ASUS today announced that the official signing ceremony with Intel Corporation, marking the handover of the Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) product lines, has been successfully completed. ASUS will now manufacture and sell Intel NUC 10th to 13th generation systems product lines, and will develop future NUC systems. Intel NUC solutions are small-form-factor devices or compute elements that are customizable and ideal for business, edge computing, and gaming environments.

A smooth transition
Following the official handover from Intel, ASUS kicked-off its NUC business and started to take orders for NUC 10th to 13th generation systems on September 1. The new business is generating a wide variety of exciting opportunities for the company and the transition has progressed smoothly for NUC customers. The vision of the newly established ASUS NUC BU is to provide the most impactive edge computing with comprehensive commercial and AIoT solutions that can sustain the industry and businesses.

MAINGEAR, the leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs, today revealed the latest addition to its MAINGEAR Drops program: the Revolt Series. Based on the ultra-popular Revolt 3 ITX case from HYTE, these small-form-factor gaming PCs set a new standard for space-constrained spaces and feature an integrated handle that makes taking esports-level performance on the go a breeze.

Though compact, Revolt Series PCs make no compromises when it comes to performance and come in a broad range of enthusiast-inspired performance tiers with GPU options ranging from the new GeForce RTX 4060 to the incredibly powerful 4090, 13-generation Intel Core i5-13400F to i9-13900K processors, efficient air cooling, and more.

beyerdynamic, the renowned manufacturer of professional audio equipment, is expanding its MMX gaming product range. The manufacturer is launching the new MMX 200 wireless gaming headset, a product that takes gaming sound to a new level. The beyerdynamic MMX 200 wireless offers the perfect combination of crystal-clear studio sound, META VOICE microphone, and wireless connectivity for PC and console gaming enthusiasts. With features like Augmented Mode, LOW LATENCY, and Hybrid Mode with Bluetooth 5.3, the MMX 200 wireless becomes an essential companion for every gamer seeking top-notch performance and boundless flexibility.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND IN EVERY GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Specially designed by beyerdynamic acousticians for gamers, the integrated 40 mm studio driver systems deliver a clear, comprehensive soundscape. This not only impresses during gaming but also enhances voice communication and the enjoyment of music and movies. Precise in-game sound localization enables crucial gameplay maneuvers and enriches gaming worlds, making them appear even more realistic with their distinctive audio profiles.

Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil its new racing wheel rim specially designed for competition, in partnership with Ferrari: Ferrari 488 GT3 Wheel Add-On. This new wheel rim is a 1:1 scale replica of the wheel from the most successful car in the Prancing Horse brand's legendary history, with more than 500 victories in competitions: the Ferrari 488 GT3.

A real gem of racing performance technology, this replica wheel rim has been designed with weight and structure optimized for competition - thanks to its central faceplate with carbon fiber cladding, and the wheel rim's 12.2-inch/31-cm overall diameter. Feel every aspect of the circuit right at your fingertips, and really get the most out of your wheel base's power - while enjoying a high level of racing details and precision, allowing you to master every turn.

Following the events of Horizon Zero Dawn, machine hunter Aloy races to save the planet's crumbling biosphere before vicious storms and a mysterious, unstoppable blight ravages the remnants of humanity. Her mission and the sinister secrets it uncovers will pit Aloy against ever-deadlier foes, taking her to the dangerous frontier of the Forbidden West and the treacherous Burning Shores beyond.

In this complete collection with Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC, take on more awe-inspiring machines, meet new tribes, and travel to the treacherous archipelago of Los Angeles!

The corporate world of semiconductor companies has seen some restructuring lately, and today, we learn that Ryan Shrout of Intel is leaving the company. Most recently serving as Senior Director of Client Segment Strategy, CCG at Graphics and AI Group, Ryan Shrout joined Intel over four years ago. Mr. Shrout started at the company as Chief Performance Strategist in 2018, and later, in 2020, he changed his role to Senior Director of Technical and Competitive Client Marketing. After that, he made a switch and was Senior Director of Gaming, Graphics, and HPC Marketing (AXG Marketing). His most recent role was relatively short-lived, only lasting for three months.

Many people in the community may know Mr. Shrout from his time at PC Perspective, which he founded and managed as Editor-in-Chief in 1999. However, today, on his Twitter/X profile, we're learning that he is departing Intel to take on another role. "Fall is a season for change! Yesterday was my last day at Intel. I'm going to take a couple weeks with the family then I'm excited to talk about what's next," the post stated. With such extensive experience in the PC industry, we are eager to see where Mr. Shrout lands next.

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 4, setting a new standard for all-in-one (AIO) business desktop computers. Designed to address the needs of modern workplaces and content creators, this powerhouse Windows 11 PC wows with a massive 27-inch QHD display and is equipped with smart features that enhance connectivity, privacy, and usability.

"Modern businesses require more than just a high-performing PC, they need solutions that are smart and intuitive, reliable and efficient, and empowers them to create a multi-device ecosystem seamlessly," said Sanjeev Menon, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Desktop Business in Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo. "In this evolving hybrid environment, employees use an average of 2.5 devices for work and would like to be provided with both desktops and laptops to allow them to be more productive. Lenovo's ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 4 is the answer for businesses looking for synergy and to make workspaces more flexible, streamlined, and productive."

Scott Herkelman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD's Graphics Business Unit, has announced that he will be leaving AMD at the end of this year. As noted in his Twitter post, he spent last seven years at AMD, and launches three generations of RDNA graphics architectures. Scott Herkelman is a veteran of the industry, and was General Manager for GeForce at NVIDIA back in the day. After briefly switching to a start-up, he then joined AMD back in 2016 as Vice President and General Manager of Graphics Business Unit, the role he held for seven years while becoming Senior Vice President in 2022.

Scott said farewell to his colleagues in a brief Twitter post, and we are are certainly looking forward to see where he will be going next, as Scott is a PC and a gaming industry fan, through and through. Meanwhile, as spotted by Videocardz.com and according to AMD's own website, Jack Huynh will take over at the Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD's Graphics Business Unit.

UPDATE: As pointed out by some comments and a couple of readers, Jack Huynh will not replace Scott Herkelman. Jack Huynh replaced Rick Bergman back in April as Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD's Graphics Business Unit.

NACON, a major player in video game publishing and designer of premium gaming accessories, is delighted to announce the forthcoming release of a new controller officially licensed for PlayStation. With over 6 million NACON PS4 controllers sold, including 1.6 million of its NACON Pro line since 2016, the features of NACON controllers have won over legions of competitive gamers.

"This new model in the Revolution line is the culmination of years of development and NACON's passion for gaming. We wanted to create the best controller possible, a controller that would give gamers the upper hand. The Revolution 5 Pro combines the best of our expertise, technological innovation and ergonomics," said Yannick Allaert, Head of Accessories Division at NACON. "I want to thank Sony Interactive Entertainment, our long-time partner, who has enabled us to develop this product in the best way possible."

ASUS today announced ASUS ExpertCenter PB63, a compact 1.35-liter mini PC powered by up to a 13th Gen Intel Core processor with Intel UHD graphics and able to support 46-65 watt CPUs. Dual PCIe Gen 4 SSDs and DDR5-5600 MHz memory ensure tasks are seamlessly and efficiently executed. PB63 offers triple-display support by way of its two DisplayPort connections and configurable port (DP / COM / HDMI / VGA / LAN), with additional connectivity options via eight USB ports. Plus, the ability to accommodate up to three storage drives add to this mini PC's versatility. The compact chassis is available in Black or White, and includes Stackable Optical Drive Module Support to accommodate the varying needs of businesses.

Desktop-grade performance
ASUS ExpertCenter PB63 is powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors with Intel UHD graphics, enabling this mini PC to easily handle any business task. It is able to support 46-65 W CPUs, making it ideal for organizations looking for supreme efficiency or maximum performance.

Piranha Games revealed MechWarrior 5: Clans today, a new stand alone MechWarrior game coming to PC, Xbox and PlayStation consoles next year. MechWarrior 5: Clans, while retaining the MechWarrior 5 designation, represents a transformative step forward in the MechWarrior 5 franchise. MechWarrior 5: Clans linear campaign will be an evolution of gameplay and storytelling in the MechWarrior series, experienced from the perspective of Clan Smoke Jaguar in the pivotal conflict known as the Clan Invasion starting in the year 3050.

MechWarrior 5: Clans follows Piranha's 2019 hit, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, which was a campaign-based, open ended, procedural experience, selling more than 1.5 million units with a current 9/10 Very Positive ranking on Steam from more than 7,500 user reviews.

First, an enormous thank you to all of you playing Starfield and your support. We are absolutely blown away by the response and all you love about the game. We're also reading all your great feedback on what you'd like to see improved or added to the game. This is a game we'll be supporting for years and years to come, so please keep all the feedback coming! Even if we don't get to your requests immediately, we'd love to do it in the future, like city maps. Our priority initially is making sure any top blocker bugs or stability issues are addressed, and adding quality-of-life features that many are asking for.

This first update is a small hotfix targeted at the few top issues were are seeing. After that, expect a regular interval of updates that have top community requested features including:

• Brightness and Contrast controls
• HDR Calibration Menu
• FOV Slider
• Nvidia DLSS Support (PC)
• 32:9 Ultrawide Monitor Support (PC)
• Eat button for food!

TrendForce's latest research paints a vivid picture: Q2 saw the NAND Flash market still grappling with lackluster demand and being significantly outpaced by supply. The ASP of NAND Flash also took a hit, tumbling 10-15%. Nevertheless, there was a silver lining as bit shipments grew by 19.9% QoQ from a low baseline in 1Q23. To sum up, the Q2 landscape of the NAND Flash sector witnessed a 7.4% QoQ growth in revenue, reaching US$9.338 billion.

From Q2, Samsung began reining in production with a further squeeze expected for the third quarter. With inventories set to thin out, price hikes loom on the horizon, possibly offering a remedy to the chronic supply-demand imbalance. Yet, a crowded supplier landscape in the NAND Flash sector means that many players, faced with hefty inventories, will likely continue aggressive sales into Q3. Forecasts suggests a deceleration in ASP decline for NAND Flash products in Q3 to 5-10%. Riding the stockpiling momentum for the high season, bit shipments are set to rise, propelling Q3 revenue growth past the 3% threshold.

According to the latest report from Nikkei, HP, the world's second-largest PC manufacturer after Lenovo, is making strategic shifts in its laptop production bases. In a move that reflects broader trends among tech giants, HP is collaborating with various Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) providers to move a significant part of its laptop production out of China to other countries such as Thailand, Mexico, and eventually Vietnam. For 2023 alone, the production outside of China is expected to range from a few million units up to 5 million, a noteworthy figure given HP's total global PC shipments of 55.2 million units. Commercial notebooks are slated for production in Mexico, catering to HP's primary market, North America, with consumer laptops made in Thailand. Additionally, a shift to Vietnam is on the horizon for 2024. Thailand's mature PC supplier ecosystem is anticipated to facilitate a smoother transition for HP.

HP's reconfiguration of manufacturing locations aligns with similar initiatives by other tech giants. Dell, for example, is also reducing its reliance on Chinese-made chips and aims to manufacture at least 20% of its laptops in Vietnam this year. Apple has likewise commenced MacBook production in the same country. Several factors are driving these relocations, with rising manufacturing costs in China, including labor recruitment challenges and increased labor costs, being key among them. Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China also weigh in on these decisions, especially since the U.S. is a crucial market for both HP and Dell. Despite the diversification, HP reaffirms its commitment to continue operations in China, particularly in Chongqing, a significant laptop production hub since 2008.

Today, 2K announced that NBA 2K24, the latest iteration of the top-rated NBA video game simulation series, is now available worldwide on PlayStation 5 (PS5), PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch family of systems, and PC. Players can experience the past, present, and future of hoops culture with innovative updates in NBA 2K24. A focus on increased realism and competition are at the forefront of the newest entry with the introduction of immersive ProPLAY technology and crossplay functionality for New Gen, alongside so much more.

"We've ushered in a new era of 2K, thanks to the groundbreaking ProPLAY technology delivering the most authentic and realistic NBA 2K gameplay to date. NBA 2K24 also introduces new updates to our beloved modes with incredible details that will delight gamers and basketball fans alike."

Innovative Design Elevates Space Efficiency and Thermal Performance in the Compact, Updated Q300L V2 Cooler Master takes things up a few notches from the original MasterBox Q300L mATX case with the launch of the all-new Q300L V2 to bring out the full potential of the mATX form factor. An ongoing commitment to mATX, the innovations on the Q300L V2 are about bringing out efficiencies and delivering superior thermal performance without compromise to space and aesthetics.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Cooler Master, a global leader in PC components, has launched the Q300L V2 - a revitalized and rejuvenated successor to the original MasterBox Q300L. Taking each feature of its predecessor to new heights, the Q300L V2 boldly redefines the capabilities and performance of mATX cases.

According to a new research report from the analyst firm Jon Peddie Research (JPR), unit shipments in the add-in board (AIB) market increased in Q2'23 from last quarter, while AMD gained market share. Quarter to quarter, graphics AIB shipments increased modestly, by 2.9%; however, shipments decreased by -36% year to year.

Since Q1 2000, over 2.10 billion graphics cards, worth about $476 billion, have been sold. The market shares for the desktop discrete GPU suppliers shifted in the quarter, as AMD's market share increased from last quarter and Nvidia's share increased from last year. Intel, which entered the AIB market in Q3'22 with the Arc A770 and A750, will start to increase market share in 2024.

Cooler Master, a leading innovator in PC Hardware, today announced the launch of CMODX, a new website offering a refined shopping experience for Cooler Master's high-end technology products. CMODX is set to redefine the tech shopping experience, offering a blend of luxury and innovation.

The meticulously crafted products on cmodx.com are tailored to meet the discerning tastes of a specific tech enthusiast segment. The lineup includes the Orb X, a semi-enclosed workstation that stands as a testament to the fusion of luxury and cutting-edge technology, offering an unrivaled personal tech experience. Alongside, the Sneaker X, a PC with style, underscores the brand's commitment to breaking out of the boxy PC stereotype. This diverse and sophisticated range positions Cooler Master at the forefront of the tech industry, setting new standards for luxury and innovation.

Today, Lenovo announced several new products and solutions at its annual holiday product launch. The new additions to the portfolio - which include AI-tuned innovations in gaming, a groundbreaking 3D monitor, software solutions, versatile accessories, and more - are available to explore here.

Gaming on the Go: Lenovo Legion Gaming Handheld Device and Accessories Untether PC Gaming
The new Lenovo Legion Go is the company's first Windows gaming handheld device that gives gamers more freedom to game however—and wherever—they want. The Lenovo Legion Go is designed for gamers who will settle for nothing less than top-tier specs and visuals on their handheld device. Along with the new micro-OLED-equipped Lenovo Legion Glasses and new Lenovo Legion E510 7.1 RGB Gaming In-Ear Headphones, the debut of the Lenovo Legion Go is a marked expansion of the Lenovo Legion ecosystem of gaming devices, monitors, accessories, software, and services that empower gamers to immerse themselves in their games.

Today, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive, in partnership with Games Workshop, are thrilled to unveil the most extensive look at Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's gameplay to date. In this 10-minute Extended Gameplay trailer, the explosive third-person action game shows Lieutenant Titus and his battle brothers Chairon and Gadriel taking on swarms of Tyranids on the Planet Avarax. The game will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC with digital and physical versions, and a prestigious Collector's Edition which is currently open for pre-orders.

Continue the story of legendary Space Marine Lieutenant Titus - voiced by Vikings and Taken star Clive Standen - and drive back the everlasting night in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's epic new campaign whether solo with AI or in 3-player co-op! Unleash a deadly arsenal and embody the unwavering brutality of the Emperor's greatest warriors to protect humanity from the untold horrors of the galaxy, including the dark forces of Chaos! First teased at Summer Game Fest, the sorcerous Thousand Sons - Chaos Space Marines in thrall to the Chaos God of fate and mutation are now confirmed to appear in the game!

Your reign draws near! Skull Island: Rise of Kong arrives on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on Oct. 17, 2023. Based on the series of novels featuring Skull Island developed by creator Joe DeVito and based on Merian C. Cooper's King Kong, this exhilarating, third-person action-adventure game lets you become Kong on a journey of vengeance as you fight to claim your rightful place as King of Skull Island.

Take on an action-packed quest to avenge the death of Kong's parents at the hands of the ultimate alpha predator: the saurian terror Gaw. Traverse the mysterious island and uncover its secrets across a variety of treacherous environments, discovering the power coursing through its exotic flora and fauna. Conquer waves of primal beasts, defeat unique bosses, and rise above all who stand in Kong's way to being King!

TrendForce expects that memory suppliers will continue their strategy of scaling back production of both DRAM and NAND Flash in 2024, with the cutback being particularly pronounced in the financially struggling NAND Flash sector. Market demand visibility for consumer electronic is projected to remain uncertain in 1H24. Additionally, capital expenditure for general-purpose servers is expected to be weakened due to competition from AI servers. Considering the low baseline set in 2023 and the current low pricing for some memory products, TrendForce anticipates YoY bit demand growth rates for DRAM and NAND Flash to be 13% and 16%, respectively. Nonetheless, achieving effective inventory reduction and restoring supply-demand balance next year will largely hinge on suppliers' ability to exercise restraint in their production capacities. If managed effectively, this could open up an opportunity for a rebound in average memory prices.

PC: The annual growth rate for average DRAM capacity is projected at approximately 12.4%, driven mainly by Intel's new Meteor Lake CPUs coming into mass production in 2024. This platform's DDR5 and LPDDR5 exclusivity will likely make DDR5 the new mainstream, surpassing DDR4 in the latter half of 2024. The growth rate in PC client SSDs will not be as robust as that of PC DRAM, with just an estimated growth of 8-10%. As consumer behavior increasingly shifts toward cloud-based solutions, the demand for laptops with large storage capacities is decreasing. Even though 1 TB models are becoming more available, 512 GB remains the predominant storage option. Furthermore, memory suppliers are maintaining price stability by significantly reducing production. Should prices hit rock bottom and subsequently rebound, PC OEMs are expected to face elevated SSD costs. This, when combined with Windows increasing its licensing fees for storage capacities at and above 1 TB, is likely to put a damper on further growth in average storage capacities.

Jon Peddie Research reports the growth of the global PC-based graphics processor unit (GPU) market reached 61.6 million units in Q2'23 and PC CPU shipments decreased by -23% year over year. Overall, GPUs will have a compound annual growth rate of 3.70% during 2022-2026 and reach an installed base of 2,998 million units at the end of the forecast period. Over the next five years, the penetration of discrete GPUs (dGPUs) in the PC will grow to reach a level of 32%.

Year to year, total GPU shipments, which include all platforms and all types of GPUs, decreased by -27%, desktop graphics decreased by -36%, and notebooks decreased by -23%.

Explore the possibilities of what you can create on a bigger canvas with incredible detail (218 PPI) and true color accuracy. The ViewFinity S9 is Samsung's first 5K high resolution IPS display designed for creators (5,120 x 2,880). The 27-inch display offers DCI-P3 99% color gamut and 600 nits of brightness to deliver the color saturation and detail that brings your ideas to life. You can see improved image shadow and highlight details and preserve screen color accuracy with a Matte Display that works to drastically reduces light reflections.

ViewFinity S9 is also Pantone Validated, offering authentic reproduction of more than 2,000 Pantone colors and 100 Pantone SkinTone shades on screen. To customize the display calibration for different projects, the S9 can use your smartphone to adjust settings like DCI-P3 or sRGB color space, color temperature, luminance, and gamma. Smart Calibration allows for simple and intuitive customization without the need for additional, complex calibration tools.

Independent developer Free Range Games and publisher North Beach Games today announced the release date for their highly anticipated co-op survival crafting title, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, which will welcome Dwarves into the storied mines on Oct. 24 with a digital release for the PlayStation 5 computer entertainment system and Windows PC version via the Epic Games Store. The game will see a physical release for the PS5 at retail on Dec. 5, and is scheduled to release for the Xbox Series X|S console systems in early 2024. Eager adventurers can pre-order the title digitally starting today on PC via the Epic Games Store or wishlist the game on the PlayStation Store for PS5. Set in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, the epic fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria follows the Dwarves as they embark on unique adventures to reclaim and restore their Dwarven homeland of Moria.

The story of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria takes players beyond the books and into the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, the fantastical world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Summoned to the Misty Mountains by Lord Gimli Lockbearer, players take control of a company of Dwarves tasked to reclaim the lost spoils from the Dwarven homeland of Moria—known as Khazad-dûm or Dwarrowdelf—in the depths below their very feet. Their quest will require fortitude and teamwork, delving deep into the Mines of Moria to recover its treasures and in the hopes of one day restoring them to their former glory.