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Monday, July 21st 2025

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EA DICE Confirmed Working on "Battlefield 6," Could Feature Campaign

EA DICE is confirmed to be working on a new "Battlefield" game, and it is expected to be called "Battlefield 6," according to a teaser by Doom49 on X. Doom49 claims to have received a "Battlefield 6" hamper in the mail from EA. The game is hence confirmed to be in development, although nowhere near release, or even play-testing. It's being reported on Reddit that the game will bring back a single-player campaign, a key component found missing in "Battlefield 2042" that faced limited success in the market. There is no word on the general setting or artistic backdrop of BF6—whether it's based on a near-future conflict like in "2042," or past conflicts like in "Battlefield V" and "Battlefield 1," or whether the campaign goes back to what worked best—a contemporary conflict setting as seen with "Bad Company 2," BF3 and BF4.

AMD FSR 4 Now Available in Any DX11/12 Title via OptiScaler

AMD's AI-driven FSR 4 upscaler has been limited to the relatively small number of titles released alongside the RX 9000 series until now. A weekend patch to the open-source utility OptiScaler changes this by adding full redirection support for FSR 4 in version 2025.7.19. Any DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 game that originally shipped with FSR 2, DLSS 2, or Intel XeSS can now utilize AMD's latest libraries instead. Early adopters can take advantage of FSR 4 enhancements, provided they have an RDNA 4 GPU and are willing to follow a few manual steps. You simply drop OptiScaler's FSR 4 proxy DLL into the game's installation folder, open OptiScaler's interface or its configuration tool to select "fsr4" as the backend, and turn off any built‑in anti‑lag or frame‑generation module to prevent timing conflicts between two low‑latency systems.

Once these steps are complete and you are running on DirectX 11 or 12 without an incompatible anti‑cheat or a Vulkan render path, you can launch the game, and OptiScaler will seamlessly drive FSR 4 in place of the original upscaler. There are still some caveats. OptiScaler does not yet support Vulkan render paths, and online titles protected by Easy Anti‑Cheat or BattlEye will refuse to launch when they detect the proxy DLL. Additionally, there is no universal installer, so each game directory must be modified individually. Even so, for single‑player or LAN‑only releases, this tool immediately extends FSR 4's reach from the current 65 native titles to potentially hundreds of legacy games.

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Intel to Return to "LP" iGPU Variants with Xe3 iGPU Powering "Wildcat Lake" Budget CPUs

With its next generation Xe3 "Celestial" graphics architecture, Intel is returning to entry-level variants of its graphics IP that lacks features such as ray tracing, Kepler_L2 found in open source driver code supporting the integrated graphics solution of the upcoming "Wildcat Lake" mobile processor. Intel is designing "Wildcat Lake" to be its new entry-level mobile processor targeting Windows notebooks and Chromebooks priced well below the $400 mark. The iGPU of this chip, while based on the next-generation Xe3 architecture, only comes with 2 Xe cores worth 32 EU (execution units), which doesn't result in any meaningful amount of shader power to back ray traced workloads.

It might be premature to call this a true "Xe3-LP" sub-architecture at this point. While the original Xe-LP architecture powering the iGPU of "Tiger Lake," "Rocket Lake," and "Alder Lake" lacks ray tracing, it also physically lacks ray tracing units, and XMX cores for advanced matrix math acceleration driving AI workloads. It's being suggested in Kepler_L2's thread that the iGPU physically has RT units and XMX cores, but these are disabled, and are essentially deadweights on the silicon.

AMD's Upcoming UDNA / RDNA 5 GPU Could Feature 96 CUs and 384-bit Memory Bus

According to one of the most reliable AMD leakers, Kepler_L2, AMD's upcoming UDNA (or RDNA 5) GPU generation will reintroduce higher-end GPU configurations with up to 96 Compute Units (CUs) in the top-end Navi 5X SKU, paired with a 384-bit bus for memory. We still don't know what type of memory AMD will ultimately use, but an early assumption could be that GDDR7 is on the table. When it comes to the middle of the stack, AMD plans a GPU with 64 CUs and a 256-bit memory bus, along with various variations of CUs and memory capacities around that. For the entry-level models, AMD could deliver a 32 CU configuration paired with a 128-bit memory bus. So far, memory capacities are unknown and may be subject to change as AMD finalizes its GPU lineup.

After the RDNA 4 generation, which left AMD without a top-end contender, fighting for the middle-end market share, a UDNA / RDNA 5 will be a welcome addition. We are looking forward to seeing what UDNA design is capable of and what microarchitectural changes AMD has designed. Mass production of these GPUs is expected in Q2 2026, so availability is anticipated in the second half of 2026. A clearer picture of the exact memory capacity and type will emerge as we approach launch.

COLORFUL Introduces iGame Shadow II Series DDR5 Memory

Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PC components, gaming laptops, and Hi-fi audio products, proudly introduces the new iGame Shadow II DDR5 memory series, engineered to push the limits of performance for the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 series platforms. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the iGame Shadow II lineup delivers higher frequencies, tighter timings, and enhanced overclocking potential, ensuring gamers and creators can maximize their system's capabilities.

The iGame Shadow II flagship DDR5 memory kits build on the successful foundation of the first-generation iGame Shadow series, engineered specifically for the AMD Ryzen 9000 platform. It supports both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP 3.0 technologies. Featuring DDR5-6400 with ultra-low CL28 latency, these kits are designed for effortless plug-and-play performance with pre-configured profiles that unlock the full gaming potential of AMD's latest desktop CPUs. In a move that highlights its extreme overclocking capabilities, the memory operates at a high-performance voltage of 1.4 V, even lower than the already efficient 1.45 V of similar high-speed kits. This configuration offers enthusiasts greater flexibility and stability when pushing frequency and timings to the limit.

AAEON Releases PICO-TWL4, a Robust, Efficient 2.5-inch SBC for the Industrial Automation Market

Premier embedded computing provider AAEON, has announced the release of the PICO-TWL4, a compact Pico-ITX board powered by Intel Processor N-series processors (formerly Twin Lake). The board is available in SKUs featuring both the 6 W, quad-core Intel Processor N150 and the 15 W, octa-core Intel Core 3 Processor N355. On its ultra-small 100 mm x 72 mm PICO-ITX form factor, the PICO-TWL4 leverages the optimized single and multi-thread performance of the newest efficiency-focused Intel processing platform while retaining the robust industrial design that AAEON's Pico-ITX line is known for.

The board offers up to 16 GB of DDR5 memory via SODIMM slot, two LAN ports (2.5GbE and 1GbE), and six USB interfaces, made up of two physical USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and four USB 2.0 via pin header. For display, the PICO-TWL4 has both LVDS and HDMI, with the board's LVDS co-layed with eDP, providing greater variety to users based on project requirements.
Sunday, July 20th 2025
Cougar OmnyX Review

Cougar OmnyX Review

The Cougar OmnyX aims to be the perfect chassis for flexible desk placement, whether on the left or right side. Thanks to a smart, functional design and the unique Omnidirectional Dynamic Flow System (ODF), positioning on either side of the desk is both simple and versatile.

NVIDIA Brings Reasoning Models to Consumers Ranging from 1.5B to 32B Parameters

Today, NVIDIA unveiled OpenReasoning-Nemotron, a quartet of distilled reasoning models with 1.5B, 7B, 14B, and 32B parameters, all derived from the 671B-parameter DeepSeek R1 0528. By compressing that massive teacher into four leaner Qwen‑2.5-based students, NVIDIA is making advanced reasoning experiments accessible even on standard gaming rigs, without the need to worry about hefty GPU bills and cloud usage. The key is not some elaborate trick but raw data. Using the NeMo Skills pipeline, NVIDIA generated five million math, science, and code solutions, and then fine-tuned each one purely with supervised learning. Already, the 32B model hits an 89.2 on AIME24 and 73.8 on the HMMT February contest, while even the 1.5B variant manages a solid 55.5 and 31.5.

NVIDIA envisions these models serving as a powerful research toolkit. All four checkpoints will be available for download on Hugging Face, providing a strong baseline for exploring reinforcement-learning-driven reasoning or customizing the models for specific tasks. With GenSelect mode (which takes multiple passes for each question), you can spawn multiple parallel generations and pick the best answer, pushing the 32B model to outstanding performance that rivals or even exceeds OpenAI's o3‑high performance on several math and coding benchmarks. Since NVIDIA trained these models with supervised fine-tuning only, without reinforcement learning, the community has clean, state-of-the-art starting points for future RL experiments. For gamers and at-home enthusiasts, we get a model that can be very close to the state-of-the-art, entirely locally, if you have a more powerful gaming GPU.

This Week in Gaming (Week 30)

After a couple of slow weeks, we have a crammed week of new releases ahead of us and it kicks off with an action RPG set in feudal China. This is followed by a kingdom builder, a space PvP shooter with a twist or two, a bicycle race, bicycle race, bicycle race—sorry—a FPS zombie shooter and landing in a Sci-Fi noir mystery. There are a few more new games that didn't quite make the list as well.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers / This week's major release / Thursday 24 July
Become Wuchang, a skilled pirate warrior struck by amnesia, who must navigate the uncertainties of her mysterious past while afflicted by the horrific Feathering disease. Explore the depths of Shu, enhancing your arsenal and mastering new skills harvested from fallen foes. Evolve your fighting style by sacrificing elusive Red Mercury and further develop new techniques obtained throughout your action-packed journey. Augment the weapons in your repertoire with powerful enchantments, allowing for a unique approach to combat and strategy that suits your personal style. Steam link
Saturday, July 19th 2025

Intel Shuts Down "Clear Linux" Distribution Development

Linux enthusiasts gather to hear the latest news: Intel is officially shutting down its Clear Linux distribution after ten years of development and optimizations. As many recall, Clear Linux is an Intel-optimized Linux distribution that serves as a high-performance, optimized OS designed to extract every last ounce of performance from Intel hardware, especially Intel Xeons. As software optimizations, such as AVX-512, became more common, Intel consistently pushed these optimizations and specific pre-compiled software with compiler flags and kernel optimizations that increased performance on Intel and even AMD CPUs by a few percents. Traditional Linux distributions weren't optimized in that regard as they were mostly compiled to run on every x86 or Arm CPU, without any special flags raised for performance. This has enabled compatibility, but lacks a few percentage points of performance that Clear Linux managed to extract. As of now, these efforts are essentially terminated, and the distribution will cease to receive security and quality of life improvements, effective immediately. Users are advised to switch to another distribution. The complete statement follows.
Friday, July 18th 2025
Thermal Grizzly WireView Pro Review

Thermal Grizzly WireView Pro Review

The Thermal Grizzly WireView Pro brings accurate, real-time monitoring to the fragile 12VHPWR/12V-2x6 16-pin GPU power connector, helping users catch power or thermal issues early. It’s easy to use and includes helpful features like external thermal probes and configurable alerting.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S (GC553Pro) Review

AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S (GC553Pro) Review

Capable of low-lag 4K60 capture, 1440p144 and 1080p240 capture and passthrough, as well as VRR passthrough and recording including 5.1 surround sound, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S offers serious value for streamers and gamers alike.

2,001 W XOC BIOS for GALAX GeForce RTX 5090D HOF Appears

If you remember GALAX's last overclocking triumph, it was thanks to Team OGS and their custom Extreme OC (XOC) BIOS for the RTX 5090D HOF. Now, this special XOC BIOS has surfaced online, courtesy of an eagle‑eyed post by OCNet user digitaljack3t. This firmware unlocks a default power limit of 2,001 W, which exceeds NVIDIA's official cap, and even allows you to adjust the TDP down to 400 W if you need to keep temperatures in check. It only works on the 5090D variant, so don't bother trying to flash it onto the regular 5090. That exclusivity makes sense given GALAX's decision to release just one non‑D HOF card globally, and it shows that true overclocking headroom is reserved for the 5090D platform.

Using liquid nitrogen cooling and finely tuned voltages, they pushed the core clock up to an astonishing 3,650 MHz and achieved a record time of 39.434 seconds on the GPUPI 32B benchmark. OC momentum carried over into graphics tests as well, where 3DMark Port Royal saw the GPU running at 3,570 MHz on its core and 2,250 MHz on GDDR7 memory, resulting in a score of 47,469 points. Meanwhile, the Unigine Superposition 1080p Extreme preset achieved 38,237 points, nearly 29% above the card's standard performance target. Extreme overclocking is not a dead end, and with this XOC BIOS, another overclocking lab could give it a try and potentially set a new world record.
GALAX GeForce RTX 5090D HOF

Nikon Introduces 600x600 mm Substrates for Advanced AI Silicon

Nikon announced that it will begin accepting orders today for its Digital Lithography System DSP-100, a back-end tool purpose-built for the next-gen of advanced semiconductor packaging. The company will deliver the first units during fiscal year 2026. The DSP-100 is specifically designed for panel-level packaging (PLP), a technology that industry leaders such as TSMC, Intel, and Samsung are adopting to overcome the cost and area limitations of 300 mm wafers. Standardized rectangular substrates, already fixed at 510x515 mm, allow more compute chiplets, HBM4 stacks, and I/O dies to be integrated into a single package. Nikon's engineers pushed the standard further by enabling exposure on glass or resin panels up to 600×600 mm. Key specifications released today show a 1.0 µm line‑and‑space resolution, overlay accuracy within ± 0.3 µm and throughput of 50 panels per hour at the 510x515 mm size.

By eliminating photomasks and instead steering an i-line equivalent light source through a spatial light modulator (SLM), the DSP-100 sidesteps both the optical distortion inherent in large single-lens systems and the expense of mask sets. A proprietary multi‑lens array borrowed from Nikon's flat‑panel display division stitches the pattern seamlessly across the full substrate. With a 600×600 mm panel accommodating 36 of the 100 mm square packages, the system delivers nine times higher throughput productivity compared to 300 mm wafer processes, dramatically reducing the cost per die. The maskless architecture also shortens design iteration cycles, a critical advantage as generative AI workloads drive rapid evaluation of data center accelerators. Nikon states that volume production of the DSP‑100 will commence in 2026, with pricing disclosed only to qualified buyers.

EIZO achieves EcoVadis Platinum Rating

EIZO Corporation today announced that it has been awarded a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, the highest recognition possible in the global sustainability assessment. This marks a significant milestone for EIZO, which has advanced from Bronze to Platinum in a single annual evaluation cycle, placing it in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed worldwide. EcoVadis, founded in France in 2007, is one of the world's most trusted sustainability ratings providers, evaluating companies on Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. EIZO earned an overall score of 84, reflecting strong performance across all categories.

"This recognition affirms the steady progress we've made in integrating sustainability into our business and supply chain operations," said Masaki Ebisu, President and COO of EIZO Corporation. "We view this Platinum rating not as a goal, but as a foundation for continued innovation and responsibility in all aspects of our operations. We will continue to strengthen our ESG initiatives to create lasting value for society and our stakeholders."

Intel Skips NPU Upgrade for Arrow Lake Refresh, AMD Cancels Medusa Halo in Latest Rumors

Intel's Arrow Lake-S desktop update set for the latter part of 2025 might not bring the expected boost in AI capabilities. New information from Jaykihn, a leaker known for sharing regular updates on Intel roadmaps hints that this update will keep the current NPU 3 design instead of using the more advanced NPU 4 found in Intel's Lunar Lake laptop chips. The existing Arrow Lake desktop line uses NPU 3, which came out in 2023 with Meteor Lake and offers 11.5 TOPS of AI power. This falls well short of the 40 TOPS needed for Microsoft Copilot+ certification. Intel's Lunar Lake laptop processors have the upgraded NPU 4, which can reach up to 48 TOPS making them Copilot+ ready. By sticking with NPU 3 in the desktop update, Intel's desktop chips will still trail behind laptop offerings from AMD and Apple in AI speed. Without NPU upgrades, the Arrow Lake update seems to offer small increases in clock speed and continued production on Intel's 20A process. This small step forward might not be enough, given Intel's shrinking market share and the need for bigger design improvements to stay competitive.

At the same time AMD might face some problems with reports suggesting that Medusa Halo, which was supposed to come after Strix Halo, has been scrapped. This news comes from HXL, a leaker with a decent track record. This could mean that Intel's Nova Lake-AX is left without any real competition in a market where Strix Halo and Apple's chips are the big players. If this is true, it shows a big change in AMD's plans for high-end mobile computing.

Peladn Unveils Link S-3, Its First Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock

Chinese company Peladn is preparing the Link S-3 as its first external GPU dock to feature Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, following its previous Link S-1 and Link S-2 models that used Thunderbolt 4 and OCuLink, respectively. This low-profile dock enables desktop graphics card connectivity for systems lacking dedicated GPUs. The device features dual Thunderbolt 5 ports with up to 80 Gbps bidirectional speeds; however, practical performance is limited to 64 Gbps due to constraints of its PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for the graphics card. The dock supports external ATX or SFX power supplies and 140 W Power Delivery through its Thunderbolt 5 connection. Its open-air design exposes the connected graphics card to ambient air for cooling, eliminating the need for built-in fans.

Peladn Link S-3 includes 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection via Realtek's RTL8156B controller, an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 3.0 x1 SSDs, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port at 10 Gbps, and an SD card reader. While Thunderbolt 5 offers higher theoretical bandwidth than OCuLink's 64 Gbps, the practical advantage is minimal due to PCIe constraints. OCuLink connections may still provide lower latency in some scenarios, though the Link S-3's Thunderbolt 5 implementation enables additional connectivity features that OCuLink docks typically lack. The Peladn Link S-3 is available for pre-order in China at CNY 1,599 (approximately $223), with shipping starting on July 26. Global availability has not been announced.

ASUS Intros ROG Strix X870-H Gaming WiFi7 S Motherboard

ASUS today introduced its first ROG Strix-H branded AMD platform motherboard. ASUS differentiates its ROG Strix line of motherboards with brand extensions resembling their main ROG brands, with E denoting "extreme," F denoting "formula," G denoting "gene" (microATX), I denoting "impact" (Mini-ITX), A denoting "apex," and H denoting "hero." The H extension is positioned below F, just like Hero is positioned below Formula; however ROG Strix-H motherboard SKUs tend to be rare as that price-point tends to be occupied by TUF Gaming Plus SKUs. The new ROG Strix X870-H Gaming WiFi7 S is exclusive to China, and comes co-branded. The board pulls power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and dual 8-pin EPS connectors, using a 16+2+1 phase VRM, which uses 80 A DrMOS on all phases. The board uses an 8-layer PCB.

The board is based on the AMD X870 chipset, which ensures USB4 connectivity, besides some premium networking features such as Wi-Fi 7. The AMD Socket AM5 is wired to four DDR5 DIMM slots, a PCI-Express 5.0 x16 slot, and two M.2 Gen 5 NVMe slots—the second slot shares its Gen 5 x4 lanes with the PEG slot. There are two additional Gen 4 NVMe slots, one of these is wired to the X870 FCH, while the other shares its lanes with the CPU-attached discrete USB4 host controller. The topmost Gen 5 NVMe slot comes with a tall heatsink, while the other three slots come with a flatter common heatsink-shroud.

SolidRun and Amarisoft Launches Full 5G Base Stations on Embedded x86 Platform

SolidRun, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance System on Module (SOM) solutions, Single Board Computers (SBC) and network edge solutions, today announced a major milestone in collaboration with Amarisoft, a pioneer in software-defined wireless network technologies. The companies have successfully validated a fully functional 4G/5G base station featuring both gNB and 5GC, on SolidRun's compact Ryzen Embedded V3000 COM Express Type 7 module deployed on SolidRun's HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 carrier board.

This achievement demonstrates that high-performance 5G infrastructure no longer requires bulky, power-hungry servers. Instead, SolidRun and Amarisoft have proven that a carrier-grade base station can now be delivered in a compact, power-efficient system without compromising on features or performance. The validated solution supports 100 MHz bandwidth with 4T4R MIMO and runs a complete virtualized 4G/5G software stack from Amarisoft, without the need for external accelerators, FPGAs, or GPUs.

Rapidus Achieves Significant Milestone with Prototyping of Leading-Edge 2nm GAA Transistors

Rapidus Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced logic semiconductors, today announced that prototyping has started for its 2 nm gate-all-around (GAA) transistor structure at Rapidus Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM-1) foundry. The prototype wafers also started to obtain their electrical characteristics. Rapidus new IIM-1 foundry represents a significant advancement over the traditional foundry model. The company is re-imagining how semiconductor factories should think, learn, adapt and optimize processes in real time through cutting-edge methods and technology including:

Fully single-wafer front-end processing: In a single-wafer process, adjustments can be made to a single wafer, inspected and if successful, applied to all subsequent wafers. Single wafer captures more data, enabling AI models to be trained to improve wafer production and increase yields. Rapidus is one of the first companies that will commercialize fully single-wafer processing, which is central to its Rapid and Unified Manufacturing Service (RUMs).

MSI Outs Socket AM5 Motherboard Firmware Updates with AGESA 1.2.0.3F and Next-Gen APU Support

MSI began rolling out UEFI firmware updates for its Socket AM5 motherboard lineup that encapsulate AMD AGESA 1.2.0.3F microcode. This latest version of AGESA comes with support for several new upcoming processor SKUs, including Ryzen 9000F series, which are "Granite Ridge" based chips with integrated graphics disabled; as well as AMD's upcoming Ryzen 9000G series desktop APUs, which are expected to be based on the 4 nm "Krackan Point" monolithic silicon. This chip features a 12-core CPU (4x "Zen 5" + 8x "Zen 5c"), a powerful iGPU based on RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture with up to 16 compute units; and the Ryzen AI XDNA 2 NPU capable of 50 AI TOPS, meeting Microsoft Copilot+ local acceleration requirements.

Besides support for new processors, AGESA 1.2.0.3F is also expected to lend 256 GB platform maximum memory support using four 64 GB DIMMs (2 DIMMs per channel). The firmware carries over many of the fTPM security vulnerability mitigations introduced with AGESA 1.2.0.3, which are recommended for all users. Lastly, MSI introduced several overclocking stability improvements with its latest firmware updates. Grab these updates from the Support section of the product page of your motherboard model on the MSI website.

ASUS ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV Thunderbolt 4 Monitor Comes in Late-August at $1299

ASUS today announced late-August availability of ProArt Display PA32QCV, a professional-grade 32-inch 6K (6016 x 3384) display designed for content creators. PA32QCV offers Delta E<2 color accuracy, 98% DCI-P3 gamut, and 218 pixels per inch (ppi) for stunning visuals. Each display is individually calibrated at the factory and Calman Verified to ensure exceptional and consistent color accuracy - vital for color-critical work.

PA32QCV also includes Mac-friendly features including a new M Model-P3 color preset to ensure consistent colors on macOS devices. Plus, ASUS DisplayWidget Center is now available for macOS, enabling convenient control of any ProArt display. Other features include built-in Auto KVM for effortless switching between two connected laptops or PCs with a single keyboard and mouse, as well as extensive connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 4 with 96-watt Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, and a USB hub. PA32QCV will be available for US$1299.

ASRock Announces Exciting New AMD X870 and X870E Motherboards to Liven Up the Market

ASRock, the global leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, power supplies, and gaming monitors, today is pleased to announce its new range of AMD X870/X870E motherboards, adding more exciting products into its product portfolio. New products such as X870E Taichi OCF, the very first OC formula motherboard based on AMD platform, Phantom Gaming X870 NOVA WiFi, the new high end gaming motherboard based on X870 chipset, elegantly designed X870 Taichi Creator and X870 LiveMixer WiFi, lastly the powerful yet budget friendly X870 Pro-A WiFi.

Being the very first OC Formula motherboard based on AMD platform, the X870E Taichi OCF is designed for extreme overclocking with server grade ultra-low loss PCB and a stunning 22+2+1 phase 110 A SPS design. The innovative memory layout design with one DIMM per channel architecture provides exceptional overclocking potential. X870E Taichi OCF is equipped with Dual front USB Type-C, Dual USB4 Type-C at the rear, six M.2 slots for SSD and two of which even support PCIe 5.0 x4, delivering high performance and brilliant functionality, a perfect example of a flagship product.

Axiomtek Unlocks New Frontiers in Real-Time AI at the Edge with NVIDIA Jetson Orin Super Mode

Axiomtek—a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted to the research, development, and manufacture of innovative, highly efficient, and reliable industrial computer products—is proud to announce Super Mode support on its NVIDIA Jetson Orin -based AIE series, including the compact and rugged AIE100-ONA and AIE110-ONA. Designed for real-time, high-throughput AI workloads in intelligent transportation and smart parking applications, the system now delivers unprecedented AI inference performance thanks to NVIDIA's latest high-performance operating mode.

As demand for smarter, more responsive traffic and parking systems rises, system integrators are challenged to deploy edge AI solutions capable of simultaneously handling multi-stream video analytics, license plate recognition, object detection, and predictive insights—all with strict latency constraints. With the Super Mode feature enabled on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, Axiomtek's AIE100-ONA and AIE110-ONA now provide a significant performance leap to address these real-world deployment needs.

AVerMedia Intros GO Series: Pocket-Size Dock+Charger+Capture for Nintendo Switch 2

AVerMedia, a global leader in AI and livestreaming technologies, proudly announces that its GO Series of USB-C capture-and-charge devices—X'TRA GO, ELITE GO, and CORE GO—have been tested and verified by AVerMedia to support the Nintendo Switch 2. Designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of USB-C devices - including Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion GO, MSI Claw, iPad, and smartphones- the GO Series offers creators, streamers, and educators a reliable, portable streaming solution that just works—anytime, anywhere.

From the Nintendo Switch 2 to tablets and handheld gaming consoles, GO Series devices are plug-and-play ready for multi-platform streaming and recording. No bulky gear, no complicated setups—just a single USB-C connection that unlocks true mobile streaming freedom. Whether you're livestreaming gameplay, teaching remotely, giving training onsite/offsite, or creating content wherever you set up, the GO Series is your all-in-one content creation companion.
Thursday, July 17th 2025

Razer Pokémon Collection Launches In More Markets Around The World

Razer, the world's leading lifestyle brand for gamers, partners with The Pokémon Company International to launch the highly anticipated Razer | Pokémon Collection into new territories. Following its popular debut in Asia, this fan-favorite collaboration is now available in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The collection combines the universal charm of Pokémon with Razer's signature gaming gear, designed for fans who want to play with style and personality.

Featuring the iconic Pikachu and the beloved Kanto Region First Partner Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—this vibrant lineup of PC gaming peripherals is crafted to resonate with both Pokémon Trainers and gamers alike. The result is a nostalgic yet modern collection that blends cultural relevance with collectible design and creative expression.

AMD Radeon AI PRO R9700 GPU Arrives on July 23rd

AMD confirmed today that its RDNA 4‑based Radeon AI PRO R9700 GPU will reach retail on Wednesday, July 23. Built on the Navi 48 die with a full 32 GB of GDDR6 memory and supporting PCIe 5.0, the R9700 is specifically tuned for lower‑precision calculations and demanding AI workloads. According to AMD, it delivers up to 496% faster inference on large transformer models compared to NVIDIA's desktop RTX 5080, while carrying roughly half the price of the forthcoming RTX PRO "Blackwell" series. At launch, the Radeon AI PRO R9700 will only be offered inside turnkey workstations from OEM partners such as Boxx and Velocity Micro. Enthusiasts who wish to install the card themselves can expect standalone boards from ASRock, PowerColor, and other add‑in‑board vendors later in the Q3. Early listings suggest a price of around $1,250, placing it above the $599 RX 9070 XT yet considerably below competing NVIDIA workstation GPUs. Retailers are already accepting pre-orders.

Designed for AI professionals who require more than what consumer‑grade hardware can provide, the Radeon AI PRO R9700 excels at natural language processing, text‑to‑image generation, generative design, and other high‑complexity tasks that rely on large models or memory‑intensive pipelines. It's 32 GB of VRAM allows production-scale inference, local fine-tuning, and multi-modal workflows to run entirely on-premises, improving performance, reducing latency, and enhancing data security compared to cloud-based solutions. Full compatibility with AMD's open ROCm 6.3 platform provides developers with access to leading frameworks, including PyTorch, ONNX Runtime, and TensorFlow. This enables AI models to be built, tested, and deployed efficiently on local workstations. The card's compact dual-slot design and blower-style cooler ensure reliable front-to-back airflow in dense multi-GPU configurations, making it simple to expand memory capacity, deploy parallel inference pipelines, and sustain high-throughput AI infrastructure in enterprise environments.

AMD Announces Official Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series Pricing

A month ago, AMD launched the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series of processors, but at the time, the company didn't provide any pricing. Today, in a blog post, the company revealed the pricing for five of the six new Threadripper processors, skipping the 12-core 9945WX for some reason. As these are workstation chips with up to 96 cores, pricing is accordingly high, with the 16-core 9955WX coming in at US$1,649. The 24-core 9965WX comes in at US$2,899, followed by the 32-core 9975WX at US$4,099. Things start to get really eye watering with the 64-core 9985WX at US$7,999 and finally the 96-core 9995WX at US$11,699.

In all fairness, the per core cost actually gets a lot lower with the two high-end parts, but it's pretty clear that these 350 W TDP chips are not intended for consumer use. AMD also added some new benchmark figures, comparing the 9995WX with Intel's Xeon W9-3595X. AMD claims to best it by between 40 and 145 percent, depending on the benchmark in question. It's a bit of an unfair comparison though, as the W9-3595X is only a 60-core CPU that has an MSRP of US$5,889, but Intel doesn't have any higher-end options in its workstation lineup either. It would've made more sense to put the W9-3595X up against the 9985WX though, as the two are closer both in terms of core count and price point.

VZR Audio Reveals VZR Model One MkII Audiophile Gaming Headset

VZR Audio, an audio products company founded by Apple's former lead acoustics engineer, Vic Tiscareno, today announces its long-awaited next flagship audiophile gaming headset, the VZR Model One MkII, available today from Amazon, Walmart, and independent retailers around the world.

VZR worked with award-winning musicians, producers, sound designers, and competitive gamers to improve all aspects of the acclaimed original VZR Model One. The VZR Model One MkII's retuned acoustic model produces a more accurate sound reproduction across the spectrum. Instruments sound true to life, and gamers can pinpoint enemy footsteps and gunfire for improved positional awareness.

Intel and Weizmann Institute Speed AI with Speculative Decoding Advance

At the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), researchers from Intel Labs and the Weizmann Institute of Science introduced a major advance in speculative decoding. The new technique, presented at the conference in Vancouver, Canada, enables any small "draft" model to accelerate any large language model (LLM) regardless of vocabulary differences. "We have solved a core inefficiency in generative AI. Our research shows how to turn speculative acceleration into a universal tool. This isn't just a theoretical improvement; these are practical tools that are already helping developers build faster and smarter applications today," said Oren Pereg, senior researcher, Natural Language Processing Group, Intel Labs.

Speculative decoding is an inference optimization technique designed to make LLMs faster and more efficient without compromising accuracy. It works by pairing a small, fast model with a larger, more accurate one, creating a "team effort" between models. Consider the prompt for an AI model: "What is the capital of France…" A traditional LLM generates each word step by step. It fully computes "Paris," then "a", then "famous", then "city" and so on, consuming significant resources at each step. With speculative decoding, the small assistant model quickly drafts the full phrase "Paris, a famous city…" The large model then verifies the sequence. This dramatically reduces the compute cycles per output token.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW Gets RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business and More Games

Listen up citizens, the law is back and patrolling the cloud. Nacon's RoboCop Rogue City - Unfinished Business launches today in the cloud, bringing justice to every device, everywhere. Log in, lock and load, and take charge with the ten games heading to the cloud this week. Plus, Cyberpunk 2077's 2.3 update amps up the chaos in Night City while Zenless Zone Zero's 2.1 update delivers summer vibes - all instantly playable in the cloud.

Suit Up
Step into the titanium boots of RoboCop, the ultimate cybernetic law enforcer. Whether a veteran of the force or a rookie looking to protect the innocent, players will encounter a fresh case file packed with explosive action, tough choices, and that signature blend of grit and dry wit in RoboCop Rogue City - Unfinished Business. Tackle a new storyline that puts players' decision-making skills to the test, and wield the iconic RoboCop weapons while upholding the law. With GeForce NOW, players won't need a high-tech lab to experience high visual quality and lightning-fast gameplay. Stream the game instantly on mobile devices, laptops, SHIELD TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs, gaming handhelds or even that old PC that's seen better days.

Turtle Beach Reveals New Nintento Switch Rematch Wireless Controller: Donkey Kong

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation, today announced the new Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller: Donkey Kong. The new Donkey Kong-themed controller is the latest accessory in Turtle Beach's growing catalogue of officially licensed by Nintendo gaming accessories compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch - OLED Model. This controller also works with the Nintendo Switch 2 system - C button not available. The Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller: Donkey Kong is available for pre-order today from www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $59.99/£49.99/€59.99 MSRP and launches Oct. 12, 2025.

"Our officially licensed by Nintendo controllers are designed for passionate fans who love the iconic characters, immersive worlds, and legendary games Nintendo is known for," said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Our new Donkey Kong-themed wireless controller is packed with features for a standout experience, combining motion control support with dynamic artwork that reveals different Donkey Kong visuals depending on the viewing angle."

GravaStar and Yeston Unveil the Mercury Nova RX 9070 XT Graphics Card

GravaStar, a global leader in cyberpunk-inspired tech gear, today announced the official launch of its highly anticipated Mercury Nova RX 9070 XT graphics card, created in collaboration with renowned hardware brand Yeston. The card is now available worldwide starting July 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST.

Combining the latest AMD RDNA 4 architecture with GravaStar's iconic sci-fi design language, the Mercury Nova RX 9070 XT delivers extreme gaming performance in an unmistakable chassis. Designed for gamers, custom PC builders, and collectors who demand both power and personality, this GPU is a bold new entry in the high-performance graphics card category.

Asustor Adds Support for Seagate's 30 TB Ironwolf Pro Hard Drives

ASUSTOR Inc. today announced support for Seagate's newly launched IronWolf Pro 30 TB high-capacity enterprise hard drive, also known as the ST30000NT011. These drives adopt the Mozaic 3+ technology, significantly increasing storage density on a single drive. It offers businesses a space-saving, high-performance, and highly durable solution for data-intensive storage environments. ASUSTOR's Ryzen-based Lockerstor Gen3 series combines full support for high-capacity drives with high-speed connectivity to meet and/or exceed the needs of stability, compatibility, and performance. With up to sixteen bays for Serial ATA drives, this means that our sixteen bay NAS drives support up to 480 TB in a single volume. As ASUSTOR supports the freedom to use any compatible drive or brand of drive since ASUSTOR NAS devices are not locked down, this fully unleashes the potential of your ASUSTOR NAS. This provides a more efficient and cost-effective storage option for high-capacity environments than locked down NAS products.

The ASUSTOR Lockerstor Gen3 series excels in scalability, durability, and operational efficiency. In ASUSTOR's quest to provide freedom for customers, ASUSTOR NAS devices support a wide range of options for hard drives and SSDs. Use SSDs in a Lockerstor Gen3 to improve performance in both random access and sequential access scenarios while using the SATA bays to obtain potentially hundreds of Terabytes. With 10GbE and USB4 connectivity, the Lockerstor Gen3 series easily handles high-bandwidth and high-density applications such as video post-production and enterprise file servers. As enterprise IT infrastructure shifts toward decentralized deployment, an ASUSTOR NAS's flexible hardware design and open platform that supports the freedom to use third party hard drives and SSDs has become a preferred choice for edge storage.

EIZO Releases the FlexScan S1734 17-inch Square Monitor

EIZO Corporation today announced the release of the FlexScan S1734 - a 17-inch square monitor with SXGA (1280 x 1024) native resolution for back offices and control rooms. It is the successor to the S1703-A, continuing to meet the versatile and long-term supply needs of various organizations.

The S1734 brings a refined visual experience with the integration of an IPS panel, offering a notable advancement over the TN panel used in the previous model. This transition enhances the monitor's screen readability with 178°/178° wide viewing angles, up from 170°/160°, ensuring consistent image quality from virtually any perspective.

AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 "Krackan Point 2" Silicon Has 1P+3C Cores

AMD yesterday released the Ryzen AI 5 330 mainstream notebook processor capable of Copilot+. The company's pre-launch materials for the chip weren't clear on what silicon the processor is based on, and what its exact CPU core configuration is, besides vaguely mentioning 4 cores and its top boost specs. The company today put up detailed specs of the chip, and it turns out that the Ryzen AI 5 330 is based on a physically smaller monolithic chip dubbed "Krackan Point 2." AMD builds this chip on the TSMC N4P node.

A successor to "Phoenix 2," Krackan Point 2, as configured on the Ryzen AI 5 330, comes with a single heterogenous CCX that has four cores, one of these is a regular "Zen 5," and the other three "Zen 5c" cores. The four cores each have 1 MB of L2 cache, and share 8 MB of L3 cache. All four cores come with a base frequency of 2.00 GHz, but while the lone "Zen 5" core boosts up to 4.50 GHz, the three "Zen 5c" cores only boost up to 3.40 GHz. All four cores come with SMT, and share a common ISA, so threads can migrate among them seamlessly without encountering runtime errors. A software-based power management solution uses UEFI CPPC2-based "preferred core" flagging to ensure priority to the "Zen 5" core. The chip comes with a default TDP of 28 W, although OEMs can configure this between 15 W and 28 W.

Intel "Nova Lake-AX" Specifications Surface: 28 CPU Cores, 48 Xe3 GPU Cores, and LPDDR5X

Yesterday, we covered the leak of Intel's plan to take on AMD in the APU space with a "Nova Lake-AX" SoC that features a relatively powerful CPU core configuration paired with an enhanced Xe3 GPU core cluster. Today, one of the most reliable leakers, Raichu, confirms what the new Nova Lake-AX configuration could look like. When it comes to the CPU, the AX SKUs will feature a downsized CPU cluster, utilizing only a single tile with eight "Coyote Cove" P-cores and 16 "Arctic Wolf" E-cores, alongside the four-core LPE island, totaling 28 cores. Where the Nova Lake-S is expected to have up to two of those CPU tiles, the AX variant cuts out the second tile to make space for one of the biggest iGPUs we've seen Intel put in its SoCs.

Coming in at 384 Execution Units (EUs), this roughly translates into 48 Xe3 cores, assuming the standard eight EUs per Xe core configuration. However, there could be some internal changes to the way Xe3 cores handle render slices, so the total number of Xe3 cores remains unknown, except for the 384 EU count. Intel is also pairing this SoC with LPDDR5X memory, which operates at 9,600 or 10,667 MT/s, providing sufficient bandwidth to the 28 CPU cores and 384 EUs over a 256-bit bus. Additionally, Raichu claims that the launch is uncertain, which means that Intel is likely evaluating the platform for profitability if it decides to produce it in high volumes. Similarly to AMD's APU, there could be significant interest, so we will have to wait and see if Intel greenlights the project for the masses. The picture below is our own modification of Arrow Lake-H breakdown, and not what the actual Nova Lake-AX SoC would look like.
Intel Nova Lake-AX

TSMC Reports Second Quarter EPS of NT$15.36

TSMC (TWSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today announced consolidated revenue of NT$933.79 billion, net income of NT$398.27 billion, and diluted earnings per share of NT$15.36 (US$2.47 per ADR unit) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Year-over-year, second quarter revenue increased 38.6%, while net income and diluted EPS both increased 60.7%. Compared to first quarter 2025, second quarter results represented a 11.3% increase in revenue and a 10.2% increase in net income. All figures were prepared in accordance with TIFRS on a consolidated basis.

In US dollars, second quarter revenue was $30.07 billion, which increased 44.4% year-over-year and increased 17.8% from the previous quarter. Gross margin for the quarter was 58.6%, operating margin was 49.6%, and net profit margin was 42.7%. In the second quarter, shipments of 3-nanometer accounted for 24% of total wafer revenue; 5-nanometer accounted for 36%; 7-nanometer accounted for 14%. Advanced technologies, defined as 7-nanometer and more advanced technologies, accounted for 74% of total wafer revenue.

Samsung and SK Hynix Delay DDR4 Memory Phase-out Amidst Unexpected Demand

Late last month, we reported an unexpected surge in DDR4 DRAM chip spot-pricing, just as leading memory chipmakers in Taiwan and South Korea announced plans to phase out the standard, leaving behind residual inventories to deal with leftover demand. It turns out that the nearly 1 decade-long market presence of the DDR4 standard, beginning with the 2013 6th Gen Intel Core "Skylake" processor, and continuing on until 14th Gen Core "Raptor Lake Refresh," along with AMD Ryzen Socket AM4 along the way, meant that there are simply too many devices out there with DDR4 memory and users looking for upgrades.

Digitimes now reports that South Korean memory chipmakers such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, have put on hold their phase-out plans for DDR4 chips, and may continue supply until they see spot pricing sufficiently falling behind that of DDR5. At the same time, the two will be walking a tight rope with supply to ensure they don't end up with bloated inventories.

ASUS Announces ExpertCenter P500 SFF, a Compact Desktop PC

ASUS today announced ASUS ExpertCenter P500 SFF (P500SV), an 8.6-liter compact desktop PC designed to redefine value and performance for small businesses. With the innovative compact air cooler thermal design and powered by an up to Intel Core i7 processor, P500 SFF unleashes up to 45 W TDP. Thanks to its enhanced thermal design, it also delivers whisper-quiet performance, generating just 30.8 dB even in Performance mode - or as serene as rustling leaves. This makes it ideal for focused, professional environments.

Security is paramount with ExpertCenter P500 SFF, so it's backed by the reassurance of multiple ASUS ExpertGuardian protections. This powerhouse meets commercial-grade standards with a NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS, while ASUS assures at least five years of BIOS and driver updates to protect critical data. Enhanced with ASUS AI ExpertMeet, ExpertCenter P500 SFF revolutionizes virtual meetings through advanced AI tools like real-time translation and automated summaries, making collaboration seamless. In short, ExpertCenter P500 SFF sets a new standard for small-business desktops, combining power, security and efficiency with incredible value - ready to empower professional excellence.
Wednesday, July 16th 2025

Today's Reviews

Accessories
Cases
CPU Coolers
Monitors
Mouse
Notebooks
SSD
Pulsar X2 Crazylight Review

Pulsar X2 Crazylight Review

Despite having the same size as the X2 Mini (Size 1), the ambidextrous X2 Crazylight weighs only 37 g. Pulsar's custom XS-1 sensor, optical main button switches, and 8000 Hz wireless polling are also on board.

Kalypso Media Announces Sudden Strike 5, Coming in 2026

Publisher Kalypso Media and Developer Kite Games proudly announce Sudden Strike 5, the fifth instalment of the fan-favorite real-time tactics series. Sudden Strike 5 will be released in 2026, delivering authentic, tactical World War II battles to PC (Steam, Epic Games), Xbox PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 with Closed Beta registration beginning today on Steam.

Sudden Strike 5 returns to the front lines of World War II, where the trenches of war-torn Europe and North Africa immerse both new recruits and hardened soldiers in challenging historical scenarios. With a 25-mission campaign, more than 300 playable units, customizable Commanders, and PvP gameplay, Sudden Strike 5 raises the stakes higher than ever before to create the most epic large-scale tactical warfare experience in the series to date.

Gigabyte Aero X16 and Gigabyte Gaming A16 Now Officially Available

Following the successful debut of the AORUS MASTER 18 and 16, GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, now announces the availability of the GIGABYTE AERO X16 and GAMING A16, expanding its 2025 AI PC lineup. Built to meet the needs of gamers, hybrid users, and creators, both models combine next-gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs with GIGABYTE's exclusive GiMATE AI Agent for intelligent system control, AI-enhanced workflows, and immersive experiences.

Both laptops feature up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPUs, powered by the Blackwell architecture and NVIDIA DLSS 4 for AI-accelerated performance. The AERO X16 supports up to 85 W Max Graphics Power, while the GAMING A16 reaches up to 80 W. Integrated GiMATE AI Agent enables intuitive "Press & Speak" voice control, smart tuning, and privacy features. Built on an AI-ready platform with NVIDIA NIM, users can create personal AI agents and streamline workflows. With up to 14 hours of bat tery life, PD 3.0 fast charging, and Dolby Atmos audio, both laptops support modern AI-driven lifestyles.

ASRock Unveils Latest Additions to Its DeskMini PC Series

ASRock, a global leader in motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, power supplies, and gaming monitors, proudly introduces the latest additions to our Mini PC lineup: DeskMini B860 and DeskMini X600/USB4. Designed to balance power, efficiency, and flexibility in an ultra-compact form factor, the new DeskMini series offers ideal solutions for business, education, digital signage, and home entertainment.

DeskMini B860: Intel Power Meets Practicality
Built on Intel's next-generation platform, DeskMini B860 features Thunderbolt 4, quad-display output, and support for dual DDR5 CSODIMM memory. With Energy Star 9.0 compliance, it delivers energy-saving performance that meets the needs of modern work environments.

Cyberpunk 2077 Update v2.3 Brings FSR 4, XeSS Frame Generation, VRR for Consoles, and Much More

Tomorrow at 10:00 CET, CD Projekt Red will release Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.3 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, bringing a renewed pulse to Night City. Players on compatible hardware can now activate AMD FSR 4 and FSR 3.1 frame generation, Intel XeSS 2 with frame generation, Intel HDR10+ Gaming, and, for the first time, Variable Refresh Rate on consoles. A native Apple Silicon build also debuts on the Mac App Store. Four new vehicles arrive through narrative side jobs: the Yaiba ARV-Q340 Semimaru, Rayfield Caliburn "Mordred," Yaiba ASM-R250 Muramasa, and Chevillon Legatus 450 Aquila. Once earned, each can be piloted hands-free with the new AutoDrive system or summoned as a self-driving Delamain cab after completing "Don't Lose Your Mind."

Rayfield's CrystalCoat technology now coats partner-brand cars and motorcycles, supported by twin-tone paint packages and a community cracked variant for budget builds. Photo Mode expands with twenty-seven additional NPC spawns, wardrobe swapping, new stickers, frames, and colour balance tools. Quality of life updates include inverted-mouse detection, replayable tutorials, quieter radio balance, and a host of quest, gameplay, and stability fixes. The complete list of changes is very long, and you can check it out here.

Intel's New Tool Measures Video Game Image Quality in Real Time

Intel has introduced the Computer Graphics Visual Quality Metric (CGVQM) tool, the first open-source metric specifically designed to evaluate real-time game imagery with nearly the same accuracy as humans. At its core is the CG-VQD dataset, which contains 80 three-second clips from 15 open-source 3D scenes, ranging from Amazon's Bistro demo to custom environments like House and Bridge, each processed by one of six modern rendering methods, such as neural supersampling, path tracing, or Gaussian splatting. Intel researchers began with a pre-trained 3D ResNet‑18 network and fine-tuned its channel weights to align its outputs with volunteer ratings. The result, CGVQM‑5, outperforms all existing full‑reference metrics and comes very close to matching human agreement.

Behind the scenes, CGVQM splits each video into smaller patches, extracts key visual features using a 3D ResNet backbone, and then adjusts a small set of channel-wise weights so that its predicted scores closely match the quality ratings given by human testers. CGVQM 5 digs deep into all five ResNet blocks for top accuracy. To make the tool practical for swift build pipelines, the team also created CGVQM‑2, a lighter version that uses only the first two ResNet blocks. By removing most of the latter features, it runs substantially faster while still beating every rival metric. Both variants produce error maps that clearly highlight artifacts, such as ghosting or flicker, allowing artists to spot and fix issues without running complete user tests. Game developers can clone the GitHub repository and add Vulkan hooks or Unreal Engine plugins to integrate CGVQM directly into their workflows, enabling them to run evaluations on the fly.

EnGenius Announces Affordable ECW520 Wi-Fi 7 Access Point

EnGenius Technologies Inc., a global leader in advanced connectivity and cloud-managed networking solutions, is pleased to announce the release of the ECW520, the latest addition to its Wi-Fi 7 portfolio. Engineered to provide enterprise-grade wireless performance at a highly cost-effective price point, the ECW520 is designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with next-generation connectivity—without the traditional enterprise cost.

EnGenius ECW520: High-Performance Wi-Fi 7, Optimized for SMBs
Powered by the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 Wi-Fi 7 platform, the ECW520 delivers robust tri-band 2x2x2 performance with combined throughput capabilities of up to 10.8 Gbps. At an MSRP of $189, the ECW520 redefines value in the wireless networking space, offering a professional-grade solution for IT professionals, managed service providers (MSPs), and integrators seeking high-capacity, reliable connectivity for SMB deployments.

Supermicro Ships High-Performance 4-Socket X14 Servers Based on Intel Xeon 6 Processors

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI), a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, is now shipping the industry's most advanced 4-socket servers for large-scale database and enterprise applications. Using the latest Intel Xeon 6 Processors with Performance-Cores (P-Cores), these new servers are CXL 2.0 ready and are ideal for HPC, mission-critical workloads, and in-memory databases. Other applications that will benefit from these systems are those that require a very large memory footprint with massive processing power, or scientific simulation applications that rely heavily on CPU computing with low latencies. As a critical component of Supermicro's Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS), these new servers offer significantly higher performance than previous generations of 4-socket systems.

"These new 4-socket servers are addressing the needs of the most demanding enterprises worldwide, who require the simplicity and serviceability of a single system with up to 16 TB of memory, and up to 6 double-width GPUs," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "With our DCBBS approach and worldwide production capabilities, Supermicro can now deliver complete data center solutions to customers in all geographies and is first-to-market for this segment. We are able to provide organizations with a wide variety of systems for all of their IT needs."

AMD Intros Ryzen AI 5 330 Mainstream Mobile Processor

AMD today introduced the Ryzen AI 5 330, a mainstream mobile processor model for Microsoft Copilot+ ready notebooks at mainstream price-points. The processor comes with a slim CPU complex, but a full-featured NPU to locally accelerate Copilot+ and other edge AI use-cases. The processor comes with a configurable TDP of 15 W to 28 W, making it fit into most mainstream notebook form-factors with minimal cooling needs.

As for specs, the Ryzen AI 5 330 is based on a cut down variant of the 4 nm "Strix Point" monolithic silicon. Its CPU complex is 4-core/8-thread, although AMD didn't specify what the mix of "Zen 5" and "Zen 5c" cores is. It comes with 12 MB of "total cache" (L2+L3), which means the L3 cache is 8 MB, given that both the "Zen 5" and "Zen 5c" core types come with 1 MB L2 caches. The CPU cores are clocked at 2.00 GHz, with 4.50 GHz maximum boost frequency. Meanwhile, the iGPU model is dubbed Radeon 820M, and is configured with 2 compute units for 128 stream processors. The NPU, however, is the fully fledged XDNA 2 unit with 50 TOPS. We expect notebooks powered by the Ryzen AI 5 330 to be priced well under the $500 mark.

Akko Releases ISO Version for Year of the Dragon Magnetic Switch Keyboard

Akko, a global innovator in mechanical keyboards, proudly announces the release of the ISO layout version of its award-winning MOD 007 HE Year of the Dragon Magnetic Switch Keyboard. Now available in German, French, and UK layouts, this release brings one of Akko's most celebrated designs to a broader European audience.

Originally launched in ANSI layout, the Dragon Year keyboard was recognized with the Omdia Innovation Award at IFA Berlin 2024, one of the world's leading consumer electronics events. The keyboard draws deep inspiration from the Qinglong, a mythological creature representing strength, renewal, and Eastern wisdom. Its bold visual identity includes a three-tone anodized aluminium case with laser-engraved dragon-scale textures, and dye-sublimated keycaps featuring a powerful dragon in flight—creating a stunning fusion of traditional Chinese culture and modern industrial aesthetics.

LG Extends Its Ultra-Light LG Gram Pro Laptop Series with New Models

LG Electronics is redefining portable performance with the expansion of its acclaimed LG gram lineup. The newest LG gram Pro models - the 16Z90TR and 17Z90TR - pack the power of hybrid AI into an ultra-light, ultra-thin form factor. Beginning today, the new gram Pro models will be available at LG.com (and later at LG-authorized retailers) starting at $2,799.99 for the 16-inch 16Z90TR and $2,549.99 for the larger 17Z90TR.

Designed for today's dynamic, on-the-go users, the LG gram Pro delivers next-gen performance with Intel Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) and Ultra 7 processors and NVIDIA RTX 5050 graphics. These laptops are built to handle everything from seamless productivity and smart multitasking to creative workflows and immersive gaming.

Cyberpunk 2077 Lands on Apple Silicon with Full M‑Series Support

CD Projekt RED is about to rewrite the Mac's reputation as a second-tier gaming rig. At 8 am Pacific on July 17, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which includes the base game, Phantom Liberty, and Patch 2.3, will be available to download across the Mac App Store, Steam, GOG, and Epic. Players who already own the title on PC won't have to pay again. This isn't just a delayed port. Engineers have spent the last eighteen months rebuilding the REDengine pipeline to support Apple's Metal API, slicing each frame into parallel tasks that utilize every GPU core in M-series chips. The result is dynamic "For this Mac" presets that adjust resolution, effects, and memory usage in real-time. An M1 with 16 GB of unified RAM achieves 30 FPS at 1600×900, an M3 Pro with 18 GB maintains 60 FPS at 1080p, and the M3 Ultra or M4 Max with 36 GB sustains 60 FPS at native 1440p without thermal throttling.

Ray tracing is optional. Medium path-traced reflections run at 30 FPS on an M3 Pro and 60 FPS on an M3 Max or better, but the default settings keep neon effects rasterized for visual consistency. CDPR has also added AMD's FSR 2 frame generation and MetalFX upscaling, smoothing performance when the action ramps up. Storage requirements vary by platform: 92 GB on Steam, Epic, or GOG, and 159 GB on the Mac App Store due to pre-installed language packs. No matter where you buy it, cross-progression syncs your character across console, PC, and Mac. With Spatial Audio, dynamic HDR tuned for Pro Display XDR, and support for Metal 4 features like frame interpolation and real-time denoising, Apple aims to make AAA games feel native on Mac. If Cyberpunk 2077 runs as promised, the next studio to port a blockbuster might not wait years for a port, but plan from the beginning to tap the massive macOS market.

Patriot Memory Unveils MD330 Storage Hub

Patriot Memory officially unveils the MD330 Storage Hub—an industry-first, patent-pending design that combines 4K HDMI display output, USB-C PD 3.0 fast charging, and built-in storage in a single compact device. Engineered as a triple threat hub to support Projection × Storage × Power, the MD330 delivers up to 100 W of USB-C Power Delivery, allowing users to charge devices uninterrupted even during presentations or media streaming. With up to 1 TB of onboard storage, it meets the needs of fast data backup and media access on the go—creating a true mobile workstation experience in one device.

Engineered for modern multitasking, the MD330 Storage Hub supports up to 100 W of USB-C Power Delivery, keeping laptops, tablets, and smartphones fully charged—even during intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, or remote presentations. Its single USB-C connection handles video output and charging simultaneously, and it's widely compatible with laptops, tablets, smartphones, even supporting leading handheld gaming consoles like the Switch 1 and Steam Deck.

Patriot Memory Announces the PV593 Gen5 SSD

Patriot Memory announced the launch of its latest flagship PCIe Gen 5 SSD - the PV593 PCIe Gen 5 x4 M.2 2280 SSD, delivering industry-leading speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s read and 13,000 MB/s write. Powered by the advanced SMI SM2508 controller and built on TSMC's 6 nm process, the PV593 redefines next-gen storage for demanding workloads such as AI training, 4K/8K video editing, AAA gaming, and high-throughput multitasking.

With performance nearly twice as fast as PCIe Gen 4 SSDs—and over four times faster than Gen 3—the PV593 is engineered for users who demand speed without compromise. It features DRAM cache and dynamic SLC caching technology to reduce latency, accelerate system startup, and improve application launch times. With 4K random read/write speeds reaching up to 2000K/1650K IOPS, users can experience lightning-fast responsiveness across all tasks.

Thermaltake Intros the G6 Direct Drive Racing Wheel with Pedals Bundle

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, proudly introduces the G6 Direct Drive Racing Wheel with Pedals Bundle, a high-performance simulator system designed for passionate sim racing community. With a powerful 6Nm direct drive motor, a durable steel pedal set, and a 13-inch ergonomic racing wheel, the G6 delivers immersive realism with the precision and control demanded by true driving enthusiasts.

At the heart of the G6 is its direct drive servo motor, which provides smooth and immediate force feedback that replicates every shift in traction, road texture, and weight transfer with lifelike accuracy. Its compact aluminium alloy base houses a dual motor cooling system, complete with a low-noise fan and integrated temperature sensor to maintain consistent performance during extended sessions

Lexar Launches the NM990 PCIe 5.0 SSD Series with Up to 14 GB/s Sequential Reads

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is thrilled to debut its new next-gen solid-state drive—the NM990 M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD, engineered for High-end gamers, professional creators and AI developers.

Leveraging next-generation PCIe 5.0 technology, the NM990 PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers speeds up to 14,000 MB/s read and 11,000 MB/s write, almost two times faster than typical Gen 4 SSDs. It provides superior performance for serious gamers and professional rendering.

Epomaker Launches the Galaxy68 and Galaxy65 Wireless Mechanical Keyboards

The legendary Epomaker Galaxy series continues its expansion! Following the success of the Galaxy70 and Galaxy100, we proudly introduce two precision-crafted newcomers: Galaxy65 and Galaxy68. These 65% wireless mechanical keyboards combine hot-swappable switches, QMK/VIA customization, and studio-grade acoustics—perfectly suited for gamers demanding speed, professionals needing versatility, and design enthusiasts chasing minimalist perfection.

1. Design Wars: Portability vs. Premium Command
Galaxy65: The Nomad's Dream
Weighing 1.12 kg and crafted with an anodized aluminium body, the Galaxy65 is designed for portability. It's solid enough to offer durability while maintaining a sleek and compact form. The ball-catch gasket mount—with no screws—allows for quick swapping of foam, making it ideal for students and digital nomads who want to tweak their setup between sessions. The Cherry-profile PBT keycaps provide extra durability, even during extended café work marathons.

BCM Intros Next-Gen COM-HPC Module and Carrier Board for Edge Applications

The ESM-HRPL is a next-generation COM-HPC module designed for compute-intensive edge applications. Paired with the high-performance EEV-HC10 carrier board, this solution is ideal for AI inference, smart healthcare, industrial automation, and intelligent energy systems. It delivers exceptional processing power, modular scalability, and long-term product availability for critical embedded deployments.

Advanced COM-HPC Performance for Evolving Edge Architecture
The ESM-HRPL module complies with the PICMG COM-HPC Client Type specification and supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors (LGA 1700, up to 65 W TDP), along with the Intel R680E chipset. It includes four DDR5 SO-DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB of memory at speeds up to 3600 MT/s and optional ECC support, depending on the selected CPU.

Chieftec Unveils Iceberg AIO Series in White

Chieftec is excited to announce the arrival of the Chieftec Iceberg white, now available in 240 mm / 360 mm sizes—the latest addition to our high-performance all-in-one CPU cooler lineup. The Chieftec Iceberg is an all-in-one CPU cooler, featuring a 240 mm/ 360 mm water-cooling radiator and Snap-On interlocking (ARGB) PWM fans that ensure excellent heat dissipation.

With fan speeds reaching up to 2200 rpm, it provides efficient cooling for a wide range of CPUs. The innovative parallel fin radiator design maximizes the contact area between water tubes and radiator fins, while maintaining a high surface area exposed to the cooling airflow, thereby enhancing overall thermal transfer and heat dissipation. The ICEBERG Series includes an infinity mirror ARGB cooling block and a 360-degree rotatable CHIEFTEC logo. Installation is hassle-free thanks to the robust braided steel tubing and the convenient mounting clip kit.

Xbox Insiders with Game Pass Ultimate Can Stream Games on the Xbox PC App

Exciting updates for PC players! Starting today, Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview who are also Game Pass Ultimate members can stream select console games they own beyond the Game Pass catalog on the Xbox PC app in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is supported. Earlier this year, we rolled the "Stream your own game" feature out to Game Pass Ultimate members on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles, TVs, Meta Quest Headsets as well as other browser supported devices like PCs, smartphones and tablets. Now, we're bringing that same flexibility to PC, allowing you to stream eligible games you already own without needing to install them directly from the Xbox PC app. This saves time, conserves hard drive space, and gives you more flexible access to your library through cloud gaming.

Even better, this feature includes console-only games that previously couldn't be played using the Xbox PC app. Just head to the Cloud Gaming section in the Xbox PC app, look for the Stream your own game catalog, choose a supported title you own, and start playing instantly. You can see the full list of over 250+ supported games here. You can expect even more games including console-only games and Xbox Play Anywhere titles to be added to the collection over time. You choose how and where to play. We're just making it easier to get there—with more flexibility, more access, and more games at your fingertips.

Intel "Nova Lake‑AX" APU Enhances iGPU Performance with Plenty of Xe3 Cores

Intel is reportedly preparing "Nova Lake-AX," a high-end laptop SoC that combines a massive 52-core CPU complex with an expanded Xe3 graphics tile. While the standard Nova Lake‑S is set to arrive in 2026, followed by the H and HX mobile variants, the AX model will debut later as the flagship SKU. Built on Intel's second‑generation Foveros technology, Nova Lake‑AX stacks two compute tiles, each one with eight "Coyote Cove" P‑cores and 16 "Arctic Wolf" E‑cores, and a separate low‑power island with four LPE cores. A separate cache-boosted passive tile could add over 100 MB of Last Level Cache (bLLC), which feeds both the CPU cores and the Celestial Xe3 iGPU, potentially scaling up to 20-24 Xe3 cores. Intel already uses bLLC in its Clearwater Forest server processors as a passive interposer, where local cache integrates beneath active tiles, so its inclusion here could deliver a significant performance uplift.

Unlike the regular Nova Lake‑S, H, and HX variants, which are expected to feature half as many Xe3 cores or fewer, the AX model promises a truly gaming‑worthy APU experience with a massive iGPU. With a combined TDP approaching 150 W in mobile workstations, active cooling will be mandatory in all form factors. Intel clearly aims to challenge AMD's long‑standing lead in the APU space. Historically, Intel CPUs have shipped with modest iGPUs, while AMD's APUs have offered solid integrated performance capable of driving many games at 1080p and even 1440p. Nova Lake‑AX pairs substantial CPU horsepower with a massive Xe3 graphics engine, marking Intel's most aggressive entry yet for enthusiast and gaming laptops. As Nova Lake news ramps up, we expect more details, such as clock speeds, exact Xe3 core count, and pricing, to emerge in the coming months.

Guild Wars 2 New Expansion "Visions of Eternity" Launching October 28

Today developer ArenaNet announced Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity, the sixth expansion for the award-winning and critically acclaimed MMORPG Guild Wars 2. Releasing on October 28, 2025, Visions of Eternity will offer a suite of new content and features for established and new players alike, including a new Homestead plot, new and upgraded abilities for the skimmer mount, an all-new story set in the island realm of Castora, two new explorable maps, and a new elite specialization for all nine of the game's playable professions.

Visions of Eternity will go on sale for $24.99 and, like its predecessor Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds, have three planned major updates scheduled for release throughout 2026. Launch day will open two new maps on the island of Castora, a heretofore unvisited part of Tyria and home to ancient magics that have warped the local flora and fauna in stunning ways. Amidst this enigmatic new land, players will be able to explore new build options for their characters as each of the game's professions can earn a new elite specialization with a collection of new traits and utility skills that will further increase the game's already staggering amount of gameplay customization options. The skimmer mount, already a master of aquatic environments, can develop new capabilities through one of three new mastery lines associated with Castora.

Cult Classic RTS Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition Launched

The time is now, Sire! After an arduous voyage kicking off from announcement, through the perilous marshes of the Steam RTS and Next Fests, our forces have finally arrived at our divine destination. Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is out now with a 10% launch discount active for the next two weeks!

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition excelled during the Steam Next Fest, ranking highly right against the best new game demos of the most jam-packed Next Fest to date. With over 230k wishlists and 195k demo downloads thus far, it was the #1 Popular Upcoming RTS demo, #5 Popular Upcoming Strategy demo, and #11 Top Strategy demo during the June Steam Next Fest. More than ever, players are fervently hungry for gaming experiences that take them back along memory lane and help them rediscover the joys of the past with modern improvements.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition Out Now on PC and Consoles

Aspyr has launched DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and GOG for $29.99. Developed and published by Aspyr, this definitive version of the critically acclaimed Neverwinter Nights 2 brings the beloved RPG to consoles for the very first time and adds a host of gameplay enhancements, improved textures, full controller support, crossplay, all three expansions, Steam Workshop modding, and more. The Neverwinter Nights 1 + 2 Enhanced Collection, a new bundle including Neverwinter Nights Enhanced Edition and Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, is also available on Steam, GOG and Xbox.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition preserves everything you love about the acclaimed original adventure. Assemble a team of friends - with full crossplay for up to four players across all platforms - and embark on an epic quest, now enhanced with all three campaign expansion DLCs, Steam Workshop support, and console controls.

Razer Introduces New Thunderbolt 5 Dock and Core X V2

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of two cutting-edge PC accessories powered by Thunderbolt 5: the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock and Razer Core X V2 external graphics enclosure. Designed to elevate PC connectivity and external graphics capabilities, this powerful duo delivers expanded bandwidth, immersive display options, and modular flexibility for both work and play.

Thunderbolt 5 sets a new benchmark in docking station with high-speed connectivity, offering peak transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s—nearly 12 times faster than USB 3.0. This next-gen technology enables seamless operation of high-performance peripherals, ultra-fast storage, and drive multiple 4K displays, while also supporting daisy-chaining with other Thunderbolt devices for unmatched productivity and immersive gameplay. Whether simplifying setups with a single-cable connection to a 4K triple-display configuration or boosting laptops with desktop-class GPU performance, Razer's Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem delivers reliable performance, sleek cable management, and broad device compatibility.

NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation Comes to Marvel Rivals Season 3 And War Thunder

More than 800 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. Following the addition of DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation to another five games last week, this week sees the performance multiplying tech come to Marvel Rivals, RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business, and War Thunder.

Marvel Rivals Season 3 Available Now - Multiply Frame Rates With DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation & Reduce PC Latency With Reflex
Marvel Rivals Season 3 is out now. In the wake of the Timestream Entanglement, Knull stirs deep within Klyntar's core, stretching his shadowed hands across the cosmos. Omega-level telepath and original X-Men, Jean Grey joins the Marvel Heroes roster, soaring to cosmic heights when bonded with the Phoenix Force - the embodiment of creation itself. Now, she travels the stars as both savior and destroyer, confronting the darkness at its source: Knull, the King in Black.

ASML Reports €7.7 Billion Total Net Sales and €2.3 Billion Net Income in Q2 2025

Today, ASML Holding NV (ASML) has published its 2025 second-quarter results.
  • Q2 total net sales of €7.7 billion, gross margin of 53.7%, net income of €2.3 billion
  • Quarterly net bookings in Q2 of €5.5 billion of which €2.3 billion is EUV
  • ASML expects Q3 2025 total net sales between €7.4 billion and €7.9 billion, and a gross margin between 50% and 52%
  • ASML expects a full-year 2025 total net sales increase of around 15% relative to 2024, with a gross margin of around 52%
CEO statement and outlook
"Our second-quarter total net sales came in at €7.7 billion, at the top end of our guidance. The gross margin was 53.7%, above guidance, primarily driven by higher upgrade business and one-offs resulting in lower costs. "We see continued progress in litho intensity, particularly in DRAM, and the introduction of the TWINSCAN NXE:3800E reinforces that momentum. Meanwhile, EUV adoption is advancing as planned, including High NA. This quarter, we shipped the first TWINSCAN EXE:5200B system. Looking at 2026, we see that our AI customers' fundamentals remain strong. At the same time, we continue to see increasing uncertainty driven by macro-economic and geopolitical developments. Therefore, while we still prepare for growth in 2026, we cannot confirm it at this stage."
Tuesday, July 15th 2025
SilverStone SETA H2 Review

SilverStone SETA H2 Review

The SETA H2 may look like a larger variant of the SETA H2M on the ouside, but its interior has as little in common as its exterior does to the H1. Offering a whopping 15 storage bays, good cooling potential and eight expansion slots, the SETA H2 is hyper-focused as the go-to chassis for storage servers or AI workstations.

Four UEFI Flaws in GIGABYTE Motherboards Expose 240+ Models to Persistent Bootkits

Firmware security firm Binarly disclosed that four serious vulnerabilities in GIGABYTE's UEFI firmware put more than 240 different motherboard models at risk of undetectable, reinstall-proof bootkits. Each of the flaws, tracked as CVE‑2025‑7029 through CVE‑2025‑7026, carries a high severity score of 8.2 on the CVSS scale and resides in System Management Mode, which activates before any operating system starts. An attacker with administrator privileges, whether local or remote, could exploit these issues to hijack System Management Interrupt handlers and inject arbitrary code into System Management RAM. Because memory controls every step of the boot process, any malicious implant remains hidden beneath the operating system and survives disk wipes and Secure Boot checks, allowing the attacker to maintain persistent control of the machine.

All four bugs originate in American Megatrends reference code that was quietly shared with OEM partners under non‑disclosure agreements earlier this year. Although Gigabyte customizes that base firmware, it did not pass along the necessary fixes to end users. Binarly alerted CERT/CC on April 15, and GIGABYTE confirmed receipt on June 12, but no public advisory appeared until Bleeping Computer reporters inquired on Monday. Users should visit GIGABYTE's support page to find and install the updated BIOS versions using the Q-Flash utility, and then re-enable Secure Boot. Devices that GIGABYTE has declared end of life may never see a patch. The company also claims only Intel-based boards are affected, leaving AMD boards untouched. Users can also run Binarly's free risk Hunt scanner to check for exposure. According to Binarly CEO Alex Matrosov, these vulnerabilities highlight how inherited reference‑code flaws can quietly spread through the hardware supply chain.

AMD Cleared to Resume MI308 AI GPU Sales in China

AMD has confirmed that it will soon restart shipments of its MI308 data center GPUs to China, following confirmation from the US Department of Commerce that its export license applications will proceed for approval. The news closely follows NVIDIA's announcement that it, too, expects to resume sales of its H20 AI chips in China. Both companies had been restricted under previous US export rules, which targeted high-end AI hardware. AMD's MI308, a custom version of its MI300 series, was designed specifically to meet those regulatory limits. The company told Tom's Hardware it plans to begin shipments as soon as licenses are granted. "We applaud the progress made by the Trump Administration in advancing trade negotiations and its commitment to US AI leadership," said an AMD spokesperson.

This shift in US policy comes as a relief for AMD, which previously estimated that the export restrictions could cost it around $800 million in inventory and related commitments. While not as large as NVIDIA's $5.5 billion hit, it was still a significant blow. With China remaining a massive available market, AMD and NVIDIA have both developed chips tailored to meet US guidelines. However, these products are time-consuming to design and difficult to repurpose for other markets. Investors welcomed the update, with AMD shares rising nearly 5% in pre-market trading. For now, the reopening of China's AI chip market signals a more flexible trade stance and renewed opportunities for US tech firms, especially as Chinese AI labs were deprived of high-end silicon.

Broadcom Ships Tomahawk Ultra Ethernet Switch for HPC and AI Scale-up

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO), a global leader in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions, today announced the shipment of its breakthrough Ethernet switch—the Tomahawk Ultra. Engineered to transform the Ethernet switch for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads, Tomahawk Ultra delivers industry-leading ultra-low latency, massive throughput, and lossless networking.

"Tomahawk Ultra is a testament to innovation, involving a multi-year effort by hundreds of engineers who reimagined every aspect of the Ethernet switch," said Ram Velaga, senior vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Core Switching Group. "This highlights Broadcom's commitment to invest in advancing Ethernet for high-performance networking and AI scale-up."

Phanteks Announces New Eclipse G370A Chassis

First revealed at Computex 2025, the Phanteks Eclipse G370A is the latest addition to the popular Eclipse Series of mid-tower ATX chassis. Built for performance without the frills, the G370A is designed for gamers, builders, and workstation users who want high-end airflow and smart expandability - all at an accessible price point. The G370A delivers strong thermal performance with mesh panels throughout, support for up to 7x 120 mm fans, and dedicated clearance for a 360 mm top-mounted radiator. It also stands out in its class by supporting SSI-EEB motherboards, making it one of the few budget-friendly options for workstation-grade builds.

Thermalright Unveils the Royal Pretor 130 Ultra Dual Fin-Stack CPU Cooler

Thermalright today unveiled the Royal Pretor 130 Ultra premium dual fin-stack CPU cooler. It comes in white and black color models. It features a traditional aluminium dual fin-stack (D-type) heatsink, with seven 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heat pipes passing through a C1100 copper baseplate to pull heat from the CPU and spreading it across the two fin-stacks, which are ventilated by a pair of fans in push-pull configuration.

The outer "push" fan is a Thermalright TL-K12 120 mm spinner, while the inner conveyor fan is the 130 mm TL-HD13-X28. Both fans come with fluid dynamic bearings. The TL-K12 turns at speeds of up to 2,150 RPM, pushing up to 69 CFM of airflow at 27 dBA of noise output and 2.87 mm H₂O static pressure; while the TL-HD13-X28 turns at up to 1,750 RPM, pushing up to 81.88 CFM of airflow at 2.38 mm H₂O static pressure, and 28.3 dBA maximum noise output. The cooler measures 130 mm x 135 mm x 158 mm (LxWxH) with the fans in place. The company didn't reveal weight.

Schenker Unveils XMG FOCUS 17 Performance Notebook

With the XMG FOCUS 17, XMG presents a laptop that is unusual in several respects, combining a 17.3-inch display in 16:9 format with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. The choice of form factor reflects continued strong demand for this specific screen size and aspect ratio. Positioned below the XMG PRO 16 in terms of pricing, the FOCUS 17 features a WQHD display with 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage and a 240 Hz refresh rate. Customers can choose between an Intel Core i9-14900HX or i9-13900HX processor.

To position the XMG FOCUS 17 in the sub-€2,000 price range, XMG is offering two 24-core, 32-thread CPUs from Intel's previous Raptor Lake HX generation: the Core i9-13900HX and its refresh, the Core i9-14900HX. The key difference between the two lies in the slightly higher boost clock of the 14900HX, reaching up to 5.8 GHz compared to 5.4 GHz. Both CPUs continue to deliver excellent gaming performance while being significantly more cost-effective than the newer Core Ultra 9 275HX.

OWC Launches New USB-C Quad HDMI 4K and Redesigned USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Adapters

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced the general availability (GA) of the new OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter, ideal for creative professionals and power users, and the redesigned OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Adapter, ideal for everyday tasks, classroom use, and bring-your-own-device environments.

OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter
Expanding visual workspace with up to four 4K UHD displays just became easier, more efficient, and cost-effective with the OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter. All that's needed is a single Thunderbolt, USB4, or USB-C port on a Mac, PC, or Chromebook to create a dramatically immersive viewing experience. No more multiple adapters hassle and the burden they put on a notebook's CPU, interface bandwidth, and battery life. Simply plug in this visual upgrade to utilize multiple Ultra-High Definition monitors in business presentations, creative projects, stock trading, or WFH settings. Powered by cutting-edge DisplayLink Pro technology, this adapter simply delivers a smooth and reliable multi-display experience while simultaneously charging a computer.

ASRock Industrial Launches NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Platform

ASRock Industrial proudly announces the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit, a powerful AI computing platform delivering supercomputer performance for edge AI, robotics and advanced industrial applications. This advanced developer kit powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Series (Industrial/64 GB/32 GB), providing outstanding AI computing performance of up to 275 TOPs. It supports up to four 4-lane MIPI or GMSLII cameras and 12 POE ports for computer vision applications and includes two PCIe Gen 4 x8 slots, one M.2 Key M/B/E expansion slots for storage, 5G/4G LTE, and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless system integration.

With up to -25 to 50°C wide operating temperature and automation-specific I/O functions, this exceptional performance comes in a compact, energy-efficient form factor, representing a significant leap forward in edge AI computing capabilities for manufacturers, system integrators and developers. The Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit is ideal for Robotics, AMR, drones, remote cargo control, smart retail, and smart city applications, providing flexible camera integration and TPM 2.0 for security, reliable operations in harsh industrial environments.

AOC Announces Its New Essential E4 Monitor Series

Display specialist AOC proudly announces its new Essential E4 series, a comprehensive line-up of business-focussed B2B monitors featuring TCO Certified, generation 10 authentication and an unprecedented 5-year warranty across all models in the series. Ranging from 24-inch to 34-inch ultrawide displays with resolutions from Full HD up to 4K UHD, the series combines cutting-edge performance with industry-leading sustainability credentials.

All models feature integrated USB hubs with up to 4x USB-A (5 Gbit/s) ports, while selected models offer USB-C connectivity with DP Alt mode, 90 W Power Delivery and daisy-chain compatibility through DisplayPort-out ports (Multi-Stream Transport), KVM switches, and even 5 MP webcams, AOC is demonstrating its commitment to modern workplace productivity and environmental responsibility at the same time.

NVIDIA's N1x CPU Hits New Roadblock: Launch Pushed to Late 2026

NVIDIA's long-awaited entry into Arm-based laptop CPUs has hit yet another obstacle, according to insiders close to SemiAccurate. Despite publicly declaring the N1 and its sibling N1x is in full production, the company now faces fresh engineering challenges that threaten to push shipping dates as far back as late 2026. Sources speaking to SemiAccurate describe that the newest issue may require a modification to the actual silicon. This setback follows an earlier hiccup, reported in early 2025, when some subtle flaws emerged during initial validation. NVIDIA engineers managed to correct those without a respin, restoring confidence and nudging the timetable back to early next year.

Performance teasers we spotted a month ago showed a prototype "NVIDIA N1x" scoring 3,096 in single‑thread and 18,837 in multi‑thread tests on Geekbench 6.2.2. The sample chip, believed to power an HP "8EA3" development notebook with 20 logical cores clocked at 2.81 GHz and backed by 128 GB of RAM running Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS, suggested a significant performance in big.LITTLE arrangement built from standard 10 Cortex‑X925 performance cores and 10 Cortex‑A725 efficiency cores. The N1x's integrated graphics and neural‑processing unit would close the gap with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite series and even Apple's M3‑class silicon. Now, with the latest issues looming, OEM partners may have to recalibrate their Windows laptop plans. NVIDIA will need to balance the risk of further delays against the need to demonstrate a polished, reliable experience before its CPU ambitions can truly challenge established players in the laptop arena. Late 2026 now appears set to become the new milestone for when the first N1‑powered notebooks might finally reach store shelves.

NVIDIA Officially Resumes H20 GPU Shipments to China

Just as US-China tech tensions showed signs of easing, NVIDIA has secured approval to resume shipments of its China‑tailored H20 AI accelerator. NVIDIA announced that the US Commerce Department will grant export licenses, reversing a ban imposed by the Trump administration. The H20, created to comply with earlier restrictions, had been sidelined in April when Washington tightened controls, forcing NVIDIA to write off substantial inventory and billions in anticipated sales. CEO Jensen Huang, fresh from a White House meeting with President Trump and now attending a government‑sponsored expo in Beijing, told Chinese viewers on state television that licenses would arrive very soon and allow the company to fulfill orders once thought lost. Additionally, Huang noted that a new, fully compliant RTX PRO GPU for digital twin AI and smart factories will also be coming soon.

NVIDIA's China strategy has long relied on processors tailored to local rules. When its H100 predecessor fell under US export limits, the company introduced the fully compliant H800 GPU. Huang has warned that aggressive curbs can backfire, pointing out that rival Huawei capitalized on NVIDIA's absence. Restoring H20 shipments will give cloud providers and autonomous-vehicle researchers access to high-performance hardware and help NVIDIA stabilize its data-center revenue. Bloomberg Intelligence notes that "The reversal could help recover a substantial portion of the $15 billion in fiscal 2026 data center revenue previously at risk, including $4-5 billion originally expected in 2H, and part of the $8 billion in unshipped 2Q orders." As NVIDIA rebuilds its China business, its success will serve as a new chapter for the broader health of US-China technology ties.

Seagate Ships 30TB Drives to Meet Global Surge in Data Center AI Storage Demand

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, a global leader in mass-capacity data storage, today announced the global channel availability of up to 30 TB Exos M and IronWolf Pro hard drives. Built on Seagate's Mozaic3+ platform and powered by heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology, these drives are engineered to meet increasing demand for scalable, high-performance storage driven by the rise of AI deployments that are supplementing traditional enterprise infrastructure development. With over one million Mozaic hard drives now shipped, Seagate has reached more than just a milestone—it has marked a defining moment that underscores the strength and maturity of its breakthrough storage technology.

"Today, approximately 90% of the world's data is stored in just 10 countries. However, data gravity is increasingly pulling networks to the edge as nearly 150 countries adopt data sovereignty requirements, and AI workloads continue to expand. Datacenters—on-prem, private, and sovereign—are leveraging AI to unlock the value of their proprietary data," said Melyssa Banda, SVP of Edge Storage and Services, Seagate. "Our 30 TB drives are designed to support these rapidly growing trends, delivering the capacity, efficiency, and resilience needed to power the AI workloads."

Exascend Unveils Industry-First 30.72TB 7mm U.2 SSD for Edge Storage

Exascend, a global leader in advanced storage and memory solutions, today expanded its power-efficient PE4 enterprise SSD line with two new 7 mm U.2 models: 23.04 TB and 30.72 TB. Delivering up to 4.5 TB of storage per millimeter of thickness, these drives delivers best-in-class capacity currently available in a 7 mm form factor while cutting typical power consumption in half. The new PE4 models enable system integrators to maximize capacity in edge servers, rugged industrial computers, on-premises AI nodes, and space-constrained data centers where every watt and every millimeter count.

The PE4 30.72 TB doubles the density of competing 7 mm U.2 SSD and enables up to 737 TB of flash in a single 1U server, cutting rack space requirements by 50 percent compared to 15 mm drives and delivers a two-fold jump in TB-per-U efficiency. With active power draw of just 7 watts and under 1.5 watts at idle—a 70% reduction versus typical alternatives—these drives excel at applications where power budget is limited. This efficiency helps lower energy costs and supports sustainable operations by minimizing cooling requirements.

AAEON NanoCOM-MTU Hosts 28W Intel Core Ultra CPUs on the COM Express Type 10 Form Factor

AAEON, a leading provider of Computer-on-Modules, has today announced the NanoCOM-MTU, a COM Express Type 10 CPU Module powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. Available in SKUs equipped with either the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H or Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H, both 28 W, the NanoCOM-MTU offers up to 16 cores and 22 threads on the diminutive 84 mm x 55 mm form factor.

It is clear from the combination of high CPU performance and relatively low power consumption of its processor selection that the NanoCOM-MTU is catered towards customers that require a small, flexible, and scalable solution. This is particularly apparent in AAEON's investment into the module's memory and storage, where despite default SKUs offering 16 GB of LPDDR5(X) and 128 GB of NVMe, AAEON note there is the option of extending these to 32 GB of LPDDR5(X) and 256 GB of NVMe, respectively. By default, the NanoCOM-MTU also offers two SATA drives, while additional expansion is available via four PCIe 4.0 slots.

G.SKILL Achieves DDR5 Memory Frequency Overclock World Record at DDR5-12872 with French Overclocker bl4ckdot

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory, is thrilled to announce that renowned French extreme overclocker, bl4ckdot, has set a new overclocking world record for fastest DDR5 memory frequency at DDR5-12872. This incredible frequency record was achieved with one 24 GB module of G.SKILL Trident Z5 DDR5 memory, built with high-performance SK hynix DDR5 ICs, running on the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboard and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K desktop processor under extreme liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling.

This remarkable milestone surpassed previous memory frequency records and marks another achievement in the pursuit of extreme memory overclocking. The score is validated on both HWBOT and CPU-Z. Please refer to the following pages for more details.

HWBOT validation here.
CPU-Z validation here.
Monday, July 14th 2025

Today's Reviews

Cases
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Keyboards
Memory
Monitors
Notebooks
PSUs
SSD
MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Gaming OC Review

MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Gaming OC Review

Compared to the base RTX 5060 that we initially tested, the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Gaming OC offers a very quiet cooling system, excellent temperatures, a metal backplate, RGB lighting, and idle fan-stop, adding a touch of premium polish. But is that enough to stand out in this crowded market segment?

AMD "Zen 6" Processor Families to Use a Mix of TSMC N2 and N3 Nodes

AMD's upcoming Zen 6 CPU family will leverage a combination of TSMC's N3 and N2 process nodes, according to slide decks shared with engineers at three leading motherboard vendors. These documents outline five distinct silicon lines set to arrive in late 2026 across servers, desktops, and notebooks. On the server front, the EPYC "Venice" lineup splits into Venice classic for general‑purpose deployments and Venice dense for high‑density cloud racks. Both variants use TSMC's custom‑tuned N2P process, offering an 8-10% clock‑speed boost over today's N3E. At the same time, each classic die grows to 12 Zen 6 cores, and each dense die houses 32 Zen 6c cores, enabling up to 256‑core, 512-threaded dense packages when eight dies are interconnected via the existing organic interposer.

For client systems, AMD has adopted codenames that hint at their intended usage profiles. "Olympic Ridge" will drive the Ryzen 10000 desktop series on the N2P node, while "Gator Range" targets gaming laptops exceeding 55 W. The mainstream thin‑and‑light segment will be served by "Medusa Point," featuring a hybrid design that pairs an N2P compute tile with an N3P I/O tile, with entry‑level models opting for a cost‑efficient monolithic N3P die. A more detailed "Medusa Halo" and the budget‑oriented "Bumblebee" series are also in the roadmap, though their process assignments remain under review. AMD and TSMC's close co‑optimization of metal layers and libraries means the final silicon closely resembles an "N2‑AMD" stack rather than a standard N2P node. First silicon is expected back from the fab before Christmas, with volume ramps timed for the back‑to‑school 2026 notebook cycle and a subsequent server refresh wave.

Deal Alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for Just $9.97 Before Windows 10 Support Ends

Windows 10 is on its way out, and the price of upgrading just hit an all-time low. Right now, a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is only $9.97 (MSRP $199.99). That's a 95% drop, but the deal ends July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Whether you're upgrading an old laptop or building your next rig, now's the time to make the leap, especially since Windows 10 support officially ends in October 2025. That means no more security updates, patches, or features. Windows 11 Pro isn't just an upgrade—it's your route to staying secure, productive, and game ready.

Buy Windows 11 Pro at $9.97 from Stackcommerce

JNTC Unveils Next-Generation Glass Substrate for Semiconductors

JNTC Co., Ltd., a leading advanced materials company, hosted a product launch on June 30 at the Korea Exchange Conference Hall, unveiling its new Through-Glass-Via (TGV) glass substrate under the theme Carving Semiconductors into Glass, the Dream Material.' The event drew more than 200 attendees, including journalists and investors. CEO Andrew Cho introduced the proprietary TGV glass substrate as a breakthrough solution to the limitations of plastic-based substrates. Designed for AI and high-performance computing applications, the substrate offers excellent flatness and thermal stability, which help reduce warpage and heat generation under high-speed processing.

JNTC completed its domestic production line in June and expects to begin full-scale manufacturing in August, following test runs in July. Unlike competitors, JNTC built and engineered most of its core production equipment in-house, enabling cost efficiency and full process independence. This approach cut initial investment costs to about one-fifth of the industry average.

Kingston Unveils IronKey D500S Flash Drive with NIST FIPS 140-3 Level 3 Validation

Kingston today unveiled the IronKey D500S hardware-encrypted USB flash drive, which meets FIPS 140-3 Level 3 security validation. The drive offers on-device hardware encryption meeting XTS-AES 256-bit. The drive also offers an industry-first dual hidden partition option; and a crypto-erase password option (a decryption password that causes the drive to destroy its data). The drive comes in various capacities, ranging from 16 GB to 512 GB. It comes in a rugged zinc alloy casing. It meets IP67 waterproof and dustproof ratings.

The drive comes with a 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 type-A interface. The 16 GB to 128 GB variants offer sequential speeds of up to 260 MB/s reads with up to 190 MB/s writes; the 256 GB variant offers up to 240 MB/s reads with up to 170 MB/s writes; and the top 512 GB model reads at up to 310 MB/s with up to 250 MB/s writes. When plugged into USB 2.0, all models cap out at up to 30 MB/s reads with up to 20 MB/s writes.

Ugreen Sneaks Out the DH4300 Plus Arm Based NAS

Although we did notice a picture of the new model as part of an ad on Ugreen's website last week, there was no product page then, but it was added at some point towards the end of last week. The new model is known as the NASync DH4300 Plus and it's based around a Rockchip RK3588C SoC. The RK3588C sports four Arm Cortex-A76 cores that clock up to 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores, which is far from cutting edge today, but should hopefully be powerful enough for a consumer NAS. Ugreen has paired the CPU with 8 GB of LPDDR4X and 32 GB of eMMC for the OS.

The DH4300 Plus is a 4-bay NAS with support for up to four 30 TB SATA drives, but there are no M.2 NVMe slots, even though the Rockchip SoC could in theory have supported a single drive. Other features include a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, one USB Type-C and two USB Type-A, all USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) and an HDMI port capable of 4K60p output. The latter makes sense if Ugreen has carried over the media playback features from its range of x64 based NASes. The drive caddies are loaded from the top, which gives the DH4300 Plus a rather different design from your average NAS. According to NAS Compares, Ugreen is also set to release a cheaper, 2-bay version called the DH3200, which is based around the same hardware. The NASync DH4300 Plus has an MSRP of US$430/€430, but is currently available for US$344/€344 directly from Ugreen, with an expected shipping date of the 25th of July.

Transcend Intros the ESD420 Magnetic Portable SSD Series

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a global leader in embedded and consumer storage solutions, proudly announces the launch of its new magnetic portable SSD—the ESD420. Designed with user convenience in mind, the ESD420 features a MagSafe-compatible magnetic design that allows it to securely attach to iPhones or any magnetic accessories and devices. Weighing only 48 grams, it offers blazing-fast 20 Gbps transfer speeds and supports 4K ProRes video recording directly from iPhones. With up to 4 TB of storage capacity, this ultraportable SSD is the perfect companion for outdoor photographers, video editors, and content creators.

Magnetic Design for Intuitive, On-the-Go Use
The ESD420's magnetic design ensures a secure attachment to MagSafe-compatible iPhones or other magnetic surfaces. Whether you're shooting on location, traveling, or attending meetings, the ESD420 allows for seamless storage expansion and instant backup, delivering an intuitive and convenient mobile storage experience.

Silicon Power Launches WP10 Magnetic Wireless Power Bank

Silicon Power (SP) has launched its latest portable charging solution, the WP10 magnetic wireless power bank. With a 10,000mAh capacity, up to 15 W of wireless charging, and 20 W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) support, the WP10 is designed to provide powerful, convenient, and versatile charging for mobile users. Featuring magnetic snap-on charging for iPhone 12 and later, a foldable kickstand, and simultaneous charging of up to three devices, this sleek and functional power bank is the perfect companion for life in motion.

Magnetic Convenience Meets Fast-Charging Performance
The WP10 stands out with its strong 10N magnetic attachment, ensuring a secure, snap-on wireless charging experience for MagSafe-compatible iPhones. Delivering up to 15 W wireless power, it eliminates cable clutter while keeping devices firmly in place during use. The USB-C port supports 20 W PD output and 18 W input, while the USB-A port delivers 18 W QC fast charging, enabling users to quickly top up multiple devices on-the-go. For even more flexibility, the WP10 allows users to charge three devices simultaneously via USB-C, USB-A, and wireless charging.

ASUS Unveils ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 Real Gold Edition with 5 kg of Pure Gold

At Bilibili World 2025, ASUS introduced one-of-a-kind ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 Real Gold Edition, a GPU with literal real-world gold. Weighing in at 7.24 kg the card incorporates 5 kg of 24‑karat gold across its frame, backplate, and outer shell, giving its raw materials alone a value exceeding half a million US Dollars. ASUS China general manager Tony Yu, known online as "Uncle Tony," revealed the piece alongside content‑creator partner "Talented Cai Qian." According to ITHome, the sand‑mold casting process produced an uneven, almost molten texture on the calligraphy and cooling fins, clearly distinguishing this one‑off prototype from any mass‑produced design.

This solid‑gold edition follows the earlier Dhahab OC line, which featured only a thin layer of precious metal, and it now stands as a monument to luxury. At current bullion prices, the value of the gold alone surpasses that of a fully loaded AI server. ASUS has not confirmed the card's next destination, though it may be auctioned like previous limited editions signed by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, with proceeds benefiting children's hospitals. With gamers usually focusing on performance per watt, they will look elsewhere, as this is certainly not a value buy. The underlying RTX 5090D silicon remains unchanged, and the gilded cooler is too large for most standard chassis, meaning that only collectors will prize the GPU for its one-of-a-kind build.

LG Electronics to Enter Semiconductor Equipment Market with Hybrid Bonding

LG Electronics has quietly launched a plan to become a semiconductor equipment maker. Its Production Technology Research Institute has begun developing a hybrid bonding machine tailored for next-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM), with an internal goal of shipping production units by 2028. Hybrid bonding is a wafer-level joining technique that eliminates the need for solder bumps. Instead, copper pads on each die are planarized to nanometer-scale smoothness and pressed together at room temperature, forming a permanent direct electrical contact. This method yields thinner memory stacks, operates at lower temperatures, and delivers faster electrical performance than those assembled with conventional thermal compression bonding. HBM consists of tightly stacked DRAM layers, where current packaging supports up to eight layers with thermal compression bonding. Stacking beyond twelve layers causes the solder bump pitch to collapse, making hybrid bonding essential for taller, more efficient stacks.

LG's push into hybrid bonding development comes as industry leaders SK hynix, Micron, and Samsung race to supply HBM4 and HBM4E memory for NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Google, and Amazon's AI systems slated for 2026. To accelerate its program, LG is recruiting dozens of PhDs in semiconductor packaging and collaborating with Seoul National University. The company views the hybrid bonding as a natural extension of its existing B2B offerings in HVAC and robotics. Currently, only the Dutch firm BESI and the US supplier Applied Materials offer commercial hybrid bonding, and neither has operations in Korea. Local competitors, including Samsung's Semes, Hanwha Semitec, and Hanmi Semiconductor, remain in prototype or pilot phases. If LG meets its 2028 target, its first customer shipments could align with SK Hynix's HBM4E volume ramp and Samsung's HBM4 risk line launch.

Intel's Core Ultra 5 245HX Laptop CPU Outruns Its Desktop Twin

An early PassMark entry posted on X by the account "X86 is dead&back" offers a glimpse of Intel's Core Ultra 5 245HX notebook processor. The 14-core "Arrow Lake-H" mobile chip quietly outpaced its desktop counterpart, the Core Ultra 5 245, in both single-core and multi-core tests. The numbers themselves are straightforward. The 245HX recorded 4,706 points in single-core and 41,045 points in multi-core runs. By comparison, the desktop Core Ultra 5 245 logged 4,409 and 37,930, respectively, handing the notebook silicon a 7% lead in single-core results and an 8% advantage when all cores are engaged. Against the Core i5-14500, the 245HX is 19% faster in single-core work and 30% faster in heavily threaded tasks.

The gap widens further versus last year's mobile i5-14500HX, where the newcomer enjoys a 30% single-core margin and a 41% multi-core edge. The explanation is partly thermal. Intel grants the 245HX a maximum turbo power envelope of 160 W, well above the 121 W ceiling of the desktop 245. Clock speeds peak at 5.1 GHz, and the core configuration remains identical, pairing six performance cores with eight efficient cores. The higher TDP gives the HX version a chance to run at higher clocks for longer. Notebook manufacturers are expected to reveal Arrow Lake-HX systems later this quarter. Real-world gaming is a different arena, and PassMark is only one ruler. Yet the signs are hard to ignore: a mid-range laptop processor now outworks desktop counterparts.
Sunday, July 13th 2025

This Week in Gaming (Week 29)

Welcome to the middle of July and this week we have a lot of Japanese games for you. We kick off with this week's major release which is based on an anime series, like several other games this week, although this one is a bit more pink. This is followed by a space colony sim, a JPRG based on a manga/anime series, a Japanese fighting game, a cop that is partially robot and we round things off with what is said to be an alternative take on Pac-Man.

Madoka Magica Magia Exedra / This week's major release / Wednesday 16 July
Characters from the hit anime series "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" come together! Featuring an all-new story setting and characters from the original ideas of Gekidan Inu Curry (Doroinu), experience the action alongside Magical Girl memories in this battle RPG. Steam link
Saturday, July 12th 2025

Borderlands 4 Preview Shows Off Siren's Deadly Abilities and Summons

As the launch date for Borderlands 4 draws ever closer, Gearbox has started to reveal more information about the gameplay that we will see in the new looter shooter. The latest reveal comes by way of a short YouTube video showcasing the abilities and gameplay of the new siren, Vex. All of the abilities the new siren demonstrates are somehow related to the concept of death, and they add to the whole necromancer motif Gearbox has dreamt up for her. Overall, Vex's abilities seem to strike a balance between crowd control and 1v1 combat, and they seem to offer a decent amount of build versatility. Aside from showing off Vex's skills, the preview also gives us a glimpse at some of the enemy diversity that we can expect from Borderlands 4, and it certainly looks like there will be no shortage of different enemy types, from the typical ground-based foot soldiers to bullet-hell inspired bosses and flying minions that will harass you while you battle bigger enemies.

Incarnate gives Vex a pair of wings, increasing her movement speed and granting her the ability to cast energy projectiles at enemies, steal health, and buff her stats for improved survivability. Critically, the energy projectiles come from her off hand, meaning she can still use her weapon while the ability is active. Dead Ringer, summons a host of ephemeral clones of Vex, which automatically target and damage nearby enemies—this will likely come in handy when surrounded or facing off against a boss that needs your full attention. This ability has two versions—one that summons a single scythe-wielding clone that hunts enemies down with powerful melee attacks and can taunt thm as well, and one that summons multiple stationary clones that attack with ranged weapons. Phase Phamiliar allows players to summon a cat-like companion named Trouble that will seek out and attack enemies similar to FL4K's companion-based action skills from Borderlands 3. Trouble can blink to enemies and has increased critical hit chance. Vex can apparently also trigger the companion to explode on command for AOE damage. Some of these augmentations and ability variations will no doubt be locked behind skill points or even character-specific class mods.
Friday, July 11th 2025

Today's Reviews

Cases
Cooling
CPU Coolers
Desktop PC
Graphics Cards
Motherboards
Mouse
Other
SSD
Our Visit to the Hunter Super Computer

Our Visit to the Hunter Super Computer

At HLRS in Stuttgart, Germany, we got an inside look at the "Hunter" supercomputer—an advanced system built on AMD EPYC processors and Instinct MI300A APUs. Join us as we share the insights gained during our visit.
Lexar NM1090 Pro 4 TB Review

Lexar NM1090 Pro 4 TB Review

The Lexar NM1090 Pro 4TB SSD delivers fast Gen 5 performance and tons of capacity. In our testing, it achieved record-breaking sustained write speeds of over 4.2 GB/s—outpacing the competition. Overall performance is strong, though there are still faster options available.

Colorful Debuts iGame Duo SSD: GPU with Two M.2 Drives

At Bilibili World 2025, Colorful quietly introduced a unique all-white version of its iGame Ultra Duo SSD graphics card that combines high-end GPU performance with built-in storage. The card features a two‑fan cooler coated in matte white, which immediately sets it apart from the usual dark designs you see on the market. Although Colorful has not confirmed whether it is based on NVIDIA's new GB206 or GB207 architecture, either RTX 5050 or 5060, the real point of this product is the dual M.2 SSD slots on the back of the compact PCB. Users can simply slide in drives without any extra cables, and the heatsink mounting points are cleverly positioned between the storage bays and the rear I/O bracket.

Thanks to PCIe bifurcation, the card splits a standard x16 slot into eight lanes for the GPU and four lanes for each SSD, so neither graphics nor storage performance is compromised. Given that the PCIe bandwidth is more than enough for this GPU SKU, even an x8 lane is enough for performance to stay intact. By placing SSDs near active cooling, Colorful ensures they stay cool even under heavy workloads. Official specs and pricing are not yet available, but this hybrid design is sure to catch the eye of gamers and content creators looking for a sleek, high-capacity storage build.

Intel "Nova Lake-S" Tapes Out on TSMC N2 Node

Intel's next-generation client CPU staple product, "Nova Lake-S", has reportedly taped out of TSMC's fabs in Taiwan. Our previous speculation from the rumor mill suggested that Intel would utilize its own internal 18A node, with help from TSMC's 2 nm high-volume manufacturing. According to SemiAccurate, Intel has taped out a compute tile on TSMC's N2 node, meaning that Nova Lake-S will likely utilize a mix of 18A and TSMC N2 for its compute tiles. A possible reason for this decision is that Intel is building a chain of fall-backs to rely on in case its 18A node doesn't deliver, or it anticipates demand so high that its internal manufacturing capacity can't provide. Either way, clients can expect the product to be delivered on time in H2 of 2026, but under the hood, some interesting solutions may be present.

As far as the exact date, the time from a tapeout to final product is months away. Right now, the taped-out silicon tile is being powered on in Intel's labs and tested, running various test cases that stress out the silicon for multiple use cases and check for correctness of operation. Typically, power on takes a few weeks to a month to achieve, and final high-volume manufacturing will commence only a few months later. From that point, another two to three months are needed for manufacturing and shipping the product, meaning that Q3 of 2026 is the most likely target for Nova Lake-S. As a reminder, the CPU will combine 52 cores (16 P-cores, 32 E-cores, and four LPE-cores) paired with 8,800 MT/s memory controller and Xe3 "Celestial" for graphics rendering and Xe4 "Druid" for media and display duties, making it definitely an interesting product, as well as a difficult manufacturing target due to the heterogenous complexity.

QNAP Launches the 16-channel PoE+ Network Smart NVR TVR-AI200

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, has released the new 16-channel PoE+ Network Smart NVR TVR-AI200. It supports real-time video/audio surveillance, high-quality recording, and can be installed on a desktop or in a rack. With PoE+ networking and plug-and-play features, the TVR-AI200 not only simplifies camera cabling and installation, but also allows users to complete offline setup and start recording within 10 minutes. The TVR-AI200 combines the security of an isolated network with flexible management capabilities for optional WAN connectivity. Coupled with AI video analytics and centralized management capabilities, it provides a highly efficient, reliable, and cost-effective surveillance solution for smart retail and commercial environments.

Key Features of the TVR-AI200
  • Plug-and-Play Camera Setup:
  • Compliant with the 802.3at PoE+ standard, and supplies sixteen ports of 25.5-watt PoE power to IP cameras, simplifying deployment.
  • Isolated Network Design:
  • Creates an isolated network for offline operation to enhance surveillance security and privacy, and reduce cybersecurity risks.

D-Link Unveils New DMS-1250 Series Smart Switches

D-Link Corporation, a global leader in networking solutions, is delighted to announce the launch of its latest DMS-1250 Series, 2.5G layer 2 standard smart switches that include 4 copper switches (DMS-1250-10S/ DMS-1250-12/ DMS-1250-18/ DMS-1250-28) and 4 PoE switches (DMS-1250-10SP/ DMS-1250-12TP/ DMS-1250-18P/ DMS-1250-28P). It is designed to meet the increasing demands of modern networks, offering 2.5G downlink ports for high-speed device connectivity and 10G/10G SFP+ uplink ports to ensure fast, reliable backbone performance. Built-in IEEE 802.3af/at/bt PoE support, the switches deliver up to 60 W per port, providing reliable power for high-demand devices such as Wi-Fi access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. All 2.5G ports feature 6kV surge protection, ensuring robust durability and safeguarding connected devices against power surges.

Flexible Port Options and Versatile Connectivity for Any Network
The DMS-1250 Series offers versatile port configurations from compact 10-port models to high-capacity 28-port options providing flexibility to scale networks to meet diverse infrastructure requirements. Supporting copper, fiber, and advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards, including IEEE 802.3af/at/bt, these switches can power a wide range of PoE-enabled devices over standard Ethernet cables, eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring. Whether deployed in small offices, enterprise edge networks, or high-density smart campuses, the DMS-1250 Series ensures reliable, scalable, and high-performance connectivity. With flexible hardware, comprehensive Layer 2 features, and centralized management via Nuclias Connect, it is a future-ready solution designed to meet evolving network demands.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE Tested, Fills Gap Between RX 9060 XT and RX 9070

AMD released the China-exclusive Radeon RX 9070 GRE in May, and ComputerBase.de caught hold of a Sapphire Pulse branded RX 9070 GRE card to test. While the RX 9060 XT specs sheet reads as being exactly half of the RX 9070 XT, the RX 9070 GRE is configured to be three quarters of it. It's based on the same 4 nm "Navi 48" silicon as the rest of the RX 9070 series, but is configured with 48 compute units out of the 64 present, and comes with 12 GB of memory across a 192-bit wide GDDR6 memory bus, in place of the 256-bit wide one that the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT come with. With 48 CU, the RX 9070 GRE has 3,072 stream processors, 96 AI accelerators, 48 RT accelerators, 192 TMUs, and 96 ROPs. The Infinity Cache size is reduced to 48 MB. The card comes with the same 220 W TBP as the RX 9070.

Testing by ComputerBase.de finds that despite its reduction in compute units and memory, the RX 9070 GRE is still a 1440p-class GPU, and a significant upgrade over the RX 9060 XT 16 GB and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB. Averaged across 13 game tests, at 1440p, the RX 9070 GRE tests 28.4% faster than RX 9060 XT 16 GB, 22% faster than RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB, and 11% faster than the previous-gen RX 7800 XT, and 5% faster than RTX 4070. The current-gen RTX 5070 is 9% faster, RX 9070 is 14% faster, and the current flagship RX 9070 XT is 29% faster. This makes the RX 9070 GRE an interesting SKU that's at the intersection of various price-performance combinations within the 1440p class. In the Chinese domestic market, the RX 9070 GRE is priced slightly higher than the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB, but lower than the RTX 5070, making it a good value proposition. Find more test results and insights in the source link below.

SUDOKOO Launches Exclusive Prime Week Deals on Award-Winning PC Coolers

SUDOKOO, the premium PC cooling brand acclaimed for engineering precision and innovative design, is excited to unveil limited-time discounts on its flagship CPU coolers in celebration of Amazon Prime Day and Newegg FantasTech Week, running July 8-13, 2025. These exclusive promotions offer gamers, PC builders, and performance enthusiasts a chance to upgrade their cooling systems with cutting-edge hardware—at unbeatable value.

Featured Deals Include:
  • SK700 / SK700V Series—15% OFF
    • High-performance AM5-ready air coolers supporting up to 220 W TDP
    • SK700V features 7 heatpipes, an offset single-tower for full RAM clearance, and tool-free L-Rail fan mounting
  • PROTEUS360—15% OFF
    • 360 mm AIO liquid cooler supporting up to 320 W TDP
    • Magnetic metal pump cap, 360° tube swivel, and a 3.4" customizable LCD screen
  • NEXAURA Series—20% OFF
    • 360 mm ARGB AIO cooler with diamond-cut pump cap
    • Supports high-core CPUs up to 300 W TDP with ultra-quiet operation and stunning visual effects
    • Mach Fans
    • Proteus 360 AIO CPU Cooler

Team Group Unveils P250Q Self-Destruct Internal NVMe SSD

Global memory leader Team Group Inc. today officially unveiled its latest breakthrough in industrial storage: the Team Group Industrial P250Q Self-Destruct SSD. This innovative solution integrates both software and hardware-based data erasure mechanisms, paired with an independent destruction circuit. Engineered to meet the stringent security and stability requirements of military, industrial automation, and AI applications, the P250Q sets a new benchmark for data protection and was recently honored with the 2025 COMPUTEX Best Choice Award for Cybersecurity Category.

The P250Q is equipped with a patented independent destruction circuit that enables precise data erasure at the hardware level by directly targeting the Flash IC. It is further supported by an intelligent software system with an auto-resume function that ensures data destruction continues seamlessly after an unexpected power outage, guaranteeing the complete elimination of sensitive information. Designed with real-world deployment in mind, the P250Q combines dual-mode software-hardware destruction, a one-click activation button, and multi-stage LED indicators that display real-time progress, offering intuitive yet robust data protection for high-security environments.
Thursday, July 10th 2025
Chieftec Iceberg 360 Review

Chieftec Iceberg 360 Review

Chieftec makes a debut in the all-in-one liquid cooler arena with the introduction of the Iceberg 360. Sporting a sleek design, decent performance and innovative features like its snap-on fans that simplify cable management, it brings a lot to the table. But does the Iceberg 360 have what it takes to outshine rivals?

AMD Sampling Next-Gen Ryzen Desktop "Medusa Ridge," Sees Incremental IPC Upgrade, New cIOD

AMD is reportedly sampling its next-generation Ryzen desktop processor powered by the "Zen 6" microarchitecture, codenamed "Medusa Ridge," to close industry partners, such as platform designers and OEMs, says Yuri Bubliy, aka 1usmus, author of the Hydra tuning software, and the now-retired DRAM Calculator for Ryzen. The processor sees AMD update both the CCDs and client I/O die, he says. AMD confirmed that it is building the "Zen 6" CCD on the TSMC N2 (2 nm) node, which entered risk production earlier this year. The node is expected to be ready for mass-production of 2 nm chips later this year. The 2 nm node presents a significant jump in transistor densities from the current TSMC N4P node on which AMD builds its 8-core "Zen 5" CCD, which 1usmus and other sources say, that AMD will use to increase CPU core counts per CCD.

Sources point to the possibility of AMD increasing core counts per CCD to 12, and giving the CCD 48 MB of L3 cache. At this point we don't know if all 12 cores will be arranged in a single CCX with a monolithic slab of 48 MB L3 cache, or if there's a dual-CCX layout with 6 cores per CCX sharing 24 MB of L3 cache, each. The other big upgrade with "Medusa Ridge" is its client I/O die (cIOD). AMD is expected to build its new generation cIOD on a newer EUV node such as 5 nm N5 or 4 nm N4P, a significant upgrade from the current 6 nm N6. 1usmus says that the biggest reason for AMD to update its cIOD is the memory controller architecture. AMD is expected to give "Medusa Point" a new dual memory controller architecture. There are still two DDR5 channels per socket, but this is redesigned for increased memory speeds, letting AMD catch up with Intel in this area. As for the CPU frequency boosting technologies, such as PBO and Curve Optimizer, there are no updates expected, and 1usmus concludes that it Hydra support should be straightforward.

Unknown Worlds Confirms Subnautica 2 Delay to 2026, Releases New Gameplay Trailer

As you know, we believe deeply in the open development process at Unknown Worlds. All of our games, from Natural Selection to Subnautica, have been fully committed to that process. The first phase of open development on Subnautica 2 was a series of playtests that recently happened behind the scenes with our community. We got some great feedback about Subnautica 2 during those playtests. The community was responding well to the environment, creatures, and story, and felt positive about the general direction of the game. It gave us a great indication that we're swimming in the right direction.

It also provided some insight that there are a few areas where we needed to improve before launching the first version of Subnautica 2 to the world. Our community is at the heart of how we develop, so we want to give ourselves a little extra time to respond to more of that feedback before releasing the game into Early Access. With that in mind, we've made the decision to delay Subnautica 2's Early Access release to 2026.

Razer Unveils the Ultra-Lightweight DeathAdder V4 Pro Gaming Mouse

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, the latest evolution of its most iconic gaming mouse. With over 20 million units sold worldwide, the DeathAdder line is renowned for its ergonomic excellence and elite esports performance. The DeathAdder V4 Pro builds on this legacy with next-generation upgrades, developed in close collaboration with top-tier esports professionals and engineered to for the highest levels of competitive play.

Engineered for Elite Performance
The DeathAdder V4 Pro is the first gaming mouse to feature Razer HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2—delivering an ultra-stable connection, over 63% greater power efficiency, and 37% lower latency than its predecessor. Thanks to this breakthrough in wireless technology and a redesigned dongle optimized for peak performance, it ensures lightning-fast responsiveness at up to 8000 Hz in both wired and wireless modes. All this cutting-edge performance is backed by up to 150 hours of high-performance gameplay at 1000 Hz, giving gamers the endurance they need to stay ahead.

Naya Announces Availability of Naya Create Modular Split Keyboard

Building on its acclaimed debut at CES, where it earned 2x CES Innovation Awards and secured over $1 million in Kickstarter funding, Naya today announced the general availability of Naya Create, its groundbreaking modular split keyboard. Naya Create sets a new standard for how software developers, business professionals, creatives in audiovisual and 3D, and enthusiasts alike interact with their digital tools, offering a personalized, evolving solution that prioritizes individual comfort, precise control, and adaptable workflows, unlike conventional keyboards that demand users conform to a fixed layout.

Naya Create delivers tangible benefits for users seeking to optimize their workflow and comfort. Post-purchase surveys from Naya's backers indicate that improved ergonomics was a key factor in the purchase decision for 75% of users, and boosted workflow efficiency for 70% of users. Its unique hinged split design allows each half to independently adjust up to 27 degrees of tenting, supporting a natural wrist posture and reducing arm pronation. The columnar-staggered key layout positions each key in line with natural finger movements, providing a more fluid and less fatiguing typing experience.

TSMC Plans CoPoS and SoIC Advanced Packaging for Arizona Fab

TSMC plans to expand its Arizona facility with advanced packaging by constructing two dedicated buildings near to its Fab 21 complex. The first, Advanced Packaging Facility 1 (AP1), is slated to break ground in 2028 alongside Phase 3 of Fab 21, which will eventually produce chips on the N2 (2 nm) node and potentially the A16 process. A second structure, AP2, will follow in tandem with later expansions (Phases 4 and 5), though exact dates remain unconfirmed. Both sites will focus on System‑on‑Integrated‑Chips (SoIC) and the emerging Chip‑on‑Panel‑on‑Substrate (CoPoS) technology. SoIC uses through‑silicon vias to stack cache or memory dies directly beneath compute cores, a technique already proven in AMD's Ryzen X3D processors. CoPoS, by contrast, replaces traditional circular wafers with rectangular panels measuring approximately 310x310 mm.

This shift multiplies the usable substrate area by more than five times, enabling the denser integration of high-bandwidth memory stacks, I/O chiplets, and multiple compute tiles while driving down per-unit costs. Behind the scenes, TSMC will kick off a CoPoS pilot line as early as 2026, aiming to complete partner validation by late 2027. This pilot run is designed to address manufacturing challenges and secure design wins with major customers, including NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple, ensuring that US‑assembled packages meet the same performance and reliability standards as those in Taiwan. Mass production at AP1 is not expected to ramp up until late 2029 or early 2030, aligning with TSMC's two-year lead-time practice: new node and packaging innovations debut on the home island before being transplanted abroad.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW Gets New Games, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Coming Soon

Grab a friend and climb toward the clouds - PEAK is now available on GeForce NOW, enabling members to try the hugely popular indie hit on virtually any device. It's one of four new games joining the cloud this week. Plus, members can look forward to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 coming soon.

Time to Climb
PEAK is a co-op climbing game that puts players in the shoes of lost nature scouts, ascending a mountain at the center of a mysterious island. Scavenge for food (even if it's of questionable quality), manage injuries on the climb and help the squad summit safely. Members can play solo or survive together with up to four players. There's a new island to survive on every day. And, with more than 100,000 concurrent players daily on Steam, there's always a climbing buddy to join. GeForce NOW members are equipped for the challenge with an Ultimate membership, which powers the climb at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. Ultimate members can play PEAK and more than 2,000 other games they already own with extended session lengths and ultralow latency on a GeForce RTX 4080 rig. Upgrade today for elevated gameplay.

TSMC Announces Record Q2-2025 Revenue Amidst Currency and Tariff Slump

Taiwan's premier semiconductor foundry, TSMC, reported a consolidated revenue of NTD $263.709 billion (approximately US$8.11 billion) for June 2025, reflecting a 17.7% decline from May due to the sharp appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar. Despite this, the figure marked a 26.9% YoY increase, setting a new June record. For the second quarter of 2025, TSMC achieved revenue of NTD $933.792 billion, up 11.26% QoQ and 38.65% YoY, hitting the upper end of its April 2025 guidance and establishing a quarterly record. 1H-2025 revenue reached NTD $1.77 trillion, a 40% surge from the previous year, which is also a historical peak. In its April earnings call, TSMC forecasted second-quarter revenue between USD $28.4 billion and USD $29.2 billion (NTD $923 billion to NTD $949 billion), alongside a gross margin of 57-59% and an operating margin of 47-49%.

The rapid strengthening of the Taiwan Dollar, which appreciated over 15% from NTD $33.196 to briefly below NTD $29 per USD since April 2025, significantly impacted TSMC's margins and Taiwan's export-driven industry, mainly electronics and manufacturing. TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei noted at the June shareholder meeting that a 1% NT dollar appreciation reduces operating and gross margins by about 0.4%, with the recent 8% rise cutting margins by over 3%. Despite this, TSMC's Q2 revenue of NTD $933.79 billion was driven by robust AI GPU demand and increased orders for large die-size chips (more wafers since fewer chips per wafer), mitigating currency pressures. While tariffs indirectly affect TSMC as importers bear the cost, Wei cautioned that rising tariffs could spur inflation and reduce consumption, potentially impacting shipments. Despite all these, TSMC remains optimistic, fueled by strong AI GPU demand. The company projects record-high revenue and profit for 2025.

Apple Plans Vision Pro 2 Upgrade with M4 SoC Inside

Apple is preparing to release a major update for its Vision Pro headset before the end of the year. Inside, the current M2 chip will be replaced by the newer M4 SoC, built on a 3 nm process from TSMC. That extra shrink brings noticeably better CPU and GPU performance and a more capable neural engine, so you'll see smoother AI-powered features right on the headset. Apple hasn't stopped there, listening to early adopters and revamping the headband with softer padding and better balance to shift weight away from your face. At roughly 600 to 650 grams, the Vision Pro can feel heavy after only a few minutes, and this change should make longer sessions feel much more comfortable.

Behind the scenes, Apple is also working on a wired model called N107 for users who need rock-solid, low-latency connections to a Mac. Consider surgical training or complex CAD design, where even the slightest delay is unacceptable. If you're looking for something lighter and more affordable, Apple has that covered as well. A completely new Vision Pro, under the code name N100, is slated for 2027. By using slimmer lenses and lighter materials, it should shed several hundred grams without skimping on screen clarity or battery life. We expect to hear more about it as the Vision Pro 2 launch gets closer.

DrunkDeer Releases New A75 Ultra HE Keyboard Series

The DrunkDeer A75 Ultra HE keyboard isn't just a keyboard—it's a statement. Engineered for esports warriors and gaming enthusiasts, this 75% keyboard redefines responsiveness, design, and innovation. As the world's fastest keyboard, the A75 Ultra is built on cutting-edge hall effect switches that deliver zero delay and maximum precision with every press.

Precision Powered by GEN-2 Hall Effect Chip
At its core, the A75 Ultra features the second-generation Hall Effect chip with 0.5 Gauss resolution, capable of detecting even the smallest magnetic changes. This ensures pinpoint actuation accuracy while maintaining ultra-low power consumption (just 0.0001mA in sleep mode). It adapts flawlessly to varying magnetic fields from 200 to 5000 Gauss and remains stable through temperature shifts, aging, or assembly differences.

Philips Unveils New Evnia 27M2N3800A Gaming Monitor With Dual Mode

Philips Monitors launches the Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A, a next-gen premium gaming monitor equipped with Dual Mode, a cutting-edge technology that allows users to switch between 4K UHD at 160 Hz and FHD at 320 Hz, making it the perfect choice for gamers seeking both flawless high-speed performance and highly detailed, immersive graphics.

Speed or Sharpness… Why not both?
Thanks to its cutting-edge Dual Mode, the Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A brings a whole new dimension to the gaming experience. Gamers can toggle effortlessly between the crisp clarity of UltraClear 4K 3840 x 2160 @ 160 Hz and the buttery smooth gameplay of 1920 x 1080 @ 320 Hz, unlocking maximum performance in all types of games. Whether they're seeking blistering speed or superior visual depth, gamers can now enjoy the best of both worlds.

MSI Bundles Wuchang: Fallen Feathers with Select Velox and MEG PSU Models

MSI is thrilled to team up with 505 GAMES and LEENZEE GAMES for a special limited-time offer! From July 10 to August 10, 2025, grab an eligible MSI PC Case or Power Supply and receive a complimentary PC game key for WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers. Gear Up and Step Into a Dark Fantasy of Myth and Mystery with MSI! MSI's latest top-tier PC Cases and Power Supplies come with EZ DIY features, making it fun and easy for anyone to build their own system. This lineup not only delivers powerful performance with innovative technology and premium materials, but also offers the reliability and ease needed to handle both gaming and AI workloads.

MPG VELOX 300R AIRFLOW PZ / WHITE supports up to three installation locations for 360 mm radiators, with the capability to accommodate two 360 mm radiators simultaneously, up to thirteen fans and various motherboard sizes including Back-connect ATX. It comes with Dual Layer Blades Fans and an adjustable EZ bracket for flexible cooling. Plus, the quick snap-and-lock PSU cover makes assembly easy and keeps cable management neat without any effort.

China Plans to Deploy 115,000 NVIDIA AI GPUs Across 36 Data Centers

China's leading AI companies have unveiled plans to construct a massive network of 36 data centers across China's Western deserts, which will house over 115,000 NVIDIA AI processors. According to a Bloomberg analysis, which gained insight into investment approvals and tender documents, the critical location for this effort is a complex facility situated near Yiwu in Xinjiang Province, selected for its suitable wind and solar resources, coal reserves, and cooler high-altitude climate. Chinese AI labs aim to deploy NVIDIA's flagship H100 and H200 GPUs, which are primarily sourced from third-party suppliers. One Chinese firm proposes an initial phase of 625 H100 servers, equivalent to roughly 2,000 chips, with additional phases to follow.

A key obstacle to this great vision is US export controls that prohibit the sale of NVIDIA's most advanced processors to China without special licenses, which have not been granted. None of the firms or government spokespersons Bloomberg contacted have explained how they will acquire these embargoed GPUs, and experts familiar with trade enforcement and underground AI chip markets express skepticism that such a large volume of cutting-edge chips could be smuggled undetected. If direct access to NVIDIA hardware remains limited, Chinese chipmakers such as Huawei may fill part of the demand. Construction in Yiwu presses on regardless, where a slogan painted on a nearby hillside proclaims "data‑electricity fusion shows great promise," reflecting China's determined push to take a leading role in the next generation of AI innovation, despite the hardware slowdown.

Alphacool Releases Core GeForce RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti Solid Core FC Block with Backplate

Alphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and long-standing industry expertise, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with a Core water cooler for the Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 5080/5070 Ti Solid Core graphics cards.

The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, water flow simulations, and extensive practical testing have led to significant improvements to both the cooler base and the jetplate. These optimizations ensure maximum cooling performance for the latest generation of NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.

European HPC Processor "Rhea1" Tapes Out, Launch Delayed to 2026

European Processor Initiative (EPI) is nearing completion of its first goal. SiPearl, the leading developer behind the Rhea1 processor, has finally reached the tapeout stage after a string of delays, but it will not be ready for delivery until 2026 at the earliest. When the project launched in 2020, SiPearl planned to begin production in 2023; however, the 61 billion-transistor chip only entered tapeout this summer. The design, built on TSMC's N6 process, features 80 Arm Neoverse V1 cores alongside 64 GB of HBM2E memory and a DDR5 interface. While these specifications once looked cutting‑edge, the industry has already moved on, and Rhea1's raw performance may seem dated by the time samples are available. SiPearl initially explored a RISC‑V architecture back in 2019 but abandoned it after early feedback and comments highlighted the instruction set's immaturity for exascale computing.

Development was further interrupted by shifting core‑count debates, with teams alternately considering 72 cores, then 64, before finally settling on 80 cores by 2022. Those back‑and‑forth decisions, combined with evolving performance expectations, helped push the timeline back by years. Despite missing its original schedule, Rhea1 remains vital to European ambitions for high‑performance computing sovereignty and serves as the intended CPU for the Jupiter supercomputer. Thanks to Jupiter's modular design, the system was not left idle; its GPU booster module, running NVIDIA Grace Hopper accelerators, is already operational and approximately 80 percent complete. With the CPU clusters slated for mid-2026 deployment, full system readiness is expected by the end of 2026. To support this effort, SiPearl has recently secured €130 million in new financing from the French government, industry partners, and Taiwan's Cathay Venture. As Rhea1 finishes its goal, work on Rhea2 is already underway, and we can expect more updates about Rhea2 in a year or two.
Rhea1

Gaming Actors Score Massive Win as SAG-AFTRA Close Out 11-Month Strike With New Contract With Major Game Studios

SAG-AFTRA workers have officially ended an 11-month-long video game strike and three years of bargaining with major game studios with a new contract that increases compensation for video game workers and establishes new protections from AI. According to the new SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement, which passed with 95.04% approval, video game performers will receive a 15.17% increase in compensation upon ratification, followed by annual 3% increases for three years starting on November 1, 2025. The agreement also aims to reel in late payment issues, limiting the payment window to 12 business days after services have been rendered.

One of the more contentious issues that was being protested was the increasing use of AI in video games, and to address this, the new agreement requires game studios to get performer consent to use AI to recreate their likeness—for both audio and visual purposes—and it mandates that performers get paid their standard rate when their likeness is recreated by AI for use in a game. There are also workplace safety and comfort provisions, including mandatory rest periods, stipulations for overnight working conditions, a 2× overtime payment rate, and increases to the mandatory contributions to the AFTRA Retirement fund. Overall, much of the agreement aims to make work more sustainable for video game performers. Similar demands are currently being made by the United Video Game Workers Union, which casts a wider net to include programmers and other workers in the video games industry—not just performers.
Wednesday, July 9th 2025
Fractal Design Epoch RGB TG Review

Fractal Design Epoch RGB TG Review

The Fractal Design Epoch builds upon the foundation of the North, pairing its refined structure with a minimalist exterior crafted from premium materials. A sleek mesh front, soft curves, and optional glass side panels give it an elegant and modern appeal. Notably, three high-performance Momentum 12 RGB fans are included — impressive for such a compact case.

ZX Spectrum Creator's Nephew Unveils Ultra-Thin GamerCard Console

The GamerCard is an ultra-thin (128 mm × 88 mm × 6.5 mm, 100 grams) handheld gaming console developed by Grant Sinclair, nephew of ZX Spectrum creator Sir Clive Sinclair. The console is built around a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W processor featuring a custom RP3A0 system-in-package with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 running at 1 GHz. The system has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 128 GB of internal storage, and 512 MB of SDRAM. The display is a 4-inch IPS panel with a protective layer of flush-fit sapphire glass, 254 ppi resolution, and 60 frames per second. Two sub-miniature loudspeakers with monoblock amplifiers and an audio codec integrated circuit for stereo sound are used to provide the audio.

The GamerCard uses a patented sealed PCB sandwich construction with an integrated Zytel layer. This design eliminates the need for traditional plastic casing while incorporating an ultra-thin passive heat sink radiator positioned above the processor to manage thermal performance. Control inputs include eight front-facing silicone control pads featuring tactile snap-dome micro push buttons, as well as left and right shoulder-style buttons located on the rear. The device has an integrated 1600 mAh Li-Po battery that can be charged through a USB-C connector. Battery status is indicated by three mini LEDs: amber for low battery, green for fully charged, and red for charging. For expandability, it features an HDMI output, a Qwiic port for system upgrades, and a USB-C port. Games are pre-installed on the GamerCard, which also supports emulation tools like RetroPie and Recalbox. The current delivery time is up to 10 weeks, and the price is £125.

SilverStone's Old-School Workstation Case Packs 15 Drive Bays for Unlimited Storage Expansion

SilverStone has just launched the Seta H2, a full‑tower workstation case that prioritizes raw storage over flashy lighting or tempered glass, delivering a nostalgic nod to late‑1990s designs. In its 70‑liter interior, you can fit up to 15 HDD thanks to seven removable brackets behind the front panel that accept both 2.5 and 3.5‑inch drives, two extra mounts on the interior panel, a conventional two‑bay cage in front of the power supply, two 2.5‑inch slots behind the motherboard tray, and a final bracket that holds either one 3.5‑inch or two 2.5‑inch drives. Despite this staggering drive capacity, the Seta H2 still accommodates E-ATX and SSI-EEB motherboards, virtually unlimited CPU cooler heights, and graphics cards up to 428 mm long, with only a 330 mm clearance requirement if a side-panel radiator or a drive bracket is installed at the GPU level.

An eight‑slot expansion area and support for power supplies up to 289 mm round out its component flexibility. Cooling is handled traditionally with space for three 120 or 140 mm fans up front, one in the rear, two 160 mm or 140 mm fans on top, and two 120 mm fans on the side, plus removable brackets that let you mount a 360 or 420 mm radiator at the front or top (up to 65 mm thick). The all-steel and plastic chassis, weighing 15.2 kg, also features front I/O with USB-C, two USB 3.0 ports, and HD audio. Pricing starts at around €200 in Europe, and around $216 in the US.

NVIDIA Becomes First Company Ever to Hit $4 Trillion Market-Cap

NVIDIA today became the first company ever to hit a market capitalization of $4 trillion. The top-5 companies by market-cap are now all tech companies with trillion-dollar valuations. These are, NVIDIA at $4.00 trillion, followed closely by Microsoft at $3.73 trillion, Apple at $3.13 trillion, Amazon at $2.36 trillion, Alphabet at $2.13 trillion, and Meta at $1.83 trillion. Shares of NVIDIA peaked at $164 (up 2.4%) today, pushing its market-cap above the $4 trillion mark. NVIDIA's rise has been a phenomenon in Finance given that it crossed the $1 trillion mark as recently as June 2023. Its rise is tied closely with the meteoric ascent of AI in information technology and consumer electronics; with NVIDIA holding an over 90% market share in the server-side hardware that accelerates it at an industrial scale.

Epomaker Launches the HE80 Keyboard with Hall Effect Switches and PBT Keycaps

Today, Epomaker introduces its latest innovation - the 75% Compact Layout with 82 keys Hall Effect gaming keyboard, offering an unprecedented immersive experience for gamers and professionals.

Unique Design, Personalized Appearance
This keyboard features a 75% compact layout, which not only saves desk space but also enhances operational efficiency. The combination of PBT keycaps and extra PC transparent keycaps adds a distinctive flair to the design. The transparent PC keycaps give the keyboard a futuristic look while also making the RGB backlighting even more striking, greatly enhancing its visual appeal.

GlobalFoundries to Acquire MIPS to Accelerate AI and Compute Capabilities

GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire MIPS, a leading supplier of AI and processor IP. This strategic acquisition will expand GF's portfolio of customizable IP offerings, allowing it to further differentiate its process technologies with IP and software capabilities.

"MIPS brings a strong heritage of delivering efficient, scalable compute IP tailored for performance-critical applications, which strategically aligns with the evolving demands of AI platforms across diverse markets," said Niels Anderskouv, president and chief operating officer at GlobalFoundries. "Through this acquisition, we will expand our capabilities to offer customers more flexible solutions, paired with our differentiated process technologies and world-class manufacturing to help them build best-in-class products. This acquisition will be a powerful step forward to push the boundaries of efficiency and performance across a broad range of applications in automotive, industrial and datacenter infrastructure."

Cadence Introduces Industry-First LPDDR6/5X 14.4 Gbps Memory IP to Power Next-Generation AI Infrastructure

Cadence today announced the tapeout of the industry's first LPDDR6/5X memory IP system solution optimized to operate at 14.4 Gbps, up to 50% faster than the previous generation of LPDDR DRAM. The new Cadence LPDDR6/5X memory IP system solution is a key enabler for scaling up the AI infrastructure to accommodate the memory bandwidth and capacity demands of next-generation AI LLMs, agentic AI and other compute-heavy workloads for various verticals. Multiple engagements are currently underway with leading AI, high-performance computing (HPC) and data center customers.

The Cadence IP for the JEDEC LPDDR6/5X standard consists of an advanced PHY architecture and a high-performance controller designed to maximize power, performance and area (PPA) while supporting both LPDDR6 and LPDDR5X DRAM protocols for optimal flexibility. The solution supports native integration into traditional monolithic SoCs as well as multi-die system architectures by leveraging the Cadence chiplet framework, enabling heterogeneous chiplet integration. The chiplet framework, including the previous LPDDR generation, was successfully taped out in 2024.

JEDEC Releases New LPDDR6 Standard to Enhance Memory Performance

JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in standards development for the microelectronics industry, today announced the publication of JESD209-6, the latest Low Power Double Data Rate 6 (LPDDR6) standard. JESD209-6 is designed to significantly boost memory speed and efficiency for a variety of uses including mobile devices and AI. The new JESD209-6 LPDDR6 standard represents a significant advancement in memory technology, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and security.

High Performance
To enable AI applications and other high-performance workloads, LPDDR6 employs a dual sub-channel architecture that allows for flexible operation while maintaining a small access granularity of 32 bytes. In addition, LPDDR6 key features offer:
  • 2 sub-channels per die, 12 data signal lines (DQs) per sub-channel to optimize channel performance capabilities
  • Each sub-channel includes 4 command/address (CA) signals, optimized to reduce ball count and improve data access speed
  • Static efficiency mode designed to support high-capacity memory configurations and maximize bank resource utilization
  • Flexible data access, on-the-fly burst length control to support 32B & 64B access
  • Dynamic write NT-ODT (non-target on-die termination) enables the memory to adjust ODT based on workload demands, improving signal integrity

Fractal Design Announces Epoch Gaming PC Case

Fractal Design presents Epoch—a new PC case that merges clean, contemporary design with airflow engineering. Epoch features ventilated mesh front and top panels for natural airflow and includes three high-performance Momentum 12 fans featuring LCP blades and true FDP bearings for powerful cooling. Together with space for top-tier components, such as a graphics card up to 372 mm in length, Epoch is designed to support a smooth, enjoyable gaming experience.

On the outside, Epoch provides a clean and stylish aesthetic. Its minimalist design, mesh patterning, and subtle visual accents, including a fabric pull tab and laser-etched aluminium badge, make it an elegant addition to the modern gaming station.

[Editor's note: Our in-depth review of the Epoch RGB TG is now live]

Sparkle Intros Arc B580 Titan OC Nox Graphics Card

Sparkle unveiled the Arc B580 Titan OC Nox graphics card. This is essentially a color variant of the blue-colored Sparkle B580 Titan OC, and the white Sparkle B580 Titan Luna OC. The Titan OC Nox comes in an all-black color scheme with a few red accents. The card is 2 slots thick, but is 31.5 cm long, with a metal backplate. The cooler uses three 70 mm axial airflow fans to ventilate an aluminium fin-stack heatsink. Design aside, the Nox comes with identical specs to the Luna OC and the original Titan OC, with GPU boost frequency of 2740 MHz against 2670 MHz Intel reference speeds. The total board power (TBP) limit is set to 200 W, and the card relies on a single 8-pin PCIe power connector, besides the PCI-Express slot for power.

Silicon Power Launches Hypera microSDXC Express Card

Silicon Power (SP) is unleashing the Hypera microSD Express memory card, its latest leap in next-generation portable storage technology, where the power of technology delivers "hyper" performance. Designed for gamers, creators, and power users alike, the Hypera boasts ultra-fast PCIe Gen 3x1 performance with blazing speeds up to 880 MB/s read and 700 MB/s write, and is available in huge capacities up to 1 TB.

PCIe Performance in a microSD Form Factor
At the core of the Hypera is PCIe Gen 3x1 and NVMe technology, enabling unmatched microSD performance in a compact footprint. With lightning-fast data transfer speeds up to 880 MB/s, users can experience up to 2.7x faster performance than UHS-II cards and up to 8x faster than standard UHS-I cards. This groundbreaking speed enables accelerated downloads, seamless in-game loading, and smooth gameplay even with maximum resolution, dramatically enhancing the gaming experience.

Thermaltake Adds Three New Colors to the Tower 600 Mid Tower Chassis

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is excited to introduce a delightful new twist to The Tower 600 Mid Tower Chassis with the addition of three new stunning colors: Mint Strawberry, Butter Caramel, and Mocha Mousse. Blending warm tones with candy-colored charm, these pastel-inspired colorways bring a fresh, expressive energy to your PC setup, and perfect for gamers and creators who want their build to stand out from the crowd.
  • Mint Strawberry: A crisp mint teal exterior paired with soft strawberry pink inside—bright, playful, and bursting with energy. Like a fresh pop of flavor for your setup.
  • Butter Caramel: Bright yellow outside, rich caramel brown within—warm, vibrant, and full of character. A bold, lively combo that feels as delicious as it looks.
  • Mocha Mousse: Smooth mocha on the outside, creamy white within—cozy, calming, and softly refined. Like your favorite warm drink, wrapped in minimalist charm.

Cooler Master MasterFrame 600 Modular Full Tower Now Available in Europe

Cooler Master, a global leader in PC hardware and innovative thermal solutions, today announced the European sales kick-off of the MasterFrame 600, a high-end, modular open-frame full tower designed for power users, creators, and PC modders seeking total creative freedom and high-performance potential. The MasterFrame 600 is available across Europe at a suggested retail price of €199, exclusively through select partners and resellers.

Engineered on Cooler Master's FreeForm 2.0 platform, the MasterFrame 600 redefines what's possible in a premium PC chassis. This open-frame full tower delivers exceptional airflow, broad hardware compatibility, and nearly limitless options for customization, supporting everything from Mini-ITX to E-ATX motherboards and high-end components. Whether you're a performance enthusiast, a professional content creator, or a passionate modder, this case offers the ideal canvas for your next ambitious build.

Aztecs: The Last Sun Releases on August 28, 2025

Polish development team Play2Chill and German publisher Toplitz Productions jointly announce the release date for the survival city builder Aztecs: The Last Sun. The Early Access start of the highly anticipated survival infused strategy title has been set for August 28, 2025. Aztecs: The Last Sun will give you a memorable gameplay experience. Because when you take over the role of an Aztec leader trying to build the city state of Tenochtitlan, you will soon find out that the game transcends classic historical city builder elements.

You'll be confronted with gut-wrenching decisions that can have a critical impact on your reputation as a leader or your peoples' wellbeing in the long run. Keep that in mind, once your perception of benevolence or cruelty will be put to the test.

Patriot Memory Launches Three New DDR5 Memory Modules

Patriot Memory, a global leader in high-performance memory, storage, and gaming-grade hardware, officially announces the launch of three new DDR5 memory modules: the Signature Line Premium DDR5, the Signature Line Premium DDR5 CKD, and the Signature Line Core DDR5 SODIMM, further expanding its DDR5 product lineup to meet diverse upgrade needs across platforms and usage scenarios.

The newly introduced Signature Line Premium DDR5 continues the series' core commitment to reliability and durability, while embracing a refreshed aesthetic direction. Incorporating a clean black-and-white color scheme and minimalist design language, the module delivers sleek industrial appeal for desktop users seeking refined visual identity in their builds. Offering speeds up to 5600 MT/s and operating at a low 1.1 V, this module ensures reduced power consumption and heat generation. Each unit is 100% hand-tested and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, delivering a dependable and trustworthy upgrade solution.

3Q25 NAND Flash Contract Prices Projected to Rise 5-10%; Weak Smartphone Demand Limits eMMC and UFS Growth

TrendForce's latest investigations find that the NAND Flash market has seen significant improvement in supply-demand balance following production cuts and inventory reduction in the first half of 2025. As suppliers shift production capacity toward higher-margin products, the overall supply in circulation has tightened.

On the demand side, increased enterprise investment in AI and mass shipments of NVIDIA's next-generation Blackwell chips have provided strong support. Looking ahead to the third quarter, average NAND Flash contract prices are projected to rise by 5% to 10%. However, due to an uncertain outlook for smartphone demand in the second half of the year, price increases for eMMC and UFS products are expected to be more modest.

Avalue Launches EPS-RPR Fanless Rugged Embedded System

Avalue Technology Inc., a global leader in industrial computing solutions, announces the release of its new EPS-RPR fanless rugged embedded system. As AI inference migrates from the cloud to edge devices, there is an increasing demand for fanless systems. Market research indicates that the global Edge AI Box PC market will grow from USD 1.141 billion in 2024 to USD 2.283 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. Designed in response to this trend, the EPS-RPR offers a high-performance, stable, and flexible embedded platform that is ideal for smart manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent retail applications.

The EPS-RPR fanless industrial PC is powered by the 14th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processors and supports DDR5-5600 memory, delivering robust computing power. Its fanless thermal solution and wide temperature tolerance (from -10°C to 55°C) ensure stable operation in harsh environments. In terms of I/O capabilities, the EPS-RPR model offers four 4K display outputs, dual Intel LAN ports (2.5GbE and 1GbE), six COM ports, and eight USB ports. This configuration is designed to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of industrial applications. The system also supports versatile expansion with 1× M.2 Key-B, 1× Key-E, 1× Key-M, and 1× mPCIe, enabling seamless integration with Wi-Fi, LTE/5G, and various I/O modules.

Chieftec Announces the Vista Mid-Tower Case

Chieftec is excited to announce the launch of the VISTA (model: GT-01B-OP), our latest mid-tower PC case engineered to meet the demands of modern system builders and enthusiasts who prioritize both visual appeal and thermal performance. The VISTA offers a compelling combination of premium aesthetics and intelligent design, providing an exceptional platform for showcasing high-performance components.

With its modern top-bottom layout, the VISTA offers a clean interior look and optimized airflow. Despite its compact footprint, it supports high-end GPUs up to 400 mm, top-mounted 360 mm radiators, or CPU coolers up to 160 mm tall. The two side fans are configured as intake fans with reverse-flow blades for optimized airflow. A VGA-holder is included that prevents GPU sag and keeps your graphics card securely in place. Ideal for heavy, high-performance setups.

SK hynix Showcases Server and Storage Tech Strategies at HPE Discover 2025

SK hynix shared its technology roadmap, solution strategies, and AI cloud vision for leading the AI era at HPE Discover Las Vegas 2025 held from June 23-26. HPE Discover is a global technology conference hosted by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This year's Las Vegas event highlighted the arrival of the AI era and its future possibilities. The conference featured a wide range of technical presentations, a networking program with demos and exhibitions, and hands-on training sessions such as the Tech Pro University and AI Developer Workshop.

SK hynix showcased its technological leadership through presentations and exhibitions highlighting its next-generation AI memory, server, and storage solutions essential for developing AI infrastructure. The exhibition was divided into four key sections: HBM, Server DIMM, eSSDs and CMM (CXL Memory Module)-DDR5. Each section of the booth, which featured eye-catching designs including product mascots, presented key products and solutions.

Shuttle Launches New XPC nano NE10N Fanless Mini PC Platform

With the XPC nano NE10N, Shuttle introduces a fanless mini PC platform that impresses with its compact design and robust technology. Developed for reliable 24/7 continuous operation, the barebone is particularly suitable for digital display solutions, control systems, POS applications and for use in office and media environments.

Inside the NE10N is a 12th generation Intel N100 processor (Alder Lake-N), which offers solid computing power with completely passive cooling despite a TDP of only 6 watts. The absence of active fans ensures silent operation and reduces maintenance requirements - a clear advantage in sensitive or hard-to-reach installations. Despite a housing volume of only 0.6 liters, the system offers a wide range of expansion options: a DDR4 SO-DIMM slot for up to 16 GB RAM, an M.2 2280 slot for NVMe or SATA SSDs, and an optional M.2 2230 slot with pre-installed WLAN antennas for wireless network connection. The integrated Intel UHD graphics unit enables simultaneous operation of two Ultra HD displays via HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4.

IBASE Unveils New MBB1005 ATX Motherboard with Intel Core Ultra 200S for Industrial Edge Computing

IBASE Technology Inc. (TPEx: 8050), a leading provider of industrial panel PC and embedded computing solutions, introduced the MBB1005, a robust ATX motherboard crafted for industrial edge computing, AI acceleration, and automation platforms. Powered by Intel Core Ultra 200S processors on the LGA1851 socket, this board delivers outstanding compute performance, modular expansion, and rugged reliability, enabling OEMs to scale up fast in industrial and embedded markets.

The MBB1005 offers four DDR5 U-DIMM slots, supporting up to 192 GB memory. Its integrated graphics controller supports one HDMI 2.0b and three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs, enabling multi-display configurations essential in industrial monitoring. Networking is handled by dual Intel 2.5GbE ports—the I226LM with iAMT 19.0 for remote maintenance and the I226V for standard communication. For storage and modular expansion, the board offers four SATA III ports and four M.2 slots: two M-Key (2280) for NVMe, one B-Key (3052) for cellular modules, and one E-Key (2230) for WiFi or Bluetooth.

ASUS Announces Giveaway Event to Celebrate 30 Years of Graphics Cards

ASUS today announced the Cheers to 30 Years giveaway event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of its first graphics card. For three decades, users around the world have enjoyed ASUS graphics card innovations and unparalleled PC gaming hardware. In celebration, and as a gesture of thanks to users everywhere, ASUS is offering a range of exciting prizes including Republic of Gamers (ROG) peripherals, apparel, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards, from July 8 to October 7, 2025.

Participants are invited to enter the Cheers to 30 Years virtual amusement park, where they can ride virtual attractions and collect points—then use those points to enter raffles for ROG gear. Users can also earn points toward raffle entries by completing tasks such as sharing content on social media. On August 19, ASUS will unveil more virtual amusement park attractions, giving participants even more ways to play and more raffles to enter.

Kioxia Sampling UFS Ver. 4.1 Embedded Flash Memory Devices

Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, today announced that it has begun sampling new Universal Flash Storage (UFS) Ver. 4.1 embedded memory devices, reinforcing its leadership in high-performance storage. Engineered to meet the demands of next-generation mobile applications, including advanced smartphones with on-device AI, the new devices offer improved performance with greater power efficiency, in a small BGA package.

UFS Ver. 4.1 devices from Kioxia integrate the company's innovative BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory and a controller in a JEDEC-standard package. These new UFS devices are built with Kioxia's 8th generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory. This generation introduces CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) technology—an architectural innovation that marks a step-change in flash memory design. By directly bonding the CMOS circuitry to the memory array, CBA technology enables major gains in power efficiency, performance and density.

G.SKILL Announces Availability of High-Capacity Overclocked Memory Kits, Up To DDR5-6000 256GB (64GBx4)

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is thrilled to announce the retail availability of its new high performance 64 GB DDR5 modules, with overclock specifications of up to DDR5-6000 CL32 256 GB (64 GB x4) and DDR5-6400 CL36 128 GB (64 GB x2) memory kits. Designed for high-performance computing, content creation, AI applications, and professional workstations, these new kit specifications combine ultra-low latency with massive memory capacity based on 64 GB modules to deliver powerful multitasking and data-intensive performance on the latest platforms.

G.SKILL readies a range of high-density kits based on high-performance 64 GB DDR5 memory modules, with overclock specifications of up to DDR5-6000 CL32-44-44-96 with 256 GB (64 GB x4) total kit capacity. Offering a combination of speed, latency, and capacity, these newly released memory kits are ideal for professional creators and users that demand the utmost from their systems. Featuring the AMD EXPO overclocking profile, these specifications are optimized for compatible AMD Ryzen DDR5 desktop platforms and will join the G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB and Flare X5 series.
Tuesday, July 8th 2025
Corsair FRAME 5000D RS Review

Corsair FRAME 5000D RS Review

The Corsair Frame 5000D series may at first seem to just be a bigger variant of the Frame 4000D. But it is also an evolution. The updated design fixes most issues we found with the Frame 4000D, while also iterating on some unique features. This has compelling results, even considering the much higher price tag.

Pulsar Acquires Lethal Gaming Gear to Expand Premium Mousepad Line & U.S. Operations

Pulsar Gaming Gears (AplusX Inc.), a leading global developer of high-performance esports peripherals, today announced the acquisition of Lethal Gaming Gear (LGG), a U.S.-based company renowned for its enthusiast-grade mousepads and outstanding customer support. Founded in 2020, Pulsar has built a reputation for its rapid product development cycle, broad portfolio of intellectual property and esports collaborations, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Most recently, the company launched the X2F, a groundbreaking mouse designed without a back hump - engineered specifically for fingertip grip users. Released in both a standard and 5th Anniversary edition just last week, Pulsar's momentum and dedication to evolving gaming performance shows no signs of slowing down.

This strategic acquisition marks a key milestone in Pulsar's continued global expansion, and establishes Pulsar Americas Inc., a dedicated North American subsidiary. With this move, Pulsar aims to deliver faster regional support, improved logistics, and expanded future retail distribution across North and South America. Lethal Gaming Gear's acclaimed mousepads will now be developed and sold under the Pulsar brand, while maintaining the same performance and quality that LGG is known for. Existing mousepads under the Lethal Gaming Gear brand will continue to be sold until current inventory is depleted. These same products will then be restocked under the Pulsar brand moving forward, with plans to expand the mousepad lineup further through ongoing updates and performance enhancements.

NVIDIA DLSS 4 Coming To RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Mortal Online 2 and Brickadia

More than 800 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. By the week's end, another three DLSS Multi Frame Generation games will have joined the ever expanding list of titles with support! Mortal Online 2 and RuneScape: Dragonwilds are both adding the frame rate multiplying technology, and Brickadia enters Early Access July 11th with day-one support. In other news, you'll have chances to win GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and Steam Gift Cards each Friday night by watching our live streams.

Mortal Online 2 Adds DLSS 4 With Multi Frame Generation This July
Forge your destiny in the player-driven fantasy world of Mortal Online 2, populated by other players who bring with them their own unique experiences and content. Whether you wish to be an artisan providing masterfully crafted arms and armor, a member of a powerful faction that occupies a region of the world, a tamer training rare and exotic beasts, a highwayman robbing others, or a noble soul seeking to protect the weak from outlaws and beasts—The story of your journey will be written through your actions, and you choose the direction of each chapter.

Synology Launches the RackStation RS2825RP+ NAS for Business Workloads

Synology today announced the launch of the RackStation RS2825RP+, a powerful 3U 16-bay storage system engineered to meet the growing data management demands of small and medium-sized businesses. With redundant power supplies, flexible scalability, and built-in data protection, the RS2825RP+ is ideal for central file storage, endpoint and server backup, surveillance management, and other business-critical workloads.

"The RS2825RP+ is designed to deliver dependable performance, scalability, and resilience—without compromising affordability," said Peggy Weng, Product Manager at Synology. "It's a versatile solution that helps organizations stay agile, secure, and always online."

Razer Intros the BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless Hyperspeed Gaming Keyboard

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed, the latest addition to its custom gaming keyboard lineup. This new release brings enthusiast-level features to the gamer-favorite tenkeyless form factor, offering unrivaled wireless performance and personalization options.

Designed for Customization and Control
The BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed is built for gamers who value gaming prowess and customizability. It comes pre-loaded with Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches Gen-3 and is hot-swappable to both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing gamers to easily personalize the sound and feel of their keyboard. Its internal construction includes dual-layer dampening foam to reduce reverberation, factory-lubricated stabilizers for smoother keystrokes, a top-mounted steel plate to minimize pings, and pre-applied PCB tape to soften high-frequency clacks—resulting in a cleaner acoustic profile and smoother typing experience.

Surfshark VPN Joins the MSI Rewards Program

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with MSI, a leader in gaming and high-performance computing solutions. This collaboration brings exciting opportunities for MSI users to enhance their online experience with Surfshark's security and privacy. Read on to discover how this partnership can benefit you! Micro-Star International (MSI) is a global leader in gaming, content creation, business productivity, and AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) solutions. With a presence in over 120 countries, MSI is renowned for its high-quality laptops, desktops, graphics cards, motherboards, monitors, and more. Driven by innovation and a passion for technology, MSI is committed to delivering the best user experiences through cutting-edge research and development, intuitive design, and exceptional product quality.

Corsair Introduces the FRAME 5000D, Offering Even More Space for Truly Standout Builds

Corsair is delighted to announce the eagerly awaited FRAME 5000D, the latest addition to the renowned FRAME Modular Case System. Building on the success of the FRAME 4000D, the FRAME 5000D offers even more space for greater flexibility, customization, and cooling options for PC builders. This new case is packed with popular features, including the InfiniRail Fan Mounting System, RapidRoute 2.0, and a GPU Anti-Sag Arm, along with builder-friendly details that make assembling a dream machine easier than ever.

"The FRAME 5000D has plenty of space for the latest high-end graphics cards, room for impressive custom cooling setups with multiple 360 mm radiators, or even a top-mounted 420 mm radiator," said George Makris, Director of Marketing, DIY. "It also supports the latest reverse connector motherboards, like ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero, and Gigabyte Project Stealth."

[Editor's note: Our in-depth review of the Frame 5000D is now live]

Synology Launches DiskStation DS1825+ NAS

Synology today announced the launch of two new DiskStation models, the DS1825+ and DS725+, delivering high-performance, scalable storage solutions, tailored for the needs of businesses, creative professionals and home offices. "The DS1825+ offers a powerful foundation for data management and collaboration," said Jeffrey Huang, product manager at Synology. "With evolving needs for data management, it's designed to deliver business-grade performance, scalability, and reliability." "The DS725+ brings that same flexibility to smaller environments," added Anya Lin, product manager at Synology. "It's a compact but capable platform that makes a great fit for home offices, edge deployments, and growing teams."

The DS1825+ is an 8-bay storage solution equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots, supporting SSD caching or the creation of an all-flash storage pool. It also includes a PCIe 3.0 expansion slot for optional 10/25GbE network upgrades. The system delivers up to 2,239 MB/s read and 1,573 MB/s write performance with SSDs, making it ideal for high-throughput workloads. For future expansion, the DS1825+ supports up to two 5-bay DX525 expansion units, allowing raw storage capacity to scale up to 360 TB.

Lossless Scaling's Frame Generation Lands on Linux, Works on Steam Deck

The popular third-party upscaling tool, Lossless Scaling, previously exclusive to Windows, has been ported to Linux with the release of the open-source lsfg-vk project. Developed by PancakeTAS, lsfg-vk utilizes Vulkan and the DXVK translation layer to bring the frame generation feature of the paid Windows application to Linux desktops and handheld devices, such as the Steam Deck. Until now, Linux gamers relied on FidelityFX Super Resolution frame generation only in titles where it was natively available. The lsfg‑vk promises to extend artificial intermediate frames to nearly any game. Rather than depend on in‑game integration, lsfg‑vk intercepts DirectX 11 calls and reimplements the Lossless Scaling pipeline on top of Vulkan.

Rather than directly porting DX11 to Vulkan, the developer used DXVK to present a DX11 interface on Linux and hooked every shader load, allowing a bit-for-bit comparison between the original DXBC shaders and their SPIR-V counterparts. With shader fidelity verified, a combination of IDA‑based static analysis, custom C++ utilities to log DX11 commands, and careful file‑by‑file comparisons in WinMerge enabled reconstruction of the entire rendering pipeline on Linux. Finally, RenderDoc traces of Vulkan calls guided the implementation of a native Vulkan pipeline, complete with the required synchronization primitives. Additionally, automation scripts and a statically linked subset of DXVK allow users to install the project and enable frame generation simply by setting a single environment variable.

AV Access Unveils iDock B10: The Ultimate 8K Dual Monitor KVM Docking Station for Gaming

AV Access, a leading provider of Pro AV and AV over IP solutions, proudly announces the launch of the iDock B10 8K KVM switch docking station. As the newest addition to its acclaimed iDock series, the iDock B10 is purpose-built for gamers and performance-driven users who demand ultra-smooth visuals, fast switching between devices, and a clean, efficient setup. Whether for competitive gaming, content creation, or hybrid work, the iDock B10 delivers a seamless dual-computer experience on a single dual-monitor workstation.

The Best KVM Switch Docking Station for Gaming
The iDock B10 is ideal for gamers who want to switch between a gaming desktop and a laptop without the hassle of reconnecting cables or peripherals. With just one keyboard, mouse, and dual-monitor setup, users can control both systems instantly—keeping their battle station clean and ready for action.

Synology Intros DiskStation DS725+: Compact 2-Bay Storage Solution

Synology today announced the launch of the DS725+, a compact 2-bay storage solution. "The DS725+ offers users a compact and capable storage platform that can accommodate future growth in storage demands," said Anya Lin, Product Manager at Synology. "This makes it an ideal choice for home, home office, and edge environments."

The 2-bay DS725+ offers scalability for growing data needs with support for one DX525 expansion unit, providing up to 5 additional drive bays for up to 140 TB of raw data. For network connectivity, the DS725+ features a 2.5GbE port along with a 1GbE RJ-45 port. Additionally, it supports M.2 NVMe SSDs for either SSD caching or high-performance all-flash.

Microsoft Edge UI Now 40% Faster on Average, Key UI Elements Load Up to 4x Quicker

Microsoft has launched a major update for its Edge browser, reducing key feature load times to achieve a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) of under 300 ms. FCP refers to the time between when a user initiates navigation and when the browser displays the first part of the content from the Document Object Model (DOM). Studies show that delays exceeding the 300 to 400 ms range can lead to noticeable drops in user satisfaction, so reaching this new threshold should make the browser feel more fluid and engaging for everyday use. To meet the target, the Edge team leveraged its proprietary WebUI 2.0 architecture instead of React. By emphasizing native web components, such as HTML templates and CSS styling, rather than relying heavily on JavaScript at startup, they achieved a 40% average reduction in load times across thirteen core features.

Microsoft tested the settings UI with the new update, showing a 4x improvement in that specific case with WebUI 2.0, compared to the older React page. Users can now access the Settings page, invoke Read Aloud voice playback, switch between Split Screen views, and manage Workspaces with minimal delay, even on lower-end devices. This release builds upon the significant improvements delivered in May 2024 with Edge 122, which produced launch times 42-76% faster, depending on hardware, and a February 2025 optimization targeting fourteen interface subsystems. Internal tests confirm that the settings panel, which was once a slight performance bottleneck, now consistently renders in under 300 ms across a wide range of machines. Microsoft also plans to extend these enhancements to Print Preview, Extensions management, and other elements through the remainder of 2025. Below is the 4x improvement in the Settings page UI.

IBM Power11 Raises the Bar for Enterprise IT

Today, IBM revealed IBM Power11, the next generation of IBM Power servers. Redesigned with innovations across its processor, hardware architecture, and virtualization software stack, Power11 is designed to deliver the availability, resiliency, performance, and scalability enterprises demand, for seamless hybrid deployment on-premises or in IBM Cloud.

Organizations across industries have long run their most mission-critical, data-intensive workloads on IBM Power, most notably those within the banking, healthcare, retail, and government spaces. Now, enterprises face an onslaught of new technologies and solutions as they transition into the age of AI. IDC found that one billion new logical applications are expected by 2028, and the proliferation of these systems poses new complexities for companies. IBM built Power11 to deliver simplified, always-on operations with hybrid cloud flexibility for enterprises to maintain competitiveness in the AI era.

Beyerdynamic Intros the AVENTHO 100 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

German audio specialist beyerdynamic presents the latest model to join the AVENTHO family: The AVENTHO 100 combines iconic design with an uncompromising sound experience - and all at an attractive price. The wireless on-ear headphones are made from high-quality materials and, thanks to their foldable design and extra-long battery life, prove to be a reliable everyday companion. The newcomer from Heilbronn has been honored with the Red Dot Design Award for its unique combination of smart features and timeless aesthetics.

Tradition meets innovative features
The powerful drivers inside the AVENTHO 100 work together with the latest codecs to deliver a rich sound experience. To fully immerse themselves in the soundscape, users can switch to active noise cancellation (ANC). Meanwhile, the Qualcomm cVc technology makes every mobile meeting or phone call easier by ensuring high-quality voice quality - no matter where users are in this moment.

CPS PC Cooler x TechPowerUp Giveaway: Case and Coolers Up for Grabs!

CPS PC Cooler is a swanky new name in PC case and cooling products that's been around for a couple of years. They bring refreshing new designs and features to the segment. TechPowerUp partners with them to bring you our Midsummer 2025 Giveaway! The Giveaway is open worldwide from today, until July 18. To participate, all you need to do is fill up a short form to help us get back to you if you've won. Here's what's at stake: the first lucky winner gets a CPS PC Cooler DT360 ARGB Display all in one liquid CPU cooler. Two lucky winners get a CPS PC Cooler C3T500 pillarless glasshouse ATX mid-tower case, each. And lastly, three lucky winners get a CPS PC Cooler RT400 or RT400 Digital air CPU cooler, each.

The PC Cooler DT360 ARGB Digital is the epitome of liquid CPU cooling by the company, it features a large true-color display on the pump-block, and its 360 mm radiator is ventilated by premium 120 mm fans that feature fluid dynamic bearings, and two sets of ARGB LED illumination. The C3T500 is a spacious, almost cube-shaped mid-tower case that lets you show off your high-end PC build, including an enthusiast-segment graphics card and AIO liquid cooler. And lastly, there's the RT400, a tower-type CPU cooler with four heat pipes, a premium 120 mm fan, and enough cooling power for any flagship desktop CPU at stock speeds or minor overclocking. What are you waiting for?! Hop in!

For more information and to participate, visit this page.

RISC-V Ecosystem Gets More Standardization as Ubuntu Drops Non-Compliant CPUs

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has announced that its next-generation release will require RISC‑V processors to meet the newly ratified RVA23 profile. This specification, approved back in April, includes full support for Vector Instructions 1.0 and a Hypervisor extension. As Laurine Kirk, security researcher at Google, notes, by setting this higher baseline, Ubuntu 26.04 will no longer run on roughly 90% of existing RISC-V single-board computers, including the popular Raspberry Pi-style boards, unless their hardware is upgraded. Canonical's move puts it in step with Google and Microsoft, both of which have already targeted RVA23 for their RISC‑V builds. This change will drive manufacturers to ship more secure, future-proof silicon, helping to guard against exploits like GhostWrite, a memory-access vulnerability discovered last year in T-Head's XuanTie C910 CPUs.

We discussed RISC-V ecosystem fragmentation with Andrea Gallo, then the CTO and now the CEO of the RISC-V Foundation, regarding the fragmentation within the RISC-V ecosystem. "If you want to claim that you are RISC-V compatible, then there's an architecture compatibility test suite that verifies that you are complying with the ISA. We run the same tests on a golden reference model and compare the signatures of the tests to ensure alignment with the specification." He added that "We just ratified the RVA23 Profile. The newly ratified RVA23 Profile is a major release for the RISC-V software ecosystem and will help accelerate widespread implementation among toolchains and operating systems." For anyone who wants to ship a working RISC-V processor, be it data center or mobile, the RVA23 profile is the one that guarantees no fragmentation and compatibility.

AMD openSIL Adds EPYC "Turin" Support as "Phoenix" Remains in Development

AMD's openSIL project, a solution for open CPU silicon initialization code aimed at replacing traditional AGESA, has reached another milestone. Back in February, we reported on AMD promising full support for "Turin" and "Phoenix" server and client SoCs. The company initially targeted the end of 2024 for the release of proof-of-concept code, but failed to meet this deadline. A new target was subsequently set for the first half of 2025. As we roll into the second half, AMD openSIL now supports only the EPYC 9005 series Turin server processors, with Phoenix client SoCs still in development. AMD firmware engineers explained: "Currently, the Phoenix openSIL PoC release is still being worked on internally at AMD. We have encountered some delays in obtaining the necessary approvals to open-source the code, which has impacted our timeline. We are actively working to resolve these issues and are making every effort to expedite the process."

The path towards a fully open-source silicon initialization code is difficult, as it can expose many microarchitectural details. These are usually closely protected, as IP from Zen cores is valuable. An AMD engineer also added, "We understand the importance of this project to the open-source community and are committed to delivering it as promised." Nonetheless, the primary goal remains achieving full production readiness with the upcoming Zen 6 architecture. The openSIL project promises to enhance Coreboot support and provide developers with full access to low-level system components.

FinalWire Releases AIDA64 v7.70

FinalWire Ltd. today announced the immediate availability of AIDA64 Extreme 7.70 software, a streamlined diagnostic and benchmarking tool for home users; the immediate availability of AIDA64 Engineer 7.70 software, a professional diagnostic and benchmarking solution for corporate IT technicians and engineers; the immediate availability of AIDA64 Business 7.70 software, an essential network management solution for small and medium scale enterprises; and the immediate availability of AIDA64 Network Audit 7.70 software, a dedicated network audit toolset to collect and manage corporate network inventories.

The latest AIDA64 update introduces SensorPanel and accessibility improvements, support for a wide range of Elgato, Matrix Orbital and SteelSeries external displays, and supports the latest graphics and GPGPU computing technologies by AMD, Intel and NVIDIA.
DOWNLOAD: FinalWire AIDA64 v7.70

Intel Begins Massive Layoffs in Foundry, Auto Unit, and Marketing

Intel has kicked off a widespread round of job cuts this week, informing staff members individually about their future with the company. CEO Lip-Bu Tan first advised employees in April to expect significant layoffs, following years of production challenges and declining sales. Although Intel has not provided a total headcount for the reductions, the process will unfold over several weeks, with some workers receiving immediate notice and others awaiting final decisions. Within Intel's manufacturing division, known as Intel Foundry, the company plans to eliminate approximately 15% to 20% of technician, engineer, and researcher positions in its Oregon facilities. At the same time, Intel will close its automotive technology unit, resulting in layoffs for most employees in that business, and outsource marketing activities to Accenture under a new arrangement designed to harness AI for greater efficiency.

Initial layoff notices have gone out in California, and further announcements are expected soon in Arizona and Oregon, Intel's largest US sites. These cuts follow last summer's reduction of 15,000 roles, which left Intel with roughly 109,000 employees worldwide. In 2024, the company reported a $19 billion loss as rivals such as TSMC, AMD, and NVIDIA outpaced Intel with more advanced and cost-effective chips. Plans to expand fab capacity in Ohio, Germany, and Israel have been put on hold due to diminished revenue and shifting market priorities. Intel is counting on its next-generation 18A process node, due for release later this year, to restore its competitive edge. For external customers, the interest is drawn from 18A-P and 14A.
Monday, July 7th 2025

Today's Reviews

Desktop PC
Headphones
Keyboards
Motherboards
Mouse
Networking
Notebooks
SSD
NZXT N9 X870E Review

NZXT N9 X870E Review

While a little late to the party, NZXT is back! What we have here is a premium X870E motherboard for AMD Ryzen CPUs that offers a unique aesthetic with an interesting approach to fan control. But amongst stiff competition in the price bracket, can it keep up?

LN2‑Cooled GALAX GeForce RTX 5090D Reaches 3,650 MHz Core, 36 Gbps GDDR7

Team OGS has demonstrated an impressive feat of extreme overclocking by extracting every last drop of performance from GALAX GeForce RTX 5090D HOF edition. Armed with a custom Extreme OC BIOS, authorized for up to 2,000 W of power, and two 12V-2x6 connectors delivering 1,200 W, the group cooled the card with liquid nitrogen and fine-tuned voltages to push clock speeds far beyond factory limits. In the GPUPI 32B benchmark, the GPU achieved a record-breaking core frequency of 3,650 MHz and a completion time of just 39.434 seconds, securing a new world record for GPU-accelerated Pi calculation.

The team's success extended to graphics tests as well. In 3DMark Port Royal, the GPU operated at 3,570 MHz on its core and 2,250 MHz on its GDDR7 memory, achieving 47,469 points. Under Unigine Superposition's 1080p Extreme preset, they maintained 3,540 MHz and 2,250 MHz, respectively, reaching 38,237 points, an increase of several thousand over previous records. Pushing memory speeds to an effective 36 Gbps translates into 2.304 TB/s of bandwidth, nearly 29% above the standard specifications. These results show the untapped potential of NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture and suggest that, with similar power, cooling, and VBIOS modifications, professional cards like the RTX Pro 6000 series could achieve even more significant gains, given the higher CUDA core count.

Kingston Adds New Form Factor to NV3 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Kingston Digital, Inc., the flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it has added a new form factor, to join the previous 2280 model, NV3 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2230 SSD for users looking for a high-speed, low power NVMe storage upgrade for compatible laptops and handheld gaming consoles.

The Kingston NV3 PCIe 4.0 NVMe 2230 SSD is a compact single-sided M.2 2230 (22x30mm) design that provides storage expansion up to 2TB2 for systems with limited space. Powered by a Gen 4x4 NVMe controller NV3 2230 delivers read/write speeds of up to 6,000/5,000 MB/s, creating a more responsive system able to handle a wide range of workloads.

System76 Updates Its Meerkat Linux Mini PCs with Intel Raptor Lake or Arrow Lake CPUs

System76 has refreshed its compact Linux mini PC range with the Meerkat meer10. This new model keeps the small size of its predecessor while bringing faster CPUs, up-to-date storage, and better connectivity. The Meerkat meer10 measures 117 mm x 112 mm x 54 mm and operates on Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. System76 offers three processor configurations: Intel Core 3 100U with 6 cores operating up to 4.7 GHz, Intel Core Ultra 5 225H with 14 cores at 4.9 GHz, and Intel Core Ultra 7 255H featuring 16 cores with maximum speeds of 5.1 GHz.

Graphics performance varies by configuration, the Core 3 100U uses integrated Intel Graphics, while the Ultra 5 employs Intel Arc 130T GPU and the Ultra 7 incorporates Intel Arc 140T GPU. The Arc GPU configurations require dual SO-DIMM memory modules for proper operation. Memory capacity reaches 96 GB using dual-channel DDR5 5600 MHz configuration. Storage is also dependent on the CPU architecture. The Core 3 100U supports two M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drives, while Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 models accommodate one M.2 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive and one M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drive. All configurations include an additional M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4x4 slot for SSD expansion, with total storage capacity reaching 10 TB.

QNAP Launches myQNAPcloud One Beta: Shared Cloud Storage for NAS Backups

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today announced the launch of myQNAPcloud One Beta, a subscription-based unified cloud storage solution. This service combines advanced version myQNAPcloud Storage, tailored for NAS backups, with myQNAPcloud Object, a newly introduced object storage service. Users can flexibly utilize their subscribed storage capacity across both services, based on actual usage needs—eliminating the need for separate subscriptions.

Introducing myQNAPcloud Object
myQNAPcloud Object meets the growing demand for scalable cloud storage. This S3-compatible solution supports a wide range of applications, including data lakes, long-term archiving, and backups. With compatibility for AWS S3 workflows, myQNAPcloud Object provides a seamless migration experience. Businesses can take advantage of immutable data storage with object locking feature. Bucket versioning enables easy restoration to previous versions, safeguarding data even after changes. Data access logs allow business to meet the needs of security management, troubleshooting, and auditing.

TechPowerUp x ID-Cooling 2025 Summer Giveaway: Here are the Winners!

TechPowerUp and ID-Cooling brought you the 2025 Summer Giveaway, with as many as six lucky winners getting a piece of ID-Cooling's latest CPU cooling innovations. The first lucky winner stood a chance to win an ID-Cooling SL360 liquid CPU cooler with digital display; the next two an ID-Cooling FX360 INF performance-segment AIO liquid CPU cooler each, and the following three winners an ID-Cooling Frozn A620 Pro SE dual fin-stack air CPU cooler, each. We received tremendous response, with over 1,300 entries, and picked our six lucky winners. Without further ado, here they are:
  • Paul, wins an ID-Cooling SL360 AIO CLC with AF-127-ARGB-K fans
  • Thewan and RelSzabo, each win an ID-Cooling FX360 INF AIO CLC with AS-120-ARGB-K fans
  • Ancient Gem, Ana, and Megalomixo, each win an ID-Cooling Frozn A620 PRO SE air CPU cooler
A huge congratulation to all six of you! ID-Cooling will contact each of you. TechPowerUp and ID-Cooling will return with more such interesting giveaways!

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Prices Slashed by a Third Over MSRP, Drops to $434

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core/32-thread processor powered by the "Zen 5" microarchitecture saw its price on Amazon Prime reduced to $434. This implies a 33% reduction over the chip's launch MSRP of $649. At this price, the chip ends up around $100 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. Our testing shows that the 9950X beats the 285K in productivity workloads, and matches it in 4K Ultra HD gaming. The 9950X was AMD's flagship desktop processor until it was supplanted by the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which sells for roughly $700 owing to its gaming performance that's second only to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, while retaining productivity performance comparable to the 9950X. The Ryzen 9 9950X is a 16-core/32-thread part with two 8-core CCDs, each with 32 MB of on-die L3 cache. The processor ticks at 4.30 GHz base, with a maximum boost frequency of 5.70 GHz, and a TDP of 170 W.

Nintendo Switch 2 to Face Continued Shortages, Report

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrived more than a month ago, yet securing one remains difficult and may stay that way until spring 2026. Strong global interest meets ongoing parts shortages and assembly constraints, resulting in long waiting lists and lottery-style sales events. Estimates from Toyo Securities' Hideki Yasuda and UBS's Zhai Yijia suggest about 6 million units will ship during the launch month, surpassing the debut speeds of both the original Switch and Sony's PlayStation 5. Yasuda forecasts total shipments reaching 20 million by March 31, 2026, while Zhai predicts a slightly lower figure of 18 million. Even the more modest estimate would still exceed the predecessor's pace by roughly 20% to 30%.

In Japan, Nintendo's official online store recently ran its fifth lottery for Switch 2 orders, and many participants have reported repeated disappointment. Brick-and-mortar retailers, such as Yodobashi Camera, have experimented with first-come, first-served sales restricted to store credit-card holders, yet inventory still vanishes within minutes. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledges these hurdles, saying, "We are working to strengthen our production system so that we can flexibly respond to demand," and stressing that while the Switch 2 carries a higher price point than previous models, the company is focused on delivering experiences that justify its cost, especially for younger players. There are even some forecasts, such as those from the research firm DFC Intelligence, which predict that the Switch 2 could exceed 100 million units sold by the end of 2029, positioning it to surpass the original console's lifetime sales. Until manufacturing ramps up, however, securing Nintendo's latest flagship will remain a test of patience for many gamers.

Transition between DRAM Generations Drives Diverging 3Q25 Price Trends; Consumer DDR4 Prices Expected to Surge Over 40%

TrendForce's latest findings show that the three major DRAM suppliers are shifting capacity toward high-end products and have begun announcing end-of-life (EOL) plans for PC and server-grade DDR4 and mobile LPDDR4X. This has triggered aggressive restocking of legacy-generation products, further fueled by traditional peak-season demand. Consequently, average contact prices for conventional DRAM are projected to rise by 10% to 15% in 3Q25. Including HBM, overall DRAM prices are expected to increase by 15% to 20%.

TrendForce notes that DDR4 demand remains strong in 3Q25, and suppliers are aiming to raise prices more aggressively. As Taiwanese manufacturers currently lack the capacity and product specifications to fully meet market needs, DDR4 supply is expected to remain tight in the short term. Moreover, DDR4 output is being prioritized for server applications, leaving limited availability for consumer-grade user.

Rosewill Launches VMG Series ATX 3.1 Gold Power Supplies

Rosewill, a trusted name in PC components and power solutions, today announced the availability of its new VMG Series ATX 3.1 Gold power supplies. Engineered to deliver robust, stable, and efficient power for demanding modern systems, the VMG Series stands apart by combining the latest ATX 3.1 standard compliance with premium components, full modularity, and a compact design - a significant advantage for builders prioritizing performance, cable management, and space optimization.

Intel Plans "Arrow Lake Refresh" for H2 2025 with Higher Clocks and Upgraded NPU

According to ZDNet Korea's sources familiar with the matter, Intel will release the "Arrow Lake Refresh" CPU family in the second half of this year. While no exact timeline is given, we can expect to hear more about these CPUs in the coming weeks, and for the rumor mill to intensify. The new refresh generation will introduce slight frequency adjustments, including an increased base clock and maximum boost clock, while also incorporating a faster NPU. A base clock increase, paired with a boost to maximum core clock, will give Arrow Lake Refresh a significant advantage in gaming performance. Keeping the same LGA1851 socket will extend the support for the current platform for one more generation too, until "Nova Lake-S" arrives.

Given that Intel attempted an IPO for a limited set of gamers, we could see a more widespread adoption of a similar approach. As a reminder, on the CPU side, IPO fine-tunes P-core and E-core frequencies, ring-bus speeds, the UPI interconnect, D2D links between tiles, and both PL1 and PL2 power limits. For RAM, IPO raises transfer rates and tightens timings, pushing modules beyond their factory XMP or EXPO profiles. If Arrow Lake Refresh ships with an IPO-equivalent out of the box, gamers will enjoy a significant performance increase, ready to offset some of the early disappointment with the base Arrow Lake. Additionally, Intel will place a new NPU on its IO tile. Using the NPU3 on base Arrow Lake, Intel was unable to meet the basic 40 TOPS requirement for Copilot+ AI PCs. And with NPU4, that TOPS requirement is met, allowing Intel to brand these new processors as AI PC ready.

DXVK 2.7 Optimizations Give Intel Arc GPUs a Performance Boost on Linux

Intel GPU-based Linux gamers are about to receive a performance uplift. According to the latest update to DXVK, a Vulkan-based translation layer for DirectX 8/9/10/11, Intel's "Battlemage" dGPUs and "Lunar Lake" Arc iGPUs now support memory defragmentation by default, helping Intel GPUs reduce VRAM usage and increase performance, which provides a smoother gaming experience when using the DXVK translation layer. In version 2.7, DXVK forces discrete GPUs to adhere to driver-set memory budgets whenever possible and dynamically frees unused resources to system memory when applications place a significant VRAM load. DXVK v2.7 release notes state that this will be particularly beneficial to Unity Engine and VRAM-constrained titles. This optimization will also enable higher texture quality in game settings, maintaining the same performance as before, and further building upon the memory optimization.

As a critical component of Valve's Proton software stack, this DXVK update also provides Intel-based handhelds, such as the MSI Claw, with increased performance when running SteamOS. Given that we measured a sizable crowd, comprising 3.4% of all handheld users, playing with MSI Claw, many handheld gamers considering running SteamOS on their device will find this DXVK update quite welcome.

Here is a complete DXVK v2.7 changelog.
Sunday, July 6th 2025

Rosewill Unleashes VSB Series ATX 3.1 Bronze Power Supplies: Smart Value, Essential Power

Rosewill, a leader in delivering high-value PC components, proudly announces the VSB Series ATX 3.1 Bronze power supplies. Engineered for builders seeking essential next-gen power without the premium price tag, the VSB Series combines crucial ATX 3.1 readiness, smart semi-modularity, and a thermally optimized compact design - delivering exceptional value for mainstream and performance systems.

Windows 11 Finally Overtakes Windows 10 as the Most Dominant Operating System

A new king has been crowned. As of July 2025, data from StatCounter shows that Windows 11 now runs on 51.77% of all Windows PCs, overtaking Windows 10's 45.02% share for the first time. Released in October 2021, Windows 11 initially struggled, capturing less than 10% of installations by the end of its first year. In 2023, its market share had climbed to 28%, and by late 2024, it reached 36%. The recent surge is a result of a combination of factors. First, Microsoft has begun highlighting the approaching end of support for standard editions of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Second, many organizations and individual users have upgraded their hardware in search of the latest security improvements and software enhancements. Finally, features such as performance optimizations, tighter security defaults, and built-in support for AI-driven tools have made Windows 11 more attractive to both enterprises and gamers.

According to these figures, more than 700 million devices now run Windows 11. Although StatCounter does not capture every device and its figures may differ from those of other analytics services, it provides a reliable snapshot of broader trends. As Windows 10 approaches its end of mainstream support in October 2025, the coming months will reveal whether these incentives and new hardware offerings will sustain Windows 11's upward trajectory or prompt users to seek extended support instead.

Intel "Diamond Rapids" Xeon CPU to Feature up to 192 P-Cores and 500 W TDP

Intel's next-generation "Oak Stream" platform is preparing to accommodate the upcoming "Diamond Rapids" Xeon CPU generation, and we are receiving more interesting details about the top-end configurations Intel will offer. According to the HEPiX TechWatch working group, the Diamond Rapids Intel Xeon 7 will feature up to 192 P-cores in the top-end SKU, split across four 48-core tiles. Intel has dedicated two primary SKU separators, where some models use eight-channel DDR5 memory, and the top SKUs will arrive with 16-channel DDR5 memory. Using MRDIMM Gen 2 for memory will enable Intel to push transfer rates to 12,800 MT/s per DIMM, providing massive bandwidth across 16 channels and keeping the "Panther Cove" cores busy with sufficient data. Intel planned the SoC to reach up to 500 W in a single socket.

As one of the first mass-produced 18A node products, Diamond Rapids will be the first to support Intel's APX, also featuring numerous improvements to the efficiency of AMX. Intel also plans to embed native support for more floating-point number formats, such as NVIDIA's TF32, and lower-precision FP8. As most of the world's inference is good enough to run on a CPU, Intel aims to accelerate basic inference operations for smaller models, enabling power users to run advanced workloads on CPUs alone. With a 1S, 2S, and 4S LGA 9324 configuration, Diamond Rapids will offer 768 cores in a single server rack, with a power usage of only 2000 W. Supporting external accelerators will be provided via the PCIe Gen 6 connector. Scheduled for arrival in 2026, Intel could time the launch to coincide with its upcoming "Jaguar Shores" AI accelerators, making a perfect pair for a complete AI system.

This Week in Gaming (Week 28)

Welcome to the first full week of July, which continues to be a rather slow week for new game releases. This week's major release puts you in a time loop with your fellow resistance fighters. This is followed by an online tactical action shooter, some old balls and bats, a post-apocalyptic 2D side scroller, a remake and another remake, although the two have nothing in common with each other.

Every Day We Fight / This week's major release / Thursday 10 July
Citizens from either side of an ongoing war must set aside their differences as a mysterious alien invasion threatens humanity - time has come to a stop for all but your small band of freedom fighters. Caught in a seemingly endless loop, you must shape these ordinary civilians into heroes as they repeatedly fight and die in this turn-based tactical roguelite. Real-time exploration, stealth, and teamwork are essential as you acquire new skills, seek out more powerful weapons, escape the time loop, and save the world. Welcome to the resistance. Steam link
Friday, July 4th 2025
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8 GB Review

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8 GB Review

NVIDIA’s new GeForce RTX 5050 is the company’s most affordable Blackwell-based graphics card, priced at $250. That budget-friendly tag comes with some trade-offs: 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM and 2,560 GPU cores. In our review, we’ll find out whether it stands as a true alternative to the RTX 5060 and Radeon RX 9060 XT—or if it's worth spending a little more.

Infineon to Start 300 mm GaN Wafer Production as TSMC Exits Market

Infineon has announced that its gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor production is on schedule, confirming that its 300 mm wafer fab will deliver customer samples in Q4 2025. The German semiconductor manufacturer becomes the first company to successfully integrate 300 mm GaN wafer technology into its existing high-volume production infrastructure, achieving a 2.3x higher chip yield per wafer compared to conventional 200 mm processes. Infineon plans to capitalize on the projected annual market growth of 36%, with GaN power applications expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030, according to an analysis by the Yole Group. The timing proves particularly strategic, as TSMC has announced plans to shut down its GaN production lines and dismantle facilities within two years, creating a significant market vacuum.

The new announcement addresses a fundamental industry challenge: scaling GaN production while maintaining cost competitiveness with silicon alternatives. Infineon's integrated device manufacturer (IDM) model provides complete process control from wafer fabrication through final product delivery, enabling what the company projects will be cost parity between comparable silicon and GaN devices. Johannes Schoiswohl, Head of GaN Business Line, emphasized that the scaled 300 mm manufacturing leverages Infineon's existing infrastructure investments while supporting rapid capacity expansion for emerging applications, including AI system power supplies, automotive charging systems, and industrial motor control. TSMC's strategic retreat from GaN manufacturing indicates that the company's focus remains on high-margin logic processors, leaving specialized power semiconductor companies like Infineon to dominate the expanding GaN market. In this market, GaN's superior power density, switching speeds, and thermal performance deliver measurable system-level advantages over traditional silicon-based solutions.
Infineon GaN

Cerabyte Plans 100 PB Ceramic Nano Memory Storage by 2030

Cerabyte has unveiled a detailed roadmap for its Ceramic Nano Memory archival storage system, promising a cloud-based platform capable of storing over 100 PB per rack by 2030. The company expects data transfer speeds to climb above 2 GB/s and the time to first byte to fall below 10 seconds, a dramatic improvement over its current pilot system, which delivers just 1 GB per rack, 100 MB/s throughput, and a 90-second access time. The initial pilot, running through 2026, validates the 1 PB per rack design. A mid-cycle refresh around 2027-2028 will boost rack density into the double-digit petabyte range, halve access times, and more than double throughput. By 2029-2030, Cerabyte aims to reach its full 100 PB capacity, sustain transfer rates exceeding 2 GB/s, and reduce access latency to under 10 seconds. Cerabyte's approach relies on 100 µm-thin glass panels coated with a 10 nm ceramic film. Data are inscribed by etching microscopic holes in the ceramic layer using a femtosecond laser, creating patterns that a high‑resolution camera can read.

Multiple 9x9 cm tablets fit into cartridges similar in size to magnetic tape, and robotic arms handle all media swapping. Financially, Cerabyte projects that the total cost of ownership will decrease from approximately $7,000-$8,000 per PB-month today to just $6-$8 per PB-month by 2030. Supporters include Pure Storage, Western Digital, In-Q-Tel, and the European Innovation Council's Accelerator fund. To date, the startup has secured roughly $10 million in seed financing, along with more than $4 million in grants. Compared with traditional tape libraries, Cerabyte's system offers at least twice the bandwidth, a lifespan exceeding 100 years versus tape's 7-15 years, and half the cost per terabyte. Additionally, the company envisions adopting helium-ion beam writing by 2045 to shrink bit sizes from approximately 300 nm to 3 nm, a change that could increase per-rack capacity into the exabyte range.

PCIe Bottlenecks Slash NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Content Creation Performance by 25%

A lack of PCIe bandwidth can reduce RTX 5090 performance by as much as 25% in video editing and 3D workloads. Puget Systems conducted a series of tests on NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5090, comparing different PCIe versions and lane configurations to assess the impact on content creation tools. At its launch, TechPowerUp's scaling tests noted that the GeForce RTX 5090 is the first high-end card to adopt PCIe 5.0 x16, delivering 64 GB/s of bidirectional bandwidth—twice the 32 GB/s that the RTX 4090 achieves on PCIe 4.0 x16. Our testing revealed a potential performance impact of up to 25% when utilizing limited PCIe bandwidth. Puget Systems today put this interface to the test, confirming real‑world impacts on video editing workflows when lanes or generations are constrained.

In DaVinci Resolve benchmarks, Puget Systems found that configurations running at PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 5.0 x8, or PCIe 4.0 x16 yielded virtually identical render times. Dropping to PCIe 5.0 x4, PCIe 4.0 x8, or PCIe 3.0 x16 introduced a modest 10% slowdown. Further reducing bandwidth to PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 3.0 x8 resulted in an increase of roughly 25% in render times. After Effects exhibited only minor slowdowns once the bandwidth dropped below 8 GB/s. Unreal Engine 5.5 virtual production tests recorded about a 7% drop in average frame rates at the lowest lane counts. By contrast, Blender offline renders and OctaneBench scores remained essentially unchanged, and Llama LLM benchmarks showed no measurable dependency on PCIe speed.

NVIDIA Launches DLSS 4 Plugin for Unreal Engine 5.6

NVIDIA has released its DLSS 4 plugin for Unreal Engine 5.6, allowing developers to incorporate the company's most advanced upscaling and AI-driven frame generation tools into their projects. With this update, performance improvements introduced in UE 5.6, such as optimized memory handling and refined rendering pipelines, receive the benefits of Transformer-based upscaling, which significantly lowers VRAM usage while generating extra frames to improve motion smoothness. Developers using Unreal Engine 5.6 can now integrate multi-frame generation, ray reconstruction, deep learning anti-aliasing, and super resolution in one convenient package that requires fewer resources than earlier DLSS versions.

The DLSS 4 plugin relies on a Transformer neural network that evaluates the relationships among all pixels in a frame rather than using localized convolutional filters. This technique reduces video memory requirements by approximately 15-20% compared with the prior DLSS 3 SDK, freeing up capacity for higher-resolution textures and more detailed environments. Multi-frame generation predicts intermediate frames based on recent frame history, effectively boosting perceived frame rates without additional GPU draw calls. Ray reconstruction enhances reflections and global illumination by learning from high‑quality offline renders, delivering realistic lighting with minimal performance loss. Early feedback indicates a 30-50% uplift in ray-traced effects quality in GPU-bound scenes, as well as noticeably sharper visuals under dynamic lighting. The plugin supports Unreal Engine versions 5.2 through 5.6; however, only projects running on version 5.6 can access the full suite of improvements.

Arctic Reveals Its New P Pro Series Premium Fan Range

The P Pro Series is the result of intensive development work and production optimization and defines the new premium segment in the ARCTIC fan range. The P12 Pro and P14 Pro models offer significantly increased performance with particularly high static pressure and airflow, ideal for use with radiators and in cases. Already proven in the latest generation of Liquid Freezer III, the fans are now also available individually. The P12 Pro, P12 Pro A-RGB and P12 Pro PST (5 Pack) will initially be released, with the other 120 mm and 140 mm versions to follow in the coming weeks.

At the center of the new development: the revised fan blade design. Automated manufacturing with low tolerances enables a minimal gap between the impeller and frame - for maximized static pressure and a significantly increased airflow efficiency. An optimized bearing and extended impeller shaft, in combination with a high-precision balancing process, ensures low-vibration and permanently quiet operation.

Biostar Introduces EdgeComp MS-1335U Industrial System

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of edge computing solutions, motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, is excited to unveil the EdgeComp MS-1335U, a standout addition to its EdgeComp embedded edge computing system lineup. Designed to meet the evolving demands of smart cities and connected infrastructure, the MS-1335U combines powerful processing, quiet fanless operation, and flexible connectivity, making it an ideal choice for system integrators, municipal projects, digital signage networks, and next-generation kiosks where performance and efficiency are paramount.

Featuring a compact, fanless design, the EdgeComp MS-1335U is powered by Intel Raptor Lake SoC processors, delivering a powerful balance of performance and energy efficiency for demanding edge applications. With up to 10 cores and speeds reaching 4.6 GHz, it ensures responsive multitasking while operating silently, even in noise-sensitive environments. Supporting up to 96 GB of high-speed DDR5 5200 MHz memory, ultra-fast PCIe Gen 4 storage, and SATA III support for flexible storage options, the MS-1335U is perfectly suited for smart kiosks, interactive digital signage, self-service terminals, and municipal systems that require reliable, space-saving computing with seamless 4K visual output.

Axiomtek Introduces KIWI330, an Ultra-Compact 1.6-inch AIoT Embedded Board

Axiomtek - a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted to the research, development, and manufacture of innovative, highly efficient, and reliable industrial computer products - is pleased to introduce the KIWI330, an ultra-compact 1.6" embedded board built to accelerate AIoT development and streamline device integration. Powered by the Intel processor N50, the KIWI330 is equipped with 4 GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory and a 64 GB NVMe SSD, delivering energy-efficient performance in an ultra-small form factor - ideal for space-constrained applications. With its high integration, flexible expansion capabilities, and consistent industrial-grade quality, the KIWI330 is the perfect solution for developers building the next generation of compact AIoT systems.

"The KIWI330 is purpose-built for developers who require performance, modularity, and compactness in a single reliable embedded board," said Irene Su, Product Manager of the IDS Division at Axiomtek. "With powerful computing capabilities, USB Type-C expandability, and flexible MIO module support, the KIWI330 significantly shortens development cycles and time to market."

Stop Killing Games Petition Passes 1 Million-Signature Milestone—Now One Step Closer to EU Parliament

The Stop Killing Games movement aims to preserve the ownership of video games by requiring game publishers to leave their games in a "playable state" when they eventually discontinue support. "Stop Killing Games is a consumer movement started to challenge the legality of publishers destroying video games they have sold to customers. An increasing number of video games are sold effectively as goods - with no stated expiration date - but designed to be completely unplayable as soon as support from the publisher ends." One commonly cited example of this is The Crew, which was shut down by Ubisoft earlier this year, after 10 years on the market. The initiative, started and fronted by Joe Scott of the Accursed Farms YouTube channel, just announced that it has officially passed 1,000,000 signatures on its European Citizen's Initiative petition, which effectively means that it is one step closer to being granted a hearing in the EU parliament, which could potentially result in new consumer protection laws in support of the movement's goal of protecting game ownership and preserving video games.

According to Scott in a new YouTube video addressing the million-signature milestone, the movement and its EU petition aren't yet at the finish line. For one, there is a strong likelihood that the petition hasn't actually received a million distinct signatures, due to issues like invalid signatures caused by errors and signature spoofing by well-intentioned people outside the EU trying to add their signature to the pile. As a result of these issues, Scott is asking viewers to continue pushing the initiative so that it can continue gaining steam. Ideally, he says, the petition would reach 140% of the required signatures before the July 31 deadline. According to the Stop Killing Games Tracker site, which is not officially affiliated with the initiative, the EU petition has received nearly 500,000 signatures in the last week alone, suggesting that it may reach the 1,4 million-signature threshold before the July 31 deadline if things continue at the current rate.

KIOXIA AiSAQ Software Advances AI RAG with New Version of Vector Search Library

In an ongoing effort to improve the usability of AI vector database searches within retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems by optimizing the use of solid-state drives (SSDs), Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, today announced an update to its KIOXIA AiSAQ (All-in-Storage ANNS with Product Quantization) software. This new open-source release introduces flexible controls allowing system architects to define the balance point between search performance and the number of vectors, which are opposing factors in the fixed capacity of SSD storage in the system. The resulting benefit enables architects of RAG systems to fine tune the optimal balance of specific workloads and their requirements, without any hardware modifications.

First introduced in January 2025, KIOXIA AiSAQ software uses a novel approximate nearest neighbor search (ANNS) algorithm that is optimized for SSDs and eliminates the need to store index data in DRAM. By enabling vector searches directly on SSDs and reducing host memory requirements, KIOXIA AiSAQ technology allows vector databases to scale, largely without the restrictions caused by limited DRAM capacity.

Nintendo Switch 2 USB Port Lockdown Poses Challenge for 3rd-Party Dock Makers

It appears as though Nintendo has once again deliberately attempted to lock out third-party accessory makers from making docks for the Nintendo Switch 2. According to testing conducted by The Verge, the Nintendo Switch 2 uses proprietary, encrypted signals to effectively authorize a dock before video or power is sent over the USB-C connection. This behavior was confirmed by a USB power bank tester, which monitors the USB connection packets and can output the signals on another device for inspection. The Switch 2 also demands a higher voltage from its dock, requesting as much as 20 V, instead of the usual 15 V, although it does not appear to use the full 20 V for functionality, instead it uses it as a sort of check before dropping back down to 15 V.

In the case of the Switch 2, there was one particular third-party dock that was compatible with the new console, and upon inspecting that USB connection with the power bank tester, The Verge found that there were 30 "unstructured" packets being sent back and forth before the Switch 2 even attempted to send a video signal or negotiate power with the accessory. There was one particular string that was sent between the Switch 2 and the dock that appears to be an encryption key of sorts. If the dock fails either the voltage test or the aforementioned proprietary communications, the console defaults to a USB-only mode with no video or power delivery support. According to two accessory makers who spoke to The Verge, the Switch 2 also uses a dedicated encryption chip to lock out third-party docks and unlicensed accessories. At the time of writing, the only dock that is compatible with the Switch 2 is the Antank S3 Max, although even Antank's representative says that this can't be taken for granted, since Nintendo can, and likely will, change this authentication method with a firmware update if enough third-party dock makers catch on. So far, these changes to the USB protocol on the Switch 2 have already resulted in JSAUX putting its plans for a Switch 2 dock on hold, despite its prominence in the Steam Deck dock market.
Thursday, July 3rd 2025
Fractal Design Scape Review - Debut Done Right

Fractal Design Scape Review - Debut Done Right

Fractal's first gaming headset is here and it's even better than expected! Premium design, detailed sound, excellent comfort, a great pair of microphones, and one of the best charging docks we've ever seen make it well worth the $200 price tag.

TechPowerUp and ID-Cooling Summer Giveaway: Entries Close Soon, Hurry!

TechPowerUp and ID-Cooling brought you the 2025 Summer Giveaway. The Giveaway has been up over the week, with hundreds of entries, but the entries close soon. How soon? Tomorrow (4th of July)! Be sure to check out the Giveaway, and if you like what you see, drop your hat in! The Giveaway is open worldwide, wherever legal. Up for grabs are six of ID-Cooling's finest CPU coolers, including an ID-Cooling SL360 liquid CPU cooler with digital display; two FX360 INF performance-segment AIO liquid CPU cooler, and three Frozn A620 Pro SE dual fin-stack air CPU cooler. There's no quiz needed to sign up, simply fill up a short form to help us get back to you if you've won. You can increase your chances of winning in one or more of 7 ways, including sharing the Giveaway across your social media, or following ID-Cooling social media handles. Hurry, entries close tomorrow!

For more information, and to participate, visit this page.

Ocypus Announces Sigma PRO Series Liquid Cooler

Ocypus proudly announces the debut of the Sigma PRO Series, a new generation of high-performance liquid coolers with minimalist design. Featuring a flagship 3.5-inch IPS display, innovative floating pump design, and an ultra-large copper base for unmatched heat dissipation, Sigma PRO is built to deliver exceptional thermal performance with aesthetics.

Flagship Screen, Brilliant Visual
At the heart of the Sigma PRO is a stunning 3.5-inch square IPS screen with 640×480 resolution and an ultra-narrow bezel, delivering sharp visuals for real-time system monitoring. The customizable screen supports videos, images, and GIFs—giving users full freedom to showcase system stats or personal style right on the pump.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs Make a Dent in Latest Steam Hardware Survey

NVIDIA's freshly completed GeForce RTX 50 family, powered by the new Blackwell architecture, has begun to register meaningful numbers in Steam's June 2025 Hardware Survey. Since first appearing in May, cards from this lineup, except for the as-yet-unavailable RTX 5050, now account for 3.69% of surveyed systems. Leading the pack among the newcomers, the RTX 5070 grabs nearly 1% of overall share, up substantially from its debut, while the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti follow closely behind. The more budget‑oriented RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 have also made their mark, and even the top‑end RTX 5090 has registered on enough machines to appear in the survey.

These figures show a swift uptake by desktop gamers eager for improved performance and AI-driven features, even as the tried-and-true RTX 4060 Laptop GPU holds onto its position as the most prevalent NVIDIA part, with just under 5% of the installed base. Meanwhile, AMD's latest Radeon RX 9000 series and Intel's Arc B‑series remain absent from the survey results, suggesting that shipment volumes for those cards have not yet reached the critical mass needed to register with Valve's monthly sampling of millions of Steam users. This demonstrates NVIDIA's continued dominance in add-in board sales, where it has consistently captured over 90% of the market.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW Gets New Games Including Figment, Little Nightmares II, and Path of Exile 2

The forecast this month is showing a 100% chance of epic gaming. Catch the scorching lineup of 20 titles coming to the cloud, which gamers can play whether indoors or on the go. Six new games are landing on GeForce NOW this week, including launch day titles Figment and Little Nightmares II. And to make the summer even hotter, the GeForce NOW Summer Sale is in full swing. It's the last chance to upgrade to a six-month Performance membership for just $29.99 and stream top titles like the recently released classic Borderlands series, DOOM: The Dark Ages, FBC: Firebreak, and more with GeForce RTX power.

Jump Into July
In Figment, a whimsical action-adventure game set in the human mind, players guide Dusty - the grumpy, retired voice of courage - and his upbeat companion Piper on a surreal journey to restore lost bravery after a traumatic event. Blending hand-drawn visuals, clever puzzles and musical boss battles, Figment explores themes of fear, grief and emotional healing in a colorful, dreamlike world filled with humor and song.

Hyte Unveils All-New Gundam Wing Product Line Made in Collaboration With Bandai Namco

HYTE, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge PC components and peripherals, and leading video game publisher and developer Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., are thrilled to share details of an all-new PC component and peripheral lineup themed after the iconic MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM WING anime series. These new items, including a new PC case, keycaps, and other accessories, are now available for pre-order on HYTE.com and via Canada Computers, HYTE's official Canadian launch partner. The lineup will also be on display at iBUYPOWER's booth during this year's Anime Expo.

To celebrate Gundam Wing's 30th anniversary, the Official Gundam Wing Y70 touch infinite Limited Edition case features a custom white colorway with stylized black trim across the case, and a variety of accented components based on the XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero's color scheme. These include a bright yellow power button, red feet for the case, yellow drive bays and PCIE slot covers, and a red PCIE40 4.0 Luxury Riser Cable from HYTE. In addition to the Wing Gundam Zero UV-printed inside the glass, the Y70 touch infinite display will also feature unique, custom start-up visuals inspired by the anime and will be exclusive to those who bought this specific case.

JSAUX Launches New Cooling Fan for Nintendo Switch 2

Gaming manufacturer JSAUX announces the release of its latest accessory for Nintendo fans: the Cooling Fan, designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. This accessory offers powerful cooling, a secure clip-on design, and low-noise performance—perfect for marathon gaming sessions without thermal throttling. The Cooling Fan for Nintendo Switch 2 will be 25% off on Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11), and 10% off afterward.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 pushing higher performance limits—and temperatures rising up to 40°C—effective thermal management has become essential. JSAUX's Cooling Fan can reduce the device temperature by 2-8°C in just 4-8 minutes, providing outstanding cooling performance with stepless knob-based speed control. Its lightweight design ensures comfortable use in handheld mode. The fan features a secure clip-on design that firmly attaches to the back of the Switch 2, optimizing heat dissipation without compromising portability or usability.

LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuksoo: "Our Next-gen Substrate Technology Will Change the Industry Paradigm"

LG Innotek is continuing its quest to become the world's top company in the field of technology components, with its latest milestone being the successful development of an innovative semiconductor substrate technology. LG Innotek (CEO Moon Hyuksoo) announced on July 3rd that it successfully developed and started mass-producing the world's first copper post (Cu-Post) technology, which is applicable high-value-added semiconductor substrates for mobile devices.

With major manufacturers racing to make smartphones ever thinner, ways to minimize the size of smartphone components have become increasingly sought after. Demand is soaring for mobile device semiconductor substrates that provide maximum performance in a minimal size, such as the RF-SiP (Radio Frequency-System in Package) substrate.

YUNZII Unveils the X98 Transparent Mechanical Keyboard

Step Into the Light with the X98 Transparent QMK/VIA Keyboard. YUNZII is proud to unveil the X98 Transparent Mechanical Keyboard, a 96% layout keyboard designed for users who crave customization, connectivity, and a crystal-clear design. Whether you're a gamer, a coder, or a creative, the X98 delivers premium features in a striking translucent shell.

Stunning Transparent Design with South-Facing RGB
Crafted from high-transparency PC material, the X98's case and keycaps reveal a clean and modern aesthetic. Shine-through 3D-printed characters resist fading while showcasing vibrant RGB effects. South-facing LEDs and 16.8 million color options light up your workspace like never before.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Gains 9% Performance at 1440p with Latest Driver, Beats RTX 5070 Ti

In what could spell trouble for the upcoming GeForce RTX 5070 SUPER, Hardware Unboxed found that the latest Adrenalin drivers give the Radeon RX 9070 XT a 9% gain in raster performance at 1440p over review press drivers. This closes its performance gap with the current GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, which would make the card faster than any potential SKU NVIDIA intends to position between the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti. This testing is part of a feature by Hardware Unboxed where they compared current drivers to review press drivers for both the RX 9070 XT and RTX 5070 Ti.

When averaged across 16 games, the RX 9070 XT with latest drivers was found to gain 9% performance over review press drivers; whereas the RTX 5070 Ti with the latest drivers only gained 2.5% performance over its review press drivers. This 9% gain for the RX 9070 XT puts it ahead of the RTX 5070 Ti. Both the RTX 5070 Ti and RX 9070 XT are capable of gaming at 4K with some settings turned down. Here, averaged across the same 16 games, Hardware Unboxed found that the RTX 5070 Ti gained 3% performance, while the RX 9070 XT gained 4%, and the two GPUs were evenly matched. Helping AMD's average are specific game tests where the RX 9070 XT vastly improved its performance, with "Counter Strike 2" posting a 23% improvement, and "Spider-Man Remastered" posting a massive 27%. "Hogwarts Legacy" sees an 18% gain for AMD. There's more interesting findings and insights in the Hardware Unboxed video linked below.

Transcend Launches Its Flagship MTE260S PCIe Gen5 SSD

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a global leader in embedded and consumer storage solutions, proudly announces the release of its flagship PCIe Gen 5 SSD—MTE260S. Built on the ultra-high-speed PCIe Gen 5 x4 interface and compliant with the latest NVMe 2.0 specification, the MTE260S delivers blazing-fast sequential read and write speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s and 11,000 MB/s, respectively. With up to 1,400K IOPS, it is engineered to meet the demanding needs of high-end gaming desktops, content creators' laptops, and AI computing platforms—offering next-level responsiveness and extreme transfer performance.

Extreme Speed. Redefined Performance.
Equipped with next-gen PCIe 5.0 NVMe technology and a per-lane bandwidth of 32 GT/s, the MTE260S significantly accelerates boot times, game loading, and large file transfers. It's backward compatible for broader system integration, providing a flexible and cost-effective upgrade path for a range of platforms—from gaming rigs to creative workstations and AI computing systems—delivering high-speed stability at every level.

DapuStor Unveils J5060 QLC 122 TB Ultra Capacity SSD Series

DapuStor proudly announces the launch of its ultra-high capacity J5060 QLC SSD, delivering an unprecedented 122.88 TB of capacity—twice that of its predecessor, the 61 TB J5060. This milestone redefines what's possible in high-density flash storage.

Massive Capacity, Minimal Footprint
For personal users, the J5060 122 TB SSD can store up to 10,000 90-minute 4K movies, all in a device that fits in the palm of your hand—a perfect combination of capacity and portability. For enterprise deployments, the benefits are even greater. Replacing 24 TB HDDs with the J5060 can reduce system footprint and complexity by up to 5x, significantly lowering equipment count and saving valuable data center space.

QNAP Enhances Qsync 6.0 Beta One-Stop File Backup and Synchronization Solution

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking and storage solution innovator, today launched the Qsync 6.0 Beta, a major upgrade of its one-stop file backup and synchronization solution. While Qsync has long provided file synchronization across NAS and multiple devices, Qsync 6.0 now adds robust file and folder backup features - uniting backup and sync as primary functions across a suite of applications. This unified platform enables both individuals and organizations to better protect data and streamline collaboration with greater ease and efficiency.

"Qsync is an essential tool for QNAP NAS users, providing reliable file sync and management. With the introduction of file and folder backup in Qsync 6.0, we're delivering a more complete data management solution." said Jimmy Tan, Product Manager at QNAP. "Whether facing laptop data loss, version conflicts during collaboration, or file access issues in hybrid work environments, Qsync helps users securely back up key data and access the latest versions quickly and intuitively."

Alphacool Intros Alphatube TPV Straight Tubes

The brand new AlphaTube TPV hose impresses with its subtle velvet look and its exceptional durability. TPV is an EPDM rubber that is primarily used in industry. For water cooling, this means that it is much more stable than PVC hoses (such as against acids, bases and external influences) and can also withstand higher temperatures. There are no worries about the hoses warping and the water flow being obstructed. It is only minimally harder. Laying it is just as easy and uncomplicated as with PVC hoses. The Alphacool HF TPV fittings, which are also new, have been specially adapted for the hose and are therefore ideally suited due to their high tensile strength, but of course it is also compatible with normal connections.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Trails RTX 4060 but Leaps Ahead with Multi-Frame Generation

Initial benchmarks shared on China's Weibo platform by INNO3D hinted that NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce RTX 5050 may not quite catch up to the GeForce RTX 4060 in raw performance. The leaked figures, which focused on a handful of 3DMark tests and a selection of game runs, showed the RTX 5050 lagging just a few percent behind its established last-gen mid-range sibling. While those early results did not cover a comprehensive range of titles, they suggested that the new card would fall slightly short of the RTX 4060's average frame rate and 1% low metrics when gaming at 1080p settings.

A more complete picture emerged from South Korea's Quasar Zone review of the Colorful iGame GeForce RTX 5050 Ultra OC White edition. In tests across fifteen popular 1080p games, the RTX 5050 delivered roughly 7% lower average frame rates and similar 1% low results compared to the RTX 4060. Even Intel's Arc B580 managed to edge it out by a small margin in those same trials. However, NVIDIA's Multi‑Frame Generation options dramatically change the story by reconstructing additional frames on the fly. When these technologies are enabled, the RTX 5050 not only leaves older-generation cards well behind but also overtakes the higher‑priced RTX 4060 Ti in several benchmarks. As we await more reviews to emerge, it will be interesting to see if the newest DLSS and MFG are sufficient for gamers to purchase the entry-level Blackwell GPU or opt for an older mid-range Ada Lovelace.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2025

Today's Reviews

Cases
CPU Coolers
Headphones
Keyboards
Motherboards
Mouse
Networking
SSD
PowerColor ALPHYN AM10 Review

PowerColor ALPHYN AM10 Review

Equipped with PixArt's PAW3395 sensor and Omron optical main button switches, the right-handed ergonomic ALPHYN AM10 is capable of 8000 Hz wired polling, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. The shape is clearly modeled after the Logitech G502 and Razer Basilisk, and RGB lighting is on board.

Giga Computing Unveils Liquid and Air-Cooled GIGABYTE AI Servers Accelerated by NVIDIA HGX B200 Platform

Giga Computing, an industry innovator and leader in enterprise hardware and advanced cooling solutions, today announced four new GIGABYTE servers built on the NVIDIA HGX B200 platform. This expansion of the GIGABYTE GPU server portfolio brings greater thermal design flexibility and support for the latest processors, including the new AI-optimized Intel Xeon 6 CPUs, giving customers more options as they tailor their systems for workloads and efficiency.

NVIDIA HGX B200 propels the data center into a new era of accelerating computing and generative AI. Built on NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, the HGX B200 platform features 15X faster real-time inference on trillion-parameter models.

Landmark Esports Suite Launches on UK Aircraft Carrier as Royal Navy and British Esports Partner for Unique Facility

The floating esports suite will allow the ship's company of HMS Prince of Wales to compete against each other in an immersive gaming environment as part of a partnership between the Royal Navy and the British Esports Federation. While the classic Royal Navy game 'Uckers' is still going strong, the suite will allow further opportunities for ship's company to enhance digital skills and an additional space to decompress in their down time.

It's the result of a partnership between the Royal Navy and the British Esports Federation, the national body for esports in the United Kingdom. The facility includes 12 high-end Alienware Aurora R15 gaming desktop PCs, powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 and Intel Core i7 processors. It will join other sports facilities onboard, including gyms, a boxing ring, plus areas for table tennis and running.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer Rumored to Retire Following Next-Gen Xbox Launch

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is reportedly planning to retire after the launch of the next-generation Xbox console, according to reports from gaming industry sources. The information reported by Insider Gaming originates from @TheGhostOfHope, a leaker with a track record for Call of Duty information. Spencer is allegedly working closely with Xbox President Sarah Bond and her team to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Bond is expected to assume the role of Microsoft Gaming CEO following Spencer's retirement. However, no replacement for Bond's current position as Xbox President has been identified at this time.

Windows Central's Jez Corden has indicated that Spencer's retirement would occur "some time" after the next-generation Xbox launches, though no formal plan is currently in place. Industry reports suggest the next-generation Xbox hardware could arrive as early as 2026 or 2027. This report arrived during a tough time for Xbox, as Microsoft cut jobs across its gaming division affecting many Xbox studios. The company canceled several big-name projects, including Everwild, Perfect Dark, and ZeniMax Online's unannounced MMORPG. Microsoft also shut down The Initiative. Phil Spencer has been in charge of Microsoft's gaming division for more than ten years. He has overseen key efforts such as the launch of Game Pass, the purchase of Activision Blizzard, and various strategic moves that have shaped Xbox's current market standing.

Dangbei Launches the DBOX02 Pro 4K Laser Projector

Dangbei, an innovator in smart entertainment, today announced the DBOX02 Pro, a cutting-edge 4K laser projector that blends cinematic performance with intelligent adaptability. Combining LaserVibe Technology, Built-in Stand and InstanPro AI Image Setup, the DBOX02 Pro transforms any space into a stunning home theater.

Unmatched Viewing Experience
The DBOX02 Pro delivers projection excellence with:
  • 2000 ISO Lumens Brightness 4K Laser - Watch vivid 4K content even in daylight, eliminating the need for darkened spaces.
  • 4K Laser Precision - Enjoy sharper details, richer colors (108% Rec.709 gamut), and deeper contrasts for true-to-life visuals.
  • Built-in Stand and InstanPro AI Image Setup - The built-in stand offers 360° horizontal rotation and 120° vertical tilt, allowing effortless adjustment for the perfect projection angle every time. Meanwhile, InstanPro AI Image Setup Technology automates image optimization with Auto Focus, Auto Keystone Correction, Screen Fit, Obstacle Avoidance, Eye Protection, Real-time Keystone Correction and AI Brightness Adjustment, ensuring a flawless display with minimal adjustment.

PlayStation 5 Pro to Gain Full AMD FSR 4 Integration in 2026

Sony has announced that the PlayStation 5 Pro will receive the full version of AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 upscaling technology in 2026. This upgrade delivers the exact same engine that PC users have accessed since its March release, replacing the current PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) system without any reduction in functionality. Coming from Project Amethyst, the update is a collaborative effort between Sony and AMD, launched alongside the PS5 Pro's late 2024 debut. In a recent interview, PlayStation lead system architect Mark Cerny confirmed that the jointly developed algorithm will be implemented on the console exactly as it appears on PC. They are providing the full feature set of FSR 4 to PS5 Pro owners, without any trimmings.

AMD introduced Sony to its comprehensive quality‑assurance practices and helped establish a dedicated QA team focused solely on upscaling performance. Participants from both companies credit this reciprocal exchange with accelerating development, achieving significant milestones in under nine months. Sony plans to distribute the FSR 4 upgrade as a free system update to all PS5 Pro users. Meanwhile, AMD will integrate lessons learned from Project Amethyst into its next RDNA 5/UDNA graphics architecture. Because neither company placed usage restrictions on the shared research, third‑party developers and hardware partners can also adopt these advancements. For PS5 Pro owners, the upgrade will provide a noticeable improvement in image clarity without compromising performance. For next-generation RDNA 5/UDNA GPUs, upscaling optimizations will be even more fine-tuned, as developers have already done the same work for the console.

Nintendo Switch 2 Overheats Playing Demanding AAA Games

Since its launch in June 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been a praised and highly sought after handheld for its faster SoC, but a growing number of owners are reporting overheating issues. Early adopters in Japan have taken to social media to describe how even moderately demanding titles such as Splatoon and Pokémon cause their consoles to heat up rapidly. Players say the internal fan spins at maximum speed as the temperature climbs, only for the system to freeze or power down without warning. Most reports come from docked play, where the Switch 2's processor operates at its highest clock speeds. One user recounted experiencing five crashes in a single session of an AAA game, such as Cyberpunk 2077, while the fan maintained a constant roar. However, handheld mode is not immune to this issue.

Several owners emphasize that the device becomes too hot to hold comfortably, and at least one player received an on‑screen message warning of overheating before the console entered sleep mode during a game of Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition. Similar accounts on Facebook and Reddit suggest this problem is not limited to a specific region. Nintendo's advice to affected users is very scope-limited. The company recommends disconnecting the dock, allowing the console to cool, relocating the dock to a well-ventilated area, ensuring air vents remain clear of dust and debris, and closely monitoring performance. If these basic steps do not resolve the problem, Nintendo advises sending the unit in for professional repair. Despite this issue, demand for the Switch 2 remains high. Nintendo continues to struggle with supply shortages, leading to public apologies from executives.

Intel Abandons In‑House Glass Substrate R&D, Leans on External Suppliers

Under its new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, Intel is stepping back from building its glass substrate technology in favor of sourcing ready-made solutions from specialized vendors. Driven by Tan's strategy to concentrate resources on Intel's primary lines, CPU/GPU development, and foundry, Intel's operations are becoming leaner. By outsourcing glass substrates, Intel can significantly reduce development timelines and mitigate the financial risk associated with pioneering novel substrate manufacturing. Crucially, this model grants Intel the freedom to evaluate multiple suppliers, pivot quickly if performance or cost benchmarks change, and integrate advanced packaging more rapidly than if it continued to develop substrates internally. Just as the company is focusing on 14A and 18A-P(T), abandoning in-house glass substrate development is a step in the right direction to reduce costs and achieve profitability.

Meanwhile, the glass‑substrate sector is gathering momentum, particularly among South Korean firms. SK Hynix, in partnership with Applied Materials, has been trialing its Absolics pilot line for some time, while Samsung has recently scaled up its efforts in this niche. JNTC celebrated the opening of its first glass‑substrate plant in May, announcing sixteen prospective clients and projecting revenues to climb from $14.7 million this year to $147 million in 2026, and ultimately hitting $735 million by 2028. A complementary facility under construction in Vietnam will triple the original plant's output, targeting a combined annual production of roughly 500,000 substrates. Intel hasn't yet named which suppliers it will partner with. Still, the company plans to tap into this growing network, potentially joining JNTC's customer roster, to support its advanced packaging roadmap and accelerate product rollouts.

Intel Considers Abandoning 18A Node for 14A Chipmaking Process

Intel's CEO Lip-Bu Tan is looking at a big change to how the company makes chips for others, Reuters reports citing people who know about it. The new plan might mean Intel stops offering its 18A process technology to other companies. This is different from the strategy of the former CEO, Pat Gelsinger, who had invested heavily in the 18A manufacturing process. Since assuming leadership in March, Tan has been working to reduce costs and find new approaches to revive the struggling chipmaker. By June, he began expressing concerns that the 18A process was failing to attract new customers. Abandoning external sales of 18A technology and focusing on its 14A process would require Intel to take substantial write-offs on the billions invested in its development. Industry analysts suggest these charges could reach hundreds of millions or potentially billions of dollars.

Intel plans to show the board these options later this month. However, a final decision is not expected until this autumn given the complexity and financial stakes involved. Even if they change plans, Intel will still keep its promises about 18A process including producing small amounts of chips for Amazon and Microsoft, and making its own "Panther Lake" laptop processors scheduled for late 2025. Along with standard 18A, Intel is creating two upgraded versions: 18A-P launching in 2026 and 18A-PT arriving in 2028.

Star Citizen's Foundation Festival Returns with Free Fly Event, New Referral Program, and More

Star Citizen's annual Foundation Festival returns from July 2 to 14, celebrating the Star Citizen community and welcoming new pilots to the 'verse. This year's event also features a Free Fly period, giving all players free access to the game and the chance to fly eight distinct ships and vehicles - a perfect introduction to Star Citizen's rich and varied universe. Hot on the heels of the Alpha 4.2: Storm Breaker release, which introduced new missions and the towering irradiated Apex Valakkar, a colossal worm-like creature from the depths below, the Foundation Festival arrives at the perfect time to prepare new players for the adventure ahead.

To get started, newcomers can check the New Player Essentials, packed with helpful tips, guides, and must-know information to take their first confident steps in the 'verse. There are also in-game tutorials, beginner friendly articles and videos on the Welcome Hub, and the Guide System further connects beginners with veteran players eager to lend a hand and share their knowledge.

Corsair's Planned CEO Transition Takes Effect; Thi La Assumes Role of CEO

Corsair Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRSR) ("Corsair" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of high-performance gear for gamers, streamers, content creators, PC builders and SIM driving enthusiasts, today announced that the planned CEO transition has taken effect. Andy Paul, Corsair's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has officially retired from the Company and its Board of Directors, effective today. Thi La, formerly the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Originally announced in February 2025, the transition is part of a long-planned succession strategy approved by Corsair's Board of Directors. Ms. La steps into the CEO role after more than 14 years with Corsair, where she has held key executive positions in operations, product leadership, and strategic development.

iBUYPOWER Launches MK9 Pro RGB Wireless Keyboard Made in Collaboration With Redragon

The leading system integrator iBUYPOWER is thrilled to share that the MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard made in collaboration with the high-value gaming hardware brand REDRAGON, is now available for purchase on iBUYPOWER's Gear Store for $59.99 in black and white colorways.

As part of iBUYPOWER's commitment to improving the experience of prebuilt gaming PCs with the earlier released MK9 RGB Mechanical Keyboard, the MK9 Pro RGB Mechanical Keyboard is a 96% compact full-sized keyboard that retains the functionality of full-sized keyboards while benefitting from a space-saving desktop footprint. This new keyboard is equipped with hot-swappable linear switches for maximum personalization and smooth typing. In addition to an analog control wheel for volume and gasket-mounted PCB that improves the typing feel and acoustics, the MK9 Pro also features per-key addressable RGB lighting controlled by external RGB software, like HYTE's Nexus Link software.

G.Skill CAMM2 DDR5 Memory Module Demonstrates DDR5-10000 Overclock Speed on ASUS Z890 Motherboard

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is working closely with the ASUS ROG team to explore the overclock potential of the new DDR5 CAMM2 form factor and have successfully reached the early milestone of Memtest-stable at DDR5-10000 memory speed with a 64 GB capacity CAMM2 module on a modified custom ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero CAMM2 motherboard with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K desktop processor.

Overclocked CAMM2 Reaches DDR5-10000 Memtest-Stable Milestone
G.SKILL is always seeking out overclock memory performance wherever possible. With the in-development CAMM2 form factor and in cooperation with the ASUS ROG team, demonstrating stability is the first step toward enabling overclock memory specifications on future hardware platforms.

NVIDIA Renames GeForce RTX 5090DD to RTX 5090D v2

NVIDIA has quietly engineered a third variant of its flagship GPU in response to new US export regulations, aiming to maintain performance while avoiding restrictions. A few weeks ago, we got leaks about the GeForce RTX 5090DD, which was supposed to be a new version based on the modified RTX 5090D. The initially released GeForce RTX 5090D was designed to comply with the Department of Commerce's updated rules while delivering virtually identical results to its unrestricted counterpart in both gaming and synthetic benchmarks. Now, the newly named RTX 5090D v2 features the same 21,760 CUDA cores and a 575 W power draw, ensuring that the core Blackwell architecture performs as users would expect, albeit with a reduced 24 GB VRAM buffer.

NVIDIA plans to introduce an updated RTX 5090D v2 model in August. According to reliable industry sources, this refresh will feature 24 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 384-bit bus, down from the original 512-bit interface, while preserving overall thermal and computational characteristics. For most gamers, the reduced VRAM capacity is unlikely to be noticeable, as only a handful of titles require more than 24 GB of VRAM. Ultimately, the success of the v2 will depend on whether it reaches the market at a price point that aligns with the expectations of its flagship. Given that the target market is China, we have to wait for sales and performance figures first. According to a well-known leaker, kopite7kimi, they noted that there is some surprise, indicating that NVIDIA has made a significant change to comply with export regulations, so it could be a firmware update preventing these cards from running AI workloads.
Tuesday, July 1st 2025
Crucial T710 2 TB Review - Record-Breaking Gen 5

Crucial T710 2 TB Review - Record-Breaking Gen 5

The Crucial T710 PCIe 5.0 SSD is built using the new Silicon Motion SM2508 controller paired with Micron's new 276-layer 3D TLC NAND flash. This is a winning combo, which makes the SSD the fastest drive we have ever tested. Energy efficiency is also improved over SSDs using the Phison E26 controller.

Marshall Reveals Their Latest Portable Powerhouse: Middleton II

Marshall designed the original Middleton speaker to be the most powerful portable sound to be held in one hand. Now in its second iteration, Middleton II has even more features to elevate any playlist. With over 30+ hours of portable sound, this speaker comes complete with True Stereophonic multidirectional sound. Delivering the ultimate listening experience wherever it goes.

With Middleton II, music can go on tour for over a day. When fully charged, it delivers more than 30 hours of portable playtime. And when power is running low, it takes just 20 minutes to get the show back on the road. Of course, it's not only about quantity; with Middleton II Marshall has taken it a step further, delivering even deeper bass and more refined performance at maximum volume. And this speaker comes complete with 360° True Stereophonic sound, filling the space and surrounding the listener no matter where they're standing.

NVIDIA DLSS 4 Comes to Mecha BREAK, Diablo IV, Still Wakes the Sleep and More Games

More than 800 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. This week, Mecha BREAK launches with support for DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, while Diablo IV and Still Wakes the Deep are adding native support with new updates, further accelerating performance for GeForce RTX 50 Series gamers. And NTE Closed Beta begins July 3rd featuring DLSS 4.

Mecha BREAK Launches Today, Featuring DLSS 4 With Multi Frame Generation
Developed by Amazing Seasun Games, Mecha BREAK is a multiplayer mech third-person shooter game that allows players to choose from diverse mechs and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain. Get ready for the ultimate showdown in 3v3, 6v6, and PvPvE modes. Discover an array of assault, melee, sniper, reconnaissance, and support mechs, each with unique playstyles. Engage in immersive aerial and ground combat, employing strategic tactics for close and long-range encounters. Unleash devastating firepower, scorch foes with precision beams, and rain missiles upon the battlefield. Prepare for adrenaline-pumping battles, lightning-fast maneuvers, and explosive firepower. Experience the essence of speed, power, and thrilling controls.

Bungie New Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate Cinematic Trailer Launches with Developer Livestream

Today, Bungie debuted a new cinematic trailer during a Destiny 2 developer livestream for The Edge of Fate, launching on July 15. In The Edge of Fate, players will join new and familiar faces to investigate the mysteries of the new destination Kepler, and uncover a looming threat that predates everything Guardians thought they knew about Sol.

During the livestream, the Destiny 2 team showcased the new World Tiers system with a gameplay presentation on Kepler, highlighting destination-specific abilities, combat encounters, new combatants, and more. They also showcased The Portal, a new and streamlined access point for players in Destiny 2 that makes it easier than ever to jump into desired activities, earn rewards, get bonus drops, and obtain earnable armor sets.

Gamers Reject RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB — Outsold 16:1 by 16 GB Model

According to the only publicly available sales data from one of Germany's largest retailers, Mindfactory.de, we gain insight into the sales of NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB and 8 GB models. According to the sum of the units sold, the 16 GB version of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is outselling the 8 GB version by more than 16 times, which represents a 1,600% difference. Mindfactory lists each GeForce RTX 5060 Ti model with a tag indicating the number of units sold, showing how many units were sold to customers of a specific model. This includes every model that Mindfactory offers, including SKUs from MSI, GIGABYTE, INNO3D, Palit, ZOTAC, ASUS, and other AIC partners. At the time of writing, the 8 GB version of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti model has been sold in 105 instances, compared to 1675 units sold of the 16 GB version.

It is important to note that sales performance on 8 GB and 16 GB SKUs are based on Mindfactory, which is only a single regional retailer, showing only a single part of the GPU sales story. We even considered supply as an issue for the massive difference in unit sales; however, availability of both GPU SKUs is good, as checked on Geizhals.de. Most models are available in 20+ quantities, showing that availability is not hindering sales. This is not the typical AMD vs. NVIDIA sales comparison. It's within a product family, highlighting something much more specific. It signals that gamers are willing to spend a couple of dozen Euros extra to get the 16 GB version of their chosen GPU, essentially "future proofing" their system for some more demanding games. Especially as many features, like path tracing, demand more VRAM, having an extra 8 GB of memory buffer allows the GPU to run modern games with ease. For gamers who want to sell their system down the road for an upgrade, the 16 GB version will also be more prized in the secondary markets like eBay and others. We launched a new poll here, so make sure to let us know your opinion on which card you would purchase, as the battle for ever-greater VRAM capacity continues.

Samsung 6th-Gen DRAM Receives Production Readiness Approval

Samsung Electronics achieved a significant technological milestone by securing production readiness approval for its sixth-generation DRAM technology. Industry sources, as Korea Herald reports, confirmed on Tuesday that the company received internal authorization for mass production, marking completion of the advanced 10 nm-class process (called 1c DRAM) development. We recently reported that Samsung was able to achieve yield rates of 50-70% in testing for the 1c DRAM process as the company seems to be able to follow its projected timeline of approximately two years between product generations. The development holds particular significance for Samsung's high bandwidth memory (HBM) strategy since the company plans to commence HBM4 mass production during the second half of this year utilizing the newly developed sixth-generation DRAM technology. Samsung Electronics announced on May its adoption of hybrid bonding technology for future HBM4 memory stacks. The implementation aims to decrease thermal resistance while enabling ultra-wide memory interfaces, addressing the increasing bandwidth and efficiency requirements of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing applications.

SK hynix, currently dominating the HBM market pursues HBM4 development using fifth-generation DRAM technology and started to deliver HBM4 samples to major clients in March, targeting similar production timelines for the latter half of this year. However, Samsung faces critical qualification requirements ahead as the company must deliver HBM4 samples and successfully complete NVIDIA's qualification testing to secure high-volume supply contracts. Additionally, Samsung continues awaiting qualification approval for its 12-layer HBM3E product while supplying AMD and looking for supply agreements with NVIDIA.

NVIDIA GeForce 576.88 WHQL Drivers Released

NVIDIA today released the latest version of GeForce graphics drivers. Version 576.88 WHQL adds official support for GeForce RTX 5050. This support covers both the desktop and laptop variants of the RTX 5050. The drivers also add optimization for "Mecha BREAK," "Diablo IV (DLSS 4 update)," and "Monster Hunter Wilds (DLSS 4 update)." The release fixes a handful of bugs. One such bug that's been fixed sees the GPU memory run at slightly lower speeds with NVIDIA Smooth Motion enabled in games. Another bug causes some notebook machines to freeze when App Overlay is used with DLSS Frame Generation enabled in Cyberpunk 2077. A black screen observed when installing GeForce drivers on some machines with AMD Ryzen processors has been fixed. Another black screen noticed when switching between 480 Hz and 360 Hz refresh rates on Sony SDM-27Q10S display has been fixed.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 576.88 WHQL

Phanteks Announces New XT M3 mATX Chassis

Phanteks proudly introduces the XT M3, the latest entry in its XT chassis lineup, first revealed at Computex 2025. Designed for gamers and PC builders who demand premium features in a compact footprint, the XT M3 delivers high-end performance, exceptional airflow, and a clean, modern design—at an affordable price. The XT M3 features tool-less panels for effortless access and fast builds, making it easier than ever to assemble or upgrade your system. While maintaining a compact footprint, it supports up to 9 fan positions, includes preinstalled 3x M25 120 mm fans, and provides dedicated 360 mm radiator support in the top. Triple bottom fan mounts offer direct GPU airflow, and generous internal space accommodates full-size GPUs and Rear-Connect Mainboards for clean cable routing.

Steam Deck & Nintendo Switch Dominate Among Gamers Who Use Handhelds

TechPowerUp's team conducted research to find out how the market for handheld consoles performs and where its users are mostly going. The large community poll of 22,649 PC gamers, asking a simple "Do you game on a handheld console?" paints a solid picture of the customer base that a handheld console maker can expect. The majority, at 65.3% of the polled gamers, have chosen the option "No," indicating that two-thirds of PC gamers spend time on their main desktop or notebook PCs without using an additional handheld console. Among the 34.7% of respondents (7,852 votes) who game on the go, Valve's Steam Deck leads with 2,798 votes (35.6%), narrowly edging out Nintendo's Switch at 2,785 votes (35.5%).

ASUS's ROG Ally follows with 913 votes (11.6%), while "Other" devices, including Android emulators, retro‑focused units like the Analogue Pocket, and various mini‑PC handhelds, account for 810 votes (10.3%). Boutique Windows handhelds trail further behind, with the Lenovo Legion Go claiming 280 votes (3.6%) and the MSI Claw 266 votes (3.4%). Out of the entire fleet of these handhelds, only the Nintendo Switch is a real console. Others are mini portable PCs, which can serve functionality far beyond those of a console. Gamers are fond of the added functionality, which is why the Steam Deck, running Linux and Windows-based handhelds from ASUS, MSI, Lenovo, and others, are so popular.

Kiwi Ears Launches the Altruva Open-Back Headphones

Kiwi Ears Altruva is engineered with a custom-designed 50 mm dynamic driver and tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, natural tonal balance, and dynamic articulation. Its acoustic performance achieves an immersive listening experience that confidently stands alongside significantly higher-priced headphones. Its open-back design enhances soundstage and spatial realism, while the use of premium materials such as PVD coated steel, wood, and vegan-leather ensures both comfort and durability. Designed for audiophiles and music lovers alike, the Altruva makes high-end sound more accessible than ever.

Clarity and Balance in Your Music
Kiwi Ears Altruva is tuned to deliver a studio monitor-like sound profile. Its bass is punchy and fast, providing a satisfying low-end impact without overpowering the midrange. The mids are natural and well-balanced, providing accurate reproduction of instruments and vocals in their core frequencies. The treble is clear and transparent, with a sense of openness and airiness. Designed for audiophiles, the Altruva aims to recreate the precision and neutrality of a professional studio listening experience.

PNG Image Format Gets Native Animation and HDR in Version 3.0

Like most of us, you are probably taking your image file format for granted, without much thought about the technology behind it. However, one of the oldest image formats, Portable Network Graphics, aka PNG, has just received its version 3.0 update. After more than two decades of PNG v2.0, image file standards have evolved to meet the diverse needs of internet users who began sharing content such as GIFs online. Back in 2003, PNG 2.0 was insufficient for this purpose, and GIF took over the world of animated raster images. Today, 22 years later, PNG is making a comeback with the introduction of PNG version 3.0, released by the World Wide Web Consortium. Alongside animated raster images, PNG 3.0 is bringing HDR functionality to the image format, using only four (yes, four) additional bytes of overhead.

The PNG format is incredibly adaptable, capable of handling everything from simple graphics with a limited color palette to vibrant, full-color photographs. It's also a top choice for web design because it supports an alpha channel, which enables true transparency in images. PNG was specifically designed for the internet, as it can be streamed, allowing you to see a low-quality version of the picture that sharpens as it finishes loading. It's also a very reliable format, with built-in integrity checks that protect against glitches and corruption during transfer. Additionally, to ensure colors appear the same on your phone as they do on a designer's monitor, a PNG file can include its own color space data. This is why it's so widely used for both standard static images (image/png) and, as of today, even animated ones (image/apng). With HDR now supported, it will allow image sharing in the way it was meant to be seen.

Baseus Unveils Revolutionary EnerCore Charging Solutions, Eliminating Cable Clutter Without Compromise

Baseus, a pioneering force in consumer electronics innovation for over a decade, today announces its groundbreaking EnerCore Series—a comprehensive collection of nine cutting-edge charging solutions that promise to transform how users approach portable power. The EnerCore lineup, unified by Baseus's signature built-in retractable cable design, directly addresses the frustrations of tangled cables and forgotten charging accessories that plague modern digital lifestyles.

Building on Baseus's success as the world's number one brand for retractable power products, the series embodies the company's core philosophy of "Based on User," delivering practical solutions that combine minimalist design with easy-to-use functionality.

Club 3D Announces Next-Generation Universal Docking Stations and Hubs

Club 3D, a Dutch technology innovator since 1997, today unveiled its innovative Universal Docking Station and Hub that revolutionalises the way people connect, create, and collaborate. Boost your efficiency with our innovative docking station that supports up to four stunning 4K displays through a single USB-C connection. Powered by cutting-edge innovative DisplayPort 2.1 Alt mode technology, this game-changing solution offers the highest quality visuals at resolution as high as 7680x4320/30 Hz with complete HDR10+.

Predator Silently Introduces the GP30 Portable SSD Series

Predator recently released the GP30, a portable SSD that utilizes a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface to achieve sequential read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s. The drive measures 61.20 x 71.80 x 11.50 mm and weighs approximately 66.5 grams, making it compact for portable use. Available in four capacities from 1 TB to 8 TB, the GP30 connects via USB-C and includes both USB-A and USB-C ports. The drive supports Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, and PlayStation systems enabling cross-platform data transfer across desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles.

The device features RGB lighting that displays purple in standby mode and cycles through seven colors during data transfers. The package includes a protective storage bag and USB-A/USB-C to USB-C cable. The drive comes with Acronis True Image software for data management, backup, and recovery functions. The Predator GP30 is covered by a 5-year limited warranty (prices are yet to be known). The drive can handle professional workflows including video editing and large file transfers.

GoDeal24 Big Mid-Year Sale is Here: Great Prices on Genuine Software

GoDeal24 today kickstarts its big mid-year sale. Get some of the highest storewide discounts of the year on the software you need. Get Genuine Office 2021 Professional Plus at just $35.24. Windows 11 Pro can be had at just $13.25. Save big when you combine the two at $46.29. Save even more with multi PC packs. Got a medium-large business? Check out our large volume sale for our biggest savings!

Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus at $35.24 | Buy Office 2019 Professional Plus at $25.29 | Buy Office 2016 Professional Plus at $15.29 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 2-PC at $66.50 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 3-PC at $90.75 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 5-PC at $145 | Buy Windows 11 Pro at $13.25 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 2-PC at $24.75 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 3-PC at $34.45 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 5-PC at $53.15 | Buy Windows 11 Home at $13.05 | Buy Windows 10 Pro at $8.25 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 2-PC at $14.25 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 3-PC at $21.25 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 5-PC at $34.15 | Buy Windows 10 Home at $8.15 | Buy Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC at $12.25

Please use the coupon code TCP62 on the following items to avail the prices you see here.
Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $46.29 | Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $36.54 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $41.39 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $31.64

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Buy Windows 10 Pro 50-PC at $325 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 50-PC at $400 | Buy Office 2021 Professional 50-PC at $1,400 | Buy Office 2019 Professional 50-PC at $950

Intel "Jaguar Shores" Uses HBM4, "Diamond Rapids" Pairs with MRDIMM Gen 2 Memory

During the Intel AI Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Intel teased its upcoming product portfolio, featuring next-generation memory technologies. Being in Seoul, memory makers like SK Hynix are Intel's main partners for these products. Teased at the summit is Intel's upcoming AI accelerator, called "Jaguar Shores," which utilizes the next-generation HBM4 memory, offering 2.0 TB/s of bandwidth per module across 2,048 IO pins. SK Hynix plans to support this accelerator with its memory, ensuring that Intel's big data center-grade AI accelerator is equipped with the fastest memory on the market. Since the "Falcon Shores" accelerator is only intended for testing with external customers, we don't have an exact baseline to compare to, and Jaguar Shores specifications are scarce.

Next up, Intel confirmed that its upcoming seventh-generation "Diamond Rapids" Xeon processors will use the second generation of MRDIMMs (Multiplexer Rank Dual Inline Memory Modules), an upgrade from the first-generation MRDIMMs used in the Xeon 6 family. The upgrade to MRDIMMs Gen 2 will allow Intel to push transfer rates to 12,800 MT/s, up from 8,800 MT/s in Xeon 6 with MRDIMMs Gen 1. Alongside this 45% speed bump in raw transfer rates, the memory channels are jumping to 16, up from 12 in the current generation, yielding an additional bandwidth boost. Given that MRDIMMs operate by connecting more memory ranks using a multiplexer, and that these modules buffer data and commands, the increased data transfer rate comes without any additional signal degradation. As Intel is expected to pack more cores, this will be an essential piece in the toolbox to feed them and keep those cores busy on the Oak Stream platform, based on the LGA9324 socket.

Manli Releases GeForce RTX 5050 Graphics Cards

Manli Technology Group Limited is proud to announce the Manli GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card. Step up to NVIDIA Blackwell with the GeForce RTX 5050, featuring 4th-gen ray tracing and 5th-gen Tensor Cores for game-changing AI capabilities and performance in top games and apps.

Manli Design
There are 2,560 CUDA cores onboard powering the RTX 5050. It also features 8 GB of memory, and GDDR6 memory speeds of up to 20 Gbps, with 5th Gen Tensor Cores, delivering up to 421 AI TOPS. Manli offers RTX 5050 in Polar Fox & Nebula series. We sincerely invite you to experience NVIDIA Blackwell with our innovative IP characters - Polar. Plus, there's also classical and durable version - Nebula. Expect you to have a whole new adventure with Manli's graphic cards. Stay with Manli, you always have the choice!!!

Gainward Announces NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Ghost and Pegasus Graphics Cards

Gainward, a trusted leader in high-performance graphics cards, proudly announces the launch of its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 lineup. This release features the Ghost and Pegasus series with advanced cooling and exceptional durability. 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.

GeForce RTX 5050 Ghost
The Gainward GeForce RTX 5050 Ghost is built for efficiency and reliability, featuring a sleek black design with a 2-slot form factor, ensuring compatibility with small form factor builds. Its twin 95 mm fans provide effective cooling while maintaining low noise levels for optimal thermal performance. A protective backplate enhances durability and adds a premium touch, while a subtle RGB glow on the side shroud brings a refined aesthetic without being distracting. The Ghost strikes a balance between style, functionality, and value.

Palit Introduces NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Dual and StormX Series Graphics Cards

As a leading innovator in graphics card technology, Palit Microsystems Ltd. is excited to unveil its latest GeForce RTX 5050 series. 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.

GeForce RTX 5050 Dual
The Palit GeForce RTX 5050 Dual offers classic cooling efficiency in a sleek, modern black design with durable build quality. The large twin fans provide competitive cooling and quiet operation, while a compact 2-slot design suits small form factor builds.

UGREEN Unveils Retractable Series to Take the Hassle Out of Charging

On July 1, 2025, UGREEN, a global leader in consumer electronics, introduced the Nexode Retractable Series to European markets, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and seven other countries across the continent.

The UGREEN Nexode Retractable Series is designed as a hassle-free travel power kit, addressing common charging pain points including cable clutter, slow charging speeds, forgotten charging cables, and durability concerns. Drawing on direct feedback from users, UGREEN has combined built-in retractable cables with fast-charging capabilities to offer a simpler and more efficient alternative to traditional chargers. Each retractable cable is engineered for long-term reliability, standing up to over 25,000 pull tests and 10,000 bend tests.

Lexar Unveils New ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD for Creators On-the-Go

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, unveiled the revolutionary Lexar ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD, designed for mobile content creators, videographers, and photographers who demand high-performance storage on the go. The ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD offers read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s for quick file transfers and a smooth workflow. With built-in MagSafe compatibility, it easily attaches to iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro/Max, and Samsung S25. It supports Apple ProRes recording at 4K 60/120 FPS and Samsung Pro Video at 8K 30 FPS, allowing creators to bypass internal storage limitations for uninterrupted, high-quality recording directly to the drive.

Moreover, the Lexar App, compatible with all Lexar portable SSDs and works with both iOS and Android devices, makes it easy to extend phone storage with automatic photo and video backups. With an IP65 rating, this drive is dust- and water-resistant and tested to survive drops from up to 3 meters. Its durable silicone design includes a cable organizer that doubles as a lanyard. It seamlessly attaches to your MacBook using the Magnetic Attraction Plate and is compatible with a wide range of devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and game consoles—making it an excellent complement to any digital setup.

MSI Releases Custom NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Graphics Cards

MSI proudly unveils its latest lineup of graphics cards powered by the newly launched NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPUs, featuring the GAMING, VENTUS, and SHADOW series. Engineered with cutting-edge graphics technology and robust thermal solutions, these new graphics cards are built to deliver consistent, reliable performance across a wide range of gaming and creative applications. Advanced cooling technologies ensure efficient, quiet operation—even under sustained workloads—making them a trusted choice for users who prioritize stability, efficiency, and long-term value.

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. Additionally, users can harness NVIDIA NIM microservices, a suite of advanced AI models designed to help developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows—optimized for NIM-ready systems.

MSI Launches "Cool Down, Build Up" Summer Steam Promotion

MSI is thrilled to unveil its exclusive "Cool Down, Build Up" promotion, running from July 1 to September 30, 2025. This limited-time event rewards customers with Steam codes when they purchase select eligible MSI products—adding extra value and elevating your tech experience just in time for summer. As part of MSI's commitment to simplifying the PC-building process, MSI continues to lead with its EZ DIY features. These user-friendly innovations embody MSI's "One-Concept" philosophy, aimed at reducing complexity and improving functionality across motherboards, cooling solutions, power supplies, and PC cases.

New Product Launch: MPG CORELIQUID P13 360 / WHITE
In conjunction with the promotion, MSI is also introducing the MPG CORELIQUID P13 360 / WHITE, a next-gen liquid cooling solution featuring:
  • EZ Cap: Minimalist, toolless design for quick setup.
  • UNI Bracket: Easily install on Intel and AMD platforms.
  • Customizable 2.1" LCD Display: Customize with system stats, images, videos, or GIFs.

ASUS IoT Unveils R680EA-IM-Z Industrial Motherboard

ASUS IoT, a leader in AIoT solutions, today introduces R680EA-IM-Z, a high-performance industrial ATX motherboard built to empower advanced industrial applications with exceptional processing power and robust reliability. Powered by 14th Gen Intel Core processors, R680EA-IM-Z delivers up to 21%-faster CPU performance, providing the optimal foundation for AI-enabled machine vision, robotics and real-time data analysis.

Optimized for data-heavy industrial workloads, R680EA-IM-Z efficiently handles high-resolution image processing and complex algorithmic tasks. Its advanced computing capability ensures seamless integration into intelligent manufacturing and automation systems - where real-time responsiveness and unwavering reliability are essential.

AMD Software Adrenalin 25.6.3 Beta Drivers Released

AMD late Monday released the latest AMD Software Adrenalin drivers. Version 25.6.3 Beta comes with support for FSR 4 mode on "Monster Hunter Wilds" and "Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced." The drivers also fix a couple of issues. A bug that causes FSR 4 to not correctly enable on "DragonKin: The Banished," "Blades of Fire, RoadCraft," "The Alters, Star Wars Outlaws," and "S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl" on machines with Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs, has been fixed. An intermittent system- or application crash when playing "Black Myth: Wukong" on Radeon RX 7650 GRE has been fixed. Display corruption or texture flickering observed when playing "The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered" with FSR enabled on RX 9070 XT has been fixed. Grab the driver from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 25.6.3 Beta

Sharkoon Announces SKILLER SGK50 Wood Series Keyboards

Sharkoon today announced the SKILLER SGK50 Wood Series keyboards in three form-factors. With abrasion-resistant keycaps made of high-quality PBT and a stylish wooden housing, the SKILLER SGK50 Wood Series has more to offer than just a few eye-catching highlights. And thanks to hot-swap switches and keycaps, high-quality damping and a full range of customization, there is everything you would expect from a modern gaming keyboard.

For a unique and attention-seeking look, the SKILLER SGK50 Wood Series combines a stylish wooden housing with modern design elements, such as RGB illumination and a chic USB-C coiled cable. Pre-installed under the high-quality and abrasion-resistant PBT keycaps are the yellow switches from the latest Gateron generation. With an operating force of 50 ± 15 g and an immersive, linear feedback, these provide the optimal typing feel for the SKILLER SG50 Wood Series.

NVIDIA's v580 Driver Branch Ends Support for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs

NVIDIA has confirmed that its upcoming 580 driver series will be the final release to offer official updates for three of its older GPU architectures. In a recent update to its UNIX graphics deprecation schedule, the company noted that once version 580 ships, Maxwell-, Pascal-, and Volta-based products will no longer receive new drivers or patches. Although this announcement originates from NVIDIA's UNIX documentation, the unified driver codebase means Windows users will face the same cutoff. Owners of Maxwell-era GeForce GTX 700 and GTX 900 cards, Pascal's GeForce GTX 10 lineup, and the consumer-focused Volta TITAN V can expect their last set of performance optimizations and security fixes in the 580 branch.

NVIDIA further explains that ending support for these legacy chips allows its engineering teams to focus on newer hardware platforms. For example, Turing-based GeForce GTX 16 series cards will continue to receive updates beyond driver v580, ensuring gamers can benefit from the latest optimizations and stability improvements even on older platforms. First introduced between 2014 and 2017, Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs will have enjoyed eight to eleven years of official maintenance, among the longest support windows in the industry. While existing driver installations will remain operational, NVIDIA recommends that users who depend on these older cards begin planning upgrades to maintain full compatibility and access new features. At the time of this announcement, the public driver sits at version 576.80, and NVIDIA has not yet set a firm release date for the 580 series, leaving affected users a window of several months before support officially ends.
Jul 21st, 2025 03:16 CDT change timezone

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