AMD Radeon graphics cards have always been too good at GPGPU for their own good. The new Ethereum block-chain compute network, with the Ethereum crypto-currency, works really really good with AMD Radeon Graphics CoreNext architecture-based GPUs (that's every AMD GPU since Radeon HD 7000 series). As a result, not only have Ethereum prospectors bought out nearly all inventory of AMD Radeon graphics cards from the market, but also forced an inflation of used AMD Radeon graphics cards on online tech-forums, and used-goods stores on eBay and Amazon. Some of these used cards are priced higher than even launch-prices.

Every $1,000 spent on AMD Radeon hardware towards Ethereum mining is recovered within 2 months, and then as long as your hardware lasts and you're paying your power bills, you're swimming in crypto-currency that can be converted to Bitcoin and even US Dollars. One Ethereum (ETH) exchanges to USD $265 at the time of this writing. There's already $330 million worth Ethereum being traded, and that number is only going to grow as people sell USD or BTC to buy ETH and pay for entry into the Ethereum network, and use ETH as a crypto-currency.

NVIDIA is giving away three VR games with bundles of Oculus Rift VR headset, Oculus Touch controller, and qualifying GeForce GTX graphics cards. Game codes to three of the hottest VR titles, "The Unspoken," "SUPERHOT VR," and "Wilson's Heart" will be given away for free when you buy bundles of the Rift VR headset, Touch controller, with GeForce GTX 1060, GTX 1070, GTX 1080, or GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards. The bundles will be sold exclusively through Amazon and Newegg.

On the special promotion pages of these stores, you can match an Oculus Rift headset and Touch controller with an applicable GeForce GTX graphics card of your choice. A typical GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB + Oculus Rift + Touch controller bundle is priced around US $850, a GTX 1070 based bundle around $980, a GTX 1080 based bundle around $1,090, and a GTX 1080 Ti based bundle around $1,300.

And here I was thinking the whole point of having standards was to homogenize offerings for a given feature, ensuring the same minimal requirements were met by anyone (or any product) looking to carry a sticker emblazoning its capabilities. Yet here it is, another HDR standard, which Samsung and Amazon are calling HDR10+.

The HDR10+ standard looks to slightly bridge the gap between the HDR10 standard as certified by the UHD Alliance, and the Dolby Vision one, which boasted better HDR reproduction whilst carrying higher specifications to be adhered to. The greatest change in HDR10+: the adoption of Dynamic Tone Mapping, which stand upon variable dynamic metadata to help adjust brightness and contrast in real time, optimized on a frame-by-frame basis, a feature present in Dolby Vision but lacking on the UHD Alliance's HDR10, which resulted in some overly darkened bright scenes.

Microsoft is looking to reduce costs in its Azure cloud computing platforms for tasks like search, storage, machine learning and big data. And after having developed a version of Windows for servers that use ARM processors, in a joint work with Qualcomm and Cavium, Microsoft seems to also be looking forward to leave its dependency on Intel products as nothing but a memory. Microsoft's ARM server design, dubbed Project Olympus, looks to hardware innovations so as to reduce costs, boosting competitiveness and flexibility in regards to other big players in the cloud space, like Amazon and Alphabet. That the design is open source is also a boon to other businesses and Microsoft partners.


Though the design isn't "deployed into production yet (...) that is the next logical step," said Jason Zander, vice president of Microsoft's Azure cloud division. "This is a significant commitment on behalf of Microsoft. We wouldn't even bring something (...) if we didn't think this was a committed project and something that's part of our roadmap."

AMD's Ryzen launch may have been marred only by some unrealistic expectations on what is really an excellent all-around chip, which apparently prompted some knee-jerk pre-order cancelations and a stock tumble for AMD. However, it would seem AMD built-up enough momentum with its Ryzen launch so as to provoke some shortages in major retailers, despite the company announcing a million-strong launch stock for Ryzen.

All in all, Amazon and Fry's have no more stock of any Ryzen 7 processor and Newegg, which was supposed to carry boxed versions of the processor, is only selling it as part of a number of pre-built rigs. Demand has been higher than supply when it comes to Ryzen ever since AMD opened pre-orders for its prodigal child. Let's hope these are sorted out, and that AMD can feed the consumers' hunger for a long-time coming viable (as in, mesmerizingly great) alternative to Intel.

NVIDIA, Ansel, a framework for doing real-time screenshot filters and photographic effects, has seen the release of a public SDK and a few developer plugins to boot. Unreal Engine and Unity have both gained plugins for the technology, and the tech is reportedly coming to Amazon's Lumberyard engine as well. This should most assuredly aid in the adoption of the technology, as well as open it up to new markets where it was previous unavailable, such as indie game development. The public SDK is presently available for download from NVIDIA directly at developer.nvidia.com/ansel

AMD did it again: building-up such a tremendous speed on its new products' hype train that the Ryzen 7 1700X, Ryzen 7 1800X, and Ryzen 7 1700 managed to jump straight to first, second, and fourth spots of Amazon's list of best-selling CPUs, respectively, dethroning even Intel's mighty i7 7700K. Granted, it isn't hard for the processors from one or the other manufacturer to quickly jump and wrangle about the spots on retailer's best seller lists - there Are only two manufacturers of consumer-grade, high-performance x86 CPUs. But keep in mind: this is a pre-order we're talking about, with nothing but leaks and marketing maneuvering for consumers to base their purchase on.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced the new TS-431X NAS - a cost-effective dual-core business NAS supporting 4 drives, one built-in 10GbE SFP+ port, and hardware-accelerated encryption. Along with its application-aware design and abundant productive features including containerized virtualization, centralized email management, a private-cloud-based note-taking tool, and Virtual JBOD, the 10GbE-ready TS-431X is a perfect NAS for small and midsize businesses looking for backup, restoration, private cloud, and higher bandwidth for rigorous data processing.

Powered by a dual-core AnnapurnaLabs, an Amazon company Alpine AL-212 1.7 GHz processor and 2GB/8GB DDR3 RAM (upgradable to 8GB), the TS-431X delivers up to 956 MB/s read speed with 10GbE, and up to 312 MB/s read speed with AES 256-bit volume-based data encryption. The integrated 10GbE SFP+ port enables exceptional throughput for intensive data transfer, and fast backup and restoration for an ever-growing amount of data.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced the new business-class TS-x31XU series rackmount NAS; available in 4, 8 and 12-bay models with single and redundant power supply options. Powered by an AnnapurnaLabs, an Amazon company Alpine AL-314 quad-core 1.7 GHz ARM Cortex-A15 CPU, the TS-x31XU features 2GB or 4GB DDR3 RAM (expandable to 16GB), includes two built-in 10GbE SFP+ ports, and supports the innovative VJBOD (Virtual JBOD) and Container Station, providing a high-performance, multifunctional and power-efficient storage solution.

Coupled with a hardware encryption engine and SSD cache support, the quad-core TS-x31XU series offers two 10GbE SFP+ ports that ensure top notch networking capabilities of up to 1,242 MB/s transfer speeds. An additional single-port 10GbE PCIe card can be installed for more flexible deployment. The TS-x31XU is ideal for small-and-medium businesses looking for backup, restoration, virtualization storage, private cloud, and to future-proof their IT infrastructure for 10GbE networks.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced the TS-831X - a new cost-effective 8-bay business NAS with a quad-core 1.70 GHz CPU to provide users with enhanced system performance for daily business operations. Alongside the standard models with 8 GB or 16 GB RAM, there is also a model with 4 GB RAM (TS-831X-4G) to provide an affordable option for budget-conscious users.

"The TS-831X features a highly-competitive specification, including built-in 10GbE ports, containerized apps, and SSD caching, making it a favorable choice for small and medium-sized organizations," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "The TS-831X-4G option provides an accessible choice for budget-constrained organizations to benefit from the TS-831X's amazing functionalities without breaking the bank."

Seagate has announced that the company is launching its Duet external hard drive, which would be, in all regards, a run-of-the-mill external hard drive (based on the company's Backup Plus Portable Drive), were it not for the fact that it runs tailored software that syncs its contents with the Amazon Drive service. The drive automatically downloads and uploads content from (and to) Amazon Drive to enable instant and offline access to data stored in the cloud - allowing you to not only store your data on the Cloud, but also keep a physical copy of it with you.

One of your favorite online stores has just announced their Q3 results, and while the numbers fall short of analysts' expectations, they are, nonetheless, healthy. They do, however, put an end to a three-quarter straight of earning records, with the Jeff Bezos' owned company posting $252 million in net income - down from the comparatively astronomical $857 million posted on Q2. Year-over-year, though, Amazon's revenue increased by 29%, hitting $32.7 billion in 3Q 2016, up from the $25.4 billion registered in 3Q 2015.

Patriot, a leading manufacturer of computer memory, USB/flash memory, SSDs, mobile accessories, and gaming peripherals today announced the Viper Elite DDR4 memory intended for the latest Intel 100 series platform.

For 30 years, Patriot has manufactured computer memory with the goal of providing high quality DIMMs with an affordable price. The Viper Elite is Patriot's latest offering of DDR4 aimed at consumers looking to upgrade their systems without emptying their pockets. Available in red, blue and grey 16GB (2x8GB) and 8GB (2x4GB) dual kits and a 64GB (4x16GB) quad kit and 32GB (2x16GB) dual kit, in grey only, the Viper Elite pulls as low as 1.2V and as high as 1.35V to allow for ideal power consumption.

AMD's Radeon R9 Nano graphics card, started selling on Amazon. The listing confirms the card's US $649.99 pricing. The card being sold is XFX branded, but as AMD's "co-flagship" product, there likely won't be any custom-design adaptations of this chip. The USP of the R9 Nano is to offer the highest possible performance for SFF gaming desktops. It has a nearly identical specifications sheet to that of the Radeon R9 Fury X, but with slightly lower clocks, and a far more conservative power-management system, which reduces its typical board power rating compared to the R9 Fury X by 100W, down to 175W. The first orders on Amazon should begin shipping after the 13th of September.

Edit: Sapphire's R9 Nano is also listed, at $649, too.

Seagate Technology plc, a world leader in storage solutions, today announced at Gamescom the new 2TB Game Drive for Xbox, the result of a strategic marketing relationship with Microsoft. This new external drive is designed to complement the Xbox color scheme and is set up for an easy plug-and-play connection with an Xbox One or Xbox 360 gaming console.

"With all of the new and amazing titles expected for this holiday season and a ton more games coming in the future, Xbox gamers will need even more storage and portability," said Matt Kesselring, business development manager for Microsoft's designed for Xbox partner program. "Microsoft is privileged to be working with Seagate as our trusted partner for this important designed for Xbox peripheral."

Logitech, a leading innovator of gaming peripherals, today announced the Logitech G920 Driving Force, its first force feedback racing wheel available for Xbox One, as well as PC, will be available this fall. Built for precision racing and long-lasting reliability, the Logitech G920 Driving Force features Logitech's powerful dual-motor force feedback transmission with anti-backlash helical gearing, hand-stitched leather-wrapped rim, and stainless steel throttle, brake, and clutch pedals. The wheel is also compatible with the optional Driving Force Shifter, a six-speed manual gear stick with push-down reverse. This is the first Logitech racing wheel available for Xbox One.

"The G920 is the wheel fans have been asking for on Xbox One," said Ujesh Desai, general manager of the Logitech gaming business. "We built on our history and legacy of previous generation driving wheels to deliver on a truly immersive experience for Xbox One gamers. I personally can't wait to get behind our new wheel to play Forza Motorsport 6."

WD, a Western Digital company, and world leader in storage solutions, today introduced the new, redesigned My Passport Ultra portable hard drives and My Passport for Mac drives. With the My Passport line now in its 7th generation, the My Passport Ultra and My Passport for Mac portable hard drives are now available in capacities up to 3 TB and in four stylish colors - Classic Black, Brilliant White, Wild Berry and Noble Blue. WD is also introducing a new optional accessory - WD Grip Pack - a soft band, available in a variety of colors, which encircles the drive, offering consumers an easy way to personalize their My Passport drives.

"With more photos being taken than ever before, it's critical to have a high capacity, reliable external storage solution that you can carry everywhere," said Tony Tate, general manager and vice president of Content Storage Solutions at WD. "The latest generation My Passport drives deliver an easier automatic back-up experience, hardware-based encryption for security and higher capacities than ever before. Consumers can keep all their content in their pockets, while expressing their personal styles with the colors and WD Grip Pack."

ARCTIC Thermal Pad bridges problem-free even large spaces. After multiple awards with its thermal pastes, ARCTIC is now offering thermal pads as well. As perfect gap filler the Thermal Pad provides an optimal heat transfer and bridges even large height differences and uneven surfaces.

Often it is troublesome to cool diverse components like memory chips, CPUs, MCUs, DSPs and other ICs densely packed. Different heights prevent a proper contact to the heatsink and thus make it useless. The thermal pad is perfect to close even large spaces completely. Due to its low hardness this silicon pad adapts ideally to uneven surfaces, also at low pressure and thus ensures the best possible heat dissipation. In the comparison test the Thermal Pad with its special filler and a high thermal conductivity can demonstrate its performance and leaves the competitors behind.

The Intel Compute Stick, a new pocket-sized computer based on a quad-core Intel Atom processor running Windows 8.1 with Bing, is available now through Intel Authorized Dealers for much of the world.

The Intel Compute Stick can transform any HDMI display into an entry computer capable of working with productivity apps, playing local or streamed content, driving basic digital signage or enabling thin clients. It will support Wireless 802.11 b/g/n, a microSD card for expandable memory, MicroUSB power supply and Bluetooth 4.0 for keyboard and mouse.

Tesoro Technology USA Inc., announces the Lobera Spectrum mechanical keyboard, featuring RGB per-key illumination, 9 LED effect modes, instant recording capabilities for every key and USB pass-through.

The Lobera Spectrum allows gamers to individually customize virtually any color, to any key. With 9 different LED effects, such as dimming, full zone, trigger, ripple, firework, radiation, rainbow wave, and per key customized mode as well as 5 levels of brightness and 5 distinct profiles to store them. There are endless combinations for a truly unique configuration.

For real power in sports you need music. The P324 BT Bluetooth headset gives you the necessary motivation and accompanies its wearer even through sweat-inducing workouts. If you are jogging on the beach or exercising in the gym - ultra light and equipped with a comfortable neckband the P324 BT ensures you the perfect fit. Without compromises the sports Bluetooth headset does everything and gives ultimate mobility.

Smaller contaminations and even heavy perspiration cannot adversely affect the Bluetooth headset. The exchangeable ear pads can be easily washed and are just as new after cleaning. In addition to these practical features you don't have to make any cutbacks in the sound quality that exceeds expectation within this price range.

Patriot's upcoming line of performance 2.5-inch SSDs, the Patriot Torch, got listings on Amazon, ahead of its launch. These 7 mm-thick, 2.5-inch drives, with SATA 6 Gb/s interfaces, come in two capacities (for now), 120 GB and 240 GB. Under the hood, they feature 16 nm synchronous MLC NAND flash, and Phison PS3110 controllers. The 240 GB variant offers sequential transfer rates of up to 555 MB/s reads, with 535 MB/s writes; while the 120 GB variant offers 545 MB/s reads, with 430 MB/s writes. The 240 GB variant is priced at US $106.11, while the 120 GB variant goes for $66.63.

Linksys today announced two new routers that will help provide faster wireless networking speeds for families with multiple internet users as well as single users that use the internet for high bandwidth applications such as gaming or video streaming. The two new wireless AC routers, the Linksys AC3200 Tri-Band Smart Wi-Fi Router (EA9200) and the Linksys AC2400 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (E8350), a 4X4 AC router, provide network speeds up to 3.2 Gbps and 2.4 Gbps, respectively*. These two new powerhouse Linksys routers provide networking functionality suited for large or small environments that need the maximum performance and range for their home networks.

"Linksys is all about quality and performance. Our goal with these new routers is to provide a solution that will help families who have a lot of devices connected to the internet wirelessly achieve better performance on each device or for single users that demand high performance on a single device such as gaming or streaming video," said Mike Chen, vice president product development, Linksys. "We have been working closely with our vendors to design and engineer these routers so they have advantages to outperform and provide the value consumers are looking for in high end routers."

EVGA announced an Amazon-exclusive 2 GB variant of its GeForce GTX 750 FTW graphics card (model: 02G-P4-2758-KR). Built in an identical board design to the original GTX 750 FTW, with the company's ACX cooling solution, the card offers factory-overclocked speeds of 1229 MHz core, 1320 MHz GPU Boost, and 5012 MHz (GDDR5-effective) memory, and features 2 GB of it across the chip's 128-bit wide memory interface. The cooling solution is designed to deal with much bigger chips, and should keep the GTX 750 quiet and comfy, even at its maker-given speeds. Based on the 28 nm GM107 silicon, the GTX 750 packs 512 CUDA cores, and is based on NVIDIA's new "Maxwell" GPU architecture. The card is priced at US $149.99.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Are you still buying the traditional gifts such as flowers or chocolates to your sweetheart? Why not try something special and digital this year? SP/Silicon Power, the world's leading provider of memory storage solutions, today selects the Valentine's Special set for you, two 16 GB diamond-cut swivel USB flash drives, USB 3.0 Blaze B30 and USB 2.0 Ultima U30, and they are exclusively available on Amazon.com.

With the jewelry-like appearance and big storage capacity, you will be able to store your all-time favorite love songs, films, and photos into the Valentine's Special flash drive set, which would definitely make your gift one-of-the-kind special and unique.