUS Announces the Vivobook S14/S16 Series (M3407HA/M3607HA)
Today marks the launch of the ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 series (M3407HA and M3607HA), 14-inch and 16-inch laptops crafted for everyone.
ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 deliver outstanding performance in a sleek, lightweight design, starting at just 1.40 kg and 1.59 cm thin, and featuring a durable metal chassis that ensures style and reliability for users on the go. Maximize productivity with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor and up to 20 hours of battery life with fast charging. The dedicated Copilot key provides instant access to Copilot's AI assistance, while ASUS AI noise cancelation and ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) video technology enhance conferencing. Premium 16:10 display choices—up to a stunning WUXGA OLED or an anti-glare WUXGA 144 Hz IPS panel—deliver immersive visuals for work or entertainment, and make Vivobook S14/S16 the perfect choice for everyday life.
ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 deliver outstanding performance in a sleek, lightweight design, starting at just 1.40 kg and 1.59 cm thin, and featuring a durable metal chassis that ensures style and reliability for users on the go. Maximize productivity with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor and up to 20 hours of battery life with fast charging. The dedicated Copilot key provides instant access to Copilot's AI assistance, while ASUS AI noise cancelation and ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) video technology enhance conferencing. Premium 16:10 display choices—up to a stunning WUXGA OLED or an anti-glare WUXGA 144 Hz IPS panel—deliver immersive visuals for work or entertainment, and make Vivobook S14/S16 the perfect choice for everyday life.
Intel's New CEO Lip-Bu Tan Reaffirms "World-Class Foundry" Vision, Casting Doubt on Spinoff Rumors
At the time of crisis for Intel and uncertainty with foundry goals, Intel has appointed a semiconductor veteran as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)—Lip-Bu Tan. In a letter to Intel employees, Lip-Bu Tan has quietly addressed Intel Foundry spinoff rumors, saying that his commitment as a CEO is to "restore Intel's position as a world-class products company, establish ourselves as a world-class foundry and delight our customers like never before." Hence, the foundry spinoff rumors are now not so certain. Previous industry rumors suggested that Intel may very well spin off its fabs entirely or get it in a joint venture that would see TSMC and US companies like AMD, Broadcom, and NVIDIA get a part of the say. That is still a possibility. However, Intel's new CEO understands the strategic importance of Intel's fabs, just like the previous CEO, Pat Gelsinger.
Intel moves a lot of volume with its products, most of that thanks to its internal manufacturing capacity. Without it, Intel would be forced to go to external fabs like Samsung and TSMC and deal with additional complexity, lead times, etc. With the 18A node, Intel plans to use it for its products and offer it to external customers. Some features like backside power delivery using PowerVia and RibbonFET are standout aspects that make its 18A node PDK much more attractive on paper than solutions from TSMC and Samsung. Keeping that technology and manufacturing ability inside Intel is strategically vital for both Intel and US-based advanced silicon manufacturing. The foundry has been burning a lot of cash, 13.4 billion in 2024 alone, but Intel expects it to be net positive by the end of 2027. After that, Intel's products and external customers should be keeping Intel's fab busy with enough revenue to offset losses in the coming years.
Intel moves a lot of volume with its products, most of that thanks to its internal manufacturing capacity. Without it, Intel would be forced to go to external fabs like Samsung and TSMC and deal with additional complexity, lead times, etc. With the 18A node, Intel plans to use it for its products and offer it to external customers. Some features like backside power delivery using PowerVia and RibbonFET are standout aspects that make its 18A node PDK much more attractive on paper than solutions from TSMC and Samsung. Keeping that technology and manufacturing ability inside Intel is strategically vital for both Intel and US-based advanced silicon manufacturing. The foundry has been burning a lot of cash, 13.4 billion in 2024 alone, but Intel expects it to be net positive by the end of 2027. After that, Intel's products and external customers should be keeping Intel's fab busy with enough revenue to offset losses in the coming years.
Congatec Unveils Acetone-Based Cooling Solution for Extreme Cold Environments
At Embedded World 2025, Congatec unveiled an acetone-based heat pipe cooling solution explicitly engineered for sub-zero operating environments. The system addresses thermal management challenges in extreme cold conditions where traditional cooling mechanisms risk freezing and component damage. Yes, even at sub-zero environments the CPU still needs a dissipation medium as its heat density is still a problem. Operating reliably at temperatures as low as -40°C, the technology utilizes acetone's -95°C freezing point to maintain thermal transfer functionality in arctic environments. The solution resolves a fundamental limitation of water-based systems, which become inoperable at their 0°C freezing threshold. Despite water's superior latent heat of vaporization (2,260 J/g), its physical properties render it unsuitable for extreme cold applications.
Acetone's thermal properties prevent ice formation and reduce condensation risks, creating a stable heat transfer mechanism for polar research, high-altitude infrastructure, cold storage, and industrial automation in harsh climates. Imagine an edge server operating in the North Pole, needing to collect and process data locally before getting it to the research/scientist team. The solution integrates directly with Congatec's Computer-on-Module (COM) portfolio, including COMe, COM-HPC, and COM-HPC mini designs, eliminating the need for custom cooling system development. An optional heat pipe adapter will be available for specialized implementations. The company clarified that acetone-based cooling is purpose-built exclusively for extreme cold environments rather than general applications, as water remains superior for conventional temperature ranges due to its greater heat dissipation capacity, lower cost, and widespread availability.
Acetone's thermal properties prevent ice formation and reduce condensation risks, creating a stable heat transfer mechanism for polar research, high-altitude infrastructure, cold storage, and industrial automation in harsh climates. Imagine an edge server operating in the North Pole, needing to collect and process data locally before getting it to the research/scientist team. The solution integrates directly with Congatec's Computer-on-Module (COM) portfolio, including COMe, COM-HPC, and COM-HPC mini designs, eliminating the need for custom cooling system development. An optional heat pipe adapter will be available for specialized implementations. The company clarified that acetone-based cooling is purpose-built exclusively for extreme cold environments rather than general applications, as water remains superior for conventional temperature ranges due to its greater heat dissipation capacity, lower cost, and widespread availability.
Wednesday, March 12th 2025
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Processors
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D ComputerBase (de)
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Cowcotland (fr)
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Guru3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D HotHardware
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D KitGuru
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D LAN OC
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D MadBoxPC (es)
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Overclocking.com (fr)
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Pause Hardware (fr)
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Tom's Hardware
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Tweaktown
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Vortez
Speakers
ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 TUF Review
The ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 TUF comes at a $450 price increase over the NVIDIA MSRP, and that's not even the OC model. You get excellent build quality, great looks, and some unexpected extra performance. Thanks to the dual BIOS you have a choice between great temperatures and a quiet gaming experience.
FSP MP7 Black Review
The MP7 from FSP has made its debut, showcasing a dual-tower, dual-fan configuration that offers better memory clearance at its price point than many competitors. Factor in high performance coupled with a stylish design and it becomes clear there is a lot to like about the MP7.
Ubisoft Releases Assassin's Creed Shadows' Cinematic CGI Launch Trailer
Assassin's Creed Shadows is just around the corner, launching on March 20 for Steam. To celebrate, the team released a new CGI trailer teasing Naoe and Yasuke's motivations on their journey through feudal Japan. Check it out below. Wishlist Assassin's Creed Shadows or pre-purchase it today! Everyone who pre-purchases the game will receive free bonus content, including the Thrown to the Dogs quest at launch, and the Claws of Awaji expansion when it releases later this year. You can also check all our recent Steam news, including more details about the Steam achievements and badges + trading cards available day one!
ENTER FEUDAL JAPAN
Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments. Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power.
ENTER FEUDAL JAPAN
Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments. Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power.
KYSONA Uranus Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse Reimagines Classic Roccat Ergonomic Shape
Many hardcore fans of the Roccat brand will lament last year's absorption of designs/IPs into the Turtle Beach product portfolio. Five years earlier, the German PC gaming accessory maker was acquired by the larger North American organization—at the time, mouse enthusiasts expressed worries regarding a sudden cut-off of popular models. The long-running Kone series was a main topic of conversation. Pleasingly, Roccat's engineering department continued to deliver new designs and refreshes of old favorites well into the early 2020s. The Kone Pure Air and Pure SEL were the team's last models to emerge under the banner of Roccat, prior to 2024's full Turtle Beach takeover. Confusingly, this somewhat unfaithful Kone design was only made available to a South Korean customer base.
Kone Pure models—in wireless (Air) and wired (SEL) forms—eventually trickled out to wider global market regions, albeit with Turtle Beach logos printed on their outer shells and packaging. A lukewarm reception from the gaming mouse community prompted further speculation—would the Kone lineage end in 2024? Chinese gaming mouse manufacturers have often "brazenly" cloned the designs of many Western-developed models. Loyal fans and brand purists would normally decry the emergence of a throwback to classic Roccat Pure times, but KYSONA's recently unveiled rendition is being celebrated. Their Uranus Pro wireless gaming mouse offering has gained traction in the West, thanks to a prominent YouTuber's recommendation and positive feedback from owners of early import units. KYSONA is hardly a big name, but they are involved in the contract manufacturing of peripherals for "visible" brands—including AJAZZ, Attack Shark, and DELUX.
Kone Pure models—in wireless (Air) and wired (SEL) forms—eventually trickled out to wider global market regions, albeit with Turtle Beach logos printed on their outer shells and packaging. A lukewarm reception from the gaming mouse community prompted further speculation—would the Kone lineage end in 2024? Chinese gaming mouse manufacturers have often "brazenly" cloned the designs of many Western-developed models. Loyal fans and brand purists would normally decry the emergence of a throwback to classic Roccat Pure times, but KYSONA's recently unveiled rendition is being celebrated. Their Uranus Pro wireless gaming mouse offering has gained traction in the West, thanks to a prominent YouTuber's recommendation and positive feedback from owners of early import units. KYSONA is hardly a big name, but they are involved in the contract manufacturing of peripherals for "visible" brands—including AJAZZ, Attack Shark, and DELUX.
Intel Announces Appointing Lip-Bu Tan as New CEO
Intel Corporation today announced that its board of directors has appointed Lip-Bu Tan, an accomplished technology leader with deep semiconductor industry experience, as chief executive officer, effective March 18. He succeeds Interim Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus. Tan will also rejoin the Intel board of directors after stepping down from the board in August 2024. Zinsner will remain executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Johnston Holthaus will remain CEO of Intel Products. Frank D. Yeary, who took on the role of interim executive chair of the board during the search for a new CEO, will revert to being the independent chair of the board upon Tan becoming CEO.
"Lip-Bu is an exceptional leader whose technology industry expertise, deep relationships across the product and foundry ecosystems, and proven track record of creating shareholder value is exactly what Intel needs in its next CEO," Yeary said. "Throughout his long and distinguished career, he has earned a reputation as an innovator who puts customers at the heart of everything he does, delivers differentiated solutions to win in the market and builds high-performance cultures to achieve success."
"Lip-Bu is an exceptional leader whose technology industry expertise, deep relationships across the product and foundry ecosystems, and proven track record of creating shareholder value is exactly what Intel needs in its next CEO," Yeary said. "Throughout his long and distinguished career, he has earned a reputation as an innovator who puts customers at the heart of everything he does, delivers differentiated solutions to win in the market and builds high-performance cultures to achieve success."
"Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter" English Voice Cast Revealed
We're excited to share this 1st look at the English voice cast for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter! Starting with our energetic protagonist Estelle Bright, reprised by Stephanie Sheh! Our intelligent and level-headed protagonist, Joshua Bright, will be reprised by Johnny Yong Bosch! The seasoned mentor known as "The Silver Flash", Scherazard Harvey, will be voiced again by Michelle Ruff! Give it up for the insightful yet carefree traveling bard, Olivier Lenheim, with Matthew Mercer returning to the role! Kloe Rinz, beloved for her gentle and kind nature, will be reprised by Cristina Vee!
Though he can be harsh at times, the undeniably skilled "Heavy Blade" Agate Crosner will be voiced once again by Ben Pronsky! Everyone give some love to the ever-sweet Tita Russell, with Brianna Knickerbocker reprising her role! A martial artist from the Calvard Republic, "The Immovable" Zin Vathek will be reprised by Vic Chao! Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter reimagines the first chapter of a beloved series, infusing it with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay. Join Estelle and Joshua, partners bound by fate, as they unravel dark conspiracies threatening the peace of the Liberl Kingdom.
Though he can be harsh at times, the undeniably skilled "Heavy Blade" Agate Crosner will be voiced once again by Ben Pronsky! Everyone give some love to the ever-sweet Tita Russell, with Brianna Knickerbocker reprising her role! A martial artist from the Calvard Republic, "The Immovable" Zin Vathek will be reprised by Vic Chao! Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter reimagines the first chapter of a beloved series, infusing it with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay. Join Estelle and Joshua, partners bound by fate, as they unravel dark conspiracies threatening the peace of the Liberl Kingdom.
MSI MPG A850GS PSU Model Spotted in New Product Brochure, A-GS Series Sports 235% Total Power Excursion
MSI presented next-generation MEG and MPG series power supply models at CES 2025; both being range-topping examples: MEG Ai1600T and MPG A1250GS. January press material advertised the forthcoming new candidates with all sorts of impressive credentials: "certified by 80 Plus, Cybenetics, and PPLP and fully compliant with ATX 3.1 and PCIe (CEM) 5.1 standards, ready the power of your performance." Around late February, a slightly less powerful (1000 W) option was added to the new MPG line. The very expensive ($699 MSRP) flagship MEG Ai1600T SKU is already in the hands of evaluators; as disclosed by Wccftech. MSI's MPG series sits a notch down from premium-tier MEG offerings—earlier in the day, three "cost-effective" power supply models appeared online. A handful of fortunate souls—including chi11eddog—were blessed with early access to the manufacturer's freshly-published new product catalog. The excited reader shared a compelling feature: "got new PSU brochure from MSI. The new MPG GS series models feature 235% Power Excursion. Looks pretty good!"
A screenshot showed a trio of MPG A-GS options—including another addition; in 850 W form. As highlighted by chi11eddog's enthusiastic social media post, 235% total power excursions are listed on all three model specification sheets. Interestingly, "superior" MEG equivalents are marketed as: "fully compliant with the ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards; hold up to 240% total power excursion to meet future-proof power requirements." MSI's web presences now list the MPG A850GS PCIE5 model, as well as the previously announced 1000 W and 1250 W SKUs. The three offerings are boldly provisioned with dual-native 12V-2x6 connectors and PCIe 5.1 compatibility—MSI reckons that the two power avenues are fit for purpose: "seamlessly supporting two NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards for AI and machine learning applications."
A screenshot showed a trio of MPG A-GS options—including another addition; in 850 W form. As highlighted by chi11eddog's enthusiastic social media post, 235% total power excursions are listed on all three model specification sheets. Interestingly, "superior" MEG equivalents are marketed as: "fully compliant with the ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards; hold up to 240% total power excursion to meet future-proof power requirements." MSI's web presences now list the MPG A850GS PCIE5 model, as well as the previously announced 1000 W and 1250 W SKUs. The three offerings are boldly provisioned with dual-native 12V-2x6 connectors and PCIe 5.1 compatibility—MSI reckons that the two power avenues are fit for purpose: "seamlessly supporting two NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards for AI and machine learning applications."
Report Claims ASUS Likely To Launch Xbox-branded Handheld Gaming Device
Not that long ago, an Xbox executive claimed that an Xbox handheld gaming device is still in the prototyping stage, with a launch expected to take place sometime in the next two to three years. There is no denying that the handheld segment is an incredibly lucrative space, boosted by the impressive performance and efficiency gains made by the chip giants in recent years. Microsoft clearly intends to take a piece of the pie, and as a recent report by Windows Central pointed out, the first Xbox-branded handheld is in development and may even see the light of day as early as the third or fourth quarter of this year. Now, a fresh report by The Verge has revealed that Microsoft might be collaborating with ASUS in order to bring the handheld gaming device to market.
This is quite interesting, considering that ASUS is one of the most well-known players in the handheld segment, thanks to its ROG Ally lineup. But the conflict of interest shouldn't be much of a hassle - Lenovo is also a major player in the segment, and did not hesitate teaming up with Valve to bring the first third-party SteamOS handheld to the market. Microsoft is likely targeting something similar, intending to combine Xbox and Windows platforms in order to improve the experience for developers and players alike, allowing better inter-compatibility of games between handheld, PC, and console platforms. Essentially, the handheld will reportedly feature an Xbox-like interface, but will be powered by Windows underneath. The aforementioned late-2025 launch timeline is still in place, but considering the very nature of early reports, accept this information with a grain of salt.
This is quite interesting, considering that ASUS is one of the most well-known players in the handheld segment, thanks to its ROG Ally lineup. But the conflict of interest shouldn't be much of a hassle - Lenovo is also a major player in the segment, and did not hesitate teaming up with Valve to bring the first third-party SteamOS handheld to the market. Microsoft is likely targeting something similar, intending to combine Xbox and Windows platforms in order to improve the experience for developers and players alike, allowing better inter-compatibility of games between handheld, PC, and console platforms. Essentially, the handheld will reportedly feature an Xbox-like interface, but will be powered by Windows underneath. The aforementioned late-2025 launch timeline is still in place, but considering the very nature of early reports, accept this information with a grain of salt.
AMD Recommends EPYC Processors for Everyday AI Server Tasks
Ask a typical IT professional today whether they're leveraging AI, and there's a good chance they'll say yes-after all, they have reputations to protect! Kidding aside, many will report that their teams may use Web-based tools like ChatGPT or even have internal chatbots that serve their employee base on their intranet, but for that not much AI is really being implemented at the infrastructure level. As it turns out, the true answer is a bit different. AI tools and techniques have embedded themselves firmly into standard enterprise workloads and are a more common, everyday phenomena than even many IT people may realize. Assembly line operations now include computer vision-powered inspections. Supply chains use AI for demand forecasting making business move faster and of course, AI note-taking and meeting summary is embedded on virtually all the variants of collaboration and meeting software.
Increasingly, critical enterprise software tools incorporate built-in recommendation systems, virtual agents or some other form of AI-enabled assistance. AI is truly becoming a pervasive, complementary tool for everyday business. At the same time, today's enterprises are navigating a hybrid landscape where traditional, mission-critical workloads coexist with innovative AI-driven tasks. This "mixed enterprise and AI" workload environment calls for infrastructure that can handle both types of processing seamlessly. Robust, general-purpose CPUs like the AMD EPYC processors are designed to be powerful and secure and flexible to address this need. They handle everyday tasks—running databases, web servers, ERP systems—and offer strong security features crucial for enterprise operations augmented with AI workloads. In essence, modern enterprise infrastructure is about creating a balanced ecosystem. AMD EPYC CPUs play a pivotal role in creating this balance, delivering high performance, efficiency, and security features that underpin both traditional enterprise workloads and advanced AI operations.
Increasingly, critical enterprise software tools incorporate built-in recommendation systems, virtual agents or some other form of AI-enabled assistance. AI is truly becoming a pervasive, complementary tool for everyday business. At the same time, today's enterprises are navigating a hybrid landscape where traditional, mission-critical workloads coexist with innovative AI-driven tasks. This "mixed enterprise and AI" workload environment calls for infrastructure that can handle both types of processing seamlessly. Robust, general-purpose CPUs like the AMD EPYC processors are designed to be powerful and secure and flexible to address this need. They handle everyday tasks—running databases, web servers, ERP systems—and offer strong security features crucial for enterprise operations augmented with AI workloads. In essence, modern enterprise infrastructure is about creating a balanced ecosystem. AMD EPYC CPUs play a pivotal role in creating this balance, delivering high performance, efficiency, and security features that underpin both traditional enterprise workloads and advanced AI operations.
Scientists Cast Doubt on Microsoft's Quantum "Breakthrough" with Majorana 1 Chip
Microsoft launched its Majorana 1 chip—the world's first quantum processor powered by a Topological Core architecture—last month. The company's debuting of its Majorana design was celebrated as a significant milestone—in 2023, an ambitious roadmap was published by Microsoft's research department. At the time, a tall Majorana particle-based task was set: the building of a proprietary quantum supercomputer within a decade. Returning to the present day; outside parties have criticized Microsoft's February announcements. The Register published an investigative piece earlier today, based on quotes from key players specializing in the field of Quantum studies. Many propose a theoretical existence of Majorana particles, while Microsoft R&D employees have claimed detection and utilization. The Register referred back to recent history: "(Microsoft) made big claims about Majorana particles before, but it didn't end well: in 2021 Redmond's researchers retracted a 2018 paper in which they claimed to have detected the particles."
As pointed out by Microsoft researcher Chetan Nayak; their latest paper was actually authored last March 2024, but only made public in recent weeks. Further details of progress are expected next week, at the American Physical Society (APS) 2025 Joint March Meeting. The Register has compiled quotes from vocal critics; starting with Henry Legg—a lecturer in theoretical physics at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The noted scholar believes—as divulged in a scientific online comment—that Microsoft's claimed Quantum breakthrough: "is not reliable and must be revisited." Similarly, collaborators from Germany's Forschungszentrum Jülich institute and the University of Pittsburgh, USA released a joint video statement. (Respectively) Experimental physicist Vincent Mourik and by Professor Sergey Frolov outlined: "distractions caused by unreliable scientific claims from Microsoft Quantum."
As pointed out by Microsoft researcher Chetan Nayak; their latest paper was actually authored last March 2024, but only made public in recent weeks. Further details of progress are expected next week, at the American Physical Society (APS) 2025 Joint March Meeting. The Register has compiled quotes from vocal critics; starting with Henry Legg—a lecturer in theoretical physics at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The noted scholar believes—as divulged in a scientific online comment—that Microsoft's claimed Quantum breakthrough: "is not reliable and must be revisited." Similarly, collaborators from Germany's Forschungszentrum Jülich institute and the University of Pittsburgh, USA released a joint video statement. (Respectively) Experimental physicist Vincent Mourik and by Professor Sergey Frolov outlined: "distractions caused by unreliable scientific claims from Microsoft Quantum."
Chinese Researchers Develop No-Silicon 2D GAAFET Transistor Technology
Scientists from Beijing University have developed the world's first two-dimensional gate-all-around field-effect transistor (GAAFET), establishing a new performance benchmark in domestic semiconductor design. The design, documented in Nature, represents a difference in transistor architecture that could reshape the future of Chinese microelectronics design. Given the reported characteristic of 40% higher performance and 10% improved efficiency compared to the TSMC 3 nm N3 node, it looks rather promising. The research team, headed by Professors Peng Hailin and Qiu Chenguang, engineered a "wafer-scale multi-layer-stacked single-crystalline 2D GAA configuration" that demonstrated superior performance metrics when benchmarked against current industry leaders. The innovation leverages bismuth oxyselenide (Bi₂O₂Se), a novel semiconductor material that maintains exceptional carrier mobility at sub-nanometer dimensions—a critical advantage as the industry struggles to push angstrom-era semiconductor nodes.
"Traditional silicon-based transistors face fundamental physical limitations at extreme scales," explained Professor Peng, who characterized the technology as "the fastest, most efficient transistor ever developed." The 2D GAAFET architecture circumvents the mobility degradation that plagues silicon in ultra-small geometries, allowing for continued performance scaling beyond current nodes. The development comes during China's intensified efforts to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, as trade restrictions have limited access to advanced lithography equipment and other critical manufacturing technologies. Even with China developing domestic EUV technology, it is still not "battle" proven. Rather than competing directly with established fabrication processes, the Beijing team has pioneered an entirely different technological approach—what Professor Peng described as "changing lanes entirely" rather than seeking incremental improvements, where China can not compete in the near term.
"Traditional silicon-based transistors face fundamental physical limitations at extreme scales," explained Professor Peng, who characterized the technology as "the fastest, most efficient transistor ever developed." The 2D GAAFET architecture circumvents the mobility degradation that plagues silicon in ultra-small geometries, allowing for continued performance scaling beyond current nodes. The development comes during China's intensified efforts to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, as trade restrictions have limited access to advanced lithography equipment and other critical manufacturing technologies. Even with China developing domestic EUV technology, it is still not "battle" proven. Rather than competing directly with established fabrication processes, the Beijing team has pioneered an entirely different technological approach—what Professor Peng described as "changing lanes entirely" rather than seeking incremental improvements, where China can not compete in the near term.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop Might Sport GDDR7 Memory, Prices Likely To Remain Sky-High
As we have witnessed in the past few weeks, leaked retailer listings are undoubtedly an interesting way to gain more information regarding upcoming hardware. A set of recent listings by the retailer PC21, as well as Acer Hong Kong, have revealed some details regarding the upcoming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop and RTX 5050 Laptop GPUs. First of all, it appears that we now have concrete information regarding the launch date for the RTX 5060 laptop GPU. According to Acer, the RTX 5060 Laptop-equipped producs will start shipping sometime in May. Moreover, as the leaked listing has revealed, RTX 5060 and RTX 5050 Laptop GPUs will arrive with 8 GB of VRAM, both based on the new GDDR7 spec.
This is quite an interesting development, considering that the RTX 5050 Desktop GPU is expected to ship with GDDR6 memory, so it does appear that the Laptop variant will have superior memory speeds. Considering that the RTX 5070 laptop GPU will also boast 8 GB of GDDR7 memory, it is clear that the primary differences between the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5070 Laptop variants will be limited to core counts. Those who demand more than just 8 GB of VRAM will have to shell out extra for the RTX 5070 Ti Laptop, which is expected to ship with 12 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192 bit bus. As for pricing, the leaked MSI VenturePro 16 with a Core 7 240H CPU, 16 GB DDR5 memory, 512 GB SSD and an RTX 5050 Laptop GPU is seemingly priced at €1580, or roughly $1720. Clearly, even the lowest-end of Blackwell GPUs are all set to boast price tags lofty enough to make even those with deep pockets weep.
This is quite an interesting development, considering that the RTX 5050 Desktop GPU is expected to ship with GDDR6 memory, so it does appear that the Laptop variant will have superior memory speeds. Considering that the RTX 5070 laptop GPU will also boast 8 GB of GDDR7 memory, it is clear that the primary differences between the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5070 Laptop variants will be limited to core counts. Those who demand more than just 8 GB of VRAM will have to shell out extra for the RTX 5070 Ti Laptop, which is expected to ship with 12 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192 bit bus. As for pricing, the leaked MSI VenturePro 16 with a Core 7 240H CPU, 16 GB DDR5 memory, 512 GB SSD and an RTX 5050 Laptop GPU is seemingly priced at €1580, or roughly $1720. Clearly, even the lowest-end of Blackwell GPUs are all set to boast price tags lofty enough to make even those with deep pockets weep.
Compal Reveals AIO Dual-Screen Desktop Concept With Laptop, and Tablet Modes
Compal recently showcased a concept for a laptop that can switch from a typical 14-inch laptop, to an ultra-wide 18-inch laptop with the help of foldable display technology. While the concept is undoubtedly quite interesting, there is no denying that the device is pretty far from mass-production. The company seemingly has yet another concept up its sleeve, which has also raked in an iF design award. Essentially, Compal's Hybrid AIO concept consists of an AIO desktop that can transform into a laptop, or even a tablet. Specifications and technical details are scarce, which is to be expected considering that the concept solely depicts the overall form factor of the product.
The AIO seemingly boasts an additional display mounted on one side of the monitor, which can be detached and used as a standalone tablet. This tablet, can then be attached with a keyboard base, which will allow it to function as a laptop. This keyboard base will also function as a wireless keyboard for the AIO, and judging by the images, it might also serve as a smartphone stand. It is not clear if the stand will have wireless charging, which should surely be a nifty feature. For those wondering where the actual guts of the AIO will exist, will likely be surprised to know that it is the tablet which will contain the computer. The AIO's primary display is simply a larger, secondary monitor for the tablet, and the keyboard base is just an accessory. Overall, the concept does look pretty neat, especially for those of us who prefer to switch up workstations every now and then, or are looking for a single system that can serve as a work, travel, as well as an entertainment hub.
The AIO seemingly boasts an additional display mounted on one side of the monitor, which can be detached and used as a standalone tablet. This tablet, can then be attached with a keyboard base, which will allow it to function as a laptop. This keyboard base will also function as a wireless keyboard for the AIO, and judging by the images, it might also serve as a smartphone stand. It is not clear if the stand will have wireless charging, which should surely be a nifty feature. For those wondering where the actual guts of the AIO will exist, will likely be surprised to know that it is the tablet which will contain the computer. The AIO's primary display is simply a larger, secondary monitor for the tablet, and the keyboard base is just an accessory. Overall, the concept does look pretty neat, especially for those of us who prefer to switch up workstations every now and then, or are looking for a single system that can serve as a work, travel, as well as an entertainment hub.
ASUS Could Increase Product Prices Amid Production Shift from China
ASUS executives have warned investors that consumers may face higher prices later this year as the company accelerates its manufacturing exodus from China in response to anticipated US tariff policies. Despite efforts to absorb costs internally, ASUS acknowledged during its recent earnings call that production relocation expenses could eventually impact retail pricing. This comes as the PC industry braces for trade policy changes under the new US administration. While competitors like Dell and HP have already established diversified supply chains outside China over several years, ASUS faces the financial pressures of rapidly developing alternative production capacity. Such transitions induce significant costs beyond facility construction, including workforce training, supply chain reconfiguration, and temporary production inefficiencies.
"We will try to limit these costs to within a reasonable level. However, as we make further adjustments to production lines, it may become possible that we need to offset some of these costs to our clients," stated an ASUS co-CEO during the call. The executive noted that several competing manufacturers have already implemented price adjustments to compensate for similar expenses. ASUS wants to maintain competitive pricing despite these pressures, indicating a willingness to accept margin compression in the short term. Component-level products may experience more immediate pricing pressure than fully assembled systems, where manufacturers can partially offset tariff impacts through internal efficiencies. ASUS's cautious messaging suggests the company is attempting to balance shareholder concerns about profitability with consumer sensitivity to price increases in the competitive PC market.
"We will try to limit these costs to within a reasonable level. However, as we make further adjustments to production lines, it may become possible that we need to offset some of these costs to our clients," stated an ASUS co-CEO during the call. The executive noted that several competing manufacturers have already implemented price adjustments to compensate for similar expenses. ASUS wants to maintain competitive pricing despite these pressures, indicating a willingness to accept margin compression in the short term. Component-level products may experience more immediate pricing pressure than fully assembled systems, where manufacturers can partially offset tariff impacts through internal efficiencies. ASUS's cautious messaging suggests the company is attempting to balance shareholder concerns about profitability with consumer sensitivity to price increases in the competitive PC market.
FATE: Reawakened "Remastered Classic Quadrilogy" Out Now on PC & Consoles
The highly anticipated remaster of a classic quadrilogy has finally arrived! FATE: Reawakened is now available for $24.99 on Steam! To celebrate the origins of FATE on PC, we're offering a special 20% launch discount for all PC players until March 19th! Are you up to the task? Your FATE awaits! Download today and start your epic adventure!
Choose your FATE
Reawaken the critically acclaimed FATE games like never before! Play all four classic dungeon crawler titles with enhanced graphics as you battle through challenging procedurally generated dungeons, learn powerful spells, and fish to your heart's content. Are you up to the task? Your FATE awaits! Re-experience the iconic FATE series like never before! Re-visit the quaint town of Grove and the realms beyond as you prepare to enter the Dungeon Gate once again! The award-winning FATE series has gotten a modern facelift while remaining true to the nostalgic dungeon crawler classic. Will you tempt fate on your journey to fame and fortune?
Choose your FATE
Reawaken the critically acclaimed FATE games like never before! Play all four classic dungeon crawler titles with enhanced graphics as you battle through challenging procedurally generated dungeons, learn powerful spells, and fish to your heart's content. Are you up to the task? Your FATE awaits! Re-experience the iconic FATE series like never before! Re-visit the quaint town of Grove and the realms beyond as you prepare to enter the Dungeon Gate once again! The award-winning FATE series has gotten a modern facelift while remaining true to the nostalgic dungeon crawler classic. Will you tempt fate on your journey to fame and fortune?
Intel Panther Lake Sample on Prominent Display at Embedded World 2025
Intel representatives have placed a Panther Lake demonstration sample unit on an actual pedestal; as reported by PC Games Hardware (PCGH). German press outlets and other visitors were greeted by Team Blue's dedicated showcase plinth at this week's Embedded World 2025 expo/trade fair. The Nuremberg-based event is advertised as a "world-leading conference presenting state-of-the art technology and forward-looking research." Attendees and industry watchdogs reckon that the prominently displayed demo piece is an example of Intel's Panther Lake-H (PTL-H) mobile-oriented chip design. Last October, Pat Gelsinger (now ex-CEO) unveiled a physical PTL-H sample on-stage during his special guest appearance at Lenovo Tech World 2024. During a CES 2025 keynote presentation, Michelle Johnston Holthaus (Intel's interim co-boss) confirmed a 2025 launch window, while holding up another (or the same) Panther Lake chip.
Recent industry insider whispers have suggested that the Intel Foundry is encountering problems with their 18A node process; thus causing a shift in Panther Lake's release schedule. One prominent leaker claims that Team Blue's opening salvo of PTL-H products will roll out in 2026, but rumors were dismissed by an official source (last week). John Pitzer—Corporate Vice President of Investor Relations at Intel—insisted on multiple occasions, during a fireside chat, that his team's Core Ultra 300 series (aka Panther Lake-H) is on track for launch within the second half of 2025. Intel's Embedded World 2025 booth does not feature any technical rundowns relating to the showcased next-gen offering; their minimalist plinth is simply adorned with blue text spelling out: "Panther Lake." NDA-busting details have emerged online, courtesy of insider leaks—the top-most PTL-H SKU could appear with a 4P+8E+4LP+12Xe3 configuration.
Recent industry insider whispers have suggested that the Intel Foundry is encountering problems with their 18A node process; thus causing a shift in Panther Lake's release schedule. One prominent leaker claims that Team Blue's opening salvo of PTL-H products will roll out in 2026, but rumors were dismissed by an official source (last week). John Pitzer—Corporate Vice President of Investor Relations at Intel—insisted on multiple occasions, during a fireside chat, that his team's Core Ultra 300 series (aka Panther Lake-H) is on track for launch within the second half of 2025. Intel's Embedded World 2025 booth does not feature any technical rundowns relating to the showcased next-gen offering; their minimalist plinth is simply adorned with blue text spelling out: "Panther Lake." NDA-busting details have emerged online, courtesy of insider leaks—the top-most PTL-H SKU could appear with a 4P+8E+4LP+12Xe3 configuration.
Bandai Namco Presents "BLEACH Rebirth of Souls" Opening Cinematic Movie
With the release of the fighting action game BLEACH Rebirth of Souls nearing, it is almost time for players to grip their sword and reverse their fate! In a new cinematic trailer, BLEACH Rebirth of Souls offers an immersive look into the game adapted from Tite Kubo's legendary franchise, taking players deeper into the world of soul reapers where they will be able to impersonate iconic characters such as Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki, Sosuke Aizen and more. This cinematic brings the Bleach universe to life with its dark, foreboding atmosphere that sets the stage for epic sword fights.
BLEACH Rebirth of Souls will launch on 21 March 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PC—it is available for pre-order across three editions: Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate. Both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions include the Season Pass, a 7-day early access to DLC characters, Soul Crystals and Thousand-Year Blood War playable characters. Any player pre-ordering the game will receive the Toshiro and Yoruichi Thousand-Year Blood War costume set as a bonus.
BLEACH Rebirth of Souls will launch on 21 March 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PC—it is available for pre-order across three editions: Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate. Both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions include the Season Pass, a 7-day early access to DLC characters, Soul Crystals and Thousand-Year Blood War playable characters. Any player pre-ordering the game will receive the Toshiro and Yoruichi Thousand-Year Blood War costume set as a bonus.
Huawei Proprietary AI Laptop Design Tipped for April Launch, Linked to Kunpeng-920 CPU
The rising prominence of Huawei's Ascend accelerator series has generated plenty of news articles over the past couple of months. Earlier in the week, reports suggested that the Chinese technology giant had circumvented international trade sanctions. Many observers will forget that parts of Huawei's portfolio contain "less ambitious" products; namely notebook PCs. Despite navigating tricky conditions in 2024, the manufacturer still has access to a supply of Intel-produced processors—but a contingency plan is reportedly in place. TP Huang (aka tphuang) reckons that a completely in-house formulated "domestic commercial PC" is due for release in China. The technology soothsayer's social media post mentioned a "7 nm Kunpeng-920 CPU" clocked at 2.6 GHz. Previously, Huawei's Kunpeng proprietary processor designs were deployed in server (2024) and desktop (2020) environments.
According to Huawei Central, company representatives have disclosed that the mysterious Kunpeng-920-powered AI laptop will be added to their "Qingyun" enterprise-oriented product range. TP Huang elaborated with additional leaked details—the forthcoming model is tipped to feature: "fully domestic power management integrated circuits (PMIC); including Unisoc CT100 replacing EPSON in clock generator. It is expected to run on HarmonyOS PC version and a localized dev tool chain." An extension of Huawei and DeepSeek's current relationship is anticipated to trickle down to portable devices—insiders believe that the new AI notebook will support DeepSeek's model on edge. TP Huang predicts an April launch window.
According to Huawei Central, company representatives have disclosed that the mysterious Kunpeng-920-powered AI laptop will be added to their "Qingyun" enterprise-oriented product range. TP Huang elaborated with additional leaked details—the forthcoming model is tipped to feature: "fully domestic power management integrated circuits (PMIC); including Unisoc CT100 replacing EPSON in clock generator. It is expected to run on HarmonyOS PC version and a localized dev tool chain." An extension of Huawei and DeepSeek's current relationship is anticipated to trickle down to portable devices—insiders believe that the new AI notebook will support DeepSeek's model on edge. TP Huang predicts an April launch window.
SteelSeries Introduces QcK Performance Mousepad Series
Precision made personal—introducing the QcK Performance Series, our first premium mousepad collection crafted to sync seamlessly with your unique playstyle. Your gameplay is personal, and now your surface can be too. Friction or Glide? You decide. Extra density. Extra consistency. High-grade neoprene foam creates a stable foundation for your mouse to move at high speeds with no sensor skip, round in, round out.
QcK Evolves Again
Introducing the next evolution in gaming—QcK Performance, the first family of performance mousepads engineered with one goal in mind: to elevate your gameplay. Developed in collaboration with top esports athletes, QcK Performance offers three meticulously crafted and unique surfaces: Speed, Balance and Control. Whatever your playstyle, discover the ultimate surface to push your performance to the next level.
QcK Evolves Again
Introducing the next evolution in gaming—QcK Performance, the first family of performance mousepads engineered with one goal in mind: to elevate your gameplay. Developed in collaboration with top esports athletes, QcK Performance offers three meticulously crafted and unique surfaces: Speed, Balance and Control. Whatever your playstyle, discover the ultimate surface to push your performance to the next level.
MSI Debuts SHADOW 2X Design - Starting with GeForce RTX 5070 Models
A week ago, MSI introduced its lineup of custom GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card models—headlined by their premium VANGUARD option, with a product stack going down to a budget friendly INSPIRE 3X offering. Since then, the Taiwanese manufacturer has added another entry to its NVIDIA "Blackwell" GB205 GPU-based family. As observed by VideoCardz, MSI is overpopulating its GeForce RTX 5070 stack with two more models. The SHADOW 2X OC and SHADOW 2X (non-OC) have—very recently—popped up on the company's website, with absolutely zero PR fanfare. The triple-fan SHADOW 3X designs received a similar treatment last month—brand-new stealth-black GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti custom designs seemingly appeared overnight.
As befits the nomenclature, MSI's SHADOW 2X design sports a TORX 5.0 dual-fan cooling solution. As covered by TechPowerUp's news section in the past, the SHADOW series shares similarities with VENTUS—both families serve as "baseline MSRP" conformant products, due to a minimalistic aesthetic and barebones feature set (i.e. focused on the essentials). MSI marketing blurb describes SHADOW as: "a performance-focused design that delivers the gaming experience players want, making it the ideal choice when upgrading or building a gaming rig." The company has courted controversy in recent times; VideoCardz and other media outlets have leveled plenty of criticism throughout February and March—the lack of "MSRP" models and reported price hiking at launch became major sticking points. Industry watchdogs believe that the freshly unveiled SHADOW 2X models will be in short supply for the foreseeable future.
As befits the nomenclature, MSI's SHADOW 2X design sports a TORX 5.0 dual-fan cooling solution. As covered by TechPowerUp's news section in the past, the SHADOW series shares similarities with VENTUS—both families serve as "baseline MSRP" conformant products, due to a minimalistic aesthetic and barebones feature set (i.e. focused on the essentials). MSI marketing blurb describes SHADOW as: "a performance-focused design that delivers the gaming experience players want, making it the ideal choice when upgrading or building a gaming rig." The company has courted controversy in recent times; VideoCardz and other media outlets have leveled plenty of criticism throughout February and March—the lack of "MSRP" models and reported price hiking at launch became major sticking points. Industry watchdogs believe that the freshly unveiled SHADOW 2X models will be in short supply for the foreseeable future.
TSMC Still Continues to Explore Joint Venture for Intel Foundry Ownership
TSMC is still considering a strategic joint venture to operate Intel's manufacturing capacity, according to four sources close to Reuters that are familiar with the discussions. The proposed arrangement would limit TSMC's ownership to less than 50% and potentially distribute stakes to major American chip designers, including AMD, Broadcom, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm. The initiative emerged following direct intervention from the Trump administration, which has prioritized revitalizing domestic semiconductor manufacturing while maintaining American control of critical technology infrastructure. Under the proposed framework, Intel would spin off its Intel Foundry division, with TSMC acquiring a minority stake and bringing in partner companies as co-investors.
Apple, TSMC's largest customer, is absent from these preliminary discussions, suggesting careful strategic positioning within the competitive ecosystem—however, significant technical and operational challenges are facing the potential joint venture. Intel's manufacturing and real estate assets are valued at approximately $108 billion, requiring substantial capital commitments from prospective partners. More fundamentally, the technological integration presents massive obstacles, as Intel and TSMC utilize fundamentally different manufacturing processes with distinct equipment configurations and material requirements. However, the complex negotiations remain in the early stages, with significant technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles to overcome before any formal agreement materializes. Intel is still not giving the clear green light to spin off rumors.
Apple, TSMC's largest customer, is absent from these preliminary discussions, suggesting careful strategic positioning within the competitive ecosystem—however, significant technical and operational challenges are facing the potential joint venture. Intel's manufacturing and real estate assets are valued at approximately $108 billion, requiring substantial capital commitments from prospective partners. More fundamentally, the technological integration presents massive obstacles, as Intel and TSMC utilize fundamentally different manufacturing processes with distinct equipment configurations and material requirements. However, the complex negotiations remain in the early stages, with significant technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles to overcome before any formal agreement materializes. Intel is still not giving the clear green light to spin off rumors.
inZOI's Steep PC System Requirements & Optimal Settings Explored
Greetings, Creators! inZOI delivers high-quality graphics and realistic city-level simulations, which require higher system specifications to run smoothly. While the minimum and recommended system requirements are already listed on our Steam page, we wanted to provide a more detailed and comprehensible breakdown of these specifications and how they might impact your gameplay experience. As such, we've categorized the system requirements into four tiers and provided the optimal game settings for each tier.
What are optimal settings?
Optimal settings ensure you experience the game on your current PC in the best possible way. Since inZOI was developed using Unreal Engine 5, adjusting the game's settings can lead to significantly different experiences, even on systems with identical specifications. Let's explore how different factors impact gameplay and which settings you'll need experience inZOI in the best way possible.
What are optimal settings?
Optimal settings ensure you experience the game on your current PC in the best possible way. Since inZOI was developed using Unreal Engine 5, adjusting the game's settings can lead to significantly different experiences, even on systems with identical specifications. Let's explore how different factors impact gameplay and which settings you'll need experience inZOI in the best way possible.
TP-Link Launches TL-WR3002X Wi-Fi 6 Compact Travel Router
TP-Link Systems Inc., a global leader in networking and smart home solutions, continued its expansion into the rapidly growing travel router market with the launch of a premium Wi-Fi 6 travel router, the TL-WR3002X. Building on the success of its predecessor, the TL-WR1502X, the TL-WR3002X delivers cutting-edge dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, enabling faster wireless speeds and greater capacity for a multitude of connected devices, whether at home or on the road.
The TL-WR3002X is designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers and families seeking reliable, high-speed internet access. Equipped with a 2.5 gigabit WAN port, a 1.0 gigabit LAN port, a USB 3.0 port, a microSD reader supporting up to 512 GB, and a USB-C power supply, this compact and efficient router boasts endless connectivity and versatility for any scenario. Its advanced VPN compatibility, supporting OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and L2TP standards, provides users with enhanced privacy and security, making it an ideal solution for staying safely connected anywhere in the world, whether working remotely abroad, browsing on public Wi-Fi or relaxing on your next cruise.
The TL-WR3002X is designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers and families seeking reliable, high-speed internet access. Equipped with a 2.5 gigabit WAN port, a 1.0 gigabit LAN port, a USB 3.0 port, a microSD reader supporting up to 512 GB, and a USB-C power supply, this compact and efficient router boasts endless connectivity and versatility for any scenario. Its advanced VPN compatibility, supporting OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and L2TP standards, provides users with enhanced privacy and security, making it an ideal solution for staying safely connected anywhere in the world, whether working remotely abroad, browsing on public Wi-Fi or relaxing on your next cruise.
Silicon Motion Announces PCIe Gen5 Enterprise SSD Reference Design Kit Supporting up to 128TB
Silicon Motion Technology Corporation ("Silicon Motion"), a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today announced the sampling of its groundbreaking MonTitan SSD Reference Design Kit (RDK) that supports up to 128 TB with QLC NAND. Designed on the advanced MonTitan PCIe Gen 5 SSD Development Platform. This new offering aims to accelerate enterprise and data center storage AI SSD solutions by providing a robust and efficient RDK for OEMs and partners.
The SSD RDK incorporates Silicon Motion's PCIe Dual Ported enterprise-grade SM8366 controller, which supports PCIe Gen 5 x4 NVMe 2.0 and OCP 2.5 data center specifications offering unmatched performance, QoS, and capacity for next-generation large data lake storage needs.
The SSD RDK incorporates Silicon Motion's PCIe Dual Ported enterprise-grade SM8366 controller, which supports PCIe Gen 5 x4 NVMe 2.0 and OCP 2.5 data center specifications offering unmatched performance, QoS, and capacity for next-generation large data lake storage needs.
Valkyrie x TechPowerUp Giveaway: Win Valkyrie Case and AIO Coolers!
TechPowerUp partners with gaming PC hardware specialists Valkyrie to bring you our Spring 2025 Giveaway. We are giving away a high-end mid-tower case and two AIO liquid CPU coolers to three lucky winners. The Giveaway is open worldwide. The first lucky winner drawn at random, wins a Valkyrie VK-02 mid-tower case with LCD screen. The case is an airy and spacious mid-tower for contemporary gaming PC builds, including room for large custom-design graphics cards. Perhaps the most striking feature is an LCD display that takes up the top portion of the front-panel, which can be programmed to display just about anything, since it plugs into your graphics card as a display; and the included software displays a purpose-built ACPI system monitoring utility on it. Two second-place winners get a Valkyrie V360 Lite AIO CPU Liquid Cooler each, a premium 360 mm AIO CLC with RGB LED illumination on the pump-block and the included fans. Three third-place winners get a Valkyrie V240 Lite AIO CPU Liquid Cooler each, which is essentially the same cooler, but with a 240 mm radiator. Hurry, entries close on March 19.
For more information, and to participate, visit this page. You can increase your chances of winning by sharing the Giveaway across your social media.
For more information, and to participate, visit this page. You can increase your chances of winning by sharing the Giveaway across your social media.
Sapphire Develops Edge AI Mini-PC Series with AMD Ryzen AI 300, Targeting Gamers and Creatives
It seems that Sapphire is making a return to the Mini-PC consumer market as ComputerBase discovered during Embedded World 2025 event. There, Sapphire showcased engineering samples of its new Edge AI mini-PC family. These compact computing solutions are based on the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors.. The two models in this lineup—the Edge AI 340 and 350—feature AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 and Ryzen AI 7 350 processors respectively, with the former offering 16 GB of RAM and the latter providing 32 GB, both supporting impressive 5,600 MT/s memory speeds across two SO-DIMM slots. A more powerful model featuring AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 will also be available.
Even measuring just 117 × 111 × 30 mm in size (the power supply is just a regular external adapter), the Sapphire Edge AI series features a wide range of connections. They boast two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB4.0 ports, 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, and two extra USB ports. As for storage, there's a regular 2280 M.2 slot for SSDs, plus another 2242 slot. Accessing internal components is easy; no tools are needed, as Sapphire makes use of a magnetic case-cover. This includes access to the SO-DIMM slots and storage areas. Sapphire says these mini-PCs will hit stores worldwide by late April (no word about pricing yet), however, some regions might get different setups or bare-bones versions without pre-installed RAM and storage.
Even measuring just 117 × 111 × 30 mm in size (the power supply is just a regular external adapter), the Sapphire Edge AI series features a wide range of connections. They boast two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB4.0 ports, 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, and two extra USB ports. As for storage, there's a regular 2280 M.2 slot for SSDs, plus another 2242 slot. Accessing internal components is easy; no tools are needed, as Sapphire makes use of a magnetic case-cover. This includes access to the SO-DIMM slots and storage areas. Sapphire says these mini-PCs will hit stores worldwide by late April (no word about pricing yet), however, some regions might get different setups or bare-bones versions without pre-installed RAM and storage.
Netgear Intros Nighthawk RS100 Wi-Fi 7 Router
NETGEAR, Inc., a global leader in secure and high-performance networking solutions, is making next-generation Wi-Fi more accessible with the launch of the Nighthawk RS100—its most affordable Wi-Fi 7 router yet. Delivering ultra-fast speeds, robust security, and reliable performance, the RS100 makes it easier than ever for households to upgrade to the latest in wireless technology.
Why Wi-Fi 7 for Households?
As internet speeds surge and more smart devices connect to home networks, households need stronger, faster, and more reliable connectivity—not just for today, but for the future. Wi-Fi 7 delivers smoother streaming, lag-free gaming, and more stable connections across every corner of the home. With speeds up to 2.4x faster than Wi-Fi 6, it supports high-bandwidth activities like 4K/8K streaming, cloud gaming, and AI-powered applications—no buffering, no slowdowns.
Why Wi-Fi 7 for Households?
As internet speeds surge and more smart devices connect to home networks, households need stronger, faster, and more reliable connectivity—not just for today, but for the future. Wi-Fi 7 delivers smoother streaming, lag-free gaming, and more stable connections across every corner of the home. With speeds up to 2.4x faster than Wi-Fi 6, it supports high-bandwidth activities like 4K/8K streaming, cloud gaming, and AI-powered applications—no buffering, no slowdowns.
Cooler Master Introduces New PC Cases, Cooling Solutions, and Power Supplies
Cooler Master, a global leader in PC components and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced a new range of products that enhance cooling efficiency, offer streamlined form factors, and deliver reliable power for diverse computing needs. From the space-conscious Ncore 100 Air case to updates in the MasterLiquid and Hyper series, Cooler Master continues its focus on performance-driven, user-friendly designs.
"We're excited to introduce a fully integrated lineup that supports PC builders at every level," said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master. "From the compact Ncore 100 Air case to our latest MasterLiquid and Hyper coolers, SickleFlow Edge fans, and the MWE Gold V3 PSU, each product underscores our goal of blending performance, reliability, and style into every build."
"We're excited to introduce a fully integrated lineup that supports PC builders at every level," said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master. "From the compact Ncore 100 Air case to our latest MasterLiquid and Hyper coolers, SickleFlow Edge fans, and the MWE Gold V3 PSU, each product underscores our goal of blending performance, reliability, and style into every build."
Thermaltake Updates the CT EX ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan Series with 4 New Colors
Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is thrilled to introduce the new-colored additions to the CT EX ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan and CT EX Reverse ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan in Racing Green, Gravel Sand, Bumblebee, and Pink. Thermaltake continues to merge style and technology, offering bold and edgy color options that allow users to personalize their setups.
The CT EX ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan series is now available in eight colors: Black, White, Matcha Green, Hydrangea Blue, Racing Green, Gravel Sand, Bumblebee, and Pink. Furthermore, it includes 120/140 mm sizes in both standard and reversed blade versions. With these diverse selections, PC builders can effortlessly create unique aesthetics that perfectly complement Thermaltake's chassis lineup.
The CT EX ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan series is now available in eight colors: Black, White, Matcha Green, Hydrangea Blue, Racing Green, Gravel Sand, Bumblebee, and Pink. Furthermore, it includes 120/140 mm sizes in both standard and reversed blade versions. With these diverse selections, PC builders can effortlessly create unique aesthetics that perfectly complement Thermaltake's chassis lineup.
NVIDIA Reportedly Prepares GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti Unveil Tomorrow
NVIDIA is set to unveil its RTX 5060 series graphics cards tomorrow, according to VideoCardz information, which claims NVIDIA shared launch info with some media outlets today. The announcement will include two desktop models: the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti, confirming leaks from industry sources last week. The upcoming lineup will feature three variants: RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB, RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB, and RTX 5060. All three cards will utilize identical board designs and the same GPU, allowing manufacturers to produce visually similar Ti and non-Ti models. Power requirements are expected to range from 150-180 W. NVIDIA's RTX 5060 Ti will ship with 4608 CUDA cores, representing a modest 6% increase over the previous generation RTX 4060 Ti. The most significant improvement comes from the implementation of GDDR7 memory technology, which could deliver over 50% higher bandwidth than its predecessor if NVIDIA maintains the expected 28 Gbps memory speed across all variants.
The standard RTX 5060 will feature 3840 CUDA cores paired with 8 GB of GDDR7 memory. This configuration delivers 25% more GPU cores than its predecessor and marks an upgrade in GPU tier from AD107 (XX7) to GB206 (XX6). The smaller GB207 GPU is reportedly reserved for the upcoming RTX 5050. VideoCardz's sources indicate the RTX 5060 series will hit the market in April. Tomorrow's announcement is strategically timed as an update for the Game Developers Conference (GDC), which begins next week. All models in the series will maintain the 128-bit memory bus of their predecessors while delivering significantly improved memory bandwidth—448 GB/s compared to the previous generation's 288 GB/s for the Ti model and 272 GB/s for the standard variant. The improved bandwidth stems from the introduction of GDDR7 memory.
The standard RTX 5060 will feature 3840 CUDA cores paired with 8 GB of GDDR7 memory. This configuration delivers 25% more GPU cores than its predecessor and marks an upgrade in GPU tier from AD107 (XX7) to GB206 (XX6). The smaller GB207 GPU is reportedly reserved for the upcoming RTX 5050. VideoCardz's sources indicate the RTX 5060 series will hit the market in April. Tomorrow's announcement is strategically timed as an update for the Game Developers Conference (GDC), which begins next week. All models in the series will maintain the 128-bit memory bus of their predecessors while delivering significantly improved memory bandwidth—448 GB/s compared to the previous generation's 288 GB/s for the Ti model and 272 GB/s for the standard variant. The improved bandwidth stems from the introduction of GDDR7 memory.
Advantech Launches Next-Gen Edge AI Solutions Powered by the AMD Compute Portfolio
A global leader in intelligent IoT systems and embedded platforms, is excited to introduce its latest AIR series Edge AI systems, powered by the comprehensive AMD compute portfolio. These next-generation solutions leverage AMD Ryzen and EPYC processors alongside Instinct MI210 accelerators and Radeon PRO GPUs, delivering exceptional AI computing performance for demanding edge applications.
"Advantech and AMD continue to strengthen our collaboration in the Edge AI era, integrating advanced CPU platforms with high-performance AI accelerators and GPU solutions," said Aaron Su, Vice President of Advantech Embedded IoT Group. "This joint effort enables cutting-edge computing power to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving embedded AI applications.
"Advantech and AMD continue to strengthen our collaboration in the Edge AI era, integrating advanced CPU platforms with high-performance AI accelerators and GPU solutions," said Aaron Su, Vice President of Advantech Embedded IoT Group. "This joint effort enables cutting-edge computing power to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving embedded AI applications.
G.Skill Announces New DDR5 Memory Kits for AMD Platform
G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is excited to announce the release of three new DDR5 memory specifications with AMD EXPO OC profiles for AMD platforms, including an extreme speed with low-latency at DDR5-8000 CL36-48-48 48 GB (24 GB x2), large-capacity & low-latency DDR5-6000 CL28-36-36 192 GB (48 GB x4), and a new DDR5-6000 CL26-39-39 with 48 GB (24 GB x2) kit capacity. Designed for PC enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and AI applications, these cutting-edge DDR5 memory kits push the boundaries of speed, latency, and capacity on AMD AM5 platforms.
Pushing the Limits with Extreme DDR5-8000 CL36 24 GB x2
For users seeking top-tier performance, the new DDR5-8000 CL36-48-48 24 GB x2 memory kit with AMD EXPO OC profile is engineered for ultra-high memory speed at low CL36 latency timings. This extreme-speed and low-latency combination is ideal for exceptional system responsiveness and multitasking performance. See below for the Memtest validation screenshot showcasing its stability on the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero motherboard and AMD Ryzen 9 9900X desktop processor.
Pushing the Limits with Extreme DDR5-8000 CL36 24 GB x2
For users seeking top-tier performance, the new DDR5-8000 CL36-48-48 24 GB x2 memory kit with AMD EXPO OC profile is engineered for ultra-high memory speed at low CL36 latency timings. This extreme-speed and low-latency combination is ideal for exceptional system responsiveness and multitasking performance. See below for the Memtest validation screenshot showcasing its stability on the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero motherboard and AMD Ryzen 9 9900X desktop processor.
Tuesday, March 11th 2025
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Monitors
Motherboards
Notebooks
Processors
Dough Spectrum Black 32 Review
The Dough Spectrum Black 32 is a community-(co)developed 32-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor, offering lightning-fast response times, very low input lag, and Dual-Mode functionality, which transforms it from 4K@240 Hz to Full HD@480 Hz in an attempt to give you a competitive edge in multiplayer shooters.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review - Great for Gaming and Productivity
The new AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D brings Zen 5 with 3D V-Cache to the high-end. This new $700 flagship offers the best application performance, beating even the 9950X, and at the same time you get a fantastic gaming experience that's better than any other non-X3D processor on the market.
Oracle Plans to Use 30,000 AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs for AI Cloud
AMD's Instinct MI355X accelerators for AI workloads are gaining traction, and Oracle just became one of the bigger customers. According to Oracle's latest financial results, the company noted that it had acquired 30,000 AMD Instinct MI355X accelerators. "In Q3, we signed a multi billion dollar contract with AMD to build a cluster of 30,000 of their latest MI355X GPUs," noted Larry Ellison, adding that "And all four of the leading cloud security companies, CrowdStrike, Cyber Reason, Newfold Digital and Palo Alto, they all decided to move to the Oracle Cloud. But perhaps most importantly, Oracle has developed a new product called the AI data platform that enables our huge install base of database customers to use the latest AI models from OpenAI, XAI and Meta to analyze all of the data they have stored in their millions of existing Oracle databases. By using Oracle version 23 AI's vector capabilities, customers can automatically put all of their existing data into the vector format that is understood by AI models. This allows those AI models to learn, understand and analyze every aspect of your company or government agency, instantly unlocking the value in your data while keeping your data private and secure."
AMD's Instinct MI355X accelerator introduces the CDNA4 architecture on TSMC's N3 process node with a focus on AI workload acceleration. The chiplet-based GPU delivers 2.3 petaflops of FP16 compute and 4.6 petaflops of FP8 compute, marking a 77% performance increase over the MI300X series. The MI355X's key advancement comes through support for reduced-precision FP4 and FP6 numerical formats, enabling up to 9.2 petaflops of FP4 compute. Memory specifications include 288 GB of HBM3E across eight stacks, providing 8 TB/s of total bandwidth. Production timelines place the MI355X's market entry in the second half of 2025, continuing AMD's annual cadence for data center GPU launches. By second half, Oracle will likely prepare data center space for these GPUs and just power them on once AMD ships these accelerators.
AMD's Instinct MI355X accelerator introduces the CDNA4 architecture on TSMC's N3 process node with a focus on AI workload acceleration. The chiplet-based GPU delivers 2.3 petaflops of FP16 compute and 4.6 petaflops of FP8 compute, marking a 77% performance increase over the MI300X series. The MI355X's key advancement comes through support for reduced-precision FP4 and FP6 numerical formats, enabling up to 9.2 petaflops of FP4 compute. Memory specifications include 288 GB of HBM3E across eight stacks, providing 8 TB/s of total bandwidth. Production timelines place the MI355X's market entry in the second half of 2025, continuing AMD's annual cadence for data center GPU launches. By second half, Oracle will likely prepare data center space for these GPUs and just power them on once AMD ships these accelerators.
Retroid Pocket Mini Scaling Issue Deemed Unfixable, $10 Discount Announced For Customers
The Retroid Pocket Mini handheld was announced with an AMOLED display boasting a resolution of 1280 x 960, which was plenty for its tiny 3.7-inch display. However, the product has suffered from a pretty severe scaling issue, with the device extending a 1280 x 928 image to fit the panel's native resolution. While that may not sound like much, the scaling issues have adversely affected a sizeable chunk of is customers, particularly those who enjoy CRT filters, ultimately leading Retroid to issue a response. For a detailed understanding of the implications of the scaling issues, be sure to check out Retro Gamer Corps' detailed video on the matter.
According to Retroid, the aforementioned issue is not fixable, and requires hardware-level revisions for the next version of the system. For those with the current version, Retroid has announced a $10 discount coupon towards their future products for everyone who purchased the system. Moreover, those who simply do not wish to put up with the scaling issues, will have the opportunity to return the product and receive a full refund. The return window is valid only until 14th of March, and while the number of returns was capped at 200 previously, Retroid's recent statement, shared by RGC, contains no such indication.
According to Retroid, the aforementioned issue is not fixable, and requires hardware-level revisions for the next version of the system. For those with the current version, Retroid has announced a $10 discount coupon towards their future products for everyone who purchased the system. Moreover, those who simply do not wish to put up with the scaling issues, will have the opportunity to return the product and receive a full refund. The return window is valid only until 14th of March, and while the number of returns was capped at 200 previously, Retroid's recent statement, shared by RGC, contains no such indication.
ASML and imec Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Support Semiconductor Research and Sustainable Innovation in Europe
ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) and imec, a leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, today announce that they have signed a new strategic partnership agreement, focusing on research and sustainability. The agreement has a duration of five years and aims to deliver valuable solutions in two areas by bringing together ASML's and imec's respective knowledge and expertise. First, to develop solutions that advance the semiconductor industry and second, to develop initiatives focused on sustainable innovation.
The collaboration incorporates ASML's whole product portfolio, with a focus on developing high-end nodes, using ASML systems including 0.55 NA EUV, 0.33 NA EUV, DUV immersion, YieldStar optical metrology and HMI single- and multi-beam technologies. These tools will be installed in imec's state-of-the-art pilot line and incorporated in the EU- and Flemish-funded NanoIC pilot line, providing the most advanced infrastructure for sub-2 nm R&D to the international semiconductor ecosystem. Focus areas for R&D will also include silicon photonics, memory and advanced packaging, offering full stack innovation for future semiconductor-based AI applications in diverse markets.
The collaboration incorporates ASML's whole product portfolio, with a focus on developing high-end nodes, using ASML systems including 0.55 NA EUV, 0.33 NA EUV, DUV immersion, YieldStar optical metrology and HMI single- and multi-beam technologies. These tools will be installed in imec's state-of-the-art pilot line and incorporated in the EU- and Flemish-funded NanoIC pilot line, providing the most advanced infrastructure for sub-2 nm R&D to the international semiconductor ecosystem. Focus areas for R&D will also include silicon photonics, memory and advanced packaging, offering full stack innovation for future semiconductor-based AI applications in diverse markets.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Reportedly Outperforms RTX 5080 Through Undervolting
AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT is demonstrating unexpected performance gains through aggressive undervolting, with overclocking specialists documenting significant improvements that push the GPU past NVIDIA's pricier GeForce RTX 5080 in specific benchmarks. Recent tests by Der8auer using a PowerColor Red Devil RX 9070 XT revealed a 10% frame rate increase in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra settings by applying a -170 mV voltage offset while increasing the power target to 110%. This modification enabled the GPU to reach clock speeds of 3.36 GHz, compared to 2.90 GHz at stock settings, resulting in 66 FPS versus the RTX 5080's 65 FPS in identical testing environments. The undervolting phenomenon appears consistent across the product line, with YouTuber Alva Jonathan achieving similar 10% performance improvements on the standard RX 9070 using ASRock's Steel Legend model.
Both testers discovered that traditional core clock overclocking yielded negligible results, suggesting these factory-overclocked cards are already operating near their architectural limits. The voltage-frequency curve adjustments effectively lower the voltage required for higher frequencies. Memory overclocking proved counterproductive, with error correction mechanisms actually reducing in-game performance when pushed beyond stable parameters. These results come with important caveats—both tested units are premium variants with enhanced power delivery and cooling solutions that sell significantly above AMD's MSRP. The PowerColor Red Devil commanded a $200 premium over the RX 9070 XT's $599 launch price, while the ASRock Steel Legend carried a $90 markup over the RX 9070's base $550 MSRP. Even with these premiums, however, the high-end RX 9070 XT models remain approximately $200 less expensive than NVIDIA's RTX 5080 while delivering comparable rasterization performance after optimization, despite NVIDIA's ongoing advantages in ray tracing capabilities and software ecosystem.
Both testers discovered that traditional core clock overclocking yielded negligible results, suggesting these factory-overclocked cards are already operating near their architectural limits. The voltage-frequency curve adjustments effectively lower the voltage required for higher frequencies. Memory overclocking proved counterproductive, with error correction mechanisms actually reducing in-game performance when pushed beyond stable parameters. These results come with important caveats—both tested units are premium variants with enhanced power delivery and cooling solutions that sell significantly above AMD's MSRP. The PowerColor Red Devil commanded a $200 premium over the RX 9070 XT's $599 launch price, while the ASRock Steel Legend carried a $90 markup over the RX 9070's base $550 MSRP. Even with these premiums, however, the high-end RX 9070 XT models remain approximately $200 less expensive than NVIDIA's RTX 5080 while delivering comparable rasterization performance after optimization, despite NVIDIA's ongoing advantages in ray tracing capabilities and software ecosystem.
Topton M1: AMD Ryzen 3-powered Mini PC Unveiled With Tiny Chassis
Mini PCs have steadily increased in popularity in recent years, primarily thanks to the performance and efficiency improvements brought to the table by APUs from Intel and AMD. There is no shortage of such systems with commendable computing horsepower, but there also exists a certain segment which prioritizes compactness over anything else. The Topton M1 undoubtedly belongs to that category, boasting a chassis that is 7.8 x 7.8 x 5.5 cm in dimensions.
As can be expected from a system as diminutive as the M1 mini PC, the internal specifications are nothing to write home about. At its core, a Ryzen 3 5425U APU powers the system, paired with up to 32 GB of soldered LPDDR4X memory. The "Cezanne" APU is based on the Zen 3 microarchitecture, packing four cores and eight threads. The 15-watt APU boasts similar CPU performance to the Core Ultra 5 134U, which should allow it to chew through most non-intensive workloads. Needless to say, support for discrete graphics is absent, and the integrated 6-core Vega iGPU should suffice for video playback and extremely lightweight tasks.
As can be expected from a system as diminutive as the M1 mini PC, the internal specifications are nothing to write home about. At its core, a Ryzen 3 5425U APU powers the system, paired with up to 32 GB of soldered LPDDR4X memory. The "Cezanne" APU is based on the Zen 3 microarchitecture, packing four cores and eight threads. The 15-watt APU boasts similar CPU performance to the Core Ultra 5 134U, which should allow it to chew through most non-intensive workloads. Needless to say, support for discrete graphics is absent, and the integrated 6-core Vega iGPU should suffice for video playback and extremely lightweight tasks.
Supermicro Intros New Systems Optimized for Edge and Embedded Workloads
Supermicro, Inc. a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, is introducing a wide range of new systems which are fully optimized for edge and embedded workloads. Several of these new compact servers, which are based on the latest Intel Xeon 6 SoC processor family (formerly codenamed Granite Rapids-D), empower businesses to optimize real-time AI inferencing and enable smarter applications across many key industries.
"As the demand for Edge AI solutions grows, businesses need highly reliable, compact systems that can process data at the edge in real-time," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "At Supermicro, we design and deploy the industry's broadest range of application optimized systems from the data center to the far edge. Our latest generation of edge servers deliver advanced AI capabilities for enhanced efficiency and decision-making close to where the data is generated. With up to 2.5 times core count increase at the edge with improved performance per watt and per core, these new Supermicro compact systems are fully optimized for workloads such as Edge AI, telecom, networking, and CDN."
"As the demand for Edge AI solutions grows, businesses need highly reliable, compact systems that can process data at the edge in real-time," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "At Supermicro, we design and deploy the industry's broadest range of application optimized systems from the data center to the far edge. Our latest generation of edge servers deliver advanced AI capabilities for enhanced efficiency and decision-making close to where the data is generated. With up to 2.5 times core count increase at the edge with improved performance per watt and per core, these new Supermicro compact systems are fully optimized for workloads such as Edge AI, telecom, networking, and CDN."
Qualcomm Targets Bolstering of AI & IoT Capabilities with Edge Impulse Acquisition
At Embedded World Germany, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced the entry into an agreement to acquire EdgeImpulse Inc., which will enhance its offering for developers and expand its leadership in AI capabilities to power AI-enabled products and services across IoT. The closing of this deal is subject to customary closing conditions. This acquisition is anticipated to complement Qualcomm Technologies' strategic approach to IoT transformation, which includes a comprehensive chipset roadmap, unified software architecture, a suite of services, developer resources, ecosystem partners, comprehensive solutions, and IoT blueprints to address diverse industry needs and challenges.
"We are thrilled about the opportunity to significantly enhance our IoT offerings with Edge Impulse's advanced AI-powered end-to-end platform that will complement our strategic approach to IoT transformation," said Nakul Duggal, group general manager, automotive, industrial and embedded IoT, and cloud computing, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "We anticipate that this acquisition will strengthen our leadership in AI and developer enablement, enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive technology for critical sectors such as retail, security, energy and utilities, supply chain management, and asset management. IoT opens the door for a myriad of opportunities, and success is about building real-world solutions, enabling developers and enterprises with AI capabilities to extract intelligence from data, and providing them with the tools to build the applications and services that will power the digital transformation of industries."
"We are thrilled about the opportunity to significantly enhance our IoT offerings with Edge Impulse's advanced AI-powered end-to-end platform that will complement our strategic approach to IoT transformation," said Nakul Duggal, group general manager, automotive, industrial and embedded IoT, and cloud computing, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "We anticipate that this acquisition will strengthen our leadership in AI and developer enablement, enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive technology for critical sectors such as retail, security, energy and utilities, supply chain management, and asset management. IoT opens the door for a myriad of opportunities, and success is about building real-world solutions, enabling developers and enterprises with AI capabilities to extract intelligence from data, and providing them with the tools to build the applications and services that will power the digital transformation of industries."
Getac Introduces Next-gen AI-ready B360 and B360 Pro "Fully Rugged" Laptops
Getac Technology Corporation (Getac), a leading provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions, today announced the launch of its next generation B360 and B360 Pro fully rugged laptops, offering professionals across industries including field services, utilities and defense two powerful, yet versatile solutions to overcome the daily challenges they face.
Next generation AI-ready performance
The next generation B360 and B360 Pro combine fully rugged build quality with a host of innovative new technology upgrades. This includes the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and Intel AI Boost technology, which enables users to leverage on-device Edge AI to quickly and seamlessly execute tasks. In a recent text-to-report evaluation test conducted with Getac industry customers using Llama 3.1 8B, AI applications running on the B360 were able to turn extensive texts into full reports in a matter of seconds. This powerful Edge AI performance offers significant operational advantages over cloud AI, particularly in scenarios requiring real-time processing, high levels of data privacy and security, offline capability, and cost efficiency.
Next generation AI-ready performance
The next generation B360 and B360 Pro combine fully rugged build quality with a host of innovative new technology upgrades. This includes the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and Intel AI Boost technology, which enables users to leverage on-device Edge AI to quickly and seamlessly execute tasks. In a recent text-to-report evaluation test conducted with Getac industry customers using Llama 3.1 8B, AI applications running on the B360 were able to turn extensive texts into full reports in a matter of seconds. This powerful Edge AI performance offers significant operational advantages over cloud AI, particularly in scenarios requiring real-time processing, high levels of data privacy and security, offline capability, and cost efficiency.
Physical SIM Support Reportedly in the Balance for Ultra-thin Smartphones w/ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 SoCs
According to Digital Chat Station—a repeat leaker of unannounced Qualcomm hardware—unnamed Android smartphone manufacturers are considering an eSIM-only operating model for future flagship devices. Starting with the iPhone 14 generation (2022), Apple has continued to deliver gadgets that are not reliant on "slotted-in" physical SIM cards. According to industry insiders, competitors could copy the market leader's homework—Digital Chat Station's latest Weibo blog post discusses the space-saving benefits of eSIM operation; being "conducive to lightweight and integrated design." Forthcoming top-tier slimline Android mobile devices are tipped to utilize Qualcomm's rumored second-generation "Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2" (SM8850) chipset.
Digital Chat Station reckons that: "SM8850 series phones at the end of the year are testing eSIM. Whether they can be implemented in China is still a question mark. Let's wait and see the iPhone 17 Air. In order to have an ultra-thin body, this phone directly cancels the physical SIM card slot. Either it will be a special phone for the domestic market, or it will get eSIM." The phasing out of physical SIM cards within the Chinese mobile market could be a tricky prospect for local OEMs, but reports suggest that "traditionally-dimensioned" flagship offerings will continue to support the familiar subscriber identity module standard. Physical SIM card purists often point out that the format still provides superior network support range.
Digital Chat Station reckons that: "SM8850 series phones at the end of the year are testing eSIM. Whether they can be implemented in China is still a question mark. Let's wait and see the iPhone 17 Air. In order to have an ultra-thin body, this phone directly cancels the physical SIM card slot. Either it will be a special phone for the domestic market, or it will get eSIM." The phasing out of physical SIM cards within the Chinese mobile market could be a tricky prospect for local OEMs, but reports suggest that "traditionally-dimensioned" flagship offerings will continue to support the familiar subscriber identity module standard. Physical SIM card purists often point out that the format still provides superior network support range.
MercurySteam Devs Discuss Creative Process Behind "Blades of Fire"
Blades of Fire takes place in an age of petrified steel. An all-powerful witch queen's spell turns all the world's steel into stone, apart from that wielded by an army of brainwashed minions who once served her father. This one small technological twist changes everything for this unique fantasy world. Granted a legendary hammer, Aran de Lira is the only one who can forge new weapons and fight back, becoming an unwilling hero on an unlikely quest. MercurySteam's much-anticipated follow-up to Metroid Dread, Blades of Fire is a brand-new IP that aims to reforge the action adventure genre with strategic combat, the debut of a rich sword-and-sorcery fantasy world, and a deep weapon forging system that hopes to deliver unlimited customization. Each weapon you forge is one-of-a-kind, ready to carve out its own destiny. You don't build a character—you build an arsenal. We recently played the opening stages of Blades of Fire and spoke to the team about how they're reforging the action adventure and making players think about weapons from a fresh perspective.
Closing the circle
It was a long path to get here for Enric Alvarez, MercurySteam Co-Founder, CEO, and Game Director. Just as the age of iron and steel was preceded by 2,000 long years of the Bronze Age, Blades of Fire is the culmination of a 24-year journey, a period the Madrid-based studio spent sharpening their skills and burnishing a prestigious reputation. In 2001, the founding members of MercurySteam worked at Rebel Act. The studio only released one game: Blade of Darkness, a PC cult classic sometimes regarded as a precursor to the Souls games for its minimalist storytelling, challenging stamina-driven combat, and a dark fantasy world beyond redemption. The influence of Conan and The Lord of the Rings (pre-Peter Jackson adaptations, as The Fellowship of the Ring came out that December) was strong, pairing exhilarating sword-and-board action with epic grandeur. Perhaps too ahead of its time, Rebel Act closed its doors after Blade of Darkness failed to find a sufficient audience.
Closing the circle
It was a long path to get here for Enric Alvarez, MercurySteam Co-Founder, CEO, and Game Director. Just as the age of iron and steel was preceded by 2,000 long years of the Bronze Age, Blades of Fire is the culmination of a 24-year journey, a period the Madrid-based studio spent sharpening their skills and burnishing a prestigious reputation. In 2001, the founding members of MercurySteam worked at Rebel Act. The studio only released one game: Blade of Darkness, a PC cult classic sometimes regarded as a precursor to the Souls games for its minimalist storytelling, challenging stamina-driven combat, and a dark fantasy world beyond redemption. The influence of Conan and The Lord of the Rings (pre-Peter Jackson adaptations, as The Fellowship of the Ring came out that December) was strong, pairing exhilarating sword-and-board action with epic grandeur. Perhaps too ahead of its time, Rebel Act closed its doors after Blade of Darkness failed to find a sufficient audience.
Retroid Reveals Specifications for Pocket Classic Gaming Handheld
Retroid, a popular brand of retro gaming handhelds, has finally revealed the specifications for its upcoming product - the Retro Pocket Classic. As the name suggests, the product will boast a compact form factor that screams retro vibes. The company has revealed multiple teasers for the device in the past, and has now shed light on the detailed specifications of the same. As teased, the Pocket Classic will boast a 3.92-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 500 nits and a resolution of 1,240 x 1080 allowing for an impressive pixel density of 419.
Internally, an undisclosed 4 nm Qualcomm SoC will sit at the heart of the device, paired with 4 GB of LPDDR4X memory and 64 GB of eMMC storage. The product will boast an active cooling solution, which should allow for longer play times without any severe throttling issues. Speaking of longer play times, the Pocket Classic will boast a 5,000-mAh battery with 27-watt charging support. At just 13.8 x 8.9 x 2.6 cm, the Pocket Classic weighs in at just 223 grams. As for connectivity, a USB-C port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, as well as a TF card slot. Wireless communications will be taken care of by Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5. Pricing and availability details are under wraps for now, but when the time comes, the Pocket Classic will ship with Android 14 pre-installed.
Internally, an undisclosed 4 nm Qualcomm SoC will sit at the heart of the device, paired with 4 GB of LPDDR4X memory and 64 GB of eMMC storage. The product will boast an active cooling solution, which should allow for longer play times without any severe throttling issues. Speaking of longer play times, the Pocket Classic will boast a 5,000-mAh battery with 27-watt charging support. At just 13.8 x 8.9 x 2.6 cm, the Pocket Classic weighs in at just 223 grams. As for connectivity, a USB-C port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, as well as a TF card slot. Wireless communications will be taken care of by Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5. Pricing and availability details are under wraps for now, but when the time comes, the Pocket Classic will ship with Android 14 pre-installed.
GIGABYTE Japan Conducts "Ultimate PCIe Scratch Test" - Indirectly Ribs ASUS Q-Release Slim Design
Around late January, concerned owners of high-end ASUS motherboards uploaded photo and video evidence of alleged physical damage caused by the manufacturer's PCIe "Q-Release Slim" system. Social media and forum posts showed worrying scraping and scratching on graphics card interfaces. The North American branch of ASUS responded to reports with a public service announcement: "in our internal testing and evaluation of the extremely small number of cases reported, we found no damage to the motherboard or graphics card that would affect functionality and/or performance....However, it is important to emphasize that any type of PCIe add-in card will exhibit signs of usage and wear marking after 60 continuous insertions and removals." Rival brands have kept tabs on this sorry situation; many offer similar motherboard-mounted GPU quick release systems. Yesterday, GIGABYTE's Japanese office posted a very "on the nose" demonstration of their EZ Latch Plus design.
The AORUS Japan social media account's "Ultimate PCIe Scratch Test" video involved the repeated insertion and removal of a candidate card from a GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard. An anonymous employee completed one hundred cycles. Upon the experiment's conclusion, the graphics card's interface displayed zero evidence of physical deterioration. The manufacturer's Japanese AORUS branch boasted (via machine translation): "start building your PC with confidence! GIGABYTE's renowned easy DIY and ultra-durable design ensures smooth, hassle-free builds and rock-solid reliability. No more worrying about peeling golden finger contacts or scratches from metal edges." Their sarcastic delivery seemingly pokes fun at ASUS and the "troubled" Q-Release Slim system; it should be noted that it is a relatively new design. As reported back in early February, ASUS China launched an extensive customer support/compensation program. According to user accounts, some very expensive custom GeForce RTX 50-series cards have suffered cosmetic damage on PCIe interfaces. GIGABYTE's Western web presences have joined in on the fun—the AORUS Official social media account delivered a slightly different spin on their overall message: "game on with confidence! With our renowned DIY-friendly and Ultra Durable design, you'll enjoy a smooth, hassle-free build with rock-solid reliability. No more worries about gold finger paint peeling or scratches from metal edges—our design provides complete protection for both your GPU and motherboard."
The AORUS Japan social media account's "Ultimate PCIe Scratch Test" video involved the repeated insertion and removal of a candidate card from a GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard. An anonymous employee completed one hundred cycles. Upon the experiment's conclusion, the graphics card's interface displayed zero evidence of physical deterioration. The manufacturer's Japanese AORUS branch boasted (via machine translation): "start building your PC with confidence! GIGABYTE's renowned easy DIY and ultra-durable design ensures smooth, hassle-free builds and rock-solid reliability. No more worrying about peeling golden finger contacts or scratches from metal edges." Their sarcastic delivery seemingly pokes fun at ASUS and the "troubled" Q-Release Slim system; it should be noted that it is a relatively new design. As reported back in early February, ASUS China launched an extensive customer support/compensation program. According to user accounts, some very expensive custom GeForce RTX 50-series cards have suffered cosmetic damage on PCIe interfaces. GIGABYTE's Western web presences have joined in on the fun—the AORUS Official social media account delivered a slightly different spin on their overall message: "game on with confidence! With our renowned DIY-friendly and Ultra Durable design, you'll enjoy a smooth, hassle-free build with rock-solid reliability. No more worries about gold finger paint peeling or scratches from metal edges—our design provides complete protection for both your GPU and motherboard."
Apple macOS 16 and iOS 19 Rumored To Feature Major Redesign
Software redesigns are often a polarizing affair. No matter how a company approaches the task, the final product will always please some people, while displeasing others. However, this fact has hardly ever hindered tech giants from tinkering - or 'innovating', as they call it - and the same is expected for this year's iOS 19 and macOS 16 operating systems. As multiple sources have pointed out, including the reliable Mark Gurman, iOS 16 is likely to receive a major redesign this year, which will include design elements borrowed from Apple's VisionOS - the operating system that powers the Vision Pro.
The same applies to the upcoming macOS 16, internally code-named "Cheer", which is also borrow inspiration from VisionOS. We have witnessed hints of this in iOS 18 already, which includes round icons in the control center, as opposed to its predecessor's square icons with rounded edges. Interestingly, Gurman did not confirm whether all app icons will switch to a round shape, which will be quite interesting since older macOS and OS X versions, all the way to Catalina, boasted round app icons. Of course, design changes are often cyclic, especially in the case with Apple. Moreover, increased translucency should also be prevalent throughout macOS 16 and iOS 19 - yet another design choice that is likely to be divisive in nature. Either way, both iOS 19 and macOS 16 are expected to debut in the summer at WWDC 25, which means we don't have much waiting to do before being granted a sneak peek into the future of macOS and iOS.
The same applies to the upcoming macOS 16, internally code-named "Cheer", which is also borrow inspiration from VisionOS. We have witnessed hints of this in iOS 18 already, which includes round icons in the control center, as opposed to its predecessor's square icons with rounded edges. Interestingly, Gurman did not confirm whether all app icons will switch to a round shape, which will be quite interesting since older macOS and OS X versions, all the way to Catalina, boasted round app icons. Of course, design changes are often cyclic, especially in the case with Apple. Moreover, increased translucency should also be prevalent throughout macOS 16 and iOS 19 - yet another design choice that is likely to be divisive in nature. Either way, both iOS 19 and macOS 16 are expected to debut in the summer at WWDC 25, which means we don't have much waiting to do before being granted a sneak peek into the future of macOS and iOS.
Winstron Introduces Concept Laptop With Detachable Handheld Gaming Device
Handheld enthusiasts are likely quite familiar with tiny laptops that intend to function as handheld gaming consoles. The company Winstron has a different vision for the segment, however, which has been depicted by the company's latest concept - the Winstron Dual Fusion. Considering that this product is very much in the concept stage, we have no details regarding specifications, pricing, or availability. That said, the concept laptop sure does look quite interesting.
Instead of shrinking a laptop down to the size of a handheld, Winstron's Dual Fusion package consists of a typically sized laptop with a detachable palm rest area. This section, will include a display where the trackpad is present, flanked by controls on either side that disappear when the module is attached to the host system. The handheld module is not standalone, unsurprisingly, and is only meant to act as a streaming companion for the laptop. The handheld module will also include a 180-degree hinge, in order to allow for the display to flip and switch positions with the touchpad on the other side. As stated previously, Winstron has yet to reveal any plans for manufacturing the device, and as always, the rest remains to be seen with time.
Instead of shrinking a laptop down to the size of a handheld, Winstron's Dual Fusion package consists of a typically sized laptop with a detachable palm rest area. This section, will include a display where the trackpad is present, flanked by controls on either side that disappear when the module is attached to the host system. The handheld module is not standalone, unsurprisingly, and is only meant to act as a streaming companion for the laptop. The handheld module will also include a 180-degree hinge, in order to allow for the display to flip and switch positions with the touchpad on the other side. As stated previously, Winstron has yet to reveal any plans for manufacturing the device, and as always, the rest remains to be seen with time.
Samsung & Logitech Celebrate Five Years of Video Conferencing Collaboration
Samsung Electronics and Logitech celebrate five years of partnership in video conferencing, combining their industry-leading solutions to enhance workplace collaboration and productivity. The integration of Samsung high-definition displays with Logitech's video conferencing solutions creates immersive, connected experiences ready to meet the needs of today's employees.
With the rise of flexible work environments, organizations require meeting spaces equipped with advanced video conferencing technology to enable seamless collaboration for distributed teams. Businesses can now leverage Samsung's high-definition displays with Logitech's conference cameras, webcams and audio systems to achieve crystal-clear video and sound, helping remote and in-person participants feel like they are in the same room. Samsung Interactive Displays also enable teams to connect, share ideas and whiteboard on a single screen. These meeting solutions make every participant feel equally engaged regardless of location.
With the rise of flexible work environments, organizations require meeting spaces equipped with advanced video conferencing technology to enable seamless collaboration for distributed teams. Businesses can now leverage Samsung's high-definition displays with Logitech's conference cameras, webcams and audio systems to achieve crystal-clear video and sound, helping remote and in-person participants feel like they are in the same room. Samsung Interactive Displays also enable teams to connect, share ideas and whiteboard on a single screen. These meeting solutions make every participant feel equally engaged regardless of location.
GALAX RTX 5090D HOF XOC LE Card Overclocked to 3.27 GHz, Record Breaking Prototype Enabled w/ Second 12V-2×6 Connector
As reported last month, GALAX had distributed prototypes of its upcoming flagship "Hall of Fame" (HOF) card—based on NVIDIA's Chinese market exclusive GeForce RTX 5090D GPU—to prominent figures within the PC hardware overclocking community. Earlier examples sported single 12V-2×6 power connectors, although GALAX's exposed white PCB design showed extra space for an additional unit. Evaluators conducted experiments involving liquid nitrogen-based cooling methods. The most vocal of online critics questioned the overclocking capability of initial GeForce RTX 5090D HOF samples, due to limitations presented by a lone avenue of power delivery. A definitive answer has arrived in the form of the manufacturer's elite team-devised GeForce RTX 5090D HOF Extreme Overclock (XOC) Lab Limited Edition candidate; a newer variant that makes use of dual 12V-2×6 power connectors. Several overclocking experts have entered into a GALAX-hosted competition—Micka:)Shu, a Chinese participant, posted photos of their test rig setup (see below).
Micka's early access sample managed to achieve top placement GPU on UL Benchmarks' 3DMark Speed Way Hall of Fame, with a final score of 17169 points. A screenshotted GPU-Z session shows the card's core frequency reaching 3277 MHz. Around late January, ASUS China's general manager (Tony Yu) documented his overclocking of a ROG Astral RTX 5090 D GAMING OC specimen up to 3.4 GHz; under liquid nitrogen cooled conditions. GALAX has similarly outfitted its flagship model with selectively binned components and an "over-engineered" design. The company's "bog-standard" HOF model is no slouch, despite the limitation imposed by a single power connector. The GALAX OC Facebook account sent out some appreciation to another noted competitor (and collaborator): "thanks to Overclocked Gaming Systems—OGS Rauf for help with the overclock of GeForce RTX 5090D HOF, and all of (our) GALAX products." The OGS member set world records with said "normal" HOF card—achieving scores of 59,072 points in 3DMark's Fire Strike Extreme project, and 25,040 points in Unigine Superposition (8K-optimized).
Micka's early access sample managed to achieve top placement GPU on UL Benchmarks' 3DMark Speed Way Hall of Fame, with a final score of 17169 points. A screenshotted GPU-Z session shows the card's core frequency reaching 3277 MHz. Around late January, ASUS China's general manager (Tony Yu) documented his overclocking of a ROG Astral RTX 5090 D GAMING OC specimen up to 3.4 GHz; under liquid nitrogen cooled conditions. GALAX has similarly outfitted its flagship model with selectively binned components and an "over-engineered" design. The company's "bog-standard" HOF model is no slouch, despite the limitation imposed by a single power connector. The GALAX OC Facebook account sent out some appreciation to another noted competitor (and collaborator): "thanks to Overclocked Gaming Systems—OGS Rauf for help with the overclock of GeForce RTX 5090D HOF, and all of (our) GALAX products." The OGS member set world records with said "normal" HOF card—achieving scores of 59,072 points in 3DMark's Fire Strike Extreme project, and 25,040 points in Unigine Superposition (8K-optimized).
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 Launches 37 Years After the Original
Beyond the Ice Palace 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 platforming cult classic, launches today on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Games Store. Developed by Storybird Studio and co-published by PQube and PixelHeart, this modern revival of the legendary action-platformer delivers fast-paced combat, challenging traversal, and hidden secrets, all wrapped in a stunning gothic pixel-art world.
After an unprecedented 37-year wait, gaming history has been made with the release of Beyond The Ice Palace 2, shattering records as the longest gap between an original game and its sequel. When the first Beyond The Ice Palace captivated players on platforms like Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum in 1988, few could have imagined that fans would wait nearly four decades for a continuation of the beloved fantasy action platformer.
After an unprecedented 37-year wait, gaming history has been made with the release of Beyond The Ice Palace 2, shattering records as the longest gap between an original game and its sequel. When the first Beyond The Ice Palace captivated players on platforms like Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum in 1988, few could have imagined that fans would wait nearly four decades for a continuation of the beloved fantasy action platformer.
Blizzard Entertainment Announces Return of BlizzCon in 2026
BlizzCon is back! The ultimate celebration of our games and the community that unites us is returning to the Anaheim Convention Center Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, in 2026. One of our favorite traditions, BlizzCon brings us together over our shared passion for Blizzard's universes, but at its heart, BlizzCon has always been about so much more. It's about you, the communities you are a part of, and gives us the chance to connect, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories together.
We've come a long way since our first event in 2005. Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments. It's important that we put on an event worthy of our community. For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, we aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it. We are building this event just like we build our games: with a deep commitment to our players, with respect for your connections to our universes, and as a celebration of the strength of the bonds formed through shared adventure.
We've come a long way since our first event in 2005. Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments. It's important that we put on an event worthy of our community. For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, we aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it. We are building this event just like we build our games: with a deep commitment to our players, with respect for your connections to our universes, and as a celebration of the strength of the bonds formed through shared adventure.
Meta Reportedly Reaches Test Phase with First In-house AI Training Chip
According to a Reuters technology report, Meta's engineering department is engaged in the testing of their "first in-house chip for training artificial intelligence systems." Two inside sources have declared this significant development milestone; involving a small-scale deployment of early samples. The owner of Facebook could ramp up production, upon initial batches passing muster. Despite a recent-ish showcasing of an open-architecture NVIDIA "Blackwell" GB200 system for enterprise, Meta leadership is reported to be pursuing proprietary solutions. Multiple big players—in the field of artificial intelligence—are attempting to breakaway from a total reliance on Team Green. Last month, press outlets concentrated on OpenAI's alleged finalization of an in-house design, with rumored involvement coming from Broadcom and TSMC.
One of the Reuters industry moles believes that Meta has signed up with TSMC—supposedly, the Taiwanese foundry was responsible for the production of test batches. Tom's Hardware reckons that Meta and Broadcom were working together with the tape out of the social media giant's "first AI training accelerator." Development of the company's "Meta Training and Inference Accelerator" (MTIA) series has stretched back a couple of years—according to Reuters, this multi-part project: "had a wobbly start for years, and at one point scrapped a chip at a similar phase of development...Meta last year, started using an MTIA chip to perform inference, or the process involved in running an AI system as users interact with it, for the recommendation systems that determine which content shows up on Facebook and Instagram news feeds." Leadership is reportedly aiming to get custom silicon solutions up and running for AI training by next year. Past examples of MTIA hardware were deployed with open-source RISC-V cores (for inference tasks), but is not clear whether this architecture will form the basis of Meta's latest AI chip design.
One of the Reuters industry moles believes that Meta has signed up with TSMC—supposedly, the Taiwanese foundry was responsible for the production of test batches. Tom's Hardware reckons that Meta and Broadcom were working together with the tape out of the social media giant's "first AI training accelerator." Development of the company's "Meta Training and Inference Accelerator" (MTIA) series has stretched back a couple of years—according to Reuters, this multi-part project: "had a wobbly start for years, and at one point scrapped a chip at a similar phase of development...Meta last year, started using an MTIA chip to perform inference, or the process involved in running an AI system as users interact with it, for the recommendation systems that determine which content shows up on Facebook and Instagram news feeds." Leadership is reportedly aiming to get custom silicon solutions up and running for AI training by next year. Past examples of MTIA hardware were deployed with open-source RISC-V cores (for inference tasks), but is not clear whether this architecture will form the basis of Meta's latest AI chip design.
ViewSonic Honored at iF Design Award 2025 Event for Outstanding Excellence
ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and EdTech solutions, has been honored at the prestigious iF Design Award 2025 for its outstanding design excellence. The company earned accolades for its Mac-compatible 5K monitor, 16-inch 16:10 portable monitors, and ViewShare wireless screen casting kit, showcasing its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design.
ViewSonic has been honored at the iF Design Award 2025 for its outstanding design excellence
"We're thrilled to see our focus on user-centric innovation—like the ColorPro monitor's stunning 5K clarity for creative professionals, portable monitors for productivity on the go, and ViewShare for seamless collaboration—recognized for the eighth consecutive year at the iF Design Award," said Bonny Cheng, COO at ViewSonic. "Our goal is to deliver comprehensive solutions across business, education, and entertainment while prioritizing sustainability."
ViewSonic has been honored at the iF Design Award 2025 for its outstanding design excellence
"We're thrilled to see our focus on user-centric innovation—like the ColorPro monitor's stunning 5K clarity for creative professionals, portable monitors for productivity on the go, and ViewShare for seamless collaboration—recognized for the eighth consecutive year at the iF Design Award," said Bonny Cheng, COO at ViewSonic. "Our goal is to deliver comprehensive solutions across business, education, and entertainment while prioritizing sustainability."
Acer Nitro N50 Pre-built PC with GeForce RTX 5060 GPU Listed in France
A curiously-specced Acer Nitro N50 (N50-656) pre-built gaming PC system was spotted and then reported online, courtesy of momomo_us's diligent eye—trained on all manner of international retail and e-tail webstores. EvoPC—a small indie outfit, located in Nancy, France—has inadvertently hinted about a potential upcoming launch of NVIDIA's unannounced GeForce RTX 5060 model. VideoCardz believes that Team Green will be unveiling the lower end of its gaming-oriented "Blackwell" GPU product stack.
An imminent announcement—reportedly marked down for this week—could include another GB203-based variant; the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti—in addition, they reckon that NVIDIA will reveal a next-gen "entry-mainstream" offering; in the shape of GeForce RTX 5050. Comprehensive details leaked onto the internet over the past weekend. EvoPC's webshop advertises the "currently unavailable" Acer Nitro N50-656 system with a steep €1589 (~$1735 USD) price tag (subject to change). Their basic rundown of internal parts lists: an Intel Core i7-14700F processor, 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5 RAM, and NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5060 GPU with 8 GB of GDDR7 SDRAM.
An imminent announcement—reportedly marked down for this week—could include another GB203-based variant; the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti—in addition, they reckon that NVIDIA will reveal a next-gen "entry-mainstream" offering; in the shape of GeForce RTX 5050. Comprehensive details leaked onto the internet over the past weekend. EvoPC's webshop advertises the "currently unavailable" Acer Nitro N50-656 system with a steep €1589 (~$1735 USD) price tag (subject to change). Their basic rundown of internal parts lists: an Intel Core i7-14700F processor, 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5 RAM, and NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5060 GPU with 8 GB of GDDR7 SDRAM.
Order 13 Out Now on Steam
The time has come! Order 13 is now available. What a crazy ride it has been since we first announced the game back in January. We hope that you are ready for your fist shift in the warehouse. It is finally time for you to dive in and uncover the mysteries of the place. A huge thank you to everyone who played the demo, gave us feedback and sent us thoughtful messages on the game. It's also been mind-blowing to see creators like CaseOh, Tomato, Fooster, and Insym play, that's something to check off the bucket list.
Collect orders, pack them, and ship them out. Easy, right?
You wake up in a dark warehouse, tasked with packing orders while something lurks in the shadows. Work fast, stay safe, and protect your cat. He's all you've got. You're all alone working at a remote fulfillment center. Your only companion is your loyal cat—a comforting presence in the vast, dark warehouse you are stationed in. Start each shift by reviewing incoming orders, then venture into the warehouse to retrieve the items. Armed with a flashlight and basic tools, move quickly, avoid lingering, and complete your tasks while the shadows around you grow darker and more dangerous.
Collect orders, pack them, and ship them out. Easy, right?
You wake up in a dark warehouse, tasked with packing orders while something lurks in the shadows. Work fast, stay safe, and protect your cat. He's all you've got. You're all alone working at a remote fulfillment center. Your only companion is your loyal cat—a comforting presence in the vast, dark warehouse you are stationed in. Start each shift by reviewing incoming orders, then venture into the warehouse to retrieve the items. Armed with a flashlight and basic tools, move quickly, avoid lingering, and complete your tasks while the shadows around you grow darker and more dangerous.
Reflective Tea Shop Narrative Wanderstop Is Out Today
eveloper Ivy Road and publisher Annapurna Interactive are thrilled to release today a narrative-driven game about tea and change, Wanderstop, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Steam for $24.99.
Wanderstop's captivating original soundtrack by composer Daniel "C418" Rosenfeld (the music of Minecraft) is also available for purchase and wishlisting on Steam, Bandcamp, Spotify, and more music platforms. The score includes over 80+ songs, perfect to relax and reflect to.
Wanderstop's captivating original soundtrack by composer Daniel "C418" Rosenfeld (the music of Minecraft) is also available for purchase and wishlisting on Steam, Bandcamp, Spotify, and more music platforms. The score includes over 80+ songs, perfect to relax and reflect to.
Insiders Believe Xbox Handheld Launching This Year, Followed by Series X|S Successors in 2027
In an exclusive report, Windows Central has claimed that Microsoft is collaborating with an unnamed "PC gaming OEM" on an Xbox handheld console. Jez Corden has heard from several insiders; they reckon that a "later in 2025" launch is possible, if development goes smoothly enough. A leak from Winter 2024 indicated that Microsoft's gaming division was "targeting a handheld gaming experience," but Phil Spencer has freely disclosed his ambitions for his team's portable project. Last November, he confirmed that something was in pipeline—with a view to take on very visible competition: Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. The latest Windows Central investigative piece divulges some unprecedented details about: "codename 'Keenan,' this gaming handheld will look unmistakably 'Xbox' we're told, complete with an official Xbox guide button, and Xbox design sensibilities. Given that this is a partner device, similar to Lenovo's SteamOS partnership with Valve, I expect this handheld to be more PC-oriented. Keenan is almost definitely running full Windows, putting the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass front and center, alongside the ability to install things like Steam."
Based on inside track knowledge, Corden anticipates operating system innovations: "I expect the handheld will test new Windows 11 'device aware' capabilities, while reducing third-party OEM bloatware that are typical of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. I expect Microsoft will leverage widgets on the Xbox Game Bar on PC for controlling things like TDP and fan speed, while hopefully having a more streamlined OS experience for controller use. Of course, existing PC gaming OEMs will benefit from these efforts as well—but the research will also help with Microsoft's further-out plans." Almost a month and a half ago, Spencer outlined a sort of wishlist for "innovative" future Xbox hardware—given that Sony is rumored to be devising a "standalone PlayStation handheld," he was likely envisioning next-gen home consoles. Windows Central's sources have provided additional insights into potential Xbox Series X|S successors.
Based on inside track knowledge, Corden anticipates operating system innovations: "I expect the handheld will test new Windows 11 'device aware' capabilities, while reducing third-party OEM bloatware that are typical of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. I expect Microsoft will leverage widgets on the Xbox Game Bar on PC for controlling things like TDP and fan speed, while hopefully having a more streamlined OS experience for controller use. Of course, existing PC gaming OEMs will benefit from these efforts as well—but the research will also help with Microsoft's further-out plans." Almost a month and a half ago, Spencer outlined a sort of wishlist for "innovative" future Xbox hardware—given that Sony is rumored to be devising a "standalone PlayStation handheld," he was likely envisioning next-gen home consoles. Windows Central's sources have provided additional insights into potential Xbox Series X|S successors.
Eydigard Announces April 29th Steam Early Access Release Date
Frostisen Studio today announced that Eydigard, its highly anticipated historical fantasy RPG, will launch into Early Access on Steam for Windows PC on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Set against the rugged landscape of 16th-century Northern Norway, players take on the role of shapeshifters tasked with cleansing and reclaiming haunted farmlands.
Eydigard places players in the role of shapeshifters in 16th-century Northern Norway, blending authentic Norwegian and Sámi folklore with dynamic action RPG gameplay. Players can transform between human form and powerful animals (bear, lynx) to overcome challenges in both single-player and 1-6 player cooperative modes
Eydigard places players in the role of shapeshifters in 16th-century Northern Norway, blending authentic Norwegian and Sámi folklore with dynamic action RPG gameplay. Players can transform between human form and powerful animals (bear, lynx) to overcome challenges in both single-player and 1-6 player cooperative modes
Kingston Debuts DC3000ME PCIe 5.0 NVMe U.2 Enterprise SSD with eTLC NAND
Kingston has introduced its new DC3000ME line of enterprise-grade PCIe 5.0 SSDs. These top-tier storage devices come in a U.2 15 mm form factor (100.50 mm × 69.8 mm × 14.8 mm) and use 3D eTLC NAND flash memory. The drives include built-in power loss protection and AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Kingston DC3000ME SSDs are designed for server applications such as AI, HPC, OLTP, databases, cloud infrastructure, and edge computing. As an enterprise-grade product, the DC3000ME SSDs also feature various built-in telemetry such as media wear, temperature, health, etc.
At this moment, they are offered in three sizes: 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB. Each version has 1DWPD durability with a 5-year warranty. In terms of power consumption, we have 8 W when idle and up to 24 W during writing operations. Kingston points out the drives' steady I/O performance and quick response times, with read delays under 10µs at 99% and write delays under 70µs. (up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s sequential read/write and up to 2,800,000/500,000 4k random read/write IOPS). The drives also have NVMe-MI 1.2b remote management, end-to-end data safety, and support for TCG Opal 2.0. Exact pricing is still to be announced, however we found them online at €686,9 (3.84 TB), €1226,9 (7.68 TB), €2252,9 (15.36 TB).
At this moment, they are offered in three sizes: 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB. Each version has 1DWPD durability with a 5-year warranty. In terms of power consumption, we have 8 W when idle and up to 24 W during writing operations. Kingston points out the drives' steady I/O performance and quick response times, with read delays under 10µs at 99% and write delays under 70µs. (up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s sequential read/write and up to 2,800,000/500,000 4k random read/write IOPS). The drives also have NVMe-MI 1.2b remote management, end-to-end data safety, and support for TCG Opal 2.0. Exact pricing is still to be announced, however we found them online at €686,9 (3.84 TB), €1226,9 (7.68 TB), €2252,9 (15.36 TB).
Biostar Showcases IPC Products at Embedded World 2025
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of IPC solutions, motherboards, graphics cards, and PC peripherals, is currently showcasing its latest technologies at Embedded World 2025, held from March 11-13 at Nurnberg Messe, Germany.
BIOSTAR's showcase features AI-powered industrial PCs and edge computing platforms that provide secure, efficient, and scalable solutions for industries like automation, smart cities, and human-machine interfaces (HMI) at this year's exhibition. With cutting-edge solutions such as IPC motherboards, panel PC, and edge computing systems, and NVIDIA Jetson Orin edge AI system, the products demonstrate BIOSTAR's capabilities on edge AI and edge computing area for critical industrial applications.
BIOSTAR's showcase features AI-powered industrial PCs and edge computing platforms that provide secure, efficient, and scalable solutions for industries like automation, smart cities, and human-machine interfaces (HMI) at this year's exhibition. With cutting-edge solutions such as IPC motherboards, panel PC, and edge computing systems, and NVIDIA Jetson Orin edge AI system, the products demonstrate BIOSTAR's capabilities on edge AI and edge computing area for critical industrial applications.
Rise of Ronin Out Now on PC/Steam, Team Ninja Already Working on Performance Improvements
Today, KOEI TECMO and developer Team NINJA announced that their open-world action RPG, Rise of the Ronin, is now available digitally on Windows PC via Steam. Originally released for PlayStation 5, the epic Bakumatsu era tale takes players on a historic journey where a masterless warrior, a ronin, must fight to forge their own destiny through the chaos of war and political unrest. The Steam version supports various PC features, including ultra-wide monitor combatibility, 8K resolution, 120 FPS, 3D audio, and more.
In Rise of the Ronin, fans will play as a ronin in 1863 Japan in turmoil. With Japan's fate now in their hands, players will encounter various historical figures and factions with differing ideologies, and make significant decisions such as whether to confront or defend them. Players will also be able to form special relationships with some characters thanks to the "Veiled Vow" system, which will allow them to freely shape their own experience of the Bakumatsu period.
In Rise of the Ronin, fans will play as a ronin in 1863 Japan in turmoil. With Japan's fate now in their hands, players will encounter various historical figures and factions with differing ideologies, and make significant decisions such as whether to confront or defend them. Players will also be able to form special relationships with some characters thanks to the "Veiled Vow" system, which will allow them to freely shape their own experience of the Bakumatsu period.
Western Digital Expands WD Red Pro & G-DRIVE Series With 26TB CMR HDDs
Technology advancements in AI, video, analytics, VR, photography, and media and entertainment (M&E) have rapidly increased the demand for more data storage. Every stage of professional workflows—production, analysis, editing, collaboration and archiving—demands more capacity, performance and flexibility. In response, Western Digital (Nasdaq: WDC) is unveiling several new product enhancements built to meet the growing need for higher capacity storage solutions for today's data-driven demands.
HDD Capacity and Performance for Creative Workflows
Western Digital has unveiled higher capacities across its Professional product suite. Solutions feature enterprise-class Ultrastar 7200 RPM HDDs for high performance, reliability and fast read/write speeds.
HDD Capacity and Performance for Creative Workflows
Western Digital has unveiled higher capacities across its Professional product suite. Solutions feature enterprise-class Ultrastar 7200 RPM HDDs for high performance, reliability and fast read/write speeds.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Will Deliver First Keynote at COMPUTEX 2025
One of COMPUTEX's organizers, TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council), announced that NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang will deliver the first keynote at COMPUTEX 2025, outlining the latest advancements and breakthroughs in AI and accelerated computing technologies.
The keynote will take place at the Taipei Music Center and be livestreamed at 11 a.m. Taiwan Time on Monday, May 19 (Sunday, May 18, 8 p.m. PT), with a replay available on COMPUTEX Keynote website.
The keynote will take place at the Taipei Music Center and be livestreamed at 11 a.m. Taiwan Time on Monday, May 19 (Sunday, May 18, 8 p.m. PT), with a replay available on COMPUTEX Keynote website.
Altera Begins Shipping Agilex 3 AI FPGAs
Today at Embedded World, Altera Corporation, a leader in FPGA innovations, unveiled its latest programmable solutions tailored for embedded developers who are pushing the boundaries of innovation at the intelligent edge. Altera's latest Agilex FPGAs, Quartus Prime Pro software, and FPGA AI Suite enable the rapid development of highly customized embedded systems deployed across a broad range of edge applications, including robotics, factory automation systems, and medical equipment.
Altera's programmable solutions meet the stringent power, performance and size requirements of embedded and intelligent edge applications. These hardware solutions, along with Altera's FPGA AI Suite, enable machine learning engineers, software developers, and FPGA designers to create custom FPGA AI platforms using industry-standard frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, and development tools such as OpenVINO and Quartus Prime software.
Altera's programmable solutions meet the stringent power, performance and size requirements of embedded and intelligent edge applications. These hardware solutions, along with Altera's FPGA AI Suite, enable machine learning engineers, software developers, and FPGA designers to create custom FPGA AI platforms using industry-standard frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, and development tools such as OpenVINO and Quartus Prime software.
Infortrend Introduces Its First U.2 NVMe All-Flash Expansion Enclosure
Infortrend Technology, Inc., the industry-leading enterprise storage provider, today announced the launch of its first NVMe all-flash expansion enclosure, or JBOF ("Just a Bunch of Flash") - the JB 4000U model. This new product provides an excellent storage expansion option for applications such as AI, Media & Entertainment (M&E), and Backup, where fast data access and large capacity are crucial.
Designed as a scalability solution for high-performance EonStor GS U.2 NVMe unified storage systems, the JB 4000U all-flash expansion enclosure features a 2U form factor, supporting up to 24 U.2 NVMe SSDs in a single appliance. In a dual-controller configuration, it delivers an impressive throughput of up to 24 GB/s, approximately 50% higher than that of the Infortrend's highest-performance SAS SSD expansion enclosure. JBOF offers superior performance at a lower cost compared to expansion enclosures supporting SAS SSDs, as U.2 NVMe SSDs are generally more affordable. Users can expand storage capacity with the JB 4000U, offering up to 1.47PB in a single unit. Adding up to three JBOFs can further increase the capacity to 4.4PB.
Designed as a scalability solution for high-performance EonStor GS U.2 NVMe unified storage systems, the JB 4000U all-flash expansion enclosure features a 2U form factor, supporting up to 24 U.2 NVMe SSDs in a single appliance. In a dual-controller configuration, it delivers an impressive throughput of up to 24 GB/s, approximately 50% higher than that of the Infortrend's highest-performance SAS SSD expansion enclosure. JBOF offers superior performance at a lower cost compared to expansion enclosures supporting SAS SSDs, as U.2 NVMe SSDs are generally more affordable. Users can expand storage capacity with the JB 4000U, offering up to 1.47PB in a single unit. Adding up to three JBOFs can further increase the capacity to 4.4PB.
GIGABYTE Showcases Future-Ready AI and HPC Technologies for High-Efficiency Computing at SCA 2025
Giga Computing, a subsidiary of GIGABYTE and a pioneer in AI-driven enterprise computing, is set to make a significant impact at Supercomputing Asia 2025 (SCA25) in Singapore (March 11-13). At booth #D5, GIGABYTE showcases its latest advancements in liquid cooling, solutions for AI training and high-performance computing (HPC). The booth highlights GIGABYTE's innovative technology and comprehensive direct liquid cooling (DLC) strategies, reinforcing its commitment to energy-efficient, high-performance computing.
Revolutionizing AI Training with DLC
A key highlight of GIGABYTE's showcase is the NVIDIA HGX H200 platform, a next-generation solution for AI workloads. GIGABYTE is presenting both its liquid-cooled G4L3-SD1 server and its air-cooled G893 series, providing businesses with advanced cooling solutions tailored for high-performance demands. The G4L3-SD1 server, equipped with CoolIT Systems' cold plates, effectively cools Intel Xeon CPUs and eight NVIDIA H200 GPUs, ensuring optimal performance with enhanced energy efficiency.
Revolutionizing AI Training with DLC
A key highlight of GIGABYTE's showcase is the NVIDIA HGX H200 platform, a next-generation solution for AI workloads. GIGABYTE is presenting both its liquid-cooled G4L3-SD1 server and its air-cooled G893 series, providing businesses with advanced cooling solutions tailored for high-performance demands. The G4L3-SD1 server, equipped with CoolIT Systems' cold plates, effectively cools Intel Xeon CPUs and eight NVIDIA H200 GPUs, ensuring optimal performance with enhanced energy efficiency.
Axiomtek Launches MMB566 Micro-ATX Motherboard for Embedded and Industrial Computing
Axiomtek - a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted to the research, development, and manufacture of innovative, highly efficient, and reliable industrial computer products - is pleased to introduce the MMB566, a high-performance micro ATX motherboard designed for demanding industrial and commercial applications. Powered by the 14th/13th/12th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 or Celeron processors with the Intel Q670E, R680E, or H610E chipset, the MMB566 delivers exceptional computing power and reliability. Designed for precision and durability, it excels in remote control and automated test equipment, ensuring accurate system monitoring and control. Its high processing power makes it ideal for data processing and analysis, while its robust design guarantees seamless operation in ATM applications. With versatile expandability and reliable performance, the MMB566 is a future-ready solution for industrial computing needs.
"Axiomtek's MMB566 is engineered to provide exceptional connectivity, flexibility, and long-term reliability for industrial and commercial applications," said Irene Su, Product Manager of the IDS Division at Axiomtek. "It features two 2.5GbE LAN ports, with optional 10GbE LAN ports available to meet customer-specific high-speed networking requirements. Designed for versatility, it offers a rich array of I/O options, including up to six SATA ports, six COM ports, and twelve USB ports, ensuring seamless integration with various peripheral devices. With support for TPM and Intel AMT, the MMB566 enhances security and remote management. Furthermore, its guaranteed 10-year supply makes it a reliable choice for embedded systems requiring long-term availability. Ultimately, with highly customizable service options, the MMB566 delivers optimized performance and long-term value across diverse applications."
"Axiomtek's MMB566 is engineered to provide exceptional connectivity, flexibility, and long-term reliability for industrial and commercial applications," said Irene Su, Product Manager of the IDS Division at Axiomtek. "It features two 2.5GbE LAN ports, with optional 10GbE LAN ports available to meet customer-specific high-speed networking requirements. Designed for versatility, it offers a rich array of I/O options, including up to six SATA ports, six COM ports, and twelve USB ports, ensuring seamless integration with various peripheral devices. With support for TPM and Intel AMT, the MMB566 enhances security and remote management. Furthermore, its guaranteed 10-year supply makes it a reliable choice for embedded systems requiring long-term availability. Ultimately, with highly customizable service options, the MMB566 delivers optimized performance and long-term value across diverse applications."
Phison Showcases Edge AI and Embedded Solutions at Embedded World
Embedded World is one of the most influential exhibitions in the global embedded technology sector, attracting numerous experts in industrial computing, automotive electronics, IoT, and AI technologies each year. Phison Electronics (8299TT), a leading innovator of NAND controller and NAND storage solutions, will participate in the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Embedded World 2025 in Germany from March 11 to 13.
Phison will showcase its exclusive AI solution aiDAPTIV+, the enterprise ultra-high-capacity PASCARI PCIe 5.0 122.88 TB SSD, and its latest automotive storage technology, the MPT5 Automotive PCIe Gen 4 SSD, demonstrating over 15 years of technical expertise in the embedded market.
Phison will showcase its exclusive AI solution aiDAPTIV+, the enterprise ultra-high-capacity PASCARI PCIe 5.0 122.88 TB SSD, and its latest automotive storage technology, the MPT5 Automotive PCIe Gen 4 SSD, demonstrating over 15 years of technical expertise in the embedded market.
Advantech Announces Edge & AI Solutions with 5th Gen AMD EPYC Embedded Series Processors
Advantech, a leading provider of edge computing and edge AI solutions, is pleased to announce their high-performance server and network appliances are now powered by the latest AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series processors. By leveraging these cutting-edge platforms, Advantech is driving edge computing and AI to new heights—making solutions ideal for 5G edge cloud, AI, machine learning, and enhanced data security.
"We are excited about the launch of Advantech's latest generation of innovative edge computing and AI solutions powered by AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series processors," said Amey Deosthali, Senior Director of embedded core markets at AMD. "Optimized for embedded markets, EPYC Embedded 9005 provides exceptional compute performance for edge AI applications while delivering enhanced IO capabilities, product longevity, and system resiliency."
"We are excited about the launch of Advantech's latest generation of innovative edge computing and AI solutions powered by AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series processors," said Amey Deosthali, Senior Director of embedded core markets at AMD. "Optimized for embedded markets, EPYC Embedded 9005 provides exceptional compute performance for edge AI applications while delivering enhanced IO capabilities, product longevity, and system resiliency."
ASUS IoT Showcases Intelligent Edge Computing and AI Solutions at Embedded World 2025
ASUS IoT, a global leader in AIoT solutions, today unveils its latest innovations at Embedded World 2025. Showcasing a comprehensive lineup of advanced Edge AI and embedded computing technologies, ASUS IoT empowers businesses to accelerate AI adoption and enhance efficiency across industries such as manufacturing, robotics, and smart city infrastructure.
Revolutionary edge AI computing
This year, ASUS IoT is showcasing the upcoming RUC-1000G, its rugged 19-inch 2U edge AI computer - the world's first to support a 600 W GPU and PCIe 5.0. Designed for mission-critical industrial applications, it features advanced thermal management to ensure superior real-time AI inference and deep learning performance. Enhanced data security with TPM IC and IEC 62443-4-1 compliance ensures protection, while the iBMC module enables rapid system recovery.
Revolutionary edge AI computing
This year, ASUS IoT is showcasing the upcoming RUC-1000G, its rugged 19-inch 2U edge AI computer - the world's first to support a 600 W GPU and PCIe 5.0. Designed for mission-critical industrial applications, it features advanced thermal management to ensure superior real-time AI inference and deep learning performance. Enhanced data security with TPM IC and IEC 62443-4-1 compliance ensures protection, while the iBMC module enables rapid system recovery.
ADATA Unveils the SC730: A Compact, Dual-Connector External SSD
ADATA Technology Co. Ltd., the world's leading brand for memory modules and flash memory, today announced the launch of the SC730 external SSD, the industry's first ultra-compact drive featuring both USB-C and USB-A connectors in a lightweight 7.8 g form factor. Designed for seamless multi-platform connectivity, it delivers up to 600 MB/s transfer speeds, making it ideal for users on the go. The SC730 also stands out with its eco-conscious design, featuring an exterior casing made from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, aligning with ADATA's commitment to ESG sustainability initiatives.
USB-C & USB-A Miniature Form Factor
The SC730's standout feature is its dual-interface design, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 to achieve 600 MB/s read and write speeds. Whether transferring high-resolution media files, gaming data, or large business projects, this SSD ensures a smooth and efficient experience. Measuring only 36 mm in length, the SC730 is even smaller than a typical USB flash drive yet delivers the advantages of dual connectivity and high-speed storage, setting a new benchmark for portable storage solutions.
USB-C & USB-A Miniature Form Factor
The SC730's standout feature is its dual-interface design, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 to achieve 600 MB/s read and write speeds. Whether transferring high-resolution media files, gaming data, or large business projects, this SSD ensures a smooth and efficient experience. Measuring only 36 mm in length, the SC730 is even smaller than a typical USB flash drive yet delivers the advantages of dual connectivity and high-speed storage, setting a new benchmark for portable storage solutions.
Corsair Intros Custom Lab for Europe
Corsair, maker of award-winning PC and Mac performance gaming peripherals, proudly announces the release of Corsair Custom Lab for Europe, allowing European gamers to make personalized peripherals that truly reflect their own unique styles. An all-in-one shop for specially designed gear, Corsair Custom Lab lets players pour their passion, personality, and self-expression onto the canvas of their mouse, keyboard, and mousepad, with more products to be added later.
"Corsair understands the high standards and expectations our community has, and they deserve peripherals that deliver elite level performance, while also matching their style," said Tobias Brinkmann, Vice President and General Manager of Gaming Peripherals. "Corsair Custom Lab is our solution, allowing gamers to show off their unique style without sacrificing performance. It has already been a huge success in North America, so we're thrilled to let our European fans into the Lab."
"Corsair understands the high standards and expectations our community has, and they deserve peripherals that deliver elite level performance, while also matching their style," said Tobias Brinkmann, Vice President and General Manager of Gaming Peripherals. "Corsair Custom Lab is our solution, allowing gamers to show off their unique style without sacrificing performance. It has already been a huge success in North America, so we're thrilled to let our European fans into the Lab."
AMD Launches the EPYC Embedded 9005 "Turin" Family of Server Processors
AMD today launched the EPYC Embedded 9005 line of server processors in the embedded form-factor. These are non-socketed variants of the EPYC 9005 "Turin" server processors. The chips are intended for servers and other enterprise applications where processor replacements or upgradability are not a consideration. The EPYC Embedded 9005 "Turin" are otherwise every bit similar to the regular socketed EPYC 9005 series. These chips are based on a BGA version of the "Turin" chiplet-based processor, and powered by the "Zen 5" microarchitecture. Besides the BGA package, the EPYC Embedded 9005 series comes with a few features relevant to its form-factor and target use-cases.
To begin with, the EPYC Embedded 9005 "Turin" series comes with NTB (non-transparent bridging), a technology that enables high-performance data transfer between two processor packages across different memory domains. NTB doesn't use Infinity Fabric or even CXL, but a regular PCI-Express 5.0 x16 connection. It isn't intended to provide cache coherence, but to absorb faults across various memory domains. Next up, the series supports DRAM flush for enhanced power-loss mitigation. Upon detecting a power loss, the processor immediately dumps memory onto NVMe storage, before the machine turns off. On restart, the BIOS copies this memory dump from the NVMe SSD back to DRAM. Thirdly, the processors in the series support dual SPI flash interfaces, which enables system architects to embed lightweight operating systems directly onto a 64 MB SPI flash ROM, besides the primary SPI flash that stores the system BIOS. This lightweight OS can act like a bootloader for operating systems in other local storage devices.
To begin with, the EPYC Embedded 9005 "Turin" series comes with NTB (non-transparent bridging), a technology that enables high-performance data transfer between two processor packages across different memory domains. NTB doesn't use Infinity Fabric or even CXL, but a regular PCI-Express 5.0 x16 connection. It isn't intended to provide cache coherence, but to absorb faults across various memory domains. Next up, the series supports DRAM flush for enhanced power-loss mitigation. Upon detecting a power loss, the processor immediately dumps memory onto NVMe storage, before the machine turns off. On restart, the BIOS copies this memory dump from the NVMe SSD back to DRAM. Thirdly, the processors in the series support dual SPI flash interfaces, which enables system architects to embed lightweight operating systems directly onto a 64 MB SPI flash ROM, besides the primary SPI flash that stores the system BIOS. This lightweight OS can act like a bootloader for operating systems in other local storage devices.
Monday, March 10th 2025
Today's Reviews
Game Controllers
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Motherboards
Networking
Speakers
XPG Starker Air BTF Review
The XPG Starker Air BTF is the latest in the Starker series. As the name implies, this new model allows for the use of motherboards with backside connectors, but also goes into new directions in essentially all fronts when compared to its predecessor, including a very different price point.
Level-5 Details Recent Studio Restructuring, Following Keiji Inafune's Mid-2024 Exit
Hello, this is Akihiro Hino, CEO of LEVEL5. For LEVEL5, 2025 is both a year of challenges and a year of great strides forward: yes, we are set to release three major titles! I know that many of you may be wondering: "Will they really be released on time? Won't there be delays again?" To address these concerns, I wanted to create a space where we could regularly update players on the progress of our game development. Throughout this journey, there will be exciting breakthroughs, but also unexpected obstacles. I want to use this blog to share as much as possible about what's happening behind the scenes—both the good and the challenging. More importantly, I hope that by doing so, we can move forward together with our fans, step by step, toward the completion of all our games.
Of course, not everything can be shared publicly. That said, I still want to convey my thoughts and experiences from the process with everyone—even if only on a personal level. For moments like these, I plan to use this blog as a way to share updates from a more "unofficial" point of view. It might sound a bit strange for a company president to say "unofficial," but the reality is that my perspective as the CEO and my perspective as a creator can sometimes be very different. In such cases, I want to walk that fine line and share as much as I can with our players, making the lead-up to these games exciting rather than just a long wait. I appreciate your support, and I hope you enjoy following along!
Of course, not everything can be shared publicly. That said, I still want to convey my thoughts and experiences from the process with everyone—even if only on a personal level. For moments like these, I plan to use this blog as a way to share updates from a more "unofficial" point of view. It might sound a bit strange for a company president to say "unofficial," but the reality is that my perspective as the CEO and my perspective as a creator can sometimes be very different. In such cases, I want to walk that fine line and share as much as I can with our players, making the lead-up to these games exciting rather than just a long wait. I appreciate your support, and I hope you enjoy following along!
Insiders Predict Introduction of NVIDIA "Blackwell Ultra" GB300 AI Series at GTC, with Fully Liquid-cooled Clusters
Supply chain insiders believe that NVIDIA's "Blackwell Ultra" GB300 AI chip design will get a formal introduction at next week's GTC 2025 conference. Jensen Huang's keynote presentation is scheduled—the company's calendar is marked with a very important date: Tuesday, March 18. Team Green's chief has already revealed a couple of Blackwell B300 series details to investors; a recent earnings call touched upon the subject of a second half (of 2025) launch window. Industry moles have put spotlights on the GB300 GPU's alleged energy hungry nature. According to inside tracks, power consumption has "significantly" increased when compared to a slightly older equivalent; NVIDIA's less refined "Blackwell" GB200 design.
A Taiwan Economic Daily news article predicts an upcoming "second cooling revolution," due to reports of "Blackwell Ultra" parts demanding greater heat dissipation solutions. Supply chain leakers have suggested effective countermeasures—in the form of fully liquid-cooled systems: "not only will more water cooling plates be introduced, but the use of water cooling quick connectors will increase four times compared to GB200." The pre-Christmas 2024 news cycle proposed a 1400 W TDP rating. Involved "Taiwanese cooling giants" are expected to pull in tidy sums of money from the supply of optimal heat dissipating gear, with local "water-cooling quick-connector" manufacturers also tipped to benefit greatly. The UDN report pulled quotes from a variety of regional cooling specialists; the consensus being that involved partners are struggling to keep up with demand across GB200 and GB300 product lines.
A Taiwan Economic Daily news article predicts an upcoming "second cooling revolution," due to reports of "Blackwell Ultra" parts demanding greater heat dissipation solutions. Supply chain leakers have suggested effective countermeasures—in the form of fully liquid-cooled systems: "not only will more water cooling plates be introduced, but the use of water cooling quick connectors will increase four times compared to GB200." The pre-Christmas 2024 news cycle proposed a 1400 W TDP rating. Involved "Taiwanese cooling giants" are expected to pull in tidy sums of money from the supply of optimal heat dissipating gear, with local "water-cooling quick-connector" manufacturers also tipped to benefit greatly. The UDN report pulled quotes from a variety of regional cooling specialists; the consensus being that involved partners are struggling to keep up with demand across GB200 and GB300 product lines.
Here's How This $15 Windows 11 Pro License Can Bring Your PC Back to Life
Is newer really better? We certainly don't think so, especially since PCs are designed to last at least a few years, and our current models still work. However, there's a high chance that your PC is laggier than it once was, but that doesn't mean you need to overhaul it completely. Consider giving your PC an internal upgrade.
You might not realize this, but a new operating system could be the boost your PC needs to serve you better. If it's been a while since you last upgraded, you might've waited for the right time. Why? Because Microsoft's most up-to-date operating system, Windows 11 Pro, for only $14.97 (reg. $199) through March 30.
Revive your trusty PC by upgrading its OS with Windows 11 Pro, now available for just $14.97 while supplies last. The price goes back up on March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
You might not realize this, but a new operating system could be the boost your PC needs to serve you better. If it's been a while since you last upgraded, you might've waited for the right time. Why? Because Microsoft's most up-to-date operating system, Windows 11 Pro, for only $14.97 (reg. $199) through March 30.
Revive your trusty PC by upgrading its OS with Windows 11 Pro, now available for just $14.97 while supplies last. The price goes back up on March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
AMD's David McAfee Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Radeon Graphics Technology
This month, we at AMD celebrate two significant milestones in the Radeon story. First, the 25th anniversary of Radeon, a journey that began in 2000 with the ATI Radeon DDR card. Back then, 32 MB of VRAM, a 143 MHz clocks, and 30M transistors were cutting-edge tools that sparked your early adventures. Today, those specs are a nostalgic memory, dwarfed by the leaps we've made together culminating in the 24 GB of memory, multi-GHz clocks, and nearly 60B transistors of RDNA 3 cards driving the immersive worlds you now explore. But we're not stopping there. We're proud to continue that innovation journey with the RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 XT and Radeon RX 9070, available starting today. This is more than a new chapter for us, it's a promise to you, the gamers who fuel our passion. We know what matters when you choose your next GPU: raw performance to conquer your favorite titles, tech that's ready for tomorrow's blockbusters, and value that respects your investment. That's precisely what RDNA 4 delivers.
Our goal with RDNA 4 wasn't to chase an elite crown few can reach. Instead, we focused on you, the heart of gaming, crafting cards that bring exceptional power to the setups most of you run. Compared to our last gen, RDNA 4 boosts raster performance for crisper, smoother visuals. Ray tracing throughput doubles, letting you soak in lifelike lighting and reflections without compromise. And with an 8x uplift in machine learning performance, we're unlocking new possibilities - like FSR 4, our latest leap in ML-based upscaling.
Our goal with RDNA 4 wasn't to chase an elite crown few can reach. Instead, we focused on you, the heart of gaming, crafting cards that bring exceptional power to the setups most of you run. Compared to our last gen, RDNA 4 boosts raster performance for crisper, smoother visuals. Ray tracing throughput doubles, letting you soak in lifelike lighting and reflections without compromise. And with an 8x uplift in machine learning performance, we're unlocking new possibilities - like FSR 4, our latest leap in ML-based upscaling.
XFX Releases "Magnetic Wing" 3D Print Models for New QUICKSILVER Radeon RX 9070 Series
Shortly after participating in AMD's special RDNA 4 launch event, XFX presented its custom Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics card models to Chinese media outlets. The board partner's "QUICKSILVER class" customizable shroud design was highlighted by global PC hardware news sites—a demonstration unit was showcased with attached "racing car red and white" sections. At the time, XFX's web presences teased this intriguing modular system: "the RX 9000 Series QUICKSILVER Class GPUs features customizable magnetic wings which can be easily removed and replaced to match your style and needs." Select models also sport the manufacturer's impressive "Magnetic Air" triple-fan system—as explored in W1zzard's review of a related (higher-end) MERCURY model; worth a read!
Very recently, XFX's RDNA 4 QUICKSILVER splash page was updated with additional information: "3D Printer Required—3D files available in the downloads section on the product pages." A fresh VideoCardz report covered the availability of 3D print files for compatible card models, via official download pages. Owners can print out their own interpretations, but "magnets are required for assembly." XFX has not yet indicated whether it will sell aftermarket magnetic wing parts. The company's general mentioning of "RX 9000 Series" could imply that forthcoming QUICKSILVER models—e.g. Radeon RX 9060 XT—will be similarly provisioned with modular shroud designs.
Very recently, XFX's RDNA 4 QUICKSILVER splash page was updated with additional information: "3D Printer Required—3D files available in the downloads section on the product pages." A fresh VideoCardz report covered the availability of 3D print files for compatible card models, via official download pages. Owners can print out their own interpretations, but "magnets are required for assembly." XFX has not yet indicated whether it will sell aftermarket magnetic wing parts. The company's general mentioning of "RX 9000 Series" could imply that forthcoming QUICKSILVER models—e.g. Radeon RX 9060 XT—will be similarly provisioned with modular shroud designs.
Remedy Entertainment Updates Control Ultimate Edition - Adds New Ultra Ray Tracing Preset, HDR Support & more
Hello Director! We're happy to announce that all owners of will be receiving a free content update. The update is hitting PC players (Steam and Epic Games Store, GOG to follow later) today, including several improvements to support newer hardware. In the near future we will release this same update for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms. We have a small team working on these updates so we want to space them out to give us time to fix potential issues that might come up. We appreciate your patience! Keep an eye on our social channels for the exact date and time, as well as update notes.
Control Ultimate Edition contains the main game and all previously released Expansions ("The Foundation" and "AWE") in one great value package. A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control?
Control Ultimate Edition contains the main game and all previously released Expansions ("The Foundation" and "AWE") in one great value package. A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control?
Insiders Cast Doubt on Finalization of Apple M4 Ultra Chip, Cite Production & Cost Challenges
Apple's recent unveiling of refreshed Mac Studio models—in "mismatched" M3 Ultra and M4 Max forms—was greeted with a lukewarm reception from press and public. The absence of an M4 Ultra option has disappointed many folks within the high-end Mac buying populace—rumors of a delayed development of Apple's "Mac Studio M4 Ultra model" emerged online last October. The M3 Ultra processor serves as a somewhat dissatisfying stopgap—prior to last week's official announcement, insiders were still actively questioning the existence of said chip. Last week, Apple representatives reportedly informed Ars Technica and Numerama about their "Ultra" tier not reaching "every chip generation." Follow-up articles have suggested that the M4 Max chip design does not feature an UltraFusion connector; thus cutting off a main path to potential M4 Ultra routes.
Based on previous-gen history, Mac-specialist news sites propose the upcoming M3 Ultra chipset being—in effect—the result of two M3 Max chips joined together via Apple's UltraFusion connection system. Further speculation points to the company's engineering department having to start with a blank canvas; involving a speculative monolithic die design. Noted Apple leaker—Mark Gurman—has disclosed additional theories via his paywalled Bloomberg "Power On" newsletter. As interpreted by MacRumors: "Apple is reluctant to develop an M4 Ultra chip from scratch due to production challenges, costs, and the relatively small sales volume of its desktop computers, like the Mac Studio. So, that seems to rule out the only other way in which Apple could have released an M4 Ultra chip." Several media outlets posit that Apple will skip a generation, and instead focus on getting UltraFusion connections working with next-gen "M5" processors. A refreshed Mac Pro lineup is reportedly on the cards; mid-January reports linked the next-gen workstation series to a very powerful "Hidra" chip design.
Based on previous-gen history, Mac-specialist news sites propose the upcoming M3 Ultra chipset being—in effect—the result of two M3 Max chips joined together via Apple's UltraFusion connection system. Further speculation points to the company's engineering department having to start with a blank canvas; involving a speculative monolithic die design. Noted Apple leaker—Mark Gurman—has disclosed additional theories via his paywalled Bloomberg "Power On" newsletter. As interpreted by MacRumors: "Apple is reluctant to develop an M4 Ultra chip from scratch due to production challenges, costs, and the relatively small sales volume of its desktop computers, like the Mac Studio. So, that seems to rule out the only other way in which Apple could have released an M4 Ultra chip." Several media outlets posit that Apple will skip a generation, and instead focus on getting UltraFusion connections working with next-gen "M5" processors. A refreshed Mac Pro lineup is reportedly on the cards; mid-January reports linked the next-gen workstation series to a very powerful "Hidra" chip design.
PlayStation 5 Pro to Receive FSR 4-Based Upscaling Technology in 2026
Sony has confirmed plans to implement an advanced AI upscaling solution for PlayStation 5 Pro in 2026, based on AMD's newly released FSR 4 technology. PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny revealed to EuroGamer that the next evolution of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) will leverage the neural network architecture co-developed with AMD through Project Amethyst. "Our target is to have something very similar to FSR 4's upscaler available on PS5 Pro for 2026 titles as the next evolution of PSSR," Cerny stated. This implementation aims to maintain compatibility with existing frameworks while delivering significantly enhanced image quality. The collaborative initiative between Sony and AMD, which began in late 2023, has already yielded measurable results. FSR 4 represents the first tangible output from Project Amethyst, with Cerny noting that the technology "can exceed the crispness of PSSR" currently deployed on PS5 Pro hardware.
Sony's PS5 Pro features custom ML hardware delivering 300 8-bit TOPS of computing power without sparsity, which Cerny believes will be sufficient to handle the computational demands of the new upscaling algorithm. While the reimplementation process is described as "ambitious and time-consuming," the underlying architecture appears capable of supporting the technology without significant modifications. For 2025, Sony's priority remains to encourage developers to integrate the current PSSR technology into their titles while the enhanced version undergoes development. Cerny indicated that console-specific optimizations will be necessary, as "technical targets for console game development and PC game development tend to be slightly different," particularly regarding frame rate consistency. Project Amethyst extends beyond upscaling technology, with indications that ray tracing enhancements may also be part of the collaboration. The partnership aims to establish a hardware architecture optimized for machine learning in graphics processing, giving us a hint of what the future hardware will be like.
Sony's PS5 Pro features custom ML hardware delivering 300 8-bit TOPS of computing power without sparsity, which Cerny believes will be sufficient to handle the computational demands of the new upscaling algorithm. While the reimplementation process is described as "ambitious and time-consuming," the underlying architecture appears capable of supporting the technology without significant modifications. For 2025, Sony's priority remains to encourage developers to integrate the current PSSR technology into their titles while the enhanced version undergoes development. Cerny indicated that console-specific optimizations will be necessary, as "technical targets for console game development and PC game development tend to be slightly different," particularly regarding frame rate consistency. Project Amethyst extends beyond upscaling technology, with indications that ray tracing enhancements may also be part of the collaboration. The partnership aims to establish a hardware architecture optimized for machine learning in graphics processing, giving us a hint of what the future hardware will be like.
Ubisoft Publishes Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase Global Event Times
The Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase will be taking place in Atlanta, Georgia on March 13th, 2025 at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm CET and will be broadcast live. This event promises to be an immersive and one-of-a-kind Siege experience, where players, creators and developers come together as we unveil all the evolutions coming with Siege X, and many more surprises! Tune in live with your friends over on our Twitch Channel and enjoy exclusive Twitch drops! Make sure to link your Twitch account to receive the rewards!
Witness the start of Siege's new era—Don't miss the R6 Siege X showcase
A new era is on the horizon for Rainbow Six Siege—one that sets the stage for the years to come of tactical and unique gameplay—and we'd like to invite you to be a part of it: welcome to Siege X! The R6 team has been working tirelessly to bring to life the biggest transformation in the game's history and its purpose is to reinforce Rainbow Six Siege's position at the top of tactical first-person shooters by introducing new ways to play, deepened tactical gameplay, refined game feel and major upgrades all around. To celebrate this new age of Siege, we are holding an exclusive event that you're invited to attend; The Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase.
Witness the start of Siege's new era—Don't miss the R6 Siege X showcase
A new era is on the horizon for Rainbow Six Siege—one that sets the stage for the years to come of tactical and unique gameplay—and we'd like to invite you to be a part of it: welcome to Siege X! The R6 team has been working tirelessly to bring to life the biggest transformation in the game's history and its purpose is to reinforce Rainbow Six Siege's position at the top of tactical first-person shooters by introducing new ways to play, deepened tactical gameplay, refined game feel and major upgrades all around. To celebrate this new age of Siege, we are holding an exclusive event that you're invited to attend; The Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Leaked PassMark Score Shows 14% Single Thread Improvement Over Predecessor
Last Friday, AMD confirmed finalized price points for its upcoming Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($699) and 9900X3D ($599) gaming processors—both launching on March 12. Media outlets are very likely finalizing their evaluations of review silicon; official embargoes are due for lifting tomorrow (March 11). By Team Red decree, a drip feed of pre-launch information was restricted to teasers, a loose March launch window, and an unveiling of basic specifications (at CES 2025). A trickle of mid-January to early March leaks have painted an incomplete picture of performance expectations for the 3D V-Cache-equipped 16 and 12-core parts. A fresh NDA-busting disclosure has arrived online, courtesy of an alleged Ryzen 9 9950X3D sample's set of benchmark scores.
A pre-release candidate posted single and multi-thread ratings of 4739 and 69,701 (respectively), upon completion of PassMark tests. Based on this information, a comparison chart was assembled—pitching the Ryzen 9 9950X3D against its direct predecessor (7950X3D), a Zen 5 relative (9950X), and competition from Intel (Core Ultra 9 285K). AMD's brand-new 16-core flagship managed to outpace the previous-gen Ryzen 9 7950X3D by ~14% in single thread stakes, and roughly 11% in multithreaded scenarios. Test system build details and settings were not mentioned with this leak—we expect to absorb a more complete picture tomorrow, upon publication of widespread reviews. The sampled Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU surpassed its 9950X sibling by ~5% with its multi-thread result, both processors are just about equal in terms of single-core performance. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU posted the highest single-core result within the comparison—5078 points—exceeding the 9950X3D's tally by about 7%. The latter pulls ahead by ~3% in terms of recorded multi-thread performance. Keep an eye on TechPowerUp's review section; where W1zzard will be delivering his verdict(s) imminently.
A pre-release candidate posted single and multi-thread ratings of 4739 and 69,701 (respectively), upon completion of PassMark tests. Based on this information, a comparison chart was assembled—pitching the Ryzen 9 9950X3D against its direct predecessor (7950X3D), a Zen 5 relative (9950X), and competition from Intel (Core Ultra 9 285K). AMD's brand-new 16-core flagship managed to outpace the previous-gen Ryzen 9 7950X3D by ~14% in single thread stakes, and roughly 11% in multithreaded scenarios. Test system build details and settings were not mentioned with this leak—we expect to absorb a more complete picture tomorrow, upon publication of widespread reviews. The sampled Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU surpassed its 9950X sibling by ~5% with its multi-thread result, both processors are just about equal in terms of single-core performance. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU posted the highest single-core result within the comparison—5078 points—exceeding the 9950X3D's tally by about 7%. The latter pulls ahead by ~3% in terms of recorded multi-thread performance. Keep an eye on TechPowerUp's review section; where W1zzard will be delivering his verdict(s) imminently.
Logic Fruit Technologies Releases High-Speed Interface IPs Stack for Advanced Computing
Logic Fruit Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge FPGA-based solutions, proudly announces the release of its latest High-Speed Interface IP stack, including PCIe Gen 6 Controller IP, PCIe Gen 6 PHY IP, and CXL 3 Controller IP.
These high-performance solutions enable seamless data transfer, ensuring reliability, scalability, and efficiency for next-generation computing applications such as AI/ML, data centers, and high-performance networking.
These high-performance solutions enable seamless data transfer, ensuring reliability, scalability, and efficiency for next-generation computing applications such as AI/ML, data centers, and high-performance networking.
Icy Dock Teases CP146 Concept Product, M.2 NVMe SSD SlimSAS 4i for PCIe Panel Space
The ICY DOCK CP146 is a revolutionary mobile rack that transforms unused PCIe panel space into high-speed removable M.2 NVMe SSD bay (2230/2242/2260/2280). Unlike traditional PCIe adapters, the CP146 allows users to install M.2 NVMe SSDs without occupying any PCIe slots. Many modern system chassis include PCIe panel areas with no corresponding PCIe slots underneath—perfect for upgrading with the CP146.
With its SlimSAS 4i interface, the CP146 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth, delivering up to 64 Gbps transfer speeds. The tool-free removable SSD tray streamlines SSD installation and replacement, making it ideal for users who prioritize both functionality and convenience.
With its SlimSAS 4i interface, the CP146 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth, delivering up to 64 Gbps transfer speeds. The tool-free removable SSD tray streamlines SSD installation and replacement, making it ideal for users who prioritize both functionality and convenience.
Huawei Obtained Two Million Ascend 910B Dies from TSMC via Shell Companies to Circumvent US Sanctions
According to a recent Center for Strategic and International Studies report, Huawei got its hand on approximately two million Ascend 910B logic dies through shell companies that misled TSMC. This acquisition violates US export controls designed to restrict China's access to advanced semiconductor technology. The report details how Huawei leveraged intermediaries to procure chiplets for its AI accelerators before TSMC discovered the deception and halted shipments. These components are critical for Huawei's AI hardware roadmap, which progressed from the original Ascend 910 (manufactured by TSMC on N7+ until 2020) to the domestically produced Ascend 910B and 910C chips fabricated at SMIC using first and second-generation 7 nm-class technologies, respectively. Huawei reportedly wanted TSMC-made dies because of manufacturing challenges in domestic chip production. The Ascend 910B and 910C reportedly suffer from poor yields, with approximately 25% of units failing during the advanced packaging process that combines compute dies with HBM memory.
Despite these challenges, the performance gap with market-leading solutions still remains but has narrowed considerably, with the Ascend 910C reportedly delivering 60% of NVIDIA H100's performance. Huawei has executed a strategic stockpiling initiative, particularly for high-bandwidth memory components. The company likely acquired substantial HBM inventory between August and December 2024, when restrictions on advanced memory sales to China were announced but not yet implemented. The semiconductor supply chain breach shows that enforcing technology export controls is challenging, and third parties can still purchase silicon for restricted companies. While Huawei continues building AI infrastructure for both internal projects and external customers, manufacturing constraints may limit its ability to scale deployments against competitors with access to more advanced manufacturing processes. Perhaps a future domestic EUV-based silicon manufacturing flow will allow Huawei to gain access to more advanced domestic production, completely circumventing US-imposed restrictions.
Despite these challenges, the performance gap with market-leading solutions still remains but has narrowed considerably, with the Ascend 910C reportedly delivering 60% of NVIDIA H100's performance. Huawei has executed a strategic stockpiling initiative, particularly for high-bandwidth memory components. The company likely acquired substantial HBM inventory between August and December 2024, when restrictions on advanced memory sales to China were announced but not yet implemented. The semiconductor supply chain breach shows that enforcing technology export controls is challenging, and third parties can still purchase silicon for restricted companies. While Huawei continues building AI infrastructure for both internal projects and external customers, manufacturing constraints may limit its ability to scale deployments against competitors with access to more advanced manufacturing processes. Perhaps a future domestic EUV-based silicon manufacturing flow will allow Huawei to gain access to more advanced domestic production, completely circumventing US-imposed restrictions.
Hideo Kojima Announced "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" Launch Date: June 26
Hideo Kojima took to the stage at SXSW yesterday and—joined by some special guests—discussed new details about Kojima Productions' Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Those details included the reveal of the game's release date: June 26, 2025. To mark the announcement - and pre-orders going live March 17—attendees enjoyed a first look at a special Kojima-directed Pre-Order trailer, which you can watch in full below.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will launch in a range of different versions. This includes a Collector's Edition, which will be available to pre-order directly from PlayStation and select retailers worldwide. Details on the different versions you can find here.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will launch in a range of different versions. This includes a Collector's Edition, which will be available to pre-order directly from PlayStation and select retailers worldwide. Details on the different versions you can find here.
AMD Radeon RX 9050 GPU Class Leaked by Mexican Webstore
AMD has officially stated that its portfolio of RDNA 4 generation graphics cards consists of Radeon RX 9070 XT, RX 9070, and RX 9060 XT models. Last December, a longer list of GPUs appeared online—this pre-Christmas 2024 leak revealed Radeon RX 9060, RX 9050 and RX 9040 identifiers. Team Red seems to be working on populating the lower end of its Radeon RX 9000 family—similarly, Team Green is reportedly expanding its "Blackwell" GPU generation into the "entry-mainstream" segment with their RTX 5050 card design.
Late last week, a Mexican PC hardware retailer inadvertently added Radeon RX 9060 and 9050 categories (not product listings) to its webstore. Noted graphics card watchdogs picked up on the shop's accidental adding of search filters; prompting the swift removal of NDA-busting material (by the time of writing). Resultant VideoCardz news coverage has spread the word of possible forthcoming launches of much cheaper RDNA 4 GPU models. AMD and involved board partners are likely aiming to get lower-mid-range Radeon RX 9060 XT cards out of the door by the second quarter of 2025. Recent leaks indicate Radeon RX 9060 (non-XT) and RX 9050-class products potentially arriving at retail closer to summertime, with speculated "Navi 44" GPUs onboard.
Late last week, a Mexican PC hardware retailer inadvertently added Radeon RX 9060 and 9050 categories (not product listings) to its webstore. Noted graphics card watchdogs picked up on the shop's accidental adding of search filters; prompting the swift removal of NDA-busting material (by the time of writing). Resultant VideoCardz news coverage has spread the word of possible forthcoming launches of much cheaper RDNA 4 GPU models. AMD and involved board partners are likely aiming to get lower-mid-range Radeon RX 9060 XT cards out of the door by the second quarter of 2025. Recent leaks indicate Radeon RX 9060 (non-XT) and RX 9050-class products potentially arriving at retail closer to summertime, with speculated "Navi 44" GPUs onboard.
Colorful Introduces CVN B850I Gaming Frozen Motherboard
Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PC components, gaming laptops, and Hi-fi audio products, introduces the CVN B850I GAMING FROZEN Mini-ITX motherboard for the Ryzen 9000 Series processors. The CVN B850I GAMING FROZEN is a compact yet powerful Mini-ITX motherboard featuring a sleek design that blends geometric slanted lines with military-inspired elements. It is equipped with a dedicated PCIe 5.0 M.2 heatsink and CNC composite cooling grooves, enhancing thermal efficiency while emphasizing the motherboard's rugged and durable construction.
Built with the B850 chipset, the CVN B850I supports AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors. It features a 10-layer high-speed PCB with a 9+2+1 phase power delivery system, ensuring stable performance even for the high-end Ryzen 9 9950X. Additionally, the second-generation memory routing design enables support for up to 8000 MHz dual-channel DDR5 memory. The motherboard also includes a PCIe 5.0 GPU slot, dual front and rear Type-C 10G ports, and a Wi-Fi 6E module, making it ideal for building a high-performance, wireless Ryzen-based system.
Built with the B850 chipset, the CVN B850I supports AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors. It features a 10-layer high-speed PCB with a 9+2+1 phase power delivery system, ensuring stable performance even for the high-end Ryzen 9 9950X. Additionally, the second-generation memory routing design enables support for up to 8000 MHz dual-channel DDR5 memory. The motherboard also includes a PCIe 5.0 GPU slot, dual front and rear Type-C 10G ports, and a Wi-Fi 6E module, making it ideal for building a high-performance, wireless Ryzen-based system.
Sci-Fi Stealth-Action Adventure "Steel Seed" Launches April 10
Today ESDigital Games and developer Storm in a Teacup are proud to announce the official release date for Steel Seed, out April 10, 2025, on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Check out the game's new trailer for a glimpse of the sci-fi stealth-action gameplay, parkour and storytelling that await!
Can't hold on till then? Play Steel Seed's new Steam demo, available now until the game's official launch. Explore the game's introduction, experiencing key mechanics like stealth action, epic battles and more.
Can't hold on till then? Play Steel Seed's new Steam demo, available now until the game's official launch. Explore the game's introduction, experiencing key mechanics like stealth action, epic battles and more.
"Do No Harm" Available Now on PC - a Lovecraftian Doctor Simulator
The day that we have been working towards for one year, and around 5 years overall for the studio (Dart Games). Our game—Do No Harm—is out! We are excited to show it to you. Hope you like it. We are also excited to announce a bundle with Death & Taxes.
Do No Harm is a doctor simulator with a Lovecraftian twist. You take on the role of a village doctor, diagnosing and treating patients using ancient and often cryptic medical procedures. If you're a fan of profession-related simulators or games that test your decision-making under pressure, Do No Harm is a unique blend of strategy and horror that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Do No Harm is a doctor simulator with a Lovecraftian twist. You take on the role of a village doctor, diagnosing and treating patients using ancient and often cryptic medical procedures. If you're a fan of profession-related simulators or games that test your decision-making under pressure, Do No Harm is a unique blend of strategy and horror that will keep you guessing until the very end.
AIB Leak "Reconfirms" Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB & 8GB Memory Configs
Last week, Acer registered a glut of new graphics card SKUs—an extensive EEC filing revealed several unannounced Nitro and Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 9060 XT models. The AMD board partner seems to be preparing two memory configurations for its lower-end RDNA 4 custom cards: 16 GB and 8 GB (GDDR6). VideoCardz reached out to AIB industry moles, in order to establish whether the aforementioned specification points were concrete. A past weekend report "reconfirms" incoming 16 GB and 8 GB variants. Going back to RDNA 3, Team Red released its Radeon RX 7600 XT GPU in 16 GB form, while the cheaper Radeon RX 7600 made do with a VRAM pool of 8 GB. An unnamed board partner's list of launch day offerings reportedly contains basic technical specs (see screenshot below).
Leaked Radeon RX 9060 XT details show 16 GB GDDR6 and 8 GB GDDR6 variants, with 128-bit memory interfaces. VideoCardz believes that 20 Gbps memory chips will be utilized, as featured on recently launched Radeon RX 9070 series cards. The leaked product list indicates that required juice will be delivered through a lone 8-pin power connector; a minimum PSU requirement suggestion is 500 W, although this could jump up to 550 W for factory overlocked SKUs. A speculative "Navi 48 LE" GPU variant is present within TechPowerUp's GPU database entry for the Radeon RX 9060 XT. VideoCardz reckons that a "Navi 44" GPU would be more appropriate for this class; perhaps derived from a mobile part. The leak suggests the presence of a single HDMI 2.1 port, as well as two DP 2.1 ports—a smaller GPU would have trouble driving more than that. During an official RDNA 4 launch event—held in Beijing, late last month—a Team Red representative announced a loose Q2 2025 launch window for Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics cards.
Leaked Radeon RX 9060 XT details show 16 GB GDDR6 and 8 GB GDDR6 variants, with 128-bit memory interfaces. VideoCardz believes that 20 Gbps memory chips will be utilized, as featured on recently launched Radeon RX 9070 series cards. The leaked product list indicates that required juice will be delivered through a lone 8-pin power connector; a minimum PSU requirement suggestion is 500 W, although this could jump up to 550 W for factory overlocked SKUs. A speculative "Navi 48 LE" GPU variant is present within TechPowerUp's GPU database entry for the Radeon RX 9060 XT. VideoCardz reckons that a "Navi 44" GPU would be more appropriate for this class; perhaps derived from a mobile part. The leak suggests the presence of a single HDMI 2.1 port, as well as two DP 2.1 ports—a smaller GPU would have trouble driving more than that. During an official RDNA 4 launch event—held in Beijing, late last month—a Team Red representative announced a loose Q2 2025 launch window for Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics cards.
MiTAC Computing Showcases Cutting-Edge AI and HPC Servers at Supercomputing Asia 2025
MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corp. and a global leader in server design and manufacturing, will showcase its latest AI and HPC innovations at Supercomputing Asia 2025, taking place from March 11 at Booth #B10. The event highlights MiTAC's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology with the introduction of the G4520G6 AI server and the TN85-B8261 HPC server—both engineered to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
G4520G6 AI Server: Performance, Scalability, and Efficiency Redefined
The G4520G6AI server redefines computing performance with an advanced architecture tailored for intensive workloads. Key features include:
G4520G6 AI Server: Performance, Scalability, and Efficiency Redefined
The G4520G6AI server redefines computing performance with an advanced architecture tailored for intensive workloads. Key features include:
- Exceptional Compute Power- Supports dual Intel Xeon 6 Processors with TDP up to 350 W, delivering high-performance multicore processing for AI-driven applications.
- Enhanced Memory Performance- Equipped with 32 DDR5 DIMM slots (16 per CPU) and 8 memory channels, supporting up to 8,192 GB DDR5 RDIMM/3DS RDIMM at 6400 MT/s for superior memory bandwidth.
4Q24 Global Top 10 Foundries Set New Revenue Record, TSMC Leads in Advanced Process Nodes
TrendForce's latest research reveals that the global foundry industry exhibited a polarized trend in 4Q24. Advanced process nodes benefited from strong demand in AI servers, flagship smartphone application processors (APs), and new PC platforms, driving high-value wafer shipments. This growth helped offset the slowdown in mature process demand, allowing the top 10 foundries to achieve nearly 10% QoQ revenue growth, reaching US$38.48 billion, and marking another industry record.
TrendForce notes that new U.S. trade tariffs under the Trump administration have started affecting the foundry industry. A surge in recent orders for TVs, PCs, and notebooks bound for the U.S. in 4Q24 is expected to extend into 1Q25. Additionally, China's consumer subsidy program—introduced in late 2024—has spurred early inventory restocking among upstream customers. Combined with persistent demand for TSMC's AI-related chips and advanced packaging, these factors suggest that despite Q1 being a seasonally weak quarter, foundry revenue will only decline slightly.
TrendForce notes that new U.S. trade tariffs under the Trump administration have started affecting the foundry industry. A surge in recent orders for TVs, PCs, and notebooks bound for the U.S. in 4Q24 is expected to extend into 1Q25. Additionally, China's consumer subsidy program—introduced in late 2024—has spurred early inventory restocking among upstream customers. Combined with persistent demand for TSMC's AI-related chips and advanced packaging, these factors suggest that despite Q1 being a seasonally weak quarter, foundry revenue will only decline slightly.
Ubisoft Compares Assassin's Creed Shadows Protagonists in 20-minute Gameplay Preview
Assassin's Creed Shadows is coming to Steam on March 20, inviting players to experience feudal Japan as the shinobi Naoe or the samurai Yasuke, each of whom have their own unique set of weapons, abilities, and gameplay strengths. The Assassin's Creed team released a 20-minute gameplay video showing Naoe and Yasuke executing the same mission, with each character showing off their particular strengths in both stealth and combat.
In the video, Yasuke and Naoe are on a mission to assassinate Takahashi Shiro, a member of the Twisted Tree family currently holed up in the Nijo Palace. Naoe kicks things off in the shadows by taking on the mission at night, showing off her skills with the Hidden Blade to take out a Samurai Daisho, an elite enemy, and using her grappling hook to stay out of sight. To keep her stealthy approach hidden, she shows off the ability to extinguish lanterns and assassinate enemies through shoji doors, but when it's time to fight, you'll see she can hold her own with the legendary kusarigama, a long-range melee weapon.
In the video, Yasuke and Naoe are on a mission to assassinate Takahashi Shiro, a member of the Twisted Tree family currently holed up in the Nijo Palace. Naoe kicks things off in the shadows by taking on the mission at night, showing off her skills with the Hidden Blade to take out a Samurai Daisho, an elite enemy, and using her grappling hook to stay out of sight. To keep her stealthy approach hidden, she shows off the ability to extinguish lanterns and assassinate enemies through shoji doors, but when it's time to fight, you'll see she can hold her own with the legendary kusarigama, a long-range melee weapon.
ASUS Announces Availability of VU Air Ionizer Monitors
ASUS today announced a VU Air Ionizer series of monitors designed to enhance users' well-being with a host of innovative features. The 23.8-inch VU249HFI-W and the 27-inch VU279HFI-W models feature FHD IPS panels with 178° viewing angles, 100 Hz refresh rates, and 1 ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT). Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range VU34WCIP-W boasts a 34-inch 1500R curved panel featuring USB Type-C connectivity, a 100 Hz refresh rate, and 1 ms MPRT. Each model has a built-in air ionizer that's able to remove up to 90% of airborne dust within three hours for improved air quality. The monitors also feature TÜV Rheinland-certified Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technologies to reduce eye strain. In addition, eco-friendly packaging can be repurposed into multiple organizers and a phone stand.
Fresh, clean air
Powered by nano-ion technology, the air ionizer in each of these monitors is positioned to purify the air directly in front of the user, effectively removing pollen, allergen, and other pollutants, and reducing 90%i of airborne dust in just three hours. The ionizer has an effective coverage area of 1 m³, purifying air throughout a workspace for comfortable productivity. With no filters required, ASUS VU Air Ionizer series monitors seamlessly combine air purification and cutting-edge display technologies in one streamlined design.
Fresh, clean air
Powered by nano-ion technology, the air ionizer in each of these monitors is positioned to purify the air directly in front of the user, effectively removing pollen, allergen, and other pollutants, and reducing 90%i of airborne dust in just three hours. The ionizer has an effective coverage area of 1 m³, purifying air throughout a workspace for comfortable productivity. With no filters required, ASUS VU Air Ionizer series monitors seamlessly combine air purification and cutting-edge display technologies in one streamlined design.
Synaptics Extends Edge AI Portfolio with New Adaptive MCUs for Multimodal Context-Aware Computing
Synaptics Incorporated has extended its award-winning Synaptics Astra AI-Native platform with the SR-Series high-performance adaptive microcontroller units (MCUs) for scalable context-aware Edge AI. The series features three tiers of operation: performance (100 GOPS), efficiency, and ultra-low-power (ULP) always-on (AON) to deliver intelligence at every power level. Based on an Arm Cortex-M55 core and the Arm Ethos-U55 neural processing unit (NPU), the SR-Series is supported by the Astra Machina Micro development kit and open-source SDK. It is optimized for multimodal consumer, enterprise, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) workloads with accelerators and adaptive vision, audio, and voice algorithms. The small-form-factor MCUs have a rich set of peripherals—including multiple camera interfaces—to help minimize system cost, power, and footprint while enabling integration into a wide range of devices, such as battery-operated security cameras, sensors, appliances, point-of-sale, digital signage, and scanners.
Announced at EW2024 with the SL-Series MPUs, the Synaptics Astra AI-Native compute platform for the IoT combines scalable, low-power compute silicon for the device Edge with open-source, easy-to-use software and tools and Veros wireless connectivity. The platform was built upon Synaptics' foundation in neural networks, field-hardened AI hardware and compiler design expertise for the IoT, and refined, in-house support of a broad base of modalities.
Announced at EW2024 with the SL-Series MPUs, the Synaptics Astra AI-Native compute platform for the IoT combines scalable, low-power compute silicon for the device Edge with open-source, easy-to-use software and tools and Veros wireless connectivity. The platform was built upon Synaptics' foundation in neural networks, field-hardened AI hardware and compiler design expertise for the IoT, and refined, in-house support of a broad base of modalities.
Realtek to Showcase Multimedia and Network Solutions at Embedded World 2025
Realtek Semiconductor will participate in the globally acclaimed top technology event—the Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, from March 11 to 13. Highlighted exhibits will include networking multimedia applications, Ethernet solutions for various transmission media, industrial Ethernet switch application solutions, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi/IoT solutions. These exhibits will demonstrate Realtek's innovation in multimedia and communication networks, combined with AI-powered smart applications, providing customers with stable, reliable, and high-performance solutions.
Networked Multimedia Application
Realtek provides end customers with a highly secure, sustainably upgradeable, open-source, and shared Linux platform. Designed to meet the needs of SoCs, it leverages an advanced 12 nm process, a high-performance CPU/GPU, and Edge AI computing with NPU to fully support 4K video decoding and all HDMI 2.1 functions. It also enables audio and video transmission via DisplayPort. Additionally, the platform features high integration with multiple interfaces, including USB, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and SDIO. For system integration, Realtek incorporates its NICs (1G/2.5G/10 Gbps) and Wi-Fi/BT chips. SoCs are able to seamlessly connect to panels of various sizes via built-in MIPI or eDP, ensuring compatibility with networked multimedia applications.
Networked Multimedia Application
Realtek provides end customers with a highly secure, sustainably upgradeable, open-source, and shared Linux platform. Designed to meet the needs of SoCs, it leverages an advanced 12 nm process, a high-performance CPU/GPU, and Edge AI computing with NPU to fully support 4K video decoding and all HDMI 2.1 functions. It also enables audio and video transmission via DisplayPort. Additionally, the platform features high integration with multiple interfaces, including USB, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and SDIO. For system integration, Realtek incorporates its NICs (1G/2.5G/10 Gbps) and Wi-Fi/BT chips. SoCs are able to seamlessly connect to panels of various sizes via built-in MIPI or eDP, ensuring compatibility with networked multimedia applications.
Compal Shows Expandable Display Laptop Concept, 14-Inch Model Transforms Into 18-Inch Laptop
Taiwanese ODM Compal Electronics has secured an iF Design Award 2025 for its innovative "Infinite Laptop" concept. It features a horizontally expanding display that transforms from a standard 14-inch screen to an ultrawide 18-inch workspace. Unlike recent expandable display prototypes from Lenovo that unfold vertically, Compal's approach addresses productivity needs through horizontal expansion, potentially offering significant advantages for multi-tasking professionals and content creators. The design appears to leverage cutting-edge rollable OLED technology, with the display extending from both left and right sides of the base unit while maintaining the central viewing area above the keyboard. Award documentation suggests the concept prioritizes a balance between portability and productivity. Additional features may include LED notification indicators integrated into the laptop lid, though specific implementation details remain limited.
As an Original Design Manufacturer, Compal typically creates hardware for other brands rather than marketing products under its own name. The company has a track record of award-winning concept designs that don't always reach commercial production. This raises questions about whether the Infinite Laptop will transition from concept to consumer product. The expandable display trend represents a new frontier in laptop design, offering an alternative to traditional compromises in portable computing. While external monitors solutions have provided workarounds for screen real estate, integrated expandable displays could eliminate the need for additional peripherals while maintaining portability. Lenovo has already developed a few interesting laptop concepts, such as the ThinkBook Flip AI PC concept, which introduces an outward folding OLED display and a solar-powered laptop. To see innovation in the laptop space is very heartwarming, even if it is only a concept/prototype for now.
As an Original Design Manufacturer, Compal typically creates hardware for other brands rather than marketing products under its own name. The company has a track record of award-winning concept designs that don't always reach commercial production. This raises questions about whether the Infinite Laptop will transition from concept to consumer product. The expandable display trend represents a new frontier in laptop design, offering an alternative to traditional compromises in portable computing. While external monitors solutions have provided workarounds for screen real estate, integrated expandable displays could eliminate the need for additional peripherals while maintaining portability. Lenovo has already developed a few interesting laptop concepts, such as the ThinkBook Flip AI PC concept, which introduces an outward folding OLED display and a solar-powered laptop. To see innovation in the laptop space is very heartwarming, even if it is only a concept/prototype for now.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5060 Ti Specifications Leak
NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series mainstream lineup has been leaked, thanks to the well-known leaker kopite7kimi, revealing the complete specification profile of the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards. The entry-level RTX 5050 features GB207-300-A1 silicon on a PG152-SKU50 board with 2,560 CUDA cores and 8 GB of the older GDDR6 memory across a 128-bit interface at 130 W, while the mid-tier RTX 5060 utilizes GB206-250-A1 silicon on a PG152-SKU25 board housing 3,840 CUDA cores with 8 GB of the latest GDDR7 memory at 150 W. The more powerful RTX 5060 Ti implements GB206-300-A1 silicon with two board versions, PG152-SKU10/15, presumably for two memory configurations. It features 4,608 CUDA cores paired with either 8 GB or 16 GB of GDDR7 memory and a 180 W power envelope.
Most notable is the adoption of next-generation GDDR7 memory technology in both RTX 5060 variants while maintaining the 128-bit memory bus across all three models. While the entry-level RTX 5050 model utilizes GDDR6 memory, the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti are awarded with the faster GDDR7. The consistent 128-bit interface suggests NVIDIA is leveraging memory compression technologies and GDDR7's increased bandwidth to deliver performance improvements without widening the memory bus. Each tier features a slight increase in CUDA core count, a modest boost over the previous generation RTX 40 series. With the RTX 5050 targeting 1080p gaming, the RTX 5060 is positioned for high-refresh 1080p and entry-level 1440p, and the RTX 5060 Ti is likely aimed at solid 1440p performance across most titles. While we don't know the exact release date, we can expect to hear more about the availability in the coming weeks.
Most notable is the adoption of next-generation GDDR7 memory technology in both RTX 5060 variants while maintaining the 128-bit memory bus across all three models. While the entry-level RTX 5050 model utilizes GDDR6 memory, the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti are awarded with the faster GDDR7. The consistent 128-bit interface suggests NVIDIA is leveraging memory compression technologies and GDDR7's increased bandwidth to deliver performance improvements without widening the memory bus. Each tier features a slight increase in CUDA core count, a modest boost over the previous generation RTX 40 series. With the RTX 5050 targeting 1080p gaming, the RTX 5060 is positioned for high-refresh 1080p and entry-level 1440p, and the RTX 5060 Ti is likely aimed at solid 1440p performance across most titles. While we don't know the exact release date, we can expect to hear more about the availability in the coming weeks.
NVIDIA Irons Out "Blackwell" Black Screen Issues with Latest GeForce Hotfix Display Driver v572.75
NVIDIA has finally responded to widespread stability problems affecting its RTX 50 series "Blackwell" GPU lineup with the release of GeForce Hotfix Display Driver 572.75. The emergency update specifically targets two critical issues: black screen crashes plaguing the entire RTX 50 series and performance degradation after system reboots when overclocking RTX 5080/5090 models. This hotfix arrives after weeks of user complaints about system instability, particularly when utilizing DLSS 4 frame generation and other advanced features. The release comes directly through NVIDIA's Customer Care support site rather than standard distribution channels, packed in the hotfix release.
According to NVIDIA's release notes, the driver underwent an "abbreviated QA process" to spread its availability to affected users. While the company acknowledges the complexity of its driver software and has "an army of software engineers" addressing bugs, many early Blackwell buyers have expressed frustration over paying premium prices for hardware hindered by fundamental stability issues. NVIDIA has indicated that these fixes and additional improvements will be incorporated into the next official WHQL-certified driver release, though no specific timeline has been provided. At TechPowerUp, we don't host hotfix drivers, only WHQL versions, so you must go to NVIDIA's website here to download the latest driver.
According to NVIDIA's release notes, the driver underwent an "abbreviated QA process" to spread its availability to affected users. While the company acknowledges the complexity of its driver software and has "an army of software engineers" addressing bugs, many early Blackwell buyers have expressed frustration over paying premium prices for hardware hindered by fundamental stability issues. NVIDIA has indicated that these fixes and additional improvements will be incorporated into the next official WHQL-certified driver release, though no specific timeline has been provided. At TechPowerUp, we don't host hotfix drivers, only WHQL versions, so you must go to NVIDIA's website here to download the latest driver.
Sunday, March 9th 2025
Dynabook Protege Z40L-N Launched With Lunar Lake Chops and Removable Battery
Dynabook recently made headlines with its X30W laptop, which was claimed to be one of the lightest laptops available on the market. Now, the company has introduced the Z40L-N laptop, also with Intel's Lunar Lake-equipped internals and an impressively lightweight chassis. However, the Z40L-N packs yet another trick up its sleeve - the laptop boasts a battery that is relatively easy to replace, at least by modern standards. At its core, the Z40L-N laptop is powered by Intel's Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake CPUs, up to the Core Ultra 7 258V with 32 GB of onboard memory. Clearly, the laptop packs plenty of computing horsepower, and the integrated Arc 140 V GPU should be enough for non-intensive workloads and casual gaming.
At the front, a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 is on offer. With a sub-1-kg (~2.2 lbs) weight, the 14-inch laptop is effortless to carry around in a backpack, and the 56 Whr battery should provide for decently long runtimes away from the wall. As stated previously, the battery is not glued to the chassis, and is therefore relatively easy to replace simply by removing the back panel and then the battery itself. The base configuration starts at $1,699, and ships with the Core Ultra 5 226V CPU with 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. There are a plenty of ports on offer, including a selection of USB-A and USB-C (including Thunderbolt 4) ports, microSD slot, audio jack, as well as a RJ45 gigabit LAN port. For wireless communication, Wi-Fi 7 as well as Bluetooth is present. The higher-end variant with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU with 32 GB of memory commands a $500 premium over the standard variant, which is to be expected.
At the front, a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 is on offer. With a sub-1-kg (~2.2 lbs) weight, the 14-inch laptop is effortless to carry around in a backpack, and the 56 Whr battery should provide for decently long runtimes away from the wall. As stated previously, the battery is not glued to the chassis, and is therefore relatively easy to replace simply by removing the back panel and then the battery itself. The base configuration starts at $1,699, and ships with the Core Ultra 5 226V CPU with 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. There are a plenty of ports on offer, including a selection of USB-A and USB-C (including Thunderbolt 4) ports, microSD slot, audio jack, as well as a RJ45 gigabit LAN port. For wireless communication, Wi-Fi 7 as well as Bluetooth is present. The higher-end variant with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU with 32 GB of memory commands a $500 premium over the standard variant, which is to be expected.
M4-powered Apple MacBook Air Hits Geekbench With Unsurprising Scores
It would be incredibly hard to argue that Apple's recently unveiled M4-equipped MacBook Air is the company's best value laptop in quite a while. With a lower starting price and twice the memory, the refreshed MacBook Air sure does a great job enticing students and casual users. The system has recently made its debut on the popular benchmarking platform Geekbench, boasting CPU and GPU performance that is right around what one might expect from the M4 SoC, which we have seen previously in the iPad Pro as well as multiple Macs. In single-core, the M4 MacBook Air managed a score of 3,680 points, and in multicore, the M4 raked in 14,924 points. Of course, the fanless MacBook Air will almost certainly struggle to keep up with its actively cooled siblings in sustained workloads.
In GPU performance, the MacBook Air raked in 54,864 points in Geekbench's Metal GPU benchmark, which is marginally lower than the M4 SoC's average of 57,000 points in the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, both of which are actively cooled. Considering the starting price of $999, the M4 MacBook Air with 16 GB of unified memory is plenty performant for the vast majority of laptop users. Of course, the entry-level storage of a paltry 256 GB is a borderline deal-breaker in 2025, compounded by the fact that Apple refuses to grace its products with user upgradeable storage. For those who can look past it, the M4 MacBook Air sure has a lot going for it.
In GPU performance, the MacBook Air raked in 54,864 points in Geekbench's Metal GPU benchmark, which is marginally lower than the M4 SoC's average of 57,000 points in the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, both of which are actively cooled. Considering the starting price of $999, the M4 MacBook Air with 16 GB of unified memory is plenty performant for the vast majority of laptop users. Of course, the entry-level storage of a paltry 256 GB is a borderline deal-breaker in 2025, compounded by the fact that Apple refuses to grace its products with user upgradeable storage. For those who can look past it, the M4 MacBook Air sure has a lot going for it.
Asus Vivobook 18 Launched With AMD Ryzen 7 260 APU and 144 Hz Display
There is no shortage of folks who have modest performance expectations from their systems, but require a large display for entertainment and creativity purposes. ASUS has introduced a massive new laptop seemingly intended for such people, dubbed the Vivobook 18. As the name suggests, the laptop sports a large 18.3-inch display with an aspect ratio of 16:10. As we shall find out later, the product is affordably priced, which justifies the 1080p IPS display. At its size, a higher-resolution panel would've certainly been a welcome addition. Thankfully, however, the display boasts a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which should allow for an excellent motion experience. The display is also claimed to cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut, which is pretty neat.
At its heart, the Vivobook 18 is powered by the Ryzen 7 260 APU with 8 Zen 4 cores and 16 threads paired with up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory. The APU is no slouch, and packs enough grunt to trade blows with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU. There is no option for discrete graphics, which means that any graphically demanding task will have to solely rely on the integrated Radeon 780M iGPU. For non-intensive workloads and casual lightweight gaming, the RDNA 3-based Radeon 780M should easily suffice. An M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x 4 slot takes care of storage requirements, with 512 GB as standard. The memory is also upgradeable, courtesy of the single unpopulated SODIMM slot.
At its heart, the Vivobook 18 is powered by the Ryzen 7 260 APU with 8 Zen 4 cores and 16 threads paired with up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory. The APU is no slouch, and packs enough grunt to trade blows with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU. There is no option for discrete graphics, which means that any graphically demanding task will have to solely rely on the integrated Radeon 780M iGPU. For non-intensive workloads and casual lightweight gaming, the RDNA 3-based Radeon 780M should easily suffice. An M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x 4 slot takes care of storage requirements, with 512 GB as standard. The memory is also upgradeable, courtesy of the single unpopulated SODIMM slot.
Apple M3 Ultra SoC: Disappointing CPU Benchmark Result Surfaces
Just recently, Apple somewhat stunned the industry with the introduction of its refreshed Mac Studio with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra SoCs. For whatever reason, the Cupertino giant decided to spec its most expensive Mac desktop with an Ultra SoC that is based on an older generation, M3, instead of the newer M4 family. However, the M3 Max, which the M3 Ultra is based on, was no slouch, indicating that the M3 Ultra will likely boast impressive performance. However, if a collection of recent benchmark runs are anything to go by, it appears that the M3 Ultra is a tad too closely matched with the M4 Max in CPU performance, which makes the $2000 premium between the two SoCs rather difficult to digest. Needless to say, a single benchmark is hardly representative of real-world performance, so accept this information with a grain of salt.
According to the recently spotted Geekbench result, the M3 Ultra managed a single-core score of 3,221, which is roughly 18% slower than the M4 Max. In multicore performance, one might expect the 32-core M3 Ultra to sweep the floor with the 16-core M4 Max, but that is not quite the case. With a score of 27,749, the M3 Ultra leads the M4 Max by an abysmal 8%. Of course, these are early runs, which may suggest that future scores will likely be higher. However, it is clear as day that the M3 Ultra and the M4 Max, at least in terms of CPU performance, will be close together in multithreaded performance, with the M4 Max continuing to be substantially faster than the far more expensive M3 Ultra variant in single-threaded performance. It does appear that the primary selling point for the M3 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio will be the massive 80-core GPU and up to 512 GB of unified memory shared by the CPU and the GPU, which should come in handy for running massive LLMs locally and other niche workloads.
According to the recently spotted Geekbench result, the M3 Ultra managed a single-core score of 3,221, which is roughly 18% slower than the M4 Max. In multicore performance, one might expect the 32-core M3 Ultra to sweep the floor with the 16-core M4 Max, but that is not quite the case. With a score of 27,749, the M3 Ultra leads the M4 Max by an abysmal 8%. Of course, these are early runs, which may suggest that future scores will likely be higher. However, it is clear as day that the M3 Ultra and the M4 Max, at least in terms of CPU performance, will be close together in multithreaded performance, with the M4 Max continuing to be substantially faster than the far more expensive M3 Ultra variant in single-threaded performance. It does appear that the primary selling point for the M3 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio will be the massive 80-core GPU and up to 512 GB of unified memory shared by the CPU and the GPU, which should come in handy for running massive LLMs locally and other niche workloads.
This Week in Gaming (Week 11)
Welcome to the second week of March, which takes us to the end of feudal Japan for this week's major release. This is followed by what can only be called a Minecraft wannabe, but with slightly less blocky graphics, a cozy game about tea, a PvP action roguelike, some H. P. Lovecraft inspired horror and finally some big guys and gals in tights pretending to wrestle. The rest of this week was pretty slim pickings, so there are no additional new releases this week.
Rise of the Ronin / This week's major release / Tuesday 11 March
An open-world RPG set in the Bakumatsu period, where players take on the role of a ronin forging their own destiny. The game features multiple possible endings, allowing players to choose which faction to support—such as the anti-shogunate faction, pro-shogunate faction, or Western forces—which significantly alters the story's outcome. Steam link
Rise of the Ronin / This week's major release / Tuesday 11 March
An open-world RPG set in the Bakumatsu period, where players take on the role of a ronin forging their own destiny. The game features multiple possible endings, allowing players to choose which faction to support—such as the anti-shogunate faction, pro-shogunate faction, or Western forces—which significantly alters the story's outcome. Steam link
Saturday, March 8th 2025
NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 "Blackwell" Features 24,064 Cores Paired with 96 GB GDDR7 ECC Memory
NVIDIA has prepared a "Blackwell" Titan equivalent—RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPU for professional visualization and local AI solutions. Based on the GB202 silicon, the RTX PRO 6000 is the closest solution to the full power of NVIDIA's prosumer-oriented Blackwell SKUs. With 24,064 CUDA cores on board, this configuration is just 512 CUDA cores shy from the complete GB202 24,576-core configuration. This is likely due to the yield defects, meaning that this is perhaps the highest CUDA core count model we will see based on GB202. Additionally, at 24,064 core RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell is carrying 2,340 more cores than the top-end consumer GeForce RTX 5090 with 21,760 CUDA cores. Based on the 600 W TGP, the new RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell should have lower clocks, given its bigger core count to maintain the TGP for its massive memory configuration. Remember, GDDR7 memory modules consume power, too.
With 96 GB of GDDR7 memory and ECC memory correction on board, it will primarily target professionals in 3D rendering, simulations, and local AI development. To cool the beastly configuration, NVIDIA opted for a double-flow-through cooler used on the RTX 5090, with an open-air design. Operating on a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface with four DisplayPort 2.1 connectors, the design remains double-slot in thickness. VideoCardz obtained pictures of it, which you can see below. Interestingly, the color accents of the new cooler are darker. We can expect to see more from NVIDIA and its new RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPU from the upcoming GTC 2025 on March 17.
With 96 GB of GDDR7 memory and ECC memory correction on board, it will primarily target professionals in 3D rendering, simulations, and local AI development. To cool the beastly configuration, NVIDIA opted for a double-flow-through cooler used on the RTX 5090, with an open-air design. Operating on a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface with four DisplayPort 2.1 connectors, the design remains double-slot in thickness. VideoCardz obtained pictures of it, which you can see below. Interestingly, the color accents of the new cooler are darker. We can expect to see more from NVIDIA and its new RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPU from the upcoming GTC 2025 on March 17.
China Develops Domestic EUV Tool, ASML Monopoly in Trouble
China's domestic extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography development is far from a distant dream. The newest system, now undergoing testing at Huawei's Dongguan facility, leverages laser-induced discharge plasma (LDP) technology, representing a potentially disruptive approach to EUV light generation. The system is scheduled for trial production in Q3 2025, with mass manufacturing targeted for 2026, potentially positioning China to break ASML's technical monopoly in advanced lithography. The LDP approach employed in the Chinese system generates 13.5 nm EUV radiation by vaporizing tin between electrodes and converting it to plasma via high-voltage discharge, where electron-ion collisions produce the required wavelength. This methodology offers several technical advantages over ASML's laser-produced plasma (LPP) technique, including simplified architecture, reduced footprint, improved energy efficiency, and potentially lower production costs.
The LPP method relies on high-energy lasers and complex FPGA-based real-time control electronics to achieve the same result. While ASML has refined its LPP-based systems over decades, the inherent efficiency advantages of the LDP approach could accelerate China's catch-up timeline in this critical semiconductor manufacturing technology. When the US imposed sanctions on EUV shipments to Chinese companies, the Chinese semiconductor development was basically limited as standard deep ultraviolet (DUV) wave lithography systems utilize 248 nm (KrF) and 193 nm (ArF) wavelengths for semiconductor patterning, with 193 nm immersion technology representing the most advanced pre-EUV production technique. These longer wavelengths contrast with EUV's 13.5 nm radiation, requiring multiple patterning techniques to achieve advanced nodes.
The LPP method relies on high-energy lasers and complex FPGA-based real-time control electronics to achieve the same result. While ASML has refined its LPP-based systems over decades, the inherent efficiency advantages of the LDP approach could accelerate China's catch-up timeline in this critical semiconductor manufacturing technology. When the US imposed sanctions on EUV shipments to Chinese companies, the Chinese semiconductor development was basically limited as standard deep ultraviolet (DUV) wave lithography systems utilize 248 nm (KrF) and 193 nm (ArF) wavelengths for semiconductor patterning, with 193 nm immersion technology representing the most advanced pre-EUV production technique. These longer wavelengths contrast with EUV's 13.5 nm radiation, requiring multiple patterning techniques to achieve advanced nodes.
Friday, March 7th 2025
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
- XFX RX 9070 Swift White (fr)
- AMD RX 9070 Custom Design Roundup ComputerBase (de)
- Sapphire RX 9070 Pulse Guru3D
- XFX RX 9070 QuickSilver OC Guru3D
- PowerColor RX 9070 Reaper Pause Hardware (fr)
- XFX RX 9070 XT Merc RGB GinjFo (fr)
- PowerColor RX 9070 XT Red Devil Pause Hardware (fr)
- XFX RX 9070 XT Mercury OC Magnetic Air TechPowerUp
- AMD RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 Tom's Hardware
- Gigabyte RTX 5070 AORUS Master GinjFo (fr)
- MSI RTX 5070 Gaming Trio HotHardware
- ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 5070 OC Pause Hardware (fr)
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition Tom's Hardware
- ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC Tweaktown
Memory
Motherboards
Networking
XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT Mercury OC Magnetic Air Review
The XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT Mercury OC comes with a unique capability. Its fans are attached magnetically and will pop out easily, which makes them easy to clean and replace. In terms of performance the XFX card does very well, too, beating the RTX 5070, almost matching the RTX 5070 Ti.
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max Wi-Fi Review
If you want the latest Wi-Fi standard, PCIe Gen 5 and decent VRM cooling for less than $250 then there's a decent amount of choice out there. MSI's Tomahawk boards have been solid choices in the past but has MSI cut too many features this time?
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Available Now on PC & Consoles
The legendary KONAMI JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II have now been remastered in HD! The Suikoden Series began its journey in 1995 and quickly gained popularity as KONAMI's original RPG series, releasing a total of 11 titles including spin-offs. Each installment of the game featured new locations and unique characters, thoughtfully woven together storylines, and more than 108 charming allies to tell a wartime story full of grandeur.
The Story of Suikoden I
A once renowned hero turns into a violent tyrant, and an empire falls into decline. A Liberation Army is rising up in an act of rebellion against an oppressive rule. One by one the 108 stars of Destiny gather to shape the course of history.
The Story of Suikoden II
Our story's hero and his friend Jowy are members of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, which participated in a drawn-out border dispute between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowston. A few months earlier, a truce agreement was signed between the two forces, both of which were happy to see an end to the fighting.
The Story of Suikoden I
A once renowned hero turns into a violent tyrant, and an empire falls into decline. A Liberation Army is rising up in an act of rebellion against an oppressive rule. One by one the 108 stars of Destiny gather to shape the course of history.
The Story of Suikoden II
Our story's hero and his friend Jowy are members of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, which participated in a drawn-out border dispute between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowston. A few months earlier, a truce agreement was signed between the two forces, both of which were happy to see an end to the fighting.
Respawn Entertainment Reportedly Cancels Unannounced First-person Shooter Project
A former Respawn Entertainment employee has revealed the recent cancellation of an "unannounced incubation project." The ex-team member's LinkedIn profile post/job-seeking alert (now removed) was widely reported on by games media outlets; leading to speculation regarding the mystery title's origins and identity. The Los Angeles, California-based company created a "new game incubation team" not too long ago—recruitment information from last year pointed to a role description that demanded: "significant professional experience designing multiplayer FPS experiences." Respawn Entertainment operates as a multi-team and multi-location development studio—with branches working on Apex Legends, Star Wars and mystery IPs. The Electronic Arts-owned firm is masterminded by Vince Zampella; a veteran developer of popular first-person shooter franchises. Based on recent official account disclosures, the EA executive is currently tasked with the challenging revival of Battlefield's fortunes.
In 2023, Zampella indicated that he was open to revisiting Respawn's long-dormant Titanfall intellectual property. The second entry in the series underperformed sales-wise when it first launched back in October 2016. Despite a fantastic critical reception and vocal support from Titanfall 2's audience, EA leadership decided to put the franchise on ice. Last March, insiders started to make speculative noise about a revival—Steve Fukuda was mentioned in leaks. His CV lists the helming of development on both Titanfall 1 and 2; as game director. The latest talk of a canceled project was soon linked back to Respawn's rumored "unannounced Titanfall IP" prototype. Respawn's website still advertises the existence of their "new game incubation team," but links lead to recruitment posts for other "active" projects. EA officially announced the shelving of the studio's "Star Wars FPS Action game" around early 2024. Respawn and EA are likely focusing on core franchises for the foreseeable future; their Star Wars Jedi: Survivor sequel seems to be a safe bet.
In 2023, Zampella indicated that he was open to revisiting Respawn's long-dormant Titanfall intellectual property. The second entry in the series underperformed sales-wise when it first launched back in October 2016. Despite a fantastic critical reception and vocal support from Titanfall 2's audience, EA leadership decided to put the franchise on ice. Last March, insiders started to make speculative noise about a revival—Steve Fukuda was mentioned in leaks. His CV lists the helming of development on both Titanfall 1 and 2; as game director. The latest talk of a canceled project was soon linked back to Respawn's rumored "unannounced Titanfall IP" prototype. Respawn's website still advertises the existence of their "new game incubation team," but links lead to recruitment posts for other "active" projects. EA officially announced the shelving of the studio's "Star Wars FPS Action game" around early 2024. Respawn and EA are likely focusing on core franchises for the foreseeable future; their Star Wars Jedi: Survivor sequel seems to be a safe bet.
The Sinking City 2 Pre-Alpha Gameplay Footage Unveiled by Frogwares
Set in an eerie, Lovecraftian reimagining of 1920s America, The Sinking City 2 is a narrative-driven, third-person survival horror game coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025. Harnessing the full power of Unreal Engine 5, we're crafting an immersive horror experience that will plunge players into a world of mystery, madness, and cosmic terror. But to take our vision even further, we need your help!
What Awaits You in Arkham?
After the devastating flood, Arkham is a shadow of its former self. A city partially submerged, abandoned by most, and left to rot. The remaining survivors have their own reasons for staying, but their presence offers no reassurance. Everyone has an agenda, and no one can be trusted. With a semi-open world design, Arkham is denser and more detailed than ever, packed with quests, secrets, and environmental storytelling. There's no hand-holding—you'll need to explore, observe, and piece things together yourself. Navigate its ruins on foot or by boat, uncover hidden paths, and discover areas that may have been better left undisturbed.
What Awaits You in Arkham?
After the devastating flood, Arkham is a shadow of its former self. A city partially submerged, abandoned by most, and left to rot. The remaining survivors have their own reasons for staying, but their presence offers no reassurance. Everyone has an agenda, and no one can be trusted. With a semi-open world design, Arkham is denser and more detailed than ever, packed with quests, secrets, and environmental storytelling. There's no hand-holding—you'll need to explore, observe, and piece things together yourself. Navigate its ruins on foot or by boat, uncover hidden paths, and discover areas that may have been better left undisturbed.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D & 9900X3D Prices Confirmed: $699 & $599 - March 12 Launch is Official
Earlier today, AMD confirmed finalized price points and a launch date for its two incoming additions to the Ryzen 9000X3D processor lineup. The current Zen 5 processor population (with 3D V-Cache onboard) has a count of one—Team Red's reigning gaming champion: the eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D model. AMD's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing and Graphics was the first staffer to make an official announcement regarding definitive talking points. Jack Huynh stated (via a social media post): the world's best processor for gaming and content creation is almost here. Available starting March 12th. Ryzen 9 9950X3D—$699. Ryzen 9 9900X3D—$599. A huge thank you to our incredible community of gamers, creators, and innovators for your continued support. Together, we're shaping the future of gaming and content creation! Let's level up together!"
The sixteen-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D and twelve-core 9900X3D SKUs were officially unveiled at CES 2025, in early January. Since then, many leaks have emerged online—certain soothsayers were bang on with their predictions. Almost a month ago, speculative $699 and $599 price points were leaked. On two separate occasions, a—now confirmed—March 12 launch day was projected. AMD is expected to lift media embargoes on March 11; reviews of finalized silicon will finally reveal whether the two new players can beat their incumbent sibling in gaming performance benchmarks. As reported this afternoon, China's JD.com retail platform has opened its order book to customers—a limited quantity of Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D units were made available for a short period of time.
The sixteen-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D and twelve-core 9900X3D SKUs were officially unveiled at CES 2025, in early January. Since then, many leaks have emerged online—certain soothsayers were bang on with their predictions. Almost a month ago, speculative $699 and $599 price points were leaked. On two separate occasions, a—now confirmed—March 12 launch day was projected. AMD is expected to lift media embargoes on March 11; reviews of finalized silicon will finally reveal whether the two new players can beat their incumbent sibling in gaming performance benchmarks. As reported this afternoon, China's JD.com retail platform has opened its order book to customers—a limited quantity of Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D units were made available for a short period of time.
Tripwire Interactive Postpones Killing Floor 3 Release Date to Later in 2025
Developer and publisher Tripwire Interactive today announced that the highly anticipated next chapter in the studio's legendary Killing Floor franchise, Killing Floor 3, will be delayed and will not launch on the previously announced release date of March 25. Revealed in a message directly to its community, Tripwire, with support from its parent company The Embracer Group, announced the delay and discussed initial details on what the team is evaluating as priority issues to address. The delay will move the game's launch to a date to be determined later in 2025. Fans who have pre-ordered the game will be offered refunds and can refer to the online FAQ for additional details.
Killing Floor 3 is the next installment in the legendary co-op action/horror FPS series. The year is 2091, 70 years after the events in Killing Floor 2, and megacorp Horzine has produced the ultimate army: an obedient horde of bioengineered monstrosities called Zeds. Now, the only thing standing between these infernal creations and the future of humanity is the rebel rogue group known as Nightfall. This intense first-person shooter puts players in the role of a Nightfall specialist, joining forces with up to five teammates as they battle through a war-ravaged, dystopian future, surviving unrelenting waves of Zeds, unlocking new skills, and building the ultimate arsenal.
Killing Floor 3 is the next installment in the legendary co-op action/horror FPS series. The year is 2091, 70 years after the events in Killing Floor 2, and megacorp Horzine has produced the ultimate army: an obedient horde of bioengineered monstrosities called Zeds. Now, the only thing standing between these infernal creations and the future of humanity is the rebel rogue group known as Nightfall. This intense first-person shooter puts players in the role of a Nightfall specialist, joining forces with up to five teammates as they battle through a war-ravaged, dystopian future, surviving unrelenting waves of Zeds, unlocking new skills, and building the ultimate arsenal.
Hazelight's Josef Fares Discusses Creation of Split Fiction
Josef Fares is a passionate creator, innovator, and a bold leader. These qualities have long served him well as the Director of Hazelight Studios, where he's built a reputation for delivering emotionally charged and deeply immersive interactive entertainment experiences. Known for his unique style and knack for blending humor, heart, and innovative gameplay, Fares has captivated the gaming world with his work on titles like A Way Out and critical darling It Takes Two. And now, after years of anticipation and dedication, Josef is back with Hazelight's latest creation: Split Fiction.
We sat down with Josef prior to launch (available March 6 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and through the EA app) for an exclusive Q&A to dive into the creative process behind Split Fiction, the challenges of bringing such a complex vision to life, and one level in particular that he believes is something that has never been seen before in video games. Let's dive in!
We sat down with Josef prior to launch (available March 6 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and through the EA app) for an exclusive Q&A to dive into the creative process behind Split Fiction, the challenges of bringing such a complex vision to life, and one level in particular that he believes is something that has never been seen before in video games. Let's dive in!
Intel Panther Lake on Track for H2 2025 Launch, Company Exec Disregards Rumors of 18A Delays
Earlier in the week, online chatter pointed to a possible delay in the production of Panther Lake silicon. Well-known industry analyst—Ming-Chi Kuo—has kept tabs on the inner workings of several big semiconductor players. A previous insider tale revealed NVIDIA's allegedly revised "Blackwell" architecture roadmap. Kuo's latest insight focused on Intel and their 18A node process; rumored setbacks have reportedly pushed the launch of next-gen Panther Lake (PTL) mobile processors into 2026. Team Blue leadership has already reacted to the relatively fresh allegations—earlier in the week, John Pitzer sat down with Morgan Stanley Semiconductor Research's Joe Moore. During their conference fireside chat, Intel's Corporate Vice President of Investor Relations addressed recent internet whispers.
When asked about 18A being developed on schedule, Pitzer responded with: "yes, it is. I mean, I tend to wake up every morning trying to fish through rumors that are coming across on social media about Intel 18A. I want to be very clear. Panther Lake is on track to launch in the second half of this year. That launch date has not changed. We feel really good about the progress that we are making. In fact, if you look at where our yields are on Panther Lake today, they're actually slightly ahead at a similar point in time to Meteor Lake, if you look at the development process for Meteor Lake. I think a couple of weeks ago, there was a technical paper out that actually looked at our SRAM density on Intel 18A that compared well with TSMC's N2. Lots of different metrics you can compare technologies on. I think in general, we think about Intel 18A being an N3 type/N2 sort of comp with the external peers." Panther Lake is set to become the company's first product family that will utilize its own Foundry's 18A node process. Mid-way through February, we heard about the importance of PTL with Intel's portable gaming strategy.
When asked about 18A being developed on schedule, Pitzer responded with: "yes, it is. I mean, I tend to wake up every morning trying to fish through rumors that are coming across on social media about Intel 18A. I want to be very clear. Panther Lake is on track to launch in the second half of this year. That launch date has not changed. We feel really good about the progress that we are making. In fact, if you look at where our yields are on Panther Lake today, they're actually slightly ahead at a similar point in time to Meteor Lake, if you look at the development process for Meteor Lake. I think a couple of weeks ago, there was a technical paper out that actually looked at our SRAM density on Intel 18A that compared well with TSMC's N2. Lots of different metrics you can compare technologies on. I think in general, we think about Intel 18A being an N3 type/N2 sort of comp with the external peers." Panther Lake is set to become the company's first product family that will utilize its own Foundry's 18A node process. Mid-way through February, we heard about the importance of PTL with Intel's portable gaming strategy.
GSC Game World Celebrates S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl's 6 Million Player Milestone
The Zone has never been so loud before! At the rest stops, stalkers are singing songs and playing the guitar. Laughter is heard everywhere: from Zalissya to Wild Island and beyond! At some point even the Quiet's Camp turned into a traffic jam. This week we are celebrating the 6 million stalkers who have come to play S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2: Heart of Chornobyl. Six million! A scope that is hard to comprehend, but it is real thanks to you. We are incredibly grateful and proud that each of you has left a unique mark in the Zone. Good hunting, stalkers!
Flip Side of the Zone
Local depths hold more than just artifacts and relics. They hold forgotten ambitions and dangerous knowledge, bearing scars from experiments that blur the line between science and madness. Many stalkers believe they're simply searching for material wealth, yet they brush against remnants of humanity's boldest and most perilous dreams. Old research facilities, buried under layers of dust and dread, were once brimming with the promise of progress—only to become cold graves for those strives, when the Zone was born.
Flip Side of the Zone
Local depths hold more than just artifacts and relics. They hold forgotten ambitions and dangerous knowledge, bearing scars from experiments that blur the line between science and madness. Many stalkers believe they're simply searching for material wealth, yet they brush against remnants of humanity's boldest and most perilous dreams. Old research facilities, buried under layers of dust and dread, were once brimming with the promise of progress—only to become cold graves for those strives, when the Zone was born.
You Can Now Jailbreak Your AMD Zen1-Zen4 CPU Thanks to the Latest Vulnerability
Google security researchers have published comprehensive details on "EntrySign," a significant vulnerability affecting all AMD Zen processors through Zen 4. The flaw allows attackers with local administrator privileges to install custom microcode updates on affected CPUs, bypassing AMD's cryptographic verification system. The vulnerability stems from AMD's use of AES-CMAC as a hash function in its signature verification process—a critical cryptographic error. CMAC is designed as a message authentication code, not a secure hash function. The researchers discovered that AMD had been using a published example key from NIST documentation since Zen 1, allowing them to forge signatures and deploy arbitrary microcode modifications. These modifications can alter CPU behavior at the most fundamental level, enabling sophisticated attacks that persist until the next system reboot.
Google's security team has released "zentool," an open-source jailbreak toolkit allowing researchers to create, sign, and deploy custom microcode patches on vulnerable processors. The toolkit includes capabilities for microcode disassembly, patch authoring with limited assembly support, and cryptographic signing functions. As a proof-of-concept, the researchers demonstrated modifying the RDRAND instruction to consistently return predetermined values, effectively compromising the CPU's random number generation. AMD has issued microcode updates that replace the compromised validation routine with a custom secure hash function. The company's patches also leverage the AMD Secure Processor to update the validation routine before x86 cores can process potentially tampered microcode. While the attack requires local administrator access and doesn't persist through power cycles, it poses significant risks to confidential computing environments using technologies like SEV-SNP and DRTM. The researchers noted their findings could enable further CPU security research beyond exploit development, potentially allowing the implementation of new security features similar to those developed for Intel processors through similar techniques.
Google's security team has released "zentool," an open-source jailbreak toolkit allowing researchers to create, sign, and deploy custom microcode patches on vulnerable processors. The toolkit includes capabilities for microcode disassembly, patch authoring with limited assembly support, and cryptographic signing functions. As a proof-of-concept, the researchers demonstrated modifying the RDRAND instruction to consistently return predetermined values, effectively compromising the CPU's random number generation. AMD has issued microcode updates that replace the compromised validation routine with a custom secure hash function. The company's patches also leverage the AMD Secure Processor to update the validation routine before x86 cores can process potentially tampered microcode. While the attack requires local administrator access and doesn't persist through power cycles, it poses significant risks to confidential computing environments using technologies like SEV-SNP and DRTM. The researchers noted their findings could enable further CPU security research beyond exploit development, potentially allowing the implementation of new security features similar to those developed for Intel processors through similar techniques.
AMD Questions Reported/Predicted Elevation of Radeon RX 9070 Series MSRPs
Yesterday's global launch of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 was a relatively successful affair; day one stock was swiftly snapped up. Naturally, buying conditions were not ideal for every customer. Despite a prominent UK retailer's teasing of plentiful supply (pre-launch), online feedback pointed to apparent limited supplies of RDNA 4 cards across European regions. Fresh reports suggest that anticipated fluid price conditions have caused a larger than expected rush at retail; hence the rapid depletion of opening day stock. As reported yesterday, a handful of PC hardware stores have alluded to forthcoming upward shifts in pricing for the lower-end of an all-board partner-built Radeon RX 9070 series graphics card lineup. VideoCardz has highlighted a disgruntled customer's experience with Ebuyer UK. Bran180s—a Radeon subreddit member—managed to snag a baseline MSRP conformant Sapphire PULSE RX 9070 XT model for the ideal launch price (£569.99, including VAT), but the webstore reneged this transaction.
A screenshot was uploaded to Reddit, alongside a short story: "was on the website ready for the launch of the RX 9070 XT, got one straight away and paid no issues. Ebuyer emailed me today to cancel, and now the price is £150 more." The British e-tailer has issued apologies, following the absorption of online criticism (see relevant screenshot below). The "normal price" of Sapphire's basic Pulse card was eventually adjusted to a mere £664.98, but Ebuyer has de-listed this SKU (at the time of writing). Other UK webshops—Scan, AWD-IT, CCL, Box etc.—have similarly implemented price hikes across low, mid and premium card tiers. Australia's Hardware Unboxed managed to extract an official response from AMD—their social media post quoted Frank Azor. The Team Red exec indicated that his team is ready to intervene: "it is inaccurate that $549/$599 MSRP is launch-only pricing. We expect cards to be available from multiple vendors at $549/$599 (excluding region specific tariffs and/or taxes) based on the work we have done with our AIB partners, and more are coming. At the same time, the AIBs have different premium configurations at higher price points and those will also continue."
A screenshot was uploaded to Reddit, alongside a short story: "was on the website ready for the launch of the RX 9070 XT, got one straight away and paid no issues. Ebuyer emailed me today to cancel, and now the price is £150 more." The British e-tailer has issued apologies, following the absorption of online criticism (see relevant screenshot below). The "normal price" of Sapphire's basic Pulse card was eventually adjusted to a mere £664.98, but Ebuyer has de-listed this SKU (at the time of writing). Other UK webshops—Scan, AWD-IT, CCL, Box etc.—have similarly implemented price hikes across low, mid and premium card tiers. Australia's Hardware Unboxed managed to extract an official response from AMD—their social media post quoted Frank Azor. The Team Red exec indicated that his team is ready to intervene: "it is inaccurate that $549/$599 MSRP is launch-only pricing. We expect cards to be available from multiple vendors at $549/$599 (excluding region specific tariffs and/or taxes) based on the work we have done with our AIB partners, and more are coming. At the same time, the AIBs have different premium configurations at higher price points and those will also continue."
ASUS Discusses Addition of Radeon RX 9070 Series to TUF Gaming & PRIME Portfolios
Considering that CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D are turning heads everywhere for their unstoppable gaming prowess, you might be thinking about building a new PC in 2025. You'll need a potent graphics card to power your gaming ambitions. Today, you have more options on that front than ever. We're expanding our portfolio of AMD-powered graphics cards with Radeon RX 9070 XT and Radeon RX 9070 models from TUF Gaming and Prime.
Next-gen feature set
Armed with the latest RDNA 4 architecture and a supersized 16 GB serving of VRAM, these graphics cards stand poised to give you premium gaming experiences for years to come. Next-gen HYPR-RX tech delivers ultra-fast gaming, and you'll enjoy next-level immersion with the latest AI-powered features from AMD, including an improved experience with ray tracing. New for this generation is a machine-learning based super resolution mode compatible with select FSR 3.1 games that gives you an incredible balance of detailed images and fluid frame rates. DisplayPort 2.1 outputs give you incredible bandwidth for going big on resolution while supporting high-end refresh rates.
Next-gen feature set
Armed with the latest RDNA 4 architecture and a supersized 16 GB serving of VRAM, these graphics cards stand poised to give you premium gaming experiences for years to come. Next-gen HYPR-RX tech delivers ultra-fast gaming, and you'll enjoy next-level immersion with the latest AI-powered features from AMD, including an improved experience with ray tracing. New for this generation is a machine-learning based super resolution mode compatible with select FSR 3.1 games that gives you an incredible balance of detailed images and fluid frame rates. DisplayPort 2.1 outputs give you incredible bandwidth for going big on resolution while supporting high-end refresh rates.
Limited Quantities of AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D & 9900X3D CPUs Available in China, JD Started Sale on March 7
AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors are reportedly due to launch mid-way through next week (March 12)—this "unofficial" release date was revealed by JD.com listings. Yesterday's report focused on the popular Chinese e-commerce platform's apparent leaking of Team Red's mid-March schedule. Last month, a local tipster—Golden Pig Upgrade—also alluded to a possible March 12 rollout of 16 and 12-core 3D V-Cache-equipped Zen 5 chips. In a surprise move, JD has started selling Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D units. Earlier today, ITHome spotted updated product pages—JD disclosed that it was prepping an earlier than expected sale: "limited time and limited quantity available at 20:00 (local time) on March 7."
Officially, AMD has only teased a loose March launch window for its latest Ryzen Niners. VideoCardz has kept track of the company's recent announcements, and opines that the Ryzen 9000X3D release strategy is strange one. Embargoes for reviewer and influencers are tipped for lifting on March 11, so JD's premature sale of Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors clashes with this schedule. JD's unusual 20:00 release time was highlighted by VideoCardz; they reckon that the 22:00 hour is a more appropriate kick-off time. It is possible that the limited quantity/short period sale was a mislabeled promotion for pre-orders—something could be lost in translation (see primary screenshot below), but similar events were reported in recent history.
Officially, AMD has only teased a loose March launch window for its latest Ryzen Niners. VideoCardz has kept track of the company's recent announcements, and opines that the Ryzen 9000X3D release strategy is strange one. Embargoes for reviewer and influencers are tipped for lifting on March 11, so JD's premature sale of Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors clashes with this schedule. JD's unusual 20:00 release time was highlighted by VideoCardz; they reckon that the 22:00 hour is a more appropriate kick-off time. It is possible that the limited quantity/short period sale was a mislabeled promotion for pre-orders—something could be lost in translation (see primary screenshot below), but similar events were reported in recent history.
Cyanide Studio & Nacon Unveil Styx: Blades of Greed
What do you want? You need a tutorial? A map? Someone to hold your hand? Pathetic. But it's your lucky day. Today I'm in a good mood. Alright, listen up: Styx: Blades of Greed is coming and that means I've got work to do. A brand-new adventure, bigger heists, deadlier tricks, and an even sharper tongue. Get ready to sneak, steal, and stab your way through a world on the brink of war. Got my own crew (Yes I have my own crew now), my own zeppelin (Pretty cool, huh?), and my own mission: stealing every last piece of Quartz, the most powerful resource out there in this rotten world. Problem is, like in a classic Fantasy universe, there are some self-righteous lunatics (*cough* the Inquisition *cough*) and think they can stop me. Adorable.
Everyone's favorite Green Goblin is back! No, not that one! This one doesn't need a fancy metal suit to cause mayhem, a couple of Quartz crystals and a trap or two will do more than enough damage. Fans of stealth games can rejoice as Styx is making a triumphant comeback with new powers and tools. But this time he's unshackled, pursuing his own goals, building his crew aboard a zeppelin while navigating a world on the brink of war. Though that is the perfect time to cause a l̶i̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ lot of chaos in this dark fantasy universe.
Everyone's favorite Green Goblin is back! No, not that one! This one doesn't need a fancy metal suit to cause mayhem, a couple of Quartz crystals and a trap or two will do more than enough damage. Fans of stealth games can rejoice as Styx is making a triumphant comeback with new powers and tools. But this time he's unshackled, pursuing his own goals, building his crew aboard a zeppelin while navigating a world on the brink of war. Though that is the perfect time to cause a l̶i̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ lot of chaos in this dark fantasy universe.
Leadtek Reveals WinFast RTX 50-series HURRICANE Graphics Card Models
Leadtek has expanded its graphics card lineup into GeForce RTX 50-series territory, with a quiet introduction of three new generation WinFast models. We have not heard much—gaming-wise—from the Taiwanese manufacturer in recent years. Going back to Computex 2023, TechPowerUp staffers inspected several GeForce RTX 40-series offerings. Leadtek is involved in the production of NVIDIA professional graphics solutions—for data science and HPC workload purposes. Curiously, Team Green press material tends to only lightly mention its manufacturing partner's involvement. The newest WinFast entries have rolled out with "Blackwell" silicon and refreshed enclosures. As reported by VideoCardz, Leadtek has focused mainly on Asian PC gaming markets over the past decade—so the brand-new WinFast RTX 5090 HURRICANE 32G, RTX 5080 HURRICANE 16G, and RTX 5070 Ti HURRICANE 16G models are not expected to arrive on Western shores.
The 2025 WinFast HURRICANE package utilizes a triple-fan array paired with a robust heatsink design, and a "revamped" metal backplate. A total of ten heat pipes are advertised as providing strong heat dissipation—Leadtek's product description goes into more detail: "three 10 mm and seven 8 mm heat pipes, along with large aluminium fins and a vapor chamber base, quickly and efficiently dissipate heat." The three freshly introduced models all conform to NVIDIA reference specifications, so the HURRICANE cooling solution seems to be a bit over-engineered for purpose. Price details are not available at the time of writing, and an official press release is not present on Leadtek's website. The WinFast RTX 5090 HURRICANE card seems to sport a chunkier shroud, when lined up against its less powerful siblings. Leadtek has decorated its flagship with "Esports" ARGB lighting strips, while the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti variants make do with silver-ish accents instead.
The 2025 WinFast HURRICANE package utilizes a triple-fan array paired with a robust heatsink design, and a "revamped" metal backplate. A total of ten heat pipes are advertised as providing strong heat dissipation—Leadtek's product description goes into more detail: "three 10 mm and seven 8 mm heat pipes, along with large aluminium fins and a vapor chamber base, quickly and efficiently dissipate heat." The three freshly introduced models all conform to NVIDIA reference specifications, so the HURRICANE cooling solution seems to be a bit over-engineered for purpose. Price details are not available at the time of writing, and an official press release is not present on Leadtek's website. The WinFast RTX 5090 HURRICANE card seems to sport a chunkier shroud, when lined up against its less powerful siblings. Leadtek has decorated its flagship with "Esports" ARGB lighting strips, while the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti variants make do with silver-ish accents instead.
Nacon Highlights Upcoming Games & DLC from Connect 2025 Showcase
A famous philosopher once said that cosmic forces coalesce during each rotation of the Earth around the Sun, calling forth a Nacon Connect from the aether. I for one, am not a man who questions the wisdom of unnamed famous philosophers or things that strangers tell me on the internet. Jokes aside, what I can tell you is that the 2025 edition of Nacon Connect was an absolute banger. And for those of you who missed it, let me share with you some of the biggest reveals and most exciting news from the show.
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss
Having trouble sleeping again? Like a nightmare from which you never awake; Nacon Connect started with the reveal of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. With conflict over Earth's dwindling resources, corporations turn to the depths of the ocean, unaware of the horrors that lie beneath the surface of the waves. Dive into the depths of the Pacific, investigating the disappearance of a group of miners with the help of your AI companion, Key, all the while resisting the calls of Cthulhu as you desperately cling to your sanity.
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss
Having trouble sleeping again? Like a nightmare from which you never awake; Nacon Connect started with the reveal of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. With conflict over Earth's dwindling resources, corporations turn to the depths of the ocean, unaware of the horrors that lie beneath the surface of the waves. Dive into the depths of the Pacific, investigating the disappearance of a group of miners with the help of your AI companion, Key, all the while resisting the calls of Cthulhu as you desperately cling to your sanity.
Silicon Motion Showcases Storage Solutions for AI and Display Interface SoCs at Embedded World 2025
Silicon Motion Technology Corporation, a global leader in NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today announced its participation in Embedded World 2025, taking place from March 11-13, 2025, in Nuremberg, Germany.
At the event, Silicon Motion will showcase its latest storage and display interface solutions, including PCIe NVMe Gen 4/5 SSD controllers, Ferri embedded storage solutions, and advanced display interface SoCs. These cutting-edge innovations are designed to maximize performance per watt, extend device longevity and power for the next generation of AI-driven industrial, embedded, automotive, and data center applications.
At the event, Silicon Motion will showcase its latest storage and display interface solutions, including PCIe NVMe Gen 4/5 SSD controllers, Ferri embedded storage solutions, and advanced display interface SoCs. These cutting-edge innovations are designed to maximize performance per watt, extend device longevity and power for the next generation of AI-driven industrial, embedded, automotive, and data center applications.
Avalue Technology Unveils HPM-GNRDE High-Performance Server Motherboard
Avalue Technology introduces the HPM-GNRDE high-performance server motherboard, powered by the latest Intel Xeon 6 Processors (P-Core) 6500P & 6700P.
Designed to deliver quality computing performance, ultra-fast memory bandwidth, and advanced PCIe 5.0 expansion, the HPM-GNRDE is the ideal solution for AI workloads, high-performance computing (HPC), Cloud data centers, and enterprise applications. The HPM-GNRDE will make its debut at embedded world 2025, showcasing Avalue's innovation in high-performance computing.
Designed to deliver quality computing performance, ultra-fast memory bandwidth, and advanced PCIe 5.0 expansion, the HPM-GNRDE is the ideal solution for AI workloads, high-performance computing (HPC), Cloud data centers, and enterprise applications. The HPM-GNRDE will make its debut at embedded world 2025, showcasing Avalue's innovation in high-performance computing.
NVIDIA Readies RTX 5050 Series for the Entry-Mainstream
NVIDIA is readying an entry-mainstream graphics card in the RTX 50-series "Blackwell" generation, likely called the GeForce RTX 5050. There is also the possibility of an RTX 5050 Ti positioned a notch above this, below the RTX 5060. The RTX 5050 is intended to be a successor to the RTX 3050. The RTX 40-series "Ada" generation did not have SKU in this segment, and its absence was felt recently when Intel launched the Arc B580 offering high performance/price under the $300-mark. There are no known specs of the RTX 5050 and RTX 5050 Ti, except that both feature 8 GB of memory size—something that turned the tide in Intel's favor with the B580 having 12 GB of it—and both SKUs come with a total graphics power (TGP) of around 135 W.
The two will be intended for 1080p gaming with mid-thru-high settings. It remains to be seen if NVIDIA implements Multi Frame Generation, because MFG is not a magic toggle that turns unplayable framerates to 60 FPS, however DLSS 4 with transformer upscaling, and perhaps even single frame generation could make it. NVIDIA is looking to target price-points of $199 and $249 with the RTX 5050 and RTX 5050 Ti, respectively. As for probable launch-date, Wccftech says that the cards could launch in the second half of April 2025, following the launch of the RTX 5060.
The two will be intended for 1080p gaming with mid-thru-high settings. It remains to be seen if NVIDIA implements Multi Frame Generation, because MFG is not a magic toggle that turns unplayable framerates to 60 FPS, however DLSS 4 with transformer upscaling, and perhaps even single frame generation could make it. NVIDIA is looking to target price-points of $199 and $249 with the RTX 5050 and RTX 5050 Ti, respectively. As for probable launch-date, Wccftech says that the cards could launch in the second half of April 2025, following the launch of the RTX 5060.
Samsung Evaluates Chip Design Division, Could Reconsider Factory Investment Plans in South Korea and US
Samsung Electronics is taking a close look at its chip design and foundry operations. This action could lead to organizational restructuring, including executive reassignments and workforce reallocation. The initiative aims to strengthen Samsung's competitive position against industry leaders such as TSMC. In January, the company's executives initiated an in-depth evaluation of the System LSI division, which handles chip design. After that, the company plans to extend the review to its foundry business. Significant restructuring may occur within the System LSI division, one proposal involves transferring the Exynos system-on-chip (SoC) business to the Mobile Experience (MX) division to better align with Samsung's smartphone strategy.
Samsung is also evaluating the potential pause of investments in its Pyeongtaek (South Korea) and Taylor (US) manufacturing facilities for its foundry business. At the same time, the company is developing strategies to improve yield rates in its advanced manufacturing processes. Moreover, Samsung is also considering changes within its image sensor business, potentially shifting focus from high-resolution sensors toward products for autonomous vehicles and robotics applications. This action represents the first major internal assessment since Samsung established its management analysis department in November 2024. The primary objective is to revitalize underperforming business divisions.
Samsung is also evaluating the potential pause of investments in its Pyeongtaek (South Korea) and Taylor (US) manufacturing facilities for its foundry business. At the same time, the company is developing strategies to improve yield rates in its advanced manufacturing processes. Moreover, Samsung is also considering changes within its image sensor business, potentially shifting focus from high-resolution sensors toward products for autonomous vehicles and robotics applications. This action represents the first major internal assessment since Samsung established its management analysis department in November 2024. The primary objective is to revitalize underperforming business divisions.
MSI Statement on False Rumor About MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G SUPRIM SOC
We had the unpleasant surprise of learning on 03/06/2025, through an article on Kitguru website Link, that a Dutch retailer—UW GAME SPECIALIST—allegedly informed a customer that they were unable to fulfill their order because 5 GeForce RTX 5090 32G Suprim SOC from our brand had supposedly been recalled due to a fire hazard.
With this statement, we would like to make it clear that these allegations are absolutely false, that no recall program is in progress, and that our products present no such risk.
Furthermore, we would like to specify that this retailer is not one of MSI's partners, and we do not work with them.
We reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for these highly defamatory allegations, which harm our brand's reputation, as well as against anyone contributing to their dissemination.
With this statement, we would like to make it clear that these allegations are absolutely false, that no recall program is in progress, and that our products present no such risk.
Furthermore, we would like to specify that this retailer is not one of MSI's partners, and we do not work with them.
We reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for these highly defamatory allegations, which harm our brand's reputation, as well as against anyone contributing to their dissemination.
Longsys Debuts at MWC25, Showcasing Its Storage Portfolio
On March 3, Longsys, a branded semiconductor memory enterprise, made its first-ever appearance at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. Under the theme "New Mode of Storage Empowering Global Mobility", it showcased a series of innovative storage products, attracting widespread attention.
PTM Business Model: Full-Stack Customization Service
The Product Technology Manufacturing (PTM) model was a major highlight, showcasing Longsys' full-stack customization capabilities—from in-house controller development and product design to rigorous testing and intelligent manufacturing.
PTM Business Model: Full-Stack Customization Service
The Product Technology Manufacturing (PTM) model was a major highlight, showcasing Longsys' full-stack customization capabilities—from in-house controller development and product design to rigorous testing and intelligent manufacturing.
Amazon GameLift Streams Empowers Developers to Stream Games to Virtually Any Device
Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, today announced Amazon GameLift Streams, a fully managed capability that enables developers to deliver high-fidelity, low-latency game experiences to players using virtually any device with a browser. Game developers no longer need to spend time and resources modifying their games for streaming or building their own streaming infrastructure. Players around the world can begin playing games in seconds instead of waiting minutes for streams or hours for downloads. Amazon GameLift Streams is a new capability of Amazon GameLift, the AWS service that empowers developers to build and deliver the world's most demanding games. The new streaming capability opens opportunities for developers to deliver new experiences to more players, helping them grow engagement and sales of their games.
"With more than 750 million people playing games running on AWS every month, we have a long history of supporting the industry's game development, content creation, player acquisition, personalization, and more," said Chris Lee, general manager and head of Immersive Technology at AWS. "Amazon GameLift Streams can help the game industry transform billions of everyday devices around the world into gaming machines without rebuilding game code or managing your own infrastructure. For game developers, this creates exciting new revenue and monetization opportunities that weren't possible before."
"With more than 750 million people playing games running on AWS every month, we have a long history of supporting the industry's game development, content creation, player acquisition, personalization, and more," said Chris Lee, general manager and head of Immersive Technology at AWS. "Amazon GameLift Streams can help the game industry transform billions of everyday devices around the world into gaming machines without rebuilding game code or managing your own infrastructure. For game developers, this creates exciting new revenue and monetization opportunities that weren't possible before."
TerraMaster Adds API-in-a-Box Open-Source AI Application Generator to Its F4-424 Max TNAS Series
TerraMaster, in collaboration with its partner Imagery Business Systems, has launched API-in-a-Box, marking a significant milestone in the field of software and hardware development. This pre-configured open-source solution integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and low-code technology with the TerraMaster F4-424 Max TNAS hardware, aiming to accelerate the creation of full-stack applications. It offers a seamless experience from requirement description to production deployment. Below is an analysis of its detailed features, target audience, and unique advantages.
Product Features and Technical Highlights
API-in-a-Box integrates several innovative features, making it an ideal tool for rapid development and deployment.
Product Features and Technical Highlights
API-in-a-Box integrates several innovative features, making it an ideal tool for rapid development and deployment.
MSI IPC Showcases Cutting-Edge Edge AI Computing Solutions at Embedded World 2025
MSI IPC, a global leader in computing and AI-driven solutions, is set to unveil its latest Edge AI Computing innovations at Booth No. 1-389, Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany. Powered by the latest Intel platform, MSI's cutting-edge technologies will drive advancements in automation, digital signage management, and AI-driven customer interactions.
Several MSI's partners, including Alptech, Spo-comm, Spectra, and Elmark, are joining this event to showcase their cutting-edge solutions powered by MSI IPC products. Their demonstrations will feature a diverse range of applications, including 4U rackmount systems, Panel PCs (PPC), and KIOSK solutions, highlighting the versatility and performance of MSI's industrial computing technology in various sectors.
Several MSI's partners, including Alptech, Spo-comm, Spectra, and Elmark, are joining this event to showcase their cutting-edge solutions powered by MSI IPC products. Their demonstrations will feature a diverse range of applications, including 4U rackmount systems, Panel PCs (PPC), and KIOSK solutions, highlighting the versatility and performance of MSI's industrial computing technology in various sectors.
GIGABYTE Launches the AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series Graphics Cards
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of premium gaming hardware, today launched the GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards powered by unified AMD RDNA 4 compute units with enhanced ray tracing capabilities for an ultra-immersive experience across all key gaming resolutions. To satisfy gamers' pursuit of speed, performance, and visuals for a smooth and immersive experience, GIGABYTE offers the AORUS Radeon RX 9070 XT ELITE 16G, Radeon RX 9070 XT GAMING OC 16G, and Radeon RX 9070 GAMING OC 16G, catering to various gaming needs.
GIGABYTE has upgraded the WINDFORCE cooling system, balancing performance and thermal efficiency. The new Hawk Fan design minimizes turbulence and noise, resulting in up to a 53.6% increase in air pressure and a 12.5% increase in air volume without compromising acoustics. Server-grade thermal conductive gel is used to cool critical components such as VRAM and MOSFETs. This highly deformable, non-fluid gel provides optimal contact even on uneven surfaces and effectively resists deformation from transport or long-term use. Combined with advanced thermal technologies like a larger heatsink, vapor chamber and copper plate, these cards ensure optimal performance and quiet operation under demanding workloads.
GIGABYTE has upgraded the WINDFORCE cooling system, balancing performance and thermal efficiency. The new Hawk Fan design minimizes turbulence and noise, resulting in up to a 53.6% increase in air pressure and a 12.5% increase in air volume without compromising acoustics. Server-grade thermal conductive gel is used to cool critical components such as VRAM and MOSFETs. This highly deformable, non-fluid gel provides optimal contact even on uneven surfaces and effectively resists deformation from transport or long-term use. Combined with advanced thermal technologies like a larger heatsink, vapor chamber and copper plate, these cards ensure optimal performance and quiet operation under demanding workloads.
Thursday, March 6th 2025
Today's Files
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
- ASUS TUF Gaming RX 9070 OC Guru3D
- Sapphire RX 9070 Pulse KitGuru
- Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC Tweaktown
- PowerColor RX 9070 Hellhound Vortez
- AMD RX 9070 XT Roundup ComputerBase (de)
- Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC Cowcotland (fr)
- ASUS TUF Gaming RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 OC Cowcotland (fr)
- ASUS TUF Gaming RX 9070 XT OC Guru3D
- Sapphire RX 9070 XT NITRO+ Guru3D
- XFX RX 9070 XT Mercury Magnetic Guru3D
- AMD RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 HotHardware
- ASRock RX 9070 XT Taichi OC KitGuru
- ASUS TUF Gaming RX 9070 XT OC MadBoxPC (es)
- Gigabyte RX 9070 XT AORUS Master MadBoxPC (es)
- Sapphire RX 9070 XT Pulse NikkTech
- PowerColor RX 9070 XT Red Devil PCMasters (de)
- Sapphire RX 9070 XT NITRO+ PCMasters (de)
- Gigabyte RX 9070 XT AORUS Elite Tweaktown
- ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 5070 OC Cowcotland (fr)
- Gigabyte RTX 5070 AERO OC Cowcotland (fr)
- MSI RTX 5070 Inspire 3X PCMasters (de)
- Zotac RTX 5070 Solid OC Think Computers
SSD
Corsair Vengeance RGB CUDIMM DDR5-8800 48 GB CL42 Review
Corsair is once again pushing the boundaries of memory performance with the latest CUDIMM technology. This new Vengeance RGB kit boasts an impressive 8800 MT/s XMP profile, optimized to unlock the full potential of Intel's cutting-edge Z890 motherboards. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up to the competition!
TechPowerUp HWBOT Contest 2025: The Winners
The TechPowerUp HWBOT Team brought you the 2025 TPU HWBOT Contest, with cash prizes up for grabs. To win, PC enthusiasts would have to make submissions to our HWBOT Team, each submission is worth 10 points, and we have three winners for the top-3 contributors. The Contest was open in the months of January thru February, spanning a wide range of benchmarks and OC feats. The entries have closed, and we have our three top contributors.
Learn more about the TechPowerUp HWBOT team, and check us out on HWBOT.
- Deslok with 629 submissions, wins $150
- neurotix with 369 submissions, wins $100
- NattyKathy with 42 submissions, wins $50
Learn more about the TechPowerUp HWBOT team, and check us out on HWBOT.
Split Fiction is Available Now, Hazelight Studios Reiterates Game's Message: "Friendship"
Embrace the power of friendship and explore sci-fi and fantasy worlds with your co-op buddy today! A message from Hazelight Studios—every game we've released has embraced a key word. In "A Way Out" it was "Trust" and in "It Takes Two" it was "Collaboration." With Split Fiction, it's all about "Friendship." That is also the heart of the experience we hope you will have as you play the game. Whether it is strengthening your bond with a partner or immersing yourself in the journey with an old friend.
We created Split Fiction by putting passion, creativity and a big love of video games first. This is a game that was built collaboratively by everyone at Hazelight and we haven't shied away from putting not only our best but also wildest ideas into it. We hope you will enjoy playing our game as much as we did making it. We are so eager to let you and other players around the world finally dive into our latest co-op adventure. To say that we're proud of it is an understatement! We also hope you will make those lasting memories in Split Fiction that only come from sharing an experience with someone else - that's what it's all about in the end.
We created Split Fiction by putting passion, creativity and a big love of video games first. This is a game that was built collaboratively by everyone at Hazelight and we haven't shied away from putting not only our best but also wildest ideas into it. We hope you will enjoy playing our game as much as we did making it. We are so eager to let you and other players around the world finally dive into our latest co-op adventure. To say that we're proud of it is an understatement! We also hope you will make those lasting memories in Split Fiction that only come from sharing an experience with someone else - that's what it's all about in the end.
PlayStation & Naughty Dog Present The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense Wireless Controller
Commemorate The Last of Us franchise with a brand-new controller; here's a first look at the DualSense wireless controller—The Last of Us Limited Edition. Created in close collaboration with the creative team at Naughty Dog, this striking design features glossy trophy icons printed across the surface that call back to key moments, characters, and events from The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II.
To share more about the controller's design and inspiration, here's Head of Studio and Head of Creative Neil Druckmann and Graphic Designer Megan Mehran from Naughty Dog: "We were excited by the chance to memorialize The Last of Us franchise in a controller that fans and our own team would love. We wanted to ensure that both installments of The Last of Us are represented, via trophy icons printed in black gloss across the controller body. Among the trophies, three particular images will immediately stand out for TLOU fans: The firefly, moth, and wolf. Players will recognize the Fireflies' iconic spray-painted logo that originated in Part I, while the moth and wolf represent the intertwining lives and duality between Ellie and Abby in Part II."
To share more about the controller's design and inspiration, here's Head of Studio and Head of Creative Neil Druckmann and Graphic Designer Megan Mehran from Naughty Dog: "We were excited by the chance to memorialize The Last of Us franchise in a controller that fans and our own team would love. We wanted to ensure that both installments of The Last of Us are represented, via trophy icons printed in black gloss across the controller body. Among the trophies, three particular images will immediately stand out for TLOU fans: The firefly, moth, and wolf. Players will recognize the Fireflies' iconic spray-painted logo that originated in Part I, while the moth and wolf represent the intertwining lives and duality between Ellie and Abby in Part II."
Shoppers Note Low Inventory on MindFactory.de Webstore, Reports Suggest Upcoming Insolvency
Frequenters of the MindFactory.de webshop have highlighted worrying signs of decline. A telling example was posted to the (German language) PCBaumeister subreddit; where a member queried: "what's going on at MindFactory? Only 12 Intel CPUs, 36 graphics cards (all brands), 30 monitors left on offer. Are they going bankrupt or are they emptying their inventory?" Similar alerts landed across PC hardware discussion boards—regional press outlets started to pay attention once a decent number of observations were tallied. Even VideoCardz started to receive tip-offs from its German readership, regarding MindFactory's very limited selection of previous-gen NVIDIA graphics cards (see screenshot below). According to the latest news articles, higher-end GeForce 40-series models are not listed. Additionally, there is a distinct lack of GeForce 50-series products on the webstore. VideoCardz found plenty of entries for AMD Radeon graphics cards, but nothing newer or more advanced than the RX 7800 XT.
Curious customers have contacted the webshop's service team, regarding low inventory and lack of product variety. A typical response reads as follows: "we (Mindfactory.de) are currently restructuring our store, which is why we have so few items in stock at the moment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us." Following on from community tips, local media outlets have shared their own investigations—currently, several online sites propose that MindFactory is facing bankruptcy. WinFuture.de's article sports a prominent "Insolvenz—Freie Marktwirtschaft" graphic—translation: "insolvency—free-market capitalism." Igor Wallossek—of Igor's Lab fame—took issue with some of the sensationalistic headlines. He weighed in on this matter: "apparently, bankruptcy is to be filed for next week. I cannot speak about the background, it is extremely sensitive. I have known about it since Friday (February 28)." A dedicated news piece did not appear on igorslab.de, due to the following of an ethical code of conduct.
Curious customers have contacted the webshop's service team, regarding low inventory and lack of product variety. A typical response reads as follows: "we (Mindfactory.de) are currently restructuring our store, which is why we have so few items in stock at the moment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us." Following on from community tips, local media outlets have shared their own investigations—currently, several online sites propose that MindFactory is facing bankruptcy. WinFuture.de's article sports a prominent "Insolvenz—Freie Marktwirtschaft" graphic—translation: "insolvency—free-market capitalism." Igor Wallossek—of Igor's Lab fame—took issue with some of the sensationalistic headlines. He weighed in on this matter: "apparently, bankruptcy is to be filed for next week. I cannot speak about the background, it is extremely sensitive. I have known about it since Friday (February 28)." A dedicated news piece did not appear on igorslab.de, due to the following of an ethical code of conduct.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Previewed by Xbox Wire
Much has been said about how the upcoming Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a modern twist on the classic JRPG formula, with its flashy, turn-based combat, a massive overworld map to run around in, and customizable weapon sets. You don't have to look hard to see influences from the likes of Persona, Final Fantasy, and other titans of the genre. Mixed with its engaging race-against-the-clock narrative and compelling Belle Époque-inspired art direction, Sandfall Interactive's first game has all the ingredients needed for a sleeper hit when it launches April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and day one with Game Pass.
Recently, I had a chance to experience Expedition 33 for myself with an extended hands-on demo that guided me through the game's opening hours, learning more about its characters, getting a handle on its engaging turn-based combat, and exploring its dark, fantastical world. It's a world that I've been eager to run around in since it was first revealed during Xbox Games Showcase 2024. In a world much like our own, the mysterious Paintress, who looks like a towering Greek god, awakens once each year and paints a number upon a giant monolith—upon which everyone of that age turns to smoke and fades away. As the game begins, she has painted the number 33, and a small team of adventurers sets out to accomplish what other expeditions have not—destroy the Paintress before even more souls are lost to dust.
Recently, I had a chance to experience Expedition 33 for myself with an extended hands-on demo that guided me through the game's opening hours, learning more about its characters, getting a handle on its engaging turn-based combat, and exploring its dark, fantastical world. It's a world that I've been eager to run around in since it was first revealed during Xbox Games Showcase 2024. In a world much like our own, the mysterious Paintress, who looks like a towering Greek god, awakens once each year and paints a number upon a giant monolith—upon which everyone of that age turns to smoke and fades away. As the game begins, she has painted the number 33, and a small team of adventurers sets out to accomplish what other expeditions have not—destroy the Paintress before even more souls are lost to dust.
Qualcomm CEO Expresses Confidence in Snapdragon X85 5G's Design, Predicts Inferior Apple C1 Modem Performance
On Monday (March 3), Qualcomm introduced its Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite model—advertised as the world's first 5G Advanced-capable FWA platform. Inevitably, the company's brand-new Snapdragon X85 5G modem will be compared to a rival design—Apple's proprietary C1 chip launched last month; as featured in the A18 SoC-powered iPhone 16e series. The two companies were closely intertwined for a number of years; with a longer than anticipated co-development of 5G solutions for multiple iPhone product generations. Cristiano Amon—the CEO of Qualcomm—believes that his team's X85 5G design will end up as the victor, when pitched against Apple's C1. In a CNBC-conducted interview, he boasted: "it's the first modem that has so much AI, it actually increases the range of performance of the modem—so the modem can deal with weaker signals. What that will do will set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices, and iOS devices, when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing."
Smartphone industry watchdogs reckon that Apple's C1 model will leverage superior power efficiency; courtesy of the contained modem and receiver being based on TSMC 4 nm and 7 nm processes (respectively). Qualcomm has not revealed the fundamental aspects of its new Snapdragon X85, so it is difficult to project its power consumption habits. Official press material concentrates on two big selling points: downlink speeds up to 12.5 Gbps, and 40 TOPS of NPU processing power. Insiders have posited that the in-house designed C1 modem will make its way into next-gen iPads and Apple wearables—additionally, the development of a successor is rumored. Despite doing less business with Apple, Amon thinks that the future is peachy: "if modem is relevant there's always a place for Qualcomm technology. In the age of AI, modems are going to be more important than they have ever been. And I think that's going to drive consumer preference about do they want the best possible modem in the computer that's in their hand all the time." Qualcomm's chief expects that the supply of Snapdragon 5G Modem‑RF Systems—to Apple—will end in 2027.
Smartphone industry watchdogs reckon that Apple's C1 model will leverage superior power efficiency; courtesy of the contained modem and receiver being based on TSMC 4 nm and 7 nm processes (respectively). Qualcomm has not revealed the fundamental aspects of its new Snapdragon X85, so it is difficult to project its power consumption habits. Official press material concentrates on two big selling points: downlink speeds up to 12.5 Gbps, and 40 TOPS of NPU processing power. Insiders have posited that the in-house designed C1 modem will make its way into next-gen iPads and Apple wearables—additionally, the development of a successor is rumored. Despite doing less business with Apple, Amon thinks that the future is peachy: "if modem is relevant there's always a place for Qualcomm technology. In the age of AI, modems are going to be more important than they have ever been. And I think that's going to drive consumer preference about do they want the best possible modem in the computer that's in their hand all the time." Qualcomm's chief expects that the supply of Snapdragon 5G Modem‑RF Systems—to Apple—will end in 2027.
Upcoming AOOSTAR WTR MAX NAS Packs 11 Drive Bays - 5 for SSDs, 6 for HDDs
AOOSTAR announced that the WTR MAX NAS will soon hit the market, after almost a year of development. The WTR MAX is equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor, which outperforms consumer grade 8845HS series, a good choice from AOOSTAR. Another interesting feature is the ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory support. However, there's another feature that stands out as well. Users can install no less than 11 drives in the WTR MAX NAS: five SSDs (three PCIe 4.0 X2.0 and two PCIe 4.0 X1.0) and six HDDs, making it ideal for those needing large storage capacity. AOOSTAR included Oculink and USB4 ports too, so you can plug in an external GPU or more storage options.
Specifications are complemented by two 10G Ethernet ports and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. On the front, you'll find USB4, Type-C, and SD card slots. The NAS comes with its own screen to keep an eye on the system in real time. You can check things like how hot the CPU is, how the memory's doing, and how well the drives are working. Also, you can pick from different themes for the display - default, cartoon style, and cyberpunk (they're planning to add more themes and options in the future). AOOSTAR is going to start selling the WTR MAX NAS at the end of March for just $699.
Specifications are complemented by two 10G Ethernet ports and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. On the front, you'll find USB4, Type-C, and SD card slots. The NAS comes with its own screen to keep an eye on the system in real time. You can check things like how hot the CPU is, how the memory's doing, and how well the drives are working. Also, you can pick from different themes for the display - default, cartoon style, and cyberpunk (they're planning to add more themes and options in the future). AOOSTAR is going to start selling the WTR MAX NAS at the end of March for just $699.
Drop Introduces its Cappuccino-themed Signature Series Keyboard
The perfect cup—for that special typing satisfaction that starts at your keycaps; there's only one coffee-turned-keeb to satisfy your cravings. Say hello to Signature Series Cappuccino: your new favorite order. Coffee, chill and customize—topped with our magnetic Latte Decorative Case, this typing concoction is formulated around our CSTM80 Keyboard model - which makes it easy to personalize virtually any ingredient.
Completing the coffee look, our rich DCX Latte Keycap Set adds extra warm notes to the presentation—with a substantial body that offers a subtly sculpted experience. In the finest enthusiast blend; a true typing pick-me-up, this Cappuccino is infused with plenty of enthusiast components—including Gateron Yellow KS-3 Switches, interchangeable polycarbonate weights and switch plates, and a full array of typing foam.
Completing the coffee look, our rich DCX Latte Keycap Set adds extra warm notes to the presentation—with a substantial body that offers a subtly sculpted experience. In the finest enthusiast blend; a true typing pick-me-up, this Cappuccino is infused with plenty of enthusiast components—including Gateron Yellow KS-3 Switches, interchangeable polycarbonate weights and switch plates, and a full array of typing foam.
Retailers Anticipate Increased Radeon RX 9070 Series Prices, After Initial Shipments of "MSRP" Models
Over the past month and a half, PC hardware retailers have tasked themselves with sharing of all sorts of bad news to their respective customer bases. Inet AB has outlined the outlook for regional availability of GeForce RTX 5070 graphics cards, but a newer blog entry focuses on the Team Red side of things. The popular Swedish store put a spotlight on today's launch of RDNA 4 products: "we have learned how the recommended prices, also known as MSRP prices, work for the launch of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT. We are not allowed to say exact prices.., but simply put, they will apply to a limited number of cards. For this release, we will have MSRP prices from three manufacturers, all of whom have both an RX 9070 and an RX 9070 XT at MSRP." According to Inet's product table, the brands are: ASUS, PowerColor and SAPPHIRE. Respectively, the PRIME, Reaper and PULSE product families serve as substitutes to (absent) AMD-built equivalents.
So far, the retail launch of Radeon 9070 Series has experienced fewer hiccups—when compared to recent GeForce RTX 50-series releases. Unfortunately, Inet has indicated that price climbs are in the pipeline for AMD's brand-new RDNA 4 generation. The shop's blog elaborated on shifting circumstances: "the prices only apply to the first shipment of each model. For Sapphire and ASUS it will be just as usual, we have only received one shipment, and you can buy it until it runs out, but with PowerColor it will be different. In other words, only the cards that were released with MSRP prices at release will be sold for the lower price." Earlier today, Overclockers UK's initial batch of "baseline price conformant" stock was depleted rapidly—forum and social media posts boasted about "thousands of units" being amassed in a warehouse, prior to launch. Gibbo—a well-liked OCUK employee—shared some additional insight (yesterday): "I feel stock will be fine for a few days. MSRP is capped quantity of a few hundred, so prices will jump once those are sold through. Re-stocks and pricing is unknown going forward, nobody really knows what April will bring due to instability in world with USA starting to rage a trade war, we are all hopeful it won't impact computer stuff, but who knows."
So far, the retail launch of Radeon 9070 Series has experienced fewer hiccups—when compared to recent GeForce RTX 50-series releases. Unfortunately, Inet has indicated that price climbs are in the pipeline for AMD's brand-new RDNA 4 generation. The shop's blog elaborated on shifting circumstances: "the prices only apply to the first shipment of each model. For Sapphire and ASUS it will be just as usual, we have only received one shipment, and you can buy it until it runs out, but with PowerColor it will be different. In other words, only the cards that were released with MSRP prices at release will be sold for the lower price." Earlier today, Overclockers UK's initial batch of "baseline price conformant" stock was depleted rapidly—forum and social media posts boasted about "thousands of units" being amassed in a warehouse, prior to launch. Gibbo—a well-liked OCUK employee—shared some additional insight (yesterday): "I feel stock will be fine for a few days. MSRP is capped quantity of a few hundred, so prices will jump once those are sold through. Re-stocks and pricing is unknown going forward, nobody really knows what April will bring due to instability in world with USA starting to rage a trade war, we are all hopeful it won't impact computer stuff, but who knows."
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D CPUs Leaked Listing Points to March 12 Launch
AMD has confirmed pricing and launch for its newest Ryzen 9000X3D series processors, with the flagship 9950X3D priced at approximately 5599 RMB and the 9900X3D at 4599 RMB, according to preliminary Chinese store JD listings. Both processors will hit retail channels on March 12, with review embargoes reportedly lifting one day prior, as noted by VideoCardz. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D delivers 16 Zen 5 cores with boost frequencies reaching 5.7 GHz and operates within a 170 W TDP envelope. Its unique feature is 144 MB of combined cache memory (L2, L3, and stacked 3D V-Cache).
The 9900X3D scales back to 12 cores with 5.5 GHz peak frequencies and 140 MB total cache while reducing power consumption to 120 W TDP. These processors represent AMD's implementation of vertical cache stacking technology on its 12+ core Zen 5 setup, completing its Q1 2025 desktop portfolio expansion following earlier standard Ryzen 9000 series launches and the eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The 3D V-Cache technology could help with many workloads, with gaming performance expected to show the most significant gains and productivity expected to follow. We have to wait for official reviews to bring further conclusions, but we hope to hear official confirmation on availability soon.
The 9900X3D scales back to 12 cores with 5.5 GHz peak frequencies and 140 MB total cache while reducing power consumption to 120 W TDP. These processors represent AMD's implementation of vertical cache stacking technology on its 12+ core Zen 5 setup, completing its Q1 2025 desktop portfolio expansion following earlier standard Ryzen 9000 series launches and the eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The 3D V-Cache technology could help with many workloads, with gaming performance expected to show the most significant gains and productivity expected to follow. We have to wait for official reviews to bring further conclusions, but we hope to hear official confirmation on availability soon.
Razer Expands Kraken Kitty V2 Headset Lineup with White Editions
We are excited to announce the expansion of our iconic Razer Kraken Kitty V2 lineup with the introduction of new colorways, with the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 White Edition and the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT White Edition. These new additions offer gamers and streamers a fresh option to style-up their setups. In addition, Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT is now available in a sleek Black colorway, to complete the Quartz, White and Black Edition offerings.
From Community Movement to Iconic Status
At Razer, the creation of the first Kraken Kitty was driven by the demand and enthusiasm from our community. We listened to the feedback, responded to the excitement, and brought it to life. Over the years, this headset has become one of the most iconic looks in gaming, an irreplaceable cult favorite among gamers and streamers. The #RazerKrakenKitty hashtag has amassed over 10 million views across social media, highlighting its widespread popularity and engagement. The Razer Kraken Kitty headset has not only solidified its place in the gaming world but has also transcended into a cultural phenomenon. Idols, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts have embraced this iconic design, each adding their personal touch and making it their own. In response to the ongoing support and demand from our community, we're excited to introduce a new white colorway, offering fans an additional stylish option to make the headset their own while continuing to build on its legacy.
From Community Movement to Iconic Status
At Razer, the creation of the first Kraken Kitty was driven by the demand and enthusiasm from our community. We listened to the feedback, responded to the excitement, and brought it to life. Over the years, this headset has become one of the most iconic looks in gaming, an irreplaceable cult favorite among gamers and streamers. The #RazerKrakenKitty hashtag has amassed over 10 million views across social media, highlighting its widespread popularity and engagement. The Razer Kraken Kitty headset has not only solidified its place in the gaming world but has also transcended into a cultural phenomenon. Idols, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts have embraced this iconic design, each adding their personal touch and making it their own. In response to the ongoing support and demand from our community, we're excited to introduce a new white colorway, offering fans an additional stylish option to make the headset their own while continuing to build on its legacy.
NVIDIA to Inspect Laptop RTX 50 Series for ROP Anomalies, Deliveries Delayed to April
After just a few weeks from our initial report of missing ROPs on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 series "Blackwell" for desktop, it appears that the laptop versions of these GPUs could also be prone to the same issue: missing ROP (Raster Operations Pipeline) units, which degrades performance by up to 14%. According to the German publication Heise Online, NVIDIA is working with laptop manufacturers to inspect any case of missing ROPs on its GeForce RTX 50 series cards, which the company claims affect only 0.5% of the entire supply. To avoid giving consumers GPUs with missing ROPs, NVIDIA is working overtime with OEMs to ensure that the GPUs are correctly operating and offering the hardware true to the specification sheet.
With NVIDIA Blackwell laptop SKUs announced at CES and pre-orders in February, NVIDIA expected to hand these GPUs through its partner laptop manufacturers to consumers in March, but it's currently scheduled for April, which is a whole month later. Here is what Heise Online said:
With NVIDIA Blackwell laptop SKUs announced at CES and pre-orders in February, NVIDIA expected to hand these GPUs through its partner laptop manufacturers to consumers in March, but it's currently scheduled for April, which is a whole month later. Here is what Heise Online said:
As we have learned from several notebook manufacturers, they are currently working overtime in the Far East to prevent the drama from escalating into the next act: NVIDIA has instructed manufacturers to inspect already-produced notebooks with the new mobile GeForce RTX 5000 graphics chips. The focus is on GPUs where fewer ROPs are active than specified in the datasheet. This can lead to potentially significant losses in 3D performance.
AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 WHQL Released
AMD has released its latest AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 WHQL driver, adding support for the new Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards, as well as the Radeon RX 7650 GRE. It also adds support for AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, AI 5 (PRO) 340 and AI 7 (PRO) 350 with AMD Radeon 840M and 860M GPUs, and AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, 9850HX, and Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, all with AMD Radeon Graphics.
The new AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.31. WHQL driver also adds support for AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 4 (AMD FSR 4), which is exclusive to AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics cards, and new AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1. There are several other Radeon RX 9070 Series exclusive features as well, all which are a part of AMD's AI Enhanced Features, including AMD Chat, AMD Image Inspector, AMD Install Manager, and AMD Radeon Image Sharpening 2. In addition to the new products support and new features, AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 WHQL driver also adds day-one game support for FragPunk and Split Fiction. AMD also fixes a couple of issues, including intermittent driver timeout or crash in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and lower than expected performance in Delta Force on Radeon RX 7000 series.
DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 25.3.1 WHQL
The new AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.31. WHQL driver also adds support for AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 4 (AMD FSR 4), which is exclusive to AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics cards, and new AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1. There are several other Radeon RX 9070 Series exclusive features as well, all which are a part of AMD's AI Enhanced Features, including AMD Chat, AMD Image Inspector, AMD Install Manager, and AMD Radeon Image Sharpening 2. In addition to the new products support and new features, AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 WHQL driver also adds day-one game support for FragPunk and Split Fiction. AMD also fixes a couple of issues, including intermittent driver timeout or crash in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and lower than expected performance in Delta Force on Radeon RX 7000 series.
DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 25.3.1 WHQL
Bolt Graphics Announces Zeus GPU for High Performance Workloads
Bolt Graphics announces Zeus, a completely new GPU design for high performance workloads including rendering, HPC, and gaming. Zeus addresses performance, efficiency, and functionality limitations with legacy GPUs.
Zeus is orders of magnitude faster than any other GPU in key workloads. Users can gain 10x in rendering performance, 6x in FP64 HPC workload performance, and 300x in electromagnetic wave simulations. Users running these types of demanding workloads need access to large amounts of memory. Bolt brings expandable memory to GPUs, for the first time, which allows users to increase their memory up to 384 GB in a PCIe card, and up to 2.25 TB per Zeus in a 2U server. A rack of Zeus 2U servers can be configured with up to 180 TB of memory, 8x larger than legacy GPUs.
Zeus is orders of magnitude faster than any other GPU in key workloads. Users can gain 10x in rendering performance, 6x in FP64 HPC workload performance, and 300x in electromagnetic wave simulations. Users running these types of demanding workloads need access to large amounts of memory. Bolt brings expandable memory to GPUs, for the first time, which allows users to increase their memory up to 384 GB in a PCIe card, and up to 2.25 TB per Zeus in a 2U server. A rack of Zeus 2U servers can be configured with up to 180 TB of memory, 8x larger than legacy GPUs.
Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone Launches Early Access on Steam
Chernobylite 2 is our dream project. After more than 10 years of various activities related to Chornobyl and dozens of visits to this place, we can finally share the massive part of what we consider the ultimate Chornobyl experience. What started with VR documentaries and low-scale indie projects has become a fully-fledged RPG game, playable in the open world, with hundreds of ways to craft your own character and story.
Entering the world of Chernobylite 2, even in Early Access, you can expect to double or triple the time spent with the first game - not just because the Zone itself is about 20 times bigger this time but also thanks to the number of quests, events, encounters, and gameplay mechanics. On top of it, you can play from two different perspectives - first person or third person- which is possible thanks to the success of our recently finished Kickstarter campaign.
Our goal was to deliver the Early Access version, which is very advanced and polished in most parts. According to many closed playtests and our demo reception, most of the gameplay mechanics and big chunks of the content are already polished. Early Access contains about 30-40% of the final scope of the world and story. Most weapons and players' equipment parts are already present in the game as lootable elements.
Entering the world of Chernobylite 2, even in Early Access, you can expect to double or triple the time spent with the first game - not just because the Zone itself is about 20 times bigger this time but also thanks to the number of quests, events, encounters, and gameplay mechanics. On top of it, you can play from two different perspectives - first person or third person- which is possible thanks to the success of our recently finished Kickstarter campaign.
Our goal was to deliver the Early Access version, which is very advanced and polished in most parts. According to many closed playtests and our demo reception, most of the gameplay mechanics and big chunks of the content are already polished. Early Access contains about 30-40% of the final scope of the world and story. Most weapons and players' equipment parts are already present in the game as lootable elements.
Nacon's Revolution X Unlimited Controller Available for Pre-Order Now
NACON is proud to announce that the hotly anticipated Revolution X Unlimited (RXU) is available now for pre-order exclusively on their website, nacongaming.fr. First revealed at last year's Gamescom, this new Xbox-licensed wireless controller is optimised for PC and console shooters, delivering unparalleled precision, lightning-fast responsiveness, and absolute comfort.
A concentration of technologies to enhance performance
Equipped with instant-response triggers and joysticks featuring Hall Effect technology, the RXU guarantees exceptional precision and durability. Omron micro-switches on the majority of buttons enhance players' responsiveness for optimum gaming performance.
A concentration of technologies to enhance performance
Equipped with instant-response triggers and joysticks featuring Hall Effect technology, the RXU guarantees exceptional precision and durability. Omron micro-switches on the majority of buttons enhance players' responsiveness for optimum gaming performance.
Biwin Announces New OC Lab Gold Edition DW100 192 GB DDR5-6400 and DDR5-6000 Memory Kits
Biwin, a world-renowned innovator in cutting-edge memory and storage solutions, proudly introduces the Biwin Black Opal OC Lab Gold Edition DW100 RGB DDR5 192 GB Memory Kit (48 GB x 4), available in DDR5-6400 CL30-39-39-108 1.4 V and DDR5-6000 CL28-36-36-102 1.4 V specifications. Breaking the capacity limits of traditional consumer memory, this ultra-large 192 GB kit offers the performance boost needed for AI computing, large-scale data processing, and next-gen computing.
Push Memory Performance with Revolutionary 192 GB Memory Kit
Biwin Black Opal DW100, delivering an ultra-high-capacity 192 GB (48 GB x4) configuration, redefines what's possible with desktop memory and exceptional memory bandwidth, stability, and efficiency. This breakthrough enables users to take full advantage of DDR5's enhanced data throughput to power fast, out-of-the-box speeds for AI computing, large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and edge computing, and other data-rich workloads.
Push Memory Performance with Revolutionary 192 GB Memory Kit
Biwin Black Opal DW100, delivering an ultra-high-capacity 192 GB (48 GB x4) configuration, redefines what's possible with desktop memory and exceptional memory bandwidth, stability, and efficiency. This breakthrough enables users to take full advantage of DDR5's enhanced data throughput to power fast, out-of-the-box speeds for AI computing, large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and edge computing, and other data-rich workloads.
Alphacool Also Adds New Core GPU Water Blocks For Inno3D and Palit GeForce RTX 5070 SKUs
Alphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with the new Core graphics card water coolers for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070.
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest NVIDIA GeForce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest NVIDIA GeForce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
Alphacool Introduces New Core GPU Water Coolers for ASRock AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi
Alphacool International GmbH from Braunschweig is a pioneer in PC water cooling technology. With one of the most extensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its range with the new Core GPU water coolers for the ASRock AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi 16 GB OC.
The GPU water cooler has been completely redesigned from a technical standpoint. Through precise adjustments to the PCB clearance, optimized water flow simulations, and extensive practical testing, the cooler base and jetplate have been refined to ensure maximum cooling performance for the latest AMD Radeon RX generation. The cooler features a precisely milled copper block, which, thanks to high-quality chrome plating, offers exceptional durability and an ultra-smooth surface. The design is complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
The GPU water cooler has been completely redesigned from a technical standpoint. Through precise adjustments to the PCB clearance, optimized water flow simulations, and extensive practical testing, the cooler base and jetplate have been refined to ensure maximum cooling performance for the latest AMD Radeon RX generation. The cooler features a precisely milled copper block, which, thanks to high-quality chrome plating, offers exceptional durability and an ultra-smooth surface. The design is complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
ARCTIC Announces Intel LGA1700/1851 Offset Contact Frame Mounting Set
The Liquid Freezer III Series is compatible with Intel's LGA1700 and LGA1851. However, since the hotspot of the LGA1851-CPUs is off-center, offset mounting can improve cooling performance. The Intel LGA1700/1851 Offset Contact Frame Mounting Set enables precise alignment and thus optimizes cooling performance for Intel Core Ultra CPUs.
Significant improvements for powerful Core Ultra CPUs
The new mounting set shows its strength particularly in the Core Ultra 9 285K. The offset mounting allows a significant reduction in temperature.
Significant improvements for powerful Core Ultra CPUs
The new mounting set shows its strength particularly in the Core Ultra 9 285K. The offset mounting allows a significant reduction in temperature.
GeForce NOW Adds Monster Hunter Wilds & Split Fiction
Time for a roaring-good time with Capcom's hit Monster Hunter Wilds. GeForce NOW members can hunt even the largest, most daunting monsters with the sharpest clarity, armed with a GeForce RTX 4080-class gaming rig in the cloud. Plus, jump into mind-bending adventures with Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios, an action-adventure experience that will keep players on the edges of their seats with plenty of unexpected twists. It's all part of the eight games available to stream in the cloud this week.
The Hunt Begins
Happy hunting in the cloud. The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless in Monster Hunter Wilds, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality. Members can fulfill their duties as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong, new weapons and armor from materials harvested from the hunt, all while uncovering the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.
The Hunt Begins
Happy hunting in the cloud. The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless in Monster Hunter Wilds, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality. Members can fulfill their duties as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong, new weapons and armor from materials harvested from the hunt, all while uncovering the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.
Endorfy Introduces Supremo FM6 Modular Power Supply Series
Endorfy expands its product line with the introduction of modern, modular power supply units compliant with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1; Endorfy Supremo FM6 1000 W and Endorfy Supremo FM6 850 W. New Endorfy's power supplies are a great choice for powering even the most efficient PCs and also ensure readiness for future hardware upgrades. This is a solution that will work well in both gaming computers and professional environments. Both power supplies come with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty.
MODERN ATX 3.1 PSUs WITH PCIE 5.1 SUPPORT
Both power supply models are designed according to ATX 3.1 guidelines, which means even better performance, stability and resistance to momentary power surges, compared to previous generations. The included 12V-2x6 cable ensures full compatibility with cards powered according to PCIe 5.1, allowing even the latest GPUs to work without the need for adapters. Of course, for classic solutions, PCI-E 8-PIN cables are also included. All cables in the Endorfy Supremo FM6 1000 W and Endorfy Supremo FM6 850 W power supplies are fully modular.
MODERN ATX 3.1 PSUs WITH PCIE 5.1 SUPPORT
Both power supply models are designed according to ATX 3.1 guidelines, which means even better performance, stability and resistance to momentary power surges, compared to previous generations. The included 12V-2x6 cable ensures full compatibility with cards powered according to PCIe 5.1, allowing even the latest GPUs to work without the need for adapters. Of course, for classic solutions, PCI-E 8-PIN cables are also included. All cables in the Endorfy Supremo FM6 1000 W and Endorfy Supremo FM6 850 W power supplies are fully modular.
OCUK Created Massive Cube of SAPPHIRE PULSE RX 9070 XT Retail Stock, Claimed Supply of 1000+ Units
Earlier in the week, SAPPHIRE's Global Senior VP Marketing Manager—Adrian Thompson—posted a fascinating photo of soon-to-be released PULSE Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics cards, located in an unidentified warehouse. His social media post/teaser stated: "ready to ship to happy customers." Given the apparent impressive volume of boxed products on display, supply chain insiders have referred back to prior leaks. As far back as mid-January (2025), board partner custom Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models were reaching end destinations; at retail/e-tail warehouses. In reaction to Thompson's preview of stockpiled RDNA 4-based PULSE boxes, Overclockers UK (OCUK) expressed mild disapproval.
Gibbo (aka Andrew Gibson) posted a follow-up on the company's discussion board: "as Sapphire jumped the gun with our content (TUT, TUT), I might as well share with you guys the Borg Cube (that) Overclockers UK's marketing department spent hours building out of Sapphire RX 9070 XT Pulse Cards and yes the cube is solid, the center is even more 9070 XT Pulse cards, and we have over 1000 in stock just of this model. Even better, OCUK will hit £569 (including VAT) on this incredible beast of a card, with hundreds to go round at MSRP. In fact, we have so much stock we could build an armada of Borg Cubes pretty much out of every model we have and from all brands, we have several thousand cards in stock spanning across Sapphire, PowerColor and ASRock all of which have 1000+ in stock of each brand." This friendly update strikes with a happier tone—in sharp contrast, Gibbo detailed a sorry situation prior to the launch of GeForce RTX 5090 cards. At the time of writing, the Overclockers UK webstore is down—visitors are seeing "504 Gateway Time-out" error messages. A lot of pre-launch buzz and hype has likely drummed up plenty of buyer interest—thus causing an overloading of servers. In yesterday afternoon's board post, Gibbo continued his Star Trek-themed musings: "we then also have several hundred cards from Gigabyte and ASUS as well, this launch will be impossible to resist as such is the reason we built Borg Cubes, because AMD will assimilate you, resistance is futile, BUY tomorrow (March 6) from OCUK at 2pm with prices starting from £524.99 Inc VAT."
Gibbo (aka Andrew Gibson) posted a follow-up on the company's discussion board: "as Sapphire jumped the gun with our content (TUT, TUT), I might as well share with you guys the Borg Cube (that) Overclockers UK's marketing department spent hours building out of Sapphire RX 9070 XT Pulse Cards and yes the cube is solid, the center is even more 9070 XT Pulse cards, and we have over 1000 in stock just of this model. Even better, OCUK will hit £569 (including VAT) on this incredible beast of a card, with hundreds to go round at MSRP. In fact, we have so much stock we could build an armada of Borg Cubes pretty much out of every model we have and from all brands, we have several thousand cards in stock spanning across Sapphire, PowerColor and ASRock all of which have 1000+ in stock of each brand." This friendly update strikes with a happier tone—in sharp contrast, Gibbo detailed a sorry situation prior to the launch of GeForce RTX 5090 cards. At the time of writing, the Overclockers UK webstore is down—visitors are seeing "504 Gateway Time-out" error messages. A lot of pre-launch buzz and hype has likely drummed up plenty of buyer interest—thus causing an overloading of servers. In yesterday afternoon's board post, Gibbo continued his Star Trek-themed musings: "we then also have several hundred cards from Gigabyte and ASUS as well, this launch will be impossible to resist as such is the reason we built Borg Cubes, because AMD will assimilate you, resistance is futile, BUY tomorrow (March 6) from OCUK at 2pm with prices starting from £524.99 Inc VAT."
Intel Confirms Long-Term TSMC Partnership, About 30% of Wafers Outsourced to TSMC
Intel still depends on external partners for its semiconductor manufacturing strategy, with approximately 30% of its wafers currently outsourced to TSMC, according to Intel's Corporate Vice President of Investor Relations. This marks a significant shift from previous plans to eliminate external foundry dependencies, as the company now intends to maintain a permanent multi-foundry approach. "That is probably a high watermark for us," said John Pitzer during a recent investor dialogue with Morgan Stanley analyst Joe Moore. "But to the extent that I think a year ago, we were talking about trying to get that to zero as quickly as possible. That's no longer the strategy." Pitzer elaborated that Intel now views TSMC as "a great supplier" whose continued involvement "creates a good competition between them and Intel Foundry." The company is reportedly evaluating the optimal long-term outsourcing ratio, considering targets between 15-20% of total wafer production.
This strategic adjustment comes amid leadership changes at Intel, with interim CEOs Dave Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus granted increased decision-making authority while maintaining the core dual approach of developing "a world-class fabless company and a world-class foundry." The executive team focuses on strengthening Intel's product competitiveness before fully optimizing its foundry operations. This pragmatic approach is viewed as recognizing manufacturing realities in the highly complex semiconductor creation. Intel's willingness to leverage TSMC's advanced process technologies reflects both practical necessity and strategic flexibility as the company navigates its manufacturing transformation. Intel's fabrication self-sufficiency goals remain essential but will be balanced against product competitiveness and time-to-market considerations.
This strategic adjustment comes amid leadership changes at Intel, with interim CEOs Dave Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus granted increased decision-making authority while maintaining the core dual approach of developing "a world-class fabless company and a world-class foundry." The executive team focuses on strengthening Intel's product competitiveness before fully optimizing its foundry operations. This pragmatic approach is viewed as recognizing manufacturing realities in the highly complex semiconductor creation. Intel's willingness to leverage TSMC's advanced process technologies reflects both practical necessity and strategic flexibility as the company navigates its manufacturing transformation. Intel's fabrication self-sufficiency goals remain essential but will be balanced against product competitiveness and time-to-market considerations.
Bandai Namco Begins Celebration of PAC-MAN Franchise's 45th Anniversary
Bandai Namco Entertainment is commemorating PAC-MAN 's 45th Anniversary with an unprecedented year-long campaign. Featuring a host of activities and partnerships celebrating the legendary gaming icon's legacy in entertainment and popular culture, fans from around the world are invited to join in this momentous milestone. The campaign planned to run throughout 2025 and into early 2026 revolves around the theme of "imPACt" to capture how one of video games' original icons has spanned generations and is now recognized around the world as Bandai Namco's ambassador of fun and goodwill.
Born on May 22, 1980, PAC-MAN immediately gained a following as an innovative and fun classic arcade game and quickly rose to pop culture fame. With notable brand recognition around the world, the PAC-MAN brand is one of the most beloved on the planet and continues to thrive as he enters his 45th year of entertaining fans of all ages. To capture this enduring legacy, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is debuting a visually stunning trailer that takes fans on a nostalgic journey. Directed by Miles Cable of Bodega Virtual and produced by LEFT, the trailer is brought to life entirely in Unreal Engine to showcase the icon across multiple eras while reimagining his world with modern visuals and dynamic storytelling.
Born on May 22, 1980, PAC-MAN immediately gained a following as an innovative and fun classic arcade game and quickly rose to pop culture fame. With notable brand recognition around the world, the PAC-MAN brand is one of the most beloved on the planet and continues to thrive as he enters his 45th year of entertaining fans of all ages. To capture this enduring legacy, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is debuting a visually stunning trailer that takes fans on a nostalgic journey. Directed by Miles Cable of Bodega Virtual and produced by LEFT, the trailer is brought to life entirely in Unreal Engine to showcase the icon across multiple eras while reimagining his world with modern visuals and dynamic storytelling.
Bitspower, KRAMBU & XFX Collaborate on Next-Gen AI Server Cooling
Bitspower, KRAMBU, and XFX have joined forces to bring advanced liquid-cooling solutions to AMD's cutting-edge RDNA 4.0 architecture. As AI workloads demand ever-increasing processing power, efficient thermal management is crucial to unlocking peak performance and long-term reliability. By integrating Bitspower's industry-leading cooling technology with KRAMBU's expertise in high-performance computing and XFX's GPU innovation, this partnership delivers a powerful, scalable solution for data centers and enterprise applications.
Designed for maximum efficiency, these liquid-cooled servers support up to 20 GPUs per system, significantly increasing computing density and accelerating AI, machine learning, and data analytics workloads. At the heart of these systems is AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT, built on the 5 nm RDNA 4 Navi 48 architecture, which boasts 25% greater transistor density than NVIDIA's Blackwell GPUs—packing 53.9 billion transistors into a die smaller than GB203. By maintaining lower temperatures under heavy workloads, Bitspower's cooling solutions allow these high-density servers to operate at peak performance while reducing thermal throttling and energy consumption.
Designed for maximum efficiency, these liquid-cooled servers support up to 20 GPUs per system, significantly increasing computing density and accelerating AI, machine learning, and data analytics workloads. At the heart of these systems is AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT, built on the 5 nm RDNA 4 Navi 48 architecture, which boasts 25% greater transistor density than NVIDIA's Blackwell GPUs—packing 53.9 billion transistors into a die smaller than GB203. By maintaining lower temperatures under heavy workloads, Bitspower's cooling solutions allow these high-density servers to operate at peak performance while reducing thermal throttling and energy consumption.
Codasip Selected to Design a High-End RISC-V Processor for the EU-Funded DARE Project
Codasip, the European RISC-V leader, announced that it has been selected to provide a general purpose, high-end processor as part of the large-scale European supercomputing project Digital Autonomy with RISC-V in Europe (DARE).
DARE is set to build a supercomputing compute stack, featuring high-performance and energy-efficient RISC-V-based processors and accelerators designed and developed in Europe. The European Union has committed 240 million Euros in funding for the first 3-year program phase. The selected partners will leverage hardware/software co-design to achieve competitive performance and efficiency.
DARE is set to build a supercomputing compute stack, featuring high-performance and energy-efficient RISC-V-based processors and accelerators designed and developed in Europe. The European Union has committed 240 million Euros in funding for the first 3-year program phase. The selected partners will leverage hardware/software co-design to achieve competitive performance and efficiency.
SK keyfoundry Launches 3D Hall-effect Sensor Technology Capable of Measuring Speed and Direction
SK keyfoundry, an 8-inch pure-play foundry in Korea, announced today that it offers a new 3D Hall-effect sensor technology that can measure speed and direction through three-dimensional magnetic field detection for its foundry customers.
The Hall-effect sensor is a device that measures the strength of a magnetic field using the Hall-effect, which detects the voltage difference generated when a conductor or semiconductor passes through a magnetic field. The measured magnetic field is utilized in applications that leverage the position, speed, rotation, direction, and current of devices.
The Hall-effect sensor is a device that measures the strength of a magnetic field using the Hall-effect, which detects the voltage difference generated when a conductor or semiconductor passes through a magnetic field. The measured magnetic field is utilized in applications that leverage the position, speed, rotation, direction, and current of devices.
QNAP Releases Cloud NAS Operating System QuTScloud c5.2
QNAP Systems, Inc. today released QuTScloud c5.2, the latest version of its Cloud NAS operating system. This update introduces Security Center, a proactive security application that monitors Cloud NAS file activities and defends against ransomware threats. Additionally, QuTScloud c5.2 provides extensive optimizations, streamlining operations and management for a more seamless user experience.
QuTScloud Cloud NAS revolutionizes enterprise data storage and management. By deploying a QuTScloud image on virtual machines, businesses can flexibly implement Cloud NAS on public cloud platforms or virtualization environments. With a subscription-based pricing model starting at just US $4.99 per month, users can allocate resources efficiently and optimize costs.
QuTScloud Cloud NAS revolutionizes enterprise data storage and management. By deploying a QuTScloud image on virtual machines, businesses can flexibly implement Cloud NAS on public cloud platforms or virtualization environments. With a subscription-based pricing model starting at just US $4.99 per month, users can allocate resources efficiently and optimize costs.
Advantech Launches the SQFlash EDSFF and EU-2 PCIe Gen5 x4 SSDs
Advantech, a global leader in industrial flash storage solutions, introduces the SQFlash EDSFF and EU-2 PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSDs, designed to meet the demands of next-generation enterprise and data center applications. Till 2024, PCIe Gen 4 solutions accounted for 50% of the market, and PCIe Gen 5 products are rapidly gaining traction across diverse applications. Among PCIe storage products, form factors such as U.2, E3.S, and E1.S are driving market growth.
The SQFlash E1.S SSD, built on the EDSFF standard, delivers exceptional performance with PCIe Gen 5 read and write speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s and 8,500 MB/s, respectively, while offering scalability, power efficiency, and thermal optimization. Meanwhile, the SQFlash EU-2 PCIe Gen.5 x4 SSD leverages cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology, setting new standards in speed, reliability, and thermal management, making it ideal for data centers, enterprise computing, real-time analytics, and AI-driven workloads.
The SQFlash E1.S SSD, built on the EDSFF standard, delivers exceptional performance with PCIe Gen 5 read and write speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s and 8,500 MB/s, respectively, while offering scalability, power efficiency, and thermal optimization. Meanwhile, the SQFlash EU-2 PCIe Gen.5 x4 SSD leverages cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology, setting new standards in speed, reliability, and thermal management, making it ideal for data centers, enterprise computing, real-time analytics, and AI-driven workloads.
Micron Appoints Mark Liu and Christie Simons to Board of Directors
Micron Technology Inc. today announced it has appointed two experienced business leaders, Mark Liu and Christie Simons, to its board of directors.
Liu spent over 30 years with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), where he held increasingly important leadership positions, including senior vice president (2004-2012), co-chief operations officer (2012-2013), president and co-CEO (2013-2018), and executive chairman (2018-2024). Under his leadership, TSMC became the world's largest semiconductor foundry. Currently, he is the founder and chairman of J&M Copper Beech Ventures, a multi-strategy investment fund. Liu began his career at Intel Corporation as part of the company's development of its 32-bit microprocessor technology. He then moved to AT&T Bell Laboratory where he conducted fundamental high-speed electronics research. Liu's other board commitments include the University of California, Berkeley Engineering Advisory Board. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from National Taiwan University, and master's and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Liu spent over 30 years with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), where he held increasingly important leadership positions, including senior vice president (2004-2012), co-chief operations officer (2012-2013), president and co-CEO (2013-2018), and executive chairman (2018-2024). Under his leadership, TSMC became the world's largest semiconductor foundry. Currently, he is the founder and chairman of J&M Copper Beech Ventures, a multi-strategy investment fund. Liu began his career at Intel Corporation as part of the company's development of its 32-bit microprocessor technology. He then moved to AT&T Bell Laboratory where he conducted fundamental high-speed electronics research. Liu's other board commitments include the University of California, Berkeley Engineering Advisory Board. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from National Taiwan University, and master's and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Minisforum Unveils AI X1 Pro Mini PC With Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
Minisforum is proud to unveil AI X1 Pro, the world's first Copilot-empowered AI mini PC, setting a new standard in low power efficiency and redefining performance. Powered by the cutting-edge AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, the AI X1 Pro delivers next-level AI technology, supercharging multitasking, boosting productivity, and enhancing teamwork like never before. With performance up to 45% faster than competitors, this mini PC is designed to meet the demands of professionals, creators, and gamers alike.
Unmatched Gaming and Creativity
Equipped with the powerful AMD Radeon 890M processor, AI X1 Pro transforms your gaming experience. Dive into AAA titles with smooth, breathtaking visuals and zero lag. Every battle and adventure comes to life in stunning detail, delivering pure excitement. For creators, the AI X1 Pro is optimized for AI workloads, featuring total 80 TOPS NPU for all-local AI processing. Streamline your daily tasks, enhance creativity, and save valuable time with unparalleled convenience.
Unmatched Gaming and Creativity
Equipped with the powerful AMD Radeon 890M processor, AI X1 Pro transforms your gaming experience. Dive into AAA titles with smooth, breathtaking visuals and zero lag. Every battle and adventure comes to life in stunning detail, delivering pure excitement. For creators, the AI X1 Pro is optimized for AI workloads, featuring total 80 TOPS NPU for all-local AI processing. Streamline your daily tasks, enhance creativity, and save valuable time with unparalleled convenience.
Wednesday, March 5th 2025
Today's Files
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
- ASUS RX 9070 TUF OC TechPowerUp
- Sapphire RX 9070 XT Nitro+ TechPowerUp
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition ComputerBase (de)
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition Cowcotland (fr)
- Zotac Gaming RTX 5070 Solid Cowcotland (fr)
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition Guru3D
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition HotHardware
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition KitGuru
- ASUS Prime RTX 5070 LAN OC
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition LAN OC
- NVIDIA RTX 5070 Founders Edition Tweaktown
- PNY XLR8 RTX 5090 EPIC-X OC TechGaming (nl)
Motherboards
Speakers
Sapphire Radeon RX 9070 XT Nitro+ Review - Beating NVIDIA
AMD's new RDNA 4 GPUs are launching today. The Sapphire Radeon RX 9070 XT Nitro+ is a fantastic custom design with powerful cooling and whisper-quiet fans. In terms of FPS, the RX 9070 XT offers competitive performance with similarly priced NVIDIA options in both raster and ray tracing.
ASUS Radeon RX 9070 TUF OC Review
AMD's new Radeon RX 9070 launches today. It comes at the same $550 price point as NVIDIA's RTX 5070, but offers a 16 GB VRAM size while the 5070 has only 12 GB. The new RX 9070 also managed to catch up with NVIDIA in ray tracing performance and efficiency.
Apple Unleashes New Mac Studio With M3 Ultra and M4 Max SoCs
The refreshed Mac Studio is here, and it appears that Mark Gurman's reports were accurate once again. The system was updated with the M4 Max and the M3 Ultra SoCs - and once again, that is not a typo. For whatever reason, Apple refused to fit the Mac Studio with an M4-flavored Ultra SoC, instead settling for an undeniably confusing product lineup. The M4 Max, with up to 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, will undoubtedly have the upper hand in single-core performance by as much as 30%, whereas the M3 Ultra will have superior multithreaded and GPU performance, courtesy of its 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. Moreover, the price gap between the base M3 Ultra and M4 Max SKUs will remain the same, despite the former being based on an older generation.
However, the M3 Ultra will allow the system to be configured with up to a whopping 512 GB of unified memory, with memory bandwidth of 819 GB/s. While that number is not particularly mind-bending for a workstation-class system, the fact that the M3 Ultra's 80-core GPU will have access to over half a terabyte of fast-enough memory is a game changer for select few ultra-high-end workloads. Of course, this amount of VRAM is not intended for the average Joe, but the Ultra SoCs were always meant to be a halo product. The M3 Ultra variant can also be equipped with up to 16 TB of storage - at Apple's ridiculous pricing, of course. Needless to say, Apple's performance claims are as vague as always, and interested customers will have to wait for independent reviews and benchmarks to make sense of Apple's confusing SoC strategy with the new Mac Studio.
However, the M3 Ultra will allow the system to be configured with up to a whopping 512 GB of unified memory, with memory bandwidth of 819 GB/s. While that number is not particularly mind-bending for a workstation-class system, the fact that the M3 Ultra's 80-core GPU will have access to over half a terabyte of fast-enough memory is a game changer for select few ultra-high-end workloads. Of course, this amount of VRAM is not intended for the average Joe, but the Ultra SoCs were always meant to be a halo product. The M3 Ultra variant can also be equipped with up to 16 TB of storage - at Apple's ridiculous pricing, of course. Needless to say, Apple's performance claims are as vague as always, and interested customers will have to wait for independent reviews and benchmarks to make sense of Apple's confusing SoC strategy with the new Mac Studio.
Kaiserpunk Marches Toward Launch On March 21st—With Support From a New Co-Publisher
Overseer Games, an independent developer, announced a partnership with Elda Entertainment—a new publisher with a vision to deliver the world's best management games—to bring Kaiserpunk, a grand city builder, to players on March 21. Blending production-focused city building with the world conquest of strategy games, Kaiserpunk will be available on Steam for $29.99. Elda Entertainment is co-publishing the game alongside Overseer Games.
Set in an alternate Interbellum Era (1918-1945), Kaiserpunk challenges players to build their own city-state, fuel industrial expansion, and wage strategic warfare across land, sea, and air to forge an empire. With deep production chains, grand-scale city building, and global conquest at its core, Kaiserpunk blurs the lines between city management and global warfare.
Set in an alternate Interbellum Era (1918-1945), Kaiserpunk challenges players to build their own city-state, fuel industrial expansion, and wage strategic warfare across land, sea, and air to forge an empire. With deep production chains, grand-scale city building, and global conquest at its core, Kaiserpunk blurs the lines between city management and global warfare.
GameSir "Steam Deck Controller" is Just a Prototype, CEO States that Valve is Not Officially Involved
A mysterious GameSir wireless gaming controller appeared online late last year, courtesy of video footage uploaded by an unidentified tester. The presence of a Steam logo on the leaked device's central "home/guide" button sent speculation activities into overdrive. The so-called GameSir "Steam Deck Controller" was linked back to a teased Xbox-licensed G7 Pro wireless controller—both designs seem to share a white/gray aesthetic and control layout. At CES 2025, TechPowerUp staffers were fortunate enough to experience hands-on time with GameSir's upcoming Xbox-branded flagship model. Curious visitors did not spot any sign of Steam/Valve-related products at the company's Las Vegas booth. Game Tech Talk—a YouTube channel that covers the latest in handheld gadgets—managed to conduct an interview with Betta; GameSir's CEO. Their virtual discussion was uploaded two (or so) days ago; the 28-minute video explores current and forthcoming products.
When asked about the unannounced "G7 Pro Valve Edition" (aka unofficial Steam Deck Controller), Betta admitted that he was behind last year's leak. This guerilla marketing tactic produced a lot of reactions and feedback from the hardcore gaming controller community; all taken onboard by the young entrepreneur. Betta said that his personal prototype was "hacked together" in order to provide proof of concept to Valve, although he states that GameSir only has a loose relationship with the House of Half-Life. The G7 Pro controller served as a basic foundation for the Steam-oriented variant—with added motion controller capabilities, capacitive stick technology, independently addressable back buttons, and integration into Valve's operating "ecosystem." The fledgling project awaits an official signing-off—with agreements over licensing, branding, software support, etc.—but a firm connection between the two parties is not yet established. Apparently, there were brief interactions during January's CES event. Betta believes that: "people at Valve are pretty hard to reach." GameSir leadership is "figuring out" a plan; they hope to form a direct connection to Valve HQ in the near future.
When asked about the unannounced "G7 Pro Valve Edition" (aka unofficial Steam Deck Controller), Betta admitted that he was behind last year's leak. This guerilla marketing tactic produced a lot of reactions and feedback from the hardcore gaming controller community; all taken onboard by the young entrepreneur. Betta said that his personal prototype was "hacked together" in order to provide proof of concept to Valve, although he states that GameSir only has a loose relationship with the House of Half-Life. The G7 Pro controller served as a basic foundation for the Steam-oriented variant—with added motion controller capabilities, capacitive stick technology, independently addressable back buttons, and integration into Valve's operating "ecosystem." The fledgling project awaits an official signing-off—with agreements over licensing, branding, software support, etc.—but a firm connection between the two parties is not yet established. Apparently, there were brief interactions during January's CES event. Betta believes that: "people at Valve are pretty hard to reach." GameSir leadership is "figuring out" a plan; they hope to form a direct connection to Valve HQ in the near future.
Microchip Technology Releases MPLAB PICkit Basic Debugger
To make its robust programming and debugging capabilities accessible to a wider range of engineers, Microchip Technology has launched the MPLAB PICkit Basic in-circuit debugger as a cost-effective, powerful solution for engineers at various levels. Unlike other complex and expensive debuggers, this budget-friendly device offers high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, CMSIS-DAP support, compatibility with various Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and compatibility with a broad range of microcontrollers. The tool's versatility allows developers to use the debugger across various projects and platforms—including VS Code ecosystems—to simplify the workflow and reduce the need for multiple tools.
Key features:
Key features:
- USB Type-C Cable: The MPLAB PICkit Basic programmer debugger uses a USB Type-C cable, which is modern, widely adopted and easy to use. The USB-C connection helps promote better connectivity, faster data transfer and a more reliable connection, reducing the hassle of dealing with outdated or incompatible cables.
Rockstar Games Launches Free Upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V on PC
The upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V on PC is now available to play from the Rockstar Games Launcher, and also via Steam or Epic Games. Introducing features previously only available on the latest generation of consoles, this upgrade also optimizes the game experience and performance on modern PCs. Players who already own GTAV on PC can upgrade to this new version for free, with the ability to migrate your Story Mode and Online progress, while anyone jumping into GTAV and GTA Online on PC for the first time will get this new version (GTAV Enhanced) along with the original version (GTAV Legacy) when purchased.
GTA ONLINE FEATURES
Get access to powerful new vehicles, stunning Chameleon Paints, high-performance modifications, and much more—all from Hao's Special Works. Newly added vehicles for PC include the Pegassi Weaponized Ignus and Coil Cyclone II supercars, the Karin S95 sports car, the Imponte Arbiter GT muscle car, and the Pfister Astron Custom SUV, which join a fleet of 20 vehicles already available in GTA Online, and all are now available for tuning from HSW. Plus, GTA+ Members can claim a Principe Deveste Eight (Super) for free through May 28 as part of a special Classics Collection to commemorate GTA+ arriving on PC. Anyone looking to take in the fauna can also now relish in the animal ecosystem, with Ambient Animals encounters and a daily Wildlife Photography Challenge available from the LS Tourist Board at Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness.
GTA ONLINE FEATURES
Get access to powerful new vehicles, stunning Chameleon Paints, high-performance modifications, and much more—all from Hao's Special Works. Newly added vehicles for PC include the Pegassi Weaponized Ignus and Coil Cyclone II supercars, the Karin S95 sports car, the Imponte Arbiter GT muscle car, and the Pfister Astron Custom SUV, which join a fleet of 20 vehicles already available in GTA Online, and all are now available for tuning from HSW. Plus, GTA+ Members can claim a Principe Deveste Eight (Super) for free through May 28 as part of a special Classics Collection to commemorate GTA+ arriving on PC. Anyone looking to take in the fauna can also now relish in the animal ecosystem, with Ambient Animals encounters and a daily Wildlife Photography Challenge available from the LS Tourist Board at Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness.
Ridiculous "GIGABYTE RTX 5090 Super Bundle" Turns up in Taiwan; Requires Purchase of Forty H610M-K-DDR4 Motherboards
Taiwanese press outlets have put a spotlight on an inexplicably devised "GIGABYTE RTX 5090 Super Bundle." According to regional reports, a local company—Deyuan Computer—has listed this unusual multi-piece package on Taiwan's MOMO e-commerce platform. GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards are a hot commodity nowadays—unfortunately, limited supplies and scalping activities have created a volatile environment for regular punters. Retail outlets have implemented various "nifty" sales methods in attempt to create a fairer buying environment—pre- and post-launch. Hong Kong's HKEPC Media has acknowledged that locals are very used to a "bundling culture" that requires the purchase of superfluous extra items.
By comparison, these offerings look quite reasonable when lined up against a Taiwanese business dealing in staggeringly silly combination platters. To claim ownership of a single GIGABYTE RTX 5090 GAMING OC graphics card, potential buyers are strong-armed into adding forty(!) GIGABYTE H610M-K-DDR4 motherboards to virtual shopping carts. A grand total expenditure of NT$191,500 (~$5832 USD) unlocks "GIGABYTE RTX 5090 Super Bundle" ownership. By itself, the high-end/award-winning GIGABYTE graphics card would cost NT$91,900 (~$2796 USD). An individual entry-level H610M-K-DDR4 Micro ATX model comes in at NT$2490 (~$76 USD). Willing customers will have to deal with an inventory of slightly outdated motherboards—a full build's worth of components would make more sense. Around late January, Taiwan's AutoBuy advertised an anti-scalping deal for GeForce RTX 5080 cards—requiring shoppers to load up on parts for a near complete Intel Core Ultra 200S CPU-based system.
By comparison, these offerings look quite reasonable when lined up against a Taiwanese business dealing in staggeringly silly combination platters. To claim ownership of a single GIGABYTE RTX 5090 GAMING OC graphics card, potential buyers are strong-armed into adding forty(!) GIGABYTE H610M-K-DDR4 motherboards to virtual shopping carts. A grand total expenditure of NT$191,500 (~$5832 USD) unlocks "GIGABYTE RTX 5090 Super Bundle" ownership. By itself, the high-end/award-winning GIGABYTE graphics card would cost NT$91,900 (~$2796 USD). An individual entry-level H610M-K-DDR4 Micro ATX model comes in at NT$2490 (~$76 USD). Willing customers will have to deal with an inventory of slightly outdated motherboards—a full build's worth of components would make more sense. Around late January, Taiwan's AutoBuy advertised an anti-scalping deal for GeForce RTX 5080 cards—requiring shoppers to load up on parts for a near complete Intel Core Ultra 200S CPU-based system.
NVIDIA DLSS Coming to FragPunk, Star Wars Outlaws, and More Games
More than 700 games and applications feature RTX technologies, and each week new games integrating NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex, and advanced ray-traced effects are released or announced, delivering the definitive PC experience for GeForce RTX players. Last week, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation came to NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, and even more games launched with support for DLSS. This week, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation will be available at launch in the new 5v5 shooter, FragPunk, while Star Wars Outlaws shows off DLSS 4 enhancements in a new RTX On trailer.
Additionally, Dragonkin: The Banished and Rise of the Ronin are launching with support for DLSS Frame Generation and DLSS Super Resolution. Vector Strike entered Early Access yesterday featuring DLSS frame Generation and DLSS Super Resolution. And Deadlock and Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced now boast DLSS and Reflex support on PC.
Additionally, Dragonkin: The Banished and Rise of the Ronin are launching with support for DLSS Frame Generation and DLSS Super Resolution. Vector Strike entered Early Access yesterday featuring DLSS frame Generation and DLSS Super Resolution. And Deadlock and Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced now boast DLSS and Reflex support on PC.
BenQ Announces New EW Series Entertainment Monitors
BenQ, a global innovator of visual display technology, has launched three new successor models for the EW Series, the EW3290U, EW2790Q, and EW2790U. With a wider color gamut for video watching, high-quality built-in speakers, and certified eye-care technology, the EW series provides convenience and simplicity for every lifestyle.
"Building upon existing user-friendly features like eye-care technology and an integrated charging hub, our revamped entertainment monitors provide an elevated audio-visual experience for users seeking an all-in-one desk setup upgrade," said House Wei, Senior Director of BenQ North America. "From binge-watching to business meetings - BenQ has you covered."
"Building upon existing user-friendly features like eye-care technology and an integrated charging hub, our revamped entertainment monitors provide an elevated audio-visual experience for users seeking an all-in-one desk setup upgrade," said House Wei, Senior Director of BenQ North America. "From binge-watching to business meetings - BenQ has you covered."
AMD Discusses EPYC's "No Compromise" Driving of Performance and Efficiency
One of the main pillars that vendors of Arm-based processors often cite as a competitive advantage versus x86 processors is a keen focus on energy efficiency and predictability of performance. In the quest for higher efficiency and performance, Arm vendors have largely designed out the ability to operate on multiple threads concurrently—something that most enterprise-class CPUs have enabled for years under the technology description of "SMT"—which was also created in the name of enabling performance and efficiency benefits.
Arm vendors often claim that SMT brings security risks, creates performance unpredictability from shared resource contention and drives added cost and energy needed to implement SMT. Interestingly, Arm does support multi-threading in its Neoverse E1-class processor family for embedded uses such as automotive. Given these incongruities, this blog intends to provide a bit more clarity to help customers assess what attributes of performance and efficiency really bring them value for their critical workloads.
Arm vendors often claim that SMT brings security risks, creates performance unpredictability from shared resource contention and drives added cost and energy needed to implement SMT. Interestingly, Arm does support multi-threading in its Neoverse E1-class processor family for embedded uses such as automotive. Given these incongruities, this blog intends to provide a bit more clarity to help customers assess what attributes of performance and efficiency really bring them value for their critical workloads.
Corsair Comments on GeForce RTX 50-series "Missing ROPs" Controversy, Identifies One Customer Return
Last month, TechPowerUp was heavily involved in the identification of missing ROPs across newly released GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards. NVIDIA, board partners and system integrators have (largely) acknowledged these issues. Certain companies have initiated the processing of customer returned units, but a pre-built PC specialist—CyberPowerPC—revealed a more proactive approach when dealing with less-than-pedigree hardware. Corsair has weighed in on the matter, since its ORIGIN and Vengeance businesses are involved in the building and sale of modern gaming rigs. A company rep—CorsairLucky—provided some insight on their official subreddit: "upon learning of this issue, we immediately implemented a thorough review of the detailed production reports for each system shipped to date. Matching the expected breadth of this issue, we have identified only one customer with an affected GPU and are actively working with them to provide a replacement."
Team Green posits that only 0.5% of released "Blackwell" GPU-based products are affected, Corsair's statement also refers to this percentage statistic. Several media outlets have posited that NVIDIA has produced a "conjectured" figure—in particular, the claimed 0.5% stat was questioned by Gamers Nexus. According to VideoCardz's inside track, NVIDIA's launch of GeForce RTX 5070 cards was delayed due to a number of factors—including lower than expected ROP counts. Earlier today, Team Green confirmed that its GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition launch window has been pushed into "late March."
Team Green posits that only 0.5% of released "Blackwell" GPU-based products are affected, Corsair's statement also refers to this percentage statistic. Several media outlets have posited that NVIDIA has produced a "conjectured" figure—in particular, the claimed 0.5% stat was questioned by Gamers Nexus. According to VideoCardz's inside track, NVIDIA's launch of GeForce RTX 5070 cards was delayed due to a number of factors—including lower than expected ROP counts. Earlier today, Team Green confirmed that its GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition launch window has been pushed into "late March."
Cervoz Intros Wide Temperature Wi-Fi 6 Module, Designed to Withstand Extreme Conditions
Industrial digitalization is reshaping connectivity requirements across various sectors. From smart manufacturing floors to remote monitoring stations, the industrial environment demands wireless solutions that excel in extreme conditions. Temperature fluctuations ranging from -40°C to 85°C, which were once limiting factors for wireless deployments, now represent the standard operating range for mission-critical industrial systems. This shift reflects the growing importance of wireless connectivity in driving industrial automation, remote operations, and the broader Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) ecosystem.
Wi-Fi 6: Mastering Temperature Extremes
The Cervoz new Wi-Fi module, MEC-WIFI-2042B-30 W delivers reliable wireless connectivity across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. This temperature resilience, combined with Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) technology, ensures consistent connectivity in environments where standard wireless solutions would fail. The module's 2T2R MIMO architecture delivers throughput up to 1201 Mbps on 80 MHz channels while maintaining stability across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Whether deployed in freezing outdoor installations or high-temperature industrial environments, this robust architecture ensures uninterrupted performance for data-intensive applications.
Wi-Fi 6: Mastering Temperature Extremes
The Cervoz new Wi-Fi module, MEC-WIFI-2042B-30 W delivers reliable wireless connectivity across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. This temperature resilience, combined with Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) technology, ensures consistent connectivity in environments where standard wireless solutions would fail. The module's 2T2R MIMO architecture delivers throughput up to 1201 Mbps on 80 MHz channels while maintaining stability across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Whether deployed in freezing outdoor installations or high-temperature industrial environments, this robust architecture ensures uninterrupted performance for data-intensive applications.
COLORFUL Reveals "X3D Gaming Mode" for AM5 Motherboards - Claims Boost in Game Frame Rates
COLORFUL has introduced a compelling new "X3D Gaming Mode" for its AM5-socketed motherboard models. The Chinese manufacturer previewed this newly supported feature via their official Weibo video channel—naturally, this mode was advertised as working in conjunction with compatible AMD Ryzen 7000X3D and 9000X3D processors. Curiously, COLORFUL did mention that non-3D V-Cache-equipped AM5 CPUs can work with their "X3D Gaming Mode." The aforementioned preview video demonstrates this new feature—accessed via the showcased B650 motherboard's BIOS interface—disabling Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) on an involved processor. The population of dual-CCD Team Red 3D V-Cache models is set to grow this month, with the upcoming launch of Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D chips.
COLORFUL's X3D Gaming Mode is touted to improve performance on dual-CCD CPUs, since it will disable the second unit. By transferring workloads to the (active) primary CCD, latency is reduced—thus boosting in-game performance. COLORFUL claimed that frame rates—in PUBG—increased by 17%, following the enabling of their snazzy X3D Gaming Mode. Wccftech opined on this scenario: "for processors like Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the X3D Gaming Mode is more ideal than on the single CCD non-X3D processors (e.g. Ryzen 7 9800X3D). Keep in mind that the performance of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D may be affected noticeably when one of its CCDs gets disabled. Since the processor brings only six cores on each CCD, it may not be ideal for a lot of users...Colorful's X3D Gaming Mode reminds us of Gigabyte's X3D Turbo Mode, but the latter works a bit differently and doesn't disable SMT or CCD but tweaks some CPU parameters." A "halved" Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) is expected to behave in a similar manner to the current reigning champion (8-core) within gaming ecosystems.
COLORFUL's X3D Gaming Mode is touted to improve performance on dual-CCD CPUs, since it will disable the second unit. By transferring workloads to the (active) primary CCD, latency is reduced—thus boosting in-game performance. COLORFUL claimed that frame rates—in PUBG—increased by 17%, following the enabling of their snazzy X3D Gaming Mode. Wccftech opined on this scenario: "for processors like Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the X3D Gaming Mode is more ideal than on the single CCD non-X3D processors (e.g. Ryzen 7 9800X3D). Keep in mind that the performance of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D may be affected noticeably when one of its CCDs gets disabled. Since the processor brings only six cores on each CCD, it may not be ideal for a lot of users...Colorful's X3D Gaming Mode reminds us of Gigabyte's X3D Turbo Mode, but the latter works a bit differently and doesn't disable SMT or CCD but tweaks some CPU parameters." A "halved" Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) is expected to behave in a similar manner to the current reigning champion (8-core) within gaming ecosystems.
Icy Dock Announces Removable Dual M.2 NVMe SSD to PCIe 4.0 x8 Adapter Card
The ExpressSlot Core MB312M4P-B is a PCIe 4.0 x8 adapter card designed to support two M.2 NVMe SSDs, featuring a tool-less removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray for seamless drive access and easy maintenance. IT professionals, audio/video editors, and gamers can quickly install or swap two M.2 NVMe SSDs without opening the system chassis, making it ideal for servers, industrial PCs, workstations, and media-heavy environments where fast SSD swapping is essential for minimizing downtime, maximizing productivity, or managing media libraries.
Innovative Removable Design for M.2 NVMe SSD
Unlike traditional M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe adapter cards that require opening the chassis for maintenance, the ExpressSlot Core MB312M4P-B revolutionizes the process with dual removable M.2 NVMe SSD trays. These trays can be easily accessed from the PCIe slot panel, allowing quick and tool-less access, perfect for tasks like data backup, system recovery, or daily operations in demanding environments. With no need to remove the entire adapter card, it's an ideal solution for enterprise-level systems where time and uptime are critical.
Innovative Removable Design for M.2 NVMe SSD
Unlike traditional M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe adapter cards that require opening the chassis for maintenance, the ExpressSlot Core MB312M4P-B revolutionizes the process with dual removable M.2 NVMe SSD trays. These trays can be easily accessed from the PCIe slot panel, allowing quick and tool-less access, perfect for tasks like data backup, system recovery, or daily operations in demanding environments. With no need to remove the entire adapter card, it's an ideal solution for enterprise-level systems where time and uptime are critical.
Jensen Huang & Industry Visionaries to Present "What's Next in AI" at GTC 2025
NVIDIA today announced GTC 2025, the world's premier AI conference, will return March 17-21 to San Jose, California—bringing together the brightest minds in AI to showcase breakthroughs happening now in physical AI, agentic AI and scientific discovery. GTC will bring together 25,000 attendees in person—and 300,000 attendees virtually—for an in-depth look at the technologies shaping the future. NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang will deliver the keynote from SAP Center on Tuesday, March 18, at 10 a.m. PT focused on AI and accelerated computing technologies changing the world. It will be livestreamed and available on demand at nvidia.com. Registration is not required to view the keynote online.
Onsite attendees can arrive at SAP Center early to enjoy a live pregame show hosted by the "Acquired" podcast and other surprise festivities. Virtual attendees can catch the pregame show live online. "AI is pushing the limits of what's possible—turning yesterday's dreams into today's reality," Huang said. "GTC brings together the brightest scientists, engineers, developers and creators to imagine and build a better future. Come and be first to see the new advances in NVIDIA computing and breakthroughs in AI, robotics, science and the arts that will transform industries and society."
Onsite attendees can arrive at SAP Center early to enjoy a live pregame show hosted by the "Acquired" podcast and other surprise festivities. Virtual attendees can catch the pregame show live online. "AI is pushing the limits of what's possible—turning yesterday's dreams into today's reality," Huang said. "GTC brings together the brightest scientists, engineers, developers and creators to imagine and build a better future. Come and be first to see the new advances in NVIDIA computing and breakthroughs in AI, robotics, science and the arts that will transform industries and society."
GALAX Reveals New "FIRE" Graphics Card Series, Debuting with GeForce RTX 5070 Model
Earlier today, GALAX unveiled a brand-new custom GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card—according to ITHome, this offering marks the debut of the manufacturer's FIRE product series. This nomenclature has raised eyebrows across Western press outlets—given recent "high temperature" events involving NVIDIA "Blackwell" GPUs; GALAX's latest introduction seems to be a bit clumsy (timing-wise). The freshly introduced triple-fan model sports a "Cyber Black Flame" design; promotional imagery showcases an almost all-black aesthetic. The shroud features carbon fiber texturing and pattern-embossed sections. Its backplate displays prominent white GALAX branding and GeForce RTX text. The FIRE's cooling system is referred to as "wandering star."
According to its specification sheet, the GALAX GeForce RTX 5070 FIRE 12 GB model sticks closely to Team Green reference points. Currently, TechPowerUp's GPU database lists four GB205 GPU-based GALAX SKUs—in 1-Click or EX Gamer forms—all factory overclocked affairs. ITHome's report does not mention any price point for the debut FIRE card, but expectations point to a possible baseline MSRP conformant release in China. GALAX has prepped the GeForce RTX 5070 FIRE with a very barebones dual-slot design—akin to MSI's relatively new SHADOW 3X series. The GeForce RTX 5070 SHADOW 3X model also adheres to NVIDIA reference specs, including a TDP rating of 250 W.
According to its specification sheet, the GALAX GeForce RTX 5070 FIRE 12 GB model sticks closely to Team Green reference points. Currently, TechPowerUp's GPU database lists four GB205 GPU-based GALAX SKUs—in 1-Click or EX Gamer forms—all factory overclocked affairs. ITHome's report does not mention any price point for the debut FIRE card, but expectations point to a possible baseline MSRP conformant release in China. GALAX has prepped the GeForce RTX 5070 FIRE with a very barebones dual-slot design—akin to MSI's relatively new SHADOW 3X series. The GeForce RTX 5070 SHADOW 3X model also adheres to NVIDIA reference specs, including a TDP rating of 250 W.
Civilization VII's First Major Update Available Now, Fixes UI & Adjusts Balance
Hello Civ fans, Update 1.1.0 is here—our first major update to Civilization VII! This update includes a mix of both paid and free content, with many of the free additions influenced by community feedback. For these extensive Update 1.1.0 notes, we've separated PC and Console into two separate sections so you can easily read them for your preferred platform. As part of these update notes, we're introducing a Feature Spotlight section, where the developers will dive deeper into new features or improvements being made. The Update Notes will cover all the addressed issues and improvements, including changes to both the base game and DLC. And lastly, for those who are excited about paid content additions, a Collection section will showcase the newest civs, leaders, and Wonders included in the latest paid Content Collection.
This update also brings a number of addressed issues and improvements specifically for console players. Some of these changes may already be available to PC players, but now all platforms are fully up-to-date. This also means cross-play between PC has been restored across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, so you can once again enjoy cross-platform multiplayer between PC and these consoles with the latest version of the game. For a look into what else we're planning, take a look at our recently released Update Check-in detailing some of what you can expect in our next update, and some major features being scoped out for the future. As always, we're listening closely to your feedback, so please keep sharing your thoughts on the Steam Discussion forums or our official Civilization Discord Server.
This update also brings a number of addressed issues and improvements specifically for console players. Some of these changes may already be available to PC players, but now all platforms are fully up-to-date. This also means cross-play between PC has been restored across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, so you can once again enjoy cross-platform multiplayer between PC and these consoles with the latest version of the game. For a look into what else we're planning, take a look at our recently released Update Check-in detailing some of what you can expect in our next update, and some major features being scoped out for the future. As always, we're listening closely to your feedback, so please keep sharing your thoughts on the Steam Discussion forums or our official Civilization Discord Server.
MSI Releases Custom NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Series graphics Cards
MSI is excited to introduce its latest lineup of graphics cards powered by the newly launched NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, featuring the VANGUARD, GAMING TRIO, INSPIRE, and VENTUS series. Engineered with cutting-edge graphics technology and refined thermal solutions, these cards are designed to meet the demands of high-performance gaming, AI applications, and content creation. With a focus on efficiency, they deliver outstanding power while maintaining low temperatures and quiet operation, ensuring an excellent user experience.
Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs revolutionize gaming and creativity with unprecedented AI horsepower. Unlock next-level performance and graphics fidelity with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at record-breaking speeds, and unleash creative potential with NVIDIA Studio.
Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs revolutionize gaming and creativity with unprecedented AI horsepower. Unlock next-level performance and graphics fidelity with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at record-breaking speeds, and unleash creative potential with NVIDIA Studio.
NVIDIA GeForce 572.70 WHQL Drivers Released with RTX 5070 Support
NVIDIA today released the latest GeForce Game Ready drivers. These come with support for the new GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card that goes on sale from today. It addresses even more black screen bugs seen with RTX 50-series GPUs, which surface with certain kinds of monitors are connected via DisplayPort. The drivers also come with optimization for the DLSS 4 update of "FragPunk," and the DLSS + ray tracing update of "Grand Theft Auto V." Grab the drivers from the link below.
DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 572.70 WHQL
DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 572.70 WHQL
ASUS Reveals Day 1 Pricing for TUF Gaming RTX 5070 OC Edition: $740 in North America
ASUS has taken the unusual step of formally announcing day one availability of its brand-new offerings—in TUF Gaming and PRIME forms—to the NVIDIA subreddit community. Today (March 5) marks the retail rollout of AIB-built GeForce RTX 5070 graphics cards—unfortunately, NVIDIA Founders Edition enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer for a now delayed launch. VideoCardz has called out ASUS on a number of occasions over the past month and a half, regarding alleged GeForce RTX 50-series "price manipulation" practices. In their latest bit of company coverage, the publication concedes that ASUS representatives are doing a better job in communicating launch day circumstances to its target audience. In contrast, other board partners have (reportedly) not reached out to the hardware gaming community.
The ASUS_MKTLeeM account has produced a useful "Day 1 Pricing and Availability in US and CA" buying guide for TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 OC Edition ($739.99 USD) and ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 models (standard: $549.99, OC: $699.99). The company rep disclosed the outlook for this opening salvo: "we expect that most, if not all of these will be available at 6am PST for the US. Of course, things happen sometimes; and a particular e-tailer or retailer may have a website issue or may be pending for stock to reach them. Feel free to ask later in the day and we can track this down...For Canada, I do not have confirmation on which stores will have Day 1 stock at this time, unfortunately. If I receive confirmation before the end of the day I will update it." They noted that Best Buy Canada may experience delayed shipments (1-3 weeks) of TUF Gaming RTX 5070 OC Edition stock. Unfortunately, higher-end options are not releasing alongside "cheaper" brethren parts—MKTLeeM stated: "the ROG Strix cards will not be available Day 1. There is currently no ETA for when these cards will be available, but we will update the post and/or the availability post in the comments when we have an update." Press outlets have highlighted the apparent limited range of ASUS launch day models. Interestingly, the TUF Gaming RTX 5070 (non-OC) option was not included in MKTLeeM's subreddit thread.
The ASUS_MKTLeeM account has produced a useful "Day 1 Pricing and Availability in US and CA" buying guide for TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 OC Edition ($739.99 USD) and ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 models (standard: $549.99, OC: $699.99). The company rep disclosed the outlook for this opening salvo: "we expect that most, if not all of these will be available at 6am PST for the US. Of course, things happen sometimes; and a particular e-tailer or retailer may have a website issue or may be pending for stock to reach them. Feel free to ask later in the day and we can track this down...For Canada, I do not have confirmation on which stores will have Day 1 stock at this time, unfortunately. If I receive confirmation before the end of the day I will update it." They noted that Best Buy Canada may experience delayed shipments (1-3 weeks) of TUF Gaming RTX 5070 OC Edition stock. Unfortunately, higher-end options are not releasing alongside "cheaper" brethren parts—MKTLeeM stated: "the ROG Strix cards will not be available Day 1. There is currently no ETA for when these cards will be available, but we will update the post and/or the availability post in the comments when we have an update." Press outlets have highlighted the apparent limited range of ASUS launch day models. Interestingly, the TUF Gaming RTX 5070 (non-OC) option was not included in MKTLeeM's subreddit thread.
Apple Introduces New MacBook Air With M4 Chip, New Sky Blue Color, and a Lower Starting Price of $999
Apple today announced the new MacBook Air, featuring the blazing-fast performance of the M4 chip, up to 18 hours of battery life, a new 12MP Center Stage camera, and a lower starting price. It also offers support for up to two external displays in addition to the built-in display, 16 GB of starting unified memory, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence—all packed into its strikingly thin and light design that's built to last. The new MacBook Air now comes in an all-new color—sky blue, a metallic light blue that joins midnight, starlight, and silver—giving MacBook Air its most beautiful array of colors ever. It also now starts at just $999—$100 less than before—and $899 for education, making it an incredible value for students, business professionals, or anyone looking for a phenomenal combination of world-class performance, portability, design, and durability. With two sizes to choose from, the new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air are available to pre-order today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.
"MacBook Air is by far the world's most popular laptop, and today we're giving everyone even more reasons to love it, including a big boost in performance with the M4 chip, a new Center Stage camera, and a beautiful new sky blue color," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Combined with its thin and light, fanless design, all-day battery life, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence, MacBook Air is unlike any other laptop. And with a new lower starting price of $999, MacBook Air delivers more value to consumers than ever before, making this the perfect moment to upgrade or experience the Mac for the first time."
"MacBook Air is by far the world's most popular laptop, and today we're giving everyone even more reasons to love it, including a big boost in performance with the M4 chip, a new Center Stage camera, and a beautiful new sky blue color," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Combined with its thin and light, fanless design, all-day battery life, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence, MacBook Air is unlike any other laptop. And with a new lower starting price of $999, MacBook Air delivers more value to consumers than ever before, making this the perfect moment to upgrade or experience the Mac for the first time."
Manli Announces the GeForce RTX 5070 12GB Series Lineup
Manli Technology Group Limited is proud to announce the Manli GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card. Get game-changing performance with the GeForce RTX 5070, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell. Game at high frame rates with DLSS 4, supercharge your creativity with NVIDIA Studio, and enable new experiences with the power of AI.
Manli Design
There are 6,144 CUDA cores onboard powering the RTX 5070. It also has 12 GB of memory, and GDDR7 memory speeds of up to 28 Gbps, with 5th Gen Tensor Cores, AI TOPS 988.
Manli Design
There are 6,144 CUDA cores onboard powering the RTX 5070. It also has 12 GB of memory, and GDDR7 memory speeds of up to 28 Gbps, with 5th Gen Tensor Cores, AI TOPS 988.
Two Point Museum Out Now, Devs Showcase Reviewer Accolades
AAAAAAAAAAA TODAY'S THE DAY! Welcome, esteemed guests of Two Point County! This is the official Grand Opening of Two Point Museum. If you have the base game and want to upgrade to include the Explorer Edition themed content... you still can! Behold! Two Point Museum, the latest management sim where you can curate and design an actual museum. Here's what you need to know...TL;DR: Dive into the world of museum management, designing and curating the ultimate guest experience. Two Point Museum is museum management… at its silliest / best.
Exhibit A: Exploring for Artefacts
As Curator, the design and management of your expanding museum is in your hands. Send your team of partially trained experts on expeditions in search of rare and mostly well-preserved artefacts. When (and hopefully not if) your experts return from their adventure, proudly display their fantastic finds in your ever expanding museum. As you progress through the game, unlock new locations as you decide where the next adventure takes you. Whether you're digging for dinos in the Bone Belt, growing your increasingly carnivorous collection of plants (watch out for the Chomper!), sensing spooky vibes in Wailon Lodge or searching for the long-lost civilization of Wetlantis, Two Point Museum has something that every aspiring-curator will be interested in.
Exhibit A: Exploring for Artefacts
As Curator, the design and management of your expanding museum is in your hands. Send your team of partially trained experts on expeditions in search of rare and mostly well-preserved artefacts. When (and hopefully not if) your experts return from their adventure, proudly display their fantastic finds in your ever expanding museum. As you progress through the game, unlock new locations as you decide where the next adventure takes you. Whether you're digging for dinos in the Bone Belt, growing your increasingly carnivorous collection of plants (watch out for the Chomper!), sensing spooky vibes in Wailon Lodge or searching for the long-lost civilization of Wetlantis, Two Point Museum has something that every aspiring-curator will be interested in.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Goes on Sale
NVIDIA today released to market the GeForce RTX 5070 performance segment graphics card for maxed out gaming at 1440p with ray tracing. Based on the "Blackwell" graphics architecture, the RTX 5070 gets a few of the latest features, including Neural Rendering, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, and an updated ray tracing hardware that's ready for Mega Geometry. The RTX 5070 debuts the new 5 nm "GB205" silicon, a mid-sized GPU featuring a well-rounded 50 SM or 6,400 CUDA cores. The RTX 5070 almost maxes this out, with 48 SM or 6,144 CUDA cores on tap.
Other key specs of the RTX 5070 include 192 Tensor cores, 48 RT cores, 192 TMUs, and 80 ROPs. The SKU also gets all 48 MB of L2 cache present on the silicon. When compared to the previous generation RTX 4070, these counts see a numerical increase. The RTX 4070 has 64 ROPs and 36 MB of cache. While the memory size is unchanged at 12 GB, the memory bandwidth sees an increase by 33% thanks to the new 28 Gbps GDDR7 memory being used. The RTX 5070 has a starting price of $550, but real-world pricing could easily reach $700, if not more.
Other key specs of the RTX 5070 include 192 Tensor cores, 48 RT cores, 192 TMUs, and 80 ROPs. The SKU also gets all 48 MB of L2 cache present on the silicon. When compared to the previous generation RTX 4070, these counts see a numerical increase. The RTX 4070 has 64 ROPs and 36 MB of cache. While the memory size is unchanged at 12 GB, the memory bandwidth sees an increase by 33% thanks to the new 28 Gbps GDDR7 memory being used. The RTX 5070 has a starting price of $550, but real-world pricing could easily reach $700, if not more.
TechPowerUp Interviews GAMEMAX: A Powerful PC Hardware and Peripherals Brand on a New Journey
TechPowerUp sat down with GAMEMAX, a gaming PC hardware and peripherals brand that's looking to break ground in new markets, giving in global presence. The company just gave itself a new corporate identity that resonates with competitive PC gamers and enthusiasts. The new brand revolves around the brand philosophy: "Roar to the Future," with its mascot being a roaring lion. The company has a broad portfolio of hardware spanning cases, power supplies, coolers, fans, furniture, monitors, and gaming peripherals, including keyboards, mice, surfaces, and game controllers. We sat down with the company to talk about its new brand, the markets it's looking to serve, what's in store for you from the brand in 2025, and their vision for the future.
You can follow GAMEMAX on YouTube, and TikTok.
You can follow GAMEMAX on YouTube, and TikTok.
Intel Expands Core Ultra Series 2 for Commercial Notebooks
Today, at MWC 2025, Intel unveiled its most powerful lineup of commercial AI PCs ever, with the launch of Intel Core Ultra 200U, 200H, 200HX and 200S series processors, alongside the Intel Core Ultra 200V series. This expanded portfolio equips businesses around the world a comprehensive solution of compute performance, power efficiency, connectivity, security and manageability, across desktop and mobile form factors.
"2025 is a pivotal year for PC refresh, and with Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, we're delivering the most advanced commercial systems to date," said David Feng, vice president of the Client Computing Group and general manager of Client Segments at Intel. "Our AI PC processors cater to every form factor - from thin-and-light productivity devices to high-performance workstations - all backed by Intel vPro, which sets the industry standard in business computing with unmatched manageability and security."
"2025 is a pivotal year for PC refresh, and with Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, we're delivering the most advanced commercial systems to date," said David Feng, vice president of the Client Computing Group and general manager of Client Segments at Intel. "Our AI PC processors cater to every form factor - from thin-and-light productivity devices to high-performance workstations - all backed by Intel vPro, which sets the industry standard in business computing with unmatched manageability and security."
Intel Products Unveils Assured Supply Chain Program for Enterprises
Intel Products today launched the Intel Assured Supply Chain (ASC) program, designed to provide additional transparency and assurance in the silicon manufacturing process. This specialized client system-on-chip (SoC) solution, initially offered on specific Intel Core Ultra Series 2 mobile and desktop SKUs, provides a digitally
attestable chain of custody of each chip's progress through the chip manufacturing process, leveraging a dedicated chip manufacturing pathway through specific Intel
manufacturing locations. With the ASC program, Intel Products delivers added transparency into processor manufacturing, assuring customers about the locations of
their silicon supply chain.
"Intel has long been a leader in secure, transparent and reliable semiconductor manufacturing, and the Intel Assured Supply Chain program is another step forward in strengthening trust in the technology that powers our customers' critical operations," said Jennifer Larson, general manager, Commercial Client Segments, Client Computing Group, Intel.
attestable chain of custody of each chip's progress through the chip manufacturing process, leveraging a dedicated chip manufacturing pathway through specific Intel
manufacturing locations. With the ASC program, Intel Products delivers added transparency into processor manufacturing, assuring customers about the locations of
their silicon supply chain.
"Intel has long been a leader in secure, transparent and reliable semiconductor manufacturing, and the Intel Assured Supply Chain program is another step forward in strengthening trust in the technology that powers our customers' critical operations," said Jennifer Larson, general manager, Commercial Client Segments, Client Computing Group, Intel.
Giga Computing, SK Telecom, and SK Enmove to Collaborate on AI Data Center Liquid Cooling Technology
Giga Computing, a subsidiary of GIGABYTE Technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SK Telecom and SK Enmove to collaborate on advancing AI Data Center (AIDC) and high-performance computing (HPC) while accelerating the adoption of liquid cooling technology in next-generation data centers.
This strategic partnership sets the stage to nurture and develop high-performance, energy-efficient, and sustainable data center solutions.
Driving AI and Cooling Technology Innovation Together
Performance AI servers, liquid cooling technologies, and modular AI clusters to support SK's various business units, including:
This strategic partnership sets the stage to nurture and develop high-performance, energy-efficient, and sustainable data center solutions.
Driving AI and Cooling Technology Innovation Together
Performance AI servers, liquid cooling technologies, and modular AI clusters to support SK's various business units, including:
- SK Telecom: Strengthening AIDC infrastructure to support next-generation data centers
- SK Enmove: Advancing liquid cooling technologies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in data centers
Asetek SimSports Launches Next-Gen Steering Wheels and Pedals
Asetek SimSports is excited to announce the launch of its Next-Gen collection, which includes new variants of its popular La Prima and Forte steering wheels, the re-launch of the Invicta Pedals, and the release of the Dished Suede Rim. The Next-Gen collection expands on the company's commitment to offering a dynamic range of options, ensuring that you can customize your setup to match your racing style.
La Prima and Forte Steering Wheels
The La Prima steering wheel has been updated with a black and gray color variant so that you can have a sleek setup as you dominate racing tracks around the world. Each button and encoder has been ergonomically placed, to both ensure that they're easy to distinguish during those adrenaline-fueled races and so you won't accidentally activate them when you're taking on those tight corners.
La Prima and Forte Steering Wheels
The La Prima steering wheel has been updated with a black and gray color variant so that you can have a sleek setup as you dominate racing tracks around the world. Each button and encoder has been ergonomically placed, to both ensure that they're easy to distinguish during those adrenaline-fueled races and so you won't accidentally activate them when you're taking on those tight corners.
Cooler Master Announces New Hybrid M Gaming Chair
Cooler Master, a global leader in PC components and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced the launch of the Hybrid M, a revolutionary gaming chair engineered to redefine comfort for gamers, creators, and professionals. Integrating advanced massage technology, cordless power, and premium ergonomic design, the Hybrid M transforms long hours at the desk into a seamless experience of performance, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
A Chair That Works as Hard as You Do
Imagine this: You're deep in a high-stakes gaming session, pushing your skills to the limit, or perhaps you're finalizing an intricate video edit after hours of meticulous work. The clock keeps ticking, but your body begins to protest—muscles tense, posture slouches, and fatigue takes hold. What if your chair could do more than just support you? What if it could help you stay focused, relaxed, and at peak performance? Cooler Master saw an opportunity to revolutionize the way we experience seating. Enter the Hybrid M—a chair designed to multitask as effectively as the users who rely on it.
A Chair That Works as Hard as You Do
Imagine this: You're deep in a high-stakes gaming session, pushing your skills to the limit, or perhaps you're finalizing an intricate video edit after hours of meticulous work. The clock keeps ticking, but your body begins to protest—muscles tense, posture slouches, and fatigue takes hold. What if your chair could do more than just support you? What if it could help you stay focused, relaxed, and at peak performance? Cooler Master saw an opportunity to revolutionize the way we experience seating. Enter the Hybrid M—a chair designed to multitask as effectively as the users who rely on it.
Alphacool Introduces Core GPU Waterblock for MSI Geforce RTX 5080 Gaming Trio Graphics Cards
Alphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with the new Core graphics card water coolers for the MSI GeForce RTX 5080 Gaming Trio (OC).
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest NVIDIA GeForce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest NVIDIA GeForce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
Biostar Introduces the B850MT2-E DJ Motherboard
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, storage devices, and IPC solutions, today introduced the new B850MT2-E DJ motherboard. Built on AMD's B850 chip architecture, B850MT2-E DJ is tailor-made for casual home and office use.
Engineered to support the latest AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, the B850MT2-E DJ ensures seamless multitasking and efficient power management, making it an ideal choice for modern computing needs. Supporting up to 128 GB of DDR5 across two DIMM slots, the B850MT2-E DJ offers more bandwidth than DDR4, delivering faster data access and smoother performance. Additionally, PCIe 4.0 M.2 support provides lower latency and lightning-fast speeds of up to 64 Gb/s, doubling the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 M.2 for quick data transfers and minimal load times, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
Engineered to support the latest AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, the B850MT2-E DJ ensures seamless multitasking and efficient power management, making it an ideal choice for modern computing needs. Supporting up to 128 GB of DDR5 across two DIMM slots, the B850MT2-E DJ offers more bandwidth than DDR4, delivering faster data access and smoother performance. Additionally, PCIe 4.0 M.2 support provides lower latency and lightning-fast speeds of up to 64 Gb/s, doubling the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 M.2 for quick data transfers and minimal load times, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
Team Group To Showcase Cutting-Edge Solutions at Embedded World 2025
Team Group Inc. announced today that it will participate in Embedded World 2025, a premier global event for embedded technology. The company will unveil its latest industrial-grade solutions, spanning three key product lines designed to meet the evolving demands of AI, high-performance computing, and data security. These innovations demonstrate Team Group's commitment to advancing efficiency and stability in industrial applications while laying a solid foundation for future technological progress.
Highlighting its leadership in embedded applications and groundbreaking technology, Team Group's D500R WORM Memory Card has been recognized with the prestigious Embedded Award. Join Team Group from March 11-13, 2025, at NürnbergMesse Convention Center in Nuremberg, Germany (Hall 5 / 5-239) to explore the latest breakthroughs and optimal solutions in industrial solutions.
Highlighting its leadership in embedded applications and groundbreaking technology, Team Group's D500R WORM Memory Card has been recognized with the prestigious Embedded Award. Join Team Group from March 11-13, 2025, at NürnbergMesse Convention Center in Nuremberg, Germany (Hall 5 / 5-239) to explore the latest breakthroughs and optimal solutions in industrial solutions.
China Doubles Down on Semiconductor Research, Outpacing US with High-Impact Papers
When the US imposed sanctions on Chinese semiconductor makers, China began the push for sovereign chipmaking tools. According to a study conducted by the Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO), Chinese institutions have dramatically outpaced their US counterparts in next-generation chipmaking research. Between 2018 and 2023, nearly 475,000 scholarly articles on chip design and fabrication were published worldwide. Chinese research groups contributed 34% of the output—compared to just 15% from the United States and 18% from Europe. The study further emphasizes the quality of China's contributions. Focusing on the top 10% of the most-cited articles, Chinese researchers were responsible for 50% of this high-impact work, while American and European research accounted for only 22% and 17%, respectively.
This trend shows China's lead isn't about numbers only, and suggests that its work is resonating strongly within the global academic community. Key research areas include neuromorphic, optoelectric computing, and, of course, lithography tools. China is operating mainly outside the scope of US export restrictions that have, since 2022, shrunk access to advanced chipmaking equipment—precisely, tools necessary for fabricating chips below the 14 nm process node. Although US sanctions were intended to limit China's access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology, the massive body of Chinese research suggests that these measures might eventually prove less effective, with Chinese institutions continuing to push forward with influential, high-citation studies. However, Chinese theoretical work is yet to be proven in the field, as only a single company currently manufactures 7 nm and 5 nm nodes—SMIC. Chinese semiconductor makers still need more advanced lithography solutions to reach high-volume manufacturing on more advanced nodes like 3 nm and 2 nm to create more powerful domestic chips for AI and HPC.
This trend shows China's lead isn't about numbers only, and suggests that its work is resonating strongly within the global academic community. Key research areas include neuromorphic, optoelectric computing, and, of course, lithography tools. China is operating mainly outside the scope of US export restrictions that have, since 2022, shrunk access to advanced chipmaking equipment—precisely, tools necessary for fabricating chips below the 14 nm process node. Although US sanctions were intended to limit China's access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology, the massive body of Chinese research suggests that these measures might eventually prove less effective, with Chinese institutions continuing to push forward with influential, high-citation studies. However, Chinese theoretical work is yet to be proven in the field, as only a single company currently manufactures 7 nm and 5 nm nodes—SMIC. Chinese semiconductor makers still need more advanced lithography solutions to reach high-volume manufacturing on more advanced nodes like 3 nm and 2 nm to create more powerful domestic chips for AI and HPC.
Microsoft Previews Redesigned Copilot App with Native Windows 11 UI
Microsoft is currently testing a completely reimagined version of its Copilot app for Windows 11—a significant departure from the previous web-based model towards a fully native interface. This preview, exclusively available to Windows Insiders, introduces a modern interface that mirrors the design principles of Windows 11, featuring refined elements such as mica blur effects, built-in context menus, and an optimized sidebar for managing chat sessions. Built on Microsoft's native UI framework, the updated app offers faster launch times and smoother interactions while delivering a cohesive visual experience. Although the core functionalities remain unchanged—allowing users to engage in text chats, utilize Copilot Voice, and access saved conversations—the redesign emphasizes enhanced visual appeal and usability.
A dedicated "new chat" button and a well-organized sidebar work together to simplify navigation and encourage more frequent use of AI-driven features. The update also preserves key settings like launching Copilot at startup and activating it via the Alt+Spacebar shortcut. This rollout follows last week's unexpected launch of a native Copilot app for macOS, which was odd given Microsoft's longstanding focus on Windows. With this update, Microsoft appears starts an era of offering a consistent experience across platforms, besides its core Office suite. The preview, identified as version 1.25023.106.0 and available through the Microsoft Store, invites Windows Insiders to test the new design—while a public release is anticipated pending further feedback.
A dedicated "new chat" button and a well-organized sidebar work together to simplify navigation and encourage more frequent use of AI-driven features. The update also preserves key settings like launching Copilot at startup and activating it via the Alt+Spacebar shortcut. This rollout follows last week's unexpected launch of a native Copilot app for macOS, which was odd given Microsoft's longstanding focus on Windows. With this update, Microsoft appears starts an era of offering a consistent experience across platforms, besides its core Office suite. The preview, identified as version 1.25023.106.0 and available through the Microsoft Store, invites Windows Insiders to test the new design—while a public release is anticipated pending further feedback.
Weak Consumer Electronics Demand Drives 4Q24 NAND Flash Revenue Down 6.2% QoQ, Says TrendForce
TrendForce's latest research reveals that the NAND Flash market faced downward pressure in 4Q24 as PC and smartphone manufacturers continued inventory clearance efforts, leading to significant supply chain adjustments. Consequently, NAND Flash prices reversed downward, with ASP dropping 4% QoQ, while overall bit shipments declined by 2%. Total industry revenue fell 6.2% QoQ to US$16.52 billion.
Looking ahead to 1Q25, the traditional slow season effect remains unavoidable despite suppliers actively reducing production. Server and other key end-market inventory restocking has slowed, and with both order volumes and contract prices declining sharply. NAND Flash industry revenue is expected to drop by up to 20% QoQ. However, as production cuts take effect and prices stabilize, the NAND Flash market is expected to recover in the second half of 2025.
Looking ahead to 1Q25, the traditional slow season effect remains unavoidable despite suppliers actively reducing production. Server and other key end-market inventory restocking has slowed, and with both order volumes and contract prices declining sharply. NAND Flash industry revenue is expected to drop by up to 20% QoQ. However, as production cuts take effect and prices stabilize, the NAND Flash market is expected to recover in the second half of 2025.
Tuesday, March 4th 2025
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Keyboards
Monitors
Motherboards
Networking
Notebooks
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition Review
NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070 comes at highly competitive pricing of $550 yet offers performance that rivals the much more expensive RTX 4070 Ti. In our review we found out that overclocking works extremely well on these cards and you'll be able to push it to the next tier with just some quick OC.
Another Win For Mac Gaming: Assassin's Creed Shadows To Hit Macs on Day One of Release
Gaming on Mac has been in somewhat of a weird situation lately. On one hand, there seems to be a ton of true AAA titles making their debut on macOS, but on the other hand, sales on the platform have been extremely disheartening in many of the cases. Now, it has been revealed that Assassin's Creed: Shadows, which is set to debut on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation on the 20th of March, will also be available for Mac users on the same day. While that may sound like great news for interested folks, there is a catch - like many of the titles, AC Shadows will be available exclusively on the Mac App Store for a cool $70.
And this is exactly where we hit a major roadblock. For whatever reason, Steam will not include binaries for both Mac and Windows platforms, forcing people with both Mac and Windows PCs to buy the expensive game for both the systems - and this, in my opinion, is the major reason why adoption has been poor. There are plenty of folks with both Macs and PCs - but getting them to pull the trigger for the same game two times is a hard sell. According to the App Store, the game will be playable on Macs powered by the M1 and higher SoCs, and needless to say, support for modern ray tracing goodness will be limited to M3 onwards. It is unclear, as of this writing how the performance is going to be, but there is no denying that the GPUs found on the Pro, Max, and Ultra SoCs in recent years are more than capable of handling even the most demanding of titles with playable framerates.
And this is exactly where we hit a major roadblock. For whatever reason, Steam will not include binaries for both Mac and Windows platforms, forcing people with both Mac and Windows PCs to buy the expensive game for both the systems - and this, in my opinion, is the major reason why adoption has been poor. There are plenty of folks with both Macs and PCs - but getting them to pull the trigger for the same game two times is a hard sell. According to the App Store, the game will be playable on Macs powered by the M1 and higher SoCs, and needless to say, support for modern ray tracing goodness will be limited to M3 onwards. It is unclear, as of this writing how the performance is going to be, but there is no denying that the GPUs found on the Pro, Max, and Ultra SoCs in recent years are more than capable of handling even the most demanding of titles with playable framerates.
Refreshed Apple Mac Studio Likely To Launch Soon With M4 Max and M3 Ultra SoCs, For Whatever Reason
Apple's Mac Studio is in desperate need of a spec bump. The system is still powered by the M2-era SoCs, whereas the MacBook Pros are already two generations ahead. According to a fresh tidbit shared by comparatively reliable tipster Mark Gurman, Apple is set to announce a much-needed upgrade for the Mac Studio in the coming days, although the upgrade in question is sort of a confusing one. Basically, the report states that the Mac Studio will soon be available with the M4 Max, and the M3 Ultra SoCs - and that is not a typo. Apple apparently has not done the homework for an M4 Ultra chip, and will be shipping the Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra instead.
This is particularly confusing because the industry had widely believed that an M3 Ultra SoC never existed in the first place, and that Apple will be jumping straight to the M4 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio. What's even more confusing, is that Apple's 'Ultra' chips traditionally consisted of two 'Max' chips connected via the 'UltraFusion' die-to-die interconnect tech. However, the M3 Max simply does not have this feature, which means that whatever the M3 Ultra is set to be, it is likely that it won't be two M3 Max dies fused together. It will certainly be quite interesting to see how Apple manages to position the M3 Ultra, or whatever it is named, considering that the 'lower-tier' M4 Max SoC will undoubtedly have superior single-core performance. That said, the M4 Ultra is still in development, which, according to Mark Gurman, will be featured in the future Mac Pro revision, setting it apart from the Mac Studio.
This is particularly confusing because the industry had widely believed that an M3 Ultra SoC never existed in the first place, and that Apple will be jumping straight to the M4 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio. What's even more confusing, is that Apple's 'Ultra' chips traditionally consisted of two 'Max' chips connected via the 'UltraFusion' die-to-die interconnect tech. However, the M3 Max simply does not have this feature, which means that whatever the M3 Ultra is set to be, it is likely that it won't be two M3 Max dies fused together. It will certainly be quite interesting to see how Apple manages to position the M3 Ultra, or whatever it is named, considering that the 'lower-tier' M4 Max SoC will undoubtedly have superior single-core performance. That said, the M4 Ultra is still in development, which, according to Mark Gurman, will be featured in the future Mac Pro revision, setting it apart from the Mac Studio.
TCL CSOT Showcases Next-Gen VR Displays at MWC 2025
TCL CSOT, a global leader in display technology for over 15 years, demonstrated its next-generation immersive virtual reality display technologies at MWC 2025. Among the highlights, the company presented the ultra-low power consumption VR display and the world's first mass-produced VR display with the highest PPI. These innovations are already helping to power the future of immersive visual experiences around the world.
Virtual reality is playing an increasingly vital role in both entertainment and professional applications. Around 53 million American adults already own a VR system. By 2029, the number of users in the AR and VR market worldwide is projected to reach 3.7 billion users. Amid surging demand, TCL CSOT is committed to delivering visual technologies that break the limits in more realistic, comfortable, and high-performance VR experiences.
Virtual reality is playing an increasingly vital role in both entertainment and professional applications. Around 53 million American adults already own a VR system. By 2029, the number of users in the AR and VR market worldwide is projected to reach 3.7 billion users. Amid surging demand, TCL CSOT is committed to delivering visual technologies that break the limits in more realistic, comfortable, and high-performance VR experiences.
PlayStation Unveils New PS5 Beta Testing Program
Sony Interactive has unveiled its new Beta Program at PlayStation, a central system that lets gamers sign up for upcoming beta tests across various PlayStation experiences. One registration allows users to show interest in testing PS5 and PC games new PS5 features, PlayStation App updates, and improvements to the user experience on PlayStation.com. "The Beta Program at PlayStation will create an easy, centralized place for you to register your interest in a range of future PlayStation betas." said Sid Shuman, senior director at Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Sony will send invites to chosen participants, who can then decide to join each specific beta. Sony made it clear in the blog post about the Beta Program that joining doesn't guarantee access to all future tests. It just means Sony will think about including you. To qualify, players need a PlayStation Network account in good standing, must live in a supported area, and meet their region's age rules. You can sign up for free, and it's becoming available worldwide at playstation.com/beta-program-at-playstation.
Sony will send invites to chosen participants, who can then decide to join each specific beta. Sony made it clear in the blog post about the Beta Program that joining doesn't guarantee access to all future tests. It just means Sony will think about including you. To qualify, players need a PlayStation Network account in good standing, must live in a supported area, and meet their region's age rules. You can sign up for free, and it's becoming available worldwide at playstation.com/beta-program-at-playstation.
Yeston Launches Radeon RX 9070 Series Sakura & Sakura Atlantis Models
Yeston unveiled its striking Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB Sakura Atlantis card design around mid-January, along with an NDA-busting specification disclosure. The Chinese board partner seemingly disregarded AMD's guarded approach; by happily revealing an allocated pool of 16 GB VRAM. Later on, teasers emerged via the brand's social media accounts—including photos from an outdoor fashion shoot. Press outlets were expecting Yeston's launch lineup to consists of Sakura Atlantis Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 SKUs, but "bog standard" Sakura options have also appeared online.
The company's bafflingly abstract design is a familiar property; due to its deployments on a variety of past-gen hardware. According to one of Yeston's promotional images, their standard Sakura design only applies to a lone Radeon RX 9070 XT SKU. Both product tiers were accompanied by a message from their manufacturer: "Sakura And Sakura Atlantis are here! Yeston RX 9070 Series graphics cards are built to deliver all you need for ultra-fast gaming, with next-level visuals and future-ready features, supercharged with AI."
The company's bafflingly abstract design is a familiar property; due to its deployments on a variety of past-gen hardware. According to one of Yeston's promotional images, their standard Sakura design only applies to a lone Radeon RX 9070 XT SKU. Both product tiers were accompanied by a message from their manufacturer: "Sakura And Sakura Atlantis are here! Yeston RX 9070 Series graphics cards are built to deliver all you need for ultra-fast gaming, with next-level visuals and future-ready features, supercharged with AI."
YUNZII AL Keyboard Series Updated with the AL80 QMK/VIA LCD Model
Following the YUNZII AL65 QMK/VIA aluminium keyboard showcased at this year's CES show, YUNZII recently announced the AL80 QMK/VIA aluminium LCD mechanical keyboard as its latest addition to the AL series. The keyboard is built around an anodized aluminium frame with a gasket structure and features a built-in LCD screen to show various content like time, battery level, and pictures. It also includes a fully customizable control knob. Regarding connectivity, it offers Bluetooth, 2.4G, and USB Type-C, linking up to five devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The YUNZII AL80 supports QMK/VIA customization, offering users the ability to program keys, create macros, and adjust RGB settings.
It includes hot-swappable switch slots that work with 3-pin and 5-pin switches from various brands such as Gateron or Cherry (if ordered from the YUNZII website, users can choose between Gateron Zero Linear or YUNZII Cocoa Cream V2 Linear switches). The keyboard comes with pre-lubed linear switches and uses a gasket-mounted design with several noise-reducing layers. A 6000mAh battery powers the device, which includes an RGB lighting system offering 1.68 million colors and more than 20 backlight options. The YUNZII AL80 QMK/VIA aluminium LCD Mechanical Keyboard is available in three variants (Silver, Black, and Beige) and has a price of $109.99.
It includes hot-swappable switch slots that work with 3-pin and 5-pin switches from various brands such as Gateron or Cherry (if ordered from the YUNZII website, users can choose between Gateron Zero Linear or YUNZII Cocoa Cream V2 Linear switches). The keyboard comes with pre-lubed linear switches and uses a gasket-mounted design with several noise-reducing layers. A 6000mAh battery powers the device, which includes an RGB lighting system offering 1.68 million colors and more than 20 backlight options. The YUNZII AL80 QMK/VIA aluminium LCD Mechanical Keyboard is available in three variants (Silver, Black, and Beige) and has a price of $109.99.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Collection Launches July 11
The Birdman returns on July 11—Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is back. Launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Battle.net, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, and available day one with Game Pass, THPS 3+4 is at once a faithful remake of the original classic skateboarding games, but expands on the experience with new parks, skaters, and music, as well as cross-platform multiplayer, new creation tools, a New Game+ mode, and more. Rebuilt from the ground up, THPS 3+4 will include parks from the original games as well as new locations (more on that later), plus a Career Mode that includes the original tours from both. Playing with friends? Cross-platform multiplayer supports up to 8 skaters at one time, meaning you'll have plenty of competition.
Multiple new skaters are joining the original line-up, and you'll also be able to create your own skater, not only customizing their appearance, but their hometown, skating style, and more. And of course, no Tony Hawk game would be complete without music, and you'll be skating along to tracks from the original soundtrack, as well as new tracks. THPS 3+4 builds on the work started by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, bringing the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master controls and handling you'd expect - and for those taking on the series for the first time, an in-depth tutorial from Tony Hawk himself will walk you through exactly how to play.
Multiple new skaters are joining the original line-up, and you'll also be able to create your own skater, not only customizing their appearance, but their hometown, skating style, and more. And of course, no Tony Hawk game would be complete without music, and you'll be skating along to tracks from the original soundtrack, as well as new tracks. THPS 3+4 builds on the work started by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, bringing the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master controls and handling you'd expect - and for those taking on the series for the first time, an in-depth tutorial from Tony Hawk himself will walk you through exactly how to play.
Leakers Record 90°C+ VRAM Temperatures on Unnamed Radeon RX 9070 XT Custom Cards
The Chiphell forum has provided a steady flow of AMD RDNA 4-related leaks—going back to early December; members believed that "Radeon RX 8800 XT" GPUs were imminently entering into a mass production phase. Since then, Team Red and board partners have officially revealed a full deck of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models—complete with a "modernized" naming scheme. By Christmas (2024), insiders appeared to have working units in their clutches—denizens of Chiphell have continued to dole out pre-release info; even deep into launch week. UNIKO's Hardware picked up on the latest signals; with owners of unnamed custom Radeon RX 9070 XT cards: "calling out bad cooling on GDDR6 VRAM."
As highlighted by Wccftech, NDA-busting disclosures have alluded to commendable GPU thermal measurements—when driven at full load—but several leakers have noted less than stellar results from VRAM temperature readings. Chiphell-sourced GPU-Z screenshots indicate a maximum recorded VRAM temperature of 94℃, with the involved GPU's hotspot hitting a top temp of 79°C. This leaked candidate seems to be a 329 W TBP-rated model. Wccftech observed inconsistencies with the other evaluated sample: "under full load, the GPU temperature at the hot spot reaches a max of 63°C but the memory temperature touches 88°C. The surprising thing to note in the first case is that the TBP is only 237 W, which seems weird considering the Radeon RX 9070 XT (reference spec) starts at a TBP of 260 W. This might be a bug...The user has confirmed that the first one isn't the RX 9070 as one would think, but it is the RX 9070 XT as well." The "guided" upper limit for newer VRAM standards is 95°C, so one of the anonymous custom cards is dancing dangerously in close proximity to the proverbial flame. Certain hardware news outlets reckon that GDDR6X memory will succumb to damage once a 120°C ceiling is hit. Hopefully, these issues are limited to a handful of review samples—a couple of AMD's trusted board partners have opted for Honeywell PTM7950 thermal pads and robust heatpipe formations. Stay tuned to TechPowerUp for W1zzard's incoming RDNA 4-related verdicts.
As highlighted by Wccftech, NDA-busting disclosures have alluded to commendable GPU thermal measurements—when driven at full load—but several leakers have noted less than stellar results from VRAM temperature readings. Chiphell-sourced GPU-Z screenshots indicate a maximum recorded VRAM temperature of 94℃, with the involved GPU's hotspot hitting a top temp of 79°C. This leaked candidate seems to be a 329 W TBP-rated model. Wccftech observed inconsistencies with the other evaluated sample: "under full load, the GPU temperature at the hot spot reaches a max of 63°C but the memory temperature touches 88°C. The surprising thing to note in the first case is that the TBP is only 237 W, which seems weird considering the Radeon RX 9070 XT (reference spec) starts at a TBP of 260 W. This might be a bug...The user has confirmed that the first one isn't the RX 9070 as one would think, but it is the RX 9070 XT as well." The "guided" upper limit for newer VRAM standards is 95°C, so one of the anonymous custom cards is dancing dangerously in close proximity to the proverbial flame. Certain hardware news outlets reckon that GDDR6X memory will succumb to damage once a 120°C ceiling is hit. Hopefully, these issues are limited to a handful of review samples—a couple of AMD's trusted board partners have opted for Honeywell PTM7950 thermal pads and robust heatpipe formations. Stay tuned to TechPowerUp for W1zzard's incoming RDNA 4-related verdicts.
4A Games Tries to Clarify a Confusing Situation, Following Reburn's Introduction of "La Quimera"
Dear Friends, we understand there is some confusion out there about 4A Games and Metro, and we just wanted to give you a quick update to reassure everyone. We are 4A Games. We are the team that created and built the Metro games you know and love. We're still making the next Metro with Dmitry Glukhovsky, the same core founders, leadership, developers, and nearly 20 years experience on the series. We also have our other new IP project in the works. We'll reveal more about both when we're ready. We are proudly Ukrainian in our roots, and in the majority of our diverse team. We make games from our offices in Kyiv and Sliema, as well as remotely, and even sometimes from the front line in Ukraine. We now have studios in two countries, but the majority of our team remain in Ukraine—roughly 150 out of about 200+. The rest work in Malta, or remotely.
In 2014, we, led by the original "four A-s"—the founders of 4A Games—formed "4A Games Limited" and created a new HQ in Malta with roughly 50 of our fellow team members. We have since grown and work to this day on Metro under contract with Deep Silver and Plaion. We continued to work closely with our remaining Ukrainian colleagues at "4A Games Ukraine" on Metro Exodus through an outsource relationship led by us. Once Metro Exodus and its DLC was released, we created another Kyiv studio under 4A Games Limited and welcomed roughly 50 more of our colleagues to continue on with us, while 4A Games Ukraine continued to pursue their own project La Quimera, as a completely separate entity and recently renamed themselves Reburn. We wish them every success.
In 2014, we, led by the original "four A-s"—the founders of 4A Games—formed "4A Games Limited" and created a new HQ in Malta with roughly 50 of our fellow team members. We have since grown and work to this day on Metro under contract with Deep Silver and Plaion. We continued to work closely with our remaining Ukrainian colleagues at "4A Games Ukraine" on Metro Exodus through an outsource relationship led by us. Once Metro Exodus and its DLC was released, we created another Kyiv studio under 4A Games Limited and welcomed roughly 50 more of our colleagues to continue on with us, while 4A Games Ukraine continued to pursue their own project La Quimera, as a completely separate entity and recently renamed themselves Reburn. We wish them every success.
GuliKit "Reloads" KingKong 2 Controller Series with TMR Stick Model
Game controller brands are engaged in a race to update their devices with the latest internal technologies—recent market entries have sported "cutting-edge" TMR analogue joysticks, and more are seemingly in the development pipeline. GuliKit has listed a new "Reloaded" KingKong 2 (KK2) offering that features TMR electromagnetic modules; its model name is (simply) abbreviated to "KK2T." On inspection, the upgraded variant is a visual match for the original black KK2 Pro multi-platform controller (2022). In comparison, the lower-end KK2 model does not sport fancy silver accents. The two mature models utilize Hall Effect sticks—this is another electromagnetic standard; now considered "old hat" by hardcore gaming controller enthusiasts.
TMR and Hall Effect modules are often advertised as "problem free" solutions, when lined up against traditional ALPS encoders. The even older standard has tendency to develop "stick drift"—most notably, the bane of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con owners. The likes of GameSir, 8BitDo, and GuliKit claim that their various modern gamepads are provisioned with "anti-stick drift" and "anti-drift performance" tech. Discerning audience members reckon that Hall Effect modules are not completely immune to developing faults; hence the emergence of TMR alternatives. Curiously, GuliKit's KingKong 3 (KK3) controller series has also received the TMR upgrade treatment. The basic model features "1000-level high precision" sticks, while fancier KK3 PRO and MAX packages make do with Hall Effect units.
TMR and Hall Effect modules are often advertised as "problem free" solutions, when lined up against traditional ALPS encoders. The even older standard has tendency to develop "stick drift"—most notably, the bane of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con owners. The likes of GameSir, 8BitDo, and GuliKit claim that their various modern gamepads are provisioned with "anti-stick drift" and "anti-drift performance" tech. Discerning audience members reckon that Hall Effect modules are not completely immune to developing faults; hence the emergence of TMR alternatives. Curiously, GuliKit's KingKong 3 (KK3) controller series has also received the TMR upgrade treatment. The basic model features "1000-level high precision" sticks, while fancier KK3 PRO and MAX packages make do with Hall Effect units.
Acclaim Reborn: Industry Veterans Revive Iconic Publisher
After more than two decades, a team of industry veterans has united to bring back one of gaming's most iconic brands. Acclaim, the legendary video game publisher known for its groundbreaking titles in the '80s and '90s, is officially returning with a bold vision aimed at revitalizing the gaming landscape.
Originally founded in 1987, the relaunch marks an exciting new chapter for the publisher, as it seeks to support indie developers and reignite classic franchises. Acclaim will provide much-needed resources such as funding, marketing and PR support, giving independent studios the opportunity to bring their creative visions to a broad audience.
Originally founded in 1987, the relaunch marks an exciting new chapter for the publisher, as it seeks to support indie developers and reignite classic franchises. Acclaim will provide much-needed resources such as funding, marketing and PR support, giving independent studios the opportunity to bring their creative visions to a broad audience.
Knights in Tight Spaces Out Now on PC
Finally, the doors are open. Arm yourself and sharpen your wits: It's time to get medieval. Welcome to Knights in Tight Spaces! Control your environment, gather your party, and build your best deck to overcome outlaws and supernatural forces, across a rich fantasy world. Watch as your tactical choices and deckbuilding prowess play out through stylish fight sequences. Knights in Tight Spaces is a turn-based tactical game in the same universe as Fights in Tight Spaces. It is a standalone title that sends us back to medieval times, building on the much-loved gameplay in new and dynamic ways.
We are eager to read about your tactics, combos and tips, so come to our Discord server and join the Games in Tight Spaces community. What's your favorite character? Have you discovered any cool team strategy you want to share? If you want to deep-dive into our worldbuilding, remember you can also get the OST and an artbook with exclusive developer commentary.
We are eager to read about your tactics, combos and tips, so come to our Discord server and join the Games in Tight Spaces community. What's your favorite character? Have you discovered any cool team strategy you want to share? If you want to deep-dive into our worldbuilding, remember you can also get the OST and an artbook with exclusive developer commentary.
Acer Registers Multiple Radeon RX 9060 XT SKUs with 16 GB & 8 GB Memory Configs
Last week, AMD teased an upcoming launch of Radeon RX 9060 Series graphics cards. A Q2 2025 release window was mentioned at the tail end of their special RDNA 4 conference event, held in Beijing on February 28. TechPowerUp's GPU database has listed a mysterious Radeon RX 9060 XT 12 GB model for the past month (or two); this entry was updated with new information last week. Speculative points of interest include a "Navi 48 LE" GPU variant, GDDR6 memory (with an 128-bit interface), and 150 W TDP rating. Since then, leakers have proposed various Radeon RX 9060-class configurations and generated theories about performance. In search of concrete evidence, harukaze5719 turned to a trusty source of pre-launch info: EEC registries.
Earlier today, the South Korean PC hardware enthusiast discovered freshly-lodged Acer model names and codes. Easily identifiable unannounced SKUs include the Predator BiFrost RX 9060 XT OC 16 GB and RX 9060 XT OC 8 GB cards. Various "AN-RX9060XT-XXX-OCC" and "PB-RX9060XT-XXX-OCC" identifiers suggest a well-populated lineup of "Acer Nitro" and "Predator BiFrost" budget-friendly options. The Taiwanese manufacturer has already launched related Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models at retail. According to the VideoCardz insider network, Team Red and board partners are tipped to release the cheaper end of RDNA 4 in April. The Radeon RX 9060 Series could launch within the same timeframe as rumored 16 GB and 8 GB GeForce RTX 5060 variants.
Earlier today, the South Korean PC hardware enthusiast discovered freshly-lodged Acer model names and codes. Easily identifiable unannounced SKUs include the Predator BiFrost RX 9060 XT OC 16 GB and RX 9060 XT OC 8 GB cards. Various "AN-RX9060XT-XXX-OCC" and "PB-RX9060XT-XXX-OCC" identifiers suggest a well-populated lineup of "Acer Nitro" and "Predator BiFrost" budget-friendly options. The Taiwanese manufacturer has already launched related Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models at retail. According to the VideoCardz insider network, Team Red and board partners are tipped to release the cheaper end of RDNA 4 in April. The Radeon RX 9060 Series could launch within the same timeframe as rumored 16 GB and 8 GB GeForce RTX 5060 variants.
Steam Breaks its Own Record: 40 Million Concurrent Users Online
Valve's Steam platform has achieved a historic milestone. On Sunday, March 3, 2025, SteamDB reported a record-breaking 40,270,997 concurrent users online—marking the first time the service has surpassed 40 million simultaneous logins. This eclipses the previous peak of 39 million set just three months prior in December 2024, during the holiday season when gamers typically spend most resources on gaming. To showcase Steam's exponential growth over the past decade, in 2015, the platform's concurrent user count hovered below 9 million. Steam's influence extends far beyond daily engagement. According to PCGamer, the platform now boasts over 220 million monthly active users, a significant jump from its confirmed 132 million monthly users in 2021.
Steam's dominance is attributed to its vast game library and accessibility. In 2006, only 70 titles were released on the platform. By 2024, that figure skyrocketed to 18,920 games, catering to diverse player preferences. As a free service compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices (via a 2012 app launch), Steam has become a ubiquitous hub for gamers. Its success is further fueled by seasonal sales, community features, and seamless updates, fostering loyalty among its user base. Valve even banned games that force users to watch ads, suggesting that game developers need a new monetization method instead of annoying ads. This latest record reflects broader trends in gaming, including increased global connectivity and the rise of PC gaming as a mainstream hobby. With Valve continuing to innovate—through hardware ventures like the Steam Deck and software enhancements—the platform's cultural and commercial footprint shows no signs of slowing.
Steam's dominance is attributed to its vast game library and accessibility. In 2006, only 70 titles were released on the platform. By 2024, that figure skyrocketed to 18,920 games, catering to diverse player preferences. As a free service compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices (via a 2012 app launch), Steam has become a ubiquitous hub for gamers. Its success is further fueled by seasonal sales, community features, and seamless updates, fostering loyalty among its user base. Valve even banned games that force users to watch ads, suggesting that game developers need a new monetization method instead of annoying ads. This latest record reflects broader trends in gaming, including increased global connectivity and the rise of PC gaming as a mainstream hobby. With Valve continuing to innovate—through hardware ventures like the Steam Deck and software enhancements—the platform's cultural and commercial footprint shows no signs of slowing.
Dell Launches Two New Alienware QD-OLED Gaming Monitors, Starting at US$550
Back in January, Dell/Alienware announced the 27-inch 4K AW2725Q QD-OLED monitor, which is now being joined by the 27-inch 2560 x 1440 resolution AW2725D and the 34-inch 3440 x 1440 resolution AW3425DW, both also sporting a QD-OLED panel. The AW3425DW offers a 240 Hz refresh rate, a 0.03 ms grey to grey response time and a peak brightness of 1000 cd/m². The monitor is NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA AdaptiveSync certified and it supports HDMI VRR for console gamers. Dell has equipped it with one DP 1.4 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports—there's support for both picture by picture and picture in picture, something normally only seen on more business savvy monitors—one USB Type-B upstreams and one USB Type-A as well as one Type-C downstream ports, all being limited to a 5 Gbps data rate, although the Type-C port supports 15 W device charging.
As for the AW2725D, we're looking at a 280 Hz refresh rate, but Dell didn't provide much else in terms of specifications, as this model isn't expected to be available until sometime this summer. However, it will be the cheapest QD-OLED monitor from Dell's Alienware brand at US$549.99. The AW3425DW will have an MSRP of US$799.99 which it launches on April 29th. Finally, the AW2725Q which launches today, will retail at the announced US$899.99. All three models will come with a three year OLED burn-in warranty.
As for the AW2725D, we're looking at a 280 Hz refresh rate, but Dell didn't provide much else in terms of specifications, as this model isn't expected to be available until sometime this summer. However, it will be the cheapest QD-OLED monitor from Dell's Alienware brand at US$549.99. The AW3425DW will have an MSRP of US$799.99 which it launches on April 29th. Finally, the AW2725Q which launches today, will retail at the announced US$899.99. All three models will come with a three year OLED burn-in warranty.
Xbox Game Pass Announces Early March Lineup: 33 Immortals, Mullet Madjack & more...
For those of us who joined us for the ID@Xbox Showcase at IGN Fan Fest, how's your poker game going? For everyone else, this is your "in case you missed it" announce that we shadow dropped Balatro into Game Pass—now you have another game to add to your install list. For now, we have Mullets, Monster Trains, and (33) Immortals (sound it out with me, it works), so let's get to everything else that's coming soon!
Available Today—Monster Train (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Returning to the Game Pas library, Monster Train brings a new strategic layer to roguelike deckbuilding, with three vertical playing fields to defend. Hell has frozen over and only you can protect the final burning pyre from the forces of heaven and restore the inferno.
Available Today—Monster Train (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Returning to the Game Pas library, Monster Train brings a new strategic layer to roguelike deckbuilding, with three vertical playing fields to defend. Hell has frozen over and only you can protect the final burning pyre from the forces of heaven and restore the inferno.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition GPU Available Late March, AIB Designs on March 5
We have just published our in-depth review of NVIDIA's latest GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition (FE) GPU, coming in at $550 MSRP. The first cohort of GeForce RTX 5070 GPUs is expected tomorrow with AIB partner designs, and NVIDIA confirmed that its special FE card will arrive a little later, in late March. While AIB designs are hitting shelves on March 5, NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070 FE GPU is going on shelves a few weeks later. NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070 arrives with a $550 MSRP--$50 cheaper than the RTX 4070's launch price—positioning it as a compelling value for its ray tracing, DLSS 4, and efficiency gains.
The 5070 comes with 6,144 cores enabled, vs 8,960 on its bigger brother, the RTX 5070 Ti. Other unit counts have been scaled accordingly, and you get 80 ROPs. Yes, we checked. Also included are 192 TMUs and 48 RT cores. The memory subsystem uses GDDR7, too, like the other RTX 50 cards, but you only get 12 GB VRAM, and it uses a 192-bit wide memory bus, clocked at 28 Gbps. While the MSRP of the FE card is known, AIB partners will price their customized designs at a 20-40% premium. We are yet to see the supply of these cards at NVIDIA's partner retail stores and the supply that NVIDIA dedicated to its AIB partners, but scalpers could drive pricing even higher if the initial supply is tight. A Swedish retailer, Inet AB, forewarned customers about the lack of stock, but this is yet to be confirmed by other stores.
The 5070 comes with 6,144 cores enabled, vs 8,960 on its bigger brother, the RTX 5070 Ti. Other unit counts have been scaled accordingly, and you get 80 ROPs. Yes, we checked. Also included are 192 TMUs and 48 RT cores. The memory subsystem uses GDDR7, too, like the other RTX 50 cards, but you only get 12 GB VRAM, and it uses a 192-bit wide memory bus, clocked at 28 Gbps. While the MSRP of the FE card is known, AIB partners will price their customized designs at a 20-40% premium. We are yet to see the supply of these cards at NVIDIA's partner retail stores and the supply that NVIDIA dedicated to its AIB partners, but scalpers could drive pricing even higher if the initial supply is tight. A Swedish retailer, Inet AB, forewarned customers about the lack of stock, but this is yet to be confirmed by other stores.
Swedish Retailer Forewarns Customers About Lack of GeForce RTX 5070 Stock on Launch Day
Inet AB—one of the largest Swedish e-tail stores—has alerted its customer base with foreboding information. NVIDIA and its board partners are expected to launch GeForce RTX 5070 graphics cards tomorrow (March 5)—reviews have started to trickle out; including TechPowerUp's freshly-published evaluation of the Founders Edition. According to the Scandinavian shop's blog, they anticipate major supply problems: "unfortunately it looks like we won't be able to release the cards then. This is simply because we don't seem to be getting any cards in stock. Just like with other models in the RTX 50 series, we will release new cards one by one as they land in stock, and only make a fuss in cases where we might receive large deliveries." A week and a half ago, supply chain insiders alluded to significant problems that have reportedly affected GeForce RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 production pipelines.
Like many other global PC hardware retail outlets involved in the sale of "Blackwell" GPUs, Inet has offered helpful guidelines in anticipation of limited shipments: "we hope to start releasing cards and (pre-built) computers with GeForce RTX 5070 in the coming weeks. If you want to buy RTX 5070, we recommend that you keep an eye on inet.se and use 'Notify me' on each product page, then you will receive an email when we release them for order. Keep in mind, however, that many people use this function, so the cards may run out quickly after the email goes out." VideoCardz and Australia's Hardware Unboxed have both predicted a grand battle between GeForce RTX 5070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT cards. Team Green tends to stick to its intended release schedules—according to industry watchdogs—even in the face of mounting problems. The tides could be turning again; recent events have allegedly pushed the global launch of GeForce RTX 5060 cards into April.
Like many other global PC hardware retail outlets involved in the sale of "Blackwell" GPUs, Inet has offered helpful guidelines in anticipation of limited shipments: "we hope to start releasing cards and (pre-built) computers with GeForce RTX 5070 in the coming weeks. If you want to buy RTX 5070, we recommend that you keep an eye on inet.se and use 'Notify me' on each product page, then you will receive an email when we release them for order. Keep in mind, however, that many people use this function, so the cards may run out quickly after the email goes out." VideoCardz and Australia's Hardware Unboxed have both predicted a grand battle between GeForce RTX 5070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT cards. Team Green tends to stick to its intended release schedules—according to industry watchdogs—even in the face of mounting problems. The tides could be turning again; recent events have allegedly pushed the global launch of GeForce RTX 5060 cards into April.
Saber Interactive Addresses RoadCraft Demo Performance & Gameplay Issues
Hello everyone, RoadCraft's demo has been rolling for the past week, and seeing so many of you give a try to our game filled us with joy! Thousands of you downloaded and tried out the demo and you covered altogether more than 2 billion km on the demo, which is absolutely awesome! We've custom-made this demo to give you a sample of the gameplay and vehicles, but be assured that you're far from having seen everything! Now, we are focused on carefully reading your feedback, and we want to address some of them before we release the full game on May 20th.
First, the elephant in the room, the absence of fuel consumption
We know that fuel consumption is a core element in SnowRunner or Expeditions. But RoadCraft is a totally new experience for us, in the simulation field. It has been developed on a new iteration of our engine, and its technical specifications differ from those of our other games. For those reasons, it doesn't offer the same gameplay features. Map exploration and traversal is not as central, rebuilding and reshaping terrain are. When we started the development, we initially had a fuel consumption system, however this mechanic was tedious and didn't bring anything interesting to the core gameplay of the game. However, it doesn't mean we want to throw away the idea without any reflection, and especially after seeing all your feedback on it. We might think about integrating fuel consumption, but later on, in a new game mode for example.
First, the elephant in the room, the absence of fuel consumption
We know that fuel consumption is a core element in SnowRunner or Expeditions. But RoadCraft is a totally new experience for us, in the simulation field. It has been developed on a new iteration of our engine, and its technical specifications differ from those of our other games. For those reasons, it doesn't offer the same gameplay features. Map exploration and traversal is not as central, rebuilding and reshaping terrain are. When we started the development, we initially had a fuel consumption system, however this mechanic was tedious and didn't bring anything interesting to the core gameplay of the game. However, it doesn't mean we want to throw away the idea without any reflection, and especially after seeing all your feedback on it. We might think about integrating fuel consumption, but later on, in a new game mode for example.
XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT SWIFT Dual-fan Model Pops at E-tail in China
XFX appears to be lining up separate tranches of Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics cards for different markets; Chinese media outlets have reported a wide-spanning lineup of "domestic" and "overseas" edition SKUs. VideoCardz has spotted another potential China-exclusive model—their past weekend investigative piece put the spotlight on a Radeon RX 9070 XT dual-fan SWIFT design. This variant was found on XFX's Tmall e-tail store. The manufacturer's Chinese language official site does not list this curiosity, and recent press material has focused on a lineup of triple-fan cooled solutions. XFX's Western web presences do not allude to any twin-fan variants within the MERCURY, QUICKSILVER, or SWIFT classes.
AMD's recent full-fledged introduction of RDNA 4 included promotional renders of reference card designs, but the launch of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 involves an entirely board partner-manufactured pool of SKUs. The XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT SWIFT dual-fan model is priced exactly at the level of Team Red's regional guide MSRP: 4999 RMB (including VAT). It likely serves as a direct alternative to an absent AMD-built dual-fan reference card. According to a comparative table of XFX model specifications (see below), the dual-fan variant shares identical data points—excluding physical measurements—with its longer siblings.
AMD's recent full-fledged introduction of RDNA 4 included promotional renders of reference card designs, but the launch of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 involves an entirely board partner-manufactured pool of SKUs. The XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT SWIFT dual-fan model is priced exactly at the level of Team Red's regional guide MSRP: 4999 RMB (including VAT). It likely serves as a direct alternative to an absent AMD-built dual-fan reference card. According to a comparative table of XFX model specifications (see below), the dual-fan variant shares identical data points—excluding physical measurements—with its longer siblings.
Apple Introduces iPad Air with Powerful M3 Chip and New Magic Keyboard
Apple today introduced the faster, more powerful iPad Air with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence. iPad Air with M3 brings Apple's advanced graphics architecture to iPad Air for the first time—taking its incredible combination of power-efficient performance and portability to a new level. iPad Air with M3 is nearly 2x faster compared to iPad Air with M1, and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic. Users will feel the speed of M3 in everything they do, from creating engaging content faster than ever to playing demanding, graphics-intensive games. Available in two sizes and four gorgeous finishes that users love, the 11-inch iPad Air is super portable while on the go, and the 13-inch model provides an even larger display for more room to be creative and productive. Designed for iPad Air, the new Magic Keyboard enhances its versatility and delivers more capabilities at a lower price. With iPadOS 18, support for Apple Intelligence, advanced cameras, fast wireless 5G connectivity, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), the new iPad Air offers an unrivaled experience.
With the same starting price of just $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air is a fantastic value. And for education, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at just $549, and the 13-inch model starts at just $749. Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air with M3 and Magic Keyboard for iPad Air starting today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.
With the same starting price of just $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air is a fantastic value. And for education, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at just $549, and the 13-inch model starts at just $749. Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air with M3 and Magic Keyboard for iPad Air starting today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.
Optoma Debuts HCPro-4400 4K UHD Dual-Laser Home Cinema Projector
Optoma, the No. 1 DLP brand worldwide, today introduced the HCPro-4400 4K UHD projector powered by Dolby Vision technology. Bringing immersive images to the professional installation market and home cinema enthusiasts, the HCPro-4400 delivers cutting-edge 4K UHD visuals and is designed to be the first on the market with certifications for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and FILMMAKER MODE.
The HCPro-4400 provides unparalleled, lifelike imagery for enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows to viewing live sports with a 3,200,000:1 contrast ratio and 5,000 lumens of brightness for the best cinematic experience. With Dolby Vision optimizing each frame of content, the projector brings the big-screen experience home with remarkable brightness, contrast, and color - replicating the same image quality of Dolby Cinema in theaters. For greater visual detail and depth, HDR10+ enhances content for improved dynamic range and color precision.
The HCPro-4400 provides unparalleled, lifelike imagery for enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows to viewing live sports with a 3,200,000:1 contrast ratio and 5,000 lumens of brightness for the best cinematic experience. With Dolby Vision optimizing each frame of content, the projector brings the big-screen experience home with remarkable brightness, contrast, and color - replicating the same image quality of Dolby Cinema in theaters. For greater visual detail and depth, HDR10+ enhances content for improved dynamic range and color precision.
ISLANDERS: New Shores Announced, Arriving This Summer
Welcome to ISLANDERS: New Shores! Whether you're a longtime ISLANDERS fan or discovering the series for the first time, get ready to build, relax, and explore like never before! ISLANDERS is all about effortless creativity and smart, minimalist strategy. It's a city-building experience without the stress—no complex resource management, no overwhelming systems. Just beautifully generated islands, a carefully curated set of buildings, and the freedom to craft something amazing at your own pace.
Whether you're chasing high scores or simply creating a scenic paradise, ISLANDERS delivers that perfect mix of calm and challenge. With ISLANDERS: New Shores, we're taking that philosophy even further! Expect more variety, more creativity, and more ways to play, all while keeping the same simple, satisfying charm that made the original such a hit.
Whether you're chasing high scores or simply creating a scenic paradise, ISLANDERS delivers that perfect mix of calm and challenge. With ISLANDERS: New Shores, we're taking that philosophy even further! Expect more variety, more creativity, and more ways to play, all while keeping the same simple, satisfying charm that made the original such a hit.
NACON Launches the RIG 900 MAX HS Wireless Gaming Headset for PS5
NACON, a leader in premium gaming accessories and parent of the RIG audio brand, is excited to announce the arrival of the RIG 900 MAX HS, officially licensed for PlayStation 5 console. Featuring best-in-class low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 and paired with a seamless charging base, the 900 MAX HS allows you to game wirelessly across all your favorite devices.
The 900 MAX HS also excels in audio performance, producing accurate audio via 40 mm base-boosted, high-sensitivity drivers that provide more volume with less distortion. The advanced acoustic chamber design improves listening quality while reducing audio fatigue, making it a perfect choice for all-day gaming. In addition, it boasts a chat-optimized omnidirectional microphone paired with noise rejection technology. The integrated flip-to-mute function further enhances versatility, allowing gamers to take calls and communicate with their squad seamlessly.
The 900 MAX HS also excels in audio performance, producing accurate audio via 40 mm base-boosted, high-sensitivity drivers that provide more volume with less distortion. The advanced acoustic chamber design improves listening quality while reducing audio fatigue, making it a perfect choice for all-day gaming. In addition, it boasts a chat-optimized omnidirectional microphone paired with noise rejection technology. The integrated flip-to-mute function further enhances versatility, allowing gamers to take calls and communicate with their squad seamlessly.
Colebrook Bosson Saunders Updates Its Flo Monitor Arm Series
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS), the leader in workplace ergonomics, is announcing the newly relaunched Flo monitor arm for future-ready, ergonomic, modern workstations. This revamped version demonstrates the brand's design innovation, insight into workplace well-being, and industry-leading commitment to sustainability.
"Productivity gains from rapidly advancing technology come with a greater need to care for the health and wellbeing of workers," commented Cecil Huang, Senior Marketing Manager - APMEA of CBS. "To deliver this, the reimagined Flo leverages our signature innovation in design, working with the latest screens to optimize ergonomics in modern workstations."
"Productivity gains from rapidly advancing technology come with a greater need to care for the health and wellbeing of workers," commented Cecil Huang, Senior Marketing Manager - APMEA of CBS. "To deliver this, the reimagined Flo leverages our signature innovation in design, working with the latest screens to optimize ergonomics in modern workstations."
Exascend Unveils Flagship Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card
Exascend, a global leader in advanced storage and memory solutions, proudly unveils its flagship Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card, available in 512 GB and 1 TB capacities. Meticulously engineered to surpass the demands of professional content creators, the Nitro Pro series sets new benchmarks in speed, efficiency, reliability, and durability. Built for those who push creative boundaries, this no-compromise card delivers the power and resilience essential for capturing every critical shot, even in the most challenging environments.
Next Generation Performance with Optimized Low-Power Design
The Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card brings uncompromising performance to professional photographers and cinematographers, with maximum read speeds up to 3,750 MB/s and sustained write speeds up to 3,300 MB/s, doubling the performance of Nitro CFexpress 2.0 Card. Its VPG400 certification ensures seamless high-resolution video and rapid-fire photography, making it ideal for demanding workflows, including up to 12K RAW video recording. Compatible with legacy and flagship cameras, the Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card integrates effortlessly into any workflow, future-proofed for years to come.
Next Generation Performance with Optimized Low-Power Design
The Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card brings uncompromising performance to professional photographers and cinematographers, with maximum read speeds up to 3,750 MB/s and sustained write speeds up to 3,300 MB/s, doubling the performance of Nitro CFexpress 2.0 Card. Its VPG400 certification ensures seamless high-resolution video and rapid-fire photography, making it ideal for demanding workflows, including up to 12K RAW video recording. Compatible with legacy and flagship cameras, the Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card integrates effortlessly into any workflow, future-proofed for years to come.
VTT and IQM Launch First 50-Qubit Quantum Computer Developed in Europe
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM Quantum Computers, one of the global leaders in superconducting quantum computers, have completed and launched Europe's first 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer, now open to researchers and companies through the VTT QX quantum computing service.
The new 50-qubit quantum computer further strengthens Finland's position among the countries capable of developing and investing in quantum computing. Finland first announced its efforts in quantum computing development back in November 2020 with a total budget of EUR 20.7 million from the Finnish government to develop a 50-qubit quantum computer.
The new 50-qubit quantum computer further strengthens Finland's position among the countries capable of developing and investing in quantum computing. Finland first announced its efforts in quantum computing development back in November 2020 with a total budget of EUR 20.7 million from the Finnish government to develop a 50-qubit quantum computer.
AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series Works Best with UEFI-Only Systems
AMD has announced that beginning with its RDNA 4 architecture, only Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Mode will be officially supported for the Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards and later models. This decision is intended to harness the full capabilities of the advanced UEFI, ensuring improved performance, enhanced security, and a smoother user experience. UEFI, a modern replacement for the traditional BIOS, functions as a compact operating system residing on the motherboard. It plays a vital role in initializing processors, configuring memory, and managing essential hardware components. Its features include faster boot times, support for storage devices larger than 2.2 TB, and robust protection mechanisms such as Windows Secure Boot. These capabilities represent a significant leap forward compared to legacy BIOS systems.
To accommodate modern hardware innovations like AMD's next-generation graphics, motherboards typically offer UEFI Mode and Compatibility Support Module (CSM) Mode. CSM emulates older BIOS functions but restricts access to many of UEFI's advanced features, such as AMD Smart Access Memory. By mandating UEFI Mode, AMD ensures that users of its latest graphics cards enjoy optimal compatibility, performance, and security benefits. This requirement is a natural evolution in PC technology, encouraging users to upgrade their system configurations to meet modern standards. As consumers prepare for the next wave of AMD GPUs, verifying that both hardware and operating systems are properly set up for UEFI Mode is a necessary step to fully leverage the advantages offered by the RDNA 4 graphics cards.
To accommodate modern hardware innovations like AMD's next-generation graphics, motherboards typically offer UEFI Mode and Compatibility Support Module (CSM) Mode. CSM emulates older BIOS functions but restricts access to many of UEFI's advanced features, such as AMD Smart Access Memory. By mandating UEFI Mode, AMD ensures that users of its latest graphics cards enjoy optimal compatibility, performance, and security benefits. This requirement is a natural evolution in PC technology, encouraging users to upgrade their system configurations to meet modern standards. As consumers prepare for the next wave of AMD GPUs, verifying that both hardware and operating systems are properly set up for UEFI Mode is a necessary step to fully leverage the advantages offered by the RDNA 4 graphics cards.
QNAP Announces New TS-h1277AFX All-flash NAS With AMD Ryzen 7 9000 Series Processor
QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading innovator in computing, networking, and storage solutions, has unveiled the TS-h1277AFX, a 12-bay tower all-flash NAS designed to meet the rigorous demands of multimedia production and virtualization. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 9000 Series processor, the TS-h1277AFX can be upgraded to 25GbE via expansion cards for high-speed data access. Combining exceptional performance and capacity, it serves as a centralized hub for storage, backup, and disaster recovery, making it an ideal choice for dynamic and collaborative work environments.
"All-flash NAS solutions are crucial for media professionals," said Alex Shih, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the TS-h1277AFX delivers low-latency, multi-user access that optimizes collaboration workflows. It provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio for creative teams, enabling seamless 4K/8K media transfers, real-time editing, and secure file management."
"All-flash NAS solutions are crucial for media professionals," said Alex Shih, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the TS-h1277AFX delivers low-latency, multi-user access that optimizes collaboration workflows. It provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio for creative teams, enabling seamless 4K/8K media transfers, real-time editing, and secure file management."
Monday, March 3rd 2025
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Keyboards
Monitors
Motherboards
Speakers
EIZO FlexScan EV4340X Review - A Multitasking Powerhouse
The EIZO FlexScan EV4340X is a 42.5-inch 4K multitasking powerhouse. It's a monitor developed with ultimate productivity in mind, offering 4-source Picture-by-Picture functionality, an integrated KVM switch, a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode and 94 W Power Delivery, and several other features aimed toward professional use.
RAWM ES21M Review
Equipped with PixArt's PAW3950 sensor and Huano main button switches, the ambidextrous RAWM ES21M weighs only 47 g while having a solid shell, has up to 85 hours of battery life, and up to 8000 Hz polling is supported in wireless operation. Most importantly, the ES21M is offered for no more than $69.99.
TSMC Intends to Expand Its Investment in the United States to US$165 Billion to Power the Future of AI
TSMC (TWSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today announced its intention to expand its investment in advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the United States by an additional $100 billion. Building on the company's ongoing $65 billion investment in its advanced semiconductor manufacturing operations in Phoenix, Arizona, TSMC's total investment in the U.S. is expected to reach US$165 billion. The expansion includes plans for three new fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities and a major R&D team center, solidifying this project as the largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history.
Through this expansion, TSMC expects to create hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductor value for AI and other cutting-edge applications. TSMC's expanded investment is expected to support 40,000 construction jobs over the next four years and create tens of thousands of high-paying, high-tech jobs in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D. It is also expected to drive more than $200 billion of indirect economic output in Arizona and across the United States in the next decade. This move underscores TSMC's dedication to supporting its customers, including America's leading AI and technology innovation companies such as Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, Broadcom, and Qualcomm.
Through this expansion, TSMC expects to create hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductor value for AI and other cutting-edge applications. TSMC's expanded investment is expected to support 40,000 construction jobs over the next four years and create tens of thousands of high-paying, high-tech jobs in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D. It is also expected to drive more than $200 billion of indirect economic output in Arizona and across the United States in the next decade. This move underscores TSMC's dedication to supporting its customers, including America's leading AI and technology innovation companies such as Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, Broadcom, and Qualcomm.
Apple Confirms Product Launch Later This Week, M4 MacBook Air Expected
Just recently, we covered a report shared by a reliable industry insider that stated Apple is readying a launch event, or press release, for the M4-powered MacBook Air lineup. Now, Apple CEO Tim Cook has borderline confirmed the same, with a social media post that reveals a new product carrying the 'Air' moniker is set to be revealed sometime this week. Judging by the short teaser video accompanying the tweet, it can be foreseen that the product in question is none other than the MacBook Air, which is now almost certain to be updated with the M4 SoC later this week.
The M4 SoC is an excellent performer, boasting commendable CPU and GPU capabilities without sacrificing on the efficiency that the industry has come to expect from Apple Silicon. Unfortunately, however, no major changes are expected this time around, especially regarding the exterior. The MacBook Air is currently in the third year of its lifecycle, and a redesign can only be expected once it reaches its fourth birthday. Despite that, the M4 SoC alone is a welcome upgrade for those planning on purchasing a MacBook Air anytime soon. Students, in particular, have always been the MBA's target audience, and a decent spec bump will surely help the product hold its own against AMD's Krackan Point and Intel's Lunar Lake-powered offerings.
The M4 SoC is an excellent performer, boasting commendable CPU and GPU capabilities without sacrificing on the efficiency that the industry has come to expect from Apple Silicon. Unfortunately, however, no major changes are expected this time around, especially regarding the exterior. The MacBook Air is currently in the third year of its lifecycle, and a redesign can only be expected once it reaches its fourth birthday. Despite that, the M4 SoC alone is a welcome upgrade for those planning on purchasing a MacBook Air anytime soon. Students, in particular, have always been the MBA's target audience, and a decent spec bump will surely help the product hold its own against AMD's Krackan Point and Intel's Lunar Lake-powered offerings.
EA and Hazelight Introduce Split Fiction: Friend Edition
Today is a great day to be a gamer, as EA and Hazelight Studios unveiled Split Fiction: Friend Edition - a very special edition of the anticipated co-op adventure from the team behind the 2021 Game of the Year winner, It Takes Two. This limited edition of Split Fiction comes with all the essentials for you to jump straight into amazing co-op gaming - a copy of the game, a second controller, and for the first (and maybe only) time ever, a real friend shipped straight to your door. Get ready, because Split Fiction: Friend Edition is coming soon to a couch near you.
"As a gamer, being part of an epic special edition like this is awesome! I'm honored to be the first ever real-life friend to come with a game," said Greg, a companion that players can unbox by ordering Split Fiction: Friend Edition. "It was a little scary when Josef Fares told me to go into the packaging, but it's roomier and comfier than it looks. I'm excited to travel the world and make a new friend. I've got snacks to share and high fives to hand out as soon as I'm unboxed."
"As a gamer, being part of an epic special edition like this is awesome! I'm honored to be the first ever real-life friend to come with a game," said Greg, a companion that players can unbox by ordering Split Fiction: Friend Edition. "It was a little scary when Josef Fares told me to go into the packaging, but it's roomier and comfier than it looks. I'm excited to travel the world and make a new friend. I've got snacks to share and high fives to hand out as soon as I'm unboxed."
Alibaba Adds New "C930" Server-grade Chip to XuanTie RISC-V Processor Series
Damo Academy—a research and development wing of Alibaba—launched its debut "server-grade processor" design late last week, in Beijing. According to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) news article, the C930 model is a brand-new addition to the e-commerce platform's XuanTie RISC-V CPU series. Company representatives stated that their latest product is designed as a server-level and high-performance computing (HPC) solution. Going back to March 2024, TechPowerUp and other Western hardware news outlets picked up on Alibaba's teasing of the Xuantie C930 SoC, and a related Xuantie 907 matrix processing unit. Fast-forward to the present day; Damo Academy has disclosed that initial shipments—of finalized C930 units—will be sent out to customers this month.
The newly released open-source RISC-V architecture-based HPC chip is an unknown quantity in terms of technical specifications. Damo Academy reps did not provide any detailed information during last Friday's conference (February 28). SCMP's report noted the R&D division's emphasizing of "its role in advancing RISC-V adoption" within various high-end fields. Apparently, the XuanTie engineering team has: "supported the implementation of more than thirty percent of RISC-V high-performance processors." Upcoming additions will arrive in the form of the C908X for AI acceleration, R908A for automotive processing solutions, and an XL200 model for high-speed interconnection. These XuanTie projects are reportedly still deep in development.
The newly released open-source RISC-V architecture-based HPC chip is an unknown quantity in terms of technical specifications. Damo Academy reps did not provide any detailed information during last Friday's conference (February 28). SCMP's report noted the R&D division's emphasizing of "its role in advancing RISC-V adoption" within various high-end fields. Apparently, the XuanTie engineering team has: "supported the implementation of more than thirty percent of RISC-V high-performance processors." Upcoming additions will arrive in the form of the C908X for AI acceleration, R908A for automotive processing solutions, and an XL200 model for high-speed interconnection. These XuanTie projects are reportedly still deep in development.
EA Details How ML & AI Bolstered Development of Latest Madden & College Football Titles
On June 1, 1988, the very first Madden video game was released to the world. Players needed to load up either a Commodore 64/Commodore 128, Apple II, or MS-DOS to launch the game. When they did, they were greeted with 8-bit animations of the NFL's most popular teams and found themselves controlling their favorite players to try and win themselves a Super Bowl. And at that time, it was amazing. Thirty-seven years later and EA SPORTS hasn't stopped advancing Madden and our American Football games.
Most recently, we launched EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25 and College Football 25, which are tentpoles of our beloved American Football Ecosystem. Yet our football games are no longer blocky pixels and four-directional controls. They're among the most realistic sports simulation titles on the planet. We even celebrated the recent Super Bowl weekend with these titles and our very own Madden Bowl, featuring championship games and incredible music all in the heart of New Orleans. This is in no small part due to the incredible teams and their mission to make our games better every single year. And technology plays a critical role in making this happen.
Most recently, we launched EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25 and College Football 25, which are tentpoles of our beloved American Football Ecosystem. Yet our football games are no longer blocky pixels and four-directional controls. They're among the most realistic sports simulation titles on the planet. We even celebrated the recent Super Bowl weekend with these titles and our very own Madden Bowl, featuring championship games and incredible music all in the heart of New Orleans. This is in no small part due to the incredible teams and their mission to make our games better every single year. And technology plays a critical role in making this happen.
AMD "Medusa Point" Mobile APU Design Linked to RDNA 3.X, Instead of RDNA 4
The "Medusa" or "Medusa Point" codename started to appear online over the past couple of months. These mysterious AMD projects were linked to next-generation "Zen 6" Ryzen desktop and mobile processor families (respectively). Initially, insiders reckoned that Team Red had selected an RDNA 4-based graphics solution for integration their futuristic new-gen laptop APU design. Two days ago, Golden Pig Upgrade weighed in with a different theory—the veteran leaker believes that provisions have regressed on the "Medusa Point" iGPU front.
Previous reports have suggested that the "Medusa Point" processor's iGPU aspect will utilize up to 16 compute units (CU), based on a theorized count of eight workgroup processors (WGPs) from leaked imagery. The latest insider tip points to the utilization of a non-specific "RDNA 3.x" branch, instead of conjectured RDNA 4 graphics technology. Industry watchdogs hold the belief that AMD will be sticking with RDNA 3.5 for a while—as featured on their current-gen "Zen 5" mobile-oriented Strix Point, Strix Halo and Krackan Point chips. As pointed out by Notebookcheck, Team Red leadership disclosed that RDNA 4 is exclusive to discrete card families (for the time being). RDNA 3.5-equipped APUs have—so far—received a warm welcome; AMD engineers could be reserving development resources for a distant future project.
Previous reports have suggested that the "Medusa Point" processor's iGPU aspect will utilize up to 16 compute units (CU), based on a theorized count of eight workgroup processors (WGPs) from leaked imagery. The latest insider tip points to the utilization of a non-specific "RDNA 3.x" branch, instead of conjectured RDNA 4 graphics technology. Industry watchdogs hold the belief that AMD will be sticking with RDNA 3.5 for a while—as featured on their current-gen "Zen 5" mobile-oriented Strix Point, Strix Halo and Krackan Point chips. As pointed out by Notebookcheck, Team Red leadership disclosed that RDNA 4 is exclusive to discrete card families (for the time being). RDNA 3.5-equipped APUs have—so far—received a warm welcome; AMD engineers could be reserving development resources for a distant future project.
Jio Platforms Limited Along with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia Unveil Plans for Open Telecom AI Platform at MWC 2025
Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), together with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia, announced at Mobile World Congress 2025 plans to form an innovative, new Open Telecom AI Platform. Designed to support today's operators and service providers with real-world, AI-driven solutions, the Telecom AI Platform is set to drive unprecedented efficiency, security, capabilities, and new revenue opportunities for the service provider industry.
End-to-end Network Intelligence
Fueled by the collective expertise of world leaders from across domains including RAN, Routing, AI Data Center, Security and Telecom, the Telecom AI Platform will create a new central intelligence layer for telecom and digital services. This multi-domain intelligence framework will integrate AI and automation into every layer of network operations.
End-to-end Network Intelligence
Fueled by the collective expertise of world leaders from across domains including RAN, Routing, AI Data Center, Security and Telecom, the Telecom AI Platform will create a new central intelligence layer for telecom and digital services. This multi-domain intelligence framework will integrate AI and automation into every layer of network operations.
PlayStation Showcases "Bloody Boots" & "Lokko" - Two New India-developed PS5/PC Titles
At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are committed to fostering innovation and creativity in game development across the globe. As part of our continued effort to support emerging talent, we are thrilled to announce a new set of indie games from the India Hero Project, featuring two exciting and ambitious titles: Bloody Boots and Lokko, both coming to PS5 and PC. With these new titles the India Hero Project continues to shape the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay innovation, and artistic expression within the Indian gaming industry. Our goal is to not only support these developers in bringing their unique visions to life but also to help them reach a global audience on PlayStation.
Bloody Boots | Developer: Weloadin
Bloody Boots is a high-voltage third-person action-adventure game set in Crank Town, a dystopian entertainment hub powered by junk-punk advancements in biotech. This town thrives on illegal gambling and savage acts that push the limits of morality with twisted and chaotic activities. Play as a fugitive teen trapped in Crank Town's lawless mayhem. In a playground of ruthless mutants, mech-enhanced supervillains, and savage bosses. Fight to get your ticket out! Prepare for adrenaline-pumped action, in development for PS5 and PC.
Bloody Boots | Developer: Weloadin
Bloody Boots is a high-voltage third-person action-adventure game set in Crank Town, a dystopian entertainment hub powered by junk-punk advancements in biotech. This town thrives on illegal gambling and savage acts that push the limits of morality with twisted and chaotic activities. Play as a fugitive teen trapped in Crank Town's lawless mayhem. In a playground of ruthless mutants, mech-enhanced supervillains, and savage bosses. Fight to get your ticket out! Prepare for adrenaline-pumped action, in development for PS5 and PC.
Reports Point to Price Hiking of MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti "MSRP" Cards
Over the past weekend, PC hardware news outlets spent time analyzing NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series price fluctuations. One keen market watcher—VideoCardz—has consistently stuck to a main theory of Team Green AIBs implementing last minute price hikes/market manipulations; coinciding with product launch periods. Almost two weeks ago, the online publication directed ire at ASUS and MSI—noted as very high profile board partners. The current GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card lineup is populated by custom designs only; a Founders Edition was not made available within this tier. VideoCardz and Hardware & Co. have observed worrying price trends with AIB-produced models that are supposed to conform to NVIDIA's baseline MSRP of $749 (USD). Their latest reports singled out MSI's North American webstore—already a source of some contention.
Hardware & Co. (a French outlet) observed movement at the bottom-end of the manufacturer's "Blackwell" GPU lineup: "in the case of the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti launched on February 20, 2025, it took nine days...for a "big" brand to officially turn its back on NVIDIA MSRP. On Saturday (March 1), MSI has just updated its RTX 50-series catalog on its official American website with new prices for the RTX 5070 Ti. From now on, the cheapest reference is $820, $70 more than MSRP." VideoCardz is steadfast in its belief that GeForce RTX 50-series "MSRPs are a joke" at this point in time. MSI's VENTUS 3X and (newer) SHADOW 3X models are barebones packages that are designed as alternatives to basic first-party solutions (i.e. Founders Editions)—but VideoCardz has accused the manufacturer of becoming its own "scalper," with (apparently) little intervention coming from NVIDIA. At the time of writing, MSI's US webstore has updated its GeForce RTX 5070 Ti VENTUS and SHADOW listings. Prices have (temporarily?) reverted to original figures (refer to the third screenshot below); likely in reaction to recent "constructive" criticism levied by popular hardware news sites. As evidenced by a sea of "notify me" tags, the official North American store appears to have zero stock in their warehouse(s).
Hardware & Co. (a French outlet) observed movement at the bottom-end of the manufacturer's "Blackwell" GPU lineup: "in the case of the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti launched on February 20, 2025, it took nine days...for a "big" brand to officially turn its back on NVIDIA MSRP. On Saturday (March 1), MSI has just updated its RTX 50-series catalog on its official American website with new prices for the RTX 5070 Ti. From now on, the cheapest reference is $820, $70 more than MSRP." VideoCardz is steadfast in its belief that GeForce RTX 50-series "MSRPs are a joke" at this point in time. MSI's VENTUS 3X and (newer) SHADOW 3X models are barebones packages that are designed as alternatives to basic first-party solutions (i.e. Founders Editions)—but VideoCardz has accused the manufacturer of becoming its own "scalper," with (apparently) little intervention coming from NVIDIA. At the time of writing, MSI's US webstore has updated its GeForce RTX 5070 Ti VENTUS and SHADOW listings. Prices have (temporarily?) reverted to original figures (refer to the third screenshot below); likely in reaction to recent "constructive" criticism levied by popular hardware news sites. As evidenced by a sea of "notify me" tags, the official North American store appears to have zero stock in their warehouse(s).
Icy Dock Intros ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B M.2 NVMe SSD to PCIe 4.0 Adapter Card
The ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B is a PCIe 4.0 x4 adapter card designed for M.2 NVMe SSDs, featuring a tool-less removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray for seamless drive access and easy maintenance. IT professionals, audio/video editors, and gamers can quickly install or swap M.2 NVMe SSDs without opening the system chassis, making it ideal for servers, industrial PCs, workstations, and media-heavy environments where fast SSD swapping is essential for minimizing downtime, maximizing productivity, or managing media libraries.
Innovative Removable Design for M.2 NVMe SSD
Unlike traditional M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe adapter cards, which require opening the chassis for maintenance, the ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B revolutionizes the process with a removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray that can be easily accessed from the PCIe slot panel. This tray allows quick and tool-less access, perfect for tasks like data backup, system recovery, or daily operations in demanding environments. With no need to remove the entire adapter card, it's an ideal solution for enterprise-level systems where time and uptime are critical.
Innovative Removable Design for M.2 NVMe SSD
Unlike traditional M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe adapter cards, which require opening the chassis for maintenance, the ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B revolutionizes the process with a removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray that can be easily accessed from the PCIe slot panel. This tray allows quick and tool-less access, perfect for tasks like data backup, system recovery, or daily operations in demanding environments. With no need to remove the entire adapter card, it's an ideal solution for enterprise-level systems where time and uptime are critical.
Qualcomm Launches the Dragonwing Fixed Wireless Access Gen 4 Elite Platform
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced the Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite, the world's first 5G Advanced-capable FWA platform. Powered by the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF, the platform sets a new benchmark for 5G broadband performance with downlink speeds up to 12.5 Gbps. The Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite platform introduces comprehensive AI enhancements and integrates a powerful network Edge AI coprocessor with up to 40 TOPS of NPU processing power. This optimizes wireless connectivity across 5G broadband and Wi-Fi, while unlocking the power of generative AI for more devices, enabling a more reliable and harmonized user experience.
"The Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite Platform is a technological breakthrough, building on over 500 5G FWA designs to date, and extends our tradition of delivering platforms that solve the broadband industry's greatest challenges," said Gautam Sheoran, vice president and general manager, wireless broadband and communications, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "By integrating unprecedented AI and connectivity capabilities, with the Qualcomm X85 at its core, this platform offers ultra-fast speeds, reliability and flexibility at a lower total cost than wired broadband, ultimately, enabling a future where seamless, intelligent networks transform the way we live and work."
"The Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite Platform is a technological breakthrough, building on over 500 5G FWA designs to date, and extends our tradition of delivering platforms that solve the broadband industry's greatest challenges," said Gautam Sheoran, vice president and general manager, wireless broadband and communications, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "By integrating unprecedented AI and connectivity capabilities, with the Qualcomm X85 at its core, this platform offers ultra-fast speeds, reliability and flexibility at a lower total cost than wired broadband, ultimately, enabling a future where seamless, intelligent networks transform the way we live and work."
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Partnership with Team Vitality
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), a global leader in gaming innovation, is shaking up esports with an electrifying partnership with Team Vitality, one of the most dominant forces in competitive gaming. This collaboration marks a new chapter in esports excellence, fusing cutting-edge gaming peripherals with world-class talent to push the limits of peak performance. Team Vitality starts 2025 off with a bang, coming off their recent CS2 victory at IEM Katowice, a strong start in the VCT Kickoff, and securing a playoff spot after back-to-back wins against T1 and DRX during the Swiss Round of VCT Masters Bangkok. With this momentum, the squad is hungrier than ever to extend their winning streak with the ultimate gear backing them up.
As their official gaming peripherals partner, ROG is equipping the elite Team Vitality roster with high-performance keyboards, mice, headsets, and other must-have gear designed for lightning-fast reflexes, pinpoint precision, and clutch reliability. The CS2 and VALORANT teams are already taking their gameplay to the next level with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard, praised by players for its instant actuation, premium feel, and rock-solid build quality, ensuring flawless execution in the heat of battle. "We are thrilled to join forces with Team Vitality, a powerhouse in the esports community," said Kris Huang, General Manager of the ROG Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit. "This partnership embodies our shared passion for gaming excellence, making sure that pro players have the very best tools to dominate the competition."
As their official gaming peripherals partner, ROG is equipping the elite Team Vitality roster with high-performance keyboards, mice, headsets, and other must-have gear designed for lightning-fast reflexes, pinpoint precision, and clutch reliability. The CS2 and VALORANT teams are already taking their gameplay to the next level with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard, praised by players for its instant actuation, premium feel, and rock-solid build quality, ensuring flawless execution in the heat of battle. "We are thrilled to join forces with Team Vitality, a powerhouse in the esports community," said Kris Huang, General Manager of the ROG Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit. "This partnership embodies our shared passion for gaming excellence, making sure that pro players have the very best tools to dominate the competition."
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend Series Expands with "Dark" Variant
Late last week, ASRock introduced its opening wave of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics card models; in Taichi, Steel Legend and Challenger guises. Official press material only alluded to an intriguing "gray" spin-off of the Taiwanese manufacturer's (traditionally) white-hued mid-tier product family. ASRock's brand-new Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend Dark 16 GB model is listed on their website, but it has received little fanfare since February 28. Appropriately, this "Dark" variant rolls out with the familiar Steel Legend shroud and backplate designs—albeit, with a two-tone (black/gray) aesthetic.
As expected, the ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend Dark card shares identical specifications with its standard white sibling—in both cases, we are looking at non-overclocked SKUs. The AMD board partner has not prepared a non-XT Steel Legend Dark card for launch (on March 6), but an expanded lineup could emerge in the near future. ASRock graphics card enthusiasts have noted a mildly disappointing absence of RDNA 4-based Phantom Gaming options—past Radeon product generations have hit global markets with this sub-brand. Looking at a typical past example—ASRock's Radeon RX 7800 XT Phantom Gaming OC card—we see a gray/black design with a smattering of RGB lighting zones. We could surmise that ASRock has created a similar-ish modernized equivalent—in the shape of Steel Legend Dark (non-OC)—to fill a (temporary?) Phantom Gaming-sized gap.
As expected, the ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend Dark card shares identical specifications with its standard white sibling—in both cases, we are looking at non-overclocked SKUs. The AMD board partner has not prepared a non-XT Steel Legend Dark card for launch (on March 6), but an expanded lineup could emerge in the near future. ASRock graphics card enthusiasts have noted a mildly disappointing absence of RDNA 4-based Phantom Gaming options—past Radeon product generations have hit global markets with this sub-brand. Looking at a typical past example—ASRock's Radeon RX 7800 XT Phantom Gaming OC card—we see a gray/black design with a smattering of RGB lighting zones. We could surmise that ASRock has created a similar-ish modernized equivalent—in the shape of Steel Legend Dark (non-OC)—to fill a (temporary?) Phantom Gaming-sized gap.
Intel Showcases Foundational Network Infrastructure with Xeon 6 at MWC 2025
The telecommunications industry is undergoing a major transformation as AI and 5G technologies reshape networks and connectivity. While operators are eager to modernize infrastructure, challenges remain, such as high capital expenditures, security concerns and integration with legacy systems. At MWC 2025, Intel - alongside more than 50 partners and customers - will showcase groundbreaking solutions that deliver high capacity and high efficiency performance with built-in AI integration, eliminating the need for costly additional hardware and delivering optimized total cost of ownership (TCO).
"By leveraging cloud technologies and fostering close collaborations with partners, we are helping operators virtualize both 5G core and radio access networks - proving that the most demanding, mission-critical workloads can run efficiently on general-purpose silicon," said Sachin Katti, senior vice president and general manager of the Network and Edge Group at Intel Corporation. "Through our Xeon 6 processors, we are enabling the future of AI-powered network modernization."
"By leveraging cloud technologies and fostering close collaborations with partners, we are helping operators virtualize both 5G core and radio access networks - proving that the most demanding, mission-critical workloads can run efficiently on general-purpose silicon," said Sachin Katti, senior vice president and general manager of the Network and Edge Group at Intel Corporation. "Through our Xeon 6 processors, we are enabling the future of AI-powered network modernization."
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Faces Compute Performance Issues Due to Dropped 32-bit Support
PassMark Software has identified the root cause behind unexpectedly low compute performance in NVIDIA's new GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs. The culprit: NVIDIA has silently discontinued support for 32-bit OpenCL and CUDA in its "Blackwell" architecture, causing compatibility issues with existing benchmarking tools and applications. The issue manifested when PassMark's DirectCompute benchmark returned the error code "CL_OUT_OF_RESOURCES (-5)" on RTX 5000 series cards. After investigation, developers confirmed that while the benchmark's primary application has been 64-bit for years, several compute sub-benchmarks still utilize 32-bit code that previously functioned correctly on RTX 4000 and earlier GPUs. This architectural change wasn't clearly documented by NVIDIA, whose developer website continues to display 32-bit code samples and documentation despite the removal of actual support.
The impact extends beyond benchmarking software. Applications built on legacy CUDA infrastructure, including technologies like PhysX, will experience significant performance degradation as computational tasks fall back to CPU processing rather than utilizing the GPU's parallel architecture. While this fallback mechanism allows older applications to run on the RTX 40 series and prior hardware, the RTX 5000 series handles these tasks exclusively through the CPU, resulting in substantially lower performance. PassMark is currently working to port the affected OpenCL code to 64-bit, allowing proper testing of the new GPUs' compute capabilities. However, they warn that many existing applications containing 32-bit OpenCL components may never function properly on RTX 5000 series cards without source code modifications. The benchmark developer also notes this change doesn't fully explain poor DirectX9 performance, suggesting additional architectural changes may affect legacy rendering pathways. PassMark updated its software today, but legacy benchmarks could still suffer. Below is an older benchmark run without the latest PassMark V11.1 build 1004 patches, showing just how much the newest generations suffers without a proper software support.
The impact extends beyond benchmarking software. Applications built on legacy CUDA infrastructure, including technologies like PhysX, will experience significant performance degradation as computational tasks fall back to CPU processing rather than utilizing the GPU's parallel architecture. While this fallback mechanism allows older applications to run on the RTX 40 series and prior hardware, the RTX 5000 series handles these tasks exclusively through the CPU, resulting in substantially lower performance. PassMark is currently working to port the affected OpenCL code to 64-bit, allowing proper testing of the new GPUs' compute capabilities. However, they warn that many existing applications containing 32-bit OpenCL components may never function properly on RTX 5000 series cards without source code modifications. The benchmark developer also notes this change doesn't fully explain poor DirectX9 performance, suggesting additional architectural changes may affect legacy rendering pathways. PassMark updated its software today, but legacy benchmarks could still suffer. Below is an older benchmark run without the latest PassMark V11.1 build 1004 patches, showing just how much the newest generations suffers without a proper software support.
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PGA TOUR 2K25 Out Now on PC & Consoles
2K announces that PGA TOUR 2K25, the newest entry in the golf simulation franchise from HB Studios, is now available worldwide on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Players can step onto the tee box and take their best shot at golf glory with several franchise advancements, including upgraded graphics and the addition of new EvoSwing mechanics, which offer a host of new shot types, ball flights, roll physics, and visual improvements. The new Perfect Swing difficulty setting offers beginner players a more forgiving intuitive experience and veteran players a more relaxing round. The most immersive and customizable PGA TOUR 2K MyPLAYER and MyCAREER experience to date offers a diverse suite of customization options, while the franchise's signature Course Designer offers new tools to allow players more freedom to create their dream courses and share them with the global community.
"We've reached a major milestone in the evolution of the franchise with PGA TOUR 2K25," said Dennis Ceccarelli, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports at 2K. "From the moment players step onto the digital tee box, they'll feel the difference—whether it's the precision of EvoSwing, the ease of Perfect Swing or the depth of our all-new progression systems. With enhanced realism, refined gameplay and three Major Championships, PGA TOUR 2K25 delivers the most immersive and rewarding golf experience ever made."
"We've reached a major milestone in the evolution of the franchise with PGA TOUR 2K25," said Dennis Ceccarelli, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports at 2K. "From the moment players step onto the digital tee box, they'll feel the difference—whether it's the precision of EvoSwing, the ease of Perfect Swing or the depth of our all-new progression systems. With enhanced realism, refined gameplay and three Major Championships, PGA TOUR 2K25 delivers the most immersive and rewarding golf experience ever made."
NVIDIA and Broadcom Testing Intel 18A Node for Chip Production
TSMC appears to be in for a competitive period, as sources close to Reuters note that both NVIDIA and Broadcom have tested Intel's 18A node with initial test chips. These tests are early indicators of whether Intel can successfully pivot into the contract manufacturing sector currently dominated by TSMC. Intel's 18A technology—featuring RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery—continues progressing through its development roadmap. The technology's performance characteristics reportedly sit between TSMC's current and next-generation nodes, creating a narrow window of competitive opportunity that Intel must capitalize on. What makes these particular tests significant is their positioning relative to actual production commitments. Chip designers typically run multiple test phases before allocating high-volume manufacturing contracts, with each progression reducing technical risk.
Reuters also reported that a six-month qualification delay for third-party IP blocks, which represents a critical vulnerability in Intel's foundry strategy, potentially undermining its ability to service smaller chip designers who rely on these standardized components. However, when this IP (PHY, controller, PCIe interface, etc.) is qualified for the 18A node, it is expected to go into many SoCs that will equal in millions of shipped chips. Additionally, the geopolitical dimensions of Intel's foundry efforts ease concerns of US-based chip designers as they gain a valuable manufacturing partner in their supply chain. Nonetheless, the 18A node is competitive with TSMC, and Intel plans only to evolve from here. Intel's current financial trajectory is the number one beneficiary if it proves good. With foundry revenues declining 60% year-over-year and profitability pushed beyond 2027, the company must demonstrate commercial viability to investors increasingly skeptical of its capital-intensive manufacturing strategy. Securing high-profile customers like NVIDIA could provide the market validation necessary to sustain continued investment in its foundry infrastructure.
Reuters also reported that a six-month qualification delay for third-party IP blocks, which represents a critical vulnerability in Intel's foundry strategy, potentially undermining its ability to service smaller chip designers who rely on these standardized components. However, when this IP (PHY, controller, PCIe interface, etc.) is qualified for the 18A node, it is expected to go into many SoCs that will equal in millions of shipped chips. Additionally, the geopolitical dimensions of Intel's foundry efforts ease concerns of US-based chip designers as they gain a valuable manufacturing partner in their supply chain. Nonetheless, the 18A node is competitive with TSMC, and Intel plans only to evolve from here. Intel's current financial trajectory is the number one beneficiary if it proves good. With foundry revenues declining 60% year-over-year and profitability pushed beyond 2027, the company must demonstrate commercial viability to investors increasingly skeptical of its capital-intensive manufacturing strategy. Securing high-profile customers like NVIDIA could provide the market validation necessary to sustain continued investment in its foundry infrastructure.
GALAX Rolls Out GeForce RTX 5070 Ti HOF OC LAB Deluxe Series
GALAX's Hall of Fame (HOF) graphics card family has welcomed another addition; their newest custom offerings house NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (GB203) GPUs. TechPowerUp's W1zzard reviewed a lower-end sibling card—GALAX's "1-Click OC White" model—that is provisioned to conform to Team Green's baseline MSRP ($750). By contrast, the freshly introduced GeForce RTX 5070 Ti HOF OC LAB Deluxe and Deluxe-X variants are expected to arrive at retail with significant premium upcharges—these are true flagships; featuring pre-binned GPU dies and high-end components. GALAX introduced its fancily-named GeForce RTX 5080 HOF OC LAB Plus-X model earlier last month, but hardcore enthusiasts will have to wait longer for an RTX 5090D-based sibling.
The GALAX GeForce RTX 5070 Ti HOF OC LAB Deluxe models are tipped to become world record breakers, due to their over-engineered makeup—prepped with a 14+6+6 phase power design. Quite fittingly, a signature (detachable) crown formation adorns several "Hall of Fame" shrouds—a similarly shaped cutout is present on HOF I/O brackets. VideoCardz believes that only two GeForce RTX 5070 Ti "Hall of Fame" SKUs will be released, instead of the expected four. Normally, GALAX introduces options that do not include their garish RGB-lit crown attachment. The publication noted a mere 30 MHz difference between Deluxe and Deluxe-X SKUs overclocked frequencies: 2580 MHz and 2610 MHz (respectively). Spec sheets reveal many shared traits; including gaming clocks of 2512 MHz, 300 W TGP (max. 350 W), and GB203 GPU. Visual analysis—of the bare HOF board—points to the utilization of Team Green's GB203-400 variant. VideoCardz reckons that the GALAX engineering team will be re-deploying the GeForce RTX 5080 HOF's PCB design, complete with 26 phase power design. The China-based AIB has not revealed price points for its two incoming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti HOF OC LAB Deluxe cards, but industry watchdogs anticipate costs going beyond $1000.
The GALAX GeForce RTX 5070 Ti HOF OC LAB Deluxe models are tipped to become world record breakers, due to their over-engineered makeup—prepped with a 14+6+6 phase power design. Quite fittingly, a signature (detachable) crown formation adorns several "Hall of Fame" shrouds—a similarly shaped cutout is present on HOF I/O brackets. VideoCardz believes that only two GeForce RTX 5070 Ti "Hall of Fame" SKUs will be released, instead of the expected four. Normally, GALAX introduces options that do not include their garish RGB-lit crown attachment. The publication noted a mere 30 MHz difference between Deluxe and Deluxe-X SKUs overclocked frequencies: 2580 MHz and 2610 MHz (respectively). Spec sheets reveal many shared traits; including gaming clocks of 2512 MHz, 300 W TGP (max. 350 W), and GB203 GPU. Visual analysis—of the bare HOF board—points to the utilization of Team Green's GB203-400 variant. VideoCardz reckons that the GALAX engineering team will be re-deploying the GeForce RTX 5080 HOF's PCB design, complete with 26 phase power design. The China-based AIB has not revealed price points for its two incoming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti HOF OC LAB Deluxe cards, but industry watchdogs anticipate costs going beyond $1000.
CAST Releases First Commercial SNOW-V Stream Cipher IP Core
Semiconductor intellectual property core provider CAST today announced a new IP core that implements the SNOW-V stream cipher algorithm to meet the security and performance demands of modern communication systems. Available now for ASICs or FPGAs, the company believes it to be the first such commercial IP core.
The new SNOW-V Stream Cipher Engine provides a flexible and reusable hardware implementation of the official SNOW-V mechanism as published in 2019 by the IACR Transactions on Symmetric Cryptology. SNOW-V revises the SNOW 3G stream cipher algorithm to help satisfy the high-speed, low-latency security requirements of 5G, 6G, and future mobile networks. The core:
The new SNOW-V Stream Cipher Engine provides a flexible and reusable hardware implementation of the official SNOW-V mechanism as published in 2019 by the IACR Transactions on Symmetric Cryptology. SNOW-V revises the SNOW 3G stream cipher algorithm to help satisfy the high-speed, low-latency security requirements of 5G, 6G, and future mobile networks. The core:
Okomotive Introduces Herdling, Launching Summer 2025
In our game Herdling, you leave the city behind to start an adventure through the mountains. But you won't be alone. Always with you: your herd of fantastical mountain creatures. Your task is to guide and shepherd these creatures, called "Calicorns." Together you journey through autumnal forests and vast mountainscapes full of treacherous pathways, encountering mysterious discoveries and breathtaking views. You have to learn how the Calicorns behave, how you can responsibly guide them, and explore everything they are capable of.
The herd of Calicorns is the core of the game. The player as the protagonist—named Via—has to move with and around the Calicorns to guide them into the correct direction, and help them find their way around obstacles and dangers. This careful navigation in hazardous environments takes turns with wide open plains that allow the herd to stampede—a powerful, exhilarating movement that can also take the Calicorns up otherwise slippery slopes when used strategically.
The herd of Calicorns is the core of the game. The player as the protagonist—named Via—has to move with and around the Calicorns to guide them into the correct direction, and help them find their way around obstacles and dangers. This careful navigation in hazardous environments takes turns with wide open plains that allow the herd to stampede—a powerful, exhilarating movement that can also take the Calicorns up otherwise slippery slopes when used strategically.
XFX QUICKSILVER RX 9070 Series Cards Previewed in China, Featuring Customizable Shrouds
XFX is introducing a wide selection of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 SKUs at launch (March 6), with updated naming schemes and new shroud/backplate designs. Chinese press outlets were invited to inspect the manufacturer's brand-new offerings post-conclusion of AMD's regional introductory event for RDNA 4. Expreview gathered five samples (from a total of ten reported launch units) for their recent article—local nomenclature is highly confusing (e.g. "Phoenix Nirvana"), so we will be using XFX's Western terminology. Unlike other board partners, the company has not released a comprehensive press release for its new product families (at the time of writing). Over the past weekend, VideoCardz highlighted the QUICKSILVER Radeon RX 9070 XT model. They reckon that this a special "Esport" edition, but the situation is unclear—their report repeatedly mentions new Radeon RX 7900 XT cards.
TechPowerUp returned to official sources, in order to get clarification regarding the new "red and black" QUICKSILVER design. According to a sparse XFX Radeon RX 9000 series splash page: "Customizable Shroud—the RX 9000 Series QUICKSILVER Class GPUs features customizable magnetic wings which can be easily removed and replaced to match your style and needs. Details coming soon!" We hope that an upcoming official PR piece will provide a clear rundown of SKUs and feature sets. Expreview took a look at two "Overseas Edition" QUICKSILVER RX 9070 series graphics cards; in XT and non-XT forms. They noted the presence of XFX's signature "Magnetic Air" modular fan system, as well as optional shroud pieces. Their detailed description stated: "the upper and lower sides of the graphics card radiator have detachable magnetic inscriptions and phantom wings, which are inspired by sports cars and support personalized customization, and the logo can be changed at will. It uses three 10 cm ring-blade fans, and the radiator is equipped with five 6 mm heat pipes, a metal backplate and a hidden bracket to reduce PCB deformation." Chinese market pricing for the XFX QUICKSILVER Radeon RX 9070 XT card is reported as 5799 RMB (including VAT)—AMD set a regional baseline MSRP of 4999 RMB (~$686 USD) last week.
TechPowerUp returned to official sources, in order to get clarification regarding the new "red and black" QUICKSILVER design. According to a sparse XFX Radeon RX 9000 series splash page: "Customizable Shroud—the RX 9000 Series QUICKSILVER Class GPUs features customizable magnetic wings which can be easily removed and replaced to match your style and needs. Details coming soon!" We hope that an upcoming official PR piece will provide a clear rundown of SKUs and feature sets. Expreview took a look at two "Overseas Edition" QUICKSILVER RX 9070 series graphics cards; in XT and non-XT forms. They noted the presence of XFX's signature "Magnetic Air" modular fan system, as well as optional shroud pieces. Their detailed description stated: "the upper and lower sides of the graphics card radiator have detachable magnetic inscriptions and phantom wings, which are inspired by sports cars and support personalized customization, and the logo can be changed at will. It uses three 10 cm ring-blade fans, and the radiator is equipped with five 6 mm heat pipes, a metal backplate and a hidden bracket to reduce PCB deformation." Chinese market pricing for the XFX QUICKSILVER Radeon RX 9070 XT card is reported as 5799 RMB (including VAT)—AMD set a regional baseline MSRP of 4999 RMB (~$686 USD) last week.
Rockstar Games to Acquire Video Games Deluxe
Rockstar Games is proud to announce the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, the Sydney-based development studio. The studio will be renamed Rockstar Australia. Video Games Deluxe has worked with Rockstar Games on some of its most memorable titles, including the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire, L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and most recently, on upgrades to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition for iOS and Android, Netflix, and modern consoles.
"After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia," said Rockstar Games Head of Publishing, Jennifer Kolbe.
"After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia," said Rockstar Games Head of Publishing, Jennifer Kolbe.
Credo's PCIe Retimer Successfully Passes PCI-SIG Compliance
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (Credo) an innovator in providing secure, high-speed connectivity solutions that deliver improved reliability and energy efficiency, today announced that its PCI Express (PCIe) 5.0 specification capable "Toucan" retimer has successfully passed the testing at the PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop #133 in Taipei. This milestone confirms the retimer's compliance with the rigorous standards required for PCIe 5.0 technology integrations, and it now will be officially listed on the PCI-SIG Integrators List.
"We are excited to announce that our Toucan retimer has passed the PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop, a critical step in ensuring Credo's PCIe technology solutions seamlessly integrate into the evolving high-performance AI infrastructure," said Phil Kumin, AVP of Product for PCIe/CXL at Credo. "Considering that retimers are required to undergo extensive testing, this achievement not only reinforces our leadership in high-speed connectivity but also provides our customers with the confidence that Credo's products meet the highest standards of interoperability and performance."
"We are excited to announce that our Toucan retimer has passed the PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop, a critical step in ensuring Credo's PCIe technology solutions seamlessly integrate into the evolving high-performance AI infrastructure," said Phil Kumin, AVP of Product for PCIe/CXL at Credo. "Considering that retimers are required to undergo extensive testing, this achievement not only reinforces our leadership in high-speed connectivity but also provides our customers with the confidence that Credo's products meet the highest standards of interoperability and performance."
Marvell Demonstrates Industry's Leading 2nm Silicon for Accelerated Infrastructure
Marvell Technology, Inc., a leader in data infrastructure semiconductor solutions, has demonstrated its first 2 nm silicon IP for next-generation AI and cloud infrastructure. Produced on TSMC's 2 nm process, the working silicon is part of the Marvell platform for developing custom XPUs, switches and other technology to help cloud service providers elevate the performance, efficiency, and economic potential of their worldwide operations.
Given a projected 45% TAM growth annually, custom silicon is expected to account for approximately 25% of the market for accelerated compute by 20281.
Given a projected 45% TAM growth annually, custom silicon is expected to account for approximately 25% of the market for accelerated compute by 20281.
Belkin Unveils Travel-Ready Tech at MWC 2025: Over-Ear Audio, Smart Storage, and Responsible Power Solutions
Belkin, a leading consumer electronics brand for over 40 years, today introduced a collection of innovative new products across its Mobile Power, Audio and Connectivity portfolios. Showcased at ShowStoppers at Mobile World Congress - the world's most influential technology showcase for media with a focus on mobile technology - these new additions highlight Belkin's commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and quality.
Belkin Sustainability
Belkin remains committed to its goal of 100% carbon neutrality in its offices and operations (scope 1 & 2) by 2025 with the goal of carbon neutrality across its entire business, including product-level (scope 3) emissions, by 2030. Two years after beginning its transition to using 72-75% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in its products, Belkin has transitioned over 359 products and has replaced 432 metric tons of virgin plastics with PCR materials.
Belkin Sustainability
Belkin remains committed to its goal of 100% carbon neutrality in its offices and operations (scope 1 & 2) by 2025 with the goal of carbon neutrality across its entire business, including product-level (scope 3) emissions, by 2030. Two years after beginning its transition to using 72-75% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in its products, Belkin has transitioned over 359 products and has replaced 432 metric tons of virgin plastics with PCR materials.
RayNeo Unveils Next-Gen XR Glasses RayNeo Air 3s at MWC 2025
RayNeo, a leading innovator in consumer Augmented Reality (AR) technology, has unveiled its latest XR glasses, the RayNeo Air 3s, at MWC 2025. Alongside this groundbreaking release, the company showcased its other two innovations: the AI-powered, Full-Color AR Glasses RayNeo X3 Pro and the Camera AI Glasses RayNeo V3. Together, these cutting-edge devices underscore RayNeo's unwavering commitment to redefining immersive experiences and enhancing everyday usability through advanced AR solutions.
RayNeo Air 3s: Lightweight XR for Seamless Daily Use
The RayNeo Air 3s redefines the landscape of lightweight XR glasses, seamlessly merging portability with state-of-the-art display technology. Equipped with 3840 Hz high-frequency dimming, a staggering 200,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 154% sRGB color gamut, the Air 3s delivers breathtaking image quality, setting a new benchmark for birdbath display solutions. Its expansive 201-inch virtual screen and TÜV Rheinland-certified eye comfort technology ensure an immersive yet comfortable experience, making it ideal for all-day wear.
RayNeo Air 3s: Lightweight XR for Seamless Daily Use
The RayNeo Air 3s redefines the landscape of lightweight XR glasses, seamlessly merging portability with state-of-the-art display technology. Equipped with 3840 Hz high-frequency dimming, a staggering 200,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 154% sRGB color gamut, the Air 3s delivers breathtaking image quality, setting a new benchmark for birdbath display solutions. Its expansive 201-inch virtual screen and TÜV Rheinland-certified eye comfort technology ensure an immersive yet comfortable experience, making it ideal for all-day wear.
Drop + The Lord of the Rings Introduce Gondor CSTM80 and CSTM65 Keyboards
The Lords of Gondor have returned! Two new additions to the line of CSTM Kings. A line, a blade, a board - all that were once broken have been remade. Now, they can be custom-made, again and again. Inspired by the greatest kingdom of men; our Gondor CSTM80 and CSTM65 keyboards are kings of customization. Keeping safe all borders of these keebs, our all-new Gondor CSTM Decorative Cases feature exclusive artwork from the South Kingdom—as well as easy magnetic attachment for quick swapping with other cases in our collection.
Crowned with CSTM components fit for a King
Taking up the call of quality and customization alongside our Gondor accessories is a whole tower guard's worth of enthusiast components. Including: Gateron switches, customizable gasket mounting, case foam, case weights, and more...
Crowned with CSTM components fit for a King
Taking up the call of quality and customization alongside our Gondor accessories is a whole tower guard's worth of enthusiast components. Including: Gateron switches, customizable gasket mounting, case foam, case weights, and more...
pureLiFi Demonstrates how LiFi will Make Broadband Better for Global Telecom Companies and Consumers
pureLiFi, the global leader in LiFi technology, has announced the launch of its ground-breaking LINXC Bridge system, at Mobile World Congress Barcelona. Developed with Solace Power, this innovative solution empowers Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband providers to deliver self-installable, higher quality and more reliable connectivity to consumers using outdoor Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). With this solution broadband customers will experience much faster installation times, more reliable speeds and an improved user experience.
The LINXC Bridge streamlines broadband deployment, eliminating complex installations, significantly reducing subscriber acquisition cost, shortening time to revenue and increasing customer satisfaction. The LINXC Bridge system will be showcased live at the pureLiFi booth (7B27) alongside the latest cutting-edge CPE equipment from demonstration collaborators, Sonim Technologies.
The LINXC Bridge streamlines broadband deployment, eliminating complex installations, significantly reducing subscriber acquisition cost, shortening time to revenue and increasing customer satisfaction. The LINXC Bridge system will be showcased live at the pureLiFi booth (7B27) alongside the latest cutting-edge CPE equipment from demonstration collaborators, Sonim Technologies.
Web3 ai Newnal Launches at Mobile World Congress 2025
This afternoon at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC), Newnal Inc. will unveil another global breakthrough in personal blockchain and AI innovation, the Newnal personal AI operating system (OS). Built on a web3 foundation, Newnal's blockchain-based OS can be embedded and accessed via any device. Newnal gives people the power to design, drive and protect the experiences and opportunities they care about the most.
"With Newnal ai, each of us can now create another 'I'," said founder and Chief Creative Officer YT Kim, "The last generation of technology underserved humanity. Web3 ai Newnal gives the power of creativity and experience back to people, allowing each of us to enhance our lives in ways that we could only have imagined in the past. It's AI focused on our hearts."
"With Newnal ai, each of us can now create another 'I'," said founder and Chief Creative Officer YT Kim, "The last generation of technology underserved humanity. Web3 ai Newnal gives the power of creativity and experience back to people, allowing each of us to enhance our lives in ways that we could only have imagined in the past. It's AI focused on our hearts."
Beelink Launches ME Series, Marking Its Entry Into NAS Market
Beelink has launched its new ME Series storage devices stepping into the private cloud storage market. The ME Series aims to protect personal data and preserve family memories for home and individual users. The product line offers three models: ME mini, ME Pro, and ME MAX, to suit different storage needs and uses. The first to be launched in Beelink ME mini, a tiny NAS device that weighs 730 grams and has dimensions of 99 × 99.2 × 98.3 mm. It has a built-in power supply, so it doesn't need an external adapter. It features six M.2 SSD slots, each can hold up to 4 TB giving a total capacity of 24 TB. The model equipped with storage units uses Crucial-brand SSDs.
Also, the ME mini comes with a special WIN-NAS storage service. This lets you connect to the NAS straight from your phone when you're on the same network making it easy to share files between your phone and computer. The Beelink ME Mini features an X86 processor architecture and dual 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, making it ideal for various applications such as NAS, virtual machines, HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computer), cloud storage, and data backup. The ME mini, the first product in the Beelink ME Series, is scheduled to debut in mid-March as a solution for everyday home and personal data management. Pricing information is yet to be revealed.
Also, the ME mini comes with a special WIN-NAS storage service. This lets you connect to the NAS straight from your phone when you're on the same network making it easy to share files between your phone and computer. The Beelink ME Mini features an X86 processor architecture and dual 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, making it ideal for various applications such as NAS, virtual machines, HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computer), cloud storage, and data backup. The ME mini, the first product in the Beelink ME Series, is scheduled to debut in mid-March as a solution for everyday home and personal data management. Pricing information is yet to be revealed.
Samsung Display to Showcase 'OLED Magic' at MWC25, Including Foldable Handheld Gaming Display
Samsung Display announced today its participation in the Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), the world's premier connectivity event. At this influential gathering, Samsung Display will unveil its "OLED Magic" concept, showcasing the future of display technology.
The exhibition will highlight Samsung OLED's superior display quality through innovative form factors, featuring a tribute to the iconic landmarks of Spain, where MWC25 is being held. Attendees will be treated to a unique experience as Samsung OLED captures and expresses the vibrant, distinctive colors of Spain. A highlight of the exhibition will be the Seamless Color Studio, where the exceptional quality of OLED displays can be experienced across a variety of devices. The event will also showcase On-Cell Film (OCF) technology, a cutting-edge advancement in premium display technology.
The exhibition will highlight Samsung OLED's superior display quality through innovative form factors, featuring a tribute to the iconic landmarks of Spain, where MWC25 is being held. Attendees will be treated to a unique experience as Samsung OLED captures and expresses the vibrant, distinctive colors of Spain. A highlight of the exhibition will be the Seamless Color Studio, where the exceptional quality of OLED displays can be experienced across a variety of devices. The event will also showcase On-Cell Film (OCF) technology, a cutting-edge advancement in premium display technology.
Supermicro Expands US Manufacturing Capacity with Third Campus in Silicon Valley
Supermicro, Inc., a Total IT Solution Provider for AI, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, is pushing forward with a major expansion, announcing plans for a third campus in Silicon Valley. The first building will be over 300,000 square feet, yet the third campus is expected to be nearly 3 million square feet when completed. With the mayor's support, this expansion strengthens Supermicro's position as an industry leader, accelerating liquid-cooled and Data Center Building Block Solutions for data centers and customers while creating new jobs and opportunities for local talent. Supermicro is the leading IT manufacturer headquartered in the USA.
"We are thrilled to grow our footprint in Silicon Valley," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "As AI factories become more prevalent, liquid-cooled data centers are critical to meet these increasing customer demands. We anticipate that up to 30% of new data centers will adopt liquid cooling solutions. Today, Supermicro can deliver 5,000 air-cooled or 2,000 liquid-cooled racks per month to support substantial orders. This expansion is a major step forward in our vision for innovation, investment in workforce, quality, Time-to-Deployment (TTD), Time-to-Online (TTO) service, and technological advancement."
"We are thrilled to grow our footprint in Silicon Valley," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "As AI factories become more prevalent, liquid-cooled data centers are critical to meet these increasing customer demands. We anticipate that up to 30% of new data centers will adopt liquid cooling solutions. Today, Supermicro can deliver 5,000 air-cooled or 2,000 liquid-cooled racks per month to support substantial orders. This expansion is a major step forward in our vision for innovation, investment in workforce, quality, Time-to-Deployment (TTD), Time-to-Online (TTO) service, and technological advancement."
SOPHGO Unveils New Products at the 2025 China RISC-V Ecosystem Conference
On February 27-28, the 2025 China RISC-V Ecosystem Conference was grandly held at the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing. As a core promoter in the RISC-V field, SOPHGO was invited to deliver a speech and prominently launch a series of new products based on the SG2044 chip, sharing the company's cutting-edge practices in the heterogeneous fusion of AI and RISC-V, and contributing to the vigorous development of the global open-source instruction set ecosystem. During the conference, SOPHGO set up a distinctive exhibition area that attracted many attendees from the industry to stop and watch.
Focusing on AI Integration, Leading Breakthroughs in RISC-V Technology
At the main forum of the conference, the Vice President of SOPHGO RISC-V delivered a speech titled "RISC-V Breakthroughs Driven by AI: Integration + Heterogeneous Innovation," where he elaborated on SOPHGO's innovative achievements in the deep integration of RISC-V architecture and artificial intelligence technology. He pointed out that current AI technological innovations are driving market changes, and the emergence of DeepSeek has ignited a trillion-level computing power market. The innovation of technical paradigms and the penetration of large models into various sectors will lead to an explosive growth in inference demand, resulting in changes in the structure of computing power demand. This will also reshape the landscape of the computing power market, bringing significant business opportunities to domestic computing power enterprises, while RISC-V high-performance computing is entering a fast track of development driven by AI.
Focusing on AI Integration, Leading Breakthroughs in RISC-V Technology
At the main forum of the conference, the Vice President of SOPHGO RISC-V delivered a speech titled "RISC-V Breakthroughs Driven by AI: Integration + Heterogeneous Innovation," where he elaborated on SOPHGO's innovative achievements in the deep integration of RISC-V architecture and artificial intelligence technology. He pointed out that current AI technological innovations are driving market changes, and the emergence of DeepSeek has ignited a trillion-level computing power market. The innovation of technical paradigms and the penetration of large models into various sectors will lead to an explosive growth in inference demand, resulting in changes in the structure of computing power demand. This will also reshape the landscape of the computing power market, bringing significant business opportunities to domestic computing power enterprises, while RISC-V high-performance computing is entering a fast track of development driven by AI.
Lenovo Shows ThinkPad, ThinkBook, and Visionary Concept Devices at MWC 2025
At MWC 2025, Lenovo unveils its latest portfolio of AI-powered business devices, featuring next-generation ThinkPad and ThinkBook laptops, expanded software and recent ThinkShield security solutions, and showcases visionary proof-of-concept innovations. Designed to enhance productivity, personalization, and business protection, these new devices integrate AI-driven computing, flexible form factors, and enterprise security solutions to meet the evolving demands of professionals and hybrid workers.
"AI is fundamentally transforming how businesses operate, and at Lenovo, we are committed to delivering smarter, more secure, and more adaptable solutions that empower professionals in today's fast-evolving workplace. Our latest ThinkPad and ThinkBook innovations leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline IT management, and provide more secure and seamless hybrid work experiences," said Eric Yu, SVP of SMB and Commercial Product Center, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group. "The ThinkBook codename Flip AI PC Concept exemplifies our vision for the future—where AI-powered devices drive efficiency, personalization, and collaboration like never before. With our expanding portfolio of AI-integrated business devices and intelligent IT solutions, Lenovo is helping organizations to harness the power of AI in an ever-changing world."
"AI is fundamentally transforming how businesses operate, and at Lenovo, we are committed to delivering smarter, more secure, and more adaptable solutions that empower professionals in today's fast-evolving workplace. Our latest ThinkPad and ThinkBook innovations leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline IT management, and provide more secure and seamless hybrid work experiences," said Eric Yu, SVP of SMB and Commercial Product Center, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group. "The ThinkBook codename Flip AI PC Concept exemplifies our vision for the future—where AI-powered devices drive efficiency, personalization, and collaboration like never before. With our expanding portfolio of AI-integrated business devices and intelligent IT solutions, Lenovo is helping organizations to harness the power of AI in an ever-changing world."
Lenovo Pioneers More Personalized, Integrated, and Innovative Hybrid AI Technology at MWC 2025
Today, at MWC 2025, Lenovo unveiled groundbreaking advancements in hybrid AI with integrated devices and solutions to empower creators, professionals, and enterprises. The new offerings exemplify Lenovo's vision of Smarter AI for all and showcase how end-to-end AI can offer seamless creation, connection, and collaboration. The range of technology launched at MWC—from new device form factors to affordable edge inference—show the maturity and versatility of Lenovo's AI portfolio while linking bold innovation with real-world impact.
"We believe in the power of convergence: bringing together AI models, data, and computing power—running on devices, on the edge, and in the cloud—to build AI solutions for customers," said Lenovo CEO and chairman Yuanqing Yang, who delivered a keynote address at MWC. "This convergence drives stronger ecosystem connectivity, unleashing the power of AI to augment human creativity to turn ideas into reality."
"We believe in the power of convergence: bringing together AI models, data, and computing power—running on devices, on the edge, and in the cloud—to build AI solutions for customers," said Lenovo CEO and chairman Yuanqing Yang, who delivered a keynote address at MWC. "This convergence drives stronger ecosystem connectivity, unleashing the power of AI to augment human creativity to turn ideas into reality."
LM TEK Takes Over EK Brand Operations
We are announcing an important transition for EK as the brand moves under the management of LM TEK, d.o.o.. Beginning Monday, March 3, 2025, at 9:00 CET, LM TEK d. o. o. will take over operations of the EK webshop. This change is part of our commitment to improving services, enhancing customer experience, and continuing delivering premium quality and innovation that EK is known for in liquid cooling solutions.
What This Means for You
What This Means for You
- Improved Product Availability: The webshop will continue to operate, ensuring access to the best-in-class liquid cooling products without interruption.
- Customer Accounts & Orders: Your EK account and order history will now be managed by LM TEK d. o. o.. Customer support and warranty services will be streamlined through a single service channel.
- Newsletter Subscription & Consent: If you are already an EK customer, you will continue receiving our newsletters, but you may update your preferences at any time. If you are a newsletter subscriber, we require your consent to continue receiving exclusive offers, updates, and product releases from your favorite brand. Your privacy and data protection remain a top priority, and you can manage your subscription preferences at any time.
ASUS Intros ExpertCenter PN54 Copilot+ mini PC with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors
ASUS today announced ExpertCenter PN54, a high-performance Copilot+ mini PC powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and AMD Radeon graphics. ExpertCenter PN54 offers extensive connectivity, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, and is able to support up to four 4K displays. This mini PC enables retailers and business to maintain their competitive edge alike: it's well-equipped to handle data-intensive workloads, AI-enhanced applications, and edge data processing. PN54 boasts more I/O ports than other mini PCs, allowing retailers to connect to multiple devices for field deployment or in limited-space environments.
First Copilot+ mini PC by ASUS built on AMD architecture
At the heart of ExpertCenter PN54 is the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processor that delivers over 50% more on-chip memory for enhanced performance. Built on the cutting-edge AMD Zen 5 cores previously only available in desktop CPUs, this latest processor features eight cores of processing power and a 5 GHz boost frequency. And with the advanced AMD XDNA 2 NPU Architecture, ExpertCenter PN54 handles AI-powered content creation, code compilation, data analysis, meetings, and other tasks seamlessly.
First Copilot+ mini PC by ASUS built on AMD architecture
At the heart of ExpertCenter PN54 is the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processor that delivers over 50% more on-chip memory for enhanced performance. Built on the cutting-edge AMD Zen 5 cores previously only available in desktop CPUs, this latest processor features eight cores of processing power and a 5 GHz boost frequency. And with the advanced AMD XDNA 2 NPU Architecture, ExpertCenter PN54 handles AI-powered content creation, code compilation, data analysis, meetings, and other tasks seamlessly.
Lexar Announces World's First Stainless-Steel SD Cards - ARMOR GOLD and SILVER PRO SDXC UHS-II Cards
Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is excited to announce the addition of two new products to its ARMOR series: the ARMOR GOLD SDXC UHS-II Card and ARMOR SILVER PRO SDXC UHS-II Card. As the world's first stainless-steel SD memory cards, these new innovations redefine durability and performance, offering photographers, videographers, and content creators unmatched reliability for their demanding workflows.
The ARMOR GOLD and SILVER PRO SD cards were specifically designed to address common issues faced by professional photographers, who often experience physical damage and wear with traditional plastic cards. The ARMOR series SD cards are 37 times stronger than normal SD cards, and deliver far greater strength and resilience. They provide exceptional protection against bending, breaking, and everyday wear. With an IP68 rating, the cards are dust-resistant, water-resistant, and capable of withstanding drops up to 5 meters, making them ideal for outdoor use. Their simplified designs, which eliminate ribs and the write-protection switch, further enhance their durability, ensuring users can rely on them in various challenging scenarios.
The ARMOR GOLD and SILVER PRO SD cards were specifically designed to address common issues faced by professional photographers, who often experience physical damage and wear with traditional plastic cards. The ARMOR series SD cards are 37 times stronger than normal SD cards, and deliver far greater strength and resilience. They provide exceptional protection against bending, breaking, and everyday wear. With an IP68 rating, the cards are dust-resistant, water-resistant, and capable of withstanding drops up to 5 meters, making them ideal for outdoor use. Their simplified designs, which eliminate ribs and the write-protection switch, further enhance their durability, ensuring users can rely on them in various challenging scenarios.
ASUS Announces AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT Graphics Cards
ASUS today announced AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT graphics cards for the TUF Gaming and Prime families, featuring the new RDNA 4 architecture, 16 GB of VRAM, the HYPR-RX feature set and a super resolution mode that leverages machine learning. These models are poised to give users premium gaming experiences for years to come. Next-gen HYPR-RX tech delivers ultra-fast gaming, and users will enjoy next-level immersion with the latest AI-powered features from AMD, including an improved experience with ray tracing. The new machine-learning based super resolution mode is compatible with select FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.1 games, delivering an incredible balance of detailed imagery and fluid frame rates. Plus, DisplayPort 2.1 outputs give users massive bandwidth for going big on resolution while supporting high-end refresh rates.
TUF Gaming leads the charge
ASUS has proven experience taming GPU temperature while keeping noise levels low, and it has brought that expertise to bear on the TUF Gaming Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Edition and TUF Gaming Radeon RX 9070 OC Edition.
TUF Gaming leads the charge
ASUS has proven experience taming GPU temperature while keeping noise levels low, and it has brought that expertise to bear on the TUF Gaming Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Edition and TUF Gaming Radeon RX 9070 OC Edition.
Lenovo at MWC 2025 Showcases New Yoga and IdeaPad AI Laptops
Today at MWC 2025, Lenovo announced new Yoga and IdeaPad AI laptops, alongside software and innovative new proofs of concept visuals and accessories that leverage the power of AI to supercharge creativity and productivity for consumers. With a greater selection of Copilot+1 AI PCs offering AI-enabled experiences like Windows Studio Effects, new NVIDIA GPU options for heavy-duty processing tasks, and new Lenovo Aura Edition laptops imagined with Intel that streamline the PC experience, Lenovo's new Yoga and IdeaPad laptops make creating, completing tasks, and enjoying content seamless, simple, and fun. Lenovo's new AI laptops, software, and concepts unveiling at MWC continue to expand on the company's wide AI portfolio, embodying its promise to deliver Smarter Technology for All - combining cutting-edge innovation, user-centric versatility, and exceptional value to meet the needs of more consumers.
"As we push the limits of AI innovation higher than ever, it is important to remember that delivering access to AI for all is equally a core tenet of Lenovo's philosophy. Likewise, as we endeavor to redefine the boundaries of power in technology, we must ensure that it continues to be a positive force," said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo's Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. "With the announcement of innovations like the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition, the IdeaPad Slim 3x, and the Lenovo Yoga Solar PC Concept, Lenovo has delivered a suite of new devices and proofs of concept that empower end users to let their creativity shine, their 'process' unbounded by the processing of their PC thanks to AI-powered innovation."
"As we push the limits of AI innovation higher than ever, it is important to remember that delivering access to AI for all is equally a core tenet of Lenovo's philosophy. Likewise, as we endeavor to redefine the boundaries of power in technology, we must ensure that it continues to be a positive force," said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo's Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. "With the announcement of innovations like the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition, the IdeaPad Slim 3x, and the Lenovo Yoga Solar PC Concept, Lenovo has delivered a suite of new devices and proofs of concept that empower end users to let their creativity shine, their 'process' unbounded by the processing of their PC thanks to AI-powered innovation."
Lenovo Debuts Solar-Powered 14-Inch Yoga Laptop at MWC 2025
At MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Lenovo debuted its latest prototype laptop that integrates solar charging capabilities directly into the lid. The "Yoga Solar PC Concept" utilizes photovoltaic cells with a 24% conversion efficiency rate and implements "Back Contact Cell" technology that positions mounting hardware behind the cells to maximize absorption surface. The device measures 15 mm thick and weighs 1.22 kg. The system employs a Dynamic Solar Tracking mechanism that monitors real-time power generation and automatically adjusts charging parameters to optimize energy capture regardless of lighting conditions. According to Lenovo's testing, 20 minutes of direct sunlight exposure generates sufficient power for approximately one hour of video playback.
Lenovo chose an unspecified Intel Core Ultra processor generation for the platform base, up to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB storage, and a 14-inch OLED display. Three USB-C ports allow for conventional charging when solar power is unavailable. Lenovo is also developing a separate Solar Power Kit accessory for Yoga devices. This peripheral includes a detachable solar panel with USB-C connectivity that charges external battery packs, which can later power laptops or other devices. No release timeline or pricing information has been announced for either product. However, this is a welcome development in the laptop space, which has maintained the tried-and-true formula of laptop design and functionality.
Lenovo chose an unspecified Intel Core Ultra processor generation for the platform base, up to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB storage, and a 14-inch OLED display. Three USB-C ports allow for conventional charging when solar power is unavailable. Lenovo is also developing a separate Solar Power Kit accessory for Yoga devices. This peripheral includes a detachable solar panel with USB-C connectivity that charges external battery packs, which can later power laptops or other devices. No release timeline or pricing information has been announced for either product. However, this is a welcome development in the laptop space, which has maintained the tried-and-true formula of laptop design and functionality.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite to Come With Up to 18 Cores
According to import-export database records obtained by WinFuture, we are informed that Qualcomm is testing an 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite processor designated SC8480XP, representing a 50% increase in core count over the current 12-core Snapdragon X Elite. The silicon, developed under the "Project Glymur" codename, incorporates Oryon V3 architecture in what documentation describes as a "high-TDP" implementation exceeding the current generation's 80 W thermal envelope. Test platforms pair the processor with 48 GB of SK Hynix RAM and 1 TB NVMe storage. Reference documentation suggests integration as a system-in-package (SiP), potentially offering CPU and memory in a unified package, much like Intel's Lunar Lake and Apple M-series processors. Thermal management testing includes configurations with 120 mm AIO cooling solutions typical in desktop applications, though form factor targets remain unspecified.
Whether homogeneous high-performance cores or heterogeneous clusters, core architecture details remain undisclosed. Market positioning appears focused on high-TDP environments, suggesting that this new wave of Arm-based Windows processors plans to fight more aggressively in the AI PC space, which will see even NVIDIA join it in the coming months. Internal documentation potentially references "Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium" branding, though the final nomenclature remains unconfirmed. Volume availability is not expected until 2026, allowing time for platform optimization and validation. Qualcomm has gathered feedback from its Snapdragon X Elite initial launch and working to improve performance and app compatibility for Windows-on-Arm platforms.
Whether homogeneous high-performance cores or heterogeneous clusters, core architecture details remain undisclosed. Market positioning appears focused on high-TDP environments, suggesting that this new wave of Arm-based Windows processors plans to fight more aggressively in the AI PC space, which will see even NVIDIA join it in the coming months. Internal documentation potentially references "Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium" branding, though the final nomenclature remains unconfirmed. Volume availability is not expected until 2026, allowing time for platform optimization and validation. Qualcomm has gathered feedback from its Snapdragon X Elite initial launch and working to improve performance and app compatibility for Windows-on-Arm platforms.
Sunday, March 2nd 2025
This Week in Gaming (Week 10)
Welcome to the month of March and a week when almost every single new game launches on a Thursday. This week's major release is a new 5v5 FPS shooter set in a Sci-Fi world. This is followed by alien planet colony management, a spot of museum curation, working as a car mechanic, doing battle with your best buddy in multiple imaginary worlds, with the week finally ending with some more co-op action, but puppet sized. We have four more games included at the end, but that's only a few of the games launching this Thursday.
FragPunk / This week's major release / Thursday 6 March
FragPunk is a fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter with powerup cards that change the rules of each round. Choose your hero, your weapons, and pick from a selection of cards that dramatically change the rules of engagement. Steam link
FragPunk / This week's major release / Thursday 6 March
FragPunk is a fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter with powerup cards that change the rules of each round. Choose your hero, your weapons, and pick from a selection of cards that dramatically change the rules of engagement. Steam link
Saturday, March 1st 2025
Early Leak Claims AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT Might Reach NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Territory
Judging by the current state of gaming GPUs, it might appear to some that true budget-class cards are a thing of the past. That said, it is almost certain that both NVIDIA and AMD are cooking entry-level GPUs to cater to folks who can't shell out the astoundingly high prices that modern mid-range and high-end GPUs command, with AMD having already confirmed the launch for RX 9060 class cards sometime in Q2 of this year. Previous leaks have indicated that the RX 9060 will likely hit the scene with 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, whereas its XT sibling will boast an additional 4 GB. NVIDIA is also expected to drop the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti cards sometime towards the end of this month, likely in 8 GB and 16 GB flavors of the shinier GDDR7 spec.
Now, a fresh leak by Moore's Law Is Dead (MLID) has claimed that the Radeon RX 9060 XT will outperform the RTX 4060 Ti in performance, slotting in between the RTX 4060 Ti and the Radeon RX 7700 XT. Moreover, he added that AMD may even push clocks to bring the card closer to the RTX 4070 territory - a sweet position to hold indeed. Regarding launch date, MLID expects the card to hit the arena sometime in April. Of course, as with all leaks and rumors, accept this information with a grain of salt, especially considering that MLID's assertions are sourced from a single party. The RTX 5060/Ti is expected to be priced in the $400-$500 range, which means the RX 9060 XT will likely have to be priced in the lower-end of that in order to make for a compelling value proposition.
Now, a fresh leak by Moore's Law Is Dead (MLID) has claimed that the Radeon RX 9060 XT will outperform the RTX 4060 Ti in performance, slotting in between the RTX 4060 Ti and the Radeon RX 7700 XT. Moreover, he added that AMD may even push clocks to bring the card closer to the RTX 4070 territory - a sweet position to hold indeed. Regarding launch date, MLID expects the card to hit the arena sometime in April. Of course, as with all leaks and rumors, accept this information with a grain of salt, especially considering that MLID's assertions are sourced from a single party. The RTX 5060/Ti is expected to be priced in the $400-$500 range, which means the RX 9060 XT will likely have to be priced in the lower-end of that in order to make for a compelling value proposition.
GMKtec K10 mini PC Launched With Up to Intel Core i9 CPU, 96 GB Memory, 12 TB Storage
Mini PCs that prioritize performance over anything else are far from hard to find. Most such systems opt for high-end laptop chips instead of desktop ones, which is to be expected considering that there is quite a lot of overlap in terms of thermal expectations between the two segments - in other words, both have to deal with limited thermal headroom. The newly launched K10 mini PC from the well-known brand GMKtec is no exception, and packs the Intel Core i9-13900HK CPU paired with up to 96 GB of memory. Pricing details are under wraps as of this writing, and the system is available for pre-order in China. A global release in not in sight, although GMKtec does like to bring many of its products to the global market.
The 14-core, 20-thread Core i9-13900HK CPU may be over two years old at this point, but is far from a slouch. With performance that is almost neck-and-neck with the Core Ultra 9 185H, the high-end Raptor Lake-H is more than sufficient for the vast majority of intensive workloads that one might throw its way. Dual SODIMM slots are present, which can accommodate up to 96 GB of DDR5-5200 memory, Moreover, the K10 sports a whopping three M.2 2280 slots, which allows the system to pack up to 12 TB of solid-state storage. A pretty decent cooling system is also present, the performance of which, however, can only be established once independent reviews arrive.
The 14-core, 20-thread Core i9-13900HK CPU may be over two years old at this point, but is far from a slouch. With performance that is almost neck-and-neck with the Core Ultra 9 185H, the high-end Raptor Lake-H is more than sufficient for the vast majority of intensive workloads that one might throw its way. Dual SODIMM slots are present, which can accommodate up to 96 GB of DDR5-5200 memory, Moreover, the K10 sports a whopping three M.2 2280 slots, which allows the system to pack up to 12 TB of solid-state storage. A pretty decent cooling system is also present, the performance of which, however, can only be established once independent reviews arrive.
Healuck HL: New Mini PC Unveiled With Dual 2.5G LAN as well as Dual 10G LAN
There are a plethora of mini PCs available on Amazon as well as oher reputed retailers. Many of these systems are from brands that are not exactly well known, but sport interesting features that set them apart from the rest. The Healuck HL, also known as the CWWK S7 in UK, is one such mini PC from a Chinese brand that sure does offer a decent selection of features, primarily aimed at networking aficionados. That said, the mini PC is not meant to be a computing powerhouse - a fact that is given away by the entry-level CPU options and affordable pricing that starts at around $300 without RAM and storage.
At the highest-end, the Healuck HL can be equipped with the 15-watt Intel Core 3 N355 CPU, which boasts eight cores and eight threads. The processor is about as powerful as the aging Core i5-10300H CPU, which should be enough to chew through most non-intensive tasks. The system can be equipped with up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 memory, and dual M.2 2280 slots take care of storage requirements. Where the Healuck HL truly shines, however, is in the networking department. The product boasts dual 2.5 G LAN ports, as well as dual 10G LAN ports. This should allow the system to serve rather well as a budget high-speed NAS of sorts, although capacity will undoubtedly be limited due the lack of more drive bays.
At the highest-end, the Healuck HL can be equipped with the 15-watt Intel Core 3 N355 CPU, which boasts eight cores and eight threads. The processor is about as powerful as the aging Core i5-10300H CPU, which should be enough to chew through most non-intensive tasks. The system can be equipped with up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 memory, and dual M.2 2280 slots take care of storage requirements. Where the Healuck HL truly shines, however, is in the networking department. The product boasts dual 2.5 G LAN ports, as well as dual 10G LAN ports. This should allow the system to serve rather well as a budget high-speed NAS of sorts, although capacity will undoubtedly be limited due the lack of more drive bays.
GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop-Powered Morefine G1 eGPU Unveiled With Compact Chassis
Morefine is a relatively reputed brand of mini PCs that we have covered in the past. The company has now introduced a powerful new eGPU dubbed the G1, which can also function as a dock, courtesy of its healthy selection of ports. The eGPU can be equipped with the RTX 4060 Laptop, RTX 4080 Laptop, or even the RTX 4090 Laptop GPUs. The product is already available for purchase, with prices starting from $659 for the RTX 4060 L variant, $1,099 for the RTX 4080 L variant, and the highest-end RTX 4090 Laptop variant is unfortunately out of stock as of this writing, which otherwise carries a price tag of $1,699.
For those who need a refresher, the RTX 4060 Laptop packs 3,072 CUDA cores paired with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, allowing for performance that is roughly in the same league as the Radeon RX 7600M GPU found in many other eGPUs. The RTX 4080 Laptop and RTX 4090 Laptop GPUs pack 7,424 and 9,728 CUDA cores coupled with 12 and 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM respectively. Morefine has revealed the 3D Mark scores for each of the systems, which is certainly a good thing for prospective buyers. The 14 x 10 x 5.4 cm chassis is impressively compact, and as mentioned previously, the ports on offer are equally impressive. An OCuLink port is provided, along with Thunderbolt 3 (85W PD), which can swapped with a dual USB-C module for folks with systems that cannot take advantage of OCuLink. Other ports include triple USB-A 3.2, dual HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 ports.
For those who need a refresher, the RTX 4060 Laptop packs 3,072 CUDA cores paired with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, allowing for performance that is roughly in the same league as the Radeon RX 7600M GPU found in many other eGPUs. The RTX 4080 Laptop and RTX 4090 Laptop GPUs pack 7,424 and 9,728 CUDA cores coupled with 12 and 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM respectively. Morefine has revealed the 3D Mark scores for each of the systems, which is certainly a good thing for prospective buyers. The 14 x 10 x 5.4 cm chassis is impressively compact, and as mentioned previously, the ports on offer are equally impressive. An OCuLink port is provided, along with Thunderbolt 3 (85W PD), which can swapped with a dual USB-C module for folks with systems that cannot take advantage of OCuLink. Other ports include triple USB-A 3.2, dual HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 ports.
Mar 13th, 2025 15:46 EDT
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