TP-Link, a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, today unveiled the TL-WR1502X, a travel router that brings lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6 technology and robust security to nearly any location. Designed for the modern traveler, this pocket-sized device features two Gigabit ports and reaches dual-band Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps, ideal for 4K streaming, rapid file downloads, and smooth video calling on the move.

Featuring Wi-Fi modes for nearly any scenario, the TL-WR1502X travel router delivers Wi-Fi to users wherever they need it. Whether on the road or at home, users can stay connected while camping or in an RV by using USB tethering to convert their phone's data into a stable Wi-Fi network for all devices. With state-of-the-art VPN support, this router ensures a secure, private network even on public Wi-Fi, protecting data wherever a connection is made. With support for up to 1.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, the TL-WR1502X ensures fast Wi-Fi on-the-go.

TrendForce reports that NVIDIA's Hopper H100 began to see a reduction in shortages in 1Q24. The new H200 from the same platform is expected to gradually ramp in Q2, with the Blackwell platform entering the market in Q3 and expanding to data center customers in Q4. However, this year will still primarily focus on the Hopper platform, which includes the H100 and H200 product lines. The Blackwell platform—based on how far supply chain integration has progressed—is expected to start ramping up in Q4, accounting for less than 10% of the total high-end GPU market.

The die size of Blackwell platform chips like the B100 is twice that of the H100. As Blackwell becomes mainstream in 2025, the total capacity of TSMC's CoWoS is projected to grow by 150% in 2024 and by over 70% in 2025, with NVIDIA's demand occupying nearly half of this capacity. For HBM, the NVIDIA GPU platform's evolution sees the H100 primarily using 80 GB of HBM3, while the 2025 B200 will feature 288 GB of HBM3e—a 3-4 fold increase in capacity per chip. The three major manufacturers' expansion plans indicate that HBM production volume will likely double by 2025.

SK Hynix, leader in HBM3E memory, has now shared more details about HBM4E. Based on fresh reports by Wccftech and ET News, SK Hynix plans to make an HBM memory type that features multiple things like computing, caching, and network memory, all within the same package. This will make SK Hynix stand out from others. This idea is still in the early stages, but SK Hynix has started getting the design information it needs to support its goals. The reports say that SK Hynix wants to lay the groundwork for a versatile HBM with its upcoming HBM4 design. The company reportedly plans to include a memory controller on board, which will allow new computing abilities with its 7th generation HBM4E memory.

By using SK Hynix's method, everything will be unified as a single unit. This will not only make data transfer faster because there is less space between parts, but it will also make it more energy-efficient. Previously in April, SK Hynix announced that it has been working with TSMC to produce the next generation of HBM and improve how logic chips and HBM work together through advanced packaging. In late May, SK Hynix has disclosed yield details regarding HBM3E for the first time, the memory giant reporting successfully reducing the time needed for mass production of HBM3E chips by 50%, while getting closer to the target yield of 80%. The company plans to keep developing HBM4, which is expected to start mass production in 2026.

Amid all the attention the next-generation "Lion Cove" P-cores powering the upcoming "Lunar Lake" and "Arrow Lake" microarchitectures get as they compete with AMD's "Zen 5," it's easy to lose sight of the next-generation "Skymont" E-cores that will feature in both the upcoming Intel microarchitectures, and as standalone cores in the "Twin Lake" low-power processor. Pictures from an Intel presentation, possibly to PC OEMs, got leaked to the web. These are just thumbnails, we can't see the whole slides, but the person who took the pictures captioned them in a now-deleted social media post on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo.

And now, the big reveal—the "Skymont" E-core is said to offer a double-digit IPC gain over the "Crestmont" E-core powering the current "Meteor Lake" processor, which in itself posted a roughly 4% IPC gain over the "Gracemont" E-cores found in the "Raptor Lake" and "Alder Lake" microarchitectures. Such an IPC gain over "Gracemont" should make the "Skymont" E-core match the IPC of the "Sunny Cove" or "Willow Cove" P-cores powering the "Ice Lake" and "Tiger Lake" microarchitectures, respectively, which were both within the 90th percentile of the AMD "Zen 3" core in IPC.

There's more than one way to train to be an IT professional. While a formal degree may open many doors, there are still credible resources you can access on your own for much less than the price of tuition. CompTIA is a non-profit trade association through which you can get certified in IT skills. It's not the same as a degree, but it could get you into an entry-level position or work as the foundation for your ongoing education, and you can study to get certified using this comprehensive CompTIA online course bundle while it's on sale for $59.97 until 5/31.

This bundle gives you unlimited access to 15 courses and a total of 262 hours of instruction that you can study whenever you want. Courses cover a broad range of topics from basic overviews of the IT industry to focused lectures on networks, servers, using Linux, and the fundamentals of cloud computing.

Get access to this CompTIA course bundle by IDUNOVA for $59.97 (reg. $585).

Zyxel Networks' firewall solutions have been awarded Champion status in the latest Professional User Ratings (PUR) survey covering security solutions from techconsult - the renowned independent German research and analysis organisation, and part of the Heise Group.

More than 3,500 security experts from user organisations took part in techconsult's Professional User Rating: Security Solutions 2024 survey. They were asked to rate products and services in a number of areas, with vendors subsequently ranked on the basis of their Solution/Technology Excellence and Company Excellence. Zyxel Networks was one of only eight vendors to achieve the top 'Champion' status, having received the highest overall Solution/Technology Excellence rating and the fourth-highest Company Excellence ranking.

Shopping for a new desktop computer is equal parts gauging its price and determining how much space it'll occupy. A standout candidate is this ECS LIVA mini desktop. It takes up less than five by five inches on your desk and it's only $99.99 (reg. $219). A desktop computer that's small but mighty: This ECS LIVA runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c processor and 4 GB of RAM. You might not be familiar with this type of processor because it was originally intended for testing Snapdragon (ARM) apps on Windows 10 Home 64-bit OS, but its instant-on performance and fanless design are great for users with basic processing needs.

While the ECS LIVA has 64 GB of built-in storage, you could easily add an external hard drive for more space. Though, standard users might not even need to do that. This mini desktop won't even take up five square inches on your desk. Its exact dimensions are 4.69 by 4.59 by 1.38 inches, making it smaller than the Mac minis currently available on Apple's website. Your purchase also includes a minimum 1-year warranty, since this is a brand-new device. Enjoy added peace of mind during your first year of computing.

Grab this appropriately priced and sized ECS LIVA mini box desktop at $99.99 (reg. $219) from StackSocial.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, introduced the latest all-round B650E AORUS PRO X USB4 motherboard. Built-in with Dual USB4 ports and comprehensive leading features, B650E AORUS PRO X USB4 enables users to enjoy the most affordable next-gen AM5 platform in advance.

With blisteringly fast and reliable transfer speeds, extensive compatibility, efficient charging, and ultra-HD display connectivity, USB4 has evidently become an essential specification on the coming next-gen AM5 platform. Among the increasing number of USB4-ready devices on the market, the B650E AORUS PRO X USB4 exclusively features dual native USB4 ports, providing up to 40 Gbps on each port with support for all Ryzen processors. Uniquely, this total 40 Gbps bandwidth can be fully used for data transferring, unlike Thunderbolt 4, which shares bandwidth between data and video. Aside from the full 40 Gbps USB4, B650E AORUS PRO X USB4 also offers superb connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 using GIGABYTE's Ultra-High Gain antenna and 2.5 GbE LAN.

V-Color Technology Inc. is excited to announce its participation at COMPUTEX 2024, one of the most significant events in the technology calendar. From June 4th to June 7th, visitors can find v-color on the first floor of Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1), booth number J0418, where will be showcasing their memory solutions and innovations.

At COMPUTEX 2024, v-color will feature live demonstrations of their new OC-RDIMMs (Overclocking Registered DIMMs) for workstations, achieving impressive speeds of 8000 MT/s. These demonstrations will highlight the power and reliability of the memory modules when paired with the latest AMD Threadripper PRO 7000 series processors on TRX50 and WRX90 motherboards. This showcase is set to be a must-see for professionals and enthusiasts, opening a new future for workstation performance and AI development.

Samsung Foundry business is set to announce its technology roadmap and plans to strengthen the foundry ecosystem at the Foundry and SAFE Forum in Silicon Valley from June 12 to 13. Notably, Samsung is expected to advance its 1 nm process mass production plan, originally scheduled for 2027, to 2026. This move could look like a surprise since recent rumors (denied by Samsung) emerged about HBM3 and HBM3E chips running too hot and failing to be validated by NVIDIA.

Previously, Samsung successfully mass-produced the world's first 3 nm wafer foundry in June 2022. The company plans to start mass production of its second-generation 3 nm process in 2024 and 2 nm process in 2025. Speculations suggest Samsung may integrate these nodes and potentially begin mass-producing 2 nm chips as early as the second half of 2024. In comparison, rival TSMC aims to reach the A16 node (1.6 nm) in 2027 and start mass production of its 1.4 nm process around 2027-2028.

In response to the unstoppable AI trend, MSI, the global leader in AI PCs, gaming and AIoT solutions, is set to display our revolution: the AI era of computing, spanning AI-driven hardware to transformative software solutions in the prestige event. MSI's booth at COMPUTEX 2024 will run the gamut, featuring the novel AI-ready PCs, exclusive offline text-to-image tool AI ARTIST, diverse GPU platform servers G4101 and G4201, the newly debuted S2301 CXL memory expansion server and so much more.

On top of that, our award-winning lineup covers: AI laptop, MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo, COMPUTEX Best Choice Golden Award Winner; MSI Claw, honored with both the 2024 COMPUTEX Best Choice Award and the Red Dot Design Award, along with the Modern AM273Q AI PC, recipient of the Best Choice Award. "In the AI era of computing, MSI remains committed to meeting the diverse needs of our global clientele. We are confident that our range of AI-enhanced hardware, software, and solutions will help individuals and businesses create new value within the AI realm," said Sam Chern, MSI Marketing Vice President. Prepare to be dazzled as you step into MSI's booth #M0806 and uncover the infinite possibilities of our full AI lineup.

MSI, a world leader in AI PC and AIoT solutions, is going to participate in COMPUTEX 2024 from 6/4 to 6/7. With cutting-edge skills, MSI's AIoT team has been focusing on product development and hardware-software integration for AI applications in recent years, achieving great results on application development in various fields. MSI will create an exclusive exhibition area for Smart City to introduce AIoT application scenarios which have five topics including AI & Datacenter, Automation, Industrial Solutions, Commercial Solutions, and Automotive Solutions.

The most iconic products this year are diverse GPU platforms for AI markets and a new CXL (Compute Express Link) memory expansion server which was developed by the cooperation of key players in the CXL technology field, including AMD, Samsung, and Micron. Besides, the latest Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin is also one of the major highlights. For new energy vehicles, we will first disclose the complete AC/DC chargers coupled with MSI E-Connect dashboard (EMS) and AI-powered car recognition applications to show the one-stop service of HW/SW integration.

NVIDIA's GeForce "Blackwell" generation of gaming GPUs will stick to being traditional monolithic die chips. The company will not build its next generation of chips as either disaggregated devices, or multi-chip modules. Kopite7kimi, a reliable source with NVIDIA leaks, says that the largest GPU in the generation, the "GB202," is based on a physically monolithic design. The GB202 is expected to power the flagship GeForce RTX 5090 (or RTX 4090 successor), and if NVIDIA sticking to traditional chip design for this, then it's unlikely that smaller GPUs will be any different.

In contrast, AMD started building disaggregated devices with its current RDNA 3 generation, with its top two chips, the "Navi 31" and "Navi 32," being disaggregated chips. An interesting rumor suggests that team red's RDNA 4 generation will see a transition from disaggregated chips to multi-chip modules—packages that contain multiple fully-integrated GPU dies. Back to the green camp, and NVIDIA is expected to use an advanced 4 nm-class node for its GeForce "Blackwell" GPUs.

MediaTek today announced the Dimensity 7300 and the Dimensity 7300X, a pair of ultra-efficient 4 nm chips for high-tech mobile offerings. Providing best-in-class power efficiency and excellent performance, the Dimensity 7300 chipsets enable effortless multitasking, superior photography, accelerated gaming, and AI-enhanced computing; additionally, the Dimensity 7300X is designed with flip-style foldable devices in mind, providing support for dual displays.

Both MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipsets have an octa-core CPU consisting of 4X Arm Cortex-A78 cores operating at up to 2.5 GHz paired with 4X Arm Cortex-A55 cores. The 4 nm process provides up to 25% lower power consumption in the A78 cores compared to the Dimensity 7050. The CPU works together with the latest Arm Mali-G615 GPU and a suite of MediaTek HyperEngine optimizations to accelerate gaming experiences. In comparison to competitor alternatives, the Dimensity 7300 series offers 20% faster FPS and 20% improved energy efficiency. To further enhance gaming experiences, the new chips utilize smart resource optimization, optimize 5G and Wi-Fi game connections, and support Bluetooth LE Audio technology with Dual-Link True Wireless Stereo Audio.

Microsoft on Wednesday made the DirectSR API Preview available to game developers through the DirectX GitHub. The API aims to simplify implementation of super-resolution technologies with games. A super-resolution technology renders your game at a lower resolution that your display resolution, and upscales it to your display resolution using intelligent upscalers that attempt to reconstruct details lost to the process. This yields a significant gain in performance from the lower render resolution, and lets you max out game settings—something you could only do if your hardware was up to it. By default, DirectSR provides an upscaling technology based on AMD FSR 2.2, but the API looks for the best available technology available with the graphics drivers that are supported by the game. All three discrete GPU makers responded positively to DirectSR.

In addition to its two new CPU cores, Arm has announced three new GPU cores, namely the Immortalis-G925, Mali-G725 and Mali-G625. Starting from the top, the Immortalis-G925 is said to bring up to 37 percent better performance at 30 percent lower power usage compared to last year's Immortalis-G720 GPU core, whilst having two additional GPU cores in the test scenario. It's also said to bring up to 52 percent better ray tracing performance and up to 36 percent improved inference in AI/ML workloads. It's also been given a big overhaul when it comes to ray tracing—due to it being aimed towards gaming phones—and Arm claims that it can either offer up to 52 percent increased performance by reducing the accuracy in scenes with intricate objects, or 27 percent more performance with maintained accuracy.

The Immortalis-G925 supports 50 percent more shader cores and it supports configurations of up to 24 cores, compared to 16 cores for the Immortalis-G720. The Mali-G725 will be available with between six and nine cores, whereas the Mali-G625 will sport between one and five cores. The Mali-G625 is intended for smartwatches and entry-level mobile devices where a more complex GPU might not be suitable due to power draw. The Mali-G725 on the other hand is targeting upper mid-range devices and the Immortalis-G925 is aimed towards flagship devices or gaming phones as mentioned above. In related news, Arm said it's working with Epic Games to get its Unreal Engine 5 desktop renderer up and running on Android, which could lead to more complex games on mobile devices.

More than 500 games and applications feature RTX technologies, and each week new games integrating NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex and advanced ray-traced effects are released or announced, delivering the definitive PC experience for GeForce RTX players. Last week, the stunningly-rendered, critically-acclaimed Senua's Saga: Hellblade II launched with day-one support for DLSS 3 and Reflex, followed by the release of Serum with DLSS 3, DLAA and Reflex, and Ships At Sea and Wuthering Waves with DLSS 2. This week, DLSS momentum continues with the launch of DLSS 3 in EA SPORTS F1 24, and DLSS 2 in Capes.

EA SPORTS F1 24 Arrives On The Grid May 31st, Featuring DLSS 3, DLAA, Reflex & Ray Tracing
Race as one of the 20 real-life drivers in EA SPORTS F1 24, the official video game of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship. Unleash your champion in pursuit of a legacy-defining F1 Career, the mode's first major update since 2016. Drive like the greatest and feel at one with the car through the all-new EA SPORTS Dynamic Handling System, and experience the best F1 racing to date thanks to all of the game's new additions and enhancements.

Micron Technology, a leader in innovative data center solutions, today announced it has achieved its qualification sample milestone for the Micron CZ120 memory expansion modules using Compute Express Link (CXL). Micron is the first in the industry to achieve this milestone, which accelerates the adoption of CXL solutions within the data center to tackle the growing memory challenges stemming from existing data-intensive workloads and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) workloads.

Using a new and emerging CXL standard, the CZ120 required substantial hardware testing for reliability, quality and performance across CPU providers and OEMs, along with comprehensive software testing for compatibility and compliance with OS and hypervisor vendors. This achievement reflects the collaboration and commitment across the data center ecosystem to validate the advantages of CXL memory. By testing the combined products for interoperability and compatibility across hardware and software, the Micron CZ120 memory expansion modules satisfy the rigorous standards for reliability, quality and performance required by customers' data centers.

According to Jon Peddie Research latest report, the global GPU and CPU markets ended Q1 2024 on growth. GPU shipments reached 70 million units, while PC CPU shipments increased by 33% year-over-year, the second consecutive yearly increase in over two decades. Over the next five years, discrete GPUs are projected to achieve 22% penetration in the PC market as the overall GPU installed approaches 3 billion units by 2026. Among major GPU vendors, AMD's market share dipped 0.7% from last quarter, while Intel gained 0.3% and Nvidia rose 0.4%. However, overall GPU shipments declined 9.9% quarter-over-quarter. The total GPU attach rate for PCs was 113%, slightly down from the prior quarter. Desktop graphics add-in board shipments also decreased 14.8%.

While Q1 is typically flat or down versus Q4, Jon Peddie Research's president suggests this quarter's performance could signal a return to normal seasonality. With Microsoft, AMD and Intel promoting AI PCs, and forecasts pointing to growth in Q2, there are optimistic signs - although semiconductor suppliers are guiding 7.9% down on average for next quarter.

SABRENT Docking Station Compatible with Steam Deck, 7-in-1 Steam Deck Dock with M.2 SSD Slot, HDMI 2.0 4K@ 60 Hz, Gigabit Ethernet, Dual USB-A 3.2 and Single USB 2.0 Ports with 90 W USB-C Charging Port for ROG Ally/Valve Steam Deck (DS-SDNV). The Sabrent USB Type-C 6-Port Docking Station with M.2 Port (DS-SDNV) is designed to expand and enhance your Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other compliant USB-C devices. This useful and stylish docking station lets you connect to your network at up to 1000 Mbps, add faster storage with an internal M.2 SSD slot with 5 Gbps transfer speeds, connect accessories with multiple USB ports, and output to a larger display at up to 4K@ 60 Hz in extend or mirror mode. The dock is portable, rugged, and easy to use, too. This might just be the only dock you'll ever need.

The DS-SDNV is designed to work with Windows, Linux, and macOS, but will work with other USB-C devices with DisplayPort Alternate (DP Alt) Mode support for output through HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 1.4). An RJ45 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) port allows you to bypass the inconsistencies of Wi-Fi and overcome speed restrictions for the fastest updates and installs. Connect keyboards, mice, printers, USB headsets, controllers, and more with a single USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) port, then more powerful devices like external storage with dual USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 Gbps) ports. Your experience is limited only by your imagination.

HYTE, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge PC components and peripherals, today announced the next generation of its viral Y70 Touch case, Y70 Touch Infinite, alongside the Y70 Touch Infinite Display Upgrade, as promised to its users. After the unfortunate discontinuation of Y70 Touch in February 2024, HYTE was diligent in its development and pursuit of an infinite touchscreen solution for one of its leading cases.

Y70 Touch Infinite
Introducing Y70 Touch Infinite with a larger 14.5" integrated touchscreen, 688 x 2560 resolution, and 183 PPI for improved compatibility and resource usage. Y70 Touch Infinite boasts a 33% closer dot pitch for a sharper-looking image alongside a 17% brighter LCD panel and a 25% higher contrast ratio. The 60Hz refresh rate with 50% faster pixel response time enables a smoother and more fluid visual experience than its predecessor.

Arm has announced a pair of new Armv9 CPU cores today, alongside a refresh of a third. The new additions are the Cortex-X925—which is a huge model number jump from the previous Cortex-X4—and the Cortex-A725 which should be an upgraded Cortex-A720. Finally the Cortex-A520 has been refreshed to bring a 15 percent power efficiency improvement as well as support for 3 nm production nodes. Arm claims that the Cortex-A925 delivers its highest performance improvement ever over a previous generation with a single core uplift of up to 36 percent and an AI performance improvement of up to 46 percent compared to the Cortex-X4. The Cortex-X925 will support up to 3 MB private L2 cache and is tape-out ready for 3 nm production nodes.

The Cortex-A725 is said to offer a 35 percent performance efficiency improvement over the Cortex-A720 and it's been given performance boosts both when it comes to AI and gaming workloads. It's said to be up to 25 percent more power efficient than the Cortex-A720 and L3 cache traffic has been improved by up to 20 percent. Again, the Cortex-A720 is ready for production on a 3 nm node. Finally, Arm has also updated its DynamIQ Shared Unit to the DS-120 and here Arm has managed to reduce the typical workload power by up to 50 percent and the cache miss power by up to 60 percent. The DSU-120 scales to up to 14 Arm cores, suggesting that we might get to see some interesting new SoC implementations in the coming years from Arm's partners, although Arm's reference platform is a 2-4-2 configuration of the new cores.

GameSir, a World-renowned brand in gaming peripherals, is proud to announce the launch of its Kaleid and Kaleid Flux controllers. These amazing new wired game controllers are designed to enhance the gaming experience with their advanced features, vibrant illuminated LED strips, and high-quality, comfortable design. Engineered with precision, and packed with features, these latest additions to GameSir's outstanding range of controllers are the ultimate choices for FPS and action gamers that are looking to take their gaming performance to the next level. GameSir is focused on providing gamers with a superior gaming experience through its high-quality yet cost-effective controllers.

The Xbox-licensed controllers feature GameSir's signature Hall Effect sticks, which effectively deliver an anti-drift glide and a reliable, precision-tuned performance on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S and Windows 10/11 and Steam platforms. The Hall Effect Analog triggers are designed to deliver a consistent output, ensuring that actions like accelerating or braking during racing games give reliable and predictable results. Textures on the grips, triggers and bumpers keep fingers firmly in control during rapid actions, while also ensuring comfort and a strong grip during extended gaming sessions.

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation ("Silicon Motion"), a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today launched the SM2322, the industry's fastest single-chip high-performance, low-power, and cost-effective solution for external portable SSDs, supporting up to 8 TB of storage and achieves unparalleled data transfer rates of 20 Gbps for storing and accessing large amounts of content seamlessly from AI smartphones, high-performance multimedia devices, and game consoles.

With the increase of AI-capable devices, high density and high-performance storage solutions are becoming more critical to consumers. Portable SSDs powered by the new SM2322 controller are the only solution that offers low-cost, high-density and high-performance, making it the ideal solution for these applications. Equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface with 20 Gb/s bandwidth and fully integrated hardware and software solution delivering peak sequential read and write transfer speeds of 2,100 MB/s and 2,000 MB/s, respectively, with up to 8 TB capacity, SM2322 powered high-performance portable SSDs enable an ultra-compact and lightweight form factor. The SM2322 supports the ProRes format and MFi specification for iPhone users while also being compatible with Windows, Android OS, and macOS, making it an ideal high-density, high-performance portable storage solution for AI smartphones, HD content creators, and gaming enthusiasts who require high-density, high-performance portable storage.

HYTE, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge PC components and peripherals, today announced the THICC Q80 Trio, a 360mm version of its inaugural all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler, THICC P60 Duo, and a new series of its THICC FP12 fans.

THICC Q80 Trio
HYTE introduces THICC Q80 Trio - the highest performing cooler ever made. A 360mm long, 52mm THICC Ginormous Heat Exchanger absorbs more watts than any other liquid cooler, while the Dual Harmonic Pumps effortlessly chill the hottest CPUs. Our bigger 2nd generation copper cold plate with a 50% higher skived fin coverage and upgraded liquid flow path drops temps by up to 2°C more. Included THICC FP12 Trio has a refreshed omnidirectional aesthetic, integrating fans into a single frame while silently obliterating heat with the highest performance-to-noise ratio on the market.

Last year, Micron unveiled plans to construct a cutting-edge DRAM factory in Hiroshima, Japan. However, the project has faced a significant two-year delay, pushing back the initial timeline for mass production of the company's most advanced memory products. Originally slated to begin mass production by the end of 2025, Micron now aims to have the new facility operational by 2027. The complexity of integrating extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) equipment, which enables the production of highly advanced chips, has contributed to the delay. The Hiroshima plant will produce next-generation 1-gamma DRAM and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) designed for generative AI applications. Micron expects the HBM market, currently dominated by rivals SK Hynix and Samsung, to experience rapid growth, with the company targeting a 25% market share by 2025.

The project is expected to cost between 600 and 800 billion Japanese yen ($3.8 to $5.1 billion), with Japan's government covering one-third of the cost. Micron has received a subsidy of up to 192 billion yen ($1.2 billion) for construction and equipment, as well as a subsidy to cover half of the necessary funding to produce HBM at the plant, amounting to 25 billion yen ($159 million). Despite the delay, the increased investment in the factory reflects Micron's commitment to advancing its memory technology and capitalizing on the growing demand for HBM. An indication of that is the fact that customers have pre-ordered 100% of the HBM capacity for 2024, not leaving a single HBM die unused.

According to the report from Volksstimme.de, Intel has delayed its Magdeburg fab construction until 2025 due to difficulties in acquiring suitable land. The company had initially planned to begin construction in 2024, but the process has been slowed significantly due to the availability of suitable land. The Magdeburg plant is a significant investment for Intel, with the company planning to invest around €30 billion in the facility. The plant is expected to create thousands of jobs and play a crucial role in the company's European expansion plans. However, the delay in construction is likely to impact these plans and may result in a longer timeline for the plant's completion.

The delay is attributed to the difficulty in finding suitable land for the plant. Intel's original plan of producing a factory on the land concluded that there was humus-rich black soil up to 40 cm in the ground, which would get removed for usage by agricultural fields in Germany. However, now the top layer of black soil, which needs to be excavated, is measured up to 90 cm in depth, which doesn't allow fab construction to start and requires the removal of the soil in order to satisfy the safety regulations. This useful soil has to be extracted first before being "contaminated" with concrete and other types of foundation soils like gravel. The state of Saxony-Anhalt postponed the construction until the required soil was removed and regulations were met. This will supposedly happen by the end of 2024, and construction will start in 2025.

The Audeze LCD range of planar-magnetic headphones have become legendary, appealing to music lovers as well as studio professionals worldwide. The earpads play a big role in the success of these headphones, and Audeze's Vegan earpads were a huge hit for their comfort and audio characteristics. Audeze discontinued their Vegan pads almost a decade ago, and now thanks to Dekoni, people can once again experience the added benefits and significant impact these pads have on the headphones they are equipped with.

Dekoni has always taken a passionate and careful approach to earpad development, making sure to honour the qualities of the intended headphones while also adding value with carefully selected materials and expertly tuned, subtle sound improvements.

Level Infinite has today revealed the official launch date for Tarisland, the eagerly anticipated free-to-play fantasy MMORPG. With over 3 million pre-registered players, adventurers worldwide can mark their calendars for June 21st, 2024, when they can immerse themselves in the enchanting realms of Tarisland on both mobile and PC platforms. Alongside the launch date, key details of Tarisland's formidable final boss, the Blight Dragon, has been revealed. Covered in impenetrable scales, with a wingspan nearing 200 meters, this beast is the first dragon hatched in the universe and an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Alongside this reveal, a captivating CG trailer has been released showcasing the game's epic scale and stunning visuals.

Developed by Locojoy, a passionate team of MMORPG fans-turned-developers, Tarisland promises to deliver a visually stunning and deeply engaging gaming experience. Players will embark on an epic journey through a vast, ever-expanding world brimming with rich storytelling, challenging dungeons and raids, and a diverse array of classes and specializations to explore.(Official trailer below)

AGON by AOC—one of the world's leading gaming monitor and IT accessories brands - is proud to introduce the AOC GAMING 27G2ZN3/BK, a vanguard monitor that combines esports-level performance with unprecedented affordability. Designed for competitive gamers who demand the best without breaking the bank, the 27" (68.6 cm) Full HD AOC GAMING 27G2ZN3/BK features an astonishing 280 Hz refresh rate, very low input lag, fast response times (up to 1 ms GtG and 0.5 ms MPRT), Adaptive-Sync for VRR synchronization, and a high-contrast Fast VA panel, setting a new standard for accessible, competitive gaming excellence.

The AOC GAMING 27G2ZN3/BK combines the advantages of many technologies. Thanks to its vivid, contrast-rich Fast VA panel, the colour reproduction is lifelike, enabling gamers to enjoy story-driven, action games with deep black levels and wide gamut coverage (123.3% sRGB area and 92.2% DCI-P3 coverage). For fast-paced, competitive games, its 280 Hz refresh rate and low input lag means the game world is tightly connected to the user. By utilising the MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) setting, the monitor achieves 0.5 ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time), significantly improving motion clarity with backlight strobing. This enables gamers to track opponents more accurately and react to their movements in fast-paced scenes. All in all, the 27G2ZN3/BK will surely be similar to a meta loadout for most gamers: one of the most budget-friendly, high refresh rate gaming monitors to excel at any game one can throw at it.

Malaysia is firmly positioning itself as a hub for semiconductor investment, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stating the country aims to attract over $100 billion in investment into the industry. This aligns with recent trends in the region, such as China's announcement of a massive $47.5 billion investment fund or Micron's plans to build a new chip factory in Hiroshima, Japan by the end of 2027.

As a major player accounting for 13% of global chip testing and packaging, Malaysia has benefited from strong investments by Intel ($7 billion for an advanced packaging plant) and Infineon ($5.4 billion to expand its power chip plant). The country now hopes around 10 local companies will make substantial investments in new facilities focused on chip design and advanced packaging. To support this goal, the Malaysian government plans to allocate $5.3 billion in fiscal backing, along with tax breaks and subsidies. It is targeting these investments to generate revenues between $210 million and $1 billion for the semiconductor industry in Malaysia.

TrendForce reports that adoption of enterprise SSDs by AI servers began in February, which subsequently led to large orders. Additionally, PC and smartphone customers have been increasing their inventory levels to manage rising prices. This trend drove up NAND Flash prices and shipment levels in 1Q24 and boosted quarterly revenue by 28.1% to US$14.71 billion.

There were significant changes in market rankings this quarter, with Micron overtaking Western Digital to claim the fourth spot. Micron benefited from slightly lower prices and shipments than its competitors in 4Q23, resulting in a 51.2% QoQ revenue growth to $1.72 billion in 1Q24—the highest among its peers.

ZOTAC Technology, a global manufacturer focused on innovative and high-performance hardware solutions, will return to COMPUTEX 2024 to showcase its biggest push yet into brand-new product categories. At this year's exhibition, ZOTAC will unveil its first attempt at creating a unique Handheld Gaming PC with advanced controls and features, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go like never before with maximum competitive advantage.

Also in ZOTAC's extensive lineup is a full-fledged selection of AI-focused computational hardware, including a new workstation-grade External GPU Box series for hassle-free GPU compute and AI acceleration, ZBOX mini PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra CPUs equipped with integrated neural processing units (NPU), as well as other enterprise-grade solutions, such as GPU Servers and Arm-based NVIDIA Jetson systems, offering users a broad selection of AI accelerators in applications big and small.

Intel released the Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.5534 Beta, the latest version of its graphics drivers for Arc graphics cards and integrated graphics. This release brings optimization for F1 24 and MultiVersus, which should improve performance across the line. The company didn't specify its performance improvement numbers. Besides these, the drivers lack the usual load of bug fixes for games or applications, but Intel took the opportunity to list out several issues it identified since the last driver release, so you know the company is working on them. Grab the drivers from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.5534 Beta

addlink Technology Co., Ltd, a leading innovator in digital storage technology, invites you to visit the addlink's Virtual Showcase 2024. This premier online event will unveil a series of state-of-the-art storage and memory solutions tailored for AI professionals, gamers, and IT experts. Mark your calendars and be part of a technological evolution.

The AddGame G55 Gen5x4 SSD features a sophisticated, gorgeous black heatsink and a robust new 7 nm controller, pushing speeds up to 10,000 MB/s. Perfect for AI PCs, this SSD combats thermal issues and enhances reliability without sacrificing performance. Whether you're a professional on the go or a tech enthusiast, the P50 and P60 USB SSDs deliver seamless plug-and-play connectivity with fast data transfer rates of up to 1050 MB/s. Both models are equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology and provide up to 2 TB of storage. Featuring USB Type-C and Type-A options, these SSDs ensure broad compatibility with the latest laptops, Android devices, and iPhones, including the iPhone 15. Ideal for those who need top performance on the go.

Earlier this week, MSI inadvertently unveiled its upcoming GeForce RTX 4090 SUPRIM FUZION graphics card as part of a Computex Best Choice Award winner announcement. Allround-PC, a publication with early access to the card went hands-on with it. It turns out, that the card derives its name FUZION from its fully-integrated AIO liquid cooling solution. This is vastly different from the RTX 4090 SUPRIM Liquid X (which we reviewed). The SUPRIM Liquid X uses a 2-slot design for the card, and a factory-fitted AIO that lugs a 240 mm x 120 mm radiator. The SUPRIM FUZION, on the other hand, has a fully integrated liquid cooling solution, with no coolant tubes sticking out!

What this means, is that the AIO pump+block and radiator with its active ventilation are fully contained under the cooler shroud, with internal coolant tubing. There's no external radiator, and no tubes to wrestle with during installation. It's just that the card is very thick, with the source reporting a 4.5-slot thickness. This kind of thickness isn't new, as the ASUS Noctua Edition cards tend to be as many as 5 slots thick. The pictures also seem to show a set of copper heatsinks for the memory chips. We'll be sure to go hands on with this card ourselves at Computex, and hopefully even review it for you in the near future!

Team Group Inc., the world's leading provider of premium storage solutions, returns to COMPUTEX 2024 with the theme "Elevate Gaming, Empower AI." Drawing on years of extensive product development expertise, the global memory leader unveils next-generation, high-specification storage solutions that meet diverse market needs with world-class performance. Throughout COMPUTEX (June 4th-7th), Team Group will showcase a range of flagship products, including high-specification memory, high-efficiency cooling solutions, large-capacity storage devices, and cutting-edge innovations for industrial automation. This year, with a special focus on the global AI revolution, Team Group will introduce high-specification PC/NB-compatible products with AI complementarity and solutions that facilitate the rapid development of Edge AI applications, showcasing its sophisticated R&D capabilities. Starting on June 4th, Team Group (Booth I 0118) is going to hold a booth at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, where a perfect blend of next-generation technologies will be presented to ignite intelligent evolution.

FSP Group, the world's leading high-performance ODM, modified STD power supply, and PC component manufacturer today, is excited to announce its participation at COMPUTEX Taipei 2024, which will be held from June 4th to June 7th at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. FSP is poised to showcase an array of consumer-facing products, including brand new PSUs, PC cases, and cooling solutions, each meticulously crafted to meet the demands of modern PC enthusiasts.

FSP's primary COMPUTEX showcase revolves around the all-new VITA, ADVAN, and MEGA series PSUs, engineered to cater to PC users' diverse needs. With an unyielding dedication to uncompromising quality and unparalleled performance, FSP is set to redefine the standards of reliability and efficiency in power supply technology.

Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PC components, gaming laptops, and Hi-fi audio products, is excited to announce its participation at COMPUTEX 2024 from Jun 4 to Jun 7, 2024. COLORFUL Technology will be exhibiting its latest and upcoming products at the booth L0417a located at 4F, Hall 1 of the Nangang Exhibition Center. This year, COLORFUL Technology will expand its popular Vulcan, Neptune and Mini Series to more than just graphics cards and will include other PC components to complete a full gaming PC. COLORFUL will also be introducing new liquid cooling for the COLORFUL iGame GeForce RTX 4090 Vulcan LAB.

Featuring the themed gaming PCs launched and launching this year which includes the COLORFIRE MEOW and iGame ULTRA gaming PC Sets. Upcoming Vulcan, and MINI Series gaming PCs. The Vulcan Series consists of new concept products which will include a motherboard, DDR5 memory, chassis, peripherals, PSU, and liquid cooler featuring Asetek pump technology. The iGame Z790D5 Vulcan is designed to be a high-end motherboard. COLORFUL is already preparing a new Vulcan motherboard to the next-generation Intel Core processors.

ZOTAC Technology, a global manufacturer focused on innovative and high-performance hardware solutions, will return to COMPUTEX 2024 to showcase its biggest push yet into brand-new product categories. At this year's exhibition, ZOTAC will unveil its first attempt at creating a unique Handheld Gaming PC with advanced controls and features, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go like never before with maximum competitive advantage.

Also in ZOTAC's extensive lineup is a full-fledged selection of AI-focused computational hardware, including a new workstation-grade External GPU Box series for hassle-free GPU compute and AI acceleration, ZBOX mini PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra CPUs equipped with integrated neural processing units (NPU), as well as other enterprise-grade solutions, such as GPU Servers and Arm-based NVIDIA Jetson systems, offering users a broad selection of AI accelerators in applications big and small.

An AMD Ryzen 9000 "Granite Ridge" desktop processor engineering sample with a maximum boost frequency of 5.80 GHz was found to offer an astonishing 19% higher single-threaded performance increase over an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. "Granite Ridge" is codename for the Socket AM5 desktop processor family that implements the new "Zen 5" CPU microarchitecture. The unnamed "Granite Ridge" processor comes with an OPN code of 100-0000001290. Its CPU core count is irrelevant, as the single-threaded performance is in question here. The processor boosts up to 5.80 GHz, which means the core handling the single-threaded benchmark workload is achieving this speed. This speed is 100 MHz higher than the 5.70 GHz that the Ryzen 9 7950X processor based on the "Zen 4" architecture, boosts up to.

The single-threaded benchmark in question is the CPU-Z Bench. The mostly blurred out CPU-Z screenshot that reveals the OPN also mentions a processor TDP of 170 W, which means this engineering sample chip is either 12-core or 16-core. The chip posts a CPU-Z Bench single-thread score of 910 points, which matches that of the Intel Core i9-14900K with its 908 points. You've to understand that the i9-14900K boosts one of its P-cores to 6.00 GHz, to yield the 908 points that's part CPU-Z's reference scores. So straight off the bat, we see that "Zen 5" has a higher IPC than the "Raptor Cove" P-core powering the i9-14900K. Its gaming performance might end up higher than the Ryzen 7000 X3D family.Many Thanks to TumbleGeorge for the tip.

Getac today announced the launch of its brand-new AI-ready S510 rugged laptop, enabling organizations across industries such as utilities, public safety, manufacturing and automotive to utilise the power of edge AI on a daily basis. The new S510 enables workers to capitalise on the significant productivity benefits of AI-based applications. An Intel Core Ultra 5/7 processor with Intel AI Boost and Intel Graphics put powerful performance at users' fingertips, while a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key quickly awakens AI capabilities whenever needed.

The S510 combines this innovative feature set with MIL-STD-810H and IP53 certifications, alongside 3ft (0.9 m) drop and vibration resistance, giving users the peace of mind they need to work with confidence. The S510 also boasts a 15.6-inch display with 1,000 nits of brightness and Getac sunlight readable technology for optimal versatility in a variety of light conditions. In addition, the device provides robust connectivity options including WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 as standard, with optional 4G-LTE and 5G Sub-6 capabilities to keep users connected.

YEYIAN GAMING, a global leader in innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, proudly presents its latest offering: the YEYIAN AVANCE Series 27" QHD FAST IPS gaming monitor, designed to provide gamers with an immersive and exhilarating gaming experience. The YEYIAN AVANCE Series 27" QHD FAST IPS has an ultra-thin bezel QHD monitor that combines cutting-edge technology, stunning visuals, and ergonomic design for pro-gamers activities or professional visual content creation.

The YEYIAN AVANCE Series 27" Monitor is engineered for elite gamers, boasting a cutting-edge FAST IPS panel. Its 2K QHD resolution enhances your gaming experience with crystal-clear visuals, while the impressive 180Hz native refresh rate and swift 1ms response time deliver unparalleled smoothness and precision. This eliminates motion blur and ghosting, ensuring every moment on screen is as sharp and fluid as your gameplay demands. The monitor delivers crisp, vibrant visuals, ideal for gaming or entertainment. It is fully compatible with AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC, ensuring seamless display without artifacts or tearing. The advanced HDR10 processing chip presents over 16.7 million colors in a wider dynamic range, enhancing the visibility of vivid gaming graphics.

LG Electronics USA today announced U.S. pricing and availability of its TONE Free T80 true wireless earbuds. Continuing its commitment to the development of excellent sound experiences - the T80 introduces an upgraded design and additional user-centric features. The new earbud retails for $199 and is now available to purchase exclusively on LG.com.

Crafted with a reinforced graphene speaker driver, the T80 improves the audio experience to offer well-balanced sound with vibrant bass and enhanced mid- and high-range frequencies. It also boasts an IPX4 water-resistance rating, and with the addition of medical-grade ear gels and up to 36 hours of battery life with the charging case, users can enjoy all-day comfort at the gym, on their commute, or whenever they want to tune out.

Thermaltake USA, a leader in PC case, cooling, power, and memory solutions, proudly announces the launch of their new Vista Series Gaming Desktops, designed to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences. The lineup features four high-performance models: Vista i47T, Vista i47TH, Vista i470M, and Vista i460TS, each meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous demands of hardcore gamers and content creators. Equipped with the latest Intel Core 14th Gen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards, these gaming PCs ensure exceptional performance and stunning visuals.

These systems boast 32GB of DDR5 5600MT/s RGB Memory and up to 2TB NVMe M.2 storage, providing lightning-fast load times and seamless multitasking, allowing gamers to enjoy uninterrupted and immersive gameplay. Advanced cooling solutions, including closed-loop liquid cooling and ARGB air cooling, ensure optimal temperature management for sustained performance during extended gaming sessions. Panoramic front and side tempered glass panels, as seen on the Thermaltake View 270 TG ARGB PC, are a hallmark of the Vista Series, offering an exceptional and visually striking aesthetic to any gaming PC setup. Gamers will benefit from enhanced stability, superior graphics, and a gaming experience that truly stands out.

The AlmaLinux OS Foundation, the nonprofit that stewards the community-owned and governed open-source CentOS alternative AlmaLinux, today announced the general availability of AlmaLinux 8.10. This latest release brings updates to security and data protection, and improvements in web-console and system roles to automate operations and ensure consistency in intricate IT settings.

The release continues to enhance system availability, reliability, and recovery processes, alongside improving virtual machine snapshot functions in hybrid cloud scenarios. New system roles have been introduced to streamline the creation and administration of logical volume manager (LVM) snapshots for better data backup and recovery processes. Performance, scalability, and reliability continue to be the focus of updates in the 8.10 version to aid developers in application development and management.

Bologna-based independent developer Dreambits Studio are pleased to unveil their Medievalpunk demolition derby game War of Wheels, coming soon to Steam. Explore the destructible environments of the realm and smash through automobile armies in this epic single-player experience, with a new demo available now!

In War of Wheels, speed through fierce battles in the kingdom of Zeranthia as you fight opposing armies, while building your own, as you attempt to gain control of Aether, the kingdom's powerful source of magic. Discover multiple realms, filled with arctic glaciers and scorching volcanoes, as well as cities, dense forests and vast plains. Discover hidden secrets, outposts and Aether mines, as well as huge pitched battles to test the capabilities of your combat car.

CHERRY XTRFY, the specialist for high-quality gaming peripherals, presents the Ngale microphone series, designed specifically for gamers, streamers and content creators. Ngale X and Ngale R are the first two microphones to be launched under the CHERRY XTRFY brand. The Cherry group, which is particularly known for the production of mechanical high-end keyboard switches, continues to expand its portfolio of gaming peripherals.

Ngale R: USB Microphone With Retro Innovative Design and High Sound Quality
This Ngale R not only impresses with its design, but also with its performance. The standalone USB microphone prioritizes sound quality over multiple polar patterns, featuring one large, high-quality cardioid capsule for streaming, voiceovers and solo recordings with greater detail. When gaming intensively, a low-cut filter can be activated to reduce noise.

Tram fans old and new won't have long to wait until they can hop into the cab and explore a brand-new city when City Transport Simulator: Tram arrives in Early Access on Steam and Epic Store on 20th June. City Transport Simulator: Tram has been in development courtesy of ViewApp and published by Dovetail Games

Players assume the role of a tram driver as they transport passengers to their destinations all around the city of Tramau, inspired by real-world cities found in southern Germany. Players will get set up in one of three true-to-life trams, each with their own unique cabs, interiors, modes, and functions. Players will then familiarise themselves with their favourite tram and start picking up and dropping off your passengers while sticking to timetables.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation, and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP) today announced two highly-anticipated additions to its award-winning Victrix Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick line.

Victrix has been a staple in the Fighting Game Community (FGC) since 2017, working with pro gamers to design and build their cutting-edge esports gear. Using their input, the Victrix Pro FS Arcade Fight Sticks incorporate unique, tournament-ready features like built-in carrying handles, a foam lap pad, an integrated wrist slope for maximum comfort, and a Tournament Lock Mode button.

Acer today debuted two new premium Chromebook Plus laptops - the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE - that combine versatile designs with a 2x faster Intel Core processor and up to double the memory and storage, giving people the power to do even more all at once.

As Chromebook Plus devices, the two new models support enhanced generative AI features for connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, such as a "help me write" feature available with just a right click, Google Photos' Magic Editor, Gemini, and more. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a slim convertible optimized for on-the-go productivity and connectivity with a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in myriad ways and places, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a next-generation cloud-gaming Chromebook with the latest gaming-centric hardware to stream and play AAA games with NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Boosteroid, Amazon Luna and more.

Opera, the browser innovator, today announced a collaboration with Google Cloud to integrate Gemini models into its Aria browser AI. Aria is powered by Opera's multi-LLM Composer AI engine, which allows the Norwegian company to curate the best experiences for its users based on their needs.

Opera's Aria browser AI is unique as it doesn't just utilize one provider or LLM. Opera's Composer AI engine processes the user's intent and can decide which model to use for which task. Google's Gemini model is a modern, powerful, and user-friendly LLM that is the company's most capable model yet. Thanks to this integration, Opera will now be able to provide its users with the most current information, at high performance.

Here's the first picture of the MSI GeForce RTX 4090 SUPRIM FUZION graphics card. The company revealed this card as it bagged a Computex Best Choice Award. If the name FUZION doesn't ring a bell, it's a call back to MSI's Big Bang FUZION brand which it used for motherboards about 12 years ago. Back then, FUZION denoted the LucidLogix Hydra chip that allowed explicit multi-GPU configurations across GPU brands and types. In 2024, however, MSI is using FUZION to denote the use of an air+liquid hybrid cooling solution.

You'll notice in this pic that the RTX 4090 SUPRIM FUZION has one fewer fan than the regular RTX 4090 SUPRIM X, while having one more fan than the RTX 4090 SUPRIM Liquid X. MSI describes this cooler as having a "short pipes waterway is specially designed to increase pressure for improved water circulation." It goes on to add "A low-profile pump allows more clearance within the cooler for airflow and the micro fin copper base effectively captures heat from the GPU. With three additional reservoirs, SUPRIM FUZION offers approximately 18% more coolant capacity compared to standard radiators, improving water circulation capability. The radiator is designed with denser" In comparison, the RTX 4090 SUPRIM Liquid X features an AIO GPU cooler, with the single fan ventilating some auxiliary heatsinks for the memory/VRM. We'll be sure to go hands on with this card at Computex.

VIA Labs, Inc. (VLI), a leading supplier of USB4, SuperSpeed USB, USB Power Delivery Controllers, and now Display Controllers, today announced the start of mass production and immediate availability for the VIA Labs VL605 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Protocol Converter. The VL605 Protocol Converter achieved USB-IF certification for USB Power Delivery 3.1 with support for Extended Power Range (EPR) and HDMI 2.1 FRL certification and is now listed on the USB-IF Integrator's List under TID: 10462.

VIA Lab VL605 is an innovative single-chip USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Protocol Converter supporting modern display features and a highly integrated, low-power design. It's optimized for USB-C video dongles and multifunction docks and integrates a two-port USB PD 3.1 controller that supports pass-through charging at up to 240W when EPR is enabled. A single VL605 can convert a DisplayPort input to HDMI 2.1 at up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz while simultaneously charging the connected host. VL605 supports HDR and is compatible with Adaptive Sync from the DisplayPort standard and AMD's FreeSync technology, seamlessly converting these into HDMI 2.1's VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Products incorporating VL605 can enhance gaming experiences with higher quality and smoother visuals while expanding peripheral connectivity and enjoying faster charging.

Beijing has doubled down on its push for semiconductor self-sufficiency with the establishment of a new $47.5 billion investment fund to accelerate growth in the domestic chip sector. The fund, officially registered on May 24th under the name "China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase III", represents the largest of three state-backed vehicles aimed at cultivating China's semiconductor capabilities. The announcement comes as tensions over advanced chip technology continue to escalate between the U.S. and China. Over the past couple years, Washington has steadily ratcheted up export controls on semiconductors to Beijing over national security concerns about potential military applications. These measures have lent new urgency to China's quest for self-sufficiency in chip design and manufacturing.

With a war chest of 344 billion yuan ($47.5 billion), the "Big Fund" dwarfs the combined capital of the first two semiconductor investment vehicles launched in 2014 and 2019. Officials have outlined a multipronged strategy targeting key bottlenecks, focusing on equipment for chip fabrication plants. The fund has bankrolled major projects such as flash memory maker Yangtze Memory Technologies and leading foundries like SMIC and Huahong. China's homegrown chip industry still needs to catch up to global leaders like Intel, Samsung, and TSMC. However, the immense scale of state-directed capital illustrates Beijing's unwavering commitment to developing a self-reliant supply chain for semiconductors—a technology viewed as indispensable for economic and military competitiveness. News of the "Big Fund" sent Chinese chip stocks surging over 3% on hopes of fresh financing tailwinds.

ASUS today announced the ASUS Chromebook CR series of laptops, tailored to meet the needs of K-12 students. The ASUS Chromebook CR Series stands out as the ideal companion for students, whether engaged in in-person classroom learning or remote education. The rugged and modular design, featuring replaceable internal parts, guarantees both durability and longevity. With 11.6-inch or 12.2-inch Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreens and a 180° lay-flat or 360°-flippable hinge, the laptops offer flexibility for enriched educational experiences. This design fosters the adventurous mindset of modern students, ensuring an enjoyable and secure learning journey, whether they're engaging in online courses or in-class sessions—ready for every learning journey.

A trusted study partner
For K-12 students, an everyday-use laptop should be invincible. With lively and active users, scratches and knocks are an almost-inevitable part of their daily routine, so the ASUS Chromebook CR series features an all-round rubber bumper for extra peace of mind. The laptops also feature a rugged design that's tested to meet or exceed the MIL-STD-810H US military-grade standard, and use tough Corning

Vinpower, Inc., through a strategic alliance with Phihong Technology, are back in the lab improving on their multiple award winning and highly anticipated release of the iXCharger 65 W, which is a first of its kind compact combination external hard drive and battery charger for nearly every smartphone, tablet, and laptop computer. The upcoming enhanced iXCharger 140 W offers multiple upgrades including 140 W GaN power charger, two separate USB Type-C connections with PD Fast Charging capabilities, up to 2 TB of data storage capacity, and an enhanced Apple App for iOS iPhones and iPads. Yet, all iXCharger models will still offer the patented Trust Circle AES 256 KeyLock Data Protection technology to ensure the stored data is protected against unauthorized access or hackers.

ASUS today introduced the NUC 14 Performance, which as its name suggests, is geared for performance. This is essentially a twin of the ROG NUC, but without the flashy ROG styling, and a broader range of hardware options. The top-spec NUC 14 Performance combines an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H "Meteor Lake" processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 desktop GPU, however other processor and graphics options include the Core Ultra 7 155H processor, and RTX 4060 desktop GPU. You can't opt out of a discrete GPU, for that you'll need to opt for the NUC 14 Pro+, which only packs a Core Ultra 185H, and presents its Arc iGPU, but the I/O of that NUC will be significantly different.

Back to the ASUS NUC 14 Performance, and the box measures 270 mm X 180 mm X 50 mm (WxDxH), weighing just 800 g. You're supposed to add your own memory and storage, the NUC features two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory; and an M.2-2280 slot with PCIe Gen 4 x4 wiring. Network connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3; 2.5 GbE wired LAN. The main high-bandwidth I/O connection is Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps), which doubles up as USB4 40 Gbps, with a USB-C port that also supports DisplayPort 1.4 passthrough from the discrete GPU; a couple of 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, USB 2.0 ports for input devices, additional DP 1.4 ports from the GPU, and an HDMI 2.1. The NUC 14 Performance comes with a 330 W power brick. The company didn't reveal pricing, but pricing is expected in the USD $2,200 to $2,500 range.

ADATA Technology, the world's leading brand for memory modules and flash memory, will team up with its gaming brand XPG and industrial-grade embedded storage brand ADATA Industrial for Computex Taipei 2024 from June 4 to June 7. ADATA's theme for 2024 is "Innovate Today, Embrace Tomorrow." At the show, ADATA will present products in three major categories tied to their vision and commitment to leading innovation and sustainable initiatives. These categories include "AI Computing," "Sustainability and Innovation," and "Immersive Reality."

ADATA and XPG brand ambassador Mera will make a surprise appearance in the "AI Computing" section. ADATA will showcase the world's first AI gaming laptop equipped with an SSD of up to 24 TB and 96 GB of DRAM, overclocked DDR5 8000 R-DIMM for handling massive computing workloads and data processing, and a complete line of Express Card storage solutions that promote AI mobile devices. ADATA will also display various high performance products that continue to lead sustainability trends in the "Sustainability and Innovation" section including the industry's only comprehensive innovative cooling solutions, and a full range of green storage products made of recycled materials. Other highlights will include the 2024 iF Design Award winning INVADER X family of gaming chassis, and gaming components that combine optimized heat dissipation, environmental awareness, and the application of future technologies. The "Immersive Reality" section features a new gaming handheld PC, the XPG NIA, a full range of gaming products and peripherals, and the industry's most powerful external SSD solutions and mobile peripherals. In order to make it easier for consumers around the world to participate in the exhibition, ADATA will simultaneously launch its online COMPUTEX event from June 4, allowing consumers to experience ADATA's full range of industry-leading products.

FinalWire Ltd. today announced the immediate availability of AIDA64 Extreme 7.30 software, a streamlined diagnostic and benchmarking tool for home users; the immediate availability of AIDA64 Engineer 7.30 software, a professional diagnostic and benchmarking solution for corporate IT technicians and engineers; the immediate availability of AIDA64 Business 7.30 software, an essential network management solution for small and medium scale enterprises; and the immediate availability of AIDA64 Network Audit 7.30 software, a dedicated network audit toolset to collect and manage corporate network inventories.

AIDA64 update brings numerous improvements and optimizations for dark mode and high contrast mode, enhances speed, and supports the latest graphics and GPGPU computing technologies by AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA.

DOWNLOAD: FinalWire AIDA64 Extreme 7.30

BoostR is an Indiegogo crowdfunded project that seeks to integrate a multi-functional I/O dock with an external GPU. It's a rather brilliant idea—the dock draws connectivity from a USB4 (40 Gbps) connection, which it uses to connect an AMD Radeon RX 7600M GPU, an M.2-2280 NVMe SSD slot, a 1 GbE networking interface, an SD 4.0 card reader, and a bunch of USB 3.2 downstream ports.

The device comes with a power brick, and by default draws 100 W for all its functions, including the eGPU. You can boost the power limit to 120 W, which should improve the GPU's performance. The GPU puts out a couple of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 connectors. BoostR was briefly available on Indiegogo at an early-bird price of $499, at which it would undercut the Ayaneo OneXGPU, a similar contraption of an eGPU+M.2+port dock that's priced at $699. One area where the BoostR has an edge over the OneXGPU is its 120 W mode that give the GPU improved boost frequency residency. It remains to be seen what the regular price of BoostR will be, but the company is offering a 5% discount on the final price if you sign up for their newsletter.

ZALMAN rolled out the P50 DS, a feature-packed mid-tower case that supports motherboards with reverse-side connectors, from the ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero ecosystems. The case comes in black and white color variants. Its two most striking design aspects are the pillarless front-left corner, which gives you a panoramic view of your build; and a small programmable display that plugs into a USB 2.0 header, and gets the included software to read out temperature or fan-speed monitoring from ACPI. The case features a conventional horizontally partitioned layout.

The upper compartment with the motherboard tray offers room for graphics cards up to 43.5 cm in length, and CPU coolers up to 17.8 cm in height. The three 120 mm fan vents along the motherboard tray are recessed, so they don't impede long graphics cards. With three 120 mm fans included and in place, the setup is flush with the rest of the motherboard tray, so adding a typical 360 mm radiator would barely come in the way of a graphics card. The motherboard tray has cutouts positioned for compatibility with ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero motherboards with connectors on the reverse side of the PCB. Besides the three side-facing vents, you get a 140 mm rear exhaust, three and three 120 mm top exhausts. Four 120 mm ARGB-illuminated fans come included with the case. There are two 3.5-inch drive bays in the lower compartment, and a couple of additional 2.5-inch mounts. Front panel connectivity includes a USB3 type-C, two USB 3.2 type-A, and HDA jacks. The case measures 240 mm x 480 mm x 512 mm (WxDxH), weighing 10.5 kg. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Thermalright introduced the Burst Assassin 120 EVO DARK, a performance-segment air CPU cooler. The cooler relies on a conventional D-type aluminium fin-stack heatsink that's ventilated by a pair of fans in push-pull configuration. Its design involves a nickel-plated copper base from which six 6 mm-thick copper heat pipes draw heat, conveying it to an aluminium fin-stack. This 52 mm-thick fin-stack has fins with jagged edges to increase air turbulence, and heat dissipation. The stack is covered by a metal top-plate with a brushed aluminium finish. Ventilating the heatsink is a pair of 120 mm fans.

Unlike most other companies, Thermalright includes two different kinds of 120 mm fans. The first one is a Thermalright TL-C12B V2 meant to be installed in the "push" position, and the second one is a TL-C12RB V2 intended for the "pull" position. Both fans feature fluid dynamic bearings, 4-pin PWM inputs, and top speeds of 1,500 RPM; however the push fan offers 66.17 CFM of maximum airflow, while the pull fan does 58 CFM. The static pressure ratings of both fans are 1.58 mm H₂O, and both their maximum noise outputs are rated at 25.6 dBA. With the two fans in place, the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO DARK measures 124 mm x 156 mm x 102 mm (WxHxD). The company didn't mention weight. Among the CPU socket types supported are LGA1700, AM5, AM4, and LGA1200/115x.

AMD's next-generation Ryzen 9000 series "Granite Ridge" desktop processors based on the "Zen 5" microarchitecture, is rumored to launch in late-July, 2024, according to multiple sources in the ChipHell tech forums. The first four SKUs in the processor series will include one each of 16-core, 12-core, 8-core, and 6-core, spanning the Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 5 series, just like the company's Ryzen 7000 series debut. The company could unveil these processors in its 2024 Computex keynote address early next month, talking about their features and performance in broad strokes, while we get technical previews in the run-up to the late-July launch.

A late-July launch of the Ryzen 9000 series "Granite Ridge" processors should also mean that the various motherboard manufacturers will showcase their upcoming motherboards based on the AMD X870 desktop chipset at Computex. Ryzen 9000 series are built in the existing Socket AM5 package, and should be compatible with existing AMD 600-series chipset motherboards. In fact, most motherboard vendors have already released UEFI firmware updates that include Ryzen 9000 series processor compatibility. Those buying a Ryzen 9000 series processor with an AMD 600-series chipset motherboard can simply take advantage of the USB BIOS Flashback feature that's available on most motherboards, including the entry-level ones.

We've known for a while that the Z890 will be Intel's next-generation high-end desktop motherboard chipset for the Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processors in the LGA1851 package, and that Intel's first wave of processors and motherboards will target PC enthusiasts like they usually do—with just the unlocked K/KF processor SKUs and motherboards based on the Z890. We are now learning that the B860 will indeed be the company's mid-tier chipset for the processor. MSI has registered at least four motherboard models based on the B860, which showed up on Device Report.

These four motherboard models are the MPG B860M Edge Ti WiFi, the MPG B860I Edge WiFi, the MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi, and the MAG B860M Mortar WiFi, with MSI internal product numbers 7E38, 7E39, 7E40, and 7E43, respectively. There's no word on whether B860 will even be available when the processors debut. Going by past trends, the mid-tier chipset and 65 W-class processor SKUs usually come out in the Q1 following a new processor generation launch, which means we could see these sometime early-2025. The B860 will lack CPU overclocking capabilities, and probably feature a narrower chipset bus, and fewer PCIe general purpose lanes than the Z890. As for MSI's Z890 motherboard lineup, there are at least eight models recorded—the MEG Z890 GODLIKE, the MEG Z890 Ace, MEG Z890 Unify-X, MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi, MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi, MPG Z890I Edge Ti WiFi, MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi, and the PRO Z890-P WiFi.

For those looking for something a bit out of the ordinary when it comes to monitors, HP might have your next productivity monitor in the shape of the Series 7 Pro Monitor 738pu. It sports a 3840 x 1600 resolution which gives the 37.5-inch panel a rather unusual aspect ratio of 24:10 or 12:5 if you prefer. The monitor is built around an 8-bit + FRC IPS Black panel with a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and a 400 nits peak brightness. The panel supports a colour gamut of 98 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space and sports a 5 ms grey to grey response time. However, it also has a max refresh rate of 60 Hz and is edge lit, which means it'll be terrible for HDR, although it's only certified for DisplayHDR 400, which means pretty poor HDR support to start with.

On the connectivity side, HP has loaded out the 738pu with a wide range of ports, starting with a HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort input, as well as daisy chain output, one Thunderbolt 4 port that also supports 100 W USB PD and DP 1.4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port that also supports 65 W USB PD and DP 1.4 Alt Mode, one Thunderbolt 4 output for daisy changing (limited to 15 W), one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port (no video, also limited to 15 W) and five USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, of which one is a 7.5 W capable charging port. It also has a Gigabit Ethernet port, four integrated speakers with DTS Virtual:X and KVM support, but no headset jack, microphone or built-in camera. It also supports Picture-by-Picture or Picture-in-Picture when multiple sources are connected. The stand supports height, tilt and swivel adjustments. The power supply is integrated and the 738pu has a maximum power draw of 318 W fully loaded. HP is asking for US$1,249 for the Series 7 Pro Monitor 738pu.

QCY, Hele Electronics' premium audio brand launched the AilyBuds Pro series on May 25. These Semi In-ear Adaptive Active Noise Canceling (ANC) earbuds emphasize High-Definition Sound Quality and Comfortable Wear. The AilyBuds Pro+ enhances the standard AilyBuds Pro with LDAC codec support and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.

High-Resolution Sound Quality
Equipped with a large 13 mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver and Hi-Fi 5 DSP High-definition Decoding, The AilyBuds Pro series delivers an expansive soundstage. Thanks to Adaptive Low-frequency Compensation Tech, they offer punchy bass and detailed vocals. Packed with LDAC and Hi-Res Audio, the AilyBuds Pro+ provides a Hi-res audio experience across the entire sound chain. What's more, Ultra Wide Frequency Adaptive EQ is applied to adjust the sound by automatically calculating your ear canal, wearing status, and volume level - all the way from 20 Hz to 2000 Hz - to provide precise compensation in merely 2 seconds to reveal authentic sound.

The Sabrent USB-C Enclosure for M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSDs is a simple and easy solution for managing your short-form factor drives. Need to prepare your M.2 2230 SSD for installation into your Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Surface Pro 9, or other portable device? Pop it into this enclosure and secure the latch, plug it in via USB-C, and off you go. The enclosure supports all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and anything built on Linux. The experience is simplified with an integrated cable and plug-and-play operation, as it is bus-powered with no drivers required.

The enclosure specifically supports M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSDs, not SATA, so be sure to check your drive beforehand - drives like our Rocket 2230 and Rocket Q4 2230 are a perfect pairing for this enclosure.

Elon Musk's AI company xAI just scored big (according to Reuters), raising a massive $6 billion in new funding. This sky-high investment values xAI at a whopping $24 billion as investors go all-in on challengers to top AI players like OpenAI. Big-name funders like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia backed the funding round, according to xAI's blog post on Sunday. Before this, xAI was valued at $18 billion, Musk said on social app X.

The huge cash influx will help xAI launch its first products, build advanced tech, and turbocharge their research, the company stated. "More news coming soon," Musk teased cryptically after the funding announcement. It's an AI investment frenzy as tech giants like Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet pour fortunes into leading the red-hot generative AI race. With its new war chest, xAI is gearing up to make some serious waves.

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.

MONTECH, a popular PC components and peripherals brand, enters the CPU water cooling market with its first AIO - the HyperFlow ARGB. This sleek and stylish AIO features a gemstones-inspired pump block and comes equipped with a 3100 RPM pump, an aluminium 27 mm thick radiator with 20 fins per inch (FPI), and 120 mm Metal Pro 12 fans. The combination ensures high cooling performance to handle both Intel and AMD CPUs with ease. The HyperFlow ARGB features pre-installed fans, thermal paste, and pre-connected 7-pin short cable, which makes cable management and installation a breeze. Additionally, it provides peace of mind with its 6-year warranty. Available in black and white, the HyperFlow ARGB launches on May 27th, 2024, at an MSRP of $84.90 for the 240 version and $95.90 for the 360

The HyperFlow water pump is crafted to keep your system cool and running smoothly. Engineered with precision, this pump is designed to efficiently cool your components even under pressure, boasting a maximum speed of 3100RPM for swift heat dissipation and top-notch performance. Its sleek exterior, reminiscent of a gemstone, brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to your setup. Standing at just 53 mm in height, it maintains a low profile while operating quietly at a maximum of 28 dB (A).

[Editor's note: Our in-depth review of the HyperFlow ARGB is now live]

AMD's upcoming Ryzen AI "Strix Point" mobile processor family will see a product launch in August 2024, with availability ramping up by October, a representative of mini PC manufacturer AOOSTAR has revealed. This would mean that at Computex next month, the company will use its Keynote address to unveil the processors, highlight their various new features, particularly the "Zen 5" microarchitecture, and perhaps even talk about performance in broad strokes, but specific processor models will launch in August, along with a few notebook product announcements.

AMD's upcoming Ryzen AI "Strix Point" processor will feature a significantly faster 50 AI TOPS-class NPU to power Microsoft Copilot+ certified devices; increased CPU performance from the new "Zen 5" architecture, and faster graphics from the new RDNA 3+ iGPU, besides support for faster memory speeds, new power management features, and updated platform and display I/O. "Strix Point" is far from being the only mobile processor family from AMD based on "Zen 5," there's also the Ryzen 9000 "Fire Range" family of high core-count mobile processors meant for gaming notebooks; and the "Strix Halo" meant for high-performance ultraportables.

VANKYO, the world's leading innovative projector brand is releasing three home projectors just in time for Memorial Day: Leisure L470 Neo, Leisure L570 Bundle, and Performance V700 Pro. These three projectors make their debut with a brand-new V-Smile Design at BestBuy store in the US. Apart from the stylish design, the VANKYO new arrivals also captures customers' attention with the PixPerfect technology and the Smart VanOS, aiming to be the best-value option on the home theater solution.

Transform Your Living Room into a Personal Theater: VANKYO Debuts Projectors with V-Smile Design and VanOS, Offering Netflix, Youtube, and Prime Video Integration.

SonicFi Inc., a brand new company aiming to provide solutions for SMB, today makes a debut of its Ronto cloud network product series in CommunicAsia 2024 in Singapore, making a proactive entry into the small and medium-sized enterprise market. Ronto SMB solutions include Controller, Indoor Wall Mount Access Point, Indoor Ceiling Mount Access Point, Managed Switch, and Outdoor Long Range Fixed Wireless Access Point. Combined with their in-house developed cloud platform and AI driven optimization features, these offerings provide an excellent and cost-effective network solution for small and medium-sized enterprises, factories, SI vendors, featuring cloud-based intelligent management.

Ronto products feature an in-house developed cloud platform, incorporating management functionalities essential for small and medium-sized enterprise networks. Through intuitive mobile applications, network deployment and management are streamlined, providing simple, intelligent, and secure networking solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

IRDM, a European brand of computer memory dedicated to gamers and enthusiasts, owned by Wilk Elektronik SA, proudly introduces the latest addition to its product range—the SSD IRDM PRO NANO. This revolutionary data storage device, designed with cutting-edge mobile technologies in mind, offers unmatched performance parameters and the highest reliability in an extremely compact M.2-2230 format, making it an ideal solution not only for professionals and new technology enthusiasts, but also for gamers using handheld consoles and ultrabooks.

Featuring branded components and PCIe NVMe Gen. 4 x4 technology, the IRDM PRO NANO SSD delivers an unparalleled read speed of up to 7300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6000 MB/s! Such performance enables lightning-fast game and application loading, enhancing overall system smoothness. Both gamers and professionals will appreciate reduced downtime and faster data processing, crucial when working with large files and demanding applications.\

USB4 hasn't exactly taken off as yet, largely due to a shortage of devices in the market and with a limited number of device controllers, the competition in the market is also slow. With Thunderbolt compatibility, there are plenty of USB4 compatible hosts out there though, even though you only get 32 Gbps rather than 40 Gbps of data throughput when a USB4 device is connected to Thunderbolt 3 or 4, although Thunderbolt 5 will allow for the full 40 Gbps. A company called ADT-Link has launched a product it calls the UT3G which is pretty much a retail ready bridge solution that allows techies and tinkerers to try out whatever PCIe devices they have over USB4. The adapter has a full-length PCIe x16 slot, but it's limited to a four lane PCIe interface which is compatible with PCIe 4.0, albeit not at the full 64 Gbps that such an interface can deliver.

In addition to the USB4 Type-C port on the PCB there's a standard 24-pin ATX power supply connector for power, which means that this isn't really a portable solution. However, the company has tested the UT3G with various graphics cards from both AMD and NVIDIA to make sure you can use it as an external graphics card dock. The UT3G has also been tested to be compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS, although macOS is limited to AMD GPUs. The board is built around the ASMedia ASM2464PD USB4 to PCIe 4.0 bridge and this shouldn't come as a surprise, as so far this is the only such device controller. ADT-Link doesn't appear to be selling the UT3G to consumers, but it can be picked up online from DFRobot starting at US$129 for a single unit.

Last week, we got confirmation from the highest levels of Dell and NVIDIA that the latter is making a client PC processor for the Windows on Arm (WoA) AI PC ecosystem that only has one player in it currently, Qualcomm. Michael Dell hinted that this NVIDIA AI PC processor would be ready in 2025. Since then, speculation has been rife about the various IP blocks NVIDIA could use in the development of this chip, the two key areas of debate have been the CPU cores and the process node.

Given that NVIDIA is gunning toward a 2025 launch of its AI PC processor, the company could implement reference Arm IP CPU cores, such as the Arm Cortex X5 "Blackhawk," and not venture out toward developing its own CPU cores on the Arm machine architecture, unlike Apple. Depending on how the market recieves its chips, NVIDIA could eventually develop its own cores. Next up, the company could use the most advanced 3 nm-class foundry node available in 2025 for its chip, such as the TSMC N3P. Given that even Apple and Qualcomm will build their contemporary notebook chips on this node, it would be a logical choice of node for NVIDIA. Then there's graphics and AI acceleration hardware.

Higround, a leader in premium gaming peripherals, has unveiled a limited-edition collection celebrating the advancement of "gaming as art" in collaboration with Minecraft, the sandbox game beloved by players around the world. The collaboration brings the art and creativity of Minecraft players into our lives, inviting gamers to explore and express themselves through a range of expertly crafted peripherals.

The Higround x Minecraft collaboration proves that games can be used as a creative medium and as art. The collection highlights the Basecamp 65, Summit 65 and Performance 65 keyboards, along with matching mousepads and other accessories. Each product features iconic artwork from the blocky world of Minecraft, capturing the essence of its colorful worlds, characters and creatures.

In case you missed it, we're about to enter the last week of May and soon summer is here. It's a pretty busy release for new games, even though there are no AAA releases, there are still plenty of interesting new games being released. This week's major release involves not getting sacrificed to the gods. The rest of this weeks' releases range from being the saviour of Persia to being in charge of Titans and that's just the first two releases. This is followed by taking the reins of a martial arts cat, exploring the black priory and racing F1 cars. Hopefully we've managed to cover most bases this week, but there's always next week for those of you that didn't see anything that tickled your fancy.

Soulmask / This week's major release / Friday 31 May
Soulmask is a sandbox game that prioritizes an authentic survival experience. As the "last one" blessed with the mysterious mask, players will grapple for survival in a primitive land steeped in mysterious faiths, carving out a path to ascendance. Start from nothing, explore, build, recruit tribesmen to fortify your clan, and ultimately unravel the mysterious truths hidden behind the civilizations of this world. Steam Link