Even more versatile in the second revision: Developed on the basis of its proven predecessor model, the new version of the Freezer 4U-M offers optimised cooling performance, not only for powerful server CPUs from AMD and Intel, but also for the ARM processors of the Ampere Altra series.

Multi-compatible with additional flexibility
The 2nd revision of the Freezer 4U-M also impresses with its case and socket compatibility. In addition, it has been specially adapted to support Ampere Altra processors with 32 to 128 cores.

At AAEON Technology, we recognize growing demand for secure and reliable industrial systems. In collaboration with Canonical, AAEON Technology validates Ubuntu Pro across our Intel-based industrial systems. Each unit comes with a preinstalled Ubuntu image, an Ubuntu Pro license sticker, and 10 years of Canonical-backed updates for ongoing security and maintenance. "This collaboration means our customers benefit from cutting-edge hardware paired with the secure, long-term support offered with Ubuntu Pro enabled. With ongoing updates, they're always protected, allowing them to focus on their core goals," said Victor Lai, Managing Director at AAEON.

Ubuntu Pro provides enterprise-level security, compliance, and long-term stability for industrial and edge applications. It meets strict regulatory standards while delivering high performance in demanding environments.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched new branded M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs and complete storage kits designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. The drives are available in two capacities: a 256 GB version that's shipping now in the US, and a 512 GB version available for pre-order with expected delivery in late November. Performance vary between models, the 256 GB drive delivers 40,000 IOPS for 4 KB random reads and 70,000 IOPS for random writes. The larger 512 GB version offers 50,000 IOPS for random reads and 90,000 IOPS for random writes.

While initially marketed as PCIe Gen 2 devices, recent product listings indicate Gen 3 compatibility, though this specification awaits official confirmation from Raspberry Pi. Users have reported achieving Gen 3 speeds through raspi-config adjustments. The drives are competitively priced, with the 256 GB model priced at $30 and the 512 GB model priced at $45 (the 512 GB SSD product image discloses the manufacturer which is Biwin). These, including the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ adapter (which converts from Raspberry Pi FPC standard to the M.2 M-key format), are available for $40 and $55, respectively.

Small - but powerful! Alphacool presents new sizes of the popular Core reservoir. This should not be missing in any performance-orientated custom water cooling system in which CPU and graphics card(s) are cooled simultaneously. The reservoir is available in two sizes, both with and without a pump.

The chrome-plated brass G1/4' connections are a stylish and elegant element of the Core reservoir. The connections, which are embedded in the acrylic and fitted with an O-ring, are absolutely leak-proof and support the clear and functional look of the Alphacool Core Design series. Alphacool's Core reservoir is made of high-quality acrylic glass, which allows a clear view of the coolant. Brilliant lighting is made possible by the built-in, digitally addressable aRGB lighting.

Simply NUC, a global leader in customized PC solutions, in collaboration with Intel, proudly announces the Intel AI PC Development Kit. This advanced kit is equipped with the powerful Core Ultra 7 (155H), 32 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, and Windows 11 Pro, making it ideal for developers and researchers focused on AI innovation. The configured PC features Intel Iris Xe graphics and the OpenVINO toolkit, enabling optimized AI performance for deep learning and computer vision tasks.

The Intel AI PC Development Kit is tailored for software developers, data scientists, and educators focused on AI and machine learning projects. With robust processing capabilities, users can efficiently create, test, and deploy AI models. Additionally, as part of the Intel AI Developer Program, users gain access to valuable resources such as tutorials, webinars, and community support. Program participants can also enjoy a $500 discount on the kit, making it an affordable and comprehensive solution for AI innovation.

Qualcomm has started accepting preorders for its Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows, based on the Snapdragon X Elite processor. Initially announced in May, the device is now available for preorder through Arrow at a competitive price point of $899. Despite its relatively high cost compared to typical mini PCs, it undercuts most recent laptops equipped with Snapdragon X processors, making it an attractive option for both developers and power users alike. Measuring a mere 199 x 175 x 35 mm, it comes equipped with 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 512 GB NVMe SSD, and support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5 technologies. The connectivity options are equally robust, featuring three USB4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an HDMI output, and an Ethernet port.

This mini PC's heart lies the Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-00-1DE) processor. This chip houses 12 Oryon CPU cores capable of reaching speeds up to 3.8 GHz, with a dual-core boost potential of 4.3 GHz. The processor also integrates Adreno graphics, delivering up to 4.6 TFLOPS of performance, and a Hexagon NPU capable of up to 45 TOPS for AI tasks. While similar to its laptop counterpart, the X1E-84-100, this version is optimized for desktop use. It can consume up to 80 watts of power, enabling superior sustained performance without the constraints of battery life or heat dissipation typically associated with mobile devices. This dev kit is made primarily to optimize x86-64 software to run on the Arm platform; hence, removing the power limit is beneficial for translating the code to Windows on Arm. The Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows ships with a 180 W power adapter and comes pre-installed with Windows 11, making it ready for immediate use upon arrival.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is excited to announce an ultra-low latency specification of DDR5-6000 CL28-36-36-96 in 32 GB (2x16GB) and 64 GB (2x32GB) kit capacities, and DDR5-6000 CL28-38-38-96 in 48 GB (2x24GB) and 96 GB (2x48GB) kit capacities under the new Trident Z5 Royal Neo series, designed for compatible AMD AM5 platforms. Including AMD EXPO technology for an easy memory overclock experience in BIOS, this overclock performance memory kit with low timing is the ideal DDR5 memory solution for enthusiasts and overclockers.

Optimization with Memory Timing
For enthusiasts and overclockers, memory timing or latency is a key factor in squeezing performance out of a memory kit. Since memory timing is the delay between specific actions, a lower latency is desired; and performance may be improved by finding the best mix of memory speed and latency. Compared to a standard DDR5 memory speed and latency of DDR5-4800 CL40, this new DDR5-6000 CL28 memory specification aims to deliver a more optimized combination on compatible AMD AM5 platforms.

EK, the renowned leader in computer cooling technology, is introducing the EK-Nucleus AIO Replacement Cover - Creator Kit, an optional replacement pump unit top for the EK Nucleus series AIO coolers that allows users to 3D print over the base and build their own unique AIO aesthetic. It replaces the stock top cover of the award-winning Nucleus AIOs available in 240 and 360 mm sizes, both of which come in black and white finishes.

In the Creator Kit box, users get a 3D-printed light guide with magnets, which is used as a platform for their 3D-printed creations. It is meant as a light diffuser, and the user gets to pick where it shines through by building specially designed extrudes of the 3D print. EK prepared a 3D model of the pump unit and a printed base, which can be remodeled and customized.

A Crucial "CT12G56C46S5" Non-ECC Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SODIMM) is available to pre-order from Amazon UK—the 12 GB capacity product was spotted by everyone's favorite PC hardware sleuth;—momomo_us. March 31 appears to be the official shipping out date—current pricing is £44.99 ($57.50). Additionally, customers have the option to reserve a related 24 GB Kit (2x 12 GB) kit (CT2K12G56C46S5), priced at £87.99 (~$112.36). According to product descriptions, Crucial's upcoming laptop 5600 MHz RAM "can downclock if system specification only supports 5200 MHz or 4800 MHz."

"Non-binary modules" DDR5 modules hit retail last year—we have witnessed a slow trickle out of 24 GB and 48 GB capacity sticks, granting unusual memory configurations on compatible AMD and Intel platforms. The CT12G56C46S5 and CT2K12G56C46S5 are supported by "Core 13th Gen and Ryzen 6000 Series laptop CPUs and above." Crucial's latest DDR5 SODIMM could be the first 12 GB capacity model to reach retail, unless a rival manufacturer sneaks out an equivalent item prior to March 31.

We continue to be on track to start shipments before the end of the month on the new Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040 Series). Last week we shared that SMT (Mainboard production) had started, and this week we've begun final assembly of laptops. We also pulled some early units to send out to press reviewers to make sure that you can see exactly where we've landed on performance and battery life.

We have another happy bit of news to share with you: our Lead System Architect Kieran was able to implement a firmware solution to reduce power consumption when using HDMI and DP Expansion Cards on the back two slots. The only remaining power issue is with USB-A Expansion Cards on the back slots, which we are investigating a future USB-A Expansion Card hardware revision to resolve.

During the Gamescom fair, Thrustmaster was pleased to unveil its unique new racing wheel mounting system, including a rotary spinner knob - a perfect complement for all heavy vehicle driving simulators. The SimTask Steering Kit allows gamers to set up their racing wheel in a flat-mounted position, delivering an immersive experience when driving farm machinery or heavy vehicles. The mount allows users to customize the steering wheel's angle and height, offering a number of diverse driving configurations similar to real life.

In addition, the rotary spinner knob provides a major agility boost, enabling gamers to operate the steering wheel with one hand. The SimTask Steering Kit is compatible with Thrustmaster T128 and T248 racing wheels. SimTask is Thrustmaster's new range of products, specially designed to deliver an enhanced experience of driving simulation with heavy vehicles and farm machinery.

The latest retail batch of Noctua's NH-U12A single-tower CPU coolers has been photographed sporting updated packaging and containing a new set of mounting brackets. Japan's Akiba PC Watch reported on new stock of Noctua's popular (and well reviewed) NH-U12A cooler sitting on shelves at Tsukumo Computer's flagship store in Akihabara, Tokyo. Their article pinpointed Socket LGA-1851 compatibility listed on the revised retail box, and documented within new installation instruction steps. They noted that: "according to the manual, the mounting bar and spacer for fixing the CPU cooler are shared with the existing LGA-1700 (kit)."

Noctua has not updated its NH-U12A product page or compatibility centre pages with these revisions, but Tom's Hardware did pick up on the NH-D15's overhauled entry: "now listed as having SecuFirm2 mounts compatible with Intel LGA-1851." The Austrian computer hardware manufacturer seems to pride itself on its preparedness well in advance of a forthcoming new CPU range—Akiba PC Watch cheekily observed: "it is currently unknown when CPUs and motherboards compatible with LGA-1851 will be released." Intel's 15th Gen Arrow Lake S is presumably the main candidate lined up to adopt LGA-1851—technical specifications were uncovered back in June time.

Many of you are most likely familiar with iFixit's various toolkits, even if you don't happen to own one, as they've become quite famous all around the world as affordable, yet good quality tools. Now Corsair has decided to jump into the toolkit marketspace with its PC DIY Precision Toolkit, which is very similar to iFixit's Mako Driver Kit. Both kits come with a flexible extension rod, but where Corsair bests iFixit is when it comes to the actual driver handle, as it has a much better grip and the top cap appears to be made of aluminium rather than plastic. The box is also very similar, as both kits are kept closed with magnets and both have a magnetic insert in the lid which will hold your screws in place while you disassemble whatever it is you're trying to fix or upgrade.

The two toolkits also differ in terms of the kind of bits you get, with Corsair providing some extremely fine tool sizes, especially for Philips and pentalobe compared to iFixit, although iFixit has smaller Torx sizes in their kit. Corsair also offers more socket bits than iFixit, but loses some other bits like the SIM ejection bit and a magnetic pick-up bit. Overall Corsair provides 65 bits vs 64 for iFixit, so it really comes down to which bits make the most sense for you. Corsair also charges US$5 less for their kit compared to iFixit, with an MSRP of US$34.99.

EK, the leading manufacturer of premium liquid cooling equipment, is introducing the all-new EK-Quantum Power² Kits. These kits come equipped with full D-RGB support, feature an extensive range of award-winning Quantum Line products that share the same design language, and pack various supplementary accessories. The new Kits are aimed at enthusiasts who have powerful PC hardware and seek high-end cooling solutions without having to pick custom loop parts themselves.

With the inclusion of extra accessories, these Quantum Power² kits simplify the loop-building process, making it a hassle-free experience. Some added benefits include D-RGB lighting for customizable RGB effects, a dye pack to create a unique coolant color, two 90-degree rotary fittings, reservoir tube clamps for alternative mounting options, and much more.

We are happy to share that our AMD FidelityFX Software Development Kit (SDK) is now available for download!

What is the AMD FidelityFX SDK?
The AMD FidelityFX SDK is our new and easy to integrate solution for developers looking to include AMD FidelityFX technologies into their games without any of the hassle of complicated porting procedures. In a nutshell, it is AMD FidelityFX graphics middleware.

It's been a while since we last reviewed a Vortexgear keyboard so I wasn't surprised to see a brand new keyboard line from the brand. While the TKL Multix keyboards in its various colorways were new to me, they weren't new launches necessarily. Instead, Vortex used its presence at Computex to show off the new PC66 QMK, which is also available as a barebones kit. This uses a thick ABS plastic chassis and a gasket mount structure to put out a vintage aesthetic-inspired 65% keyboard that uses external batteries for wireless connectivity as well. We also saw the M0110 that comes as a wired open-source firmware keyboard or triple-mode wireless keyboard and uses either an HHKB-style layout or a more traditional 60% layout with a 6.25u space bar. There was also the Vortex x KBtalKing (a Chinese keyboard community) collab keyboard called the One 4 which is a full-size wireless keyboard up for pre-order now.

Intriguing also were new keyboard kits from Vortex that shifted away from plastic in favor of thick CNC-machined aluminium. The M0110A is an 1800 form factor keyboard kit that uses the smaller M0110 as the base for the feature set whereas the Model M and Model F77/F62 go more daring with the designs that are reminiscent of other popular keyboards on the market. I especially liked the Model M SSK with its curved top frame that makes for a visually different keyboard from the norm and Vortex says these kits will follow the pre-order/group buy purchase scheme soon, if not already by the time this news post is up.

Anacomda, a Taiwanese memory, storage, and accessories maker, had a booth at Computex 2023, where the company presented the new DDR5 memory kits with speeds ranging up to 7000 MHz. Starting off, we have the model called "Standard," which is just a standard DDR5 UDIMM memory kit available as 8 and 16 GB DIMM, in 2x 8 GB and 2x 16 GB capacities. Running at 4800 MHz, the standard kit has a CAS latency of 40, with a running voltage set to 1.1 Volts. Next is the KingSnake Overclocking UDIMM, which is, as the name suggests, a kit optimized for overclocking. Available in frequencies of 5600/6000/6200/7000 MHz, these memory modules run at 1.25 or 1.45 Volts at CAS latencies of 40 and 36. They also come in 16 GB and 32 GB capacities.

Last but not least, there is an ET (EryxTataricus) unbuffered UDIMM kit that is basically an RGB version of KingSnake, with all the same features except the inclusion of RGB lighting capable of syncing with all modern motherboard RGB software.

While accessibility is an important topic year-round, May is always special as we celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day and recognize the strides made by the accessibility community and the games industry to make gaming more inclusive. At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are committed to furthering that mission, so today we're excited to share new details and images of the Access controller for the PS5 console.

New details and product images
First revealed at CES this year as "Project Leonardo," the Access controller for PS5 is an all-new, highly-customizable accessibility controller kit designed to help many players with disabilities play games more easily, more comfortably, and for longer periods. Developed in collaboration with accessibility experts, the Access controller will include a wide array of swappable button and stick caps so players can freely create different layouts that work for their unique strength, range of motion, and physical needs.

A couple of TPU readers will be happy to learn of more rumors relating to Sony's "in the works" PlayStation 5 Pro model - following on from last week's news about about a possible interim modular model - and curious commenters asking for additional information. Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson has been a notorious source of PS5-related leaks for a while - the aforementioned modular console variant has been leading topic for the guy and today he provides a small update on the matter: "You're probably already sick of hearing about the new PlayStation 5 with a detachable disc drive that should release later this year. Although reports have dubbed the new PlayStation 5 as the PS5 Slim, Insider Gaming understands that the console will be almost identical to the PlayStation 5 but feature a detachable disc drive. In fact, it's understood that the new PlayStation 5 will completely phase out the old design within a year."

His newly reformed and theorized PlayStation future timeline also contains an update about the PlayStation 5's "Pro" refresh - Sony is rumored to preparing this more powerful hardware variant for a Q4 2024 launch and Henderson insists that his past findings have been consistent and on point: "Our report in March was dismissed as being inaccurate by many when it was first reported and although the PlayStation 5 Pro could be canceled at any given time, Insider Gaming can report with a 100% degree of certainty that the PlayStation 5 Pro is currently in development." He claims that his industry sources have provided him with fresh batches of evidence: "Whilst we cannot report on any more specifics at this time, we understand that the first dev kit prototypes will be going to 1st party developers within the next couple of months, with 3rd party developers receiving them by the end of the year." Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are normally very guarded about development and prototype hardware, so very few developers (with access to these bits of kit) have been brave enough to break signed NDAs. Sony has once again chosen to be extremely secretive - no official information has been released about upcoming refreshed PS5 consoles or related accessories.

[Editor's note: Our review of the new Hydro X Series iCUE XH303i RGB PRO kit is published here for those interested.]

CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced new complete hardline CPU custom cooling kits in the award-winning Hydro X Series: the CORSAIR iCUE XH303i RGB PRO and XH305i RGB PRO. With all the key parts you need to build a custom cooling loop, from CPU water blocks, to pump/radiator combos, to all the necessary tubing and fittings, these kits remove the guesswork and streamline the process of building a stunning hardline loop.

The XH303i RGB PRO and XH305i RGB PRO deliver all the necessary components for powerful CPU cooling in one box, in either black or white. An XC7 RGB PRO CPU Water Block, compatible with Intel LGA 1700/1200 and AMD AM4 processors, keeps your CPU temperatures down with more than 110 micro-cooling fins under a nickel-plated copper cold plate. Both kits disperse heat through a 30 mm-thick XR5 360 mm performance radiator, and contain all the hardline tubing and fittings you need, along with an included cutting/bending kit for making beautiful bends.

GAMDIAS has been releasing very budget-friendly gaming peripheral combos since 2014, and it is the brand's obligation to give every gamer the best PC peripherals for the best pricing. With the release of the HERMES E4, GAMDIAS is taking it to the next level by announcing the launch of an all-white premium PC peripheral combo with zero compromises to quality.

The 3-IN-1 GAMING COMBO includes a white multi-color mechanical 61 key form factor keyboard, a precise RGB mouse with an accurate 12800 DPI, and finished with an extended reinforced white mousemat. The brand's newly released products are intricately designed and tweaked for them to better fit together as a whole and provide PC gamers with the best gaming experience possible within each and every GAMDIAS gaming gear.

XPG, today announces free LGA 1700 mounting kit for existing All In One liquid coolers LEVANTE 240 and LEVANTE 360's customers free of charge, offering customers to use their current XPG coolers with the new 12th generation Intel Alder Lake CPUs. Both XPG LEVANTE 240 and LEVANTE 360 are compatible with the new Intel socket LGA 1700, and the new mounting kit will be available free of charge. Customers need to apply to validate on the Customer Support page with the proof of purchase of XPG coolers, 12th generation CPU and/or Motherboard, and XPG Customer Service will contact customers for further instructions. Delivery duration depends on customer's location, and only the materials required for the installation will be shipped.

Thermaltake released its highest-capacity dual-channel (2-module) DDR4 memory kit, the ToughRAM XG RGB R016R432GX2-3600C18A. This kit uses modules that are a swansong of DDR4 in terms of capacity—32 GB x 2. The 32 GB module is dual-rank, and only compatible with some of the later generations of Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors that feature memory controllers with support for up to 128 GB of memory in total. On its part, Thermaltake claims that the modules were only tested to be compatible with Intel 10th Gen and 11th Gen Core; and AMD Ryzen 2000 series and above. In terms of performance, the ToughRAM XG RGB R016R432GX2-3600C18 packs an Intel XMP 2.0 profile for DDR4-3600 with 18-22-22-42 + CR2T timings, and 1.35 V module voltage. The module is aesthetically identical to the ToughRAM XG RGB series the company debuted in March 2021.

Just a few days ago, we have reviewed AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, which represents an answer to NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling technology used to upscale images t certain resolutions. As the review predicted, AMD's presence in consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S must result in the integration of the technology in that field, not only the PC space. And today seems to be the day that Microsoft and AMD join forces to bring AMD's FSR technology to consoles. In the latest Xbox Game Development Kit preview, Microsoft is shipping AMD's FSR tech, giving game developers an easy way to integrate it into the games and thus manipulate resolution to give us the best possible frame rates.

Jason Ronald (Twitter)Excited to continue our close partnership with @AMD and see what game developers can do with FidelityFX Super Resolution, available to preview in our GDK today for @Windows, @Xbox Series X|S and #XboxOne consoles.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, announced the Qualcomm Cloud AI 100, a high-performance AI inference accelerator, is shipping to select worldwide customers. Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 uses advanced signal processing and cutting-edge power efficiency to support AI solutions for multiple environments including the datacenter, cloud edge, edge appliance, and 5G infrastructure. The newly announced Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 Edge Development Kit is engineered to accelerate adoption of edge applications by offering a complete system solution for AI processing up to 24 simultaneous 1080p video streams along with 5G connectivity.

"Qualcomm Technologies is well positioned to support complete edge-to-cloud high performance AI solutions that lead the industry in performance per watt," said Keith Kressin, senior vice president and general manager, computing and edge cloud, Qualcomm Technologies. "Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 is now shipping to select worldwide customers and we look forward to seeing commercial products launch in the first half of 2021."