Hardware Giveaway
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

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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.
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