The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is billed as a "casual," accessible way for people to enjoy the fun of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, regardless of where they are in the world. That said, it looks like players will also have to endure the added fun of the financial burden of the real-world Pokémon TCG if they want to be able to play the game in any serious fashion. According to one gamer's analysis posted on Reddit, however, the amount of time you'd need to invest into Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is anything but casual, clocking in at over two years of daily gameplay to unlock your first whole set.

The method used in the analysis was based on the likelihood of obtaining a new card needed to complete a card set in one of the two daily card draws available to non-premium players. Without optimizing gameplay using features, like the Points Shop or the Wonder Pick, both of which greatly increase the odds of drawing specific cards, players would need to play consecutively for 1843 days, opening a total of 3,687. Paying for a premium pass enables opening three packs a day, however, reducing that number to 1,229 days and resulting in a total bill of $404 for that period. It's only by making full use of the Wonder Pick and Points Shop that the total play time comes down to a little under two years, at a total of 655 days (around 1,310 packs). Upgrading to the premium pass reduces this, but will run up a total of $180 but reduce the amount of time significantly.

The 8th edition of the Samsung AI Forum was held on November 4th and 5th in Seoul, and among all the presentations and keynote speeches, one piece of information caught our attention. As reported by The Chosun Daily, Samsung is (again) turning its attention to Processing-in-Memory (PIM) technology, in what appears to be the company's latest attempt to keep up with its rival SK Hynix in this area. In 2021, Samsung introduced the world's first HBM-PIM, the chips showing impressive gains in performance (nearly double) while reducing energy consumption by almost 50% on average. PIM technology basically adds the processor functions necessary for computational tasks, reducing data transfer between the CPU and memory.

Now, the company hopes that PIM memory chips could replace HBM in the future, based on the advantages this next-generation memory technology possesses, mainly for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. "AI is transforming our lives at an unprecedented rate, and the question of how to use AI more responsibly is becoming increasingly important," said Samsung Electronics CEO Han Jong-hee in his opening remarks. "Samsung Electronics is committed to fostering a more efficient and sustainable AI ecosystem." During the event, Samsung also highlighted its partnership with AMD, which reportedly supplies AMD with its fifth-generation HBM, the HBM3E.

Are you ready for a productivity boost? The latest Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business edition is now available for $159.97 (reg. $249) through November 3. And it can be used on Macs and PCs. Whether you work from home, manage a small business, or just need advanced tools for personal projects, Office 2024 delivers with new and improved features across its popular suite of applications. Plus, it's a one-time purchase with no recurring subscription fees.

With applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, this software suite is designed to cater to both home users and professionals. From improving workflows to boosting team collaboration, this new version of Office provides everything you need in a clean, modern, and user-friendly interface. One of Office 2024's standout features is its enhanced performance, particularly in Excel. With this upgrade, users can manage large datasets and multiple workbooks without the lag they may have experienced in older versions. This upgrade is crucial for professionals who rely on Excel for data-heavy projects, ensuring smoother workflows and faster decision-making.

Pick up Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is now available for $159.97 (reg. $249) through November 3.

The indie developer My Little Studio has announced that the platformer Beyond The Darkness, featuring horror elements, will launch on Steam on November 14. On this day, players will enter an eerie world of memories, accompanying a young girl named Millie on her search for her parents and brother.

Beyond The Darkness is a game filled with mystery, danger, and the supernatural, where a once-cozy home has turned into a terrifying lair of monsters. The goal is to help Millie escape this nightmare world, find her parents, and flee from the lurking creatures—all with only an old lamp to keep her safe. Players will have to keep the light alive, solve puzzles, and master new mechanics. Do you have what it takes to survive in a world swallowed by darkness, fear, and monsters?

Nintendo has officially announced that its next-generation Switch console will feature backward compatibility, allowing players to use their existing game libraries on the new system. However, those eagerly awaiting the console's release may need to exercise patience as launch expectations have shifted to early 2025. On the official X account, Nintendo has announced: "At today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date."

While the original Switch evolved from a 20 nm Tegra X1 to a more power-efficient 16 nm Tegra X1+ SoC (both featuring four Cortex-A57 and four Cortex-A53 cores with GM20B Maxwell GPUs), the Switch 2 is rumored to utilize a customized variant of NVIDIA's Jetson Orin SoC, now codenamed T239. The new chip represents a significant upgrade with its 12 Cortex-A78AE cores, LPDDR5 memory, and Ampere GPU architecture with 1,536 CUDA cores, promising enhanced battery efficiency and DLSS capabilities for the handheld gaming market. With the holiday 2024 release window now seemingly off the table, the new console is anticipated to debut in the first half of 2025, marking nearly eight years since the original Switch's launch.

The latest update to CPU-Z, the popular system information and diagnostic tool, has rolled out comprehensive support for upcoming processor architectures from both AMD and Intel, along with new memory standards. Among the notable additions is support for AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which builds upon AMD's successful 3D V-Cache technology and is scheduled to launch tomorrow. The update also covers Intel's "Arrow Lake" processors, including both HX and H series variants. The Arrow Lake lineup integration spans multiple performance tiers, from the flagship Core Ultra 9 285HX down to the mainstream Core Ultra 5 series. The H-series mobile processors, including the Core Ultra 9 285H and various Ultra 7 and Ultra 5 models, are also fully supported.

Additionally, CPU-Z now recognizes Intel's complete Raptor Lake refresh, covering an extensive range of processors across different power segments. This includes the Core 7 series (160HL through 150U), Core 5 series (130HL through 120U), and Core 3 series (100HL through 100U), catering to various computing needs from high-performance to energy-efficient applications. The update extends beyond processors to support CUDIMM ((Clocked Unbuffered DIMM) DDR5 memory. CUDIMMs represent a modified DDR5 memory featuring an integrated Client Clock Driver (CKD) that generates its clock signal to minimize noise and jitter at speeds of 6400 MT/s and above, ensuring better stability and data integrity than traditional DDR5 modules.

DOWNLOAD CPU-Z 2.12 here.

Valued at $3.43 trillion against Apple's $3.38 trillion at the time of this writing, NVIDIA Corporation is now the most valuable company in the world. NVIDIA has been the hottest tech stock since 2021, as it created the most valuable IP of this decade—AI GPUs, which were ready just in time for OpenAI and ChatGPT to open its doors, jumpstarting the generative AI revolution. NVIDIA's AI GPUs didn't come to being overnight, the company had been investing in the parallel computing and HPC space since the 2000s, with its CUDA programming language that lets application exploit the SIMD parallelism of its GPUs. In the mid-2010s, the company created the Tensor core, accelerating AI, and invested heavily in AI frameworks. Some of the most fundamental research leading up to GPT was done on NVIDIA GPUs. This would lead to the big payoff in the 2020s, helping NVIDIA become a multi-trillion-dollar company. Founding CEO Jensen Huang has been NVIDIA's brains and spine throughout the company's 30+ year journey, and its success could not be possible without him at the reins.

The world's leading brand for memory modules and flash memory - ADATA Technology and its gaming brand XPG (Xtreme Performance Gear) announced today that its DDR5 CUDIMM memory has been certified compatible by the world's four leading motherboard brands - ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI's and included on their respective Qualified Vendor Lists (QVL) while supporting the latest Intel Core Ultra 2 series desktop processors.

XPG DDR5 CUDIMM gaming memory modules can be paired with Intel Z890 series motherboards from ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI. As a result of close three-party collaboration, it delivers excellent performance at all frequencies whether adopting of two or four CUDIMM memory kits. Stable high-speed performance reaches up to 9600 MT/s, significantly boosting transmission speed while system operation remains smooth and all without the need to tediously adjust system parameters. XPG DDR5 CUDIMM also demonstrates ADATA's unique IC selection technology and CKD (Clock Driver) are key components reinforcing stability and efficiency and driving memory transfer speeds to new levels. In order to further strengthen its DDR5 memory product line, ADATA announced the launch of the ADATA DDR5 CUDIMM 6400 memory module. At the same time, XPG also plans to launch new LANCER RGB DDR5 CUDIMM gaming memory at four ultra-high-speed clocks: 8,400, 8,800, 9,200 and 9,600 MT/s.

Intel's ambitious fab expansion plans, which are currently facing a temporary halt, are of significant importance. The German government, as reported by HardwareLuxx, is now considering redirecting €10 billion from the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) initially allocated to Intel, potentially returning these subsidies to the federal budget. The pause on Intel's investment to 2029-2030 (according to Tom's Hardware) not only threatens Germany's hopes of becoming one of semiconductor industry leaders but has also sparked debate over the intended use of this substantial financial support. Given the rise of geopolitical tensions, the urgency and significance of the German semiconductor industry in the current economic landscape cannot be overstated. The potential negative impact of the halt on Intel's investment is a cause for concern and engagement.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner has proposed that the funds be reallocated to address other economic needs, emphasizing fiscal responsibility amid current challenges. In contrast, Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck, whose department manages the KTF, opposes this reallocation, arguing that the fund should continue to support long-term economic growth and environmental initiatives. This disagreement between Lindner and Habeck illustrates the competing priorities within the government over the best use of public funds in uncertain economic times. The urgency of resolving this impasse is clear, as it will require navigating these tricky political waters while weighing the strategic importance of securing significant semiconductor investments in Germany. If Intel continues its Magdeburg expansion by the end of this decade, the terms for state subsidies might be changed. However, that is something to worry about in the distant future, as the blue giant has the priority of getting its financials back in line first.

ADATA has launched the Legend 860 M.2 NVMe Gen 4 SSD series, aimed at mid-range users seeking a fast and reliable storage solution for PCs, laptops, or PS5 devices. Utilizing the PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface, the Legend 860 delivers sequential read and write speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s and 5,000 MB/s, respectively—three times faster than standard PCIe Gen 3 SSDs and ten times faster than SATA SSDs.

The lineup consists of three models with capacities of 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB, each equipped with a slim aluminium heatsink. The ADATA Legend 860 utilizes 3D NAND flash chips and incorporates an SLC cache algorithm, HMB (Host Memory Buffer) technology, and an LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) error correction mechanism, providing up to 640 TB TBW (Terabytes Written). ADATA offers a 5-year limited warranty, though pricing has not yet been disclosed.

Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, has today announced the release of the MasterLiquid 360 Ion White, an all-new colorway for their premium liquid cooler. This flagship AIO cooler features the company's first LCD display and showcases the most advanced cooling technology to date.

The MasterLiquid 360 Ion White is the liquid cooler to watch for in the next generation of PC building. With the ideal combination of flagship performance and customization possibilities, as well as an all-white aesthetic for an entirely different look, the Ion is a cooling powerhouse you just can't look away from.

GlobalFoundries Inc. (GF) today announced preliminary financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Key Third Quarter Financial Highlights

• Revenue of $1.739 billion
• Gross margin of 23.8% and Non-IFRS gross margin of 24.7%
• Operating margin of 10.6% and Non-IFRS operating margin of 13.6%
• Net income of $178 million and Non-IFRS net income of $229 million
• Non-IFRS adjusted EBITDA of $627 million
• Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $4.3 billion
• Year to date net cash provided by operating activities of $1,265 million and Non-IFRS adjusted free cash flow of $779 million

Phanteks has launched the new Glacier EZ Fit Water-Cooling system to bring a new, easy way to create both soft and hard water loops perfect for DIY projects. Phanteks has always strived to bring innovation to the enthusiast market, and the Glacier EZ Fit Water-Cooling System is the next step in high-level performance. All fittings in the Glacier EZ Fit Water-Cooling System are integrated into the cooling components and let users combine hard and soft tube in the same loop. Each of the Glacier EZ Fit Water-Cooling System components are made using the best copper, acrylic and aluminium materials using CNC machines for ultimate precision and performance.

Corsair today announced the immediate release of the MP700 ELITE series of PCIe 5.0 SSDs. These new drives bring the next generation of storage technologies to mainstream markets, offering incredible performance and reliability at a more affordable price point. The MP700 ELITE boasts incredible sequential read speeds of up to 10,000 MB/sec and sequential write speeds of up to 8,500 MB/sec, powered by the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 x4 controller. This leap in performance ensures users can experience faster boot times, quicker game loads, and seamless file transfers, taking their overall computing experience to new heights.

Featuring High-Density 3D TLC NAND, the MP700 ELITE series provides the perfect blend of performance and endurance, keeping your system running smoothly for years. With support for Microsoft DirectStorage, these drives can communicate directly with your graphics card, significantly reducing load times for compatible games and enhancing gameplay.

A new ultraportable notebook model powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series "Strix Point" processor coming this December, will feature LPDDR5X-8000 memory, a memory speed above the LPDDR5-7500 that was standard for the processor. Hoang Anh Phu did some digging, and found that AMD has quietly updated the product pages of these processors on its website, now showing support for LPDDR5X-8000. Older versions of these pages accessed by The Wayback Machine showed them to mention 7500 MT/s as the top speed for LPDDR5X.

While regular DDR5 SO-DIMM speeds remain unchanged at dual-channel DDR5-5600, it's pertinent to note that mainstream and enthusiast-segment gaming notebooks tend to use faster DDR5 SO-DIMMs than spec using OEM-level memory overclocking, however, LPDDR5X speeds do not tend to be higher than what the processor is capable of. An OEM would only use LPDDR5X-8000 chips if the processor officially supports it, which it now does with this stealthy specs update. The notebook in question is an HP EliteBook X G1a, a 14-inch premium ultraportable that not just uses LPDDR5X-8000 with "Strix Point" processors, but also seems to have overclocked its NPU. By AMD's specs, the XDNA 2 NPU should be capable of 50 TOPS, but HP has stepped its performance up by 10%.

Kensington, a worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals, today announced the launch of SD5768T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station with Thunderbolt Share, enabling professionals, creators, and gamers to take advantage of the high-speed, low-latency, multi-PC benefits of Thunderbolt Share using their existing Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 Windows laptops and desktops.

The SD5768T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, paired with the Thunderbolt Share software, is a powerful tool for Creators. It boosts efficiency and refines workflows by enabling simultaneous use of two PCs, sharing features like screen, keyboard, mouse, and storage. Additionally, it facilitates quick file transfers between PCs. Gamers will find value in the exceptional performance and the adaptability it offers for setting up multiple PCs with their preferred keyboard, mouse, storage, and monitors. For everyday consumers and business users, the convenience of effortlessly sharing common PC peripherals between PCs for enhanced ergonomics is a significant advantage

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is excited to announce the global release of the TOUGHFAN EX12/14 Pro High Static Pressure PC Cooling Fan - Swappable Edition (3-Fan Pack) in a brand-new White color. With its MagForce 2.0 system and pristine aesthetic, this latest edition is perfect for those looking to build sleek, high-performance non-RGB setups. The new White finish offers a clean, modern look, bringing elegance to any build. Whether you're assembling an all-white rig or want to add a fresh, minimalist touch to your current system, the TOUGHFAN EX12/14 Pro White offers the perfect blend of style and function.

At the core of the TOUGHFAN EX12/14 Pro White is the MagForce 2.0 Quick Connect Design. This upgraded system uses larger pogo pin contact pads, ensuring perfect fan alignment with each magnetic connection. Whether you're daisy-chaining fans or reducing cable clutter, this design makes installation simpler and more efficient. Equipped with a swappable fan blade design, the TOUGHFAN EX Pro gives users the flexibility to switch between standard and reverse blades, allowing the front of the fan to face forward in any configuration. Plus, the fan blades are designed for easy removal, making maintenance as simple as popping them out for cleaning and popping them back in.

Polish desktop memory and storage brand IRDM introduces the revolutionary IRDM PRO GEN 5 SSD. This device, based on the latest PCIe 5.0 interface, meets the rapidly growing demands of gamers and professionals who expect maximum performance in the most demanding tasks. The SSD combines cutting-edge technologies, including the innovative Graphreeze cooling system based on graphene. This ensures both exceptional performance and stability under extreme operating conditions.

Incredible PCIe 5.0 speed and performance
The IRDM PRO GEN 5 represents a true revolution in data transfer speeds. With a read speed of up to 12,000 MB/s, the drive almost doubles the numbers of PCIe 4.0 standard, making it the ideal solution for demanding users. These parameters ensure that gamers can enjoy lightning-fast game load times and smooth transitions between sequences. Meanwhile, video editors working with high-resolution content (4K and 8K) or those who have to handle with large databases will appreciate reduction in time needed for large file operations.

The battles of operating systems continue, and one fight is internal to the Microsoft Windows user base. Recent data from StatCounter shows that Windows 11 now accounts for 35.58% of Windows installations as of October 2024, recording a modest 3% increase. Meanwhile, Windows 10 continues to power most Windows computers, with a 61% market share. The gradual shift toward Windows 11 comes as Microsoft pushes software updates and hardware partnerships. Large organizations have begun adopting the newer OS, drawn to its updated security features. These include mandatory secure boot protocols and improved protection against credential theft, addressing growing cybersecurity concerns. For individual users, Windows 11 offers updated gaming capabilities through DirectStorage and a redesigned interface. However, many still prefer Windows 10's established stability and broader compatibility with existing hardware and software. Microsoft's recent announcement of a $30 yearly Extended Security Updates subscription acknowledges this divide.

Starting in October 2025, when Windows 10's standard support ends, users can purchase these updates to maintain security protections. Unlike previous programs restricted to business customers, this subscription will be available to all users. The move to Windows 11 faces a significant hurdle: strict system requirements that exclude many older computers. While these standards aim to ensure better performance and security, they effectively prevent many current Windows 10 users from upgrading. Microsoft's plan to add new AI features like Recall and Copilot to Windows 11 could attract more users. Still, the transition largely depends on hardware replacement cycles and users' willingness to adapt to a new system. As Microsoft manages both operating systems, its strategy reflects the challenge of maintaining existing Windows 10 installations while encouraging gradual migration to Windows 11.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing and storage solutions innovator, today unveiled the compact 1U rackmount 4-bay NAS TS-433eU, which offers small to midsize businesses and organizations an affordable edge storage and backup solution. With a sleek 1U design and a depth only of 11.51 inches (292.3 mm), the TS-433eU easily fits into space-constrained environments. "The TS-433eU offers more than just reliable backup and restore capabilities. Its NPU-empowered processor, 2.5GbE connectivity, and USB storage expansion work together seamlessly in AI-powered photo management, Docker container applications, and surveillance system deployment, meeting diverse business needs" said Jerry Deng, Product Manager at QNAP.

The TS-433eU features four 3.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s drive bays, fulfilling business demands in storage, file sharing, synchronization, and data protection for boosted daily work productivity. It also supports efficient backup from various sources, including PCs, servers, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. Users can also enable remote backup to another NAS or the immutable myQNAPcloud Storage. Snapshots offers comprehensive data protection and recovery, safeguarding against ransomware threats. Additionally, users can run Docker containers on the TS-433eU to deploy various microservices, or create a video surveillance system to safeguard working environments.

Team Group Inc.'s gaming brand, T-FORCE, has announced the launch of its new fan series, including the T-FORCE RT-S120, T-FORCE RT-S140, and T-FORCE RT-X140 ARGB fans. Developed by a dedicated team of experts, this series is designed to elevate overall system cooling performance and ensure stable operation of internal hardware, even under high-speed conditions. These innovative fans provide an exceptional heat dissipation solution, solving overheating issues caused by intense operation and delivering gamers an unparalleled gaming experience.

The T-FORCE RT-S120 and RT-S140 fans feature a distinctive seven-blade and nine-blade ring blade design (RBD), respectively, while the RT-X140 ARGB fan comes with motherboard lighting control software support, offering vivid lighting effects that enhance the immersive gaming atmosphere. All three fans are equipped with an advanced shock absorber design to maintain high airflow pressure while minimizing noise and vibration, enabling quiet operation over extended periods. In addition, the fans utilize long-life sleeve bearings that last up to 50,000 hours and are completely sealed to prevent dust and lubricant leakage for stable performance at high speeds. The fans also support PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) smart fan control, which automatically adjusts fan speed based on temperature to provide optimal cooling while balancing energy efficiency and durability, making them the ideal solution for gaming rigs.

Thanks to a recent report from VideoCardz, we learned that AMD has introduced a series of prebuilt desktop computers in China featuring their new Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. The systems are being sold through AMD's store on JD.com rather than through traditional computer manufacturers. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, which launches November 7 at $479, will be the centerpiece of these systems. For the components, AMD partnered with several manufacturers: ASUS supplies motherboards and graphics cards, Thermalright provides the 360 mm 360 Frozen Infinity AIO liquid cooling system, and LOONGTR makes the computer cases, which include Ryzen branding. The company is offering seven different configurations. Each system includes 32 GB of DDR5-6000 memory and uses an ASUS TUF Gaming B650M-Plus motherboard with 1 TB storage, except for one model with a Prime X670E-Pro motherboard with 2 TB storage.

Prices range from $1,000 for the base model without a graphics card to $2,100 for the version with AMD's RX 7900 XTX graphics card. Some models include NVIDIA graphics cards instead of AMD's own, specifically the RTX 4070 Super and RTX 4070 Ti Super. The computers will be available starting November 7, just before Singles' Day on November 11, a major shopping event in China. It overlaps with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D launch, given that it is the heart of the system. AMD already sells other prebuilt systems in the Chinese market, including models with various Ryzen processors and graphics cards, such as the China-only RX 6750 GRE.

Many gamers have been skeptical of the recently announced Sony PS5 Pro since the day it was announced, largely due to the high price and the perceived lack of meaningful improvements. It seemed to many as though the PS5 Pro was simply a meaningless mid-cycle cash-grab with a few extra features tacked onto the top, however, it looks like Sony and its development partners have put in the work to make the PS5 Pro experience fresh and worthwhile. According to a new post on the official PlayStation Blog, the new console will launch with at least 50 confirmed "Enhanced" games.

What exactly Sony means by Enhanced is rather nebulous, since many of the Enhanced games for the PS5 Pro have a mishmash of different Pro features. For example, Resident Evil Village gets the full 120 FPS treatment, while Horizon Forbidden West only gets a bump up to 4K at 60 FPS. Stellar Blade, on the other hand, only gets an FPS boost to 80 FPS or 50 FPS at 4K. It's likely that, like Stellar Blade, all the titles aiming for higher refresh rates on the PS5 Pro are using some mix of PSSR, dedicated AI acceleration, and traditional rasterization rendering techniques to achieve the increased frame rates. Both The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us II Remastered will run at 60 FPS on the PS5 Pro, but they will render at 1440p and use PSSR to upscale to 4K output.

SMART Modular Technologies, a global leader in integrated memory solutions, solid-state drives, and hybrid storage products, today announced its new ruggedized T6EN PCIe/NVMe flash drives for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. This new family of SSDs is available in U.2, E1.S and M.2 2280 form factors, enabling flexibility for end users based on their specific application and configuration needs. These T6EN SSDs offer capacities up to 15 TB (terabytes) for the U.2 version and up to 8 TB for the E1.S and M.2-2280 versions. All three versions utilize 3D TLC flash memory.

"Our new T6EN SSDs deliver a rich, ruggedized feature set coupled with our proprietary security algorithms, erase trigger, and hardware write-protection," explains Mike Guzzo, senior director of SMART's RUGGED line of flash products. Delivering a more robust SSD starts at the design stage, where SMART specifies higher margins for routing of signals, thicker PCBs, and more durable enclosures. During the engineering and development process, SMART selectively sources only the highest reliability components and performs deep integration testing - including 8-hour burn-in testing under wide degrees of temperature variation - to ensure conformance with all requirements for secure, ruggedized storage.

AAEON Technology Inc. (stock code: 6579), a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial and embedded computers, today announced the release of the BOXER-8642AI, a fanless embedded AI computer featuring eight independent 10 Gbps USB ports, powered by either a 32 GB or 64 GB NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin module.
Built for the smart retail market, the BOXER-8642AI is able to support multiple Intel RealSense D405 3D cameras for high and wide bandwidth image processing to facilitate inferencing tasks conducive to applications such as AI-assisted self-checkout kiosks.

The BOXER-8642AI's design is suitable for reliable, around-the-clock operation in various retail environments, as indicated by its 12 V to 24 V power input range and -25°C and 55°C temperature tolerance. Moreover, AAEON claims the device's standout feature, its selection of 10 Gbps USB ports, have been tested to ensure they can withstand continuous on/off cycling while maintaining a drop-rate of less than 0.1%.

KLEVV, the leading consumer memory and storage brand introduced by Essencore, is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new URBANE V RGB DDR5 Gaming/OC memory. Ideal for advanced content creation and professional gaming. Inspired by the traditional bow and arrow, the URBANE V RGB DDR5 Gaming/OC memory captures the essence of speed, stability, and precision. It effortlessly blends style and functionality, with flowing curves evoking a bow, sleek white aesthetics reminiscent of a quill, and precision of archery portraying its cutting-edge hardware built for accuracy, symbolizing limitless potential—making it a perfect fit for any build.

Crafted from premium components, it features a 2 mm-thick aluminium heat sink with sleek linear grooves, refined curved edges, and a low-profile height of 42.5 mm, ensuring superior cooling efficiency and eye-catching aesthetics. Engineered with precision, it optimizes heat dissipation to regulate temperatures during intense gaming. Fully customizable RGB lighting offers 16 million colors and synchronized effects, seamlessly integrating with major motherboard RGB software for limitless personalization.

It looks like the single-platform exclusive era that has plagued the gaming industry since the 2010s is coming to an end. The writing has been on the wall for a while, with Square Enix already previously confirming that its games would be launching earlier on both PC and Xbox, but now, the game studio has confirmed that more of its titles will be launching to more platforms simultaneously. This comes after Ubisoft made a similar announcement regarding the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows after a delay and a bit of controversy.

The news from Square Enix broke in an interview with Japanese outlet 4gamer.net, with Square Enix's Naoki Yoshida confirming that the strategy has proven beneficial in terms of attracting more players to the company's games, further explaining that PC is the largest audience for gaming. The game Yoshida was specifically addressing in the interview was the upcoming Fantasian Neo Dimension—an upcoming CRPG developed by Mistwalker Corporation and published by Square Enix, with a planned multi-platform launch on December 5, 2024—but Yoshida seems to imply that this new policy will apply to more games going forward. It appears that both the announcement by Square Enix and Ubisoft are driven by commercial motivations.

The United States Supreme Court is about to decide on two cases brought by NVIDIA and Meta (Facebook) to avoid legal action against them for fraud on securities. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear NVIDIA's arguments on November 13 regarding the dismissal attempt of the securities class action lawsuit. Swedish investment firm E. Ohman J:or Fonder AB claims NVIDIA misled investors in 2017-2018 by understating its revenue dependency on cryptocurrency mining. NVIDIA's stand lies in the plaintiff's failure to meet the criteria established by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Earlier this year, NVIDIA settled with the U.S. regulatory authority to pay $5.5 million to settle charges about the poor reporting of crypto mining's impact on its gaming segment.

The Supreme Court is also set to adjudicate the case brought by Facebook to dismiss the securities lawsuit where investors led by Amalgamated Bank accused the company of deceiving them by not revealing a 2015 data breach that involved Cambridge Analytica and which, in turn, affected more than 30 million users. The case came to the fore after Facebook's stock tanked in the light of reports about Cambridge Analytica's misuse of user data during the 2016 Trump campaign. Facebook maintains it wasn't obliged to disclose past breaches in risk statements, as these are supposedly forward-looking. The company had previously paid $100 million in penalty to the SEC and $5 billion to the FTC over the same issue. Recently, three Supreme Court decisions in June had eroded federal regulators, namely the SEC which is the principal regulator of securities fraud, and appear to bring more limitations to the power of private plaintiffs to be able to enforce federal rules set out for corporate misconduct.

We are days away from the official November 7 launch of AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU with 3D V-Cache, and we are already seeing some estimates of the speedup compared to the last-generation Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU. According to a Geekbench submission discovered by Everest (Olrak29_) on X, the upcoming AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been spotted running at a clock speed of 5.46 GHz. This is a 260 MHz increase from the official boost frequency of 5.2 GHz, which indicates overclocking has been applied. If readers recall, the last generations of X3D processors had overclocking disabled, and this time, things are looking different thanks to the compute die being placed on top of SRAM. AMD attributes this to CCD being closer to the heat spreader instead of memory and allowing it to spread heat more effectively, ensuring a stable overclock.

Regarding performance, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D outperforms its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, by an impressive 27.4% in the single-core Geekbench v6 test and 26.8% in the multicore test. The last generation CPU scored 2,726 points in single-core and 15,157 points in multicore tests, while the new Zen 5 design has managed to produce 3,473 points in single-core and 19,216 in multicore tests. These results are approximately 27% improvement over the Zen 4, suggesting that the Zen 5 architecture benefits greatly from better SRAM bandwidth and capacity. While these results only come from synthetic benchmarks, they give us a picture of what to expect from this CPU. We have to wait for more real-world test cases to fully conclude the improvement factor.

Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure and cloud-powered networking solutions, is launching its new XGS1935 series of Lite-L3 smart managed switches to meet the growing connectivity and sustainability needs of small businesses.

The XGS1935 series delivers improvements in energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions, while providing hassle-free and affordable 10GbE migration with high-performance switching technology.

GlobalFoundries faces a $500,000 fine from the US Commerce Department for breaching export controls by shipping $17.1 million worth of chips to SJ Semiconductor (SJS), a blacklisted Chinese firm affiliated with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). The company made 74 unauthorized shipments between February 2021 and October 2022, delivering nearly 5,700 wafers. The chipmaker attributed the violation to a data entry error in its Oracle trade management system, where SJS was incorrectly recorded under a direct customer's shipping details. While SJS had previously handled GlobalFoundries' chips as a third-party assembly provider, both SJS and SMIC were placed on the Entity List in 2020 due to suspected military ties.

GlobalFoundries received a significantly reduced fine due to its voluntary disclosure and cooperation avoiding a potential fine of up to $34.2 million. "GlobalFoundries' voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) and extensive cooperation throughout the investigation resulted in a significant reduction in the monetary penalty, which is the main incentive of our VSD policies," said John Sonderman, director of the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) within the Commerce Department. The incident comes as the company anticipates $1.5 billion in CHIPS Act funding for manufacturing expansion. For comparison, the department previously fined Seagate $300 million in April 2023 for shipping $1.1 billion worth of drives to Huawei.

SK hynix announced the first 48 GB 16-high HBM3E in the industry at the SK AI Summit in Seoul today. During the event, news came out about newer plans to develop their next-gen memory tech. Reuters and ZDNet Korea reported that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang asked SK hynix to speed up their HBM4 delivery by six months. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won shared this info at the Summit. The company had earlier said they would give HBM4 chips to customers in the second half of 2025.

When ZDNet asked about this sped-up plan, SK hynix President Kwak Noh-Jung gave a careful answer saying "We will give it a try." A company spokesperson told Reuters that this new schedule would be quicker than first planned, but they didn't share more details. In a video interview shown at the Summit, NVIDIA's Jensen Huang pointed out the strong team-up between the companies. He said working with SK hynix has helped NVIDIA go beyond Moore's Law performance gains. He stressed that NVIDIA will keep needing SK hynix's HBM tech for future products. SK hynix plans to supply the latest 12-layer HBM3E to an undisclosed customer this year, and will start sampling of the 16-layer HBM3E early next year.

Even as AMD is giving final touches the 2nd generation Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor for gaming handhelds with a wacky 3+5 CPU core-configuration, some manufacturers like OneXPlayer couldn't wait, and went ahead to implement the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 mobile processor with a cTDP of 15 W. On the upside, the HX 370 is better kitted out than the Z2 Extreme, having all 12 cores enabled (4+8), but on the downside, it lacks much of the power optimization AMD put into the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. The OneXFly F1 Pro implements the Ryzen AI HX 370, and packs a 7-inch Full HD 144 Hz touchscreen. It was recently benchmarked by One-Netbook, where it yielded some surprising results, including a 58 FPS average frame-rate in "Black Myth Wukong" with low settings.

Kovan Yang set a new memory frequency record of DDR5-12196 (6097.6 MHz). This was possible with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K with 2P+0E configuration running at a low 400 MHz, an MSI MEG Z890 Unify-X motherboard, and a single Kingston FURY Renegade 24 GB CKD module. The sub-timings achieved were 48-120-120-127-2. Not much else is known about the feat, such as the cooling or DRAM voltages used. The 5°C CPU temperature reading in the CPU-Z validation page suggests that an extreme cooling solution is being used. The Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-S" processor and Z890 platform, when paired with CUDIMMs (DDR5 DIMMs with client clock drivers) yield extreme memory overclocking capabilities, with several initial memory OC records breaching the 12000 MT/s mark. The HWBOT page can be accessed here, and the CPU-Z Validation page here.

Polartherm, the latest name in Thermal Interface Materials, has launched to deliver high performance Thermal Pastes at an accessible price point. Formulated for DIY Builders, PC Gamers and everyday users to achieve efficient heat transfer between critical components.

With today's processors and graphics cards requiring more power and operating much closer to their thermal limits every degree counts. Polartherm has entered the market to enable everyone to get the most from their cooling solutions, by offering products that provide high quality, straightforward application and durability at competitive prices.

GEEKOM, a Taiwanese tech company also known as the Green Mini PC Global Leader, just released its first model powered by an Intel Alder Lake-N series SoC. The GEEKOM Mini Air12 Lite is a tiny desktop PC with an Intel N100 quad-core processor, DDR4-3200 RAM, a PCIe Gen 3 SSD, and support for dual displays. The mini PC is now available on Amazon and GEEKOM's official website.

The Mini Air12 Lite measures 135.5 x 115.5 x 34.5 mm (0.5L) and weighs about 1 kilogram. It features a single SO-DIMM slot which supports up to 16 GB of DDR4-3200 MHz memory, and an M.2 2280 slot that can accommodate a PCIe 3.0 or SATA SSD of up to 1 TB. The mini PC runs on a licensed copy of Windows 11 Pro out of the box.

ASUS today announced the TUF Gaming A2 SSD enclosure for gamers seeking a superfast and reliable storage solution. The enclosure features USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity to deliver data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps—twice that of TUF Gaming A1. With IP68-rated water- and dust-resistance plus durability that meets U.S. MIL-STD-810H standards, TUF Gaming A2 keeps the SSD safe in almost any environment. Additionally, its silicone-rubber exterior provides superior on-the-go protection for the SSD. The Q-Latch mechanism allows for easy, tool-free SSD installation, while an efficient thermal management system ensures outstanding cooling to ensure consistent performance. With broad compatibility across PC, Mac, mobile devices, and the latest game consoles, TUF Gaming A2 is perfect for anyone looking to maintain an extensive library of games.

Exceptional SSD performance
TUF Gaming A2 doubles the data transfer speeds of its predecessor, TUF Gaming A1, with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity delivering up to 20 Gbps of bandwidth. Even though the latest AAA titles often exceed 100 GB in size, it takes just 90 seconds to transfer an entire game from the SSD to a console such as ROG Ally, or to any other popular gaming platform. When it comes to installing or removing the M.2 SSD, the innovative Q-Latch makes it easy, without requiring specific tools. The latch design employs a simple locking mechanism to secure the drive, so there's no need for screws. Additionally, TUF Gaming A2 features both PCIe NVMe and SATA interfaces, and can accommodate various 2242/2260/2280 SSD form factors while providing up to 4 TB of storage capacity.

Shuttle is expanding its successful XPC slim product line to include four new Mini-PC Barebones: DS50U, DS50U3, DS50U5 and DS50U7. These models embrace modern technology and offer impressive performance while taking up minimal space. In a compact 1.3-liter format and with a thermally optimized, fanless chassis, the new devices are perfect for use in noise-sensitive environments.

Each model in the range has a soldered processor and is optimized specifically to suit different requirements:

• DS50U - The entry-level model: Equipped with an Intel Celeron processor of the 12th generation (Celeron 7305) and up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U3 - The sprinter: With an Intel Core i3 processor of the 13th generation (Core i3-1315U) and support for up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U5 - The powerful model: Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor of the 13th generation (Core i5-1334U), also designed for up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U7 - The record holder: The most powerful model in this range with an Intel Core i7 processor of the 13th generation (Core i7-1355U) and up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announces the Razer Viper V3 Pro Sentinels Edition. This special edition mouse, created in collaboration with Sentinels, one of the most renowned and successful esports teams in VALORANT, combines cutting-edge technology with iconic design, offering fans and gamers alike a piece of competitive gaming history. This follows the Viper V3 Pro's celebrated status as the #1 mouse in VALORANT on Prosettings.net for three consecutive months (August - October 2024), following its launch in April this year emphasizing its dominance in the esports scene.

A Winning Collaboration
Sentinels, known for their triumph at VCT 2024 Masters Madrid and consistent top performances, brings a legacy of success and resilience to this partnership. The Viper V3 Pro Sentinels Edition, featuring the team's striking red color scheme and logo, symbolizes the spirit and determination of a champion. "Partnering with Razer to create the Viper V3 Pro Sentinels Edition has been an exhilarating experience," said Rob Moore, CEO of Sentinels. "This collaboration represents our commitment to equipping our players and fans with the best gaming tools available."

AMD and Fujitsu Limited today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a strategic partnership to create computing platforms for AI and high-performance computing (HPC). The partnership, encompassing aspects from technology development to commercialization, will seek to facilitate the creation of open source and energy efficient platforms comprised of advanced processors with superior power performance and highly flexible AI/HPC software and aims to accelerate open-source AI and/or HPC initiatives.

Due to the rapid spread of AI, including generative AI, cloud service providers and end-users are seeking optimized architectures at various price and power per performance configurations. From end-to-end, AMD supports an open ecosystem, and strongly believes in giving customers choice. Fujitsu has worked to develop FUJITSU-MONAKA, a next-generation Arm-based processor that aims to achieve both high performance and low power consumption. With FUJITSU-MONAKA, together with AMD Instinct accelerators, customers have an additional choice to achieve large-scale AI workload processing to whilst attempting to reduce the data center total cost of ownership.

The holiday season is here! MSI's Ultra Connect to New ERA Steam Code Promotion is your gateway to free Steam codes with our latest, most powerful products. Don't miss out - join now and gear up for an unforgettable gaming holiday!

About EZ-DIY Features - Motherboard, Liquid Cooling, PC Case
MSI has unveiled a new lineup of DIY-friendly products designed to simplify PC building for everyone, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. The X870 (E) & Z890 motherboards come equipped with the EZ M.2 CLIP II, which enables quick, tool-free M.2 SSD installation, along with the EZ PCIe Release for easy and secure graphics card removal at the push of a button. The MAG CORELIQUID I series liquid cooling system features a universal UNI Bracket compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets. Its pre-installed fans simplify cable management to just one cable, while optional cable covers provide a clean and personalized look. Additionally, MSI's MAG PANO series PC cases offer tool-free panels on the front, side, and top, ensuring unrestricted access for adding side fans or radiators. MSI's user-friendly lineup aims to make PC building smoother, faster, and more enjoyable for everyone.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, has launched an industrial-grade 16-port full 10GbE L2 managed switch, the QSW-IM3216-8S8T. The rugged industrial case provides eight 10GbE SFP+ fiber and eight 10GbE RJ45 Multi-Gig ports, allowing flexible rackmount, desktop, or wall-mounted installations. It can connect NAS, SNMP, and AV-over-IP devices, making it ideal for deployment in a range of environments to achieve factory automation, smart manufacturing, and meet the diverse needs of smart cities, automotive industry, and traffic monitoring.

"Targeting the Industry 5.0 market which implements AI smart manufacturing, the QSW-IM3216-8S8T assists users in building reliable and secure high-speed 10GbE network infrastructure within an economical budget," said Jerry Deng, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "we also recommend pairing it with the TS-i410X Industrial NAS to create a high-speed data transmission and storage solution for smart factories."

As we entered November, Valve just finished processing data for October in its monthly update of Steam Hardware and Software Survey, showcasing trend changes in the largest gaming community. And according to October data, AMD's discrete GPUs are not exactly in the best place. In the top 20 most commonly used GPUs, not a single discrete SKU was based on AMD. All of them included NVIDIA as their primary GPU choice. However, there is some change to AMD's entries, as the Radeon RX 580, which used to be the most popular AMD GPU, just got bested by the Radeon RX 6600 as the most common choice for AMD gamers. The AMD Radeon RX 6600 now holds 0.98% of the GPU market.

NVIDIA's situation paints a different picture, as the top 20 spots are all occupied by NVIDIA-powered gamers. The GeForce RTX 3060 remains the most popular GPU at 7.46% of the GPU market, but the number two spot is now held by the GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at 5.61%. This is an interesting change since this NVIDIA GPU was in third place, right behind the regular GeForce RTX 4060 for desktops. However, laptop gamers are in abundance, and they are showing their strength, placing the desktop GeForce RTX 4060 in third place, recording 5.25% usage.

According to DigiTimes, NVIDIA is reportedly targeting the high-end segment for its first consumer CPU attempt. Slated to arrive in 2025, NVIDIA is partnering with MediaTek to break into the AI PC market, currently being popularized by Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD. With Microsoft and Qualcomm laying the foundation for Windows-on-Arm (WoA) development, NVIDIA plans to join and leverage its massive ecosystem of partners to design and deliver regular applications and games for its Arm-based processors. At the same time, NVIDIA is also scheduled to launch "Blackwell" GPUs for consumers, which could end up in these AI PCs with an Arm CPU at its core.

NVIDIA's partner, MediaTek, has recently launched a big core SoC for mobile called Dimensity 9400. NVIDIA could use something like that as a base for its SoC and add its Blackwell IP to the mix. This would be similar to what Apple is doing with its Apple Silicon and the recent M4 Max chip, which is apparently the fastest CPU in single-threaded and multithreaded workloads, as per recent Geekbench recordings. For NVIDIA, the company already has a team of CPU designers that delivered its Grace CPU to enterprise/server customers. Using off-the-shelf Arm Neoverse IP, the company's customers are acquiring systems with Grace CPUs as fast as they are produced. This puts a lot of hope into NVIDIA's upcoming AI PC, which could offer a selling point no other WoA device currently provides, and that is tried and tested gaming-grade GPU with AI accelerators.

Early benchmark results have revealed Apple's newest M4 Max processor as a serious competitor to Arm-based CPUs from Qualcomm and even the best of x86 from Intel and AMD. Recent Geekbench 6 tests conducted on the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro showcase considerable improvements over both its predecessor and rival chips from major competitors. The M4 Max achieved an impressive single-core score of 4,060 points and a multicore score of 26,675 points, marking significant advancements in processing capability. These results represent approximately 30% and 27% improvements in single-core and multicore performance, respectively, compared to the previous M3 Max. This is also much higher than something like Snapdragon X Elite, which tops out at twelve cores per SoC. When measured against x86 competitors, the M4 Max also demonstrates substantial advantages.

The chip outperforms Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K by 19% in single-core and 16% in multicore tests, surpassing AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X by 18% in single-core and 25% in multicore performance. Notably, these achievements come with significantly lower power consumption than traditional x86 processors. The flagship system-on-chip features a sophisticated 16-core CPU configuration, combining twelve performance and four efficiency cores. Additionally, it integrates 40 GPU cores and supports up to 128 GB of unified memory, shared between CPU and GPU operations. The new MacBook Pro line also introduces Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, enabling data transfer speeds up to 120 Gb/s. While the M4 Max presents an impressive response to the current market, we have yet to see its capabilities in real-world benchmarks, as these types of synthetic runs are only a part of the performance story that Apple has prepared. We need to see productivity, content creation, and even gaming benchmarks to fully crown it the king of performance. Below is a table comparing Geekbench v6 scores, courtesy of Tom's Hardware, and a random Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-00-1DE) run in top configuration.

Just last week, AMD announced the arrival of its upcoming Ryzen 9000 series of CPUs with 3D V-Cache for November 7. However, we might be in for a treat, as AMD could be preparing Threadripper 9000WX/X series of CPUs with 3D V-Cache. According to VideoCardz, the ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE board appears to include an intriguing feature in its settings—there's a configuration option related to 3D V-Cache control, though this setting currently doesn't have any practical application with the available Threadripper 7000WX and 7000X processors. The presence of this setting hasn't been officially documented by ASUS, showing that this feature could indeed end up in future iterations of Threadripper processors, namely the 9000WX/X series.

AMD currently offers 3D V-Cache treatment in its high-end Genoa-X CPUs, with up to 96 cores and 192 threads, and 1,152 MB of L3 cache. These CPUs were praised for their capabilities in the high-performance computing sector, performing calculations at unprecedented rates thanks to the massive cache size and bandwidth. If AMD decides to opt-in for the HEDT market with 3D V-Cache, we might see an appearance with the upcoming Threadripper generation. However, right now, it is only speculation based on undocumented features in ASUS's high-end board. Even if these CPUs are planned, we are not near their launch as the priority is launching and shipping the consumer-oriented Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU on November 7.

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced the full compatibility of its OWC Thunderbolt 5 innovations—including its OWC Envoy Ultra SSD and OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cables—with the latest Mac mini powered by the new M4 Pro chip and MacBook Pro powered by the M4 Pro and M4 Max family of chips. With these cutting-edge OWC solutions, Apple users are empowered to unlock the full potential of Thunderbolt 5, and enjoy a new era of speed, reliability, and connectivity.

"Thunderbolt 5 unlocks a new world of possibilities for users, and OWC is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting evolution," said Larry O'Connor, CEO and Founder, Other World Computing (OWC). "With the Envoy Ultra SSD and our Thunderbolt 5 cables, we're giving Mac Mini and MacBook Pro users the speed, reliability, and power they need to push their workflows further than ever before - whether they're editing 8K video, managing massive data sets, or just staying connected on the go." He continued, "And, don't blink - because OWC is set to roll out even more Thunderbolt 5 innovations, including the powerful OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, set for release in November."

ORICO, an industry-leading brand in data storage solutions, is proud to announce the launch of Dual-Bay Dock for both an M.2 SSD and a SATA HDD, featuring up to 30 TB hybrid storage and two-way data duplication. The dock greatly streamlines the workflow of professionals, enterprises, DIY PC assemble teams and more who need to move and manage extensive data.

Unlike another drive dock, this ORICO dock brings complete compatibility and multi-functionality. It supports an 8 TB M.2 SSD and a 22 TB HDD (total of 30 TB). For professionals, it effectively addresses the hardware upgrade from hard drives to solid-state drives while enabling the fast transfer of hot data to cold data, and provides users with great convenience in cross-protocol data backup.

SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung, during his keynote speech titled "A New Journey in Next-Generation AI Memory: Beyond Hardware to Daily Life" at SK AI Summit in Seoul, made public development of the industry's first 48 GB 16-high - the world's highest number of layers followed by the 12-high product—HBM3E. Kwak also shared the company's vision to become a "Full Stack AI Memory Provider", or a provider with a full lineup of AI memory products in both DRAM and NAND spaces, through close collaboration with interested parties.

Welcome to the first full week of the month of November, which means colder and darker weather for the northern hemisphere, also known as a perfect time to play some games. This week things are a tad slower and this week's major release is a VR version of a famous franchise that takes place inside a metro system. This is followed by some touch typing, slugs made out of metal, roller coasters, loads of ants and finally some post-apocalyptic strategy. As always, this is just a small selection of what launches this coming week.

Metro Awakening / This week's major release / VR game / Thursday 7 November
Metro Awakening is a story-driven first person adventure built for VR that blends atmospheric exploration, stealth and combat in the most immersive Metro experience yet. Don your gas mask, brave the crippling radiation and venture into the depths of the Metro where threats haunt your every step. Steam link

Windblown has not even been out in Steam Early Access for a week, and already community feedback is changing the new roguelike. According to an announcement on Steam, Motion Twin will be changing a game mechanic thanks to an overwhelming amount of feedback from the community. The feature in question is Sudden Death, which is somewhat similar to the old Borderlands mechanic, in the sense that it puts players into a downed state when they lose all their health in co-op mode. Except, in Windblown, it's up to the downed player's teammates to revive them by defeating 10 enemies. While Sudden Death isn't usually an issue in standard missions, it becomes problematic during boss fights, when there is only one enemy to defeat. Obviously, this makes it difficult for the remaining players to complete the mission and resuscitate their fallen compatriots.

Fortunately, Motion Twin confirmed in a recent Steam Store news post that it plans to address the difficulty introduced by the feature, although it's not clear that the planned fix will actually solve the problem for everyone who has complaints about it. Motion Twin says it will not remove Sudden Death from Windblown, instead opting to tweak it, admitting that the current state of the feature "feels harsh and maybe even unfair". Motion Twin says that, despite wanting to address the feedback, it wants to maintain the tension and teamwork that Sudden Death brings to the game.