Hardware Giveaway
Monday, May 12th 2025

Intel Sunsets "Deep Link" Technology Suite, Ending Future Development and Support

Intel is officially stepping back from its Deep Link suite of technologies. The confirmation came through a company representative on GitHub, confirming that active development has ceased. This follows a period when Intel quietly stopped highlighting Deep Link in newer offerings, such as its "Battlemage" GPUs. While the features might still work for those currently using Deep Link, don't expect any future updates or official assistance from Intel's support channels. If you cast your mind back to late 2020, you might recall Intel launching Deep Link. The core idea was to get Intel CPUs and their dedicated Arc GPUs working more effectively in tandem. To tap into this, you needed a specific setup: an 11th, 12th, or 13th Generation Intel CPU alongside an Arc Alchemist GPU. The package featured key tools: Dynamic Power Share for optimizing power between the CPU and GPU, Stream Assist to offload streaming to integrated graphics, Hyper Encode for faster video encoding, and Hyper Compute to accelerate AI tasks using OpenVINO.

These were designed to give a leg up to applications like OBS, DaVinci Resolve, and Handbrake. However, the writing may have been on the wall for Deep Link. Intel's "Meteor Lake" chips, which arrived in late 2023, weren't on the compatibility list, hinting that development had already wound down. Getting these features to perform reliably wasn't always straightforward, with users, like the one on GitHub who raised the initial question, reporting difficulties even with supported hardware. A user tried running Core Ultra 200S with Battlemage in OBS, facing issues not by the software, but by Intel's drivers. The general thinking is that Intel might have viewed Deep Link as a bit of a niche feature, possibly concluding that the continued effort and investment, especially with the need for validation with each software vendor, wasn't paying off. As for what's next, Intel hasn't announced a direct successor to these specific integrated features.
Sunday, May 11th 2025

This Week in Gaming (Week 20)

Welcome to the 20th week of 2025 and this week's AAA release is a prequel of what might be one of the most famous PC first person shooter games out there. This is followed by a weird cowboy game, cops and gangs in the 1980s, another minecraft clone, but with more weapons, some old school fighting and finally a bit of limbo, no not the dance, the other kind. There's also a couple of extra games that look pretty good this week.

DOOM: The Dark Ages / This week's AAA release / Thursday 15 May
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for. Take flight atop the new fierce Mecha Dragon, stand tall in a massive Atlan mech, and beat demons to a pulp with the newly enhanced glory kill system. Only the Slayer has the power to wield these devastating tools of mayhem. Steam link, Our Performance Review
Saturday, May 10th 2025

KeysOff Mother's Day Sale: Big Discounts on Genuine Software

KeysOff celebrates Mother's Day with its seasonal special sale. Get great prices on discount genuine software, so you can gift a software upgrade to the most powerful operating systems and productivity software. Get genuine Office 2021 Professional Plus at just $39.20. The latest Windows 11 Pro can be had at just $14.91. Get a combination of the two at just $51.26. Buy multi-PC packs or check out our other editions of Windows and Office on offer, to save even more!

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You may also like the following system utilities.

Sudokoo x TechPowerUp SuperUser SuperCool Thermal Upgrade Giveaway: Entries Close Soon!

TechPowerUp and Sudokoo bring our readers in the U.S. a really cool opportunity to upgrade their CPU cooling this Summer. Up for grabs are two of Sudokoo's finest creations in the field of CPU cooling—the Proteus 360, and the SK700V Digital. Both are designed to go up against the industry's very best. The Proteus 360 is a premium 360 mm AIO CLC with contemporary touches, such as a large true-color display that can be made to put out just about any information; and a compound fan that's designed to minimize cable clutter; while the SK700V Digital is a heavy air-type cooler with a top-plate that has an LED segment display that puts out useful system monitoring info. Entries for the Giveaway close tomorrow, May 11. All you have to do is fill up a brief form to help us get back to you if you've won. You can increase your chances of winning by sharing the Giveaway across your socials, retweeting any TechPowerUp post on the TechPowerUp X account, liking the Giveaway on Reddit, or visiting the Sudokoo Amazon store. Sounds good? Go ahead and drop your hat in just before entries close tomorrow!

For more information and to participate, visit this page
Friday, May 9th 2025

Today's Reviews

Cases
CPU Coolers
Memory
Monitors
Motherboards
Other
Speakers
SSD
DOOM: The Dark Ages Performance Benchmark Review - 40 GPUs Tested

DOOM: The Dark Ages Performance Benchmark Review - 40 GPUs Tested

DOOM: The Dark Ages is coming soon, offering an amazing first-person shooter experience with fantastic graphics. The game introduces the brand-new id Tech 8 engine, which improves support for ray-tracing. In our performance review, we examine its graphical fidelity, VRAM usage, and how well it runs on a variety of modern GPUs.

Alienware Reveals All-New Aurora Laptop Class

For the first time in nearly two decades, Alienware is launching an Aurora class of laptops. With versatility top of mind, these laptops adapt to any environment. From intense gaming sessions to deadline-fueled commutes and airport layovers, wherever you are, Aurora laptops seamlessly shift between work and play.

This launch marks the next step in streamlining the Alienware portfolio to make it easier for you to choose the right gaming machine. Moving forward, you'll see two distinct tiers across Alienware desktops and laptops:
  • Area-51: Our flagship tier designed for those who demand maximum performance and premium features in a durable, robust design.
  • Aurora: Our versatility tier offering strong performance within a sleek, streamlined form factor.

NVIDIA's GB10 Arm Superchip Looks Promising in Leaked Benchmark Results

Recent benchmark leaks from Geekbench have revealed that NVIDIA's first Arm-based "superchip," the GB10 Grace Blackwell, is on the verge of its market launch as reported by Notebookcheck. This processor is expected to be showcased at Computex 2025 later this month, where NVIDIA may also roll out the N1 and N1X (MediaTek confirmed in April that their CEO—Dr. Rick Tsai—will be delivering a big keynote speech at Computex 2025 trade show) alternatives tailored for desktop and laptop use. ASUS and Dell have already put the GB10 in their upcoming products while NVIDIA has also used it in its Project DIGITS AI supercomputer. The company announced this machine at CES 2025 saying it would cost around $2,999 and be ready to buy this month.

The benchmark listings show some inconsistencies, like identifying the chipset as Armv8 instead of Armv9. However, they point out that the GB10's Cortex-X925 cores can reach speeds up to 3.9 GHz. The performance results show that the GB10 can compete with high-end Arm and x86 processors in single-core metrics. Yet, Apple's M4 Max processors still leads in this area. The GB10 marks NVIDIA's move into the workstation-grade Arm processor market and could shake up the established players in the high-performance computing field.

This $56 Full Coding Package Won't Be Around Forever

If you want to learn to code, then take a look at this bundle that pairs Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 with the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle. It's a comprehensive introduction to programming paired with an industry-standard tool for mobile and desktop app development. It's on sale for $55.97. Visual Studio Pro is a 64-bit IDE from Microsoft that handles larger workloads and supports multiple languages and platforms. It's ideal for cross-platform app development with.NET MAUI and web UI creation using Blazor. It also supports development, debugging, and testing for.NET and C++ apps on Linux.

Advanced coding support tools like IntelliCode help you write code faster by predicting variable names and functions. CodeLens gives you insights into your codebase, including recent changes and test results. Real-time collaboration is easier with Live Share, so you can work together with other developers seamlessly. The other half of this bundle contains over 100 hours of instruction for beginner developers. It is comprehensive and non-linear, so you can start with the language that you want to learn. There are courses for Python 3, C++, MySQL, JavaScript, and more.

A lifetime license for Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 and Lifetime Access to the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is now available for $55.97 (reg. $1,999).

GEEEK Launches the Rhino Open Air Frame Cases Series

GEEEK, a Taiwanese SFF chassis brand, announced the Rhino open-air frame cases series designed for compact PC builds, featuring a tilted design with acrylic panels and aluminium block construction. The GEEEK Rhino M microATX measures 305 × 250 × 275 mm (excluding protrusions) and supports microATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. This model offers unrestricted compatibility with all standard air and liquid CPU coolers and graphics cards of any length. The open design provides complete freedom for cooling solutions, supporting radiator sizes ranging from 120 mm to 360 mm. Power supply compatibility includes ATX, SFX, and SFX-L formats with no length limitations.

The smaller Rhino S case is designed exclusively for Mini-ITX motherboards, featuring a more compact footprint of 300 × 200 × 250 mm (excluding protrusions) and weighs 1.1 kg. Despite its smaller size, it maintains the same unrestricted compatibility for CPU coolers and graphics cards as Rhino M. The case supports radiators up to 360 mm and accommodates ATX, SFX, and SFX-L power supplies, however, with a maximum length of 140 mm (maximum 150 mm). The white version features slightly thicker acrylic panels, which may make it a bit more difficult to secure the graphics card, according to the product page.

Swissbit Intros iShield Key 2 Hardware Authenticator

Swissbit, a leading manufacturer of storage and security solutions, announces the launch of the iShield Key 2, the next generation of its hardware authenticators. Powered by an NXP chip, the new product family delivers phishing-resistant authentication for enterprises and public sector organizations worldwide, offering a wide range of models and feature sets.

At its core, the iShield Key 2 series is built on the FIDO2 standard, supporting passwordless authentication with market-leading capacity for up to 300 Passkeys. The Pro versions expand functionality to include HOTP and TOTP for generating one-time passwords and PIV for smart card integration. Setting new standards, the iShield Key 2 MIFARE variant uniquely combines digital and physical access control in a single device. This enables efficient authentication for both IT systems and physical infrastructure such as buildings or secure printing environments. For customers with the highest security requirements, a FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certified version is also available. All models are housed in a compact, lightweight, and rugged industrial-grade casing - engineered and manufactured at Swissbit's facility in Berlin, Germany.

Biwin to Showcase Industry-Leading Storage Solutions at Computex 2025

Biwin, a global leader in storage and memory solutions, announces its participation in Computex 2025, held in the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from May 20th to 23rd. In Hall 1, Booth #J1028, Biwin will showcase its latest products setting new benchmarks for speed, reliability, and performance in the consumer storage market. Visitors to the booth will see cutting-edge custom PC builds equipped with Biwin storage products and hands-on live product demos. With the theme "Built to Win," Biwin's booth will feature a wide array of innovative storage products designed for work, play and mobility-- with top-of-the-range Biwin Black Opal SSDs and DRAM modules sure to satisfy even the most competitive gamers, modders and overclockers.

FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM BIWIN AT COMPUTEX 2025
Black Opal X570 PRO & X570
Biwin Black Opal X570 PRO and X570 harness the power of PCIe Gen5x4 to deliver groundbreaking speeds, setting a new benchmark for high-performance storage. The X570 PRO delivers read speeds up to 14000 MB/s and write speeds up to 13000 MB/s. With a 6 nm controller and 8-channel architecture, it maximizes data throughput while maintaining exceptional power efficiency. Featuring up to 4 GB DRAM cache, it reaches 2000K IOPS random read speeds for faster high-load scenarios. While the X570 delivers impressive read speeds up to 14500 MB/s in an efficient, DRAM-less design. By leveraging Host Memory Buffer (HMB) and dynamic SLC cache, it enables faster application launches, quicker game loading, and smoother file transfers.

Tripwire Interactive Announces July 24 Global Launch Date for Killing Floor 3

Developer and publisher Tripwire Interactive today announced that the highly anticipated next chapter in the studio's legendary Killing Floor franchise, Killing Floor 3, will launch worldwide on July 24 for PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), the PlayStation 5 system, and the Xbox Series X|S console systems. Following a delay from the game's original March 25 release date, the development team has been focused on using the additional time to address feedback from the player community. Since the delay, the studio has shared updates directly with fans showing progress in everything from design, artwork, UI and animations. Additional development updates will be shared via the game's official forums and social channels, further demonstrating the team's commitment to evaluating player feedback and being transparent with their progress. Digital pre-orders for the Standard, Deluxe and Elite Nightfall Editions have been reinstated and are currently live on the respective platform store pages.

"Since delaying the launch of Killing Floor 3, we've dedicated the additional development time to responding to the community's feedback, ensuring the next chapter in the much-loved cult action/horror franchise lives up to our shared vision," said Bryan Wynia, Creative Director at Tripwire Interactive. "The support from our fans has been incredible, and with the new July 24th release date in sight, we're thrilled to bring that vision to players not just at launch, but through the continued support of new features and content that is a hallmark of our studio."

Turtle Beach Corporation Announces Growth in Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Gross Margins in First Quarter 2025 Results

Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH), a leading gaming accessories brand, today reported strong financial results, including growth in revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and gross margins in the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

First Quarter Highlights
  • Net revenue was $63.9 million, an increase of 14% compared to the prior year period.
  • Gross margin improved approximately 470 basis points to 36.6% compared to 31.8% in the prior year.
  • Net loss was $(0.7) million or ($0.03) per diluted share compared to net income of $0.2 million or $0.01 per diluted share in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $4.1 million, compared to $1.4 million in the prior year period.
  • Generated $40.5 million in cash flow from operations, the highest level since 2019.
  • Authorized a new $75 million stock repurchase program.

YUNZII Launches Its QL75 Retro Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard

YUNZII has officially released its QL75 mechanical keyboard, which combines the aesthetics of vintage typewriters and modern functionality in a compact, 75% layout. The keyboard has overall dimensions of 328.1 × 214.5 × 64.1 mm and 1461.5 grams. The QL75 features a top-mounted structure with gasket implementation for keystroke dampening. Switch options include the YUNZII Onyx Tactile Switch, with a defined feedback at actuation points, and the YUNZII Cocoa Cream V2 Early Bottoming Linear Switch for those who prefer a smoother keystroke travel. Both switch variants are accommodated by the keyboard's full hot-swappable PCB, which accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switch designs.

The keycaps are constructed of ABS polymer and have an electroplated matte chrome finish with laser-engraved legends. The vintage-like typewriter keycaps sport North-facing RGB LEDs that provide backlighting with multiple effect options. The YUNZII QL75 has full N-key rollover (NKRO) capability and is compatible with all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS). Another neat feature is the integrated stand that can hold a phone or tablet.

Biostar Launches EdgeComp MS-J6412 IPC for Edge Computing Applications

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of IPC solutions, motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, is excited to introduce the EdgeComp MS-J6412 industrial PC, a powerful new addition to its EdgeComp series built specifically for industrial automation and edge computing applications.

Designed to excel in demanding industrial settings, EdgeComp MS-J6412 combines powerful performance, energy efficiency, and versatile connectivity in a compact, fanless design. Powered by the Intel Elkhart Lake J6412 SoC, a quad-core processor with speeds up to 2.6 GHz and an ultra-low 10 W TDP, the system ensures stable, round-the-clock operation with minimal heat generation and silent performance. Its embedded architecture makes it ideally suited for space-limited and noise-sensitive environments where reliability is paramount.

Gigabyte X870 / B850 Aorus Stealth Ice Pioneering a New Era of RC PC Building Experience

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, the world's leading computer brand, continues to redefine DIY PC building with its innovative Project STEALTH, first introduced in 2022. The Project STEALTH concept was the industry's pioneer in adopting reverse-connector motherboards for a cleaner, more streamlined assembly. Now, responding to the growing demand for all-white and cableless PC builds, GIGABYTE launches the STEALTH ICE Series, featuring the AMD X870 and B850 chipset motherboards.

Beyond aesthetics and easier assembly, GIGABYTE ensures that the Project STEALTH build is highly compatible. In addition to supporting its own chassis lineup (GIGABYTE C500P STEALTH Series), GIGABYTE has partnered with over 10 renowned case manufacturers, including Corsair, Cooler Master, Fractal Design, Phanteks, and more, to provide reverse-connector-ready cases across more than 25 models. This makes the GIGABYTE Project STEALTH Series the most compatible, the most widely supported and flexible solution in the market for cableless PC builds.

ADATA Wins Four 2025 Red Dot Design Awards

ADATA Technology Co., Ltd., a leading global memory brand, and its gaming brand XPG, have once again been honored with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, widely recognized as the "Oscars of the design world." The award is internationally renowned for its evaluation of innovative design, ergonomics, and solutions. This recognition once again highlights the ADATA Group's profound R&D capabilities and human-centric innovative thinking.

The award-winning products include: the ADATA LEGEND 970 PRO PCIe Gen 5 SSD designed for creators, the XPG LANCER CUDIMM RGB DDR5 gaming memory that significantly enhances AI generation and deep learning, the XPG LANCER NEON RGB DDR5 gaming memory as the first to embody ESG concepts, and the innovatively designed XPG HURRICANE MAG magnetic fan. The Group continues to bring more groundbreaking products to consumers and gamers by combining cutting-edge technology with user-oriented design.

Noctua Releases NH-D15 G2 Specific Offset LGA1851 Mounting Bars

Noctua today presented the new NM-IMB8 offset mounting bars for the award-winning NH-D15 G2 flagship CPU cooler. By offsetting the heatsink 3.7 mm towards the north and 2 mm towards the east side of the socket, more pressure is applied right above the hotspot of Intel 24- or 20-core LGA1851 CPUs, such as the Core Ultra 9 285K or Core Ultra 7 265K. This improved contact exactly at the processor's hotspot can reduce CPU temperatures by up to 3°C with HBC coolers and up to 1°C with the standard version (medium base convexity) of the NH-D15 G2.

"Our NH-D15 G2 has successfully established itself as a new benchmark for premium quality quiet CPU coolers, and we're excited to further improve its performance on 24- and 20-core Intel LGA1851 processors with the new NM-IMB8 mounting bars", says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "By shifting the cooler closer towards the hotspot, LGA1851 owners can edge out up to 1°C using the regular NH-D15 G2 and up to 3°C using the HBC version."
Thursday, May 8th 2025
Acer MA200 1 TB Review

Acer MA200 1 TB Review

The Acer MA200 is a highly compact solid-state-drive using the M.2 2230 form factor. This makes it a perfect fit to upgrade the storage on game consoles like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. Unlike many competitors which use slower QLC, the MA200 is built with TLC NAND flash, which helps boost performance.

Fractal Scape Gaming Headset Launching on June 18

On June 18th, 2025, Fractal Design will launch its first audio product, Scape - a gaming headset crafted to deliver an immersive and intuitive wireless audio experience. Featuring Scandinavian Design with clean lines, soft fabric, and a charging stand, Scape is designed for both performance and comfort. It offers audio connectivity through a low-latency dongle, as well as multi-device Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and comes with a flip-to-mute detachable microphone.

With ambient lighting and audio presets easily customizable through our online configuration tool, Adjust Pro, Scape provides a tailored experience with no software installation or user registration required. Scape is set to launch with global availability at an MSRP of $199.99. Pricing may vary by market due to local import duties and other factors.

Raccoon Logic Announces Revenge of the Savage Planet's Global Launch

All Editions. All Platforms. All the Savage Planet goodness is live. It's time for everyone to clock in. Or at least, it would be if you hadn't been made redundant. After 107 years spent in cryosleep and crash-landing on an alien planet in a faraway space system, we're absolutely pumped to announce that REVENGE OF THE SAVAGE PLANET IS LIVE FOR ALL! This isn't a drill. This isn't a teaser. This isn't an elaborate HR onboarding simulation. We actually finished the game.

Well, here we are...After years of coffee-fueled brainstorming, questionable career choices, and at least one incident involving an employee dressed as a Furry in Raccoon Suit (true story), Revenge of the Savage Planet is finally ready for launch. As a small thirty-person team, when we spun up Raccoon Logic, it wasn't to become galaxy-conquering overlords (though we did pitch that at one meeting). It was to tell weird, wonderful, and art imitating life stories. To let players poke aliens with butts for faces, fire off absurd gadgets, and laugh at the strange, beautiful mess of the universe, and maybe even feel something along the way.

Tech YouTuber Highlights ASRock X870 Motherboard's "Killing" of His Ryzen 9 9950X CPU

Unlucky owners of AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors have encountered major problems that largely involve ASRock motherboards. Throughout early 2025, user feedback provided insight into numerous cases of "catastrophic CPU failures." Members of the official ASRock subreddit have kept track of these unfortunate incidents; now closing in on 200 documented "murdered" specimens. Industry watchdogs reckon that even more disagreements—involving the Zen 5-based 9000X3D series and ASRock B- and X- (AM5) boards—exist outside of this community-aggregated log. At the end of February, ASRock pushed out an important BIOS update—this fix did not resolve all problems. Over a month later, AMD weighed in with their findings—in response, ASRock released another update.

Evidently, Ryzen 7 9800X3D products continue to perish—Tech YES City's Bryan Bilowol has added Team Red's Ryzen 9 9950X model to the mix. The tech YouTuber was surprised by the death of his example; apparently caused by an ASRock X870 Steel Legend mainboard. Standard "Granite Ridge" processors—that lack 3D V-Cache—have received less attention, but observers believe that these non-X3D options are still vulnerable. Bilowol did not personally experience the moment of catastrophe—instead, a friend was borrowing an affected PC build. As demonstrated in a new Tech YES City video post-mortem, the completely dead CPU sported some worrying gray marks. Tech YES City has a fairly large audience, so ASRock leadership will likely be cursing after noticing another uptick in public scrutiny. Past reports have pointed out the manufacturer's belief that too much "misinformation" is being spread. Bilowol surmised that the company is keeping this issue: "under the radar—they seem to be hoping that the issue will just go away." Despite collaborating with ASRock for over a decade, Tech YES City will not pull any punches—await for more gory details in upcoming follow-up investigations.

V-Color Unveils DDR5 Overclockable R-DIMM RGB Memory Modules with Speeds Up to 8000MT/s

V-Color Technology Inc., a leading innovator in high-performance memory solutions, is proud to announce the industry's first DDR5 OC RDIMM RGB modules. Engineered to redefine workstation and professional computing performance, these revolutionary modules will come in capacities ranging from 16 GB per module up to 64 GB or 512 GB in configurations of 64 GB x 8 and with configurations that reach 8000 MT/s delivering exceptional speeds in addition a new ultra-low timing RDIMM of CL26 now enters the line-up, fully optimized for AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Xeon processor platforms. Protected under Patent No. M667728, v-color's DDR5 OC RDIMM RGB modules feature an advanced design with RGB LEDs, combining vibrant visual aesthetics with outstanding performance, bandwidth, and reliability. Designed specifically for AI development, professional multitasking, data analytics, and demanding creative workloads, these modules deliver unmatched speed, reliability, and efficiency.

Elevating Memory Performance
Crafted with Premium Original Top-Tier ICs and ON-Die ECC technology, v-color's DDR5 OC RDIMM RGB modules deliver exceptional data integrity and stability for demanding professional workloads. Featuring an advanced memory architecture, these modules push the boundaries of performance, reaching speeds of up to 8000 MT/s while also offering configurations with ultra-low Timing like 6000 MT/s CL28. Designed for AI development, real-time analytics, and complex 3D rendering, they ensure lightning-fast responsiveness in the most intensive computing environments.

THQ Nordic Delays Titan Quest II Early Access to Summer 2025

Today, Grimlore Games and THQ Nordic shared another update on the development of Titan Quest II, revealing both community insights from the recent playtest and a revised Early Access timeline.

Originally slated for a Winter 2024/2025 release, Titan Quest II will now launch in Early Access in Summer 2025. The decision comes in response to a crowded ARPG release window and a desire to give the game the spotlight it deserves.

Razer Clio: The Must-Have Gaming Chair Accessory for Audio Immersion

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled the Razer Clio, an innovative gaming chair accessory designed to deliver headset-like immersive audio without the constraints of wearing one. Surround sound can often be complex, but with Razer Clio, use it as a standalone primary speaker, delivering powerful and clear audio on its own, or pair it with your existing front speakers on Synapse 4 to enjoy a richer surround sound experience.

Equipped with integrated near-field dual speakers that direct soundwaves straight to the ears, the Razer Clio delivers maximal acoustic performance over stereo speakers, ensuring clear sound without distortion, even outside the 'sweet spot'. This creates a fully immersive sound experience for gaming, watching movies, or listening to music.

"Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall" Available Now on PC - MacOS Version Delayed

Dear peasants of Davern! It is my greatest pleasure to announce that you can now grab your crown, some wine and a controller and go play Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall. We have poured our hearts into this game, and we really hope you like it. Everything you loved about Yes, Your Grace—we turned up to eleven. We wanted to thank every single one of you, many of you have been waiting for this game for a long time and supporting us for so many years! Your support has been invaluable all the way and we truly could not have made this game without this support.

Brave At Night will keep working on the game and update it in the coming months. We have a long list of updates that we will be working on as soon as the launch dust settles. Rule your crumbling kingdom as you try to satisfy the petty needs of your people in this cinematic kingdom management RPG. Balance your resources, collect taxes, hire agents and make difficult decisions to see your kingdom prosper or fail.

ASML Seeking Approval of Planned New Mega Facility in the Netherlands

Just over a year ago, reports suggested that ASML was considering a potential expansion of its presence at the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC)—nearby to Eindhoven Airport. A "2.5 billion Euro" investment—courtesy of the Dutch government—was floated, alongside an estimated creation of ~20,000 new roles. The Veldhoven-headquartered EUVL photolithography equipment specialist seems to be in a comfortable position, but growing demand for top-level ASML gear has warranted an apparent acceleration of new facility plans. According to local news articles, company and Eindhoven municipality representatives have presented an adjusted timeline—a "northern part" of the BIC campus could welcome new recruits in 2028. Last year's target proposed a further out inauguration; possibly in 2030 or thereafter.

Stijn Steenbakkers—the Alderman for Brainport—outlined the sheer scale of the company's futuristic and uncharacteristically huge footprint: "over the past year, we have worked intensively on the first elaboration of the plans, resulting in the preliminary design of the urban development plan (VOSP) that is now available. Our future, prosperity and well-being are not self-evident. With the current economic developments in the world, it is not a question of whether we should invest in our strategic autonomy. This is of vital importance! By making the expansion of ASML at BIC Noord (North) possible, we dare to opt for the new economy: sustainable, focused on high-tech, innovation and offering solutions for major global social issues...The important points in the VOSP are: approximately 20,000 jobs, approximately 428,000 m² gross floor area for production, and support functions such as offices." Steenbakkers and ASML reps will present their proposals to Eindhoven city councillors in September; transportation and other local infrastructure considerations will be taken into account.

Europa Universalis V Announced; Be Ambitious

A quarter century after the release of the historical grand strategy game that launched an empire, the Europa Universalis enters a dramatic new era with Europa Universalis V. Paradox Interactive's flagship historical series about the early modern world is being updated with a fresh, new version for a new generation, a game that dares you to be ambitious.

Designed over five years by Paradox Tinto, Europa Universalis V builds on 25 years of tradition and experience to deliver the same captivating empire building and alternate histories that have been the hallmark of Paradox's grand strategy games. Europa Universalis V has been crafted with the devoted Paradox fan in mind, incorporating feedback delivered by the fan community over a year of public discussion, and giving this dedicated audience a voice in the realization of this new vision.

Mafia: The Old Country Launches August 8, Gameplay Trailer Releaved

Today, 2K and Hangar 13 unveiled the Official Gameplay Trailer and 'Breaking Omerta' Developer Insights video for Mafia: The Old Country, coming to PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and NVIDIA GeForce NOW on August 8, 2025. Fans can watch the PAX East developer panel today at 2:00 p.m. EDT on YouTube and Twitch to learn about Mafia: The Old Country directly from its developers, and to pre-order the game today.

"Mafia: The Old Country is a focused, linear experience that combines quality storytelling, authentic era immersion and a refined take on the familiar Mafia gameplay," said Hangar 13 President Nick Baynes. "That focus allows us to deliver a story that's gritty, grounded, brutal and emotional. Embracing early 1900s era Sicily, this is a mafia origin story that follows our protagonist, Enzo Favara, as he takes the oath and works his way up Don Torrisi's crime family."

Spirit Of The North 2 Out Now on PC & Consoles

Greetings, Guardians! The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here—Spirit of the North 2 is officially out now on Steam! Whether you've been with us since the first game or joined along the way, we can't thank you enough for your support, your feedback, and your patience. Now, it's your turn to step into this beautiful, mysterious world once again—this time, with new powers, new companions, and a world that's bigger and more alive than ever before.

You've followed us through development, shared our excitement, and kept the spirit alive—now it's time to experience the magic for yourself. Launch day is just the beginning. We'll be keeping an eye out for your thoughts, feedback, and favorite moments. Don't forget to share your screenshots, theories, and discoveries in the Community Hub! From all of us—at Infuse Studio, and Merge Games—thank you, and we hope you enjoy the journey.

Imagination Announces E-Series GPU IP with Burst Processors and up to 200 TOPS

Imagination Technologies redefines edge AI and graphics system design with the launch of Imagination E-Series GPU IP. E-Series leverages its highly efficient parallel processing architecture to provide exceptional graphics performance while also scaling from 2 to 200 TOPS INT8/FP8 for AI workloads. It offers a versatile and programmable solution for future edge applications including graphics, desktop applications, natural language processing on smartphones, industrial computer vision, and vehicle autonomy.

Two new technologies underpin E-Series' potential to transform edge system design:
  • Neural Cores: Scaling up to 200 TOPS (INT8/FP8), these cores deliver significant acceleration for AI and compute workloads.
  • Burst Processors: A highly innovative solution delivering a 35% improvement in average power efficiency for edge applications.

Nintendo Will Contemplate Switch 2 Price Hikes - Dependent on Shifts in Tariff Conditions

Nintendo's Switch 2 hybrid console is set to arrive early next month (June 5), complete with promised launch prices. Early last month, the company's basic cost of entry for next-gen access—$450 (US)—seemed to be on tenuous ground. Nintendo and its retail partners decided to postpone their opening of pre-orders—affecting excited customers in the United States, then (days later) in Canada. Thanks to political posturing, a number of big industry players had to restrategize. Late last week, Microsoft announced their implementation of global Xbox Series price increases. In April, Sony revealed similar changes for PlayStation 5; restricted to select market territories. Nintendo has allowed a re-opening of Switch 2 pre-orders; gamers can secure core hardware at original MSRPs. Unfortunately, a compromise was made—first-party Switch 2 accessories will be more expensive, on launch day and beyond.

During a recent call with investors, Nintendo's president—Shuntaro Furukawa—confirmed that their core hardware pricing is subject to change. Launch price tags are safe (for the moment); the company will need to radiate some goodwill during their next-gen design's salad days. Commenting on a shifting political landscape, Furukawa-san stated: "at this time, the top priority is to quickly popularize the Switch 2 hardware...If the assumptions regarding tariffs change significantly, we would like to consider what price adjustments we should make, and implement them after considering various factors." Industry analysis has produced a scary projection; worst case scenarios could send tech prices up by roughly 70%. Considering the vintage of Switch 2's alleged internals, gaming hardware enthusiasts have questioned the value offered by this $450 hybrid handheld.

Sennheiser Intros ACCENTUM Open True Wireless Earbuds

The Sennheiser brand today announces ACCENTUM Open, a true wireless open earbud for staying connected to your entertainment and the outside world on the simplest of terms. Combining the audio brand's renowned sound tuning with an open fit (non-occlusive), ACCENTUM Open is made for multitaskers that want satisfying sound without a fuss.

"ACCENTUM Open was designed to complement your busy life—not complicate it," said Friederike Menking, Product Manager. "Whether you are listening to music, catching up on a podcast at your desk or checking in with your friends on your way to the train, the ease of use is second only to the sound."

PS5 DualSense Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition Arriving on June 26

Keep the supplies moving with the latest piece of hardware for Porters heading out on a new journey - we're excited to reveal the new DualSense wireless controller - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition. We worked closely with Kojima Productions on the controller design, customized with the insignia and motto of Drawbridge in vibrant orange. The DualSense wireless controller—Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities for a recommended retail price of $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99 / ¥12,480. Pre-orders start on May 22, 2025, at 10am local time at direct.playstation.com (where available), as well as participating retailers. The exact launch date and availability for the controller may vary by country/region.

The new controller launches on June 26, 2025 on PS5 alongside Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, where players can join Sam and his companions on a mission to save humanity from extinction. Pre-order the Collector's Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition for Early Access from June 24, 2025.

Razer Launches Compact Ergonomic Gaming Mouse and Keyboard

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, is revolutionizing mobile gaming with the launch of the Razer Basilisk Mobile and the Razer Joro. Designed to meet the needs of gamers on the go, these compact and feature-rich devices set a new benchmark for portable gaming gear without compromising on performance.

Sized for convenience, the Razer Basilisk Mobile and Razer Joro are lightweight devices that combine a sleek design with robust functionality and gaming-grade performance. Whether battling it out in an online arena or exploring vast virtual worlds, gamers can now enjoy the same quality gaming experience on the road as they do at home.

NVIDIA Reportedly Limiting Press Access to GeForce RTX 5060 Drivers - Suggesting Late Arrival of Reviews

The Hardware Unboxed team has unleashed some of its sarcastic Aussie wit; in response to an alleged manipulation of GeForce RTX 5060 (non-Ti) review day conditions. In an online dig—directed at Team Green leadership—the Australian media outlet's social media account parodied NVIDIA new product decision-making: "we're not hiding the RTX 5060, we're very proud of it and gamers will love it. Also, we're going to launch the RTX 5060 on May 19th during Computex, and although reviewers have cards right now, we won't be releasing the driver until they go on sale." Mid-way through April, Hardware Unboxed's Tim Schiesser voiced his displeasure regarding a complete lack of GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB evaluation samples—only 16 GB variants were sent out to testers. Curious professional reviewers opted into buying these cheaper variants (out of pocket), including TechPowerUp's W1zzard. Our head honcho's reckoning—of a custom Gainward effort—pointed out far too many compromises.

In a follow-up post, Hardware Unboxed's social media rep took a more measured approach with their disapproval of "controlled conditions." Clarifying the "context" of their earlier rant, they explained: "NVIDIA are trying to hide the RTX 5060, just as they did the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB. The strategy here is to release it the week of Computex when most of the tech media are in Taiwan attending the show. They're also blocking reviewers from accessing the driver early to evaluate the RTX 5060 and provide reviews at the time of release. So as it stands I have multiple RTX 5060 samples, and I won't be able to review any of them until about a week after they go on sale." VideoCardz, and other critics/watchers believe that a rumored "rushed" development of GeForce RTX 5060-series cards (Ti and non-Ti) resulted in an uninspiring repeat rollout of 8 GB and 16 GB VRAM configurations—albeit upgraded to GDDR7 standards.

Lenovo Unveils the New Legion 9i (18", 10) Gaming Laptop

Today at Lenovo's Tech World Shanghai 2025, Lenovo announced the new Lenovo Legion 9i (18", 10), a gaming laptop truly designed for games—both those who play them, and those who make them. Packed with features that not just deliver the ultimate gaming experience, but the ultimate game development experience.

"The most powerful gaming laptops deliver seamless performance even with the most demanding titles, and the new Lenovo Legion 9i (18", 10) laptop is designed to set a new standard," said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo's Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Segment, Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo. "Built with top-tier hardware and next-generation AI software innovations, it combines exceptional speed and intelligence—not just for immersive gaming, but also to empower game developers, AI engineers, and designers with the high performance and optional 2K 3D support they need to bring their visions to life."

Drop Introduces "All-White" CSTM80 Mechanical Keyboard

When your whole desk needs some whiteout. A PALER SHADE OF PERSONALIZATION: equipped with a white decorative top case, a white bottom case, and a matching white keycap set, this CSTM80 goes all the way with its white appointments.

MADE FOR MIXING AND MATCHING
In addition to the magnetic top case (which you can switch out for a huge range of colors), this white CSTM80 can also be configured with a host of additional add-ons-including several keyboard weights and switch plates. AND FINISHED WITH ENTHUSIAST FEATURES: alongside the top case(s) and long list of add-ons, this CSTM80 comes equipped with a host of enthusiast features: including south-facing LEDs, including removable gaskets, and a full array of foam.

Rockstar Claims GTA VI Trailer 2 "Captured Entirely" by PlayStation 5 Base Hardware

Not too long after announcing the delay of their flagship next-gen AAA+ game, Rockstar Games appeased the masses with the uploading of a bombastic second trailer—showcasing Grand Theft Auto VI's various colorful cast members, Vice City locales, and spectacular visual effects. Online debaters have picked this cinematic preview apart; many doubters reckon that teaser material (mostly) consists of pre-rendered CGI—pumped out by "pro-grade" equipment. Many observers did not pick up on a small text detail—"captured on PS5"—at the tail end of the studio's GTA VI Trailer 2. To reiterate this point, the Rockstar Games official social media account sent out a bulletin. Yesterday evening's official alert insisted that their: "Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 was captured entirely in-game from a PlayStation 5, comprised of equal parts gameplay and cutscenes." This tidbit is also mentioned in the trailer's YouTube description.

Earlier today, the Digital Foundry team published their (must read, or watch) technical critique of Rockstar's forthcoming magnum opus. In their (collective) professional opinion, Rockstar's claim deserves merit: "the trailer was released in 4K at 30 FPS with black bars—producing a rather odd 20:9 aspect ratio—with text at the end of the trailer confirming it was recorded on a base PS5 instead of the more powerful PS5 Pro. Internal resolution counts come out at 1440p, or 2560x1152 to be exact—that's 80 percent of 1440p on the vertical axis. The trailer seems to be using a spatial upscaler, something like AMD's first-generation FSR, with that characteristic curved look present in fine detail like distant text. This means image quality is a little soft, but makes it more believable that the game is actually running on a base PS5, bearing in mind the relatively realistic details and graphical effects elsewhere." Going back to late 2024, another highly anticipated "AAA+" title was unveiled—The Witcher 4; with an Unreal Engine 5 underpinning. At the time, CD Projekt RED hinted about this fantasy blockbuster's introductory trailer being pre-rendered by an "unannounced NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU." We later learned that this mysterious bit of hardware was a formidable GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card. Given GTA VI's (2026) "consoles first" launch, Rockstar engineers do not have the luxury of (immediately) pairing their proprietary RAGE engine with cutting-edge hardware. An elevated visual feast—on PC platforms—is expected further down the line.

OpenAI Sets its "Democratic AI" Sights on Countries Outside of North America

Our Stargate project, an unprecedented investment in America's AI infrastructure announced in January with President Trump and our partners Oracle and SoftBank, is now underway with our first supercomputing campus in Abilene, Texas, and more sites to come. We've heard from many countries asking for help in building out similar AI infrastructure—that they want their own Stargates and similar projects. It's clear to everyone now that this kind of infrastructure is going to be the backbone of future economic growth and national development. Technological innovation has always driven growth by helping people do more than they otherwise could—AI will scale human ingenuity itself and drive more prosperity by scaling our freedoms to learn, think, create and produce all at once.

We want to help these countries, and in the process, spread democratic AI, which means the development, use and deployment of AI that protects and incorporates long-standing democratic principles. Examples of this include the freedom for people to choose how they work with and direct AI, the prevention of government use of AI to amass control, and a free market that ensures free competition. All these things contribute to broad distribution of the benefits of AI, discourage the concentration of power, and help advance our mission. Likewise, we believe that partnering closely with the US government is the best way to advance democratic AI.

Intel Teases Upcoming Unveiling of "New Arc Pro GPUs" - Insiders Predict "Battlemage" B60 Card

Earlier in the week, reports indicated the potential introduction of an Intel Xe2 "Battlemage" B770 gaming graphics card at Computex 2025. Last night, a Team Blue tweet confirmed forthcoming product unveilings: "new Intel Arc Pro GPUs are on the way. See you in Taipei!" In the months leading up to this important trade event, industry watchdogs have drummed up speculation about "Battlemage's" future (or fate). Whispers of 24 GB VRAM-equipped variants emerged late last year—around late January, these theories were connected to an official leak: "3 new PCI IDs for BMG."

Unsurprisingly, VideoCardz has weighed in with some new inside track info—they propose that one of Intel's upcoming professional options will be an "Arc Pro B60 24 GB" model, aka "Developer Edition" (an alleged in-house reference). Despite Sparkle HQ downplaying recent "rogue claims," a company rep (in China) alluded to a possible May/June release of their own custom 24 GB "Battlemage" productivity-oriented card. VideoCardz has picked up on rumors, regarding the "Arc Pro B60's" internal setup. They propose Team Blue's selection of the familiar "BMG-G21" GPU; as used by their Arc Xe2 B580 12 GB and B570 10 GB designs. According to an unnamed inside source, this professional/workstation variant will stick with the usual 192-bit memory interface. Intel's Computex 2025 new product teaser provided a big clue about the speculated "B60" model's cooling solution.

Bluetooth SIG Announces Bluetooth 6.1 with Improved Power Efficiency and Security

The Bluetooth Core Specification recently moved to a bi-annual release schedule. This shift enables more frequent and consistent delivery of completed features, fostering faster innovation and continuous improvements across the Bluetooth ecosystem. Developers and manufacturers now have quicker access to the latest Bluetooth advancements, powering wireless innovation and enhancing overall market responsiveness.

"Moving to a bi-annual release cycle for the Bluetooth Core Specification represents a pivotal step forward for the entire Bluetooth technology ecosystem," said Alain Michaud, chair of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors. "This new cadence will ensure that incremental improvements and features can reach developers and manufacturers faster, fueling innovation and helping them meet the evolving needs of the market with greater agility."

Hygon Prepares 128-Core, 512-Threaded x86 CPU with Four-Way SMT and AVX-512 Support

Chinese server CPU maker Hygon, which owns a Zen core IP from AMD, has put a roadmap for C86-5G, its most powerful server processor to date, featuring up to 128 cores and an astonishing 512 threads. Thanks to a complete microarchitectural redesign, the new chip delivers more than 17 percent higher instructions per cycle (IPC) than its predecessor. It also supports the AVX-512 vector instruction set and four-way simultaneous multithreading, making it a strong contender for highly parallel workloads. Sixteen channels of DDR5-5600 memory feed data-intensive tasks, while CXL 2.0 interconnect support enables seamless scaling across multiple sockets. Built on an unknown semiconductor node, the C86-5G includes advanced power management and a hardened security engine. With 128 lanes of PCIe 5.0, it offers ample bandwidth for accelerators, NVMe storage, and high-speed networking. Hygon positions this flagship CPU as ideal for artificial intelligence training clusters, large-scale analytics platforms, and virtualized enterprise environments.

The C86-5G is the culmination of five years of steady development. The journey began with the C86-1G, an AMD-licensed design that served as a testbed for domestic engineers. It offered up to 32 cores, 64 threads, eight channels of DDR4-2666 memory, and 128 lanes of PCIe 3.0. Its goal was to absorb proven technology and build local know-how. Next came the C86-2G, which kept the same core count but introduced a revamped floating-point unit, 21 custom security instructions, and hardware-accelerated features for memory encryption, virtualization, and trusted computing. This model marked Hygon's first real step into independent research and development. With the C86-3G, Hygon rolled out a fully homegrown CPU core and system-on-chip framework. Memory support increased to DDR4-3200, I/O doubled to PCIe 4.0, and on-die networking included four 10 GbE and eight 1 GbE ports. The C86-4G raised the bar further by doubling compute density to 64 cores and 128 threads, boosting IPC by around 15 percent and adding 12-channel DDR5-4800 memory plus 128 lanes of PCIe 5.0. Socket options expanded to dual and quad configurations. Now, with the C86-5G, Hygon has shown it can compete head-to-head with global server CPU leaders, putting more faith in China's growing capabilities in high-performance computing.

TechPowerUp Readers: Will Pay for Premium OC Graphics Cards, in Large Part for Better Cooling

TechPowerUp over the past 50-odd days surveyed our readers to understand if they're willing to pay premium for high-end factory overclocked graphics cards. This is especially important to know in the wake of GPU manufacturer MSRPs turning largely irrelevant, pushing even inexpensive non-OC cards with simpler designs way above the MSRP. We have also seen scenarios where certain GPUs are only sporadically available, and in some cases, only their premium factory-OC cards are. This would tell us if buyers are willing to pick up a premium OC graphics card if it's the only option available versus waiting for non-OC cards to become available at relatively lower prices.

Our survey gathered close to 21,000 responses. 46.4% of the responses (9,738 votes) say that they choose premium OC graphics cards, however, they do so only for the better cooling. Board partners tend to give their products premium cooling solutions to not just deal with the added heat from the OC, power-limits, and boost headroom; but also to offer low noise as a feature, besides other aesthetic touches such as RGB lighting or a premium appearance. The "Yes" option, which means that buyers want premium OC graphics cards for their superior performance, gathered an interesting 28.2% of the vote (5,908 votes). Lastly, only 25.4% (5,335 votes) say that they are not willing to pay for premium OC cards, and prefer cards either at or close to the MSRP.

GeForce NOW Welcomes 2K's Acclaimed Mafia Series to Cloud Gaming

Calling all wiseguys—2K's acclaimed Mafia franchise is available to stream from the cloud. Step into the gritty underworld of organized crime and experience the cinematic storytelling and action-packed gameplay that made the Mafia franchise a classic, captivating both newcomers and longtime fans of the saga. It's all part of nine games joining the cloud family this week, including Towerborne from Stoic and Xbox Game Studios. Plus, the family is waiting—the Mafia saga's highly anticipated prequel, Mafia: The Old Country, will join the cloud at launch.

The Cloud Is Made
Step into the world of organized crime with Mafia, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia II and Mafia III now streaming on GeForce NOW for those new and returning to the family. Experience the gritty underworld drama and cinematic storytelling that made Mafia a legend—no need to wait for a sit-down with the don. Start with the first game in the series, Mafia. An inadvertent brush with the mob thrusts cab driver Tommy Angelo into the world of organized crime. He's initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, but the rewards become too big to ignore. Plus, check out Mafia: Definitive Edition, a remake from the ground up of the classic first title, with an expanded story, gameplay and original score.

Raspberry Pi OS Gets Its Newest Release

We've just published a new version of Raspberry Pi OS - our recommended (and free) operating system for all Raspberry Pi computers - and it's now available for download. Scroll to the bottom of this post to find instructions for updating, or read on to find out what has changed. As many of you already know, Debian Linux works on a two-year release cycle - every odd-numbered year, a new major version is released, and it being 2025, there will be one in the next few months.

So this is probably the final release of Raspberry Pi OS which is based on Debian 'bookworm', before Debian 'trixie' is released this summer. The last full release we made was back in November last year, and there have been quite a few changes since then, so here's a summary of the most important.

Thrustmaster T598 Servo Base Now Available With Four New T598 Bundles

Sim racing fans, rejoice - the T598 Servo Base is finally available! Known for its cutting-edge force feedback, exceptional precision, and robust design, the T598 has become a favorite among serious racers across all disciplines: GT, Formula, rally, and endurance.

To celebrate its availability, we're also launching four brand-new bundles, combining the T598 with our most popular racing wheels. Each bundle is tailored to a different racing style and comes with up to 16% off compared to buying the items separately.
  • T598 Servo Base + Ferrari 488 GT3 Wheel Add-On
  • T598 Servo Base + Ferrari SF1000 Wheel Add-On + QR Upgrade
  • T598 Servo Base + Hypercar Wheel Add-On
  • T598 Servo Base + Evo Racing 32R Wheel Add-On

Intel Foundry Reportedly Secures Microsoft Contract for 18A Node

According to Chosun Biz, Intel Foundry client acquisition efforts for the 18A node have shifted into high gear, with the latest reports indicating that Microsoft has inked a substantial foundry deal based on the 18A process. Talks with Google are also said to be advancing, suggesting that Intel may soon secure a second cloud giant for a customer of its 18A technology. Intel's flagship 18A node, which entered risk production earlier this year, is slated for full-scale volume manufacturing before the end of 2025. Beyond the baseline 18A offering, the company is already developing two enhanced variants: 18A-P, scheduled for rollout in 2026, and 18A-PT, targeted for 2028. Chosun Biz reports that prototype 18A-P wafers have been produced in Intel's domestic fabs, pointing out the foundry's swift pace of new node production.

Intel has even begun sharing early PDKs for its next-generation 14A node with select partners, paving the way for continued scaling beyond the 18A era. Strategically, Intel's extensive US fab footprint, which includes two under-construction fabs in Arizona (a USD 32 billion investment), expanded packaging facilities in New Mexico, a new 300 mm logic plant in Oregon, and two Ohio fabs earmarked for the early 2030s, could prove advantageous amid ongoing tariff uncertainties. Beyond North America, Intel is gearing up Fab 34 in Ireland for mass production of its Intel 4 node and inaugural 3 nm chips later this year. In Israel, Fab 38 is being outfitted for EUV-based, high-performance wafer manufacturing, while an advanced packaging site in Penang, Malaysia, supports global assembly and testing.

Arctic Unveils New Freezer 8 Compact CPU Cooler Series

Arctic presents the new Freezer 8, which is available in different socket variants. The air cooler series offers a convincing upgrade for boxed coolers and small cases at an excellent price-performance ratio. With a height of just 136 mm, the Freezer 8 fits easily into various cases and is ideal for systems with limited space and high RAM modules. Two offset direct-touch heatpipes and a pressure-optimized 100 mm PWM fan ensure quiet and powerful operation. If required, a maximum speed of 2,300 rpm can be achieved.

The compact air cooler is available in four versions for different sockets and applications:
  • Freezer 8A: Supports AMD's AM5 and AM4.
  • Freezer 8i: Compatible with Intel's LGA1851 and 1700 sockets.
  • CO models: For continuous operation with double ball bearings.

Cadence Accelerates Physical AI Applications with Tensilica NeuroEdge 130 AI Co-Processor

Cadence today announced the Cadence Tensilica NeuroEdge 130 AI Co-Processor (AICP), a new class of processor designed to complement any neural processing unit (NPU) and enable end-to-end execution of the latest agentic and physical AI networks on advanced automotive, consumer, industrial and mobile SoCs. Based on the proven architecture of the highly successful Tensilica Vision DSP family, the NeuroEdge 130 AICP delivers more than 30% area savings and over 20% savings in dynamic power and energy without impacting performance. It also leverages the same software, AI compilers, libraries and frameworks to deliver faster time to market. Multiple customer engagements are currently underway, and customer interest is strong.

"With the rapid proliferation of AI processing in physical AI applications such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, drones, industrial automation and healthcare, NPUs are assuming a more critical role," said Karl Freund, founder and principal analyst of Cambrian AI Research. "Today, NPUs handle the bulk of the computationally intensive AI/ML workloads, but a large number of non-MAC layers include pre- and post-processing tasks that are better offloaded to specialized processors. However, current CPU, GPU and DSP solutions involve tradeoffs, and the industry needs a low-power, high-performance solution that is optimized for co-processing and allows future proofing for rapidly evolving AI processing needs."

Trump to Overhaul "AI Diffusion" Framework with Bilateral Licensing and Tougher GPU Export Controls

The Trump administration is preparing to roll back significant portions of the Biden-era rules that govern global chip exports and AI technology transfers. According to Bloomberg's sources familiar with the matter, the so-called "AI diffusion" framework, due to take effect on May 15, will be scrapped in favor of simpler, bilateral licensing agreements. Under the current plan, rather than sorting about 120 countries into three tiers with differing volume caps, the US will negotiate individual contracts with partners like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Even with these changes, restrictions on China's access to advanced chips will stay firmly in place, and may even be reinforced. The proposed regulations are expected to maintain the outright ban on shipments to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, while adding stricter oversight for nations that have previously rerouted US-origin semiconductors toward Beijing's AI and military programs. US officials are also considering lowering the notification threshold for smaller shipments, from 1,700 NVIDIA H100 equivalent units down to around 500, to close loopholes used by alleged smuggling networks.

Industry reaction has been mixed but largely positive. Chipmakers saw their share prices climb when news of the repeal broke, citing hopes for clearer rules and fewer compliance headaches. Governments in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe are watching closely and urging Washington to provide detailed guidance during the transition to avoid market disruptions. The AI diffusion rule was introduced in January 2025 with the goal of drawing countries such as India, Malaysia, and Poland into a more stringent export regime. Critics have argued that its complex, tiered system stifled innovation and diplomatic flexibility. The incoming framework will instead rely on targeted, outcome-driven accords that tie access to strategic investments and broader trade incentives. An official announcement could come as soon as Thursday, just before President Trump's trip to the Middle East. Final details are expected to be released in the coming weeks, marking a new chapter in US semiconductor diplomacy.

OLED Monitor Shipments Surge 175% YoY in the First Quarter; ASUS Rises to Second Place

TrendForce's latest investigation reveals that global OLED monitor shipments remain in rapid growth mode. With brands actively launching new models, shipments hit a record high of approximately 507,000 units in 1Q25, marking a 175% YoY increase. Thanks to strong demand—particularly for 27-inch UHD models—shipments in 2Q25 are expected to climb to 650,000 units. For the full year, shipments are projected to reach 2.58 million units, up 81% YoY, raising OLED's penetration rate in the overall monitor market to 2%.

Samsung retained its top position in 1Q25 with over 22% market share, driven by its flagship 49-inch models, which accounted for 40% of its OLED monitor shipments. As the 27-inch UHD model gains traction in 2Q25, it is expected to become Samsung's best-selling OLED monitor size.

ADATA Launches New Enterprise Storage Brand TRUSTA to Expand into AI and Enterprise Computing Markets

ADATA Technology Co., Ltd., a global leader in memory and flash storage solutions, today officially announced the launch of its new enterprise storage brand, TRUSTA, marking a major step into the AI server, data center, and enterprise markets. Aligned with its brand spirit of "Together, Empowering Tomorrow," TRUSTA focuses on innovation, performance, and stability, striving to deliver SSD solutions that combine high-speed computing capabilities with exceptional energy efficiency. TRUSTA is set to make its official debut at COMPUTEX 2025.

Seizing Global Server Market Opportunities with the Launch of T7 and T5 Series
According to TrendForce, the global server market is projected to reach USD 306 billion in 2024, with AI servers demonstrating particularly strong growth momentum, potentially contributing nearly USD 298 billion by 2025. In response to this trend, ADATA will officially introduce the TRUSTA brand at COMPUTEX, launching the T7 and T5 series enterprise SSDs. These solutions are designed to support a wide range of applications, including AI training and inference, vector databases, high-performance computing (HPC), virtualization platforms (VM/VDI), and server boot storage, helping enterprises build complete storage infrastructures from system boot-up to intensive data operations.

ASUS Celebrates DOOM: The Dark Ages Collaboration with Global Bundle

ASUS today announced its continuing partnership with Bethesda and id Software to deliver the highly anticipated title DOOM: The Dark Ages directly to gamers through a comprehensive global bundle initiative. The campaign follows the launch of the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 DOOM Edition graphics card, with fittingly, only 666 produced exclusively for preorder on the Bethesda Gear Store. Encompassing over forty regions and over two hundred products, this bundle allows many fans to get an included copy of the game alongside purchases of displays, motherboards, graphics cards, power supplies, AIO coolers, ROG NUC mini PCs, and more.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer's legend. Gamers can "Stand and Fight" as the super weapon of gods and kings in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war, with idTech8 native ray tracing delivering next-level graphics fidelity, speed, and visuals. When powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series, AI-powered NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation boosts FPS and constructs high-quality images, further enhancing the visuals for the definitive DOOM: The Dark Ages PC experience.

AMD Releases Software Adrenalin 25.5.1 WHQL Drivers

AMD has released its latest version of the AMD Software Adrenalin drivers, version 25.5.1 WHQL. The latest graphics drivers update brings official support for AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE graphics card, as well as new game support for Doom: The Dark Ages and F1 25 games. AMD also added new game support for AMD FSR 4 in several games, including Ghost of Tsushima, Frostpunk 2, Everspace 2, Fort Solis, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, The Finals, and Influx Redux, as well as expanded HYPR-RX Support to new games.

The new drivers update also added Vulkan 1.4 API support with support for several new Vulkan API extensions. AMD also fixed several issues including intermittent application crash or driver timeout in Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition and Civilization VII with Anti-Lag enabled, system crash due to a memory leak when using SteamVR on some Radeon graphics cards, including Radeon RX 9000 series, and some issues with driver installation.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 25.5.1 WHQL

Starforge Systems Launches New Dangerously Cute Gloomy Bear Limited Edition PC

Starforge Systems is excited to reveal an aesthetic refresh of their GLOOMY BEAR Limited Edition PC line, featuring Crunchyroll's infamous murderous teddy bear. The updated Limited Edition PC now features a dark black-on-red design to bring a new level of fierceness to gamers' battlestations. Featuring designs inspired by Japanese artist and writer Mori Chack's fan-favorite anime series, "Gloomy the Naughty Grizzly," the latest GLOOMY BEAR PC comes bundled with a matching GLOOMY BEAR desk mat and 12x18 acrylic wall art.

All the terror of a nightmare bear packed into a pomegranate-sized build. Featuring Mori Chack's infamous Gloomy, the Naughty Grizzly, this sinister system from Starforge transforms cuteness into chaos. With high-quality printed panels on a sleek SFF case and monstrous performance under the hood, it's engineered to haunt your competition. Don't let the size fool you. This PC isn't just powerful - it's a monster.

Essencore and KLEVV to Showcase Latest Products at Computex Taipei 2025

Essencore, a leading manufacturer in memory and storage solutions, with its consumer memory and storage brand KLEVV, is excited to announce its participation at COMPUTEX Taipei 2025, held from May 20th to May 23rd at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

POWER UP WITH NEXT-GEN GAMING AND PERFORMANCE MEMORY
KLEVV's premier memory solutions will be at the center of its COMPUTEX 2025 showcase, featuring a live demonstration of next-gen DDR5 modules built to run at blazing-fast speeds exceeding 10,000 MT/s, displayed across top-tier motherboards from leading vendors. This exclusive demo offers visitors a firsthand look at the performance headroom KLEVV is unlocking with its latest technology. Alongside the showcase, KLEVV's full gaming memory lineup is receiving a significant upgrade, featuring faster speeds and lower latencies to meet the demands of modern gaming and high-performance systems.
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