TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

Assassin's Creed Shadows is coming to Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3159330/Assassins_Creed_Shadows/) on March 20, inviting players to experience feudal Japan as the shinobi Naoe or the samurai Yasuke, each of whom have their own unique set of weapons, abilities, and gameplay strengths. The Assassin's Creed team released a 20-minute gameplay video showing Naoe and Yasuke executing the same mission, with each character showing off their particular strengths in both stealth and combat.

In the video, Yasuke and Naoe are on a mission to assassinate Takahashi Shiro, a member of the Twisted Tree family currently holed up in the Nijo Palace. Naoe kicks things off in the shadows by taking on the mission at night, showing off her skills with the Hidden Blade to take out a Samurai Daisho, an elite enemy, and using her grappling hook to stay out of sight. To keep her stealthy approach hidden, she shows off the ability to extinguish lanterns and assassinate enemies through shoji doors, but when it's time to fight, you'll see she can hold her own with the legendary kusarigama, a long-range melee weapon.https://tpucdn.com/img/TTLhxTBTc3YXoXVB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TTLhxTBTc3YXoXVB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wwpbvVQSvgkjSWR7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wwpbvVQSvgkjSWR7.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/SaLlxQMGk0TjW4mE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SaLlxQMGk0TjW4mE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PCC8k9NDVjpGm34e_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PCC8k9NDVjpGm34e.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333867/ubisoft-compares-assassins-creed-shadows-protagonists-in-20-minute-gameplay-preview)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333867/ubisoft-compares-assassins-creed-shadows-protagonists-in-20-minute-gameplay-preview)

[NextPowerUP]

ASUS today announced a VU Air Ionizer series of monitors designed to enhance users' well-being with a host of innovative features. The 23.8-inch VU249HFI-W and the 27-inch VU279HFI-W models feature FHD IPS panels with 178° viewing angles, 100 Hz refresh rates, and 1 ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT). Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range VU34WCIP-W boasts a 34-inch 1500R curved panel featuring USB Type-C connectivity, a 100 Hz refresh rate, and 1 ms MPRT. Each model has a built-in air ionizer that's able to remove up to 90% of airborne dust within three hours for improved air quality. The monitors also feature TÜV Rheinland-certified Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technologies to reduce eye strain. In addition, eco-friendly packaging can be repurposed into multiple organizers and a phone stand.

Fresh, clean air
Powered by nano-ion technology, the air ionizer in each of these monitors is positioned to purify the air directly in front of the user, effectively removing pollen, allergen, and other pollutants, and reducing 90%i of airborne dust in just three hours. The ionizer has an effective coverage area of 1 m³, purifying air throughout a workspace for comfortable productivity. With no filters required, ASUS VU Air Ionizer series monitors seamlessly combine air purification and cutting-edge display technologies in one streamlined design.https://tpucdn.com/img/jGz6y5nIqfg42wev_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jGz6y5nIqfg42wev.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qv1xliM2HhzdfCZN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qv1xliM2HhzdfCZN.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/dhDtEj3qeqh7zaxp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dhDtEj3qeqh7zaxp.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333861/asus-announces-availability-of-vu-air-ionizer-monitors)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333861/asus-announces-availability-of-vu-air-ionizer-monitors)

[NextPowerUP]

Synaptics Incorporated has extended its award-winning Synaptics Astra AI-Native platform with the SR-Series high-performance adaptive microcontroller units (MCUs) for scalable context-aware Edge AI. The series features three tiers of operation: performance (100 GOPS), efficiency, and ultra-low-power (ULP) always-on (AON) to deliver intelligence at every power level. Based on an Arm Cortex-M55 core and the Arm Ethos-U55 neural processing unit (NPU), the SR-Series is supported by the Astra Machina Micro development kit and open-source SDK. It is optimized for multimodal consumer, enterprise, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) workloads with accelerators and adaptive vision, audio, and voice algorithms. The small-form-factor MCUs have a rich set of peripherals—including multiple camera interfaces—to help minimize system cost, power, and footprint while enabling integration into a wide range of devices, such as battery-operated security cameras, sensors, appliances, point-of-sale, digital signage, and scanners.

Announced at EW2024 with the SL-Series MPUs, the Synaptics Astra AI-Native compute platform for the IoT combines scalable, low-power compute silicon for the device Edge with open-source, easy-to-use software and tools and Veros wireless connectivity. The platform was built upon Synaptics' foundation in neural networks, field-hardened AI hardware and compiler design expertise for the IoT, and refined, in-house support of a broad base of modalities.https://tpucdn.com/img/Xcef9pADqMBI5ype_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Xcef9pADqMBI5ype.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/SGsHfkGaE2Yn3BIV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SGsHfkGaE2Yn3BIV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/iOIyysJsCh29fozd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iOIyysJsCh29fozd.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333859/synaptics-extends-edge-ai-portfolio-with-new-adaptive-mcus-for-multimodal-context-aware-computing)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333859/synaptics-extends-edge-ai-portfolio-with-new-adaptive-mcus-for-multimodal-context-aware-computing)

[NextPowerUP]

Realtek Semiconductor will participate in the globally acclaimed top technology event—the Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, from March 11 to 13. Highlighted exhibits will include networking multimedia applications, Ethernet solutions for various transmission media, industrial Ethernet switch application solutions, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi/IoT solutions. These exhibits will demonstrate Realtek's innovation in multimedia and communication networks, combined with AI-powered smart applications, providing customers with stable, reliable, and high-performance solutions.

Networked Multimedia Application
Realtek provides end customers with a highly secure, sustainably upgradeable, open-source, and shared Linux platform. Designed to meet the needs of SoCs, it leverages an advanced 12 nm process, a high-performance CPU/GPU, and Edge AI computing with NPU to fully support 4K video decoding and all HDMI 2.1 functions. It also enables audio and video transmission via DisplayPort. Additionally, the platform features high integration with multiple interfaces, including USB, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and SDIO. For system integration, Realtek incorporates its NICs (1G/2.5G/10 Gbps) and Wi-Fi/BT chips. SoCs are able to seamlessly connect to panels of various sizes via built-in MIPI or eDP, ensuring compatibility with networked multimedia applications.https://tpucdn.com/img/AGYwCtaZf7qgf0pI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/AGYwCtaZf7qgf0pI.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333857/realtek-to-showcase-multimedia-and-network-solutions-at-embedded-world-2025)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333857/realtek-to-showcase-multimedia-and-network-solutions-at-embedded-world-2025)

[NextPowerUP]

Taiwanese ODM Compal Electronics has secured an iF Design Award 2025 for its innovative "Infinite Laptop" concept. It features a horizontally expanding display that transforms from a standard 14-inch screen to an ultrawide 18-inch workspace. Unlike recent expandable display prototypes from Lenovo that unfold vertically, Compal's approach addresses productivity needs through horizontal expansion, potentially offering significant advantages for multi-tasking professionals and content creators. The design appears to leverage cutting-edge rollable OLED technology, with the display extending from both left and right sides of the base unit while maintaining the central viewing area above the keyboard. Award documentation suggests the concept prioritizes a balance between portability and productivity. Additional features may include LED notification indicators integrated into the laptop lid, though specific implementation details remain limited.

As an Original Design Manufacturer, Compal typically creates hardware for other brands rather than marketing products under its own name. The company has a track record of award-winning concept designs that don't always reach commercial production. This raises questions about whether the Infinite Laptop will transition from concept to consumer product. The expandable display trend represents a new frontier in laptop design, offering an alternative to traditional compromises in portable computing. While external monitors solutions have provided workarounds for screen real estate, integrated expandable displays could eliminate the need for additional peripherals while maintaining portability. Lenovo has already developed a few interesting laptop concepts, such as the ThinkBook Flip AI PC concept (https://www.techpowerup.com/333495/lenovo-shows-thinkpad-thinkbook-and-visionary-concept-devices-at-mwc-2025), which introduces an outward folding OLED display and a solar-powered laptop (https://www.techpowerup.com/333487/lenovo-debuts-solar-powered-14-inch-yoga-laptop-at-mwc-2025). To see innovation in the laptop space is very heartwarming, even if it is only a concept/prototype for now.https://tpucdn.com/img/g9kVWTwLg2zQ5U4q_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/g9kVWTwLg2zQ5U4q.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/e358QYPcNJFqaUCF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/e358QYPcNJFqaUCF.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/mEQgmzbTAcjVeRto_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mEQgmzbTAcjVeRto.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6gKALwVHXFzEGCtu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6gKALwVHXFzEGCtu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/WGf2wmKQ6eZxjhyo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/WGf2wmKQ6eZxjhyo.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333856/compal-shows-expandable-display-laptop-concept-14-inch-model-transforms-into-18-inch-laptop)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series mainstream lineup has been leaked, thanks to the well-known leaker kopite7kimi (https://x.com/kopite7kimi), revealing the complete specification profile of the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards. The entry-level RTX 5050 features GB207-300-A1 silicon on a PG152-SKU50 board with 2,560 CUDA cores and 8 GB of the older GDDR6 memory across a 128-bit interface at 130 W, while the mid-tier RTX 5060 utilizes GB206-250-A1 silicon on a PG152-SKU25 board housing 3,840 CUDA cores with 8 GB of the latest GDDR7 memory at 150 W. The more powerful RTX 5060 Ti implements GB206-300-A1 silicon with two board versions, PG152-SKU10/15, presumably for two memory configurations. It features 4,608 CUDA cores paired with either 8 GB or 16 GB of GDDR7 memory and a 180 W power envelope.

Most notable is the adoption of next-generation GDDR7 memory technology in both RTX 5060 variants while maintaining the 128-bit memory bus across all three models. While the entry-level RTX 5050 model utilizes GDDR6 memory, the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti are awarded with the faster GDDR7. The consistent 128-bit interface suggests NVIDIA is leveraging memory compression technologies and GDDR7's increased bandwidth to deliver performance improvements without widening the memory bus. Each tier features a slight increase in CUDA core count, a modest boost over the previous generation RTX 40 series. With the RTX 5050 targeting 1080p gaming, the RTX 5060 is positioned for high-refresh 1080p and entry-level 1440p, and the RTX 5060 Ti is likely aimed at solid 1440p performance across most titles. While we don't know the exact release date, we can expect to hear more about the availability in the coming weeks.https://tpucdn.com/img/yCiIu7xxf4VbvHSI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yCiIu7xxf4VbvHSI.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EdO83c0tFe93NRyj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EdO83c0tFe93NRyj.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333855/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5050-rtx-5060-and-rtx-5060-ti-specifications-leak)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA has finally responded to widespread stability problems (https://www.techpowerup.com/332944/nvidia-investigates-geforce-rtx-50-series-blackwell-black-screen-and-bsod-issues) affecting its RTX 50 series "Blackwell" GPU lineup with the release of GeForce Hotfix Display Driver 572.75. The emergency update specifically targets two critical issues: black screen crashes plaguing the entire RTX 50 series and performance degradation after system reboots when overclocking RTX 5080/5090 models. This hotfix arrives after weeks of user complaints about system instability, particularly when utilizing DLSS 4 frame generation and other advanced features. The release comes directly through NVIDIA's Customer Care support site rather than standard distribution channels, packed in the hotfix release.

According to NVIDIA's release notes, the driver underwent an "abbreviated QA process" to spread its availability to affected users. While the company acknowledges the complexity of its driver software and has "an army of software engineers" addressing bugs, many early Blackwell buyers have expressed frustration over paying premium prices for hardware hindered by fundamental stability issues. NVIDIA has indicated that these fixes and additional improvements will be incorporated into the next official WHQL-certified driver release, though no specific timeline has been provided. At TechPowerUp, we don't host hotfix drivers, only WHQL versions, so you must go to NVIDIA's website here (https://international.download.nvidia.com/Windows/572.75hf/572.75-desktop-notebook-win10-win11-64bit-international-dch.hf.exe) to download the latest driver.https://tpucdn.com/img/gk3qNJcacqupKERZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gk3qNJcacqupKERZ.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333854/nvidia-irons-out-blackwell-black-screen-issues-with-latest-geforce-hotfix-display-driver-v572-75)

[NextPowerUP]

Dynabook recently made headlines with its X30W laptop, which was claimed to be one of the lightest laptops available on the market. Now, the company has introduced the Z40L-N laptop, also with Intel's Lunar Lake-equipped internals and an impressively lightweight chassis. However, the Z40L-N packs yet another trick up its sleeve - the laptop boasts a battery that is relatively easy to replace, at least by modern standards. At its core, the Z40L-N laptop is powered by Intel's Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake CPUs, up to the Core Ultra 7 258V (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/core-ultra-7-268v.c3793) with 32 GB of onboard memory. Clearly, the laptop packs plenty of computing horsepower, and the integrated Arc 140 V GPU should be enough for non-intensive workloads and casual gaming.

At the front, a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 is on offer. With a sub-1-kg (~2.2 lbs) weight, the 14-inch laptop is effortless to carry around in a backpack, and the 56 Whr battery should provide for decently long runtimes away from the wall. As stated previously, the battery is not glued to the chassis, and is therefore relatively easy to replace simply by removing the back panel and then the battery itself. The base configuration starts at $1,699, and ships with the Core Ultra 5 226V CPU with 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. There are a plenty of ports on offer, including a selection of USB-A and USB-C (including Thunderbolt 4) ports, microSD slot, audio jack, as well as a RJ45 gigabit LAN port. For wireless communication, Wi-Fi 7 as well as Bluetooth is present. The higher-end variant with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU with 32 GB of memory commands a $500 premium over the standard variant, which is to be expected.https://tpucdn.com/img/lW66RvISrnTHMcPG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lW66RvISrnTHMcPG.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kC5WsAjtrbuthmQh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kC5WsAjtrbuthmQh.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/DsDvjEVGYtW1mPve_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DsDvjEVGYtW1mPve.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/t3VCHRrymtilZdYy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/t3VCHRrymtilZdYy.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333843/dynabook-protege-z40l-n-launched-with-lunar-lake-chops-and-removable-battery)

[NextPowerUP]

It would be incredibly hard to argue that Apple's recently unveiled M4-equipped MacBook Air (https://www.techpowerup.com/333635/apple-introduces-new-macbook-air-with-m4-chip-new-sky-blue-color-and-a-lower-starting-price-of-usd-999) is the company's best value laptop in quite a while. With a lower starting price and twice the memory, the refreshed MacBook Air sure does a great job enticing students and casual users. The system has recently made its debut on the popular benchmarking platform Geekbench, boasting CPU and GPU performance that is right around what one might expect from the M4 SoC, which we have seen previously in the iPad Pro as well as multiple Macs. In single-core, the M4 MacBook Air managed a score of 3,680 points, and in multicore, the M4 raked in 14,924 points. Of course, the fanless MacBook Air will almost certainly struggle to keep up with its actively cooled siblings in sustained workloads.

In GPU performance, the MacBook Air raked in 54,864 points in Geekbench's Metal GPU benchmark, which is marginally lower than the M4 SoC's average of 57,000 points in the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, both of which are actively cooled. Considering the starting price of $999, the M4 MacBook Air with 16 GB of unified memory is plenty performant for the vast majority of laptop users. Of course, the entry-level storage of a paltry 256 GB is a borderline deal-breaker in 2025, compounded by the fact that Apple refuses to grace its products with user upgradeable storage. For those who can look past it, the M4 MacBook Air sure has a lot going for it.https://tpucdn.com/img/RhVL5PW1C51SXEdI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RhVL5PW1C51SXEdI.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wmo6q3QuBqevaAWd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wmo6q3QuBqevaAWd.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/k7FazxZ41sktcEz9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/k7FazxZ41sktcEz9.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333842/m4-powered-apple-macbook-air-hits-geekbench-with-unsurprising-scores)

[NextPowerUP]

There is no shortage of folks who have modest performance expectations from their systems, but require a large display for entertainment and creativity purposes. ASUS has introduced a massive new laptop seemingly intended for such people, dubbed the Vivobook 18. As the name suggests, the laptop sports a large 18.3-inch display with an aspect ratio of 16:10. As we shall find out later, the product is affordably priced, which justifies the 1080p IPS display. At its size, a higher-resolution panel would've certainly been a welcome addition. Thankfully, however, the display boasts a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which should allow for an excellent motion experience. The display is also claimed to cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut, which is pretty neat.

At its heart, the Vivobook 18 is powered by the Ryzen 7 260 APU (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-7-260.c4010#:~:text=Ryzen%207%20260%20has%2016,at%20the%20foundry%20of%20TSMC.) with 8 Zen 4 cores and 16 threads paired with up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory. The APU is no slouch, and packs enough grunt to trade blows with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU. There is no option for discrete graphics, which means that any graphically demanding task will have to solely rely on the integrated Radeon 780M iGPU. For non-intensive workloads and casual lightweight gaming, the RDNA 3-based Radeon 780M should easily suffice. An M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x 4 slot takes care of storage requirements, with 512 GB as standard. The memory is also upgradeable, courtesy of the single unpopulated SODIMM slot.https://tpucdn.com/img/Cc2Cx4mv3DYOQbJb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Cc2Cx4mv3DYOQbJb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/fTpnKVNRtFuf01Hm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fTpnKVNRtFuf01Hm.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333837/asus-vivobook-18-launched-with-amd-ryzen-7-260-apu-and-144-hz-display)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333837/asus-vivobook-18-launched-with-amd-ryzen-7-260-apu-and-144-hz-display)

[NextPowerUP]

Just recently, Apple somewhat stunned the industry with the introduction of its refreshed Mac Studio with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra SoCs. For whatever reason, the Cupertino giant decided to spec its most expensive Mac desktop with an Ultra SoC that is based on an older generation, M3, instead of the newer M4 family. However, the M3 Max, which the M3 Ultra is based on, was no slouch, indicating that the M3 Ultra will likely boast impressive performance. However, if a collection of recent benchmark runs are anything to go by, it appears that the M3 Ultra is a tad too closely matched with the M4 Max in CPU performance, which makes the $2000 premium between the two SoCs rather difficult to digest. Needless to say, a single benchmark is hardly representative of real-world performance, so accept this information with a grain of salt.

According to the recently spotted Geekbench result, the M3 Ultra managed a single-core score of 3,221, which is roughly 18% slower than the M4 Max. In multicore performance, one might expect the 32-core M3 Ultra to sweep the floor with the 16-core M4 Max, but that is not quite the case. With a score of 27,749, the M3 Ultra leads the M4 Max by an abysmal 8%. Of course, these are early runs, which may suggest that future scores will likely be higher. However, it is clear as day that the M3 Ultra and the M4 Max, at least in terms of CPU performance, will be close together in multithreaded performance, with the M4 Max continuing to be substantially faster than the far more expensive M3 Ultra variant in single-threaded performance. It does appear that the primary selling point for the M3 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio will be the massive 80-core GPU and up to 512 GB of unified memory shared by the CPU and the GPU, which should come in handy for running massive LLMs locally and other niche workloads.https://tpucdn.com/img/oxOxmCcp1pR39527_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oxOxmCcp1pR39527.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/rhjxeBeIs4ECl2Ll_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rhjxeBeIs4ECl2Ll.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333836/apple-m3-ultra-soc-disappointing-cpu-benchmark-result-surfaces)

[NextPowerUP]

Welcome to the second week of March, which takes us to the end of feudal Japan for this week's major release. This is followed by what can only be called a Minecraft wannabe, but with slightly less blocky graphics, a cozy game about tea, a PvP action roguelike, some H. P. Lovecraft inspired horror and finally some big guys and gals in tights pretending to wrestle. The rest of this week was pretty slim pickings, so there are no additional new releases this week.

Rise of the Ronin (https://teamninja-studio.com/ronin/) / This week's major release / Tuesday 11 March
An open-world RPG set in the Bakumatsu period, where players take on the role of a ronin forging their own destiny. The game features multiple possible endings, allowing players to choose which faction to support—such as the anti-shogunate faction, pro-shogunate faction, or Western forces—which significantly alters the story's outcome. Steam link (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1340990/Rise_of_the_Ronin/)https://tpucdn.com/img/6XUhcEN1MVkY98iv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6XUhcEN1MVkY98iv.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nV9q7rtqfZwafKzd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nV9q7rtqfZwafKzd.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KMiA6G7F1bzO89gv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KMiA6G7F1bzO89gv.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/77EiRTL7yfNLZtuz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/77EiRTL7yfNLZtuz.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333827/this-week-in-gaming-week-11)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333827/this-week-in-gaming-week-11)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA has prepared a "Blackwell" Titan equivalent—RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPU for professional visualization and local AI solutions. Based on the GB202 silicon, the RTX PRO 6000 is the closest solution to the full power of NVIDIA's prosumer-oriented Blackwell SKUs. With 24,064 CUDA cores on board, this configuration is just 512 CUDA cores shy from the complete GB202 24,576-core configuration. This is likely due to the yield defects, meaning that this is perhaps the highest CUDA core count model we will see based on GB202. Additionally, at 24,064 core RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell is carrying 2,340 more cores than the top-end consumer GeForce RTX 5090 with 21,760 CUDA cores. Based on the 600 W TGP, the new RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell should have lower clocks, given its bigger core count to maintain the TGP for its massive memory configuration. Remember, GDDR7 memory modules consume power, too.

With 96 GB of GDDR7 memory and ECC memory correction on board, it will primarily target professionals in 3D rendering, simulations, and local AI development. To cool the beastly configuration, NVIDIA opted for a double-flow-through cooler used on the RTX 5090, with an open-air design. Operating on a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface with four DisplayPort 2.1 connectors, the design remains double-slot in thickness. VideoCardz obtained pictures of it, which you can see below. Interestingly, the color accents of the new cooler are darker. We can expect to see more from NVIDIA and its new RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPU from the upcoming GTC 2025 on March 17.https://tpucdn.com/img/EpP22wB0ctFMbkwA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EpP22wB0ctFMbkwA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/F9g142fqunRVb4TW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/F9g142fqunRVb4TW.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/E3Xtbto6RR9t9JsP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/E3Xtbto6RR9t9JsP.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333802/nvidia-rtx-pro-6000-blackwell-features-24-064-cores-paired-with-96-gb-gddr7-ecc-memory)

[NextPowerUP]

China's domestic extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography development is far from a distant dream. The newest system, now undergoing testing at Huawei's Dongguan facility, leverages laser-induced discharge plasma (LDP) technology, representing a potentially disruptive approach to EUV light generation. The system is scheduled for trial production in Q3 2025, with mass manufacturing targeted for 2026, potentially positioning China to break ASML's technical monopoly in advanced lithography. The LDP approach employed in the Chinese system generates 13.5 nm EUV radiation by vaporizing tin between electrodes and converting it to plasma via high-voltage discharge, where electron-ion collisions produce the required wavelength. This methodology offers several technical advantages over ASML's laser-produced plasma (LPP) technique, including simplified architecture, reduced footprint, improved energy efficiency, and potentially lower production costs.

The LPP method relies on high-energy lasers and complex FPGA-based real-time control electronics to achieve the same result. While ASML has refined its LPP-based systems over decades, the inherent efficiency advantages of the LDP approach could accelerate China's catch-up timeline in this critical semiconductor manufacturing technology. When the US imposed sanctions on EUV shipments to Chinese companies, the Chinese semiconductor development was basically limited as standard deep ultraviolet (DUV) wave lithography systems utilize 248 nm (KrF) and 193 nm (ArF) wavelengths for semiconductor patterning, with 193 nm immersion technology representing the most advanced pre-EUV production technique. These longer wavelengths contrast with EUV's 13.5 nm radiation, requiring multiple patterning techniques to achieve advanced nodes.https://tpucdn.com/img/Rb1GdSKGyACtDZCH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Rb1GdSKGyACtDZCH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/q4X49lp5i0Zrn7l6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/q4X49lp5i0Zrn7l6.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333801/china-develops-domestic-euv-tool-asml-monopoly-in-trouble)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333801/china-develops-domestic-euv-tool-asml-monopoly-in-trouble)

[NextPowerUP]

The legendary KONAMI JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II have now been remastered in HD (https://www.konami.com/games/suikoden/rem/1_2/us/en-us/)! The Suikoden Series began its journey in 1995 and quickly gained popularity as KONAMI's original RPG series, releasing a total of 11 titles including spin-offs. Each installment of the game featured new locations and unique characters, thoughtfully woven together storylines, and more than 108 charming allies to tell a wartime story full of grandeur.

The Story of Suikoden I
A once renowned hero turns into a violent tyrant, and an empire falls into decline. A Liberation Army is rising up in an act of rebellion against an oppressive rule. One by one the 108 stars of Destiny gather to shape the course of history.

The Story of Suikoden II
Our story's hero and his friend Jowy are members of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, which participated in a drawn-out border dispute between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowston. A few months earlier, a truce agreement was signed between the two forces, both of which were happy to see an end to the fighting.https://tpucdn.com/img/6WpK2bdSjehtbz51_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6WpK2bdSjehtbz51.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xaAFqFtfe53azpir_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xaAFqFtfe53azpir.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/fGtN4ufzzdOEgrsS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fGtN4ufzzdOEgrsS.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/i3RnHSzMZuldDSWv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/i3RnHSzMZuldDSWv.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333780/suikoden-i-ii-hd-remaster-available-now-on-pc-consoles)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333780/suikoden-i-ii-hd-remaster-available-now-on-pc-consoles)

[NextPowerUP]

The PC hardware rumor mill theorized that NVIDIA would unveil its GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 (https://www.techpowerup.com/333977/nvidia-reportedly-prepares-geforce-rtx-5060-and-rtx-5060-ti-unveil-tomorrow) graphics cards today (March 13). An official announcement has not yet transpired—at the time of writing. Earlier in the week, specification sheets (https://www.techpowerup.com/333855/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5050-rtx-5060-and-rtx-5060-ti-specifications-leak) for Team Green's cheaper Blackwell GPU models were leaked online—courtesy of kopite7kimi, a noted inside tracker of NVIDIA activities. Not long after that disclosure, reportage focused on an Acer Nitro N50 pre-built gaming PC (https://www.techpowerup.com/333934/acer-nitro-n50-pre-built-pc-with-geforce-rtx-5060-gpu-listed-in-france)—featuring an unannounced GeForce RTX 5060 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5060.c4219) GPU with 8 GB of GDDR7 SDRAM. The relatively rapid delivery of GB206 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/nvidia-gb206.g1075) related leaks suggests that something is on the imminent release horizon.

An anonymous tip-off from a Chinese audience member has resulted in the publication of another VideoCardz investigative article (https://videocardz.com/pixel/chinese-retailer-lists-geforce-rtx-5060-12gb-and-rtx-5060-ti-cards-with-initial-prices). Apparently an unnamed local e-tailer provided pre-release price points (presumably including VAT) for GeForce RTX 5060 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5060-ti.c4246) and RTX 5060 graphics card; 4299 RMB and 3799 RMB (respectively). For reference, the tipster's screenshot also included prices for various GeForce RTX 5070 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070.c4218) models—the cheapest being 4799 RMB (~$663 USD). As noted by VideoCardz, Chinese baseline MSRP for the RTX 5070 is 4599 RMB (~$635 USD). Curiously, the webstore's entry for a non-specific GeForce RTX 5060 card designates it as a 12 GB VRAM variant. This could be a pre-launch error, based on placeholder material—recent leaks have indicated the existence of a lone GeForce RTX 5060 SKU, with 8 GB of VRAM. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is tipped to arrive in two forms: with 8 GB or 16 GB VRAM configurations onboard. VideoCardz has heard whispers from industry moles about a possible official lifting of new product embargoes, ahead of next week's GTC 2025 conference (https://www.techpowerup.com/333646/jensen-huang-industry-visionaries-to-present-whats-next-in-ai-at-gtc-2025).https://tpucdn.com/img/9NOwOah1YrpA3oH1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9NOwOah1YrpA3oH1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/mTbIXYPtGYAng89F_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mTbIXYPtGYAng89F.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334055/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-ti-rtx-5060-speculative-prices-leaked-in-china)

[NextPowerUP]

The wait is over! Our second Wicked Inside is complete. Join us; for an exclusive deep dive into the new content, features and improvements in The Breach Update as well as everything coming next for "No Rest for the Wicked (https://norestforthewicked.com/)." There are a few surprises along the way! Let us know what you think!

The Breach—our biggest update
You wanted more of our campaign, you wanted more story, more zones to play in, more enemies, more bosses… in short: more of everything. And that is exactly what we have been focusing on. The Breach will be launching on the 30th of April 2025. Watch our latest showcase for the detailed updates and fixes.https://tpucdn.com/img/rlU1JVS1GmarchIM_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rlU1JVS1GmarchIM.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/lvlvfJITR5MI5YPT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lvlvfJITR5MI5YPT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/oNXxkg5nSMiRqJE3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oNXxkg5nSMiRqJE3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/4NnUNCsgj4BXwIPG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4NnUNCsgj4BXwIPG.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334054/moon-studios-showcases-no-rest-for-the-wicked-huge-content-update)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334054/moon-studios-showcases-no-rest-for-the-wicked-huge-content-update)

[NextPowerUP]

This keyboard combines a durable carbon fiber shell with a minimalist design, offering users an unparalleled typing experience and superior usability.

Carbon Fiber Shell and Comfortable Typing Experience
The Epomaker Carbon60 features a durable carbon fiber shell that resists corrosion, oxidation, and scratches, extending its lifespan. Unlike plastic shells, carbon fiber gives the keyboard a more refined and modern feel, enhancing its technological appeal. Paired with stylish spray paint, the Epomaker Carbon 60 exudes a fashionable and sophisticated visual aesthetic, perfectly catering to users who value both performance and appearance. Additionally, the light blue handle design adds a thoughtful touch, making it even more portable.https://tpucdn.com/img/0s4CJR0yuxnJu6fU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/0s4CJR0yuxnJu6fU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/sorPbiM3tG603QB3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/sorPbiM3tG603QB3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/v3tW1T5BywdSSN76_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/v3tW1T5BywdSSN76.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/jLU6Mdem0PkcbXpr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jLU6Mdem0PkcbXpr.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334053/epomaker-launches-its-first-carbon-fiber-keyboard-the-epomaker-carbon-60)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334053/epomaker-launches-its-first-carbon-fiber-keyboard-the-epomaker-carbon-60)

[NextPowerUP]

MicroProse is thrilled to announce its publishing partnership with Adamant Studios for Knights of Frontier Valley, a challenging, old-school-inspired roguelike RPG that brings the depth, danger, and discovery of classic fantasy adventures to a living, breathing digital world.

In a major development for the RPG community, tabletop gaming legend Rob Kuntz—one of the founding pioneers of Dungeons & Dragons—joins the project to bring his unparalleled experience and creative vision to the game.https://tpucdn.com/img/wbNQWDdHXlGr0d4J_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wbNQWDdHXlGr0d4J.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xcjQS21i5MWoNMxx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xcjQS21i5MWoNMxx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8k8vfMxDh6YLIige_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8k8vfMxDh6YLIige.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334051/microprose-announces-knights-of-frontier-valley-a-hardcore-roguelike-rpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334051/microprose-announces-knights-of-frontier-valley-a-hardcore-roguelike-rpg)

[NextPowerUP]

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and edtech solutions, has begun shipping its next-generation desktop monitor, the ColorPro VP2788-5K. Designed for seamless integration into both Mac and PC ecosystems, the VP2788-5K delivers outstanding functionality and performance, making it ideal for professional content creators, businesses, and other commercial applications.

The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K is a sleek 27-inch desktop monitor designed with precise visual performance and sharpness. Featuring stunning 5K (5120x2880) resolution, an exceptionally high pixels-per-inch, and a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, the VP2788-5K provides a vibrant and powerful complement to Apple's scaling functionality, allowing for razor-sharp details and Retina-like clarity. With Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the monitor provides ultra-fast data transfer and up to 100 W charging through a single cable. It also supports the daisy chaining of up to two 5K monitors for a continuous multi-display setup.https://tpucdn.com/img/WSQ4jxidW6pQF3l9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/WSQ4jxidW6pQF3l9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/WYrONMZBoTsEAMz2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/WYrONMZBoTsEAMz2.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yc3LmpDTcBiRvdZi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yc3LmpDTcBiRvdZi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UJn8Fbfqryd9LOVl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UJn8Fbfqryd9LOVl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FVSo44Latd5S5RmQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FVSo44Latd5S5RmQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/BLhrvy3VtCXOlRqG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BLhrvy3VtCXOlRqG.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334050/viewsonic-starts-shipping-its-first-5k-monitor-for-mac-and-pc-ecosystems)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334050/viewsonic-starts-shipping-its-first-5k-monitor-for-mac-and-pc-ecosystems)

[NextPowerUP]

The oft-rumored status of Intel's refreshed generation of Arrow Lake processors (ARL-R) was the topic of much debate in 2023. By September 2024 (https://www.techpowerup.com/326883/intels-8p-32e-arrow-lake-refresh-rumored-cancelled), certain industry watchdogs believed that the endeavor had ended. Early last month, Golden Pig Upgrade proposed (https://www.techpowerup.com/332233/intel-reportedly-considering-resurrection-of-arrow-lake-refresh-processor-family) that Team Blue leadership had resurrected the troubled project—at least with "ARL-S Refresh" desktop CPUs. Earlier today, the noted leaker of inside information returned to the topic of Arrow Lake Refresh. According to industry moles, the launch of refreshed desktop processors (on LGA 1851) is confirmed.

An extended timeline was disclosed in Golden Pig Upgrade's latest musing: "Arrow Lake HX Refresh is confirmed to return. Don't criticize the interface for only one generation. AI PCs are getting bigger and stronger." Given that ARL-HX-equipped high-end notebooks and mini PCs—with Core Ultra 7 200 series APUs—are relatively new arrivals, a mild update later on in the year could be considered pointless. Intel has committed themselves to a launch of Panther Lake mobile processors (PTL-H) in the second half of 2025 (https://www.techpowerup.com/333769/intel-panther-lake-on-track-for-h2-2025-launch-company-exec-disregards-rumors-of-18a-delays). As disclosed by past leaks, the "beefing up" of onboard NPUs—to Lunar Lake-esque standards—is a reported goal; at least with Arrow Lake-S.https://tpucdn.com/img/PJRVI87sX9famEPg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PJRVI87sX9famEPg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KECP5Kry2wr0MuCV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KECP5Kry2wr0MuCV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FojTMIbiDFrPCKsN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FojTMIbiDFrPCKsN.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334046/insider-foresees-intel-arrow-lake-refresh-cpus-arriving-in-desktop-mobile-forms)

[NextPowerUP]

KIOXIA America, Inc. today announced the development of its new LC9 Series 122.88 terabyte (TB) capacity NVMe SSD in a 2.5-inch form factor - the first SSD built with the company's BiCS FLASH generation 8 3D flash memory technology QLC 2 terabit (Tb) die.

As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, and data volumes continue to grow, enterprises require storage solutions that can keep pace with the complex demands of modern workloads. High-capacity drives are critical for certain phases of the AI process, including large language models (LLMs), training and storing vast datasets, vector databases and the rapid retrieval of information for inference and fine-tuning. Designed for generative AI applications, the new enterprise-class KIOXIA drive is built for capacity and provides a PCIe 5.0 interface and dual-port capability for fault tolerance or connectivity to multiple compute systems. These high-capacity QLC-based SSDs are suitable for deploying in hybrid cloud and multi-cloud systems. High-capacity SSDs feed training and inference data to AI server systems via these cloud configurations.https://tpucdn.com/img/e3CoTmVsMhrpH9Vl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/e3CoTmVsMhrpH9Vl.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334049/kioxia-unveils-high-capacity-lc9-series-122-88-tb-nvme-ssds-for-ai-applications)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334049/kioxia-unveils-high-capacity-lc9-series-122-88-tb-nvme-ssds-for-ai-applications)

[NextPowerUP]

Today marks the launch of ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 (S3407QA/S3607QA), a pair of Copilot+ PCs engineered to be the ideal companions for everyday life.

Featuring the latest high-performance Snapdragon X processor with up to 45 TOPS NPU, these ultra-slim, lightweight laptops deliver powerful AI capabilities, extended battery life, and next-level connectivity. For work, study, or play, Vivobook S14/S16 provide an immersive entertainment experience with stunning 16:10 FHD OLED or 2.5K 144 Hz IPS displays, along with Snapdragon Sound and Dolby Atmos audio. Designed for style and durability, these devices ensure effortless AI computing with premium metallic chassis, military-grade resilience, and advanced security features for total peace of mind.https://tpucdn.com/img/FNj7UDpnPZHyLElh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FNj7UDpnPZHyLElh.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7oyCnRWTgHZeE0Tl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7oyCnRWTgHZeE0Tl.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334048/asus-also-announces-the-vivobook-s14-s16-copilot-pcs)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334048/asus-also-announces-the-vivobook-s14-s16-copilot-pcs)

[NextPowerUP]

Today marks the launch of the ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 series (S3407CA/VA and S3607CA/VA), 14- and 16-inch laptops crafted for everyone.

ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 deliver outstanding performance in a sleek, lightweight design, weighing just 1.40 kg and measuring 1.59 cm thin, and featuring a durable metal chassis that ensures style and reliability for users on the go. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) and a 70Wh battery offering up to 20 hours of life with fast charging, they maximize productivity. The dedicated Copilot key provides instant access to Copilot's AI assistance, while ASUS AI noise cancelation and ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) video technology enhance conferencing. Premium 16:10 display choices—up to a stunning WUXGA OLED or an anti-glare WUXGA 144 Hz IPS panel—deliver immersive visuals for work or entertainment, and make Vivobook S14/S16 the perfect choice for everyday life.https://tpucdn.com/img/UgJxfcASLaqwB1SZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UgJxfcASLaqwB1SZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/AJno6nvcTrlxVptT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/AJno6nvcTrlxVptT.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334047/asus-reveals-the-vivobook-s14-s16-series-s3407ca-va-s3607ca-va)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334047/asus-reveals-the-vivobook-s14-s16-series-s3407ca-va-s3607ca-va)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA ACE is a suite of RTX-accelerated digital human technologies that bring game characters to life with generative AI. Earlier this year, we unveiled AI-powered NVIDIA ACE Autonomous Game Characters, adding autonomous teammates, NPCs, and enemies to games, unlocking a whole new set of gameplay possibilities. These ACE autonomous game characters make their debut later this month in two titles. In the life simulator inZOI, players can customize "Smart Zoi" NPCs with life goals that in turn use AI to guide behavior and interactions with other NPCs.

In NARAKA: BLADEPOINT MOBILE PC VERSION, NVIDIA ACE-powered teammates help players battle enemies, hunt for loot, and fight for victory. Additionally, NVIDIA ACE technologies continue to advance, incorporating new vision and audio language models, enhancing facial animation with new model architectures, and accelerating game development with updated ACE plugins for Maya and Unreal Engine for offline authoring.https://tpucdn.com/img/CzwZ8UGs9rRAj28o_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CzwZ8UGs9rRAj28o.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gGaQZuew0qDu813E_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gGaQZuew0qDu813E.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334045/nvidia-ace-autonomous-game-characters-debut-this-month-in-inzoi-and-naraka-bladepoint-mobile-pc-version)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334045/nvidia-ace-autonomous-game-characters-debut-this-month-in-inzoi-and-naraka-bladepoint-mobile-pc-version)

[NextPowerUP]

ASUS today announced its showcase of comprehensive AI infrastructure solutions at CloudFest 2025, bringing together cutting-edge hardware powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors, NVIDIA GPUs and AMD EPYC processors. The company will also highlight its integrated software platforms, reinforcing its position as a total AI solution provider for enterprises seeking seamless AI deployments from edge to cloud.

Intel Xeon 6-based AI solutions and Gaudi 3 Acceleration for generative AI inferencing and fine tuning training
ASUS Intel Xeon 6-based servers leverage the Data Center Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) architecture, providing unparalleled scalability, cost-efficiency and simplified maintenance. ASUS will showcase a comprehensive Intel Xeon 6 family of processors at CloudFest 2025, including the RS700-E12, RS720Q-E12. and ESC8000-E12P-series servers. The ESC800-E12P-series servers will debut the Intel Gaudi 3 AI accelerator PCIe card. This lineup underscores the ASUS commitment to delivering comprehensive AI solutions that integrate cutting-edge hardware with enterprise-grade software platforms for seamless, scalable AI deployments, highlighting Intel's latest innovations for high-performance AI training, inference, and cloud-native workloads.https://tpucdn.com/img/ZoDp9ODF0rS1NhAs_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZoDp9ODF0rS1NhAs.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EcP3vZ13KlQzddRl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EcP3vZ13KlQzddRl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/e0HpPnSRf6pd65li_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/e0HpPnSRf6pd65li.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/bIaL3r3xmayHkwjT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bIaL3r3xmayHkwjT.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334044/asus-showcases-servers-based-on-intel-xeon-6-intel-gaudi-3-at-cloudfest-2025)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334044/asus-showcases-servers-based-on-intel-xeon-6-intel-gaudi-3-at-cloudfest-2025)

[NextPowerUP]

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller (https://www.8bitdo.com/64-controller/) revives the iconic N64 layout, but wrapped in an ergonomic, updated body. A precision hall-effect joystick with the original gate and signature concave rubber joystick cap. Say goodbye to the infamous loose joysticks. We're bringing back the signature C-buttons, A/B and Start—with the button sizes, positioning and feel just like the original.

Multiplayer on the N64 defined an era, and now with Analogue 3D and the 8BitDo 64 Controllers, that era is redefined. The 8BitDo 64 Controller, designed hand-in-hand with Analogue, creates an experience like no other when paired with Analogue 3D. It's a celebration of the N64 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_64), the greatest multiplayer system ever. It's Bluetooth-ready, with vibration support and platform compatibility with the new Analogue 3D, Switch, (including N64 Online) and more. Play N64 games like never before—with the best of both worlds in your hands. Available to pre-order at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK6VCGBC)—MSRP $39.99.https://tpucdn.com/img/m9PpjkCizmC9Pq4L_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/m9PpjkCizmC9Pq4L.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/P1O6nWM9YKYjgRXt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/P1O6nWM9YKYjgRXt.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XCIEetIjzFnsjn0t_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XCIEetIjzFnsjn0t.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9bEf9nUYcdelcXdc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9bEf9nUYcdelcXdc.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334043/8bitdo-introduces-64-bluetooth-controller)

[NextPowerUP]

More than 700 games and applications feature RTX technologies, and each week new games integrating NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex, and advanced ray-traced effects are released or announced, delivering the definitive PC experience for GeForce RTX players. With the addition of the latest DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation games, our newest performance multiplier is now available in over 100 games and apps, making it the most rapidly adopted NVIDIA game technology of all time.

Additionally, we can today reveal that Lost Soul Aside, Mecha BREAK, Phantom Blade Zero, Stellar Blade, Tides of Annihilation, and Wild Assault will all launch with DLSS Multi Frame Generation, and our suite of other DLSS technologies, giving GeForce RTX gamers the definitive PC experience in each. Furthermore, today we released an updated Zorah demo, built in Unreal Engine 5, that showcases the latest advancements in neural rendering powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series and AI.https://tpucdn.com/img/GYydDcpSq1cjvumx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GYydDcpSq1cjvumx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZKITGD38EuBSiEqf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZKITGD38EuBSiEqf.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334042/nvidia-dlss-with-multi-frame-generation-available-in-over-100-games-and-apps)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334042/nvidia-dlss-with-multi-frame-generation-available-in-over-100-games-and-apps)

[NextPowerUP]

Bundle up - GeForce NOW is bringing a flurry of Blizzard titles to its ever-expanding library. Prepare to weather epic gameplay in the cloud, tackling the genres of real-time strategy (RTS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and more. Classic Blizzard titles join GeForce NOW, including Heroes of the Storm, Warcraft Rumble and three titles from the Warcraft: Remastered series. They're all part of 11 games joining the cloud this week, atop the latest update for hit game Zenless Zone Zero from miHoYo.

Blizzard Heats Things Up
Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard's unique take on the MOBA genre, offers fast-paced team battles across diverse battlegrounds. The game features a roster of iconic Blizzard franchise characters, each with customizable talents and abilities. Heroes of the Storm emphasizes team-based gameplay with shared experiences and objectives, making it more accessible to newcomers while providing depth for experienced players.https://tpucdn.com/img/GUUAWuX3JjDmXeoY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GUUAWuX3JjDmXeoY.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qh2zaEIxs0SP8Dlo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qh2zaEIxs0SP8Dlo.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/deSubFnb04LrpZF5_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/deSubFnb04LrpZF5.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334041/nvidia-geforce-now-brings-more-blizzard-gaming-to-the-cloud)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334041/nvidia-geforce-now-brings-more-blizzard-gaming-to-the-cloud)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA today announced ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) groundbreaking enhancements to NVIDIA RTX neural rendering technologies. NVIDIA has partnered with Microsoft to bring neural shading support to the Microsoft DirectX preview in April, giving developers access to AI Tensor Cores in NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs to accelerate neural networks from within a game's graphics pipeline. Neural shading represents a revolution in graphics programming, combining AI with traditional rendering to dramatically boost frame rates, enhance image quality and reduce system resource usage.

"Microsoft is adding cooperative vector support to DirectX and HLSL, starting with a preview this April," said Shawn Hargreaves, Direct3D development manager at Microsoft. "This will advance the future of graphics programming by enabling neural rendering across the gaming industry. Unlocking Tensor Cores on NVIDIA RTX will allow developers to fully leverage RTX Neural Shaders for richer, more immersive experiences on Windows."https://tpucdn.com/img/INpn2v2AWQBoE1AA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/INpn2v2AWQBoE1AA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/eQkzusFcLcz7U407_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eQkzusFcLcz7U407.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZvC9u9F9cBlTPb37_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZvC9u9F9cBlTPb37.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334040/nvidia-and-microsoft-open-next-era-of-gaming-with-groundbreaking-neural-shading-technology)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334040/nvidia-and-microsoft-open-next-era-of-gaming-with-groundbreaking-neural-shading-technology)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA has announced that the Half-Life 2 RTX Demo will be available on March 18th and include a two-hour gameplay demo with full ray tracing, remade assets, and animations. The demo is remastered with RTX Remix by Orbifold Studios and will be a free mod on Steam for all Half-Life 2 owners.

The demo will feature NVIDIA DLSS 4, NVIDIA RTX Neural Radiance Cache, RTX Skin, RTX Volumetrics, and other new NVIDIA technologies. The release of Half-Life 2 RTX Demo marks the official release of RTX Remix, which was released a year ago in beta. According to NVIDIA, over 30,000 modders have since used the platform to mod a bunch of classic titles, with over 1 million gamers playing those modded games like Portal with RTX and Portal: prelude RTX. As said, the new demo will go live on Steam on March 18th (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2477290/HalfLife_2_RTX/).https://tpucdn.com/img/JUOPa0hQQ4dvQ1H3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JUOPa0hQQ4dvQ1H3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EvtIHP15BYfmoEFY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EvtIHP15BYfmoEFY.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/S6miIAxzTKqtsFYo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/S6miIAxzTKqtsFYo.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/iWoQCF9BWPwtjh1q_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iWoQCF9BWPwtjh1q.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334039/half-life-2-rtx-demo-coming-on-march-18)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334039/half-life-2-rtx-demo-coming-on-march-18)

[NextPowerUP]

Global Unichip Corp. (GUC), the Advanced ASIC Leader, today announced the successful launch of industry's first Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) PHY silicon, achieving a data rate of 32 Gbps per lane, the highest speed defined in the UCIe specification. The 32G UCIe IP, supporting UCIe 2.0, delivers an impressive bandwidth density of 10 Tbps per 1 mm of die edge (5 Tbps/mm full-duplex). This milestone was achieved using TSMC's advanced N3P process and CoWoS packaging technologies, targeting AI, high-performance computing (HPC), xPU, and networking applications.

In this test chip, several dies with North-South and East-West IP orientations are interconnected through CoWoS interposer. The silicon measurements show robust 32 Gbps operation with wide horizontal and vertical eye openings. GUC is working aggressively on the full-corner qualification, and the complete silicon report is expected to be available in the coming quarter.https://tpucdn.com/img/yaT7zP869EJdAclK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yaT7zP869EJdAclK.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334038/guc-launches-first-32-gbps-per-lane-ucie-silicon-using-tsmc-3nm-and-cowos-technology)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334038/guc-launches-first-32-gbps-per-lane-ucie-silicon-using-tsmc-3nm-and-cowos-technology)

[NextPowerUP]

Antec Inc., a global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories, is proud to announce the launch of the Antec FLUX SE ATX Mid-Tower Case. This latest addition to Antec's chassis lineup brings the success of the FLUX and FLUX PRO products with a new style and focus of quiet computing alongside the cutting-edge modern performance the FLUX series is known for.

Flow Luxury
F-LUX Platform, abbreviation of Flow Luxury, features ultra case structure design for excellent airflow and 5 x 120 mm fans included, delivering enhanced GPU cooling performance.https://tpucdn.com/img/VvIsOETJT2ap0cHH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VvIsOETJT2ap0cHH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7EjlfCPOk4FFezOh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7EjlfCPOk4FFezOh.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/41d78WhSTTnZQXnY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/41d78WhSTTnZQXnY.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334037/antec-intros-flux-se-atx-mid-tower-case)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334037/antec-intros-flux-se-atx-mid-tower-case)

[NextPowerUP]

TRYX, a leading innovator in PC cooling solutions and the PC chassis market, is excited to announce the launch of the new PANORAMA SE.

Building on the success of the TRYX flagship CPU liquid cooler, the PANORAMA, TRYX has been striving to bring its innovative AMOLED curved screen to an even broader audience. Introducing the all-new PANORAMA SE series, equipped with the newly launched ASETEK Adela cooling solution, engineered for reliable and stable performance. Now, PC DIY enthusiasts on a budget can enjoy the flagship PANORAMA experience, complete with a stunning 6.5-inch, 2K, 60 Hz AMOLED display.https://tpucdn.com/img/nLpXDn4CnEJ860Ys_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nLpXDn4CnEJ860Ys.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9vJ6FJgs1u5PMFtS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9vJ6FJgs1u5PMFtS.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9faTTN87ze8zKEAf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9faTTN87ze8zKEAf.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XoldbKY3eg7T62wG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XoldbKY3eg7T62wG.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334036/tryx-launches-panorama-se-aio-liquid-cpu-cooler)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334036/tryx-launches-panorama-se-aio-liquid-cpu-cooler)

[NextPowerUP]

YUNZII has introduced the MAD68 HE, a budget-friendly wired gaming keyboard featuring an 8,000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect magnetic switches. Built for gamers on a tight budget, it does not lack premium-oriented features, such as a low latency of 0.125 ms and 0.02 mm actuation accuracy combined with Rapid Trigger technology. The Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) allows customization, enabling users to assign multiple functions per key press and adjust actuation points. For more advanced customization it relies on YUNZII's web-based software, which allows users to adjust Hall Effect settings, remap keys, configure macros, and personalize the south-facing RGB lighting effects.

The YUNZII MAD68 HE came in a 65% compact layout measuring 320 x 116 x 37 mm with the inclusion of directional keys being a nice touch. The MAD68 HE also features hot-swappable magnetic switches (Magnetic Amber Pro Switches) for effortless replacements. Also, it features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for accurate key registration while a reinforced metal positioning plate and multiple layers of sound-dampening foam provide users with a stable and comfortable typing experience. Another little addition is the personalized strap that can be attached to the keyboard.https://tpucdn.com/img/5FCw58JpMjMS5ib0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5FCw58JpMjMS5ib0.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EWe5EWMkZaVFYo6p_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EWe5EWMkZaVFYo6p.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/16OZgG8mMnaBGHHp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/16OZgG8mMnaBGHHp.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/uZML3BIgMAUy9Nvs_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/uZML3BIgMAUy9Nvs.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334035/yunzii-launches-x-madlion-mad68-he-budget-hall-effect-wired-gaming-keyboard)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334035/yunzii-launches-x-madlion-mad68-he-budget-hall-effect-wired-gaming-keyboard)

[NextPowerUP]

Time flies and as we enter the latter half of March, we have a AAA release from a popular franchise that involves murder by another name. This is followed by a rather weird party game, a 33 player co-op game (good luck finding enough friends), some casual ski resort fun, an anime based game that appears to be related to chemicals and finally some alternative 20th century strategy gaming.

Assassin's Creed Shadows (https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/shadows) / This week's AAA release / Thursday 20 March
Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Steam link (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3159330/Assassins_Creed_Shadows/)https://tpucdn.com/img/1k59LgYXaKmvkutx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1k59LgYXaKmvkutx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/rHdARvvwXi4EUwH9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rHdARvvwXi4EUwH9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2qbxWzjp1soQ9kJe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2qbxWzjp1soQ9kJe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/M8xO3V3OEDh0iGEL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/M8xO3V3OEDh0iGEL.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334173/this-week-in-gaming-week-12)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334173/this-week-in-gaming-week-12)

[NextPowerUP]

EA's latest RPG, Split Fiction, launched to much fanfare from critics and gamers alike, with its unorthodox gameplay style and a focus on co-op setting it apart from other recent game releases. It seems as though this early launch success has carried over to financial success for EA and the game's developer, beating out even the massively popular It Takes Two, which also came from Hazelight Studios. As of the time of writing, SteamDB reports that Split Fiction has garnered a peak concurrent player count of 259,003 players.

Hazelight Studios today also announced (https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2001120/view/658193748532921069) that it had sold over 2 million copies of Split Fiction in the game's first week. For comparison, this is twice as many sales as the recently cancelled Price of Persia: The Lost Crown (https://www.techpowerup.com/328035/ubisoft-axes-prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-disbands-dev-team-10-months-after-disappointing-launch?cp=2) managed in the year since it released. Hazelight's previous co-op hit, It Takes Two, peaked at just over 70,000 concurrent players nearly three years after its initial launch. Compared to other Steam games, Split Fiction currently sits in 51st place when it comes to peak concurrent player counts, just behind Rust but ahead of The Finals. It's worth mentioning that Split Fiction is also a full price game, coming in at $49.99 on Steam, while the majority of the other games in the top 50 ranking are free-to-play.https://tpucdn.com/img/dTDUqZs66LbEcjWm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dTDUqZs66LbEcjWm.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/hziYuUTVSug7d1Lb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/hziYuUTVSug7d1Lb.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334137/split-fiction-proves-massively-popular-during-launch-week-sells-over-2-million-copies-on-steam)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334137/split-fiction-proves-massively-popular-during-launch-week-sells-over-2-million-copies-on-steam)

[NextPowerUP]

If you want to learn to code (https://stacksocial.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&utm_term=scsf-616038&utm_content=a0xRn000003SWWHIA4&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er), 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 (https://stacksocial.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&utm_term=scsf-616038&utm_content=a0xRn000003SWWHIA4&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) 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.

A lifetime license for Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 (https://stacksocial.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&utm_term=scsf-616038&utm_content=a0xRn000003SWWHIA4&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) and Lifetime Access to the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is now available for $55.97 (reg. $1,999).https://tpucdn.com/img/x0qGXmIJQEdogZas_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/x0qGXmIJQEdogZas.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334116/this-usd-56-full-coding-package-wont-be-around-forever)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334116/this-usd-56-full-coding-package-wont-be-around-forever)

[NextPowerUP]

On more than one occasion, Assassin's Creed Shadows developer, Ubisoft, has assured gamers (https://www.techpowerup.com/327571/assassins-creed-mirage-gets-steam-deck-compatibility-guarantee-at-october-17-steam-launch) that the upcoming Assassin's Creed title set in feudal Japan would be playable on the Steam Deck and, by extension, desktop Linux, via Valve's Proton. Ubisoft, however, was seemingly convinced that Shadows would not get the official Steam Deck Verified rating in time for release. In mid-February 2025, Ubisoft confirmed via a Steam Community post (https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3159330/view/521957147319205958?l=english) that the Steam Deck did not meet the minimum hardware requirements necessary for a smooth gameplay experience, but today, Ubisoft announced (https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3159330/view/572625355297260282?l=english) that Assassin's Creed Shadows will be Steam Deck Verified on launch day.

This comes after Ubisoft also announced that Assassin's Creed Shadows will also support day-one Steam Achievements, as opposed to other Assassin's Creed games, which only got Steam Achievements later on (https://www.techpowerup.com/329780/ubisoft-adds-steam-achievements-to-swathe-of-assassins-creed-games). According to the post announcing the Steam Deck Verified status, Ubisoft's development team had to put significant work into optimizing Assassin's Creed Shadows to get it to run properly on the Steam Deck. Perhaps somewhat frustratingly, it seems as though Ubisoft is forcing Steam Deck players into a pre-determined set of graphics settings, with no ability to tweak them at launch on the Steam Deck. There will apparently be multiple upscalers from which players can choose, although Ubisoft did not specify what the options would be.https://tpucdn.com/img/JvhBfHZdP2Xb8JSb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JvhBfHZdP2Xb8JSb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/iBH5SZPUdBuEmCwg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iBH5SZPUdBuEmCwg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/rjFhf5HEFo0ylE6w_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rjFhf5HEFo0ylE6w.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334131/assassins-creed-shadows-gets-steam-deck-verified-rating-ahead-of-launch-graphics-settings-locked-until-later-update)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334131/assassins-creed-shadows-gets-steam-deck-verified-rating-ahead-of-launch-graphics-settings-locked-until-later-update)

[NextPowerUP]

Samsung Foundry could abandon its 1.4 nm (SF1.4) process node initially targeted for 2027 production, according to industry leaker @Jukanlosreve. This decision comes amid ongoing yield problems with the company's 3 nm SF3 node (https://www.techpowerup.com/328680/samsungs-second-gen-3-nm-gaa-process-shows-20-yields-missing-production-goals) and follows the shutdown of underutilized 5 nm and 7 nm production lines. This could significantly impact Samsung's technology roadmap, which had positioned SF1.4 alongside automotive-focused SF2A and SF2Z nodes. According to Korea Economic Daily data, the foundry division's market share has fallen to 8.2% compared to TSMC's 67.1%. Samsung continues the development of Exynos 2600 on the SF2 node (https://www.techpowerup.com/334059/samsung-reportedly-planning-mass-production-of-exynos-2600-prototypes-in-may) and maintains orders from Japan's Preferred Networks but has failed to attract major clients beyond Chinese firms, avoiding US sanctions. Internal restructuring appears imminent, with reports suggesting the Exynos design team may move under the Mobile Experience division.

While Samsung may prioritize improving yields on existing nodes rather than pursuing SF1.4, this approach risks competitive disadvantages in high-performance computing and AI markets. The SF2Z node with Backside Power Delivery Network (BPDN) technology remains under development, though its commercial viability depends on resolving broader manufacturing issues. Samsung's retreat would further fall behind advanced node manufacturing, competing with TSMC and potentially Intel, raising questions about competition in leading-edge semiconductor fabrication. The company's decisions in the coming months will determine whether it can regain manufacturing credibility or face production of trailing-edge semiconductor nodes. Manufacturing advanced silicon remains a challenge for everyone except TSMC.https://tpucdn.com/img/U70gRMpF1tgzMNnF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/U70gRMpF1tgzMNnF.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334125/samsung-foundry-in-trouble-might-cancel-1-4-nm-node-high-volume-manufacturing)

[NextPowerUP]

Hon Hai Technology Group ("Foxconn") today announced its full year and fourth quarter 2024 financial results.

Full year 2024 net profit reached NT$152.7 billion, resulting in earnings per share of NT$11.01, a 17-year-high. At the same time, the Group announced that it will distribute a cash dividend of NT$5.80 per share, a record level since it's listing in 1991. Despite significant changes in global tariff policies, geopolitical risks and monetary policies, the outlook for 2025 is for strong growth. The company also shared key developments around its three major smart platforms, as well as on AI and EV in 2025.https://tpucdn.com/img/OgWivERZiyH5cVh6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OgWivERZiyH5cVh6.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/h9TQX3SoNobvjK3N_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/h9TQX3SoNobvjK3N.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/m86EVIQqogWLoV8x_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/m86EVIQqogWLoV8x.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334122/foxconn-reports-17-year-high-in-fy2024-q4-financial-results)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334122/foxconn-reports-17-year-high-in-fy2024-q4-financial-results)

[NextPowerUP]

Konami Digital Entertainment, B.V. today revealed new information about the latest entry in the legendary SILENT HILL franchise: SILENT HILL f. Set in the 1960s Japan, this chilling new installment immerses players in an eerie and haunting world where horror and psychological tension intertwine in an unforgettable narrative experience to find beauty in terror.

A New Story Set in 1960s Japan
In the remote mountain town of Ebisugaoka, teenager Shimizu Hinako leads an unremarkable life—until a thick fog descends, transforming her once-familiar home into a desolate and terrifying place. With the town seemingly abandoned and an unknown, creeping menace lurking in the mist, Hinako must navigate the spectral remnants of her past, solve intricate puzzles, and battle horrifying entities to survive.https://tpucdn.com/img/mIjKSvPMSVV3hY5I_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mIjKSvPMSVV3hY5I.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/OWi1T8HmQ4OvnFNT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OWi1T8HmQ4OvnFNT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QR6BHvXNr5ZddWja_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QR6BHvXNr5ZddWja.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gp0G91kWXl47bruL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gp0G91kWXl47bruL.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334121/konami-announces-silent-hill-f-a-new-chapter-in-the-iconic-horror-franchise)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334121/konami-announces-silent-hill-f-a-new-chapter-in-the-iconic-horror-franchise)

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA has published a research paper on DLSS version 4 (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-founders-edition/3.html), its AI rendering technology for real-time graphics performance. The system integrates advancements in frame generation, ray reconstruction, and latency reduction. The flagship Multi-Frame Generation feature generates three additional frames for every native frame. The DLSS 4 later on brings the best looking frames to the user quickly to make is seem like a real rendering. At the core of DLSS 4 is a shift from convolutional neural networks to transformer models. These new AI architectures excel at capturing spatial-temporal dependencies, improving ray-traced affect quality by 30-50% according to NVIDIA's benchmarks. The technology processes each AI-generated frame in just 1 ms on RTX 5090 GPUs—significantly faster than the 3.25 ms required by DLSS 3. For competitive gaming, the new Reflex Frame Warp feature reduces input latency by up to 75%, achieving 14 ms in THE FINALS and under 3 ms in VALORANT, according to NVIDIA's own benchmarks.

DLSS 4's implementation leverages Blackwell-specific architecture capabilities, including FP8 tensor cores and fused CUDA kernels. The optimized pipeline incorporates vertical layer fusion and memory optimizations that keep computational overhead manageable despite using transformer models, which are twice as large as previous CNN implementations. This efficiency enables real-time performance even with the substantially more complex AI processing. The unified AI pipeline reduces manual tuning requirements for ray-traced effects, allowing studios to implement advanced path tracing across diverse hardware configurations. The design also addresses gaming challenges like interpolating fast-moving UI elements and particle effects and reducing artifacts in high-motion scenes. NVIDIA's hardware flip metering and Blackwell-induced display engine integration ensure precise frame pacing of newly generated frames for smooth, high-refresh-rate gaming, with accurate imagery.https://tpucdn.com/img/eLIB7wJLlHbUYj5u_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eLIB7wJLlHbUYj5u.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kvfdj80WcHpZ5zDx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kvfdj80WcHpZ5zDx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/AZVQJgJSgm0H70Xw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/AZVQJgJSgm0H70Xw.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334119/nvidia-details-dlss-4-design-a-complete-ai-driven-rendering-technology)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334119/nvidia-details-dlss-4-design-a-complete-ai-driven-rendering-technology)

[NextPowerUP]

TRENDnet, a global leader and award-winning provider of reliable networking, surveillance, transportation, and power solutions, is announcing today that it has launched PoE++ switches featuring GaN power technology. GaN (gallium-nitride) technology delivers power with increased efficiency with a smaller carbon footprint.

TRENDnet's first two network switches featuring GaN power technology are the 6-Port 2.5G GaN Power PoE++ Switch with 10G SFP+ Ports (TPE-BG5062), and the 9-Port 2.5G GaN Power PoE++ Switch with 10G SFP+ Port (TPE-BG5091). Both switches feature high-efficiency GaN internal power supplies, and deliver up to 95 watts of PoE power per port, ideal for power hungry PoE devices, such as advanced security cameras, high-power access points, digital signage, and access controls.https://tpucdn.com/img/5tXKZoK2beomB5qn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5tXKZoK2beomB5qn.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334118/trendnet-unveils-power-efficient-ethernet-switches-with-gan-technology)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334118/trendnet-unveils-power-efficient-ethernet-switches-with-gan-technology)

[NextPowerUP]

MSI has officially confirmed that it will not manufacture graphics cards based on AMD's latest RDNA 4 architecture, effectively bypassing the entire Radeon RX 9000 series lineup. In a statement to Tom's Hardware, an MSI representative briefly noted the company "is not manufacturing AMD GPUs this generation," pausing its AMD partnership while leaving the door open for future collaborations. Data compiled by Tom's Hardware shows MSI produced 45 distinct models during the RDNA 2 generation (RX 6000-series), but dramatically scaled back to just four custom designs for RDNA 3 (RX 7000-series)—representing a 91% reduction in AMD SKU diversity. Those limited RDNA 3 offerings, including the flagship RX 7900 XTX, notably reused cooling solutions from previous-generation AMD cards, indicating reduced R&D allocation compared to the company's NVIDIA lineup.

MSI's withdrawal from offering AMD-based solutions is due to several factors. NVIDIA's dominance in market share (83%, according to Steam hardware surveys) provides partners with stronger return-on-investment potential, while EVGA's 2022 exit from the GPU market created an opportunity for MSI to strengthen its position as a premier NVIDIA partner. There were reportedly delays in finalizing the MSRP for the RX 9000 series, which complicated manufacturers' calculations, production planning, and shipments. The vacuum left by MSI creates potential opportunities for other emerging players like Acer, which has been slowly expanding its AMD graphics card presence. However, MSI's decision—likely finalized during earlier strategic planning cycles—could potentially push away AMD enthusiasts despite strong projected demand for the Radeon RX 9070 series. Whether this represents a permanent strategic realignment or a temporary market response, we are yet to find out. AMD plans to return to the high-end GPU segment with its UDNA generation, so we have to wait and see if MSI makes a comeback here. For AIBs, partnerships with GPU makers are essential to get R&D resources behind a new product. Once partnerships pause, it is hard to get that wheel going again.https://tpucdn.com/img/jjwjTxSsKy51Kpqw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jjwjTxSsKy51Kpqw.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334117/msi-doesnt-plan-radeon-rx-9000-series-gpus-skips-amd-rdna-4-generation-entirely)

[NextPowerUP]

ASUS has discreetly modified its controversial Q-Release Slim mechanism in the newly launched ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard, removing a metal bracket linked to GPU PCIe connector scratches. The unannounced revision, spotted by Uniko's Hardware, follows months of backlash from enthusiasts who reported cosmetic damage to high-end GPUs after repeated use of the quick-release feature. While ASUS has not formally addressed the redesign, it acknowledges the issue—a stark contrast to its earlier dismissal of concerns as "typical wear-and-tear" after 60+ removal cycles. The controversy, first spotted in January 2025, escalated when users shared evidence of scratched PCIe pins on platforms like Reddit and Bilibili.

ASUS's global responses varied sharply: its US division (https://www.techpowerup.com/331833/asus-usa-responds-to-reports-of-damaged-gpu-interfaces-linked-to-q-release-slim-system) downplayed functional risks, while ASUS China (https://www.techpowerup.com/332205/asus-china-compensates-users-with-gpu-damage-caused-by-pcie-q-release-slim-mechanism) rolled out compensation, including motherboard replacements and store credits, and confirmed a redesign was underway. This regional split shows differing consumer protection norms, with China's aggressive compensation contrasting Western markets' reliance on warranty assurances. Competitors seized the moment. GIGABYTE's AORUS Japan (https://www.techpowerup.com/333950/gigabyte-japan-conducts-ultimate-pcie-scratch-test-indirectly-ribs-asus-q-release-slim-design) publicly mocked ASUS with a 100-cycle stress test of its EZ Latch Plus, showcasing zero GPU damage—a direct jab at Q-Release Slim's durability. The campaign, echoed by GIGABYTE's Western accounts, emphasized rivalries in the premium motherboard segment. ASUS's quiet hardware fix avoids a formal recall, likely due to the niche impact—frequent GPU swaps are rare among mainstream users.https://tpucdn.com/img/xkl25IkXmimPxMzr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xkl25IkXmimPxMzr.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334113/asus-revamps-pcie-q-release-mechanism-notorious-for-scratching-gpus)

[NextPowerUP]

Without making any official announcement, Colorful silently listed a new AMD B850 microATX (244 mm x 235 mm) motherboard on their Chinese website: the Battle-AX B850M-E Wi-Fi V14. The model is clearly oriented toward entry-level builds and users on a tight budget, a sharp contrast to the CVN B850I Gaming Frozen (https://www.techpowerup.com/333874/colorful-introduces-cvn-b850i-gaming-frozen-motherboard) that Colorful introduced this week. Built around AMD's B850 chipset, it supports the latest AMD AM5 Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors. The two DDR5 dual-channel memory slots can accommodate up to 96 GB (max. 48 GB per slot), with a maximum speed of 7600 MHz (OC) and support for both XMP and EXPO. For storage and expansion, the motherboard offers 2x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0 x4 and 1x PCIe 4.0 x4), one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. It also features a Realtek RTL8111K for 1GbE wired connectivity and Intel's AX200 Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connections.

The build is "very spartan," so to speak, with a black PCB, a single 8-pin EPS power connector for the CPU, no integrated I/O rear shield panel or VRM cooling—the only heatsink present is the one covering the AMD B850 chipset. Regarding power delivery, it seems that Colorful used a simple (budget-friendly) 7+2 phase approach. The rear I/O panel offers a surprise: an ancient PS/2 port (just wondering who's going to use it aside from some retro-nostalgic users). Then we have the usual array of connectors, including six USB ports (4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1), DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit RJ45, two Wi-Fi antenna ports, audio jacks, and one BIOS reset/update button (placed just next to the PS/2 port).https://tpucdn.com/img/lLqNKe17Rbb28NjI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lLqNKe17Rbb28NjI.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wyM6cPNmLkvQyHg7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wyM6cPNmLkvQyHg7.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6QBBN0WH45OkXxWf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6QBBN0WH45OkXxWf.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/eh7tazysSCsQ3WJO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eh7tazysSCsQ3WJO.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334109/colorful-unveils-battle-ax-b850m-e-wifi-v14-entry-level-amd-b850-motherboard)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334109/colorful-unveils-battle-ax-b850m-e-wifi-v14-entry-level-amd-b850-motherboard)

[NextPowerUP]

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, a leading innovator of mass-capacity data storage, today released its Seagate Genshin Impact Limited Edition External SSD in collaboration with the popular open-world adventure RPG Genshin Impact. In combining performance with exclusive branding, the drive provides an opportunity for fans and collectors to bring Genshin Impact into their physical gaming environment. The new Seagate Genshin Impact Limited Edition External SSD provides a unique storage experience for regular players and gaming enthusiasts alike. The drive features a meticulously crafted design inspired by the character Cyno and comes equipped with vibrant LED lighting, making it a distinctive addition to any setup.

The drive is compatible with various platforms—including PC, mobile phone, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as Windows and macOS operating systems. Its PCIe Gen 4 compatibility offers ultra-fast transfer speeds, enabling faster pro-level gaming, video editing, and content creation. It is easy to install and features a high-speed USB 3.2 Type C interface to ensure seamless transfers and backup.https://tpucdn.com/img/KZwnSuw807dFuY4g_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KZwnSuw807dFuY4g.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2wsB9bfAW5BmNBsl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2wsB9bfAW5BmNBsl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/naxBAzwNpARO7iTc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/naxBAzwNpARO7iTc.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/S1vYkSqWCRArabup_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/S1vYkSqWCRArabup.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334108/seagate-gaming-and-genshin-impact-launch-the-exclusive-seagate-genshin-impact-limited-edition-external-ssd)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334108/seagate-gaming-and-genshin-impact-launch-the-exclusive-seagate-genshin-impact-limited-edition-external-ssd)

[NextPowerUP]

AEWIN is excited to unveil the SCB-1953 Series, 2U/1U performant network appliances powered by Intel's latest Xeon 6 processors built upon Intel 3. Equipped with a single Intel Xeon 6700/6500-series processor, it is a series of flagship products supporting up to 144 E-cores or 86 P-cores for high density and compute-intensive workloads pursued in the market. SCB-1953 series has multiple SKU with various PCIe slots options for exceptional scalability to fulfill customers' diverse solution requirements.

SCB-1953-2U is a 2U network computing platform with 8x DDR5 RDIMM up to 6400 MT/s or MRDIMM up to 8000 MT/s. The series of SCB-1953-2U has 4x 8038 fans with BMC control for optimized thermal management. One is SCB-1953A featuring 8x PCIe 5.0 expansion slots for AEWIN wide coverage NIC cards with 1G/10/25/40/100G/200G copper/fiber interfaces or other Accelerators & NVMe SSDs for flexible functionality enhancement. The other is SCB-1953C supporting 1x PCIe x16 slot by switching two PCIe slots to one standard PCIe form factor which can install off-the-shelf add-on card for expanded function required.https://tpucdn.com/img/UhuW7XsYD3YN3I9t_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UhuW7XsYD3YN3I9t.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334100/aewin-unveils-cb-1953-series-network-appliance-powered-by-intel-xeon-6-processors)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334100/aewin-unveils-cb-1953-series-network-appliance-powered-by-intel-xeon-6-processors)

[NextPowerUP]

This morning on The Official Xbox Podcast, Xbox Corporate Vice President of Gaming AI, Fatima Kardar joined Vice President of Next Generation, Jason Ronald to reveal exciting AI-powered updates that are coming directly to Xbox players, to help you save time, find new games you're likely to love, or even to help ease you back into a game you may have stepped away from.

Copilot for Gaming Asset
On the podcast, Kardar introduced Copilot for Gaming, which Xbox Insiders can get an early preview of on mobile soon. This AI-driven sidekick is designed to be your personalized gaming companion, helping you get to your favorite games faster, coaching you to improve your skills, and connecting you better with your friends and communities. Copilot for Gaming will be there when you need it but out of the way if you don't.https://tpucdn.com/img/1oScI2gYUkCGrSXJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1oScI2gYUkCGrSXJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PNAAi77yIWdJoyTJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PNAAi77yIWdJoyTJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ogIYaVYLx3hcIpSa_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ogIYaVYLx3hcIpSa.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/SKo9dotYvvVydnmv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SKo9dotYvvVydnmv.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334099/microsoft-introduces-copilot-for-gaming)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334099/microsoft-introduces-copilot-for-gaming)

[NextPowerUP]

Razer's essential ergonomic chair, Razer Iskur V2 X, debuts a Light Gray, in one of the lightest colorways we've announced. The essential gaming chair is designed with the core ergonomic features of our award-winning Razer Iskur V2 to provide unparalled ergonomic support at an accessible price point.

Key Features of the Razer Iskur V2 X Light Gray

Core Ergonomics: Retains the integral lumbar support and high-density foam cushions from the Iskur V2, ensuring optimal posture and comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Adjustable Design: Features the 152-degree recline that gamers loved with the Iskur V2 and Enki Line, with adjustable 2D armrests, allowing for personalized comfort and support.
Breathable Materials: Upholstered with multi-layered fibers for enhanced breathability and cooling even during long hours of gaming.
Sleek Aesthetic: Available in a stylish light gray finish that complements any gamer's space while providing superior comfort and support.

https://tpucdn.com/img/kd1yDAd7QBLfGFwb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kd1yDAd7QBLfGFwb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PQIFQx6Ay7SeONAK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PQIFQx6Ay7SeONAK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/p4y9nRVUBWCgIpzI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/p4y9nRVUBWCgIpzI.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/334098/razer-iskur-v2-x-gaming-chair-now-available-in-light-gray)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/334098/razer-iskur-v2-x-gaming-chair-now-available-in-light-gray)