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Thermaltake Releases the Pacific F-Pro Fittings and the Pacific PCTG Hard Tubes

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is excited to introduce the Pacific F-Pro Fitting - Chrome series and the Pacific PCTG Hard Tube series. Combining aesthetics with functionality, the F-Pro Fittings feature a sleek mirror-polished design, while the PCTG Hard Tubes provide high-temperature resistance. These new cooling components enhance durability and precision, making installation effortless and giving PC enthusiasts the freedom to create with confidence.

Pacific F-Pro Fitting - Chrome
The Pacific F-Pro Fitting Series stands out for its mirror-polished design, meticulously crafted to deliver a flawless, mirror-like finish. This treatment elevates the aesthetics of custom liquid cooling setups, offering a refined look. With six different fittings, this series provides a range of options, enabling you to build ideal liquid cooling systems for the ultimate performance and style.

GALAX Launches Metal Master Dark Guard PC Case

We spotted via IT Home a fresh PC case just released by GALAX under the name "Metal Master Dark Guard", a new case that works with both ATX and microATX (back connectors supported) motherboards. The case keeps the look of the Metal Master series, with clean lines and a nice beveled design. It also has a big tempered glass side panel that gives you a clear view of internal components. The case internal design shows special attention to cooling, as GALAX mentions that they put it through multiple airflow tests. It can fit up to eight 120 or 140 mm fans, and one 240/260/280 mm radiator which makes it great for high-end gaming PCs. The design has a smart air duct system to keep things cool, and there's plenty of room inside to make cable management easy. One cool thing about the design is that the USB 3.0, and Type-C connectors are placed at the front-bottom. This helps keep the overall look clean by hiding cables away from the user's eyes while keeping the airflow clean.

The case can fit the latest hardware components, including the new RTX 50 series graphics cards or any graphic card up to 400 mm long, and standard power supplies. GALAX has priced the Metal Master Dark Guard at 249 yuan about $35, at least that's the price on Asian markets. If it reaches Western markets around $50 it can be considered a viable option for those on a tight budget.

GameSir Intros X3 Pro Deadpool Edition Mobile Controller

The GameSir X3 Pro integrated cooler mobile controller merges an advanced cooling system with high-quality performance. It is designed to enhance your gaming comfort and elevate your gaming experience with extreme esports sensation. It's compatible with Android devices and iPhone 15 and above, supporting phones with a length of 110-180 mm. Now available in exclusive Deadpool edition.

Officially licensed by Marvel, this edition showcases Deadpool's iconic black and red color scheme, capturing the essence of the beloved anti-hero. Equipped with a 900 mm cooling plate, it delivers an impressive 12 W of cooling power, keeping your phone cool even during long gaming sessions or in high temperatures. The GameSir Hall Effect anti-drift sticks offer 360° precision control, providing seamless and pinpoint accuracy. Combined with their durability, they meet the high standards that gamers demand for a top-tier gaming experience.

Osaka Scientists Unveil 'Living' Electrodes That Can Enhance Silicon Devices

Shrinking components was (and still is) the main way to boost the speed of all electronic devices; however, as devices get tinier, making them becomes trickier. A group of scientists from SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), at Osaka University has discovered another method to enhance performance: putting a special metal layer known as a metamaterial on top of a silicon base to make electrons move faster. This approach shows promise, but the tricky part is managing the metamaterial's structure so it can adapt to real-world needs.

To address this, the team looked into vanadium dioxide (VO₂). When heated, VO₂ changes from non-conductive to metallic, allowing it to carry electric charge like small adjustable electrodes. The researchers used this effect to create 'living' microelectrodes, which made silicon photodetectors better at spotting terahertz light. "We made a terahertz photodetector with VO₂ as a metamaterial. Using a precise method, we created a high-quality VO₂ layer on silicon. By controlling the temperature, we adjusted the size of the metallic regions—much larger than previously possible—which affected how the silicon detected terahertz light," says lead author Ai I. Osaka.

PNY Expands Portfolio of Ultra-Fast PRO Elite V3 USB Flash Drives

PNY Technologies today announced the latest additions to their USB Type-C flash drive lineup, headlined by the extreme-performance PRO Elite V3 that delivers read speeds up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 800 MB/s, and offers storage options ranging from 256 GB - 2 TB. The expanded Type-C portfolio also includes the ultra-compact Elite-X Fit and Elite models, providing a storage solution for all Type-C and high-performance portable needs without requiring a Type-C adapter.

Extreme Storage Solution—PRO Elite V3 Type-C
The PRO Elite V3 leads PNY's latest generation of Type-C USB storage solutions, crafted for professional content creators, designers, and gamers demanding high performance while working with large files and resource-demanding applications. With extreme read speeds up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 800 MB/s, users can safely transfer their valuable content at blazing fast speeds up to 265 times faster than standard USB 2.0 flash drives. A huge storage size increase of up to 2 TB provides professional users ample space to store large project files, 4K video collections, and extensive gaming libraries on a single storage device.

ASUS TUF Gaming Discusses GeForce RTX 5090 & 5080 Feature Sets

We build our TUF Gaming components for users who want an emphasis on substance, meaning you're paying for pure performance when you go TUF. That focus on function is where the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 and TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5080 graphics cards excel, providing you with next-gen graphics capabilities as well as high-performance thermal solutions that'll hold up under 4K AAA gaming pressure. If you've been waiting to upgrade your rig and want to treat yourself to a premium power bump, now's the time to pull the trigger. You're in for a truly substantial generational leap with these high-end components featuring the power of NVIDIA's latest GPU architecture alongside the sophistication of our latest graphics card designs.

Next-gen tech for tomorrow's heavyweight games
The GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 comprise the top of the power stack for NVIDIA's 50 Series GPUs, so when you invest in either a TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 or 5080 graphics card, you're setting yourself up for years to come. The 50 Series is powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, meaning these GPUs feature 4th generation RT cores to give gamers the best ray tracing performance yet. They also pack neural shaders, which compress textures to cut down on memory usage and produce incredible real-time visuals. And NVIDIA has ensured its 50 Series is equipped for neural processing via a built-in AI management processor, so you'll get an optimal experience when harnessing the power of NVIDIA DLSS 4. Powered by 5th generation Tensor Cores, DLSS 4 uses a Multi Frame Generation solution to boost your framerate to new heights.

Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2024 Results

Samsung Electronics today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year 2024. The Company posted KRW 75.8 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 6.5 trillion in operating profit in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. For the full year, it reported KRW 300.9 trillion in annual revenue and KRW 32.7 trillion in operating profit.

Although fourth quarter revenue and operating profit decreased on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, annual revenue reached the second-highest on record, surpassed only in 2022. Meanwhile, operating profit was down KRW 2.7 trillion QoQ, due to soft market conditions especially for IT products, and an increase in expenditures including R&D. In the first quarter of 2025, while overall earnings improvement may be limited due to weakness in the semiconductors business, the Company aims to pursue growth through increased sales of smartphones with differentiated AI experiences, as well as premium products in the Device eXperience (DX) Division.

Smarter Memory Paves the Way for EU Independence in Computer Manufacturing

New technology from Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, is helping the EU establish its own competitive computer manufacturing industry. Researchers have developed components critical for optimising on-chip memory, a key factor in enhancing the performance of next-generation computers.

The research leader, Professor Per Stenström, along with colleagues, has discovered new ways to make cache memory work smarter. A cache is a local memory that temporarily stores frequently accessed data, improving a computer's speed and performance. "Our solution enables computers to retrieve data significantly faster than before, as the cache can manage far more processing elements (PEs) than most existing systems. This makes it possible to meet the demands of tomorrow's powerful computers," says Per Stenström, Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg.

Intel Previews Sustainable Modular PC Design Concept

Intel's Platform Engineering and Client Segments groups are actively looking into ways of reducing computer e-waste, and (in parallel) enhance product repairability. The company's newly proposed "Modular PC Design" is set to take a "sustainable approach" across three key modularity levels: factory, field and user. Team Blue's blog post goes into great detail about revised laptop and mini-PC designs—with the "right-to-repair" movement serving as a major influence. Many "consumer activists and environmental groups" have advocated for improvements in personal computer design—Intel appears to be listening, but a firm release timeline has not been set.

Intel's proposed new standards will revolve around repairability and upgradability—as explained in their blog: "the right-to-repair emphasizes the importance of being able to fix and upgrade PCs on one's own. Improving repairability requires fundamental changes starting from the design methodology." Team Blue's Modular PC program—for laptops—breaks away from the tradition of utilizing an "all-in-one motherboard." A reference diagram shows off three internal modules: a motherboard package and two "universal" left and right I/O units. These separate boards can be: "utilized across various platforms or market segments leads to cost savings by streamlining the duration of the design cycle and minimizing the engineering investment required. The I/O boards for Premium Modular designs are engineered to be common between the fan-less Thin & Light system, which operates within a 10 W power envelope, and the premium fanned designs, which function within a 20 W (single fan) and 30 W (dual fan, Wi-Fi only SKU) power envelope." Framework recently celebrated its fifth year of operation—its modular laptop designs have seemingly "inspired" a few copycats.

Longsys Launches 7.2mm Subsize eMMC, Breaking the Physical Space Constraints of AI Wearables

In the design of wearable devices, every millimeter matters. As AI technology becomes deeply integrated, wearable devices demand not only enhanced performance but also the ability to deliver more functionalities within highly limited spaces. Recently, Longsys introduced a 7.2 mm × 7.2 mm subsize eMMC, providing a groundbreaking memory solution for optimizing the physical space of AI wearables.

Ultra-Compact: Unlocking New Possibilities for Wearable Design
7.2 mm × 7.2 mm is one of the smallest subsize eMMCs currently available on the market, achieving maximum space efficiency. Its 153 solder balls nearly cover the entire panel, pushing the design to the very edge of physical limits. Compared to the standard 11.5 mm × 13 mm eMMC, its surface area is reduced by approximately 65%, with a thickness of just 0.8 mm. Featuring a lightweight design, it weighs only 0.1 g (approx.), nearly 67% lighter than the standard 0.3 g eMMC. This ultra-compact design frees up additional space for other internal components, enabling wearable devices to maintain a sleek and lightweight form while integrating more functional modules to meet diverse user demands.

MAINGEAR Unveils Two New Premium APEX Liquid Cooled Desktop Gaming PCs

MAINGEAR, the leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs, just dropped the curtain on two groundbreaking additions to its APEX line: the all-new APEX FORCE and the upgraded APEX RUSH. These state-of-the-art gaming PCs redefine performance, cooling, and customization for the most discerning gamers.

APEX FORCE: There's No Replacement for Displacement
The APEX FORCE features a full-tower chassis design based on the popular Phanteks NV9, concealed rear external cable management, and panoramic tempered glass panels trimmed with a diffused illuminated edge, that maximizes the premium aesthetics of the FORCE. Inside, it's immediately noticeable that MAINGEAR spent countless hours precisely engineering the APEX hardline cooling system with 10-degree offset tubing to perfectly mate with the chassis' unique design language, making the FORCE a masterpiece of functional design and engineering. Upgradable RGB lighting accentuates the cooling components and premium hardware perfectly.

MSI Introduces Next-Gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards for the AI Era

MSI has unveiled its groundbreaking NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards, featuring cutting-edge designs including Suprim Liquid, Suprim, Vanguard, Gaming Trio, Ventus, and Inspire. Engineered with enhanced thermal solutions, the cards are crafted to meet the high-performance demands of next-gen GPUs, delivering advanced cooling and peak performance.

Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at unprecedented speed, and unleash creativity with NVIDIA Studio. Plus, access NVIDIA NIM microservices - state-of-the-art AI models that let enthusiasts and developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows with peak performance on NIM-ready systems.

iFixit Adds Xbox Series Consoles to Growing List of Official Spare Parts

iFixit, the company known for publishing tear-down guides and repairability ratings as well as selling official spare parts and components for various electronics brands, has added Microsoft's Xbox consoles to its growing range of official spares. The repair advocacy company today announced in a blog post that Xbox Series X and Series S spares will now be available through iFixit, replete with DIY repair guides for all the spares sold on the online shop. As is typical of iFixit, the goal—aside from the obvious profit motives—is to promote right to repair and DIY repair in order to keep electronics in service for longer, reducing the amount of e-waste that ends up on the trash heap.

The official iFixit Xbox partnership will include both the disc and digital-only versions of the Series consoles, and the parts list is quite extensive, including everything from big-ticket items, like the motherboard assembly and built-in power supply to less obvious things, like the rubber feet and Wi-Fi modules. Xbox controller spares are also available in the Microsoft Repair Hub, and the list of controller spares looks comprehensive, too. Curiously, iFixit will offer both Microsoft's official Series X/S replacement joysticks and Gulikit TMR Electromagnetic joystick modules, which are a drift-resistant upgrade to the stock joysticks.

Cooler Master Unwraps the MasterFrame Series

Cooler Master, a global leader in PC components and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced the launch of the MasterFrame Series, an innovative line of PC cases that redefines customization, performance, and artistry in PC design. This adaptable series introduces a bold reimagining of what a PC case can be—blending premium aesthetics with unparalleled functionality.

With its dynamic exo-structure and artist-inspired interchangeable panels, the MasterFrame Series offers a platform for limitless creativity. Whether building high-performance setups, creating content, or showcasing personal style, the MasterFrame empowers users to design PCs as unique as they are.

Turtle Beach Unveils the New Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR), today introduced the ultimate weapon for competitive gamers, the all-new Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick. Turtle Beach's fully customizable Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is officially licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft to fit any fighting gamer's platform preference and play style and elevate their capabilities in a match. The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is designed and crafted to the highest standard with premium features and components. Hot swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches, customizable RGB lighting, a removable aluminium top plate, and up to 16 moveable and mappable buttons give players total control over their gaming experience.

It's time to raise your rank and level up your fighting game gear with the confidence to compete at a professional level. The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick for PlayStation is compatible with PS5 and PS4 consoles and Windows 10/11 PCs, while the Designed for Xbox version is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 PCs. The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is available for pre-order for $249.99/£229.99/€249.99 MSRP at www.victrixpro.com and participating retailers and launches December 13, 2024.

Cooler Master Announces Products Compatible with Intel Core Ultra 200S Series Processors for Next-Gen Cooling Solutions

Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced that a select range of thermal solutions will be compatible with Intel's latest Core Ultra 200S Series processors. Cooler Master remains committed to providing high-performance cooling solutions that ensure optimal thermal management for Intel's cutting-edge CPUs, delivering enhanced performance and reliability.

The following Cooler Master advanced cooling technologies have been specifically engineered to complement Intel's latest CPUs, ensuring the best temperature management and sustained performance.

ASUS Announces TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon Mid-Tower PC Case

ASUS today announced the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon, a mid-tower PC case with a seamless panoramic view, exceptional cooling and unbeatable style. The front pillar that separated the front and side tempered glass panels on the original GT502 has been removed to give users a seamless window into a build that stretches nearly halfway around the entire case.

Advanced reinforcement techniques strengthen the TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon to maintain its structural integrity without the support of a front pillar. It can comfortably withstand up to 30 kg of weight from above, and its sturdy fabric handles are perfectly capable of helping users adjust the position of their PC, as they could with the original GT502. The TUF Gaming GT502 Horizon is also available in two colors: Classic Black and Snowy White, with color-matched modular cables.

NVIDIA Resolves "Blackwell" Yield Issues with New Photomask

During its Q2 2024 earnings call, NVIDIA confirmed that its upcoming Blackwell-based products are facing low-yield challenges. However, the company announced that it has implemented design changes to improve the production yields of its B100 and B200 processors. Despite these setbacks, NVIDIA remains optimistic about its production timeline. The tech giant plans to commence the production ramp of Blackwell GPUs in Q4 2024, with expected shipments worth several billion dollars by the end of the year. In an official statement, NVIDIA explained, "We executed a change to the Blackwell GPU mask to improve production yield." The company also reaffirmed that it had successfully sampled Blackwell GPUs with customers in the second quarter.

However, NVIDIA acknowledged that meeting demand required producing "low-yielding Blackwell material," which impacted its gross margins. During an earnings call, NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang assured investors that the supply of B100 and B200 GPUs will be there. He expressed confidence in the company's ability to mass-produce these chips starting in the fourth quarter. The Blackwell B100 and B200 GPUs use TSMC's CoWoS-L packaging technology and a complex design, which prompted rumors about the company facing yield issues with its designs. Reports suggest that initial challenges arose from mismatched thermal expansion coefficients among various components, leading to warping and system failures. However, now the company claims that the fix that solved these problems was a new GPU photomask, which bumped yields back to normal levels.

HP Unveils New Customizable Gaming Gear from OMEN and HyperX

This week at Gamescom 2024, HP Inc. unveiled its latest gaming gear from OMEN and HyperX. The new offerings take customization to the next level, allowing gamers to fine-tune their aesthetics and ensure their desktops are future-ready with OMEN components.

"HP is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver unparalleled, personalized experiences for every gamer," said Josephine Tan, Senior Vice President & Division President of Personal Systems Gaming Solutions. "With our latest innovations in OMEN and HyperX, being showcased at Gamescom 2024, we are excited to elevate the gaming experience. Our goal is to provide users with the tools they need to perform at their best and ensure their systems are upgradable, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their gaming worlds for years to come."

Newegg Adds CPU Trade-In and PC Trade-In Programs

Newegg Commerce, Inc., a leading global e-commerce company specializing in computers and consumer electronics, today announced that its CPU Trade-In program is now live on Newegg.com. As the latest addition to the GPU Trade-In program launched last year, Newegg's CPU Trade-In program enables customers to trade their used CPUs in exchange for credit toward an entirely new CPU from Newegg.

About the CPU Trade-In Program
A CPU, often referred to as the brain of a computer, enables PCs to process data and operations. When new units become available, users frequently opt to upgrade their system's CPU with newer, faster models capable of accommodating increasingly sophisticated software and programs. Newegg's trade-in program allows customers to trade in their existing aged CPUs for credit toward a new CPU.

"Indirector" is Intel's Latest Branch Predictor Vulnerability, But Patch is Already Out

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, have unveiled a significant security vulnerability affecting Intel Raptor Lake and Alder Lake processors. The newly discovered flaw, dubbed "Indirector," exposes weaknesses in the Indirect Branch Predictor (IBP) and Branch Target Buffer (BTB), potentially allowing attackers to execute precise Branch Target Injection (BTI) attacks. The published study provides a detailed look into the intricate structures of the IBP and BTB within recent Intel processors, showcasing Spectre-style attach. For the first time, researchers have mapped out the size, structure, and precise functions governing index and tag hashing in these critical components. Particularly concerning is the discovery of previously unknown gaps in Intel's hardware defenses, including IBPB, IBRS, and STIBP. These findings suggest that even the latest security measures may be insufficient to protect against sophisticated attacks.

The research team developed a tool called "iBranch Locator," which can efficiently identify and manipulate specific branches within the IBP. This tool enables highly precise BTI attacks, potentially compromising security across various scenarios, including cross-process and cross-privilege environments. One of the most alarming implications of this vulnerability is its ability to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), a crucial security feature in modern operating systems. By exploiting the IBP and BTB, attackers could potentially break ASLR protections, exposing systems to a wide range of security threats. Experts recommend several mitigation strategies, including more aggressive use of Intel's IBPB (Indirect Branch Prediction Barrier) feature. However, the performance impact of this solution—up to 50% in some cases—makes it impractical for frequent domain transitions, such as those in browsers and sandboxes. In a statement for Tom's Hardware, Intel noted the following: "Intel reviewed the report submitted by academic researchers and determined previous mitigation guidance provided for issues such as IBRS, eIBRS and BHI are effective against this new research and no new mitigations or guidance is required."

USound & Luxshare-ICT Introduce Gemini 2.0 Dual Speaker Audio Module for TWS & IEMs

USound, the leading global provider of MEMS speakers, announced today the availability of a new dual speaker audio module that was created in collaboration with the notable global designer and manufacturer Luxshare-ICT. In 2022, the two companies had announced their collaboration for the development of a new audio solution that would fulfill all criteria for true wireless (TWS) earphones. The development is now concluded and Gemini 2.0 UAM-C1102 dual speaker audio module is available for purchase.

"We proudly announce the availability of the most advanced audio module for TWS and IEMs. Gemini 2.0 exceeds market demands by providing unparalleled audio performance in an ultra-compact form; a development that was made possible thanks to the harmonious and fruitful collaboration with Luxshare-ICT. Here at USound, we look forward to seeing our innovative audio components facilitate the production of state-of-the-art consumer electronics products, such as TWS earphones and advanced IEMs." -Ferruccio Bottoni, USound's CEO

HP Explores Modular MicroLED Displays for Puzzle-Like Monitors

HP has envisioned a new approach to MicroLED monitors that could revolutionize how we design and buikd displays. Dubbed "Composable MicroLED Monitors," this concept proposes a modular system where users can assemble their desired monitor configuration from multiple components. At the core of this concept lies a base unit that serves as the foundation, housing the necessary connections and a stand. Users can then attach flat or curved extension modules to the base, allowing various display sizes and formats. These modules resemble puzzle pieces, seamlessly integrating with the base unit through magnetic holders that ensure precise alignment. The true beauty of this concept lies in its scalability and customization options. By combining multiple base units and extension modules, users can create displays of virtually any size or shape tailored to their specific needs.

Whether it's a compact, single-screen setup or an immersive, curved multi-monitor array, the possibilities are endless. HP's illustrations showcase the potential of this concept, with a proposed base unit size of 12" x 12" and extension modules measuring 12" x 6". With integrated switches or software controls, users can even specify how the operating system treats the connected display tiles - as a unified, large display or as separate, independent screens. While this concept's modular nature promises infinite flexibility, it also presents a challenge: the inevitable gaps between modules. HP's research paper delves into potential solutions to minimize these gaps, ensuring a seamless visual experience for users. Whether HP's "Composable MicroLED Monitors" concept will transition from a study to a tangible product remains to be seen. However, one thing is sure: this pioneering approach could open up a world of possibilities for display technology, enabling users to create truly personalized and tailored visual experiences.

Taiwan Dominates Global AI Server Supply - Government Reportedly Estimates 90% Share

The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) managed to herd government representatives and leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry figures together for an important meeting, according to DigiTimes Asia. The report suggests that the main topic of discussion focused on an anticipated growth of Taiwan's ICT industry—current market trends were analyzed, revealing that the nation absolutely dominates in the AI server segment. The MOEA has (allegedly) determined that Taiwan has shipped 90% of global AI server equipment—DigiTimes claims (based on insider info) that: "American brand vendors are expected to source their AI servers from Taiwanese partners." North American customers could be (presently) 100% reliant on supplies of Taiwanese-produced equipment—a scenario that potentially complicates ongoing international tensions.

The report posits that involved parties have formed plans to seize opportunities within an evergrowing global demand for AI hardware—a 90% market dominance is clearly not enough for some very ambitious industry bosses—although manufacturers will need to jump over several (rising) cost hurdles. Key components for AI servers are reported to be much higher than vanilla server parts—DigiTimes believes that AI processor/accelerator chips are priced close to ten times higher than general purpose server CPUs. Similar price hikes have reportedly affected AI adjacent component supply chains—notably cooling, power supplies and passive parts. Taiwanese manufacturers have spread operations around the world, but industry watchdogs (largely) believe that the best stuff gets produced on home ground—global expansions are underway, perhaps inching closer to better balanced supply conditions.

Quantum Machines Discusses Direct Digital Synthesis for Large-Scale Quantum Computing

In developing the OPX1000, a controller fit for the ever-growing quantum processors counting 1,000 qubits and beyond, we had to think deeply about every detail that impairs scalability. Our recently unveiled OPX1000 module for microwave generation (MW-FEM) generates pulses up to 10.5 GHz directly, without analog oscillators or mixers. The choice of technology to reach microwave frequencies is not trivial. We choose cutting-edge direct digital synthesis (DDS) for very specific reasons, and we believe it will enable scalability and performance to an even greater degree. In this blog, we dive deeper into the considerations for going this route and existing alternatives. So stick around, whether you like mixers or hate them, this will be an interesting ride.

Summary of Technologies for Microwave Operation
The control signals for qubit drive and readout often fall in the microwave range, which is outside the range of baseband controllers. Many qubit labs have solved the issue with solutions based on mixing, including single sideband mixers, IQ-mixers, or more complicated schemes such as double super-heterodyne (DSH) conversion. Mixer-based solutions make use of analog local oscillators (LOs) that are multiplied by the signal of a controller or an AWG. IQ-mixers naturally suffer from two main spurs (affectionate name for unwanted signals), the LO leakage and the mixer image, which require non-trivial calibration to be removed. Other schemes, such as double super-heterodyne, offer a zero-calibration solution but use many more components. Additionally, mixing schemes require having an LO source per mixer if different drive frequencies are used. Having a low phase source per mixer is very expensive, and in order to cut prices, will probably include a phase-lock loops (PLL), leading to phase differences between channels, which is detrimental for multi-qubit systems. In other words, while mixers can be useful, we need to be aware of the pros and cons involved.
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