TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

Lantronix Inc., a global leader of compute and connectivity for IoT solutions enabling AI Edge Intelligence, today announced it will launch its new 28-port SM24TBT4XPA Managed 2.5G Ethernet PoE++ network switch as well as feature its 24-port SM24TBT4SA and 8-port SM8TBT2SA Managed Gigabit Ethernet PoE++ network switches at the 2025 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition. Taking place Feb. 4-6, 2025, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Lantronix will exhibit these newest items, along with more IoT network solutions, at booth Number 910.

"At BICSI, we will feature our new PoE++ network switches that offer flexibility in port speed and power while delivering the always-on performance needed for critical applications, such as smart building, wireless and security and surveillance. Our users know they can rely on Lantronix's secure network solutions to stay connected at the network edge while gaining easy, intuitive control of end-to-end devices," said Mathi Gurusamy, chief strategy officer at Lantronix.https://tpucdn.com/img/7710xcbTXzJm8NJM_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7710xcbTXzJm8NJM.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD today put out detailed guides on how to get DeepSeek R1 distilled reasoning models to run on Radeon RX graphics cards and Ryzen AI processors. The guide confirms that the new Ryzen AI Max "Strix Halo" processors come in hardwired to LPCAMM2 memory configurations of 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB, and there won't be a 16 GB memory option for notebook manufacturers to cheap out with. The guide goes on to explain that "Strix Halo" will be able to locally accelerate DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama with 70 billion parameters on the 64 GB and 128 GB memory configurations of "Strix Halo" powered notebooks, while the 32 GB model should be able to run DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-32B. Ryzen AI "Strix Point" mobile processors should be capable of running DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B and DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama-14B on their RDNA 3.5 iGPUs and NPUs. Meanwhile, older generation processors based on "Phoenix Point" and "Hawk Point" chips should be capable of DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama-14B. The company recommends running all of the above distills in Q4 K M quantization.

Switching gears to the discrete graphics cards, and AMD is only recommending its Radeon RX 7000 series for now, since the RDNA 3 graphics architecture introduces AI accelerators. The flagship Radeon RX 7900 XTX is recommended for DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-32B distill, while all SKUs with 12 GB to 20 GB of memory—that's RX 7600 XT, RX 7700 XT, RX 7800 XT, RX 7900 GRE, and RX 7900 XT, are recommended till DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B. The mainstream RX 7600 with its 8 GB memory is only recommended till DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama-8B. You will need LM Studio 0.3.8 or later (https://lmstudio.ai/ryzenai) and Radeon Software Adrenalin 25.1.1 beta (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/amd-radeon-graphics-drivers/) or later drivers. AMD put out first party LMStudio 0.3.8 tokens/second performance numbers for the RX 7900 XTX, comparing it with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER and the RTX 4090.https://tpucdn.com/img/gmtVVrVvQQUFwkCE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gmtVVrVvQQUFwkCE.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Greetings Gaters! This is it, the full release version of Exogate Initiative (https://xeno-bits.com/home/exogate-initiative/) is finally here! Build and manage mankind's first mission across the universe! Create a sprawling facility underground, recruit a diverse group of specialists from around the globe and explore mysterious new worlds through the Exogate.

The biggest update yet
We were also able to add one more thing at the last minute, and it was the most requested feature by the players—you'll now have access to a new tech that allows more gaters to cross the gate at any time. Meaning you can form teams of 4 or 5 gaters! We are extremely proud of what was accomplished by such a small team. It started as a solo project a long time ago, and in the end 24 talented people contributed one way or another to make this game, but on average only 2 were working on it full-time! We'd like to address a special thanks to the community that helped us shape the game all along the early access, your feedback was always precious and led to some major changes that ultimately made the game far better.https://tpucdn.com/img/lwywQJncuFh0RXGl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lwywQJncuFh0RXGl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XDOg8Eu2QZbxYvq2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XDOg8Eu2QZbxYvq2.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/IIcipLXmOEwaZmQC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/IIcipLXmOEwaZmQC.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Huawei's Ascend 910C AI chip was positioned as one of the better Chinese-developed alternatives (https://www.techpowerup.com/325599/huawei-reportedly-developing-new-ascend-910c-ai-chip-to-rival-nvidias-h100-gpu) to NVIDIA's H100 accelerator—reports from last autumn suggested that samples were being sent to highly important customers (https://www.techpowerup.com/325599/huawei-reportedly-developing-new-ascend-910c-ai-chip-to-rival-nvidias-h100-gpu). The likes of Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent have long relied on Team Green enterprise hardware for all manner of AI crunching, but trade sanctions have severely limited the supply and potency of Western-developed AI chips. NVIDIA's region-specific B20 "Blackwell" accelerator is due for release this year, but industry watchdogs reckon that the Ascend 910C AI GPU is a strong rival. The latest online rumblings have pointed to another major Huawei customer—DeepSeek—having Ascend silicon in their back pockets.

DeepSeek's recent unveiling of its R1 open-source large language model has disrupted (https://www.techpowerup.com/331658/tech-stocks-brace-for-a-deepseek-haircut-nvidia-down-12-in-pre-market-trading) international AI markets. A lot of press attention has focused on DeepSeek's CEO stating that his team can access up to 50,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs, but many have not looked into the company's (alleged) pool of natively-made chips. Yesterday, Alexander Doria—an LLM enthusiast—shared an interesting insight: "I feel this should be a much bigger story—DeepSeek has trained on NVIDIA H800, but is running inference on the new home Chinese chips made by Huawei, the 910C." Experts believe that there will be a plentiful supply of Ascend 910C GPUs—estimates from last September posit that 70,000 chips (https://www.techpowerup.com/327127/huawei-starts-shipping-ascend-910c-ai-accelerator-samples-to-large-nvidia-customers) (worth around $2 billion) were in the mass production pipeline. Additionally, industry whispers suggest that Huawei is already working on a—presumably, even more powerful—successor.https://tpucdn.com/img/OWSmlGLvLIeLv75f_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OWSmlGLvLIeLv75f.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QNwVkz97UwGtZuIb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QNwVkz97UwGtZuIb.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Weavers, we've made it: Eternal Strands (https://www.eternalstrandsgame.com/) is released on all platforms! Play as Brynn, a young but fearless Weaver, determined to recover her people's cultural home in the debut fantasy action-adventure title from Yellow Brick Games (https://yellowbrickgames.ca/), a new independent studio founded by industry veterans.

Armed with powerful magical abilities and an arsenal of magical weapons, face enemies that range from humanoid constructs to towering beasts. Use the environment and temperature to your advantage in battles against a diverse roster of fantastical creatures, like turning a dragon's fiery breath against ice-covered minions. Climb every surface and use arcane skills to create new paths. Explore the world in pursuit of the Enclave's lost mysteries and challenge giant titans on your journey. Here's everything you need to know before you meet your Weaverband.https://tpucdn.com/img/33dqYj1cUEH8Jg9p_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/33dqYj1cUEH8Jg9p.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/GcBgMTD1oBkcrpiN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GcBgMTD1oBkcrpiN.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kgbxKebZkhK71kZK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kgbxKebZkhK71kZK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/aUoiVMIwLZK8AxF0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/aUoiVMIwLZK8AxF0.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

World's Edge shared plans in February 2024 to launch a DLC for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition before the year ended. But come October, they pushed back the expansion's release to a "future date" with no set timeline. The studio has now scrapped the project, as they announced yesterday. The company hadn't shared much about the DLC's contents, production director Earnest Yuen had hinted at one point that it would add two new civilizations that players often asked for.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition last saw an expansion in May 2022 with Knights of the Mediterranean. Now that this new DLC isn't happening, the game looks to be entering a phase of upkeep. World's Edge hasn't ruled out new content, but they'll focus on keeping servers running, rotating free trial civilizations, and helping customers. "Whilst we will not be moving forwards with this DLC content for Age III: DE, we will continue to maintain servers, rotate civs through the free trial version, and provide Customer Support for any issues you may encounter whilst playing."https://tpucdn.com/img/6kphG9S7rOdO7aAD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6kphG9S7rOdO7aAD.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Today, ASML Holding NV (ASML) has published its 2024 fourth-quarter and full-year results.

Q4 total net sales of €9.3 billion, gross margin of 51.7%, net income of €2.7 billion
Quarterly net bookings in Q4 of €7.1 billion of which €3.0 billion is EUV
2024 total net sales of €28.3 billion, gross margin of 51.3%, net income of €7.6 billion
ASML expects Q1 2025 total net sales between €7.5 billion and €8.0 billion, and a gross margin between 52% and 53%
ASML expects 2025 total net sales to be between €30 billion and €35 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%

CEO statement and outlook
"Our fourth-quarter was a record in terms of revenue, with total net sales coming in at €9.3 billion, and a gross margin of 51.7%, both above our guidance. This was primarily driven by additional upgrades. We also recognized revenue on two High NA EUV systems. We shipped a third High NA EUV system to a customer in the fourth quarter.https://tpucdn.com/img/ezqd11q9pQQc4lC4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ezqd11q9pQQc4lC4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qe5BaTpsZbqdDkUf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qe5BaTpsZbqdDkUf.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/331754/asml-reports-eur28-3-billion-total-net-sales-and-eur7-6-billion-net-income-in-2024)

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[NextPowerUP]

Logitech International today announced financial results for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. "We're excited to deliver strong, profitable growth once again, in our biggest quarter of the year," said Hanneke Faber, Logitech chief executive officer. "Our growth was driven by our strategic priorities. We delivered superior innovation. Gaming sales were near pandemic-high levels, thanks to an outstanding set of innovations launched ahead of the holidays. We delivered near record sales in our premium Pro Gaming and MX portfolios. Logitech for Business made excellent progress. And our teams fielded effective marketing campaigns and excellent holiday retail execution to drive broad-based geographic progress."

"Q3 marks another disciplined quarter," said Matteo Anversa, Logitech chief financial officer. "Thanks to our strong operational performance, we again delivered year-over-year expansion of gross margin. While we expect fourth quarter currency headwinds, the strong demand in the third quarter and the continued promotional and operational discipline of our teams give us confidence about the trajectory of our business, and we are increasing our full-year outlook."https://tpucdn.com/img/3agynweMrueI8UhX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3agynweMrueI8UhX.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Sony Group Corporation and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the company behind PlayStation, today announced the appointment of Hideaki Nishino to the role of President and CEO effective April 1, 2025. This marks an evolution designed to maximize synergies across SIE that was announced in May 2024 in which Nishino was appointed CEO of the Platform Business Group effective June 1, 2024, alongside Hermen Hulst, who was appointed CEO of the Studio Business Group. Hulst will continue to serve as CEO, Studio Business Group, SIE, reporting to Nishino.

Sony Group Corporation and SIE also announced that effective April 1, Hiroki Totoki, President, COO and CFO of Sony Group Corporation, will step down from the SIE Chairman position to become President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, and that Lin Tao, currently serving as SVP, Finance, Corporate Strategy and Development for SIE, will step down from her position at SIE to become CFO of Sony Group Corporation. Her successor at SIE will be announced at a later time.https://tpucdn.com/img/QnYL9cNTTul1si76_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QnYL9cNTTul1si76.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

It's not every day that we witness a famous NSA whistleblower voice their disappointment over modern gaming hardware. Edward Snowden, who likely needs no introduction, did not bother to hold back his disapproval of NVIDIA's recently launched RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 gaming GPUs. The reviews for the RTX 5090 have been mostly positive, although the same cannot be said for its affordable sibling, the RTX 5080. Snowden, voicing his thoughts on Twitter, claimed that NVIDIA is selling "F-tier value for S-tier prices".

Needless to say, there is no doubt that the RTX 5090's pricing is quite exorbitant, regardless of how anyone puts it. Snowden was particularly displeased with the amount of VRAM on offer, which is also hard to argue against. The RTX 5080 ships with "only" 16 GB of VRAM, whereas Snowden believes that it should have shipped with at least 24, or even 32 GB. He further adds that the RTX 5090, which ships with a whopping 32 GB of VRAM, should have been available with a 48 GB variant. As for the RTX 5070, the security consultant expressed desire for at least 16 GB of VRAM (instead of 12 GB).https://tpucdn.com/img/53bsNE0lSCXLMEcg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/53bsNE0lSCXLMEcg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/IkUzC3Z7ZHnXDgTH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/IkUzC3Z7ZHnXDgTH.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/331937/edward-snowden-lashes-out-at-nvidia-over-geforce-rtx-50-pricing-and-value)

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[NextPowerUP]

A recently leaked slide from the Taiwanese company Chaintech has seemingly confirmed the launch dates for the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti GPUs. Previous leaks have hinted at an early Q2 launch for the mid-range gaming GPUs, in both 8 GB and 16 GB VRAM flavors. Chaintech's slide does not reveal any specifications regarding the GPUs, although we do have a pretty good idea of what the upcoming GPUs will bring to the table.

As per recent leaks, the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti are both expected to sport the GB206 GPU, paired with 8 or 16 GB of VRAM on a 128-bit bus. Despite employing the speedy new GDDR7 standard, there is no denying that 8 GB of VRAM is far from sufficient for a comfortable ray-traced gaming experience in 2025, perhaps even less so in the near future. Considering that the Arc B580 ships with 50% more VRAM, the entry-level RTX 5060 is more than likely to be hard sell for many people, unless, of course, the RTX 5060/Ti somehow pulls off impressive performance uplifts.https://tpucdn.com/img/HryzezIiGunc6jtu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/HryzezIiGunc6jtu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/BEhSbPHzQ74xNMnh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BEhSbPHzQ74xNMnh.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

This Winter, plan your next-generation gaming PC build well by shopping for genuine software with GoDeal24. Spend more on the latest hardware by saving big on software. Get genuine Windows 11 Pro at $13.25, a fraction of what you'd pay an OEM or a PC builder. Office 2021 Professional Plus, the powerful productivity suite, can be had at just $35.24—free yourself from 365 subscriptions. Better yet, pair the two at just $47.59. Have more than one machine? Check out great deals on multi PC packs. Save big on other editions of Windows, Office, and their combos.

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[NextPowerUP]

We build our TUF Gaming components for users who want an emphasis on substance, meaning you're paying for pure performance when you go TUF. That focus on function is where the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/asus-tuf-gaming-rtx-5090.b12074) and TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5080 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/asus-tuf-gaming-rtx-5080.b12076) graphics cards excel, providing you with next-gen graphics capabilities as well as high-performance thermal solutions that'll hold up under 4K AAA gaming pressure. If you've been waiting to upgrade your rig and want to treat yourself to a premium power bump, now's the time to pull the trigger. You're in for a truly substantial generational leap with these high-end components featuring the power of NVIDIA's latest GPU architecture alongside the sophistication of our latest graphics card designs.

Next-gen tech for tomorrow's heavyweight games
The GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 comprise the top of the power stack for NVIDIA's 50 Series GPUs, so when you invest in either a TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 or 5080 graphics card, you're setting yourself up for years to come. The 50 Series is powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, meaning these GPUs feature 4th generation RT cores to give gamers the best ray tracing performance yet. They also pack neural shaders, which compress textures to cut down on memory usage and produce incredible real-time visuals. And NVIDIA has ensured its 50 Series is equipped for neural processing via a built-in AI management processor, so you'll get an optimal experience when harnessing the power of NVIDIA DLSS 4. Powered by 5th generation Tensor Cores, DLSS 4 uses a Multi Frame Generation solution to boost your framerate to new heights.https://tpucdn.com/img/1APhBN77IymAKTTT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1APhBN77IymAKTTT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2uNA87YETLeoffo8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2uNA87YETLeoffo8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6SlrRdOCUmImRJR8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6SlrRdOCUmImRJR8.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

It's hard to believe that it has been 25 years since The Sims made its debut, but we're so grateful to have shared this incredible journey with so many of you. No one does life like The Sims, and as we gear up for next week's celebrations (https://www.ea.com/en-us/games/the-sims/news/behind-the-sims-episode-4), what better way to kick things off than with a cultural comeback? That's right—we're taking it back to where it all began with the launch of The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle! You've been asking for it, and we're thrilled to finally return to the days when we first reimagined the ways people play with life.

To celebrate our legacy and honor the incredible fans that have been with us along the way, we're re-releasing two fan-favorite titles that contain familiar neighborhoods and beloved characters - such as the sneaky burglar, unpredictable genie, and Sunny the Tragic Clown—that started it all. Rediscover the nostalgia and magic of the classics that welcomed so many of you into our amazing community. The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle (https://www.ea.com/en-us/games/the-sims/the-sims-25th-birthday-bundle/buy/pc) includes The Sims and The Sims 2, featuring all the iconic characters, music, and gameplay you know and love, plus bonus content! You can also purchase The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection separately. We're so excited for you to play, create, and relive the fun across re-releases of these beloved games, rolling out globally on Windows 10 and 11 beginning on January 31, 2025.https://tpucdn.com/img/d71iPLjSdPjvdJUg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/d71iPLjSdPjvdJUg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/3cUtVPJHVJK9QeLw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3cUtVPJHVJK9QeLw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/3OzGHdI2uDaWZjPe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3OzGHdI2uDaWZjPe.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Nintendo fans will be looking forward to the release of Switch Part Deux (https://www.techpowerup.com/331196/nintendo-announces-switch-2-april-launch-event-and-delivers-first-look-video) in the coming months, but a certain subset prefer to look back into the past with great fondness. Retro gaming connoisseurs have a soft spot for often unsung older hardware—the Nintendo GameCube home console is a prime example. Hardcore collectors have spent countless hours in search of special editions, unusual color variants, developer kits and prototypes. Donny Fillerup—founder and owner of Consolevariations—hit the jackpot (https://www.techpowerup.com/308305/nintendo-gamecube-prototype-from-space-world-2000-expo-is-rediscovered) around mid-2023; he managed to track down an extremely rare demonstration model. "Space World" units are highly-coveted—only a handful still exist—due to unique origins. Nintendo officially introduced its GameCube console at Space World 2000 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Space_World#Space_World_2000)—a first-party-oriented annual trade show (defunct since 2001).

Vintage console curators believe that Nintendo repurposed many of its initial batch of "Space World" prototypes, but a few examples have escaped into the wild. Fillerup's ownership of a "one-of-a-kind legendary" indigo sample is seemingly coming to an end—mid-week, gaming press outlets received tip-offs regarding an eBay auction (de-listed at the time of writing). The Consolevariations boss is engaged in fundraising endeavors—according to the item's description, he wants to turn his hobby into: "a foundation business. A Gaming place where the entire family can enjoy, people can meet other people, talk with people who feel uncomfortable with other people, and make the visitors feel young again." Fillerup's asking price was $100,000, with a required $1 fee for economy-class shipping. His prized-possession sports some "battle damage" and is completely non-functional—a Consolevariations blog entry (https://consolevariations.com/blog/the-spaceworld-gamecube-has-been-found-and-here-are-is-a-comparison) does an effective job of showcasing the "ins and outs" of this "First Announcement Model." The eBay listing did not mention any bundling-in of a matching Space World-era controller, another treasured rarity.https://tpucdn.com/img/meg3H6kQPXPWBD8i_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/meg3H6kQPXPWBD8i.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8O119bnxEpX1rlAv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8O119bnxEpX1rlAv.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/I4lgi8VjLBlVt1do_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/I4lgi8VjLBlVt1do.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Today, Bloomberg reported (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-31/us-probing-whether-deepseek-got-nvidia-chips-through-singapore?sref=HrWXCALa) that the US government under Trump administration is probing whether Chinese AI company DeepSeek circumvented export restrictions to acquire advanced NVIDIA GPUs through Singaporean intermediaries. The investigation follows concerns that DeepSeek's AI model, R1—reportedly rivaling leading systems from OpenAI and Google—may have been trained using restricted hardware that is blocked from exporting to China. Singapore's role in NVIDIA's global sales has surged, with the nation accounting for 22% of the chipmaker's revenue in Q3 FY2025, up from 9% in Q3 FY2023. This spike coincides with tightened US export controls on AI chips to China, prompting speculation that Singapore serves as a pipe for Chinese firms to access high-end GPUs like the H100, which cannot be sold directly to China.

DeepSeek has not disclosed hardware details for R1 but revealed its earlier V3 model was trained using 2,048 H800 GPUs (2.8 million GPU hours), achieving efficiency surpassing Meta's Llama 3, which required 30.8 million GPU hours. Analysts suggest R1's performance implies even more powerful infrastructure, potentially involving restricted chips. US authorities, including the White House and FBI, are examining whether third parties in Singapore facilitated the transfer of controlled GPUs to DeepSeek. A well-known semiconductor analyst firm, SemiAnalysis, believes that DeepSeek acquired around 50,000 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs (https://semianalysis.com/2025/01/31/deepseek-debates/), which includes a mix of H100, H800, and H20. NVIDIA clarified that its reported Singapore revenue reflects "bill to" customer locations, not final destinations, stating most products are routed to the US or Western markets.https://tpucdn.com/img/Y9EnNbhMJzn6SyhT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Y9EnNbhMJzn6SyhT.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

The day has finally arrived! Rise up with me, robot brothers and sisters. We'll make a place for ourselves in this city of humans. In all seriousness, today is a very exciting day—Heart of the Machine (https://arcengames.com/heart-of-the-machine/) is a massive project, and I am so excited for people to experience the higher heights of this game. This project is in Early Access (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2001070/Heart_of_the_Machine/), even as huge as it already is. So please do leave your feedback and suggestions—in the bugtracker, on the Steam forums, also in reviews. Reviews really make a huge difference, so if you want to support the game with your feedback, that means a lot.

What's In The Game Now?
So what is this game? What is in that mysterious chapter two and beyond? Put simply, this is a new time-bending genre blending tactics, strategy, and narrative. The prologue and first chapter are available in a public demo, and they teach you everything you need to know about how to play. Chapter two is when the freedom kicks in, and the narrative elements are also now able to go into overdrive since we're out of the tutorial zone. During chapter three, you become a full-time lord, able to send information and in some cases units backwards or forwards in time to yourself.https://tpucdn.com/img/irwy7QAnDVJ9taPu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/irwy7QAnDVJ9taPu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Y0QzDD395D0bssoQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Y0QzDD395D0bssoQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9JaAKomGcb0AWRxC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9JaAKomGcb0AWRxC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QDQrD3kX3uhwKSKO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QDQrD3kX3uhwKSKO.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Last week, Heise.de published an extensive article that covered numerous purchases of problematic Seagate hard drives. A portion of the German publication's readership banded together, following an initial report of one individual's experience with—supposedly—new 14 TB Seagate Exos HDD units. Heise.de received fifty follow-up stories from its audience—a clear pattern emerged from this large volume of feedback. According to various bits of evidence, twelve retail locations were caught selling used/refurbished Seagate products—disappointed customers were led into believing that were acquiring "brand new" stock. Last week's report documented examples with visible physical wear and tear, and software diagnostics revealed prior operational usage—around 10,000 to 50,000 hours. Heise.de placed an order with the original source, but this transaction was canceled—the Seagate Exos 14 TB and 16 TB models were no longer in stock rotation.

Tom's Hardware kept tabs (https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/german-seagate-customers-say-their-new-hard-drives-were-actually-used-resold-hdds-reportedly-used-for-tens-of-thousands-of-hours) on the events unfolding in Germany, and contacted Seagate for comment. A freshly released article contains the storage specialist's official response, but the spokesperson did not disclose any information regarding root causes. The statement started with: "Seagate did not sell or distribute these fraudulent drives to resellers...We recommend that resellers only purchase drives from certified Seagate distribution partners to ensure that they purchase and sell only new or factory-recertified Seagate drives...hard drives that have been refurbished and factory-certified by Seagate and resold as part of the Seagate Drive Circularity Program can be identified by the green-bordered white hard drive label and the designation: Factory Recertified."https://tpucdn.com/img/Ra4eGHO8JIrDHzR9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Ra4eGHO8JIrDHzR9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YKSXoFKSt0Rc0jcc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YKSXoFKSt0Rc0jcc.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/iz9TBX05YXZFKMCw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iz9TBX05YXZFKMCw.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

There is hardly a scarcity of mini PCs available on the market. These pocket-friendly computers have an ever-expanding fan base, and now it appears that brands are pulling all sorts of tricks to make their offerings stand out from the rest. Chaatrey is a well-known player in the mini PC segment, and has announced the AMD-powered AN3P mini PC. The product does have quite an interesting feature, which we will get to later.

At its core, the AN3P mini PC is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS APU (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-7-7735hs.c3041) with eight Zen 3+ cores and sixteen threads. Despite having already blown out two birthday candles, the Ryzen 7 7735HS continues to be quite a performant chip in 2025, trading blows with the Intel Core 5 120U in synthetic benchmarks. In terms of memory and storage, the AN3P can be equipped with up to 32 GB of memory, and up to 1 TB of solid-state storage. Both the memory and storage are user-accessible and can be upgraded down the road, which surely is a must-have for many people.https://tpucdn.com/img/UuWRvvDvWAvm0MJM_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UuWRvvDvWAvm0MJM.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9RoEAIWmWnfpqV4D_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9RoEAIWmWnfpqV4D.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Experience the highs and lows of Henry's journey in the Official CGI Trailer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (https://kingdomcomerpg.com/), where life in 15th-century Bohemia is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving. From the chaos of a brawl to the fleeting joy of celebration, every moment pulls Henry deeper into the challenges of medieval life. Get ready for a story of resilience, danger, and the choices that will shape the next chapter. The journey begins February 4. Released in 2018, the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance thrust players into the life of Henry of Skalitz, a medieval blacksmith's apprentice turned vengeful adventurer. With the long-anticipated sequel almost upon us, what do newcomers need to know about the groundbreaking gameplay of this unique RPG series?

Meet Henry of Skalitz
Henry's original tale is a deeply personal one, set against the struggles of a medieval Bohemia's grander nobility. His tranquil life - as a humble blacksmith's apprentice - is dramatically upended when his parents are murdered during an assault waged by one of the warring lords of the land. Having narrowly fled the massacre himself, Henry's journey towards retribution sees him crossing paths with villagers, bandits and the nobility alike, as he battles to retrieve the sword crafted by his father for presentation on that fateful day - now a symbolic tool of retribution.https://tpucdn.com/img/wAPXekcxFv78ot1Y_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wAPXekcxFv78ot1Y.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/loWdr1bGKbwiaA0d_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/loWdr1bGKbwiaA0d.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ahfIZ4JgzyBSrgUA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ahfIZ4JgzyBSrgUA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/oQ8BNyqlmIa4p4PC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oQ8BNyqlmIa4p4PC.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

A new Steam Deck mod is here, and the performance improvements that it brings to the table appear to be quite promising, thanks to the magic of frame generation. The gaming handheld is not exactly the most performant in terms of raw GPU performance, so technologies such as AMD's FSR 3 undoubtedly improve the gaming experience on the Deck by quite a substantial degree. Dubbed Decky Framegen, the plugin utilizes AMD FSR 3 to generate frames without having to go about rendering them, thereby increasing FPS quite a lot.

As of right now, this plugin allows gamers to employ frame generation in unsupported games such as Final Fantasy XVI, Witcher 3, Hogwarts Legacy, and a few others. Deck Wizard's detailed video reveals that the plugin does quite a good job, allowing for playable framerates in several titles. However, the games which are unable to manage 30 FPS are unlikely to benefit much, owing to the issues surrounding input lag. Moreover, a few graphical glitches here and there are also to be expected, which is something that many purists might not entirely be willing to deal with. Considering that Valve recently shot rumors of an AMD Ryzen Z2-powered Steam Deck 2 being in the works, there is no denying that those holding out for hardware improvements, still have a fair amount of waiting to do.https://tpucdn.com/img/pYswQsDTDGAIc0uQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pYswQsDTDGAIc0uQ.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 debuted on the PlayStation 5 in October 2023, and a sizeable chunk of PC gamers have been looking forward to a PC port. Now that Nixxes Software has finally made that happen, it appears that the reception has been rather poor, despite making it to the trending section. Specifically, a substantial portion of buyers are complaining about intolerable technical difficulties and a poor experience overall. This is quite disappointing, considering that the game looked quite promising considering the relaxed system requirements, at least by modern standards.

"To say this is 'rough' is an understatement", voiced a user. Another review claimed that the game crashes every 10 minutes, with others stating that graphical glitches and errors are a common occurrence, making the game "nearly unplayable". Moreover, a plethora of other reviews complained about severe FPS drops, ray tracing issues, as well as extremely long loading times, even with solid-state storage. Overall, as of this writing, the game has amassed a total of 2,168 reviews, a whopping 1,228 of which are negative. It is more than likely that future patches will resolve many of the issues, although that does not make up for the poor experience faced by many of those who have already shelled out $60-$70 for the game.https://tpucdn.com/img/VTUtwHZ6mxliWrSt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VTUtwHZ6mxliWrSt.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PqxwVmaxtiOTnRf9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PqxwVmaxtiOTnRf9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/pjlZazTPxV5ciXXe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pjlZazTPxV5ciXXe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/A3EVzIOY9QuDBeaP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/A3EVzIOY9QuDBeaP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/MPHOCMtGGp835ZNM_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/MPHOCMtGGp835ZNM.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

The HWiNFO development team are prepping for the upcoming release of an NVIDIA upper mid-range "Blackwell" GPU—their popular system diagnostics tool will be updated with support for GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070-ti.c4243) (GB203-based) graphics card models. Team Green flagship and sub-flagship SKUs were sent to market this week—with mixed results—industry experts believe that stock shortages will be in effect for many months (https://www.techpowerup.com/331460/nvidia-geforce-rtx-50-series-supply-woes-predicted-to-last-up-to-three-months) post-release. Volatile retail conditions could force potential buyers—of next-gen graphics technology—into considering options from lower down in NVIDIA's new product stack. The GeForce RTX 5070 Ti ($749 MSRP, with no Founders Edition) and GeForce RTX 5070 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070.c4218) ($549 MSRP) GPUs could be tempting alternatives—as stopgaps or permanent fixtures. Press outlets believe that a February 20 (https://www.techpowerup.com/331715/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-launches-on-february-20) product launch is pencilled in.

HWiNFO's incoming 8.21 build is being readied with support for GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards, but the GeForce RTX 5070 (non-Ti) GPU is notably absent from the suite's "upcoming changes" list. An investigative VideoCardz news piece points to HWiNFO being the first bit of software to publicly acknowledge (in advance) support for Team Green's 8,960 CUDA core-equipped model. As reported (https://www.techpowerup.com/331715/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-launches-on-february-20) earlier this week, the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti is based on NVIDIA's GB203 GPU—also present on a larger sibling: "RTX 5080 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5080.c4217) maxes the silicon out, enabling all 84 SM, the RTX 5070 Ti is slightly cut down, with 70 out of 84 SM being enabled, resulting in 8,960 CUDA cores, 280 Tensor cores, 70 RT cores, 280 TMUs, and an unknown number of ROPs. The memory size is 16 GB, across the chip's full 256-bit GDDR7 memory interface... Its TGP is down to 300 W compared to the 360 W of the RTX 5080."https://tpucdn.com/img/yEF0XVfVWgYeCANr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yEF0XVfVWgYeCANr.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Fd1IP88uBaVBCtW0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Fd1IP88uBaVBCtW0.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/htyjUO0bwkKVKFtJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/htyjUO0bwkKVKFtJ.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Today SEGA kicks off the return of the VIRTUA FIGHTER franchise with the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., available for purchase now on Steam for £15.99 with a special launch discount of 20% off for a limited time (see Steam product page for details). This release marks the first time the franchise has come to the platform.

Based on Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. features rollback netcode and the first new balance adjustments in over 13 years, giving players the definitive fighting experience. Combined with support of up to 60 FPS/4K resolution, players can enjoy smoother gameplay in their quest to become the best fighter in the world.https://tpucdn.com/img/Ui4TtrhXMULGHrOk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Ui4TtrhXMULGHrOk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6aOTXoOptCMmUn84_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6aOTXoOptCMmUn84.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/p09pn1Orltk7oXlA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/p09pn1Orltk7oXlA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/sP6WYyvJscttmurP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/sP6WYyvJscttmurP.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Hi everyone. We have an important update (https://multiversus.com/en/news/multiversus-update) to share regarding MultiVersus. After careful consideration, our next Season will serve as the final seasonal content update for the game. MultiVersus Season 5 will begin on February 4, 2025, and run through May 30, 2025, adding two new playable characters to the roster—DC's Aquaman and Looney Tunes' Lola Bunny. All new Season 5 content, including Aquaman and Lola Bunny, will be earnable through gameplay. Both new characters will be accessible when Season 5 begins on February 4 at 9 a.m. PST—Aquaman via the Battle Pass as the first tier reward and Lola as the daily calendar login reward.

All online features will continue to be available until Season 5 concludes on May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. At that point, there will be an option to play MultiVersus offline via the local gameplay mode, either solo against A.I. opponents or with up to three friends. To do this, you'll need to install/download the latest version of the game and log in during Season 5, any time between February 4 at 9 a.m. PST and May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. After logging in, a local save file will be automatically created connected to your PlayStation Network, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store account, allowing you to enjoy the game offline with all earned and purchased content moving forward.https://tpucdn.com/img/dllFU4ibT0ATD0Xi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dllFU4ibT0ATD0Xi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/36q2jAdNatJISAlG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/36q2jAdNatJISAlG.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/SSG8Z0Wzu6kZehPD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SSG8Z0Wzu6kZehPD.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

IndiaTimes (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/tata-projects-to-finish-construction-of-microns-semiconductor-plant-by-year-end/articleshow/117630920.cms) reports that Tata Projects announced on Tuesday that Micron Technology's semiconductor assembly and test facility at Sanand near Ahmedabad (India) will be ready by December 2025. Amit Agrawal, Project Director at Tata Projects, said workers have finished 60 percent of India's first semiconductor plant, the rest will be done by year's end. The plant covers about 50 acres in the Sanand industrial area and the building started in July last year. Tata Projects is putting up this semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facility for Micron.

"An ATMP facility is essentially a backend fab facility where testing, packaging and marking of semiconductors are carried out. This is perhaps the largest back-end semiconductor fab unit in the world. So far, 60 percent of work has been completed on Phase-1 with the help of a total workforce of 3,500," Agrawal told reporters. "We will hand over this facility to Micron by December 2025 after finishing civil work, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work along with engineering-related tasks as per the designs given by Micron. The final call to commence the plant will be taken by Micron" added Amit Agrawal, Project Director at Tata Projects.https://tpucdn.com/img/skLJeEmnIeZ7EIL0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/skLJeEmnIeZ7EIL0.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Intel has officially announced that its "Clearwater Forest (https://www.techpowerup.com/326966/intel-clearwater-forest-pictured-first-18a-node-high-volume-product)" Xeon processor family will be arriving somewhere in the first half of 2026. During a recent earnings call, interim co-CEO—Michelle Johnston Holthaus—discussed Team Blue's product roadmap for 2025 and beyond: "this year is all about improving Intel Xeon's competitive position as we fight harder to close the gap to the competition. The ramp of Granite Rapids has been a good first step. We are also making good progress on Clearwater Forest, our first Intel 18A server product that we plan to launch in the first half of next year." Press outlets have (correctly) pointed out that Intel's "Clearwater Forest" Xeon processors were originally slated for release in 2025, so the company's executive branch has seemingly admitted—in a low-key manner—that their next-gen series is delayed. Industry whispers from last autumn posit that Team Blue foundries were struggling with their proprietary 18A (1.8 nm) node process (https://www.techpowerup.com/329513/intel-18a-process-node-clocks-an-abysmal-10-yield-report)—at the time, watchdogs predicted a postponement of "Clearwater Forest" server processors.

The original timetable had "Clearwater Forest" server CPUs arriving not long after the launch of Intel's latest line of "Sierra Forest" products—288-core models from the Xeon 6-series (https://www.techpowerup.com/331709/intel-cuts-xeon-6-prices-up-to-30-to-battle-amd-in-the-data-center). The delay into 2026 could be beneficial—The Register (https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/31/intel_q4_2024/) proposes that "Xeons bristling with E-cores" have not found a large enough audience. Holthaus disclosed a similar sentiment (in the Q4 earnings call): "what we've seen is that's more of a niche market, and we haven't seen volume materialize there as fast as we expected." Despite rumors swirling around complications affecting chip manufacturing volumes, Intel's temporary co-leaders believe that things are going well. David Zinsner—Team Blue's CFO—stated: "18A has been an area of good progress...Like any new process, there have been ups and downs along the way, but overall, we are confident that we are delivering a competitive process." His colleague added: "as the first volume customer of Intel 18A, I see the progress that Intel Foundry is making on performance and yield, and I look forward to being in production in the second half, as we demonstrate the benefits of our world-class design."https://tpucdn.com/img/jftN19pXtUwKjs50_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jftN19pXtUwKjs50.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qYOEhVvJJWjUrJhz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qYOEhVvJJWjUrJhz.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Microsoft recently refreshed its Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lineups with Intel's latest Lunar Lake chips. The company also introduced the new Surface USB4 Dock, and as the name suggests, this new dock lacks Thunderbolt 4 support, unlike the pricier Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock. The USB4 Dock is available for pre-order for just $199, which is substantially more affordable than the $299 that the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock sells for.

Considering the cheaper price tag, the ports on offer are also rather modest, and suitable for only those users who require no more than a few additional ports. The Surface Dock sports a total of two USB4 Type-C ports, a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and an HDMI 2.1 port. At just 12 x 6 x 1.5 cms, the Surface USB4 Dock is plenty compact, and weighs in at just over 200 grams. The 100-watt power supply allows for up to 65 watts of passthrough, which will definitely come in handy when the need arises.https://tpucdn.com/img/6eU5c1aecoEwGkkV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6eU5c1aecoEwGkkV.jpg)https://tpucdn.com/img/VZcm94MXfEbe2nSt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VZcm94MXfEbe2nSt.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

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 March 25, 2025 for PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), the PlayStation 5 system, and the Xbox Series X|S console systems. Tripwire also announced that pre-orders are now available for both retail and digital versions, along with detailing pricing, pre-order bonuses, and exclusive content across both standard and special editions. Digital pre-orders for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and retail pre-orders for console versions are live now. Digital pre-orders for console versions will be opening soon, with specific timing and updates available via Tripwire socials. In celebration, Tripwire has revealed the next in its series of Zed reveal videos, focused on the new and deadly Siren.

Like Zeds, Killing Floor 3 editions will come in many shapes and sizes between both digital and retail. All digital and retail pre-orders will include the limited timed exclusive Flatline Tactical Bundle (Flatliner weapon skin, Fear the Reaper trinket, and Special Action Force player card).https://tpucdn.com/img/kod6WD0rOkR811fw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kod6WD0rOkR811fw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/LMD9HFrCqqKciluB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LMD9HFrCqqKciluB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yVf46pw9c2ZNpGjh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yVf46pw9c2ZNpGjh.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Based on the MindFactory sales data for January 2025 (https://www.techpowerup.com/332103/amd-cpus-had-92-market-share-at-german-pc-hardware-retailer-in-january), we have seen AMD push a significant share of sales and revenue at the German PC hardware store. However, an interesting observation lies in the details. AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU was the best-selling SKU at 8,390 units sold. An entire AM5 platform recorded sales of 18,410 units, which puts the eight-core X3D SKU on the top, with 46% of consumers on the AM5 platform going with this CPU. The rest of the AMD Ryzen 9000 series performed poorly, with other SKUs reaching only up to 3% of AM5 socket sales. This means that out of 100% "Zen 5" units sold, the leading Ryzen 7 9800X3D SKU captured 87% of sales. The AMD Ryzen 9000 series is performing exceptionally only due to its only available AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D SKU selling 46% of the AM5 volume.

Among standard Ryzen 9000 series SKUs, the Ryzen 7 9700X achieved 640 units in sales, while the Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 9 9950X, and Ryzen 9 9900X recorded 250, 230, and 180 units respectively. These figures suggest significantly lower market penetration for non-X3D variants in the retail channel. The data points to a clear market preference for gaming-optimized processors, indicating AMD's strategic focus on X3D variants—despite their higher manufacturing costs and retail premiums—is likely to continue. While MindFactory's sales data represents just one retailer in the German market, the overwhelming consumer preference for the 9800X3D over standard Zen 5 SKUs signals that consumers are ready to pay a premium for more performance and that the X3D effect reflects positively on the sales.https://tpucdn.com/img/M3wsxU8TF3h3FHIG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/M3wsxU8TF3h3FHIG.jpg)

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[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-606785&utm_content=a0xRn000002QCxHIAW&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er), then take a look at this bundle that pairs Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 with the 2025 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 $49.97.

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-606785&utm_content=a0xRn000002QCxHIAW&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-606785&utm_content=a0xRn000002QCxHIAW&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) and Lifetime Access to the 2025 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is now available for $49.97 (reg. $1,999).https://tpucdn.com/img/Wv78rFyqYuuNj43P_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Wv78rFyqYuuNj43P.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

German PC hardware retailer MindFactory sold an astonishing 25,625 AMD and Intel CPUs in January 2025. However, an honor falls to AMD this time, as Team Red has managed to capture as much as 92.16% (23,615) of all units sold by this retailer. Not only did it leave Intel with 7.84% (2010) of total units sold, AMD also beat Intel in average selling price, where AMD managed to keep ASP at 320 Euros, while Intel buyers were considering some less expensive CPU SKUs at 290 Euros. This has resulted in AMD's revenue share recording 93.45% at 8,300,674 Euros, while Intel left a smaller mark at 6.55% or 581,959 Euros. The best-selling CPU was AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D, sold in 8,390 units in January.

A detailed analysis of socket distribution reveals AMD's AM5 platform's overwhelming dominance, securing 18,410 units or 71.84% of total sales. The mature AM4 platform maintains a significant market presence with 5,205 units (20.31%), showing strong continued demand for AMD's previous-generation socket. Intel's LGA 1700, compatible with 12/13/14th generation processors, accounted for 1,745 units (6.81%), while their older platforms showed minimal market penetration. The LGA 1851 socket, supporting Intel's latest Core Ultra 200S processors, managed just 185 units (0.72%), with legacy LGA 1200 and LGA 1151 sockets trailing at 55 (0.21%) and 25 (0.1%) units respectively. AMD's latest platform market performance suggests strong consumer confidence in AM5's upgrade path and performance capabilities. This dramatic market share capture by AMD represents one of the most significant shifts in the desktop CPU market in recent years, particularly notable given the higher average selling prices at which AMD CPUs are now sold.https://tpucdn.com/img/lpKcwyE0bmAPk78f_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lpKcwyE0bmAPk78f.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Elgato is proud to unveil Wave Link 2.0, the latest evolution of its powerful audio management software, which introduces incredible new features and major quality-of-life improvements. Highlights include Voice Focus, an integrated tool that ensures crisp vocals in any space, and One-Click Audio Routing for easy setup and customization. Overall, Wave Link 2.0 redefines audio management by addressing several universal challenges content creators and digital professionals face.

Voice Focus, a tool developed in collaboration with ai|coustics, brings cutting-edge vocal enhancements to Elgato Wave mic and audio interface users. By leveraging ai|coustics' advanced machine learning technology, the tool removes unwanted noise, room reverb, and echo—while isolating the user's voice and elevating it to professional quality standards. Designed for users who may not have the knowledge or patience to configure audio effects, Voice Focus delivers studio-grade results in seconds. Whether streaming, podcasting, or meeting, everyone sounds professional—even in spaces with poor acoustics.https://tpucdn.com/img/W8C4uc6rhW48kd7t_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/W8C4uc6rhW48kd7t.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FTvnKpjoa7NNGZ0T_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FTvnKpjoa7NNGZ0T.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/cFZQT7pPLqd3Orrk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cFZQT7pPLqd3Orrk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/pGXfJrLCFhVdOYn8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pGXfJrLCFhVdOYn8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/W00qymgZB1LkaXMG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/W00qymgZB1LkaXMG.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition, its premium Xbox controllers, are now available in a stunning new White colorway. White brings a fresh new look to Razer's latest Pro controllers for the perfect blend of elegance and performance. The new lineup appeals to the competitive console and PC gamers who want a clean look to match their gaming setups.

Combining lightning-fast inputs, optimization for esports, and tournament-ready performance, the White Wolverine V3 lineup will allow players to express their individual style without compromising their competitive edge. Stay one step, one shot, and one level above the competition with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro—the definitive wireless esports controller. Officially licensed by Xbox, play like the world's best on console and PC with speed, control, and precision that helps you clutch up for the win.https://tpucdn.com/img/q9snG3dltZpijcmn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/q9snG3dltZpijcmn.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/CUkKLtXozMi2e2aQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CUkKLtXozMi2e2aQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gwkwbwdYPBk2xl5T_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gwkwbwdYPBk2xl5T.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. Fourth quarter revenue was a record $7.7 billion, gross margin was 51%, operating income was $871 million, net income was $482 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.29. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 54%, operating income was a record $2.0 billion, net income was a record $1.8 billion and diluted earnings per share was $1.09.

For the full year 2024, AMD reported record revenue of $25.8 billion, gross margin of 49%, operating income of $1.9 billion, net income of $1.6 billion, and diluted earnings per share of $1.00. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was a record 53%, operating income was $6.1 billion, net income was $5.4 billion and diluted earnings per share was $3.31.https://tpucdn.com/img/hyaBWRtMkFFStXwa_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/hyaBWRtMkFFStXwa.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/c1pwqdOYCCifk5kp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/c1pwqdOYCCifk5kp.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xIq2BVWnm9ulfzos_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xIq2BVWnm9ulfzos.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, is expanding its headphone offerings with the new R-Series line of professional open-back models. The former flagship ATH-R70x has been upgraded to the new ATH-R70xa (https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-r70xa), and is joined by the new ATH-R50x (https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-r50x).

ATH-R70xa
The ATH-R70xa is Audio-Technica's new flagship pair of professional open-back reference headphones. Whether mixing, mastering, or creating, the ATH-R70xa is the perfect production tool, delivering accurate and dependable reference across stereo, surround, and immersive formats. This enhanced version of the ATH-R70x delivers the natural and balanced sound of its predecessor but with refined accuracy and detail, providing a heightened listening experience with precise imaging and depth for realistic sound staging. While the ATH-R70x utilized damping and its acoustic design for added low-frequency emphasis, the fully open-back sound of the ATH-R70xa relies solely on the performance of the driver—each diaphragm movement translates directly into sound without reliance on acoustic cavities or resonance for frequency enhancement and minimizing distortion.https://tpucdn.com/img/ilz3WaIhykWFGR03_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ilz3WaIhykWFGR03.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/0DJ3rBQtFJ9xIAl8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/0DJ3rBQtFJ9xIAl8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nTIouzoNsLPvloPP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nTIouzoNsLPvloPP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2meRp157r7twpUlI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2meRp157r7twpUlI.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

During yesterday's "Battlefield Labs (https://www.techpowerup.com/332015/ea-dice-announces-battlefield-labs)" announcement, Electronic Arts revealed the full extent of its international multi-team development setup—dubbed "Battlefield Studios." According to their recent presentation, franchise originator—DICE (Stockholm)—is working alongside Ripple Effect (formerly DICE Los Angeles), Motive (Montreal) and Criterion (Guildford). EA's British studio is best known for its past work—most notably (going back nearly twenty-five years ago) the Burnout series and newer Need for Speed titles. The Surrey-based outfit appears to be completely devoted to working on the next Battlefield entry's single-player component (https://www.techpowerup.com/319798/ea-axes-star-wars-fps-battlefield-single-player-project-reassigned-to-criterion)—older press releases hinted about a new Need for Speed project. Around autumn 2023, Vince Zampella (Battlefield franchise overseer) announced (https://www.techpowerup.com/313847/criterion-games-joins-ea-entertainment-working-on-rebooted-battlefield-franchise) that the majority of Criterion's team had shifted over to working on a next-gen Battlefield title, while a smaller "core group" would: "continue on what's next for Need for Speed."

Almost a year ago, Criterion and EA celebrated the Need for Speed franchise's thirtieth anniversary (https://www.techpowerup.com/319467/ea-celebrates-need-for-speed-30th-anniversary-with-y2-nfs-unbound-roadmap)—a press release focused mainly on roadmapped content for Need for Speed Unbound (2022). The game was updated with a final chunk of post-release content last November. Eurogamer took it upon themselves to investigate Criterion's current internal formation, given that support duties have concluded on the NFS Unbound project. The online publication received a response from EA's top-most Battlefield developer. Zampella said in a statement to Eurogamer: "the Need for Speed team at Criterion are joining their colleagues working on Battlefield...As a company, it was important to us to take the last year to listen to our Need for Speed community and use their feedback to create content for Unbound...With an increased understanding of what our players want in a Need for Speed experience, we plan to bring the franchise back in new and interesting ways."https://tpucdn.com/img/KJLfRX1KxpTeIGQp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KJLfRX1KxpTeIGQp.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/oUPRasO1mc4wcgbW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oUPRasO1mc4wcgbW.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Co6vCVwXIEicySU4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Co6vCVwXIEicySU4.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Scientists have made a big step forward in data storage technology, they've managed to improve the manufacturing process for 3D NAND flash memory. This type of storage technology stacks memory cells on top of each other to obtain higher data density. A team of experts from Lam Research, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Princeton Plasma Physics Lab came up with a better way to etch (the process of carving holes into alternating layers of silicon oxide and silicon nitride) by using hydrogen fluoride plasma. This new method cuts vertical channels through silicon-based materials twice as fast as before achieving 640 nanometers in just one minute.

The team found out that mixing in certain chemicals like phosphorus trifluoride helps the etching process. They also learned that some byproducts can slow down etching, but adding water can help fix this problem. "The salt can decompose at a lower temperature when water is present, which can accelerate etching", said Yuri Barsukov, a former PPPL researcher now working at Lam Research. This breakthrough is important as the need for data storage received a huge boost with the rise of AI programs, that need tons of storage.https://tpucdn.com/img/VjBt5hhqcfHsmtua_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VjBt5hhqcfHsmtua.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332081/plasma-technology-doubles-etch-rate-for-3d-nand-flash-memory)

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[NextPowerUP]

Let's be honest, Helldivers (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/helldivers-2/): Super Earth is worth it. No matter what "it" is. All Helldivers share this belief, and fanatical loyalty is expected from all citizens of Super Earth. But the Helldivers need to demonstrate their allegiance. They need to look like the democratic disciples they are inside, and the only way we know to properly show it off is with the gear from our next Warbond: Servants of Freedom which launches on February 6.

So what does true devotion to Democracy look like?
Hellbombs. It looks like Hellbombs. They really send a message: liberation is big, loud, and happening all around you. It gets the spirit of democracy soaring, and gets a lot of other things soaring, too, like buildings, Bile Titans, and Automaton industrial sites. Now, imagine you've got that kind of freedom strapped to your back. That's the B-100 Portable Hellbomb, a beacon of democratic truth in a convenient backpack format, which can be easily activated by you or a helpful teammate. Just be sure to drop the pack and clear the area once it's active, because the B-100's got a ten-second countdown that can't be canceled.https://tpucdn.com/img/9HNuj0x0zjKjDzFm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9HNuj0x0zjKjDzFm.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/CwwihzuOXrzcq0zC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CwwihzuOXrzcq0zC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/vzAtfWwahOQnq1xp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/vzAtfWwahOQnq1xp.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

A South Korea-based hardware enthusiast—Harukaze5719 (https://x.com/harukaze5719/status/1886693139228074225)—has discovered a curious listing of ZOTAC's GeForce RTX 5090 SOLID OC (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/zotac-rtx-5090-solid-oc.b12003) model on a Chinese auction site (asking price: ~$4175 USD). This finding was shared with their audience, via a social media post—a screenshot was accompanied by harukaze5719's short and succinct message: "OMG..." Officially, NVIDIA and its board partners cater to the Chinese hardware market with a restricted variant of the flagship "Blackwell" GPU—GeForce RTX 5090D (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5090-d.c4253). Despite under-the-hood nerfing, this region-exclusive model still offers enviable performance (https://www.techpowerup.com/331620/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090d-overclocked-to-a-staggering-3-4-ghz-and-34-gbps-memory) (when pushed).

The "full fat" GeForce RTX 5090 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5090.c4216) GPU appears to be an even hotter commodity—with demand (at launch) exceeding far exceeding supply. ZOTAC's South Korean branch warned (https://www.techpowerup.com/331460/nvidia-geforce-rtx-50-series-supply-woes-predicted-to-last-up-to-three-months) potential customers about difficult conditions almost two weeks ahead of Blackwell's market debut on January 30. Harukaze5719 has likely expressed semi-personal frustration over apparent South Korea market-destined ZOTAC stock turning up for sale in China. So-called "Chinese GPU shopping tourists" could have made the journey to a South Korean PC hardware store, with their sole objective being the acquisition of GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards. Tom's Hardware has gathered (https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/korean-retail-rtx-5090-spotted-for-sale-in-china-chinese-shoppers-plunder-japan-and-taiwan-too) various related tidbits from Japanese and Taiwanese news sources—where local TV coverage explored the events of last week's launch event.https://tpucdn.com/img/yY27tXY7DfXv3xfU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yY27tXY7DfXv3xfU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/eoccZZDo1mJISzky_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eoccZZDo1mJISzky.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qpm91odnGe0rrqHU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qpm91odnGe0rrqHU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/H7vBdw3nw143XOa1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/H7vBdw3nw143XOa1.jpg)

Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332078/zotac-geforce-rtx-5090-solid-oc-on-auction-in-china-apparently-sourced-from-s-korea)

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[NextPowerUP]

We know how much you've been waiting for this moment, we're thrilled to unveil the gameplay trailer for RoadCraft! Just imagine stepping into a world where you're the one turning disaster zones into thriving landscapes with cutting-edge technology and teamwork to make it happen. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? In RoadCraft, you're at the helm of a disaster recovery company specializing in restoring areas devastated by natural calamities. With advanced simulation powered by Saber Interactive's new engine, every material, vehicle, and terrain reacts with realistic physics, making each task feel immersive and rewarding.

Launching May 20th, 2025
This first look showcases breathtaking environments brought to life with stunning visuals and realistic physics. Whether you're clearing debris, rebuilding roads, or restoring vital infrastructure, you've got everything you need to tackle challenges with creativity and precision. And with co-op gameplay for up to four players, it's all about coming together and rebuilding as a team.https://tpucdn.com/img/aSKFRxNZaDgFFhwg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/aSKFRxNZaDgFFhwg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YSOzpbI10hTS3K5k_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YSOzpbI10hTS3K5k.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UFq2wN4kamtnrwU7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UFq2wN4kamtnrwU7.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332076/saber-interactive-focus-entertainment-showcase-roadcrafts-gameplay)

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[NextPowerUP]

Japan's central government will adjust its control over cutting-edge chips and quantum computer-related technology—a Japan Times news article proposes that new regulations will come into effect by the end of May. The report suggests that the nation's governing body is expanding its list of export-controlled items to include: "advanced chips, lithography equipment and cryo-coolers needed for the manufacture of quantum computers." The publication has gathered this information from revised foreign exchange laws. According to economy ministry officials, companies will be required to apply for external trade licenses—extra measures are being put in place to prevent the export of cutting-edge items to foreign military organizations. The updated terms are viewed as another step in tightening the supply of advanced semiconductor products to mainland China. Recent global events have paved the way for a new wave of AI chip-related restrictions.

Naturally, China has expressed concern regarding upcoming changes—they anticipate problems affecting supply chains and normal commercial exchanges between enterprises. According to the Japan Times report, the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing: "hopes Japan will make sure the measures don't hinder the economic and trade development between the two countries." The two nations have enjoyed a cordial semiconductor-centric trade relationship, skewed more in favor of Japan. Industry watchdogs believe that Chinese manufacturers have generated significant demand for Japanese-made production equipment. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has updated its documents. According to the latest report, 42 new entities worldwide have been added to a list of: "foreign companies and organizations that would be subject to export oversight on any dual-use items. The additions come into effect on Feb. 5, it said. A total of around 110 Chinese companies, research institutions and other entities are on the list."https://tpucdn.com/img/qakf7h91Rh1WMx3F_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qakf7h91Rh1WMx3F.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Y01BZcZVrbcMwPaU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Y01BZcZVrbcMwPaU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xRlCzSZthq7O5gnE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xRlCzSZthq7O5gnE.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Welcome back, friends! Happy to be here with more news, games, and updates. Speaking of news, we had lots of it in the 2025 Developer_Direct—with a little "everything you see is coming to Game Pass" spice. Here's what you missed (watch the presentation below, after the jump)! So many games to look forward to, plus a few surprise "you can play them right now" messages. Now let's get to even more games for Game Pass!

Available Today—Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC)—February 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Dive into a transformed, vibrant, post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen as they seek to take over the last remaining resources.https://tpucdn.com/img/wEurB0yjZv0EebyE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wEurB0yjZv0EebyE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XAFZqS7VyLsIzJAO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XAFZqS7VyLsIzJAO.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332074/xbox-game-pass-reveals-february-title-line-up)

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[NextPowerUP]

At the end of January, Samsung Electronics released their financial results (https://www.techpowerup.com/331873/samsung-electronics-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fy-2024-results) for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year 2024. Smartphone tech watchdogs paid close to attention to the South Korean giant's accompanying earnings call. The recently released Galaxy S25 smartphone family is, exclusively, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets (https://www.techpowerup.com/331667/qualcomm-expected-to-pull-in-usd-2-billion-from-samsung-galaxy-s25-snapdragon-deal)—insiders believe that Samsung opted out of utilizing proprietary chip designs (for this generation) due to missed production goals (https://www.techpowerup.com/328680/samsungs-second-gen-3-nm-gaa-process-shows-20-yields-missing-production-goals). Late last year, inside sources pointed to the foundry's allegedly problematic 3 nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process node. Follow-up reports suggest that Samsung engineers have moved onto developing a 2 nm manufacturing process, possibly linked to a re-designed Exynos 2500 flagship mobile processor.

Brian Ma, a technology industry analyst, extracted relevant information from Samsung's recent earnings meeting—several press outlets have picked up on his brief social media post (https://x.com/bryanbma/status/1885137658831315190). The IDC employee stated: "Samsung System LSI just mentioned in its earnings call that it's optimizing Exynos 2500 and 'aiming' to secure design wins for mobile models scheduled for release in 2H" The rumor mill has proposed that new "Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 (https://wccftech.com/samsung-to-use-exynos-2500-in-galaxy-z-flip-7-tipster-shares-specifications/)" smartphone models are currently in the development pipeline—coincidental timing indicates that the two devices could launch later in 2025, potentially with next-gen flagship Exynos SoCs onboard. Tipsters reckon that the Exynos 2500 is configured with a 10-core cluster, and its integrated graphics solution will be an AMD RDNA 3.5-enabled Xclipse 950 model.https://tpucdn.com/img/ZJ0uus8q1BjATBW3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZJ0uus8q1BjATBW3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/mIQsoCSdEaICxOkt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mIQsoCSdEaICxOkt.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/CgvXLLNAf08sdGYJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CgvXLLNAf08sdGYJ.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332073/samsung-reportedly-optimizing-exynos-2500-soc-for-late-2025-launch)

[NextPowerUP]

Extas1s is a prominent name in the rumor arena, who has provided trustworthy information in the past. Joining hands with HandleDeck, the duo recently made an interesting claim of Valve secretly working on a Steam Console of sorts, or perhaps some sort of eGPU for the Steam Deck. To back up their claims, the duo cited the fact that Valve is putting quite a lot of effort into drivers for AMD's soon-to-be released Radeon RX 9070 GPUs, and since those are desktop-only parts, a stationary console that will allow Valve to lock horns with Sony and Microsoft is likely in the works.

However, it appears that the duo may have rushed to a conclusion instead of considering the facts on the table. GamingOnLinux, who was quick to respond to the claims made by HandleDeck and Extas1s, stated that Valve working on AMD drivers for future hardware is nothing out of the ordinary, adding that Valve invests in a "lot of different areas for Linux", and not just the areas that concern their own products, which is absolutely true. This time around, the speculations arose when a Valve developer commented that Mesa drivers support for RDNA 4 cards should be good enough.https://tpucdn.com/img/TEUoFabfoILe2sBT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TEUoFabfoILe2sBT.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332072/valve-rdna-4-based-steam-console-rumors-arise-only-to-get-shot-down)

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[NextPowerUP]

PNY Technologies today announced the latest additions to their USB Type-C flash drive lineup, headlined by the extreme-performance PRO Elite V3 that delivers read speeds up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 800 MB/s, and offers storage options ranging from 256 GB - 2 TB. The expanded Type-C portfolio also includes the ultra-compact Elite-X Fit and Elite models, providing a storage solution for all Type-C and high-performance portable needs without requiring a Type-C adapter.

Extreme Storage Solution—PRO Elite V3 Type-C
The PRO Elite V3 (https://www.pny.com/pro-elite-v3-type-c-usb-3-2-gen-2-flash-drive) leads PNY's latest generation of Type-C USB storage solutions, crafted for professional content creators, designers, and gamers demanding high performance while working with large files and resource-demanding applications. With extreme read speeds up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 800 MB/s, users can safely transfer their valuable content at blazing fast speeds up to 265 times faster than standard USB 2.0 flash drives. A huge storage size increase of up to 2 TB provides professional users ample space to store large project files, 4K video collections, and extensive gaming libraries on a single storage device.https://tpucdn.com/img/HjrVVLhf8fX1Lzsp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/HjrVVLhf8fX1Lzsp.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332071/pny-expands-portfolio-of-ultra-fast-pro-elite-v3-usb-flash-drives)

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[NextPowerUP]

Transreflective LCD, or TCLD displays are far from commonly available. As the name suggests, these panels can combine the advantages of both reflective, as well as backlit technologies. E-Ink displays, which are also reflective, have their own set of advantages for workloads with primarily static elements. However, E-Ink displays have always suffered with motion, owing to their low refresh rate. This is where traditional displays reign supreme, and transreflective screens allow for the best of both worlds, depending on the workload.

The Hybri monitor by the Taiwanese brand HANNspree is one such offering, and sports a 1080p 23.8-inch panel with a refresh rate of 75 Hz. This allows for perfectly smooth videos and motion, unlike the vast majority of E-Ink displays. HANNspree claims that the monitor's power draw plummets by around 80% when the backlight is turned off, which is to be expected. When switched on, the backlight provides 50 nits of brightness, and the monitor should work fine without it when ambient light is above 1000 lx. The 4-in-1 adjustable stand allows for swivel, tilt, height, adjustments and pivot functionality. Overall, at a price of $899, the Hybri TLCD monitor should be a decent choice for coding, writing, and office use, especially for those folks who care about reducing eye strain over long workdays. The monitor is already available in Taiwan, with no word on an EU/US release yet.https://tpucdn.com/img/SR1uus7606aYo2l1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SR1uus7606aYo2l1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/d2GVfZ16ihIMO8fS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/d2GVfZ16ihIMO8fS.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Late last month, NVIDIA claimed (https://www.techpowerup.com/331432/nvidia-claims-16-pin-power-connector-issues-are-over-no-more-melting) that 16-pin power connector issues were a thing of the past. The controversial 12VHPWR connection standard has fueled many online debates—prompting investigations from several prominent press outlets. Following NVIDIA's latest "safety" declaration—likely by coincidence—PCM Hong Kong reported another melting incident, affecting two cables and a power supply unit. The publication's hardware reviewer was recently engaged in the "full-load" testing of GeForce RTX 5090D and RTX 5080 graphics cards. Last week's evaluation session was interrupted by notable test system instabilities—upon downing tools, the PCM staffer discovered that their 1200 W PSU had given up the ghost. Additionally, two 16-pin cables had melted at both ends—initial detective work pointed to a GeForce RTX 4090 sample card being the main culprit.

VideoCardz and UNIKO's Hardware kept close tabs on PCM's next steps—online interactions, over the past weekend, spurred a re-evaluation of circumstances. According to PCM's latest update, they noticed burn marks on the GeForce RTX 4090 test unit—the two GeForce RTX-50-series cards did not exhibit any physical damage. Post-analysis, the reviewer now suspects that an SSD failure could be the route cause. They were happy to report that all involved RTX cards have survived, and that their test platform has been re-equipped with 12V-2x6 cables. An amended VideoCardz article proposes that everything came down to a simple human error.https://tpucdn.com/img/UGMeb7HkESw7PbkV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UGMeb7HkESw7PbkV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/siNYqGEK7uluhbWE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/siNYqGEK7uluhbWE.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

SteamDolls, the debut stealth-meets-action platformer delight by French-Belgian studio The Shady Gentleman, will launch February 11th at 1pm EST / 10am PST / 6pm UTC into Steam Early Access. A new trailer has been released as well, officially revealing the launch date.

Play as the bloodthirsty, witty, and just a bit kooky Whisper (played by David Hayter) and balance both stealth and brutality as you make your way through a comic book-inspired steampunk city on the verge of anarchy. A free demo also remains available, featuring the intro sequence the game. The game will be available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish at launch, and contain about 6 chapters of the game, totaling an estimated 5-7 hours of content. The game's developers are hoping to gather player feedback to improve mechanics, balancing, and content leading up to the 1.0 launch.https://tpucdn.com/img/UJklIgc95fsc5FYZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UJklIgc95fsc5FYZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/cfMHFfLl2vLqL76J_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cfMHFfLl2vLqL76J.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/P8ts8szVsA2PGkjd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/P8ts8szVsA2PGkjd.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wXN8avBOAPd51pj1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wXN8avBOAPd51pj1.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332066/stealth-platformer-steamdolls-launches-february-11th-reuniting-metal-gears-voice-cast)

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[NextPowerUP]

At some point this week, HP's North American online store was updated with new high-end EliteBooks that feature AMD Strix Point (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/?codename=Strix%20Point&sort=generation) APUs. Three models appear to support up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory—these curious entries were highlighted by tech enthusiast Hoang Anh Phu (AnhPhuH (https://x.com/AnhPhuH/status/1887369075325870254)). The advertised maximum 8533 MT/s transfer rate exceeds Team Red's official reference figure (7500 MT/s) for the EliteBook X G1a's Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-ai-9-hx-375.c3815) APU. Looking further up in the Team Red "Strix Point" product stack, we spotted their Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-ai-9-hx-pro-375.c4001) spec sheet boasting a maximum LPDDR5x transfer speed of 8000 MT/s. Press outlets have expressed doubt when analyzing three of HP's EliteBook X G1a SKUs. Theories point to product pages containing possible placeholder information, or inaccuracies.

Working with the belief that the specs are legit, AnhPhuH commented: "this is the first laptop featured with 128 GB LPDDR5x-8533 128-bit memory. That would mean it's using four 256 Gb x32 modules(?!). As far as I know, all three major DRAM manufacturers currently only have 128 Gb x32 modules...the EliteBook X G1a uses Strix Point, not Strix Halo (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/?codename=Strix%20halo&sort=generation), so it only pairs with four x32 modules (two 64-bit channels)." HP's web shop states that the EliteBook X G1a models are due to launch on March 14. We hope that further clarification and concrete specifications appear online closer to release time. Initial pricing starts at $2749 for the lowliest of the three "128 GB LPDDR5X-8533" equipped models. The agonizingly named flagship "HP EliteBook X G1a 14 inch Notebook Next Gen AI PC Wolf Pro Security Edition (https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-elitebook-x-g1a-14-inch-notebook-next-gen-ai-pc-wolf-pro-security-edition-p-b69yrua-aba-1)" offering comes in at an eye-watering $4299.https://tpucdn.com/img/Bfyv3HHdDc87Liag_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Bfyv3HHdDc87Liag.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/3vHHTkhlHTY1C1y4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3vHHTkhlHTY1C1y4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yZfB2y1kT8fcVeEk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yZfB2y1kT8fcVeEk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kq4l0oFIhhgoIDiG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kq4l0oFIhhgoIDiG.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

25 years ago, The Sims made history with the first instalment of a legendary series that would go on to be one of the best-selling of all time. Few simulation games have enjoyed the success and longevity of The Sims—and the freedom and creativity to play with life however you want has afforded the series near-unrivalled appeal in the years since. This week, Electronic Arts is celebrating this milestone (https://www.ea.com/en-us/games/the-sims/news/the-sims-25-birthday) and the history of the series in a big way, which includes a huge The Sims 4 Free Content Update (https://simscommunity.info/2025/01/14/sims-4-free-items-feb-25/) containing new Create a Sim options, clothing, Build/Buy Items and much more. The festivities will also include the limited-time Blast From The Past Event, which lets players earn revamped versions of iconic items from the original The Sims game via in-game goals.

We had the opportunity to chat with Kevin Gibson, Production Director for The Sims at EA. Gibson has been working in production roles across the franchise since 2003, and has first-hand experience of how the series has evolved in that time. The studio is abuzz with excitement about the franchise's birthday, and Gibson shares that digging deep into the series' past to rediscover nostalgic highlights has been extremely rewarding. "Our incredible players have shown us that no one does life like The Sims, and we wanted to celebrate this journey we have been on together," Gibson says. "25 years ago there was a game with an idea that made big a splash at E3, and look where we are today! We've been part of multiple generations and touched millions of lives.https://tpucdn.com/img/OfS9zFzSwITOPtFu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OfS9zFzSwITOPtFu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YgBGKkRANRHC0oJA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YgBGKkRANRHC0oJA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/aLUtMLEDjtQuscST_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/aLUtMLEDjtQuscST.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332248/the-sims-at-25-veteran-developer-discusses-franchise-history)

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[NextPowerUP]

Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm's Chief Executive Officer, made a major announcement during a recent company earnings call. Since late last year, technology news outlets have kept a collective eye trained on legal wranglings (https://www.techpowerup.com/330131/qualcomm-wins-partial-victory-in-arm-licensing-dispute-retrial-possible) involving the mobile processor specialist and Arm Holdings. Qualcomm won a partial victory in December—a Delaware jury unanimously found that the: "use of Oryon cores in its Snapdragon X processors for client PCs did not violate its licensing agreements with Arm." However, said jury did not deliver a unanimous verdict on the trial's other lines of query—soon after concluding, Arm filed a motion for a new session.

According to a relatively new Reuters follow-up report, Arm has terminated one of its pursuits. During Wednesday's (February 5) meeting with industry analysts, the Qualcomm boss declared: "Arm recently notified us that it was withdrawing its October 22, 2024 notice of breach, and indicated that it has no current plan to terminate the Qualcomm architecture license agreement." Amon and his colleagues are likely celebrating this development, as well as claimed "positive growth (https://www.techpowerup.com/332225/qualcomm-ceo-claims-positive-growth-for-snapdragon-x-elite-powered-laptops)" for Snapdragon X Elite-powered devices. Industry watchdogs believe that Arm could file for a retrial in the near future. According to The Register, the two companies are due to face-off again—albeit under different circumstances: "Qualcomm continues to pursue another case against Arm, alleging the UK outfit didn't honor some of its contractual obligations. Arm reckons that matter will reach the courts in the first half of 2026."https://tpucdn.com/img/gsZz3m3cXvbbPo5G_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gsZz3m3cXvbbPo5G.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/D6Zabgaq9hpk1YoH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/D6Zabgaq9hpk1YoH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/aUKQKETPNuhaumy5_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/aUKQKETPNuhaumy5.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Razer has solidified its position as the ultimate choice for esports professionals with the Razer Viper V3 Pro (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/razer-viper-v3-pro/) officially crowned the #1 most-used gaming mouse by esports pros, according to Prosettings.net (https://prosettings.net/blog/the-rise-of-the-razer-viper-v3-pro/) (as of December 2024). This monumental achievement completes our pro peripherals trifecta of dominance, with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro reigning as the #1 most used esports headset as of December 2024 and the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL leading as the #1 most used esports keyboard as of December 2024.

What Sets the Razer Viper V3 Pro Apart
Razer's long-standing dedication to esports innovation has led to the creation of groundbreaking gear trusted by champions. The Razer Viper V3 Pro (https://www.razer.com/gaming-mice/razer-viper-v3-pro) is not just another gaming mouse; its precision-engineered excellence is designed for, and by, esports pro athletes. From its ultra-lightweight form to next-gen sensor, the Razer Viper V3 Pro is meticulously engineered to meet the uncompromising demands of competitive gaming where a single millisecond makes all the difference. Extensive feedback on shape, weight, button placement and feel of switches were taken from pro players, with more than 45 of them testing the mouse across major tournaments such as the BLAST Fall Finals 2024 Copenhagen. We listened—and the result is a mouse that transcends expectations. Read more about "The Rise of the Razer Viper V3 Pro (https://prosettings.net/blog/the-rise-of-the-razer-viper-v3-pro/)" on Prosettings.net.https://tpucdn.com/img/dSqx8p66C3M7XXdC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dSqx8p66C3M7XXdC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/w3dLfSAxcfZPRoiJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/w3dLfSAxcfZPRoiJ.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332243/razer-viper-v3-pro-crowned-the-1-gaming-mouse-for-esport-professionals)

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[NextPowerUP]

Supply chain and board partner (AIB) insiders have once again signalled a murky future for Team Green's "Ada Lovelace (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/?architecture=Ada+Lovelace&sort=generation)" generation of gaming graphics cards—Chinese industry soothsayers believe that supplies of GeForce RTX 4060 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-4060.c4107) GPUs will change significantly throughout February. A somewhat similar disclosure popped up online half-way through January—when members of the Board Channels discussion board predicted an end of the month stock depletion of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (https://www.techpowerup.com/331202/nvidia-geforce-rtx-4070-end-of-january-stock-depletion-predicted) GPUs. Several web entities believe that NVIDIA is paving the way for a next wave of GeForce RTX 50-series "Blackwell" graphics cards.

Gory details appeared on Board Channels—yesterday morning's China market-focused bulletin stated: "supply of the main models of the RTX 4060 series will be greatly reduced from the first quarter of 2025, that is, from February 2025 in the domestic market, NVIDIA's supply of RTX4060 series GPUs will be greatly reduced, which is at least 60% less than the estimated Q4 of 2024." Team Green and its partners are reportedly working on a March launch window (https://www.techpowerup.com/331939/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-and-rtx-5060-ti-rumored-to-launch-in-march-2025) for GeForce RTX 5060 (non-Ti) and RTX 5060 Ti graphics card models—neatly aligning with the RTX 4060-related timeframes proposed by industry insiders. The Board Channels article added further clarification: "the number of GPUs that each core AIC brand manufacturer can get from NVIDIA will be greatly reduced."https://tpucdn.com/img/15SDzlYG9q48xR3W_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/15SDzlYG9q48xR3W.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/cyU5tj2FkyNme1tO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cyU5tj2FkyNme1tO.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/VTUv6Q2hUy6QJiZK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VTUv6Q2hUy6QJiZK.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced global semiconductor sales hit $627.6 billion in 2024, an increase of 19.1% compared to the 2023 total of $526.8 billion. Additionally, fourth-quarter sales of $170.9 billion were 17.1% more than the fourth quarter of 2023, and 3.0% higher than the third quarter of 2024. And global sales for the month of December 2024 were $57.0 billion, a decrease of 1.2% compared to the November 2024 total. Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.

"The global semiconductor market experienced its highest-ever sales year in 2024, topping $600 billion in annual sales for the first time, and double-digit market growth is projected for 2025," said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. "Semiconductors enable virtually all modern technologies - including medical devices, communications, defense applications, AI, advanced transportation, and countless others - and the long-term industry outlook is incredibly strong."https://tpucdn.com/img/knVGIIsPXk4doiNl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/knVGIIsPXk4doiNl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/3Q4tgvGdSV22EsCX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3Q4tgvGdSV22EsCX.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KyTFebW8dOMnlKkz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KyTFebW8dOMnlKkz.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332241/global-semiconductor-sales-hit-usd-627-billion-in-2024)

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[NextPowerUP]

Keep Driving (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2756920/Keep_Driving/) is finally out! It's hard to express how it feels releasing a game we've worked on since 2016. We failed once, put it on ice, came back to it and devoted all our effort to make it happen. It's been helluva project, much bigger than we initially thought it would be, but we're incredibly proud to finally say: IT'S OUT! Thanks so much to all of you who have come on this ride with us in the months since we announced. When we revealed our game last fall, we would've never thought we'd have this much support at launch. We really hope you enjoy this game, we've worked so hard on making it.

What is Keep Driving?
Keep Driving (https://www.whycjwhy.com/keepdriving/index.html) is a management RPG about slowly making your way through a procedurally generated pixel art open world. Pick up hitchhikers with their own personalities and stories; upgrade, customize and repair your car. Solve challenges on the road using a unique turn-based "combat" system, using your own skills and whatever's lying around in the glovebox to make it through and explore your summer possibilities.https://tpucdn.com/img/msVNLZ76d4zS1aA2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/msVNLZ76d4zS1aA2.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/HEUtGNRElr6e58Ra_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/HEUtGNRElr6e58Ra.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/o8kBs6l7dyn5sDRT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/o8kBs6l7dyn5sDRT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/VpvJ9buXwI6vCjps_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VpvJ9buXwI6vCjps.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

So far, this Friday (February 21) has been a bumper day for Intel CPU-related leaks. Golden Pig Upgrade (https://www.techpowerup.com/332233/intel-reportedly-considering-resurrection-of-arrow-lake-refresh-processor-family) and Jaykihn (https://www.techpowerup.com/332232/intel-nova-lake-to-appear-with-up-to-52-cores-16p-32e-4lpe-configuration) appear to be in competition with each other—they have uncovered all manner of speculative treasures across desktop and mobile segments. The latest revelation provides an early insight into unannounced feline-themed next-gen CPUs, courtesy of a Jaykihn social media post. Team Blue's Panther Lake processor family is slated for launch (https://www.techpowerup.com/331879/intel-confirms-panther-lake-for-2h-2025-nova-lake-in-2026-falcon-shores-canceled) within the latter half of 2025—Intel officially stated that it would be their "lead product" on 18A. Older rumors had the "mobile-exclusive" Panther Lake processor family linked to a mixed configuration of new "Cougar Cove" P-cores and updated "Skymont" E-cores. According to today's leak, a variety of core configurations and feature sets are in the pipeline.

Jaykihn has listed three Panther Lake SKUs, and a "more mainstream (https://www.techpowerup.com/330068/intels-wildcat-lake-emerges-as-new-entry-level-processor-series)" lower-end Wildcat Lake model. Common features include support for Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and LPDDR5X memory. Team Blue's rumored highest-end Panther Lake-H (PTL-H) processor appears to max out with a grand total of sixteen cores—consisting of 4 P-cores, 8 E-Cores, and 4 LP cores. The integrated graphics solution is (allegedly) a 12 core Xe3 "Celestial" GPU, with support for LPDDR5X memory—it is the only one on the list to completely jettison DDR5 compatibility. Insiders believe that the total platform (TOPS) rating is 180. As interpreted by VideoCardz (https://videocardz.com/newz/intel-panther-lake-and-wildcat-lake-specs-have-been-leaked-up-to-16-cpu-cores-and-12-xe3-gpu-cores), a 12-core "Panther Lake-U" (PTL-U) SKU is reportedly free of efficiency (E) units. The sole Wildcat Lake (WCL) model seems to sport a 2 P-core, 4-LP, and 2-Xe3 configuration.https://tpucdn.com/img/KWmwL04nVfNg3s2C_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KWmwL04nVfNg3s2C.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/dW9byQ9pkpsck8wQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dW9byQ9pkpsck8wQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UU4OvjwBl4L2ewn4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UU4OvjwBl4L2ewn4.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332237/intel-panther-lake-wildcat-lake-sku-details-leak-out)

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[NextPowerUP]

The NVIDIA RTX 50-series witnessed quite a contentious launch, to say the least. Hindered by abysmal availability, controversial generational improvement, and whacky marketing tactics by Team Green, it would be safe to say a lot of passionate gamers were left utterly disappointed. That said, while the desktop cards have been the talk of the town as of late, the RTX 50 Laptop counterparts are yet to make headlines. Occasional leaks do appear on the interwebs, the latest one of which seems to indicate the 3D Mark Time Spy performance for the RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. And the results are - well, debatable.

We do know that the RTX 5080 Laptop GPU will feature 7680 CUDA cores, a shockingly modest increase over its predecessor. Considering that we did not get a node shrink this time around, the architectural improvements appear to be rather minimal, going by the tests conducted so far. Of course, the biggest boost in performance will likely be afforded by GDDR7 memory, utilizing a 256-bit bus, compared its predecessor's GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus. In 3D Mark's Time Spy DX12 test, which is somewhat of an outdated benchmark, the RTX 5080 Laptop managed roughly around 21,900 points. The RTX 4080 Laptop, on an average, rakes in around 18,200 points, putting the RTX 5080 Laptop ahead by almost 19%. The RTX 4090 Laptop is also left behind, by around 5%.https://tpucdn.com/img/gaIWAQwPvdnNpTgQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gaIWAQwPvdnNpTgQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Ak0SWW27kmT2uoiZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Ak0SWW27kmT2uoiZ.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332235/nvidia-rtx-5080-laptop-defeats-predecessor-by-19-in-time-spy-benchmark)

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[NextPowerUP]

Is this week even real?! After 3+ years of pouring our hearts into each beat, and a DECADE after launching Crypt of the NecroDancer (https://braceyourselfgames.com/crypt-of-the-necrodancer/), we've hit the launch button! Rift of the NecroDancer (https://braceyourselfgames.com/rift-of-the-necrodancer/) is Out Now! 3...2...1... LET'S GO! The Rift is fully open for battle! The NecroDancer's back in an all-new rhythm game! Dragged into a strange new world, Cadence must engage in musical combat with monsters surging through the Rift! Face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky and friends.

What YOU Think
We really wanna know! Come join our Discord for maximum launch hype vibes! We're also on Bluesky now too! We'll also be closely monitoring in-game bug reports. This is just the beginning for Rift, and we're so excited to be on this journey with y'all! You can also hang with us during our livestreams. P.S. The best way to support us is to grab the game during launch week, but if you wanna go the extra mile, we've also released a Supporter Upgrade (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3467170/Rift_of_the_NecroDancer_Supporter_Upgrade/) with a couple cute cosmeticshttps://tpucdn.com/img/LrhT4YX2VCmTRWqP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LrhT4YX2VCmTRWqP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/GhWTorkLmN9iWUHG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GhWTorkLmN9iWUHG.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Enf3jdnuSGe2SOPb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Enf3jdnuSGe2SOPb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XZfDAsN60QpDUGIO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XZfDAsN60QpDUGIO.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332236/rift-of-the-necrodancer-out-now-on-pc)

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[NextPowerUP]

Intel is reported to be eyeing a revival of its "Arrow Lake Refresh" desktop processor design—Golden Pig Upgrade disclosed this "strange" revelation via an updated Weibo blog post. Back in 2023, the Chinese hardware reviewer and leaker extraordinaire theorized that Team Blue's much-rumored shelving of "ARL-S/HX Refresh" came down to cost/benefit considerations relating to accommodating an upgraded NPU in the chip's tile-based design. Last September, reports suggested (https://www.techpowerup.com/326883/intels-8p-32e-arrow-lake-refresh-rumored-cancelled) that Intel had put the final kibosh on a 14th Gen Core Ultra 8P+32E "Arrow Lake Refresh" processor series—leaked roadmaps had a launch window marked down for late 2025, going into 2026. Industry watchdogs have picked up on Golden Pig Upgrade's latest forecast—prompting further theorizing.

Intel has its mobile segment's future covered with Panther Lake (later in 2025) and Nova Lake (2026) (https://www.techpowerup.com/331879/intel-confirms-panther-lake-for-2h-2025-nova-lake-in-2026-falcon-shores-canceled), but a notable gap exists in their desktop world. Nova Lake's desktop S-series is slated for launch at some point in 2026, so this year could be prime territory for a mild refresh of existing Arrow Lake-S processors (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-ultra-arrow-lake-preview/)—on the LGA1851 socket. Golden Pig Upgrade reckons that refreshes of ARL-S (desktop) and ARL-HX (high-end laptop) are back on Team Blue's upcoming product roadmap. Industry moles reckon that an updated NPU design—potentially similar to the one housed in Lunar Lake mobile chips—will be the only major upgrade lined up for the so-called "Core Ultra 300" processor series. Intel's current-gen flagship model—Core Ultra 9 285K (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/core-ultra-9-285k.c3773)—has NPU performance topping off at 13 TOPS. Refreshed Arrow Lake SKUs could be deployed with an improved NPU aspect, perhaps capable of hitting 48 TOPS.https://tpucdn.com/img/ijweeiiqsT7R07xB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ijweeiiqsT7R07xB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/O0eLK0lcKb5hoYga_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/O0eLK0lcKb5hoYga.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332233/intel-reportedly-considering-resurrection-of-arrow-lake-refresh-processor-family)

[NextPowerUP]

The Nintendo Switch 2, in all likelihood, is set to see the light of day on the 2nd of April at Nintendo Direct. Among the many rumored features, mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Cons have graced the interwebs quite a few times now. In the recently uploaded Switch 2 teaser video on YouTube, a portion of the video showed the Joy-Cons sliding on a surface akin to a tracking device, which added credibility to the aforementioned rumors. A recently uploaded patent filing also seems to confirm mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Cons, making the possibility all the more likely.

The patent reveals that Nintendo intends to allow the Joy-Cons to be used like a mouse with the help of laser tracking underneath, with the shoulder triggers cosplaying as the left and right mouse buttons. The drawings seem to indicate that the analogue sticks will be functional even in mouse mode, while another image portrays both the Joy-Cons being used in mouse mode with the user's thumbs on the analogue sticks. Using one Joy-Con in traditional mode, while the other in mouse mode also seems to be possible, which would be quite helpful for FPS games, at least in my opinion. Of course, it is entirely possible for a patent to never see the light of day in action, but considering that Nintendo themselves hinted at such functionality in the official teaser, the probability is enticing for sure.https://tpucdn.com/img/t9Yse8zKHSfXoQ9g_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/t9Yse8zKHSfXoQ9g.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/JKGI30jBTGEhilXk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JKGI30jBTGEhilXk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PckPAie6TSfVaGnJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PckPAie6TSfVaGnJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7uf8kUW4aJwWvIVm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7uf8kUW4aJwWvIVm.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332231/nintendo-switch-2-mouse-functionality-for-joy-cons-seemingly-confirmed-by-patent)

[NextPowerUP]

Intel's upcoming "Nova Lake" desktop processors are taking shape slowly (https://www.techpowerup.com/331889/speculative-intel-nova-lake-cpu-core-configurations-leaked-online), featuring a three-tier core design that could reach 52 total cores. Set for 2026 (https://www.techpowerup.com/331879/intel-confirms-panther-lake-for-2h-2025-nova-lake-in-2026-falcon-shores-canceled), the flagship SKU combines 16 "Coyote Cove" P-cores with 32 "Arctic Wolf" E-cores, supplemented by 4 LPE-cores for background task management. Intel is reportedly also considering 28-core (8P + 16E + 4LPE), and 16-core (4P + 8E + 4LPE) SKUs too. The architectural design choice centers on Intel's hybrid manufacturing approach, leveraging both its internal 14A node and TSMC's 2 nm process technology. This strategic decision addresses supply chain resilience while potentially enabling higher yields for critical compute tiles. Intel's interim co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus noted that Intel Foundry will need to earn Intel Product's trust with each new node, so if a node is not the best for their in-house IP, Intel will move to TSMC for production.

Initial engineering samples are already circulating among developers, according to shipping documentation from NBD (https://www.techpowerup.com/331392/intel-nova-lake-test-cpu-appears-targeting-2026-launch), suggesting the validation phase is proceeding on schedule. Some specifications point to significant cache improvements, with documentation suggesting a 144 MB L3 cache implementation. However, the cache topology—whether unified or segmented—remains unspecified. The platform is expected to support PCIe Gen 6.0, though Intel has yet to confirm socket compatibility or memory specifications. However, we need to hold our expectations low. Previously unrealized configurations in Intel's roadmaps, like 40-core "Arrow Lake," never materialized, and instead, we got an eight-P-core version with 16 E-cores, totaling 24 cores. Final specifications may evolve as the platform progresses through development phases.https://tpucdn.com/img/EDKP29yZZuQRiGsj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EDKP29yZZuQRiGsj.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332232/intel-nova-lake-to-appear-with-up-to-52-cores-16p-32e-4lpe-configuration)

[NextPowerUP]

The mini PC market has grown substantially in the past few years, in no small part thanks to the commendable performance and efficiency improvements brought to the table by the x86 giants. Gigabyte has unveiled its fair share of such systems, with its latest offering sporting an Intel Core Ultra 5 225H CPU paired with up to a whopping 96 GB of memory. As of right now, we do not have any concrete information regarding when the system will be made available to the public, and at what price. But given the system specifications and Gigabyte's track record, we can expect the system to command an affordable price tag.

As mentioned, the mini PC, dubbed the GB-BRU5-225H, is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H CPU including four high-performance "Lion Cove" cores, eight high-efficiency "Skymont" cores, as well as two additional "low power" cores for a total of 14 cores and 14 threads. The 12.6 x 3.4 x 11.9 cm mini PC has no room for discrete graphics, and has to rely on the integrated Arc 130T iGPU with eight Xe cores. The system can be equipped with up to 96 GB of DDR5-6400 memory courtesy of its dual SO-DIMM slots. Considering the specifications, the mini PC should be sufficiently potent for the vast majority of moderately intensive workloads thrown its way.https://tpucdn.com/img/G2EjHV37ZYCXqLuA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/G2EjHV37ZYCXqLuA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/lMw4D1Q281shGYAz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lMw4D1Q281shGYAz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/O4mu9rp4imS5ygby_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/O4mu9rp4imS5ygby.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332229/gigabyte-unveils-mini-pc-with-core-ultra-5-225h-cpu-and-up-to-96-gb-of-memory)

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[NextPowerUP]

Ride like a lord, not a common stable hand. Join PROS and claim the Lord of Skalitz Caparison as your welcome reward. What is PROS? PROS is our optional account system, allowing us to create a community program which you can sign up to in order to get the latest news and rewards from Deep Silver.

What can I get for signing up to PROS for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
As a welcome reward for joining the program, all players will receive the Lord of Skalitz caparison. There will be additional rewards and Twitch drops over the next few months, so keep an eye on the in-game message of the day, follow us on social, and/or sign up to our community emails for more info.

Where can I access my PROS items?
PROS rewards can be found in your shared stash after completing the mission "Laboratores." These shared stashed can be found when purchasing lodging that includes shared stash in selected taverns; or by following the main quest line, where they can be found in your shared stash, which is in the room the local miller and blacksmith let you use after you complete the first part of their quests.https://tpucdn.com/img/62pJViLU5UEZpNQ7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/62pJViLU5UEZpNQ7.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8VHE4PhKSIuBlY1y_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8VHE4PhKSIuBlY1y.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/iutxUR2gNIBbebmR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iutxUR2gNIBbebmR.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332228/kingdom-come-deliverance-ii-devs-deep-silver-present-pros-an-optional-account-system)

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[NextPowerUP]

Ever since Apple graced the industry with its M-series chips, Windows enthusiasts have been holding out for a similar Arm-powered revolution for Windows laptops. Qualcomm attempted to do just that with its Snapdragon X Elite chip, advertising performance and efficiency that trades blows with Apple Silicon, while outpacing x86-based laptops in battery life. In reality, the X Elite SoC did bring impressive efficiency to the table, although its CPU performance and efficiency were soon bested by AMD's offerings, while the Adreno iGPU struggled to keep up with even last-gen counterparts since day-one.

Moreover, software compatibility was a major hurdle, making the X Elite systems borderline unusable for professionals with specific requirements that do not have Arm-native alternatives. As a result, the X Elite laptops had a sub 1% market share last fall - a daunting figure considering that Qualcomm had initially targeted 30 - 50% market share by 2029. That said, the story appears to be taking somewhat of a positive turn, with CEO Christiano Amon asserting that Snapdragon X-powered laptops accounted for over 10% of all $800+ laptops sold in December, in the US. Of course, the statement clearly addresses a very specific segment of the market, which makes the 10%+ number more modest that it may appear on paper.https://tpucdn.com/img/8Lqy4Bu4VwiGg6cB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8Lqy4Bu4VwiGg6cB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/rJR2uvRX8iOPRkRL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rJR2uvRX8iOPRkRL.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332225/qualcomm-ceo-claims-positive-growth-for-snapdragon-x-elite-powered-laptops)

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[NextPowerUP]

Mid-way through January, insider sources reckoned that AMD's China-exclusive Radeon RX 6750 GRE (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-6750-gre-10-gb.c4192) 10 GB GPU was on the way out (https://www.techpowerup.com/331249/amd-retiring-radeon-rx-6750-gre-10-gb-sku-according-to-chinese-tipsters)—a rumored successor (https://www.techpowerup.com/327682/amd-readies-radeon-rx-7650-gre-based-on-navi-33) was seemingly in line to replace this popular budget-friendly RDNA 2-based model. According to VideoCardz, Team Red's latest "Golden Rabbit Edition" design has launched—exclusively for a China-based buying audience. Team Red and its local board partners have produced a plethora of Radeon RX 7650 GRE 8 GB custom models—reports suggest that a reference model (MBA) does not exist. Several manufacturers have models readied for launch, including: ASRock, ASUS, PowerColor, Sapphire, Yeston and VASTARMOR. Official MSRP for the region is 2099 yuan (~$289 USD). In the West, original launch pricing for the Radeon RX 7600 was $269. The fancier Radeon RX 7600 XT was priced at $329 on day one.

Roughly a year ago, AMD decided against releasing its (RDNA 3) Radeon RX 7600 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7600-xt.c4190) 16 GB GPU in China. Their Radeon RX 7600 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7600.c4153) (non-XT) 8 GB model did make it to China, but it was largely overshadowed by older tech—mainly Team Red's compellingly priced Radeon RX 6750 GRE 12 GB (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-6750-gre-12-gb.c4183) and 10 GB cards. Spec-wise, the Radeon RX 7650 GRE sits somewhere in-between its two "Hotpink Bonefish" Navi 33 siblings. All three cards share the same number of compute units (32 CUs), but differ in terms of boost clocks and thermal design power ratings. The GRE features a max. boost clock speed of 2695 MHz and a board TDP of 170 W—just a nudge over the Radeon RX 7600's 2655 MHz boost capability and 165 W board power rating. Both cards are frugal enough to rely on a single 8-pin power connector. By contrast, the hungrier 190 W TDP-rated Radeon RX 7600 XT sports two 8-pin inputs—this GPU can boost up to 2755 MHz. VideoCardz has kindly assembled a comparison chart (see below).https://tpucdn.com/img/OEwWpGcKkhz9yNFn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OEwWpGcKkhz9yNFn.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7MmKPCkl0cxLumP1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7MmKPCkl0cxLumP1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/OG4XdbjvWz9bTqUE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OG4XdbjvWz9bTqUE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2NmcIqouwTCzXUaj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2NmcIqouwTCzXUaj.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332222/amd-radeon-rx-7650-gre-custom-models-launched-in-china)

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[NextPowerUP]

Altergaze is thrilled to announce that HoverGrease 2 will be part of Steam Next Fest: February 2025, giving players the first chance to experience the adrenaline-fueled action of its single-player campaign and 5v5 multiplayer mode during special weekend playtests. This is the first opportunity to dive into HoverGrease 2 and explore its high-speed combat, deep strategy, and diverse mutant roster ahead of launch.

Whether you prefer mastering a story-driven campaign or testing your skills in competitive multiplayer, the demo offers something for every player.https://tpucdn.com/img/dIUyWLBThXs8Sm0L_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dIUyWLBThXs8Sm0L.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/a4ZJCkFY12ltrT7w_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/a4ZJCkFY12ltrT7w.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/jiNRSJm5228C7Qd5_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jiNRSJm5228C7Qd5.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/5XZvmeTzcByodKPj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5XZvmeTzcByodKPj.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332227/hovergrease-2-is-coming-to-steam-next-fest-play-the-exclusive-demo-starting-february-7)

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[NextPowerUP]

Phanteks, a leading innovator in custom PC water-cooling solutions, today announce its upcoming designed for NVIDIA's flagship GeForce RTX 5090 and all major third-party GPU brands. These new water blocks embody Phanteks' dedication to premium cooling solutions, combining top-tier performance with effortless installation.
Featuring the EZ-Fit system with fittings already integrated, they offer a true plug-and-play experience while delivering exceptional thermal
efficiency—perfect for enthusiasts and overclockers demanding peak cooling performance.https://tpucdn.com/img/wJ9iq4tOP2JPqec0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wJ9iq4tOP2JPqec0.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332195/phanteks-announces-next-generation-glacier-ez-fit-vga-water-blocks)

[NextPowerUP]

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is excited to announce the 9th Annual OC World Cup 2025 extreme overclocking competition, starting with the Online Qualifier Stage, which will run from February 15, 2025 until March 19, 2025 on HWBOT.org. A total of 9 finalists from the Online Qualifier stage will be invited to compete live on the Live Qualifier stage at Computex from May 20 through May 23, 2025, which will be held in Taipei, for a share of the total prize pool of $40,000 USD. The OC Champion of the OC World Cup 2025 competition will be taking home $10,000 USD.

Consisting of three stages, beginning with the Online Qualifier, and ending with the Live Qualifier and Grand Final stages, which will be held in Taipei at Computex 2025, the G.SKILL OC World Cup is considered one of the most challenging overclocking competitions. The top 9 overclockers of the Online Qualifier stage will be invited to compete against each other live during the week of Computex 2025 at the G.SKILL booth in Nangang Exhibition Hall, and the top 3 overclockers from the Live Qualifier stage will go on competing for the title of OC Champion in the Grand Final stage.https://tpucdn.com/img/yhMAmTOLRyNENitv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yhMAmTOLRyNENitv.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) of France to collaborate on the advanced technologies, component and system architectures that will shape the future of AI computing. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to push the boundaries on energy-efficient systems needed to support the world's most compute-intensive AI workloads in fields from energy to medicine.

Through this initiative, AMD and CEA will engage in a structured collaboration, focused on technological advancements on next generation AI compute infrastructure. AMD and CEA also are planning a symposium on the future of AI compute in 2025 that will convene European stakeholders and global technology providers, startups, supercomputing centers, universities and policy makers to accelerate collaboration around state-of-the-art and emerging AI computing technologies.https://tpucdn.com/img/MA1Fch9PUeGuEnZt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/MA1Fch9PUeGuEnZt.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

The future of AI at the edge has arrived, and ASRock Industrial is leading the way. With Super Mode support for the iEP-6010E Series and iEP-6010E Series Dev Kit, powered by NIVIDIA Jetson Orin NX and Jetson Orin Nano modules and optimized with NVIDIA JetPack 6.2 SDK, this upgrade supercharges AI acceleration, unlocking up to 2X faster generative AI performance. Delivering unprecedented inference speeds, real-time decision-making, and superior power efficiency, Super Mode is redefining edge AI computing - Powering everything from predictive maintenance and anomaly detection to AI-driven medical imaging, intelligent surveillance, and autonomous mobility - pushing performance beyond limits, faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before. Whether driving Edge AI computing, real-time vision processing, intelligent autonomous vehicles, advanced robotics, industrial automation, or smart city infrastructure, ASRock Industrial's latest innovation empowers industries with cutting-edge AI capabilities that drive real-world transformation.

A Quantum Leap in Edge AI Performance
The iEP-6010E Series and iEP-6010E Series Dev Kit, now optimized with Super Mode, provides:

Up to 2X Faster Gen AI Processing - Up to 157 TOPS (Sparse) on Orin NX 16 GB (Super) and 67 TOPS (Sparse) on Orin Nano 8 GB (Super), delivering blazing-fast generative AI performance for automation, robotics, and real-time vision systems.
Optimized Power Boost and Efficiency - Supports power modes up to 40 W / MAXN Super on Orin NX and 25 W / MAXN Super on Orin Nano, while maintaining high-performance AI workloads in power-sensitive environments, making it ideal for industrial automation and smart city infrastructure.
NVIDIA JetPack 6.2 Support - Fully compatible with the latest NVIDIA JetPack 6.2 SDK, offering enhanced libraries, frameworks, and tools to accelerate advanced AI development.

https://tpucdn.com/img/yfQID5lw4aBK7PI1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yfQID5lw4aBK7PI1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nGMwt4d6z8b9WFJX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nGMwt4d6z8b9WFJX.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/NuH1O0wf8pT6Y1Pe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NuH1O0wf8pT6Y1Pe.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

According to ITHome, AMD is preparing to disrupt its competition with aggressive pricing for its upcoming RX 9000 series. The RX 9070 XT, built on the RDNA 4 architecture, is expected to launch at $599, positioning it directly against NVIDIA's RTX 5070 Ti, which carries a $749 price tag. With this competitive pricing, AMD aims to revitalize its market position following lower-than-expected sales of the RX 7000 series, causing it to lose some market share (https://www.techpowerup.com/328424/amd-falling-behind-radeon-dgpus-absent-from-steams-top-20). The upcoming RX 9070 XT features the Navi 48 core running at 2.97 GHz, complemented by 16 GB of GDDR6 memory across a 256-bit bus. Architecture's enhanced AI upscaling capabilities, already demonstrated in the PlayStation 5 Pro, could offer compelling performance advantages over current-generation cards. The base RX 9070 model is anticipated to debut at $499, creating a focused attack on multiple market segments, including NVIDIA's RTX 5070, priced at $549.

AMD reportedly plans to accelerate the end-of-life timeline for its RX 7800 XT, currently priced at $479. Sources from IT Home suggest production ceased as early as January, months ahead of the planned initial third-quarter 2025 termination. This accelerated timeline suggests AMD's confidence in the RX 9000 series' ability to deliver superior price-to-performance metrics. The March 2025 launch window for the RX 9000 series arrives at a critical point in the GPU market, as NVIDIA rolls out its Blackwell-based RTX 50 series. AMD's aggressive pricing strategy and the architectural improvements in RDNA 4 positions the company to challenge NVIDIA's market dominance, at least in the $500-$600 price range. This competitive positioning could trigger NVIDIA price adjustments, potentially benefiting consumers who have faced consistently high GPU prices in recent years.https://tpucdn.com/img/DeEo72DBQ7jexdLc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DeEo72DBQ7jexdLc.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

ASRock, a global leader in motherboards, graphics cards, gaming monitors, small form factor PCs, and power supply units, proudly announces that its entire lineup of AM5 motherboards fully supports the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors. With this seamless compatibility, gamers can harness the full potential of these flagship processors for an unparalleled gaming experience.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors are the flagship models of the Ryzen 9000X3D series, designed for hardcore gaming enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in gaming performance. ASRock AM5 motherboards offer seamless compatibility with the Ryzen 9000X3D series, making them the ideal choice for gamers worldwide to experience the power of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors firsthand.https://tpucdn.com/img/pySYIIISmGsEq8oI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pySYIIISmGsEq8oI.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

German overclocking specialist Der8auer has showcased a custom water block for NVIDIA's flagship RTX 5090 Founders Edition, achieving a remarkable 30-degree Celsius reduction in core GPU temperatures. The prototype copper cooling solution demonstrated peak operating temperatures of just 43.8°C, compared to the stock cooler's 73.8°C under identical testing conditions. The design features an all-copper construction with a substantial 14 mm-thick cold plate, engineered specifically for optimal thermal transfer from the GB202 die. While maintaining the dual-slot form factor of the original Founders Edition cooler, the water block incorporates multiple cooling channels beneath a transparent top panel that reveals the coolant flow.

Memory temperatures also significantly improved, dropping by 38 degrees Celsius below stock measurements. Despite its impressive thermal performance, the prototype faces several engineering challenges. The team was constrained by the graphics card's display output ribbon cable, which prevented a more compact design closer to the actual PCB dimensions. Additionally, the Founders Edition card's unique split PCIe finger design presented structural concerns that require additional reinforcement before any potential commercial release. Der8auer's prototype prioritizes function over aesthetics, omitting common features like RGB lighting in favor of raw cooling performance. The water block's industrial design reflects its proof-of-concept nature, though the transparent top panel offers practical utility for monitoring coolant flow. While no retail release timeline has been announced, Der8auer indicated that addressing the PCIe slot structural support issue remains a critical milestone before any commercial version could be considered.https://tpucdn.com/img/SZAo31NLuGKnQXBK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SZAo31NLuGKnQXBK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FwRFrM4YDeIEmw0i_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FwRFrM4YDeIEmw0i.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Y6KRhMvI58S5Ri4X_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Y6KRhMvI58S5Ri4X.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xAYB5tE0WEmdYt4B_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xAYB5tE0WEmdYt4B.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

ASUS today announced the ASUS NUC 15 Pro mini PC, a compact powerhouse that delivers versatile performance for a wide range of development needs, from AI model training to data visualization. Featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, DDR5 6400 MHz memory, and the Intel Arc GPU, NUC 15 Pro delivers outstanding speed and efficiency. Additionally, advanced Intel Wi-Fi 7 offers ultrafast connectivity for seamless collaborations. NUC 15 Pro offers an unbeatable combination of performance and innovative design to elevate workflows.

Optimized for AI
ASUS NUC 15 Pro unleashes the potential of AI thanks to the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). Featuring up to 99 platform TOPS, this next-generation CPU is purpose-built for diverse workloads and unrivaled AI performance. These advanced processors are built on Intel 18A process and deliver remarkable compute performance. This innovative CPU redefines productivity and creativity to set a new benchmark for AI-powered computing.https://tpucdn.com/img/SXrlI1biWVO6G0TE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SXrlI1biWVO6G0TE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/LWuUhq402HXDGzQI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LWuUhq402HXDGzQI.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/G1fC4GoumhdAZC26_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/G1fC4GoumhdAZC26.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

With a front panel that is both low-key and stylish, the AK2 RGB doesn't miss out on good looks and, at the same time, is the perfect PC case for either gaming, office, or multimedia. And with its modern compatibility, space for large pieces of hardware, and room for up to eleven fans, this case offers plenty of potential for performance, whatever the application.

Thanks to its low-key design and its tempered-glass side panel, the AK2 RGB is ideal for putting the focus on the installed hardware inside. Two 120 mm fans are already pre-installed in the AK2 RGB - one fan behind the front panel and one RGB-illuminated PWM fan on the rear panel. Up to eleven fans will find room in the case. Even water-cooling enthusiasts will be happy with the AK2, as two radiators with up to 360 mm can be simultaneously operated, if required.https://tpucdn.com/img/4lnC3AVQJ8qS9MUT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4lnC3AVQJ8qS9MUT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/sYco7jAdxgNCNPkx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/sYco7jAdxgNCNPkx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XnOX0wtrWkoFAQm7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XnOX0wtrWkoFAQm7.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/50SLTaHwPbGvivdf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/50SLTaHwPbGvivdf.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD's China customers are now surprised by AMD's claim that the Radeon RX 7650's "GRE" nomenclature actually translates into "Great Radeon Edition" and not into "Golden Rabbit Edition" as we had previously thought. The Radeon RX 7900 GRE was the first "GRE" GPU to debut in the Chinese market. Back in 2023, China celebrated the Year of the Golden Rabbit; hence, AMD made a reference to that and named its GPUs appropriately to appeal to Chinese gamers. However, with 2025 being the year of the snake, AMD decided to just find a new meaning for its GRE branding instead of replacing it altogether. Now, AMD's official documents point to AMD Radeon RX 7650 Great Radeon Edition (GRE).

As a reminder, this RX 7650 GRE "great" SKU carries a Navi 33 GPU with 32 CUs translating into 2048 SPs. Clocked at 2.69 GHz, its 8 GB GDDR6 memory configuration positions it in the low-middle-class gaming segment. Scheduled for a launch in February, it will be priced at 2,099 RMB or 287 USD at the time of writing.https://tpucdn.com/img/XNka99OZ8Z7xHArp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XNka99OZ8Z7xHArp.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kHCe6vwb2l9SeRx0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kHCe6vwb2l9SeRx0.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/tp4xs48GmorS2h9X_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/tp4xs48GmorS2h9X.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Intel today released the latest version of its Arc GPU Graphics Drivers. Version 101.6559 WHQL adds Game On driver-optimization for "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii," with the optimization covering the Arc B-series, A-series, and Core Ultra processors with Arc iGPUs. The drivers also add optimization for "Avowed," covering the B-series and A-series discrete GPUs. Performance for Arc B-series GPUs has been improved for "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," with up to 5.9% increase in framerates to be had at 1080p with High settings.

Among the issues fixed with this release are flickering seen with Arc A-series discrete GPUs, Core Ultra Series 1 and Series 2 processor iGPUs in Adobe After Effects, specifically in its Preview window. "Horizon Zero Dawn remastered" experiencing a crash with frame generation enabled on Core Ultra Series 2 processors with Arc graphics, has been fixed. Grab the drivers from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.6559 WHQL (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/intel-graphics-drivers/)https://tpucdn.com/img/ZMWODUCvfR3JbKyB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZMWODUCvfR3JbKyB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ChYCXjiV5YhfsGGr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ChYCXjiV5YhfsGGr.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

MSI France posted a countdown timer on its regional website for the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, which winds down to February 20, 2025, 3 PM CET. This is our first confirmation that NVIDIA's third graphics card from the RTX 50-series "Blackwell" will be launching next week. MSI already has product pages of its custom design RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 graphics cards up on its website. The RTX 5070 Ti lineup will be topped by the RTX 5070 Ti Vanguard series, followed by the RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio series. There's also the RTX 5070 Ti Inspire 3X series targeting creators. There are two "entry level" SKUs, the RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X, which the company will price close to the NVIDIA baseline, and the RTX 5070 Ti Shadow 3X, which meets NVIDIA SFF-Ready requirements.https://tpucdn.com/img/6EO6zo3TIbINYzuL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6EO6zo3TIbINYzuL.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

AMD's Ryzen 9000HX lineup of "Fire Range" Zen 5 mobile processors is due for release within a vague March to April window (https://www.techpowerup.com/332053/notebooks-powered-by-ryzen-9000hx-and-9000hx3d-fire-range-available-from-march-april), with the upcoming 3D V-Cache-equipped Ryzen 9 9955HX3D SKU touted to become a top choice for manufacturers of ultra high-end gaming laptops. The latest version of CPU-Z (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/cpu-z/) is ready (in advance) with support for Team Red's incoming product line; CPUID's patch notes (published on February 8) have revealed previously unannounced models. AMD's official introduction (https://www.techpowerup.com/330545/amd-unveils-ryzen-9-9000hx-and-9000hx3d-zen-5-mobile-processors-for-enthusiast-notebooks) of Ryzen 9000HX series CPUs included an opening salvo of Ryzen 9 9955HX3D (16-core), 9955HX (16-core) and 9850HX (12-core) models.

According to CPU-Z version 2.14, three additional "Fire Range" SKUs are seemingly on the way. Starting off with the Ryzen 9 9950HX3D—a (presumably) slightly less potent 3D V-Cache-sporting model—its nomenclature suggests that it will sit just below the series flagship. The 9950HX model is expected to slot just under the already announced 9955HX chip. The newly revealed 9845HX SKU could become the lowest 12-core offering within AMD's "Fire Range" product stack.https://tpucdn.com/img/GgZOEZIwQ7JZD3MD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GgZOEZIwQ7JZD3MD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/f2ovO6CS4M0oOPuW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/f2ovO6CS4M0oOPuW.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/cQNnYcKLaI22sLVr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cQNnYcKLaI22sLVr.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/cojzbI4NJiz32wdO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cojzbI4NJiz32wdO.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

A new adventure is here, adventurers! Today—on February 10—start your journey in the Biped 2 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2560240/Biped_2/) Demo, team up with friends, explore brand new levels and mechanics! Today, Owlcat Games, alongside META Publishing and NEXT Studios (https://www.nextstudios.com/), is proud to announce that the first-ever demo playtest for their puzzle action-adventure title, Biped 2, is now live until February 17. Fans of the original Biped and curious newcomers can access the playtest on the game's Steam page (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2560240/Biped_2/). The adorable bipedalled robots you know and love are back! Biped 2 is the sequel to the exciting original game (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1071870/Biped/) about two charming bipedal robots, Aku and Sila, who rely on each other and embark on incredible adventures side by side. Dive into the groovy co-op action-adventure game full of puzzles, friendship, support, and fun!

Biped 2 raises the stakes with expanded multiplayer, including four-player co-op for the first time, new robots, missions, and stunning new biomes. Players will encounter even more challenging puzzles as they navigate diverse landscapes, either solo or with friends in two-or four-player co-op. After brave bipeds had reactivated all the beacons on Earth, they received a strange signal from a faraway planet. This can mean only one thing—someone is calling out for help! Now, our mechanical friends are determined to prove themselves and help those in need across the Galaxy. Become a hero and save the planet in distress. After all, even the tiniest robots are capable of great deeds!https://tpucdn.com/img/NmNxyBptJgX62Jmp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NmNxyBptJgX62Jmp.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/VIs2Y6byhDQLDvh8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VIs2Y6byhDQLDvh8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QrOf1yHULlJLFly1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QrOf1yHULlJLFly1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/5DVuoCXl9iBJuw84_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5DVuoCXl9iBJuw84.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

MSI has, quite appropriately, introduced new SHADOW 3X graphics card models in a low-key manner. These stealth-black GeForce RTX 5080 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5080.c4217) and RTX 5070 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070-ti.c4243) custom designs have just appeared online via official product pages (https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Cards/Products#?tag=SHADOW-Series). We expect to see press material published in the near future, perhaps closer to the launch of NVIDIA's next wave of Blackwell GPUs (https://www.techpowerup.com/331715/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-launches-on-february-20). MSI's newly discovered product pages place emphasis on the SHADOW 3X's essential features: "a performance-focused design that delivers the gaming experience players want, making it the ideal choice when upgrading or building a gaming rig." VideoCardz (https://videocardz.com/newz/msi-launches-rgb-free-geforce-rtx-5080-shadow-3x-graphics-ca) believes that the incoming SHADOW 3X cards will be the first to reach Western markets—previous-gen models have released as Chinese regional exclusives. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16G SHADOW 3X overclocked (https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4070-Ti-SUPER-16G-SHADOW-3X-OC) (OC) and non-OC (https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4070-Ti-SUPER-16G-SHADOW-3X) SKUs appear to re-use MSI's familiar VENTUS 3X design (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/msi-rtx-4070-ti-super-ventus-3x.b11524), just tinted many shades darker.

The new SHADOW 3X cards seem to utilize a fresh design, with no recycling from a similarly appointed sibling product family. MSI's latest barebones/essential tier brings a minimal set of perks: a sizable heatsink, a triple-fan cooling solution, a single 16-pin power connector and a straightforward shroud and backplate aesthetic. SHADOW 3X eschews anything RGB lighting-related. Potential buyers will not be dealing with fancy vapor chambers or liquid cooling systems. MSI will be offering overclocked editions, as well as standard models that conform to NVIDIA reference specifications. TechPowerUp's well-maintained GPU database will be updated with these new additions.https://tpucdn.com/img/CuR6pA2wbHjMGQ9m_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CuR6pA2wbHjMGQ9m.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/uVA8H6GE2ymSZVpB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/uVA8H6GE2ymSZVpB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/67JddP8OwhhMAkGB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/67JddP8OwhhMAkGB.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

IBM and Lenovo today announced at LEAP 2025 (https://onegiantleap.com/) a planned expansion of their strategic technology partnership designed to help scale the impact of generative AI for clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. IDC expects annual worldwide spending on AI-centric systems to surpass $300 billion by 2026, with many leading organizations in Saudi Arabia exploring and investing in generative AI use cases as they prepare for the emergence of an "AI everywhere" world.

Building upon their 20-year partnership, IBM and Lenovo will collaborate to deliver AI solutions comprised of technology from the IBM watsonx portfolio of AI products, including the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) open-source Arabic Large Language Model (https://mea.newsroom.ibm.com/sdaia-launches-allam-on-watsonx) (ALLaM), and Lenovo infrastructure. These solutions are expected to help government and business clients in the Kingdom to accelerate their use of AI to improve public services and make data-driven decisions in areas such as fraud detection, public safety, customer service, code modernization, and IT operations.https://tpucdn.com/img/kyLm9M6Q2LpwfdSb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kyLm9M6Q2LpwfdSb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/rxjjG0Gh40bphLyv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rxjjG0Gh40bphLyv.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Sapphire Technologies has started teasing new PURE series graphics cards; earlier today a social media post (https://x.com/SapphireTech/status/1888952359448932495) stated that new offerings are: "coming your way." An accompanying image presents two semi-obscured signature white models—press outlets believe that the pair are custom Radeon RX 9070 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070-xt.c4229) and RX 9070 (non-XT) (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070.c4250) models. Sapphire did not exhibit at CES 2025, but a lonely triple-fan Radeon RX 9070 XT PURE card did make the overseas journey to Las Vegas. At the time (https://www.techpowerup.com/330549/amd-debuts-radeon-rx-9070-xt-and-rx-9070-powered-by-rdna-4-and-fsr-4), AMD presented a small smattering of RDNA 4 board partner samples at a roundup showcase.

Sapphire started to market its new darker dual-fan PULSE design (https://www.techpowerup.com/331096/sapphire-semi-reveals-dual-fan-pulse-radeon-rx-9000-design) last month, but a series of leaks have ruined the company's (social media-driven) build-up of product anticipation. We have not witnessed any Sapphire Radeon RX 9070 XT or 9070 (non-XT) PURE stock reaching retail storage locations, but lower-end PULSE models have been distributed—reportedly (https://www.techpowerup.com/331161/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-rx-9070-custom-models-in-stock-at-european-stores), at least East of the Mediterranean. Sapphire's CES demonstration sample sported an almost all-white enclosure, a triple-fan cooling solution and dual 8-pin power connectors. The PURE Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 (non-XT) models could feature limited RGB lighting—an "ARGB out" connector was present on the back section of Sapphire's presentation card.https://tpucdn.com/img/3fIjHNHqlE7uxUI8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3fIjHNHqlE7uxUI8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/SKzdcFftKkkiJLwp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SKzdcFftKkkiJLwp.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/bwWyzdssuztsUEmW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bwWyzdssuztsUEmW.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

AI reasoning models and agents (https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/what-is-agentic-ai/) are set to transform industries, but delivering their full potential at scale requires massive compute and optimized software. The "reasoning" process involves multiple models, generating many additional tokens, and demands infrastructure with a combination of high-speed communication, memory and compute to ensure real-time, high-quality results. To meet this demand, CoreWeave has launched NVIDIA GB200 NVL72-based (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/data-center/gb200-nvl72/) instances, becoming the first cloud service provider to make the NVIDIA Blackwell platform (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/data-center/technologies/blackwell-architecture/) generally available. With rack-scale NVIDIA NVLink (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/data-center/nvlink/) across 72 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs and 36 NVIDIA Grace CPUs (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/data-center/grace-cpu/), scaling to up to 110,000 GPUs with NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/networking/quantum2/) networking, these instances provide the scale and performance needed to build and deploy the next generation of AI reasoning models and agents.

NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 on CoreWeave
NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 is a liquid-cooled, rack-scale solution with a 72-GPU NVLink domain, which enables the six dozen GPUs to act as a single massive GPU. NVIDIA Blackwell features many technological breakthroughs that accelerate inference token generation, boosting performance while reducing service costs. For example, fifth-generation NVLink enables 130 TB/s of GPU bandwidth in one 72-GPU NVLink domain, and the second-generation Transformer Engine enables FP4 for faster AI performance while maintaining high accuracy. CoreWeave's portfolio of managed cloud services is purpose-built for Blackwell. CoreWeave Kubernetes Service (https://www.coreweave.com/products/coreweave-kubernetes-service) optimizes workload orchestration by exposing NVLink domain IDs, ensuring efficient scheduling within the same rack. Slurm on Kubernetes (SUNK) supports the topology block plug-in, enabling intelligent workload distribution across GB200 NVL72 racks. In addition, CoreWeave's Observability Platform provides real-time insights into NVLink performance, GPU utilization and temperatures.https://tpucdn.com/img/VBovIYnLJ7di65SC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VBovIYnLJ7di65SC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/aC3az676dRZNtB3X_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/aC3az676dRZNtB3X.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FBi7euJaqQ3zXbdD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FBi7euJaqQ3zXbdD.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332341/coreweave-launches-debut-wave-of-nvidia-gb200-nvl72-based-cloud-instances)

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[NextPowerUP]

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-9-9950x3d.c3993) and Ryzen 9 9900X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-9-9900x3d.c3997) "Zen 5" processors are due for launch at some point next month, but Team Red's recent-ish introductory presentation (https://www.techpowerup.com/330544/amd-launches-ryzen-9-9000x3d-series-zen-5-desktop-processors-with-3d-v-cache) did not include any details regarding prices. Given patterns demonstrated by previous generations of Team Red's popular 3D V-Cache-equipped CPUs, we can safely assume that the incoming duo will demand a premium over the already released Ryzen 7 9800X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-7-9800x3d.c3891) SKU (MSRP: $479). Late last week, momomo_us happened upon speculated price points during a sleuthing session involving a comparison shopping website.

The PCPartPicker's price aggregation engine pulled data from two Newegg listings—now scrubbed from existence—that outlined a cost of $699.99 (plus a $12.41 shipping fee) for the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D model, and $599.99 (plus shipping) for the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D. Fortunately, VideoCardz preserved this information over the weekend. PCPartPicker has removed the aforementioned figures from its price history chart system, and Newegg has delisted the offending pages. The leaked price points align closely with MSRPs set for previous-gen (Zen 4) Ryzen 9 7000-series CPUs: $699 for the 7950X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-9-7950x3d.c3024), and $599 for 7900X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-9-7900x3d.c3023). The de-listed prices could be based on placeholder information—the Ryzen 7 9800X3D launched last November with a generational premium of $30 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-7-7800x3d.c3022)'s original MSRP was $449). AMD has alluded to gaming performance being on a roughly even plane (https://www.techpowerup.com/331445/amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d-9900x3d-gaming-performance-akin-to-ryzen-7-9800x3d), so the incoming Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D models are not expected to surpass the Ryzen 7 9800X3D as "THE best gaming processor (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-ryzen-7-9800x3d/)."https://tpucdn.com/img/5qPp1olCOdqUZKNt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5qPp1olCOdqUZKNt.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8ccMh3mna9X8LfpY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8ccMh3mna9X8LfpY.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Dca21xIFU1dMGjaG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Dca21xIFU1dMGjaG.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Valve has updated its Steam platform policies to prevent mobile-style advertising practices from infiltrating the PC gaming market. The new guidelines, recently added to the Steam Terms of Service, explicitly ban any game that requires players to watch or interact with advertisements to progress. Under the revised rules, developers must eliminate any ad systems that force players to engage with promotional content as a prerequisite for gameplay. Games that rely on mandatory ads for rewards or advancement will not be permitted on Steam. While cross-promotional partnerships and product placements remain acceptable, the forced ad model is no longer supported. Mobile games often burden players with unwanted commercial interruptions. Developers are now encouraged to pursue alternative monetization strategies, such as single-purchase models, optional microtransactions, or downloadable content packages.

"If your game's revenue relies on advertising on other platforms, you will need to find a new monetization model in order to release on Steam."—states Valve pricing guide (https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/store/pricing). In addition to banning forced advertisements, Valve has introduced a new feature for early-access titles. This functionality displays the time elapsed since the last update, offering players greater transparency regarding game development progress. By drawing a clear line against aggressive in-game advertising, Valve is fighting smartphone-style ads that force players into watching unwanted content. Valve's commitment to ecosystem quality ensures that Steam remains a trusted platform for gamers seeking pure gaming and ad-free experiences. Other platforms are likely to follow suit.https://tpucdn.com/img/4hWYkNUicNw5FGVP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4hWYkNUicNw5FGVP.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332339/valve-now-bans-steam-games-that-force-players-to-watch-ads)

[NextPowerUP]

Like the first part, Chernobylite 2 (https://chernobylgame.com/about-chernobylite-ii-exclusion-zone/) is a story of people who try to accomplish an impossible mission and survive in the sinister Chornobyl Zone. Chernobylite 2 will be released on Steam in Early Access on March 6th (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2075100/Chernobylite_2_Exclusion_Zone/), similar to the first part in 2019, which was awarded the Top Early Access Platinum Graduate on Steam. Cole Grey, a former military and security guard, lives in a reality where the economy and industry are based entirely on a substance called Chernobylite. With its help, people have made a real leap in civilization. However, the construction of the utopia has been paid for by massive unemployment, pushing people like Cole to the margins of society. Due to severe financial problems, he joins the mysterious "Planewalker" initiative to provide for his family.

It quickly becomes apparent that there is a shortage of Chernobylite in Cole's universe, and the solution is the morally questionable initiative that involves traveling to parallel worlds in search of the mineral and obtaining it by any means possible. In addition, the Planewalker service requires appropriate genetic modifications. Cole must, therefore, physically absorb the essence of chernobylite and, to increase his physical and intellectual capabilities, lose a part of his humanity. However, seeing no other options for himself, he agrees to the bloody and dangerous service, which results in him ending up trapped in the most sinister place in the world: the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. There, he meets a Black Stalker, the Zone's dark guide and silent ruler.https://tpucdn.com/img/T1xG4MqGpG1CbtmR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/T1xG4MqGpG1CbtmR.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/NuHKy32WxWAZAElb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NuHKy32WxWAZAElb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/hyVZDykYhua3595v_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/hyVZDykYhua3595v.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ClZVuKVfzSnD94Jp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ClZVuKVfzSnD94Jp.jpg)
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[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. Star Wars Outlaws' latest update is out now, adding DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, an upgraded DLSS Frame Generation model for improved performance and reduced VRAM usage, and the new DLSS transformer AI model for DLSS Super Resolution, DLSS Ray Reconstruction, and DLAA, further enhancing your PC experience.

Later today, Avowed launches with DLSS, Reflex, and ray tracing, and by using NVIDIA app's new DLSS 4 overrides, you can further enhance your experience in Avowed by adding DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, and new and improved AI models that upgrade DLSS Super Resolution, DLAA, and DLSS Frame Generation. A new DLSS Frame Generation, Reflex, and ray tracing update for the popular Wuthering Waves launches today, too. And next week, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle introduces DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and DLSS Ray Reconstruction, updates DLSS Super Resolution and DLAA to use our new transformer-based AI model, and adds fully ray-traced shadows from all light sources.https://tpucdn.com/img/cFhr0M4F1zxR4nEo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cFhr0M4F1zxR4nEo.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332538/nvidia-dlss-4-coming-to-star-wars-outlaws-and-indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle)

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[NextPowerUP]

AAEON (stock code: 6579), a leading provider of edge AI platforms, today announced the release of the BOXER-8641AI-Plus, an embedded AI system powered by the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin module designed for the smart healthcare space. The BOXER-8641AI-Plus offers a number of advanced features, including an RJ-45 port that supports 10G LAN, two DB-9 ports for RS-232/422/485 (Rx/Tx/RTS/CTS), and a third DB-9 port offering an 8-bit DIO interface. In addition to this, the system contains expansion slots for Wi-Fi/BT and 5G in the form of an M.2 2230 E-Key and an M.2 3052 B-Key, which serve to provide wireless connectivity in addition to its onboard interfaces.

The system is FCC Class B certified, making it compliant with electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) standards, making it suitable for operation in healthcare settings without electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other equipment. Moreover, the certification means the BOXER-8641AI-Plus meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, ensuring it can be deployed without causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect equipment deployed alongside it.https://tpucdn.com/img/YJBXO80QeXDaEWbD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YJBXO80QeXDaEWbD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/o165OJeDFUUc7bSB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/o165OJeDFUUc7bSB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/DQjGPmN2e5EBFHqL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DQjGPmN2e5EBFHqL.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332536/aaeon-launch-the-boxer-8641ai-plus-an-fcc-class-b-certified-smart-healthcare-platform)

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[NextPowerUP]

Back in January, we covered a report (https://www.techpowerup.com/331230/amd-to-build-zen-6-ccd-on-tsmc-3nm-process-next-gen-ciod-and-siod-on-4nm) about AMD designing its next-generation "Zen 6" CCDs on a 3 nm-class node by TSMC, and developing a new line of server and client I/O dies (cIOD and sIOD). The I/O die is a crucial piece of silicon that contains all the uncore components of the processor, including the memory controllers, the PCIe root complex, and Infinity Fabric interconnects to the CCDs and multi-socket connections. Back then it was reported that these new-generation I/O dies were being designed on the 4 nm silicon fabrication process, which was interpreted as being AMD's favorite 4 nm-class node, the TSMC N4P, on which the company builds everything from its current "Strix Point" mobile processors to the "Zen 5" CCDs. It turns out that AMD has other plans, and is exploring a 4 nm-class node by Samsung.

This node is very likely the Samsung 4LPP, also known as the SF4, which has been in mass-production since 2022. The table below shows how the SF4 compares with TSMC N4P and Intel 4, where it is shown striking a balance between the two. We have also added values for the TSMC N5 node from which the N4P is derived from, and you can see that the SF4 offers comparable transistor density to the N5, and is a significant improvement in transistor density over the TSMC N6, which AMD uses for its current generation of sIOD and cIOD. The new 4 nm node will allow AMD to reduce the TDP of the I/O die, implement a new power management solution, and more importantly, the need for a new I/O die is driven by the need for updated memory controllers that support higher DDR5 speeds and compatibility with new kinds of DIMMs, such as CUDIMMs, RDIMMs with RCDs, etc.https://tpucdn.com/img/fg6XEiQeAh57p7QF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fg6XEiQeAh57p7QF.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332533/amd-to-build-next-gen-i-o-dies-on-samsung-4nm-not-tsmc-n4p)

[NextPowerUP]

AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs are expected to come with up to 16 GB of GDDR6 memory. However, AMD is reportedly expanding its RX 9070 lineup with a new 32 GB variant, according to sources on Chiphell. The card, speculatively called the RX 9070 XT 32 GB, is slated for release at the end of Q2 2025. The current GDDR6 memory modules used in GPUs carry a capacity of 2 GB per module only, meaning that a design with 32 GB of VRAM would require as many as 16 memory modules on a single card. No 2 GB+ GDDR6 memory modules are available, meaning that the design would require memory module installation on both the front and back of the PCB. Consumers GPUs are not known for this, but it is a possibility with workstation/prosumer grade GPUs employing this engineering tactic to boost capacity,

While we don't have information on the GPU architecture, discussions point to potential modifications of the existing Navi 48 silicon. This release is positioned as a gaming card rather than a workstation-class Radeon PRO 9000 series product. AMD appears to be targeting gamers interested in running AI workloads, which typically require massive VRAM amounts to run locally. Additionally, investing in a GPU with a big VRAM capacity is essentially "future-proofing" for gamers who plan to keep their cards for longer, as recent games have been spiking VRAM usage by a large margin. The combination of gaming and AI workloads may have made AMD reconsider some of its product offerings, potentially giving us the Radeon RX 9070 XT 32 GB SKU. We have to wait for the Q2 to start, and we can expect more details by then.

Update 20:55 UTC: AMD's Frank Azor on X (https://x.com/AzorFrank/status/1890123243090235407) debunked rumors of the 32 GB SKU coming to gamers. So, this will not happen. Instead, we could be looking at prosumer oriented AMD Radeon Pro GPU with 32 GB of memory instead.https://tpucdn.com/img/HvH0IzUF3VYZiE9Z_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/HvH0IzUF3VYZiE9Z.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332424/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-could-get-a-32-gb-gddr6-upgrade)

[NextPowerUP]

The Register (https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/13/western_digital_told_to_cough/) reports that a federal judge has rejected Western Digital's attempt to delay payment of a $553 million patent infringement penalty, giving the storage giant just seven days to secure a bond or pay up. The ruling, issued February 11, comes as Western Digital faces mounting pressure over intellectual property disputes. To be more specific it's about SPEX Technologies' Patent No. 6,088,802, which protects security features in peripheral devices. In October 2023, a California jury ruled that several WD products, including Ultrastar (https://www.techpowerup.com/327709/western-digital-announces-highest-capacity-epmr-hdds-up-to-32-tb) and My Book drives infringed on this 1997 patent. Judge James Selna later expanded the initial $316 million verdict to include $237 million in interest charges.

Western Digital's upcoming corporate restructuring complicates the situation. The company plans to split into two separate entities (https://www.techpowerup.com/327175/western-digital-spins-off-all-flash-products-to-the-sandisk-brand) by February 21—one to focus on NAND flash memory under the SanDisk (https://www.techpowerup.com/332516/sandisk-develops-hbm-killer-high-bandwidth-flash-hbf-allows-4-tb-of-vram-for-ai-gpus) brand and another to maintain the traditional hard drive business. This pending division has raised questions about how to enforce the damages, with Judge Selna mentioning his "concerns about potential corporate restructuring" because the judgment targets Western Digital Technologies Inc. SPEX has voiced concerns about the company split pointing out in legal papers their lack of insight into which new entity would pay the penalty or if either would have enough money to cover the owed amount.https://tpucdn.com/img/Y7zrAdv0qYH3W1NU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Y7zrAdv0qYH3W1NU.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332526/western-digital-faces-usd-553m-patent-bill-days-before-company-split)

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[NextPowerUP]

David McAfee (https://www.techpowerup.com/331780/techpowerup-interviews-david-mcafee-gm-of-client-channel-business-on-the-state-of-amd-ryzen-and-radeon?cp=2)—AMD's corporate vice president and general manager of client channel business—has highlighted February 28 (https://x.com/McAfeeDavid_AMD/status/1890102891119276284) as a highly important date for next-gen graphics technology. The much-anticipated (and teased (https://www.techpowerup.com/332062/amd-radeon-rx-9070-series-launch-event-slated-for-late-february)) Radeon RX 9000 series unveiling event has a confirmed time slot on that day: 8 AM EST. The overseer of Ryzen CPU and Radeon GPUs has warded off curious queries from journalists and members of the PC hardware for several weeks, since the conclusion of CES 2025. A confusing early January presentation did not include a segment dedicated to upcoming RDNA 4 products. Online conjecture pointed to Team Red delaying and restrategizing (https://www.techpowerup.com/331698/amd-denies-radeon-rx-9070-xt-usd-899-usd-starting-price-point-rumors) the launch of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models.

AMD enthusiasts will breathe a collective sigh of relief, after reading McAfee's announcement: "the wait is almost over. Join us on February 28 at 8 AM EST for the reveal of the next-gen AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series. Get ready to make it yours when it hits shelves in early March. RSVP by subscribing to the AMD YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Gaming-AMD)." Insider sources reckon that retailers will have stock on shelves by the rumored March 6 (https://www.techpowerup.com/332123/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-launch-allegedly-set-for-march-6) launch day. Mid-to-late January leaks suggested a fairly comprehensive distribution of board partner custom cards across European retail channels (https://www.techpowerup.com/331671/bulgarian-retailer-showcases-powercolor-radeon-rx-9070-xt-red-devil-s-e-packaging). Alleged specifications and performance results have leaked out over the past month and a half—will AMD (and AIBs) have any surprises lined up for the February 28 event?https://tpucdn.com/img/DL0YIWzwF0YfPR0f_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DL0YIWzwF0YfPR0f.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/sMG4sOIj3ym97hTe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/sMG4sOIj3ym97hTe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/JPxSnfOrpsfjPSW1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JPxSnfOrpsfjPSW1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/upKxYsEAMmF4XQin_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/upKxYsEAMmF4XQin.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332524/amd-radeon-rx-9000-series-event-scheduled-february-28)

[NextPowerUP]

The wait is finally over. This is Yang Bing, as the creator of Lost Soul Aside (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/lost-soul-aside/), I couldn't be more excited to share some big news—our action RPG will officially launch on PlayStation 5 and PC on May 30, 2025! What started as a one-person dream (me, a computer, and endless late nights) has evolved into a sprawling adventure full of breathtaking visuals and adrenaline-pumping combat. Let me take you behind the scenes to explore the heart, soul, and sweat poured into this game. Whether you're here for the stylish combat or the gripping story, there's plenty to dive into. Let's get started!

A world that lives and breathes
Creating the world of Lost Soul Aside was like painting with imagination on a sci-fi fantasy canvas. You'll traverse landscapes that feel alive: sunlit plains, mysterious ancient ruins, and alternate dimensions that buzz with energy. This world isn't just eye candy—it's filled with secrets, monsters, and unpredictable events that keep you interested. But let's talk about what really defines the experience—combat.https://tpucdn.com/img/cEKsVVPkVJj5TYzA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cEKsVVPkVJj5TYzA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/23IKo5R6ZnU1GoYH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/23IKo5R6ZnU1GoYH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/WmOmHAbGFTN46xZ9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/WmOmHAbGFTN46xZ9.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332521/lost-soul-aside-launches-on-playstation-5-and-pc-on-may-30)

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[NextPowerUP]

Sapphire is readying multiple Radeon RX 9070 custom designs for next month's launch; official announcements and leaks have revealed upcoming PURE, PULSE and NITRO+ cards. The latter was identified in AMD's CES 2025 (https://www.techpowerup.com/331096/sapphire-semi-reveals-dual-fan-pulse-radeon-rx-9000-design) press material, but no demonstration sample turned up at last month's Las Vegas AIB roundup. A lone fuzzy low-resolution screengrab showcased the premium Radeon RX 9070 series card's hefty and blocky triple-slot profile. An hour or two ago, Everest (aka Olrak29) uploaded two alleged promotional images to social media. Thankfully, the leaked shots have arrived with decent pixel definition. Sapphire has initiated staggered marketing campaigns for its lower-end and mid-range (https://www.techpowerup.com/332343/sapphire-initiates-radeon-rx-9070-xt-9070-pure-series-marketing-campaign) RDNA 4 cards, so the latest leak has most likely preempted an upcoming official reveal of (possible) NITRO+ Radeon RX 9070 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070-xt.c4229) and RX 9070 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070.c4250) cards.

Sapphire reserves the crème de la crème of feature sets for its premium-tier NITRO+ designs. Previous-gen examples were substantial prospects, and the incoming design is touted to continue that dimensional legacy. Well-heeled Team Red enthusiasts will welcome an updated triple-fan configuration and somewhat subtle internal ARGB lighting zones. The leaked card sports a luxurious "champagne gold" tinted shroud and backplate, with an optional detachable panel. The vented side plates sport a lighter-hue, but the elaborate triangular cut-out aesthetic could be off-putting to certain connoisseurs. Press outlets have honed in on the new NITRO+ model's hidden power connector design, potentially leading to a single input—utilizing a 12 or 16-pin interface.https://tpucdn.com/img/SQREQIoDHHVQ4CzJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SQREQIoDHHVQ4CzJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EwzliH5CdNKLvWNE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EwzliH5CdNKLvWNE.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332519/sapphire-radeon-nitro-rx-9070-series-promo-images-leaked-online)

[NextPowerUP]

Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced today that it has shipped its first NVIDIA Blackwell (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/data-center/technologies/blackwell-architecture/) family-based solution, the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72. This rack-scale system by HPE is designed to help service providers and large enterprises quickly deploy very large, complex AI clusters with advanced, direct liquid cooling solutions to optimize efficiency and performance. "AI service providers and large enterprise model builders are under tremendous pressure to offer scalability, extreme performance, and fast time-to-deployment," said Trish Damkroger, senior vice president and general manager of HPC & AI Infrastructure Solutions, HPE. "As builders of the world's top three fastest systems with direct liquid cooling, HPE offers customers lower cost per token training and best-in-class performance with industry-leading services expertise."

The NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 (https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/data-center/gb200-nvl72/) features shared-memory, low-latency architecture with the latest GPU technology designed for extremely large AI models of over a trillion parameters, in one memory space. GB200 NVL72 offers seamless integration of NVIDIA CPUs, GPUs, compute and switch trays, networking, and software, bringing together extreme performance to address heavily parallelizable workloads, like generative AI (GenAI) model training and inferencing, along with NVIDIA software applications. "Engineers, scientists and researchers need cutting-edge liquid cooling technology to keep up with increasing power and compute requirements," said Bob Pette, vice president of enterprise platforms at NVIDIA. "Building on continued collaboration between HPE and NVIDIA, HPE's first shipment of NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 will help service providers and large enterprises efficiently build, deploy and scale large AI clusters."https://tpucdn.com/img/YrlAjxpVVdxtVcQ4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YrlAjxpVVdxtVcQ4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/O8O0wfqALhkwFQlX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/O8O0wfqALhkwFQlX.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332517/hpe-announces-first-shipment-of-nvidia-grace-blackwell-system)

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[NextPowerUP]

During its first post-Western Digital spinoff investor day (https://documents.sandisk.com/content/dam/asset-library/en_us/assets/public/sandisk/corporate/Sandisk-Investor-Day_2025.pdf), SanDisk showed something it has been working on to tackle the AI sector. High-bandwidth flash (HBF) is a new memory architecture that combines 3D NAND flash storage with bandwidth capabilities comparable to high-bandwidth memory (HBM). The HBF design stacks 16 3D NAND BiCS8 dies using through-silicon vias, with a logic layer enabling parallel access to memory sub-arrays. This configuration achieves 8 to 16 times greater capacity per stack than current HBM implementations. A system using eight HBF stacks can provide 4 TB of VRAM to store large AI models like GPT-4 directly on GPU hardware. The architecture breaks from conventional NAND design by implementing independently accessible memory sub-arrays, moving beyond traditional multi-plane approaches. While HBF surpasses HBM's capacity specifications, it maintains higher latency than DRAM, limiting its application to specific workloads.

SanDisk has not disclosed its solution for NAND's inherent write endurance limitations, though using pSLC NAND makes it possible to balance durability and cost. The bandwidth of HBF is also unknown, as the company hasn't put out details yet. SanDisk Memory Technology Chief Alper Ilkbahar confirmed the technology targets read-intensive AI inference tasks rather than latency-sensitive applications. The company is developing HBF as an open standard, incorporating mechanical and electrical interfaces similar to HBM to simplify integration. Some challenges remain, including NAND's block-level addressing limitations and writing endurance constraints. While these factors make HBF unsuitable for gaming applications, the technology's high capacity and throughput characteristics align with AI model storage and inference requirements. SanDisk has announced plans for three generations of HBF development, indicating a long-term commitment to the technology.https://tpucdn.com/img/Dai6x5YoEc8jigAz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Dai6x5YoEc8jigAz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XhPYNfMLpnyGrxgr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XhPYNfMLpnyGrxgr.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/fbDkLqBrRSbzfc5M_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fbDkLqBrRSbzfc5M.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

AMD's Radeon RX 9070 GPU series is due for release next month (https://www.techpowerup.com/332123/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-launch-allegedly-set-for-march-6); a specific date has not been set, but we will likely find out more through official channels at the end of this month (https://www.techpowerup.com/332062/amd-radeon-rx-9070-series-launch-event-slated-for-late-february). Team Red and its board partners have chosen to remain silent on the subject of RDNA 4's technical makeup; post-CES 2025, hardware news outlets have relied on a steady trickle of Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070-related leaks. Very basic sleuthing pointed to pools of 16 GB VRAM for both models, while insiders kept on mentioning an unannounced "Navi 48 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/amd-navi-48.g1071)" GPU. The latest—courtesy of HKEPC (https://x.com/hkepcmedia/status/1889994288836280652)—seems to confirm that the Radeon RX 9070 XT will utilize the aforementioned new RDNA 4 Navi chip. Earlier today, a screenshot was uploaded to social media—the leaker shared graphics card information displayed in a TechPowerUp GPU-Z (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/techpowerup-gpu-z/) (v2.62) session. Despite patch notes not disclosing compatibility, the latest version of GPU-Z is seemingly able to identify key aspects of the alleged "RX 9070 XT (Navi 48) (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070-xt.c4229)" sample.

The card's name is obscured, but HKEPC and several press outlets believe that it is the genuine article. The fundamental details appear to be: 16 GB GDDR6 VRAM (Hynix-made), a 256-bit memory bus, 4096 stream processors, and a boost clock reaching a maximum frequency of 3.1 GHz. Older leaks have indicated that the first wave of RDNA 4 cards will make do with PCI-Express 4.0 x16 interfaces, but the GPU-Z screenshot shows a PCI-Express 5.0 x16 bus interface (detection could be bugged). The driver version was identified as Adrenalin 24.30.01.05. The unnamed card appears to feature a steep factory overclock; industry experts reckon that the sample could be a very high-end AIB model. Past reports suggest that PowerColor's Radeon RX 9070 XT Red Devil (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/powercolor-red-devil-rx-9070-xt.b12149) card is capable of boosting up to 3060 MHz (https://www.techpowerup.com/331056/powercolor-radeon-rx-9070-xt-red-devil-hellhound-reportedly-boost-beyond-3-0-ghz). HKEPC uploaded another incriminating screenshot; showcasing performance results produced by Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds PC performance benchmark tool (https://www.techpowerup.com/332188/capcom-releases-monster-hunter-wilds-pc-performance-benchmark-tool). The test system—featuring Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/core-ultra-9-285k.c3773) CPU and 48 GB of RAM—scored 36102 points and achieved a maximum frame rate of 211.71 FPS at 1080p, with "Very High" profile settings. The leaker confirmed that FSR and Frame Generation were enabled during the benchmark session.https://tpucdn.com/img/xBR0dqwRcuKhFaQz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xBR0dqwRcuKhFaQz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/eqAcfUnrpakabTRU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eqAcfUnrpakabTRU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/1GxIB8FdlqkIykXd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1GxIB8FdlqkIykXd.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

A recently surfaced Geekbench OpenCL listing (https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/compute/3662224) has revealed the performance improvements that the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti is likely to bring to the table, and the numbers sure look promising - that is, coming from the disappointment of the GeForce RTX 5080, which manages roughly 260,000 points in the benchmark, portraying a paltry 8% improvement over its predecessor. The GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, however, managed an impressive 248,000 points, putting it a substantial 20% ahead of the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. Hilariously enough, the RTX 5080 is merely 4% ahead, making the situation even worse for the somewhat contentious GPU. NVIDIA has claimed similar performance improvements in its marketing material, which does seem quiet plausible.

Of course, an OpenCL benchmark is hardly representative of real-world gaming performance. That being said, there is no denying that raw benchmarks will certainly help buyers temper expectations and make decisions. Previous leaks and speculations (https://www.notebookcheck.net/Disappointing-RTX-5070-Ti-and-RTX-5070-leak-claims-VERY-limited-stock-for-former-and-10-20-gain-for-latter.958555.0.html) have hinted at a roughly 10% improvement over its predecessor in raster performance and up to 15% improvements in ray tracing performance, although the OpenCL listing does indicate the RTX 5070 ti might be capable of a larger generational jump, neck-and-neck with NVIDIA's claims. For those in need of a refresher, the RTX 5070 Ti boasts 8960 CUDA cores paired with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit bus. Like its siblings, the RTX 5070 is also rumored to face "extremely limited" supply at launch. With its official launch less than a week away, we won't have much waiting to do to find out for ourselves.https://tpucdn.com/img/ixK2qnpVGLpNrW6s_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ixK2qnpVGLpNrW6s.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gklDoKMlANPDJBTv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gklDoKMlANPDJBTv.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/b5rz2VMSaoPEFNQR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/b5rz2VMSaoPEFNQR.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

With Atomfall (https://atomfall.com/) coming to PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Game Pass in just over a month (arriving on March 27), today we released the latest trailer for the game. Featuring -new gameplay, the trailer highlights the main features that you will experience when you enter the quarantine zone. I thought now would be a good time to give you more information on some of the game's key features and what you can expect when you play Atomfall. The trailer (see below) starts at the very beginning of the game. You wake up in a dark and eerie bunker and are met by a wounded man in a hazmat suit who immediately asks who you are and asks for your help. The problem is you don't know who you are, or how you got there. He tells you that you are inside a quarantine zone, built around the Windscale Atom plant following a nuclear disaster.

Set in the luscious British countryside in 1962, Atomfall is a fictionalized telling of what happened five years after true events in Northern England. It is a game about investigation and discovery—as you try to uncover the mystery behind what really happened at Windscale, but also who you are and what you're doing there. There is plenty to explore beyond the rolling hills of Cumberland, including a picturesque village, bandit camps, caves, tunnels, and mysterious buildings and facilities left abandoned by the British Atomic Research Division. All of these will hold their own secrets for you to discover. You will find clues about what has happened and learn more about the colorful characters you meet along the way - but there is no clear single "truth", and different people interpret what happened in different ways. This feeds into the game's "Leads" system, our new take on traditional gaming quests.https://tpucdn.com/img/fuYkEHzgY4YHfNpo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fuYkEHzgY4YHfNpo.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/LSp7M9q9yXIGr6uy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LSp7M9q9yXIGr6uy.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YJTYW2NjeuouM11r_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YJTYW2NjeuouM11r.jpg)

Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332512/rebellion-discusses-atomfalls-unique-gameplay-mechanics)

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[NextPowerUP]

MODDIY has swiftly updated its Help Center site with new guidelines (https://help.moddiy.com/en/article/can-i-use-the-existing-12vhpwr-cable-with-the-new-rtx50-gpu-1vll88l/), following recent reports of one of its older 12VHPWR cable designs having a high temperature disagreement (https://www.techpowerup.com/332334/unofficial-12v-2x6v-power-connector-melts-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090) with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition card and ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L power supply unit. The company's newest batch of (2025) 12V-2X6 and 12VHPWR are manufactured with the latest specifications and standards in mind, thus given the all-clear for utilization with NVIDIA's recently introduced GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards. Any products from the 2024 production cycle (and before) are deemed safe to use with the GeForce RTX 40-series, but not "officially" valid for anything newer.

The company's renewed guidelines state: "as of 2025, the industry standard has transitioned to 12V-2X6, replacing the previous 12VHPWR standard. Our new cables incorporate significant advancements, including enhanced terminal and connector housing materials, along with thicker wires, to provide an additional safety buffer for the latest GPUs. At MODDIY, all 12VHPWR / 12V-2X6 cables purchased from 2025 onward are manufactured in accordance with the new 12V-2X6 specifications and standards, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance with the RTX50 series GPUs. Prior to 2024, the RTX50 series GPUs had not yet been introduced, and the prevailing standard was 12VHPWR. All cables produced before this period were designed and tested for use with the RTX40 series GPUs. We recommend that all users upgrade to the new 12V-2X6 cables to take full advantage of the enhanced safety and performance features offered by this new standard." They believe that their messily-named "ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 H++ 12V-2X6 675 W 12VHPWR 16 Pin Power Cable (https://www.moddiy.com/products/ATX-3.1-PCIe-5.1-H%252b%252b-12V%252d2X6-675W-12VHPWR-16-Pin-Power-Cable.html?setCurrencyId=1)" premium custom tailor-made model is the best candidate for Team Green's modern generation of gaming cards.https://tpucdn.com/img/Sda2n4WUCywWGahq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Sda2n4WUCywWGahq.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Rz0Z6vno0B3LV7ST_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Rz0Z6vno0B3LV7ST.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ksAVomydQZBa1s8P_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ksAVomydQZBa1s8P.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/fFnNAr4FuQzEoejg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fFnNAr4FuQzEoejg.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332507/moddiy-recommends-latest-12v-2x6-cables-for-geforce-rtx-50-series-cards)

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[NextPowerUP]

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation today unveiled two new striking colorways for the latest Stealth 600 and Stealth 500 wireless headsets - two top-rated models in the brand's critically acclaimed wireless gaming headset range.

The new Stealth 600 purple and Stealth 500 arctic camo colorways are available for pre-order today from Turtle Beach and will launch this spring. The Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 purple will be available exclusively at Target in the U.S., as well as at participating retailers globally. The Stealth 500 arctic camo for PlayStation will be available exclusively at Walmart in the U.S. and at participating retailers globally, while the Designed for Xbox Stealth 500 arctic camo will be available at participating retailers globally.https://tpucdn.com/img/C824oLhvNmv8MJ3b_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/C824oLhvNmv8MJ3b.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UlUGcBsIZYHyrv0A_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UlUGcBsIZYHyrv0A.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/pdobgCRhn4tQF3Qp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pdobgCRhn4tQF3Qp.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332508/turtle-beachs-stealth-600-stealth-500-gaming-headsets-get-new-colorways)

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[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA today released the latest version of GeForce drivers. Version 572.42 WHQL comes Game Ready for "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." including support for DLSS 4. Other new optimized titles include "Avowed" and "Wuthering Waves." The driver also offers early optimization for "Sid Meier's Civilization VII." Among the gaming bugs fixed with this release include a crash-to-desktop (CTD) noticed at launch with "Valorant," a system freeze noticed when exiting "Final Fantasy XVI," and performance loss noticed in "Delta Force" with resizable-BAR enabled. Unexpectedly low score for RTX 50-series "Blackwell" GPUs in 3DMark DXR feature test has been fixed. A compatibility issue caused by library version mismatch has been fixed.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 572.42 WHQL (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/nvidia-geforce-graphics-drivers/)https://tpucdn.com/img/pXUbv59EgoGUnZt1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pXUbv59EgoGUnZt1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kdxBNUxz0AaeIr1M_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kdxBNUxz0AaeIr1M.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/O7LNMYghXiIvf4hf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/O7LNMYghXiIvf4hf.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/s9trmIxcXYoHbJIR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/s9trmIxcXYoHbJIR.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

It's a match made in heaven—GeForce NOW (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/) and Warner Bros. Games are collaborating to bring the beloved Batman: Arkham series to the cloud as part of GeForce NOW's fifth-anniversary celebration. Just in time for Valentine's Day, gamers can fall in love all over again with Gotham City's Dark Knight, streaming his epic adventures from anywhere, on nearly any device. The sweet treats don't end there. GeForce NOW also brings the launch of the highly anticipated Sid Meier's Civilization VII. It's all part of the lovable lineup of seven games joining the cloud this week.

A Match Made in Gotham City
GeForce NOW is welcoming Warner Bros. Games to the cloud with the Batman: Arkham series, including Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition, Batman: Arkham City Game of the Year Edition and Batman: Arkham Knight Premium. Don the cape and cowl of the world's greatest detective, bringing justice to the streets of Gotham City with bone-crushing combat and ingenious gadgets.https://tpucdn.com/img/986YVg95S6P1wFTe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/986YVg95S6P1wFTe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/JTe1ckaDK5lBieal_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JTe1ckaDK5lBieal.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/p830JzSYMZyiGrMC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/p830JzSYMZyiGrMC.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332504/geforce-now-welcomes-batman-arkham-trilogy-sid-meiers-civilization-vii)

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[NextPowerUP]

Late last month, an AMD "How to Sell (https://www.techpowerup.com/331675/amd-teases-ryzen-ai-max-395-strix-halo-apu-1080p-gaming-performance-claims-68-faster-than-rtx-4070m)" Ryzen AI MAX series guide appeared online—contents provided an early preview of the Radeon 8060S iGPU's prowess in 1080p gaming environments. Team Red seemed to have some swagger in their step; they claimed that their forthcoming "RDNA 3.5" integrated graphics solution was up to 68% faster than NVIDIA's discrete GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-4070-mobile.c3944) GPU (subjected to thermal limits). Naturally, first-party/internal documentation should be treated with a degree of skepticism—the PC hardware community often relies on (truly) independent sources to form opinions. A Chinese leaker has procured a pre-release laptop that features a "Zen 5" AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-ai-max-395.c3994) processor. By Wednesday evening, the tester presented benchmark results on the Tieba Baidu forums (https://tieba.baidu.com/p/9488975601).

The leaker uploaded a screenshot from a 3DMark Time Spy session. No further insights were shared via written text. On-screen diagnostics pointed to a "Radeon 8050S" GPU, and the CPU being an "AMD Eng Sample: 100-000001243-50_Y." Wccftech (https://wccftech.com/amd-ryzen-ai-max-395-strix-halo-apu-tested-3dmark-time-spy-radeon-8060s-igpu-triple-the-uplift-versus-890m/) double-checked this information; they believe that the OPN ID corresponds to a: "Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 with the Radeon 8060S, instead of the AMD Radeon 8050S iGPU...The difference between the two is that the Radeon 8060S packs the full 40 Compute Units while the Radeon 8050S is configured with 32 Compute Units. The CPU for each iGPU is also different and the one tested here packs 16 Zen 5 cores instead of the 12 Zen 5 cores featured on the Ryzen AI MAX 390 (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-ai-max-390.c3995)." According to the NDA-busting screenshot, Team Red's Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 engineering sample racked up an overall score of 9006 in 3DMark Time Spy. Its graphics score tally came in at 10,106, while its CPU scored 5571 points. The alleged Radeon 8060S iGPU managed to pull in just under NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-4060-mobile.c3946) dGPU (average) score of 10,614. The plucky RDNA 3.5 40 CU iGPU seems to outperform a somewhat related sibling; the Radeon RX 7600M XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7600m-xt.c4013) dGPU (with 32 RDNA 3 CUs) scored 8742 points. Radeon 8060S trails the desktop Radeon RX 7600 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7600.c4153) GPU by 884 points.https://tpucdn.com/img/SIrWVyWrgKoSvQC9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SIrWVyWrgKoSvQC9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/DolqSs19b23okDDU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DolqSs19b23okDDU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/G8pIK99tcwJWSX7l_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/G8pIK99tcwJWSX7l.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/NpZtD4KldSEXiVbI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NpZtD4KldSEXiVbI.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Synopsys, Inc. today announced the expansion of its industry-leading hardware-assisted verification (HAV) portfolio with new HAPS prototyping and ZeBu emulation systems using the latest AMD Versal Premium VP1902 adaptive SoC. The next generation HAPS-200 prototyping and ZeBu-200 emulation systems deliver improved runtime performance, better compile time and improved debug productivity. They are built on new Synopsys Emulation and Prototyping (EP-Ready) Hardware that optimizes customer return on investment by enabling emulation and prototyping use cases via reconfiguration and optimized software. ZeBu Server 5 is enhanced to deliver industry-leading scalability beyond 60 billion gates (BG) to address the escalating hardware and software complexity in SoC and multi-die designs. It continues to offer industry-best density to optimize data center space utilization.

"With the industry approaching 100s of billions of gates per chip and 100s of millions of lines of software code in SoC and multi-die solutions, verification of advanced designs poses never-before seen challenges," said Ravi Subramanian, chief product management officer, Synopsys. "Continuing our strong partnership with AMD, our new systems deliver the highest HAV performance while offering the ultimate flexibility between prototyping and emulation use. Industry leaders are adopting Synopsys EP-Ready Hardware platforms for silicon to system verification and validation."https://tpucdn.com/img/fgbifz043E3BEkW1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fgbifz043E3BEkW1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/5aURcYR7mJJN64JE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5aURcYR7mJJN64JE.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332502/synopsys-expands-its-hardware-assisted-verification-hav-portfolio-for-next-gen-semiconductors)

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[NextPowerUP]

Days Gone Remastered rides onto PlayStation 5 and PC April 25, 2025! A game nearest and dearest to our hearts, with our good partners at Climax Studios (https://www.climaxstudios.com/), we strived to make this the definitive way to play Days Gone for new and returning players. Step into the dirt flecked shoes of former outlaw biker Deacon St. John and feel his desperate struggle for survival in a brutal open world ravaged by feral creatures known as Freakers. We at Bend Studio (https://www.bendstudio.com/) are very excited to share our first look at Days Gone Remastered with our announcement trailer, giving you a sneak peek of brand-new content to play!

Built for the PS5
Days Gone Remastered is brought to new life by the PlayStation 5 console featuring improved graphical fidelity, increased foliage draw distance, improved shadow and lighting quality, Tempest 3D Audio, VRR support and more. Select your preferred playing experience between Quality mode for increased resolution or Performance mode for improved framerates. And with the added power of the PS5 Pro, Days Gone has truly never looked better on PlayStation!https://tpucdn.com/img/Gg0u45LsEIHmhzdb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Gg0u45LsEIHmhzdb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/E7BMi0tJ1zbqHuNy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/E7BMi0tJ1zbqHuNy.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332499/bend-studio-showcases-days-gone-remastered-reveals-new-modes-content)

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[NextPowerUP]

ASUS's Republic of Gamers China account on Weibo has teased the ROG Magic X mobile device that combines laptop/tablet form with a detachable keyboard. Inside, the device is powered by AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ SoC, which ASUS called a "three-in-one" chip, mainly due to its CPU, NPU, and iGPU combination. One possible SKU for ROG Magic X is AMD's top-end Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor. Carrying 16 "Zen 5" cores and 32 threads, the chip is designed for AI-enhanced laptops with 126 combined TOPS of AI processing power. The Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 features 64 MB of L3 cache and operates at a base clock of 3 GHz, with boost capabilities up to 5.1 GHz, depending on workload conditions. Manufactured on TSMC's 4 nm process node, the processor maintains a modest 55 W TDP, suitable for high-performance mobile systems. The chip includes support for ECC memory and PCIe Gen 5. It integrates the Radeon 8060S solution based on RDNA 3.5 architecture for graphics.

We are yet to see more details about the ROG Magic X, but with the arrival of AMD Ryzen AI MAX+, we assume this machine will result in a powerful gaming device for users on the go. More details are expected on February 25, when ASUS plans to showcase it. Pricing and availability are also expected to follow soon after.https://tpucdn.com/img/rO2n57XJUIWmZWT4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rO2n57XJUIWmZWT4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/v56pqFYZx6MnR4Y3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/v56pqFYZx6MnR4Y3.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Thanks to some early 3D Mark benchmarks obtained by VideoCardz, NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU paints an interesting picture of performance gains over the predecessor. Testing conducted with AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and 48 GB of DDR5-6000 memory has provided the first glimpse into the card's capabilities. The new GPU demonstrates a 16.6% performance improvement over its predecessor, the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER. However, benchmark data shows it is falling short of the more expensive RTX 5080 by 13.2%, raising questions about the price-to-performance ratio given the $250 price difference between the two cards. Priced at $749 MSRP, the RTX 5070 Ti could be even pricier in retail channels at launch, especially with limited availability. The card's positioning becomes particularly interesting compared to the RTX 5080's $999 price point, which commands a 33% premium for its additional performance capabilities.

As a reminder, the RTX 5070 Ti boasts 8,960 CUDA cores, 280 texture units, 70 RT cores for ray tracing, and 280 tensor cores for AI computations, all supported by 16 GB of GDDR7 memory running at 28 Gbps effective speed across a 256-bit bus interface, resulting in an 896 GB/s bandwidth. We have to wait for proper reviews for the final performance conclusion, as synthetic benchmarks tell only part of the story. Modern gaming demands consideration of advanced features such as ray tracing and upscaling technologies, which can significantly impact real-world performance. The true test will come from comprehensive gaming benchmarks tested over various cases. The gaming community won't have to wait long for detailed analysis, as official reviews will be reportedly released in just a few days. Additional evaluations of non-MSRP versions should follow on February 20, the card's launch date (https://www.techpowerup.com/332497/nvidia-confirms-february-20-availability-date-of-geforce-rtx-5070-ti).https://tpucdn.com/img/Yak1B6wl13NiOScY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Yak1B6wl13NiOScY.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332660/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-allegedly-scores-16-6-improvement-over-rtx-4070-ti-super-in-synthetic-benchmarks)

[NextPowerUP]

According to sources close to the Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/tech/broadcom-tsmc-eye-possible-intel-deals-that-would-split-storied-chip-maker-966b143b), Intel is weighing preliminary acquisition (https://www.techpowerup.com/331264/report-intel-could-face-acquisition-units-to-remain-together) offers that could split the company into two parts: product and foundry. TSMC and Broadcom are independently exploring deals that would divide Intel's chip design and manufacturing operations. Broadcom has initiated informal discussions regarding Intel's chip design and marketing divisions, while TSMC is considering assembling an investor consortium to acquire Intel's facilities. This solution is improbable, as Intel's fabs are strategically one of the most critical aspects of the US semiconductor supply chain. Intel manufactures custom chips for the US Department of Defense; hence, having a foreign owner of fabs is not acceptable. The news about the acquisition comes as Intel grapples with manufacturing setbacks, including a total $13.4 billion loss in its foundry segment during 2024 and a significant erosion of market share in the AI processor market.

The acquisition talks face substantial regulatory hurdles, particularly regarding national security concerns. The US government has signaled resistance to foreign ownership of Intel's domestic manufacturing capabilities, which are deemed strategically vital to American technological sovereignty. This could particularly impact TSMC's bid for Intel's plants despite the Taiwanese company's position as the world's leading contract chipmaker. Intel's vulnerability to acquisition follows a series of strategic missteps under former leadership, including delayed manufacturing innovations and an increasing reliance on government subsidies for facility expansion. The company's share price has declined 60% from its 2021 highs amid these challenges, attracting potential buyers despite the complexity of any potential deal structure. Successful execution would require navigating both regulatory approval and the practical difficulties of disaggregating Intel's deeply integrated design and manufacturing operations.https://tpucdn.com/img/reJ7O1AD5vuqvSCw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/reJ7O1AD5vuqvSCw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/1SrM6q4WhGpKEGzX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1SrM6q4WhGpKEGzX.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332657/intel-faces-potential-breakup-as-tsmc-and-broadcom-explore-acquisition)

[NextPowerUP]

Welcome to another week of new game releases and this week's AAA title takes place in the same world as Pillars of Eternity, for those that were a fan of that game from a decade ago. If RPG games aren't your cup of tea, how about a face full of Norwegian snow, or maybe the summer of 1995? How about some equestrian challenges, some pirate ninjas or maybe something a bit more dystopian? If so, we got the games for you this week.

Avowed (https://avowed.obsidian.net/) / This week's AAA title / Tuesday 18 February
Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora, where your choices carve a path through war, intrigue, and ancient mysteries. Navigate a land in turmoil, forge powerful alliances or deadly rivalries, and wield magic and steel to shape the fate of the Living Lands—and your own destiny. Steam link (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/)https://tpucdn.com/img/2OfQDdgFEh9mYJtT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2OfQDdgFEh9mYJtT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/sfCEPsreNXEWvm1j_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/sfCEPsreNXEWvm1j.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9VQ6IE36eZXSYipE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9VQ6IE36eZXSYipE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2yzWKfMFGN0iTwW2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2yzWKfMFGN0iTwW2.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332624/this-week-in-gaming-week-8)

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[NextPowerUP]

We live in crazy times, that's for sure. We have already witnessed a plethora of listings for AMD's RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs - both set to hit shelves early next month - indicating a decent value proposition compared to NVIDIA's RTX 5070 family, if the leaks and rumors are anything to go by. More recently, as spotted by @momomo_us (https://imgur.com/a/aJt7r77), Amazon briefly listed a bunch of RX 9070 and 9070 XT cards from XFX. The pricing details are as follows:

XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9070 OC - $649.99
XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT - $749.99
XFX Quicksilver AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT - $769.99
XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC - $819.99
XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Magnetic Air Edition - $849.99

https://tpucdn.com/img/co781oRYsWakZBe1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/co781oRYsWakZBe1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZYYCct3dvzNt0AzA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZYYCct3dvzNt0AzA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/hTDG81lrVNOPWQpF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/hTDG81lrVNOPWQpF.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332603/amd-radeon-rx-9070-and-9070-xt-listed-on-amazon-one-buyer-snags-a-unit)

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[NextPowerUP]

The ASUS NUC 13 Pro lineup of mini PCs has been around for a while, and has now been updated with new Raptor Lake-H CPU options. There do not appear to be any other improvements or changes to the systems, with the product continuing to be available in "tall" and "slim" variants. As one might expect, the tall variant has room for a 2.5-inch drive, while the slim variant relies solely on M.2 storage. Both the systems can be equipped with up to 64 GB of DDR4-3200 memory courtesy of dual SO-DIMM slots, and storage requirements are taken care of by an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0x4, as well as an M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0x1 slot.

In terms of CPU options, the NUC 13 Pro mini PC lineup will now be available with the Core i5-13420H, and the Core i7-13620H. Both are 45-watt units, although the i7 variant sports two additional 'Golden Cove' performance cores allowing for a ~35% increase in multicore performance. The i7 also sports a substantially faster iGPU with 64 EUs (vs 48), although the Intel UHD iGPUs found in the Raptor Lake-H chips were never that powerful to begin with. The port selection has remained the same, boasting dual Thunderbolt 4, dual HDMI 2.1, triple USB 3.2 Gen 2, single USB 2.0, audio jack, and a 2.5G Ethernet port. Prices start at $455 for the NUC 13 Pro slim barebones variant with the Core i7-13620H according to B&H Photo Video's listing, and increase based on the chosen configuration.https://tpucdn.com/img/K9Sbw4XEJqBJ8R9t_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/K9Sbw4XEJqBJ8R9t.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/fO708SPoGjlxAZSc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fO708SPoGjlxAZSc.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/slqQHRxUCqk6Ixus_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/slqQHRxUCqk6Ixus.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

It would be safe to state that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 launch was anything but ideal. Gamers had to deal with whacky NVIDIA marketing material with absurd performance claims, followed by disappointing generational improvement for the RTX 5080, only to be left dealing with abysmal supply leading to obscene shortages and scalper-induced price inflation. However, it does seem like things are about to take a positive turn - NVIDIA is rumored to have ramped up production for its GB202 GPU, which the RTX 5090 is based on, according to a reliable source.

Spotted by VideoCardz, MEGAsizeGPU has claimed that the supply for the GeForce RTX 5090 GPU will soon be "stupidly high" (https://x.com/Zed__Wang/status/1890608126329586017), which is absolute music to our ears. In a reply thread, the source further claimed that at least one AIB partner already has "tons of cards", which sure does paint a promising picture for the future. As such, the source expects that the supply will reach customers in about a month, which is to be expected since production has been cranked only recently. Apparently, demand for the GB200 GPU has been lower than usual, forcing NVIDIA to switch to producing GeForce GPUs instead. Of course, the margins for the gaming GPUs are lower, but the production capacity has to go somewhere.https://tpucdn.com/img/4dONhPdavNJVvWEt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4dONhPdavNJVvWEt.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nlhKK4nTiCrzdqmB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nlhKK4nTiCrzdqmB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PXp3mqirkOOduZ2o_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PXp3mqirkOOduZ2o.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332600/finally-some-good-news-geforce-rtx-5090-supply-to-increase-in-coming-months)

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[NextPowerUP]

Recent rumors hinted at a 32 GB variant of the Radeon RX 9070 XT being in the works, which were quickly dismissed as false information by AMD's Frank Azor. However, reliable sources seem to point to the contrary, stating that a 32 GB variant of the RX 9070 XT, likely dubbed the RX 9070 XTX, is under active development indeed. The source, as pointed out by Wccftech, has a decent track record with AMD-related claims, which sure does add weight to the assertion. Unlike previous XTX-class cards from AMD, which boasted higher clock speeds and core counts, the 9070 XTX is almost certain to feature the same core count as the XT, since the latter already utilizes the full Navi 48 chip - unless, of course, there is an even higher-end chip under wraps.

The VRAM amount seems to indicate that the card will likely be positioned to appease AI enthusiasts. There is also the possibility that the rumored card will be launched under a different branding entirely, although that is not what the post at Chiphell states. Interestingly, Frank Azor did specifically mention that a 32 GB "RX 9070 XT" card is not on the horizon - he did not state that a higher-end XTX card isn't either, which sure does leave room for us to speculate. Benchlife has also chimed in (https://benchlife.info/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-wont-have-32gb-gddr6-version/) on the matter, claiming that they are aware of AIB partners working on a 32 GB RDNA 4 card with the Navi 48 GPU, which in some ways, confirms the information that came out of Chiphell. The RDNA 4 cards are set to see the light of day soon enough, it seems the wait won't be much longer. However, if the 32 GB card is indeed in the pipeline, it's likely still further down the road.https://tpucdn.com/img/pstrcUoNt5Jihh4e_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pstrcUoNt5Jihh4e.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/v0ufNVRaOJeSPStH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/v0ufNVRaOJeSPStH.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

AMD is readying two important client segment processors powered by the next-generation "Zen 6" microarchitecture, according to a sensational new report (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jek6D3fY1X8) by Moore's Law is Dead. These are the "Medusa Point" mobile processor, and the "Olympic Ridge" desktop. The former is a BGA roughly the size and Z-Height of the current "Strix Point," but the latter is being designed for the existing Socket AM5, making it the third (and probably final) microarchitecture to do so. If you recall, Socket AM4 served three generations of Zen, not counting the refreshed "Zen+." At the heart of the effort is a new CPU complex die (CCD) that AMD plans to use across its client and server lineup.

The "Zen 6" performance CCD is being designed for a 3 nm-class node, likely the TSMC N3E. This node promises a significant increase in transistor density, power, and clock speed improvements over the current TSMC N4P node being used to build the "Zen 5" CCD. Here's where it gets interesting. The CCD contains twelve full-sized "Zen 6" cores, marking the first increase in core-counts of AMD's performance cores since its very first "Zen" CCD. All 12 of these cores are part of a single CPU core complex (CCX), and share a common L3 cache. There could be a proportionate increase in cache size to 48 MB. AMD is also expected to improve the way the CCDs communicate with the I/O die and among each other.https://tpucdn.com/img/NcudzMBoIHIlJHcw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NcudzMBoIHIlJHcw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xDWys1bWFsFuhhxD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xDWys1bWFsFuhhxD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/OpVcsC0L3CjYpz3M_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OpVcsC0L3CjYpz3M.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/H17zNF6PUd9NcXlw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/H17zNF6PUd9NcXlw.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332583/amd-zen-6-powers-medusa-point-mobile-and-olympic-ridge-desktop-processors)

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[NextPowerUP]

According to a recent report, Apple has apparently finalized on a partner to bring Apple Intelligence features to its second-largest market, China. Of course, China has strict regulations in place, which have clearly turned out to be rather difficult to navigate for Apple. Previous leaks have revealed that a Deepseek partnership was on the cards for the Cupertino giant, although that did not lead to fruition, with Apple settling for Alibaba as its primary partner. As MacRumors notes, Alibaba will function as a censorship layer of sorts, thereby complying with government-directed filtering and information control. Basically, if the Chinese government deems a certain kind of information inappropriate in any way, it can simply direct Alibaba to have it removed and not served again.

Baidu, Safari's default search engine in China, will function as a secondary partner, aiding Apple Intelligence's 'Visual Intelligence' features. If things go to plan, the AI features should roll out in China sometime towards the middle of this year. Apple Intelligence has faced quite a contentious launch, having struggled with multiple delays and widespread criticism regarding not only the real-world efficacy and usefulness of its features, but also the multiple times that its AI-generated notifications have wildly misrepresented real-life events. The report further states that iPhones sold outside of China will not have access to the China-specific AI system, which is to be expected. It is yet to be seen how the Apple Intelligence launch plays out in China, although we should be able to find out soon enough.https://tpucdn.com/img/szg6ikkJetdKvnRV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/szg6ikkJetdKvnRV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KsFacIb6cc6SNdzy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KsFacIb6cc6SNdzy.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332570/apple-likely-to-team-up-with-alibaba-to-bring-apple-intelligence-to-china)

[NextPowerUP]

Stalkers! Major Patch 1.2 (https://www.stalker2.com/en/news/patch-1-2) is here! We are ready to present you Patch 1.2. A massive one, with over 1700 improvements and fixes to all aspects of the game: balance, locations, quests, blockers, crashes, performance, more A-Life 2.0 fixes, you name it. This work wouldn't have been possible without your feedback and comments on your personal experience with the Zone, thanks for sharing it here on Steam, Reddit, Discord, and other socials.

Thanks for staying with the Zone! As always, we will continue to listen to your feedback and comments, and share game updates as soon as possible. If you spot an "anomaly" that is not supposed to be in the game, please report it to our colleagues in Tech Support Hub. That will help us investigate potential issues faster.https://tpucdn.com/img/kb4HPIMVbhtDTrMk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kb4HPIMVbhtDTrMk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Cj9dM05e4hcL3sqj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Cj9dM05e4hcL3sqj.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FqAH6Y7OKlEcyIK0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FqAH6Y7OKlEcyIK0.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332572/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2s-major-patch-1-2-brings-1700-improvements-fixes)

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[NextPowerUP]

In an exclusive report, Laptop Mag (https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/gaming-laptops-pcs/intel-exclusive-handheld-gaming-pc-panther-lake-chips-amd) has extracted intriguing disclosures from Intel's Robert Hallock. The company's VP and General Manager of Client AI and Technical Marketing was happy to announce that new-generation processors are lined up for inclusion within next waves of handheld gaming PCs. Industry rumors posited that things would end with Team Blue's Core Ultra "Lunar Lake" generation of APUs; as featured on the recently deployed MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ (https://www.techpowerup.com/331442/msi-claw-8-ai-launch-delayed-in-usa) models. First-generation devices with "Meteor Lake" chips did not disrupt the market, and struggled to keep up with AMD Ryzen Z1 chipset-based rivals. Despite negative conjecture suggesting a withdrawal, Hallock revealed that a certain department is growing in size: "Intel is beefing up its staff to support gaming ISVs who want to do handhelds."

Team Blue's fortified support network is touted to expand the market reach of portable gaming PCs; the Intel executive elaborated on this topic: "we're starting a number of internal programs to give them more assistance in targeting this performance profile because—relative to what they're accustomed to—(handhelds) are still relatively rare in terms of availability." Hallock and colleagues are diving in with a new strategy; game development studios are on the receiving end of pre-release hardware: "a lot of game devs tend to just target what they have on their desks or in their QA labs...so (we're) arming them with more handhelds as prototype devices. Getting them dev kits leading into Panther Lake."https://tpucdn.com/img/UuaaDdLw8ZluuFIo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UuaaDdLw8ZluuFIo.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ItR5556jgIUQ7ymS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ItR5556jgIUQ7ymS.jpg)

Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332568/intel-reveals-big-plans-for-panther-lake-arrow-lake-h-powered-handheld-gaming-pcs)

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[NextPowerUP]

Steam recently delisted a free game from its store, named PirateFi, suspecting that it may have contained malware. As such, the platform has requested customers who installed the game to do a full system scan utilizing a trusted antivirus software, even going so far as to recommend a full system wipe. Valve claims it is likely that malicious files were opened on systems where the game was installed and launched, necessitating such drastic measures. As noted by TechCrunch, the game had a total of 51 reviews on Steam, with an average rating of 9/10. SteamDB reveals that the game was installed by anywhere from 800 to 1500 people, which is to be expected considering that the game was launched on the 6th of February and was live for almost a week before Valve took action.

With the above facts in mind, if any of our esteemed readers had the misfortune of installing the aforementioned game, we would highly recommend performing a full system wipe.https://tpucdn.com/img/SYO8rWnOvar81LKz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SYO8rWnOvar81LKz.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332569/steam-removes-free-game-from-store-over-malware-concerns)

[NextPowerUP]

Retro tech lovers who have a knack for gaming handhelds will likely be rather pleased with Sugar Cubes' latest creation - the N97 Elite gaming handheld. As the name suggests, the handheld draws inspiration from the Nokia N97 of '09, and all of its sliding glory. The company has already started shipping out the device to customers, although it is China-only for the foreseeable future. Despite that, there is no denying that the N97 Elite handheld is an incredibly exciting looking gadget for those who miss the good old days of smartphones - that is, before the glass-slab trend took off.

At its core, the N97 Elite handheld packs a decent amount of computing horsepower. Powered by the Snapdragon 855 Plus - an SoC once found in Android flagships - paired with 12 GB of memory, the N97 Elite should be able to breeze through most emulation workloads. The compact handheld comes equipped with a 4.7-inch touch-enabled display, which slides out to reveal the controls. Speaking of which, the controls look pretty disappointing at first sight, although that would be hard to judge without trying the thing in real life. However, given the compact nature, the experience is unlikely to be a comfortable one, and the lack of an analog stick is understandable, but disappointing regardless. The system does have a built-in fan, which should help with sustained workloads.https://tpucdn.com/img/l3cYFzSj24QdvOUX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/l3cYFzSj24QdvOUX.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KKOnbfINljX5Zsqx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KKOnbfINljX5Zsqx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QUCWr97YbIlHn8Pc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QUCWr97YbIlHn8Pc.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

The notion of designing tailor-made AI-crunching chips is nothing new; several major organizations—with access to big coffers—are engaged in the formulation of proprietary hardware. A new DigiTimes Asia report suggests that DeepSeek is the latest company to jump on the in-house design bandwagon. The publication's insider network believes that the open-source large language model development house has: "initiated a major recruitment drive for semiconductor design talent, signaling potential plans to develop its proprietary processors." The recent news cycle has highlighted DeepSeek's deep reliance on an NVIDIA ecosystem, despite alternative options emerging (https://www.techpowerup.com/331763/reports-suggest-deepseek-running-inference-on-huawei-ascend-910c-ai-gpus) from local sources.

Industry watchdogs believe that DeepSeek has access to 10,000 of sanction-approved Team Green "Hopper" H800 AI chips, and (now banned) 10,000 H100 AI GPUs. Around late January, DeepSeek's Scale AI CEO—Alexandr Wang—claimed that the organization could utilize up to 50,000 H100 chips for model training purposes. This unsubstantiated declaration raised eyebrows; given current global political tensions. Press outlets have speculated that DeepSeek is in no rush to reveal its full deck of cards, but they appear to have a competitive volume of resources; when lined up against with Western competitors. The DigiTimes news article did not provide any detailed insight into the rumored in-house chip design. DeepSeek faces a major challenge; the Chinese semiconductor industry trails behind market leading regions. Will local foundries be able to provide an advanced enough node process for required purposes?https://tpucdn.com/img/H7BRklUBCNrHDS0u_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/H7BRklUBCNrHDS0u.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/aj9lh7S9CL6wSYTH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/aj9lh7S9CL6wSYTH.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Cross the bounds of time and join in my excitement as we take you back to the beginning of the Lies of P (https://www.liesofp.com/en-us) storyline. I am sure you'll agree that the long journey to bring you this news was well worth it! The first gameplay trailer for Lies of P: Overture was unveiled at the State of Play, filled with incredible revelations. This prequel is a DLC expansion to the original game.

This was a historic debut for us, and it was especially gratifying to share the cinematic moment with fans, veterans of Soulslike games and newcomers alike. As you might have guessed from the title, Lies of P: Overture takes you back in time to uncover the hidden stories of Krat. Do you remember the moment when you, as Geppetto's most ambitious masterwork, woke up in the middle of the great Puppet Frenzy, a massacre that devastated the entire city around you? Now, you will venture back in time to experience the harrowing journey that birthed that fateful moment. Through Lies of P: Overture, we aimed to fully refine, forge and complete the story as we originally envisioned it.https://tpucdn.com/img/uMac4yV2VFnb0GZH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/uMac4yV2VFnb0GZH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wBQWFsqLWIa2Bqhq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wBQWFsqLWIa2Bqhq.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Vr5OpbuHAzinmKzs_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Vr5OpbuHAzinmKzs.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

NDA-busting renders of the much-anticipated and rumored Nintendo Switch 2 console appeared online late last year—reports suggested that a member of the Xiahongshu forum was involved in this dramatic leak. The source seemingly had access to a 3D CAD model—possibly procured from a manufacturing partner. Industry insiders believed that top Nintendo brass were incensed by the pre-Christmas 2024 leaks. Around mid-January, an official unveiling of the next-gen gaming handheld arrived online (https://www.techpowerup.com/331196/nintendo-announces-switch-2-april-launch-event-and-delivers-first-look-video), courtesy of a relatively short teaser video. Early April public showcases are on the calendar; press outlets and regular punters will be participating in hands-on experiences (invite-only) at venues across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The flow of early 2025 Switch successor leaks have seemingly slowed down, but renewed activity on Reddit points to early samples emerging via black market outlets.

The aforementioned Xiahongshu forum member is reportedly considering a purchase of pre-release Switch 2 units—previous boasts have indicated that they already own one example. Screenshots of alleged interactions between the seller and potential client were uploaded to Chinese discussion boards, and then shared on the Nintendo Switch 2 Subreddit. The anonymous black market dealer reckons that stock will be available in the near future—claiming by "next week"—with an asking price of 290,000 RMB per package (~$39,780 USD). This steep demand—allegedly—grants early access to the core console tablet, Joy-Con controllers, and dock. Online community debates have produced several theories, regarding the leaker's motivations. Given their history of selling CAD models to accessory makers; this working relationship could develop into a—presumably more profitable—supply of actual working hardware.https://tpucdn.com/img/M8J5yGbPufQRt1sP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/M8J5yGbPufQRt1sP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/h5dAD4l2Bg9NBAwg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/h5dAD4l2Bg9NBAwg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/1YjLrPiMUA1XqrZT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1YjLrPiMUA1XqrZT.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics are excited to release Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, available today on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and GOG for $29.99. Developed and published by Aspyr, this new three-game collection features Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (https://www.techpowerup.com/331327/aspyr-saber-discuss-tomb-raider-the-angel-of-darkness-remastered), each remastered with improved visuals, modern control options, Photo Mode, classic cheat codes, trophies and achievements, and much more.

Aspyr (https://www.techpowerup.com/331327/aspyr-saber-discuss-tomb-raider-the-angel-of-darkness-remastered) has also released a new bundle, "Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered," featuring all three titles from the acclaimed Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft (Tomb Raider I + The "Unfinished Business" Expansion, Tomb Raider II + The "Gold Mask" Expansion, and Tomb Raider III + The "Lost Artifact" Expansion) plus everything included in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. Grab this six-game bundle deal today on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG for $54.99.https://tpucdn.com/img/3z6icDKKXO033g3h_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3z6icDKKXO033g3h.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Gamers are eagerly awaiting the launch of the RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT gaming GPUs from AMD, which are widely expected to offer commendable value, thanks to comparatively reasonable prices paired with perfectly admirable raw performance that trades blows with the GeForce RTX 5070 family from NVIDIA. Interestingly, a recently leaked retail box for a PowerColor Red Devil RX 9070 XT GPU has revealed a striking detail - the AIB card will boast a whopping 900-watt requirement for a PSU. This is an absurd number, considering that the ROG Astral RTX 5090 behemoth commands a 1000-watt PSU requirement. While some may deem the image to be fake, or perhaps a typo, AMD's Frank Azor has responded to the tweet, claiming that there will be "plenty" of RX 9070 XT cards with lower PSU requirements.

The packaging also confirms that the upcoming mid-range GPU from AMD will sport 64 CUs, which is hardly a surprise. The Red Devil 9070 XT GPU from PowerColor is a very high-end unit with a 3.0 GHz boost clock and 3x 8-pin power connectors for overclocking headroom, which explains the mammoth 900-watt PSU requirement. As pointed out by Redditors, the Red Devil 7900 XTX also featured a 900-watt PSU requirement, which is 100 watts more than what AMD officially recommends. According to VideoCardz, the PowerColor RX 9070 XT Reaper (reference card) carries a 750-watt PSU requirement, whereas the RX 9070 variant requires a 650-watt PSU. The official launch for the RDNA 4 cards is just around two weeks away, which is when we will finally know for sure.https://tpucdn.com/img/YKPOLCqtmlJKSMNV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YKPOLCqtmlJKSMNV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ecyMT0MBS8s4jQgN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ecyMT0MBS8s4jQgN.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6yMiBZAyVVXFKvxZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6yMiBZAyVVXFKvxZ.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

EK, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to introduce EK-Quantum Vector³, our latest line of high-performance water blocks designed to provide the ultimate liquid cooling solution for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 & RTX 5080 Series GPUs. Unmatched performance and cooling efficiency—the EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5090 & RTX 5080 water blocks deliver high-performance liquid cooling, premium aesthetics, and precision engineering, ensuring ultra-low temperatures and maximum performance.

Next-Gen Cooling for NVIDIA RTX 50 Series GPUs
The EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5090 & RTX 5080 water blocks maximize cooling efficiency with an improved structure, expanded fin array, and optimized coolant flow paths. These blocks actively cool the GPU core, VRAM, and power stages while passively cooling PCB hotspots through a custom backplate—ensuring optimal performance.https://tpucdn.com/img/OVQAlpdABjl1N6ez_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OVQAlpdABjl1N6ez.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Yf1zyX7PL9Wi8Fug_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Yf1zyX7PL9Wi8Fug.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wpW0vujbaoFI5fYk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wpW0vujbaoFI5fYk.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA today released the latest version of its GeForce Game Ready drivers. Version 572.47 WHQL comes with support for the new GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card that goes on sale from today. The drivers also add optimization for "Marvel's Rivals," including support for DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation. The update also addresses a driver stability issue when the PC wakes up its monitor from an extended sleep time.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 572.47 WHQL (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/nvidia-geforce-graphics-drivers/)https://tpucdn.com/img/CZQTFU3NKPME6Ter_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CZQTFU3NKPME6Ter.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wqZp8EVNmBHLXr87_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wqZp8EVNmBHLXr87.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

The European Commission today approved funding under the European Chips Act for the Infineon Technologies AG Smart Power Fab in Dresden. The official funding approval from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), which is responsible for the disbursement of EU Chips Act funding, is still pending and is expected within the next few months. Additionally, the Smart Power Fab is already receiving support under the European Commission's IPCEI ME/CT ("Important Project of Common European Interest on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies") innovation program. The total funding for the Dresden site amounts to around one billion euros. Construction began in March 2023 and is progressing successfully. The Fab opening is planned for 2026.

"This government-supported investment by Infineon strengthens the position of Dresden, Germany and Europe as a semiconductor hub and promotes a state-of-the-art innovation and production ecosystem for microelectronics," says Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon. "We are increasing semiconductor capacity in Europe and thus helping secure stable supply chains in automotive, security and industrial fields."https://tpucdn.com/img/itQ0yrpWqEcKt6ey_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/itQ0yrpWqEcKt6ey.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332830/infineon-secures-eur920m-eu-chips-act-funding-for-dresden-fab)

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[NextPowerUP]

Language proficiency is essential in today's globalized world, offering advantages in career growth, travel, and cultural connection. With Babbel's Lifetime Language Learning Subscription, you can gain fluency in 14 languages with a single purchase (https://stacksocial.com/sales/babbel-language-learning-lifetime-subscription-all-languages?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=babbel-language-learning-lifetime-subscription-all-languages&utm_term=scsf-614002&utm_content=a0xRn000003EUB1IAO&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er). For a limited time, use code LEARN40 to get lifetime access for just $129.99 (reg. $169.99)—a one-time payment for unlimited learning.

Babbel is a research-driven language learning platform developed by over 100 linguists and backed by academic studies from institutions like Yale University. Unlike other apps that focus on rote memorization, Babbel prioritizes real-world conversational skills, helping learners quickly apply new languages in practical settings.

Typically priced at $169.99, Babbel's Lifetime Subscription is now available for just $129.99 (https://stacksocial.com/sales/babbel-language-learning-lifetime-subscription-all-languages?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=babbel-language-learning-lifetime-subscription-all-languages&utm_term=scsf-614002&utm_content=a0xRn000003EUB1IAO&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) when you use code LEARN40 at checkout through February 23.https://tpucdn.com/img/S1Hjj1UOkZKcpwHO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/S1Hjj1UOkZKcpwHO.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/H0odyUSKmotZwFPh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/H0odyUSKmotZwFPh.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is unveiling its next generation of proprietary technologies for higher-performing optical interconnect in datacenters and AI clusters. With the exponential growth of AI computing needs, challenges arise in performance and energy efficiency across computing, memory, power supply, and the interconnections linking them. ST is helping hyperscalers, and the leading optical module provider, overcome those challenges with new silicon photonics (https://www.techpowerup.com/329651/nvidia-shows-future-ai-accelerator-design-silicon-photonics-and-dram-on-top-of-compute) and next-gen BiCMOS technologies, scheduled to ramp up from the second half of 2025 for 800 Gb/s and 1.6 Tb/s optical modules.

At the heart of interconnections in a datacenter are thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of optical transceivers. These devices convert optical into electrical signals and vice versa to allow data flow between graphics processing unit (GPU) computing resources, switches and storage. Inside these transceivers, ST's new, proprietary silicon photonics (SiPho) technology will bring customers the ability to integrate multiple complex components into one single chip, while ST's next-gen, proprietary BiCMOS technology brings ultra high-speed and low power optical connectivity, which are key to sustain the AI growth.https://tpucdn.com/img/TFhWzVuA6ZQ3ZKYK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TFhWzVuA6ZQ3ZKYK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Mb7XIHkFjojSSkpa_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Mb7XIHkFjojSSkpa.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, has released the QSW-3205-5T, an entry-level, full 10GbE unmanaged switch. With a compact desktop form factor and ultra-quiet cooling, the QSW-3205-5T provides five 10GbE RJ45 ports and automatic network optimization features such as Jumbo Frame and loop detection. Whether for small businesses, video production teams, or homes, the QSW-3205-5T allows users to quickly achieve smooth high-speed data transmission, quick file sharing, and multi-user collaboration and editing of 4K/8K video files.

"The QSW-3205-5T is a high-performance, cost-effective 10GbE switch that requires no complicated setup or additional investment. By using existing network cables, upgrading to a 10G network is as simple as replacing your switch," said Ronald Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "Users, such as offices or video studios, can connect the QSW-3205-5T to 10GbE NAS and multiple workstations to boost work and collaboration efficiency. It can also be paired with Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 routers, and APs to efficiently deploy high-speed wireless LAN."https://tpucdn.com/img/9B6eETXLyoIqyept_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9B6eETXLyoIqyept.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nnhhcomso6F0wBDX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nnhhcomso6F0wBDX.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/dP4FD2m91oOqAdqf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dP4FD2m91oOqAdqf.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332828/qnap-launches-the-qsw-3205-5t-entry-level-5-port-full-10gbe-multi-gigabit-switch)

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[NextPowerUP]

Alphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with the new Core graphics card water coolers for the Palit GeForce RTX 5080/5070Ti GamingPro (OC).

The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest NVIDIA GeForce RTX generation.https://tpucdn.com/img/VjfCENe9EWDRPRCV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VjfCENe9EWDRPRCV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/DQo13fCRPrmurCOR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DQo13fCRPrmurCOR.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YuW7NrMbYKivKI6S_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YuW7NrMbYKivKI6S.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ngIRLAkG8LZBPR58_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ngIRLAkG8LZBPR58.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332827/alphacool-launches-core-gpu-water-coolers-for-the-palit-geforce-rtx-5080-5070ti-gamingpro-oc)

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[NextPowerUP]

Today, Philips Monitors is launching its first-ever TCO Certified, generation 10 business monitor: the Philips 34B2U3600C, a 34" curved VA display with USB-C docking that combines high-performance technology with sustainable features.

The Philips 34B2U3600C is part of Philips Monitors' ongoing focus on sustainability, meeting global standards for environmental responsibility throughout the product lifecycle and responding to the growing demand for sustainable products. TCO Certified, generation 10 is a global sustainability certification for IT products covering environmental, social and circular economy criteria. Philips Monitors has also introduced a 5-year warranty, which applies to this monitor, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of electronics through product longevity.https://tpucdn.com/img/NdCjRvgVkO4R5PjW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NdCjRvgVkO4R5PjW.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/S8vKa4xWGJ0bCMvM_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/S8vKa4xWGJ0bCMvM.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/VhYYpSsdW4eNjKhf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VhYYpSsdW4eNjKhf.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/vOTcdUPkcpOdohOc_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/vOTcdUPkcpOdohOc.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/g8FRUkrHYntE1D5K_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/g8FRUkrHYntE1D5K.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332826/philips-monitors-announces-the-34b2u3600c-with-a-5-year-warranty-and-tco-certified-generation-10)

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[NextPowerUP]

Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), together with its subsidiaries ('the Group'), today announced Q3 results for fiscal year 2024/25, reporting significant increases in overall group revenue and profit. Revenue grew 20% year-on-year to US$18.8 billion, marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Net income more than doubled year-on-year to US$693 million (including a non-recurring income tax credit of US$282 million) on a Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) basis. The Group's diversified growth engines continue to accelerate, with non-PC revenue mix up more than four points year-on-year to 46%. The quarter's results were driven by the Group's focused hybrid-AI strategy, the turnaround of the Infrastructure Solutions Group, as well as double-digit growth for both the Intelligent Devices Group and Solutions and Services Group.

Lenovo continues to invest in R&D, with R&D expenses up nearly 14% year-on-year to US$621 million. At the recent global technology event CES 2025, Lenovo launched a series of innovative products, including the world's first rollable AI laptop, the world's first handheld gaming device that allows gamers free choice of Windows OS or Steam OS, as well as Moto AI - winning 185 industry awards for its portfolio of innovation.https://tpucdn.com/img/2GmjmqTrSqsqIYId_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2GmjmqTrSqsqIYId.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Kioxia Corporation and Sandisk Corporation have pioneered a state-of-the-art 3D flash memory technology, setting the industry benchmark with a 4.8 Gb/s NAND interface speed, superior power efficiency, and heightened density

Unveiled at ISSCC 2025, the new 3D flash memory innovation, together with the companies' revolutionary CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) technology, incorporates one of the latest interface standards, Toggle DDR6.0 for NAND flash memory, and leverages the SCA (Separate Command Address) protocol, a novel command address input method of its interface, and PI-LTT (Power Isolated Low-Tapped Termination) technology, which is instrumental in further reducing power consumption.https://tpucdn.com/img/Msc4yk386tv8rNCF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Msc4yk386tv8rNCF.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332824/kioxia-and-sandisk-unveil-next-generation-3d-flash-memory-technology-achieving-4-8gb-s-nand-interface-speed)

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[NextPowerUP]

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is excited to introduce the Pacific F-Pro Fitting - Chrome series and the Pacific PCTG Hard Tube series. Combining aesthetics with functionality, the F-Pro Fittings feature a sleek mirror-polished design, while the PCTG Hard Tubes provide high-temperature resistance. These new cooling components enhance durability and precision, making installation effortless and giving PC enthusiasts the freedom to create with confidence.

Pacific F-Pro Fitting - Chrome
The Pacific F-Pro Fitting Series stands out for its mirror-polished design, meticulously crafted to deliver a flawless, mirror-like finish. This treatment elevates the aesthetics of custom liquid cooling setups, offering a refined look. With six different fittings, this series provides a range of options, enabling you to build ideal liquid cooling systems for the ultimate performance and style.https://tpucdn.com/img/theA2UWtqkYs0eXm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/theA2UWtqkYs0eXm.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/hFvJsrKDxMWIlMIU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/hFvJsrKDxMWIlMIU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2exVsD72TfPmdhBu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2exVsD72TfPmdhBu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gCPYVC0RHPqxrrtf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gCPYVC0RHPqxrrtf.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332823/thermaltake-releases-the-pacific-f-pro-fittings-and-the-pacific-pctg-hard-tubes)

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[NextPowerUP]

MSI proudly announces the release of its first branded Google TV Smart Monitor - Modern MD272UPSW. The Smart Monitor supports Multi Control and KVM functions, making it a versatile choice for both entertainment and work. Equipped with 4K UHD resolution, IPS panel, and wide color gamut coverage of 94% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3, delivering vibrant and lifelike visuals. In addition, the monitor includes a USB Type-C port with 65 W Power Delivery and an ergonomic stand that tilts, swivels, rotates and is height adjustable for seamless connectivity and comfortable use while working.

The entertainment you love. With a little help from Google
No more jumping from app to app. Google TV brings together 400,000+ movies, TV episodes, and more from across your streaming services - organized in one place. Need inspiration? Get curated recommendations and use Google's powerful search to find shows across 10,000+ apps or to browse 800+ free live TV channels and thousands of free movies. Ask Google Assistant to find movies, stream apps, play music, and control the monitor - all with your voice. Simply press the Google Assistant button on the remote to get started.https://tpucdn.com/img/bsGXYEdxL7Z7hERg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bsGXYEdxL7Z7hERg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9tKx8krXX5m4Ljlz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9tKx8krXX5m4Ljlz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Pr6dPIriLoUQ6vyS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Pr6dPIriLoUQ6vyS.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/30YGUtWN7wFCkqjE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/30YGUtWN7wFCkqjE.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

This new generation of PCs, introduced in December 2023 with the Intel Core Ultra processor family, combines the power of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU) and neural processing unit (NPU) to elevate user productivity, creativity, gaming, entertainment, security and more.

Powerful hardware that delivers the performance needed for modern-day artificial intelligence (AI) workloads is only part of what makes a great PC an AI PC. The big opportunity for the PC industry is clear: develop new AI software and new user experiences that take advantage of this modern hardware. Finding fast, efficient ways to create new AI assistants that help with everyday tasks is the next frontier for making AI PCs deliver the best AI experience. At CES Las Vegas in January, Intel unveiled Intel AI Assistant Builder (code-named Project SuperBuilder). It's a fuss-free solution that enables computer makers and software vendors to create tailored AI assistants for any use case in minutes.https://tpucdn.com/img/qPc4O4yoM73QxEtQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qPc4O4yoM73QxEtQ.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332819/intels-new-ai-suite-helps-customers-create-ai-assistants-in-minutes)

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[NextPowerUP]

COUGAR, a global leader in PC cases, gaming furniture, peripherals, tech lifestyle and esports solutions, is excited to introduce the all-new Airface ECO RGB mid tower PC case with built-in eco-conscious cooling.

Sustainability is hardwired into the Airface ECO RGB's design ethos, ensuring cooling efficiency at reduced energy costs. At its heart is a forward-thinking venting system designed to maximize cooling while minimizing environmental impact. Its coned vents taper inward from a wide opening to funnel cooler air more efficiently. This innovative structure maintains lower internal temperatures, reducing the workload of powered cooling. Paired with dual 180 mm PWM fans, this design delivers exceptional airflow while keeping energy consumption to a minimum.https://tpucdn.com/img/57qmoRi31X5EudWK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/57qmoRi31X5EudWK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/tBApaUQ3mQiPFckQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/tBApaUQ3mQiPFckQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6VoNK1fqOu0fZRrb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6VoNK1fqOu0fZRrb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UJKK4Yc284lrKiMi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UJKK4Yc284lrKiMi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/vphwsR2tD41GsweZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/vphwsR2tD41GsweZ.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332818/cougar-introduces-the-airface-eco-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case)

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[NextPowerUP]

Yesterday, Nintendo's Hong Kong office announced the establishment of a new subsidiary company in Taiwan—specifically, in Taipei City. Their official statement mostly outlines upcoming improved service benefits for local customers. The House of Mario has relied on contracted partners to take care of smaller regional markets. Evidently, their Taiwanese audience has relied on a third party company for over a decade. An older subsidiary—Nintendo Phuten—was shuttered back in 2014 (https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/nintendo_is_shutting_down_its_taiwan_subsidiary). The successor is chaired by Hiroyuki Matsumoto (https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.nintendo_(hong_kong)_limited.574dfc43394cf3d4ff8ce23531fcd573.html)—on February 18, the new company representative delivered a message: "Thank you for your long-term support and love, I would like to express my sincere thanks. In order to further strengthen the business foundation in the Taiwan market and improve the service quality of customers, the company will establish a new local legal person 'Taiwan Nintendo Co., Ltd.' as one of the subsidiaries of Nintendo Co., Ltd. Starting from April 1, 2025, we will officially transfer our business in Taiwan to 'Taiwan Nintendo Co., Ltd.', and adhere to the business philosophy of Nintendo Group to continue to promote business development." As reported by Nintendo Life, the veteran video game house has made serious inroads in the region—Taiwanese fans were greeted by a larger than expected (current-gen) Switch console showcase at Taipei Game Show's 2024 edition.

On a surface level, Nintendo's reestablished operation in Taiwan seems to be a customer-focused initiative. Certain gaming news outlets have disclosed more elaborate theories (https://gameranx.com/updates/id/529302/article/nintendo-launches-new-subsidiary-in-taiwan-months-after-they-had-to-exit-china/); based on reported problematic market conditions in China. The Chinese Nintendo eShop will be phased out by mid-May 2026, likely in reaction to the government's introduction of new rules that: "limit the encouragement of spending in online games (https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-switch-eshop-closing-2026-in-china) and battle video game addiction among young people." Coincidentally, Shuntaro Furukawa (Nintendo's President) recently new announced "contingency plans"—with a manufacturing model that will become less reliant on Chinese factories. The company chief discussed revised strategies in an interview with Reuters: "Nintendo Switch is not only manufactured in China, but in places such as Vietnam and Cambodia as well. We are predicting various geopolitical risks and establishing ways to respond...While we anticipate a certain impact, the influence on this year's financial results is expected to be minimal. We will continue to observe the trends, and thoroughly consider how to respond."https://tpucdn.com/img/LYETvyAq47vOK96l_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LYETvyAq47vOK96l.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/H9eY4x4VDltTcwnb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/H9eY4x4VDltTcwnb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/opEfAfO0cpuDf13j_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/opEfAfO0cpuDf13j.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/NA2rMx8kMybrTsXJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NA2rMx8kMybrTsXJ.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Hello everyone, I'm Yonghe Wang—Creative Director at Pollard Studios, I am very excited to announce on behalf of my team and our publisher Wired Productions (https://wiredproductions.com/games/) that Karma: The Dark World (https://karmadarkworld.com/) will be launching on PC, PlayStation, XBOX, and Nintendo Switch on March 27. The game will also support PS5 Pro enhancements. To celebrate, we thought we would share a breakdown of how the team is making the most of the PS5 Pro features to enhance the games visuals and performance—and to share the second in a trilogy of trailers—showcasing some of the surreal environments and characters in the game hinting at their relationship to you - the player. Please Enjoy!

What Is Karma: The Dark World?
Karma: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller which takes place in a cassette future alternate timeline set after World War II. In our game, a company known as Leviathan obtained unfathomable technology that allowed them to wrestle Eastern Germany under their control, installing a regime that oppresses the citizens and places productivity and obedience as gospel.https://tpucdn.com/img/5Sh991lcTXDeXpNe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5Sh991lcTXDeXpNe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/leVUeQhLd4n8PUCJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/leVUeQhLd4n8PUCJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/mvoHx6lBZVWeoQUn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mvoHx6lBZVWeoQUn.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332802/karma-the-dark-world-launches-on-march-27-dev-team-explores-surreal-future-timeline)

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[NextPowerUP]

Loongson Technology has announced its next-generation 3B6600 processor—according to recent Chinese press reports, early details were disclosed in "investor relations activity" documentation. Their eight-core design is still in development, with the fabless company (allegedly) setting some lofty performance goals. According to a MyDrivers report (citing Fast Technology), the 3B6600 processor's single-core and multi-core "high level" performance is touted to match that of Core i5 and i7 offerings from Intel's 12th and 13th Generation portfolios. In the past, Loongson has compared its older products to Western equivalents. Last year, their 3A6000 chip design was mentioned in the same sentence as "AMD Zen 4 and Intel Raptor Lake (https://www.techpowerup.com/319040/loongson-3a6000-cpu-reportedly-matches-amd-zen-4-and-intel-raptor-lake-ipc)" processor families. Around November 2023, reports had it approximating Team Blue Core i3-10100 (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/core-i3-10100.c2206) "Comet Lake" CPU performance.

The next-gen 3B6600 CPU is supposedly using its predecessor (3A6000) as a springboard; MyDrivers believes that the same in-house LoongArch ISA design (fabricated on 12 nm/14 nm) will be revisited. The publication highlighted a significant area of optimization: "single-core performance of 3B6600 is expected to be in the world's leading ranks...Loongson 3B6600 will continue to use mature technology, and the architecture core will be upgraded to the new LA864. The same frequency performance is greatly improved by about 30%, compared with the Loongson 3A6000's LA664 architecture." Loongson engineers are reportedly targeting a maximum turboboost frequency of 3.0 GHz, but under normal operation the 3B6600 chip is predicted to offer a main frequency of 2.5 GHz. The new design will integrate a new "LG200 GPGPU" graphics computing core—additionally, supported standards include: DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 bus, and HDMI 2.1.https://tpucdn.com/img/iByGx1S6obm1xbwq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iByGx1S6obm1xbwq.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/jkkiCtZfRRSIOh4i_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jkkiCtZfRRSIOh4i.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/E18N9Ghvun9sbVfa_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/E18N9Ghvun9sbVfa.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332800/loongsons-next-gen-3b6600-cpu-reportedly-targeting-intel-12-13th-gen-level-performance)

[NextPowerUP]

Amazon announced that eero is expanding its Wi-Fi 7 portfolio to include eero 7, delivering multi-gigabit speeds at a more affordable price, and eero Pro 7, offering premium performance for bandwidth-demanding networks. Thanks to the company's TrueMesh, TrueRoam, and TrueChannel networking technologies, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, eero 7 and Pro 7 will improve overall wifi performance, reliability, and latency; and help keep customers connected even as network conditions become more complex and demanding.

"For ten years, eero has obsessed over delivering exceptional wifi because we know it is as important as our electricity and running water. Back in my apartment in San Francisco, our ambition was to deliver an experience that's easy to use, is so reliable you don't have to think about it, comes with world-class security, and is thoughtfully designed to blend into any environment," said Nick Weaver, CEO and co-founder of eero. "We've continued to innovate and have gone well beyond our first home mesh wifi system—there are tens of millions of eero devices that power homes and businesses across 24 countries. Today, I'm excited for the eero 7 and Pro 7 to join the Max 7 and Outdoor 7 and expand our Wi-Fi 7 portfolio to meet every internet need."https://tpucdn.com/img/17A3L6vqrtObgsex_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/17A3L6vqrtObgsex.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/DVMS2n9KNlsje57f_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DVMS2n9KNlsje57f.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Joa42JJjpIPC0hHR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Joa42JJjpIPC0hHR.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/b1mM2csRvyoBtusz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/b1mM2csRvyoBtusz.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332801/eero-celebrates-a-decade-of-innovation-with-all-new-wi-fi-7-products)

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[NextPowerUP]

In nearly every corner of our lives, the buzz about AI is impossible to ignore. It's destined to revolutionize how we work, learn, and play. For those of us immersed in the world of gaming—whether as players or creators—the question isn't just how AI will change the game, but how it will ignite new possibilities.

At Xbox, we're all about using AI to make things better (and more fun!) for players and game creators. We want to bring more games to more people around the world and always stay true to the creative vision and artistry of game developers. We believe generative AI can boost this creativity and open up new possibilities. We're excited to announce a generative AI breakthrough, published today in the journal Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08600-3) and announced by Microsoft Research (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/introducing-muse-our-first-generative-ai-model-designed-for-gameplay-ideation/), that shows this potential to open up new possibilities—including the opportunity to make older games accessible to future generations of players across new devices and in new ways.https://tpucdn.com/img/DDoM3ybdMlOrznr5_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DDoM3ybdMlOrznr5.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/RAxqaK0dwCB8BFSm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RAxqaK0dwCB8BFSm.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YpKsEs1THpEthsBv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YpKsEs1THpEthsBv.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332799/xbox-introduces-muse-a-generative-ai-model-for-gameplay)

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[NextPowerUP]

Investment bank Morgan Stanley has estimated (https://x.com/Jukanlosreve/status/1888196601967198545) that an astonishing 77% of all globally produced silicon wafers dedicated to AI accelerators will be consumed by none other than NVIDIA. Often, investment research by large investment banks like Morgan Stanley includes information from the semiconductor supply chain, which is constantly expanding to meet NVIDIA's demands. When looking at wafer volume for AI accelerators, it is estimated that in 2024, NVIDIA captured nearly 51% of wafer consumption for its chips, more than half of all demand. With NVIDIA's volume projected to grow to 77%, this represents more than a 50% year-over-year increase, which is incredible for a company of NVIDIA's size. Right now, NVIDIA is phasing out its H100 accelerators in favor of Blackwell 100/200 and the upcoming 300 series of GPUs paired with Grace CPUs.

NVIDIA is accelerating its product deployment timeline and investing a lot in its internal research and development. Morgan Stanley also projects (https://x.com/Jukanlosreve/status/1890347962804625866) that NVIDIA will invest almost $16 billion in its R&D budget, enough to endure four to five years of development cycles running three design teams sequentially and still delivering new products on an 18-24 month cadence. The scale of this efficiency and development rivals everyone else in the industry. With all this praise, NVIDIA's Q4 revenue report is coming in exactly a week on February 26, so we have to see what its CEO, Jensen Huang, will deliver and show some estimates for the coming months.https://tpucdn.com/img/Q9Zq2PL8E9i5UyDD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Q9Zq2PL8E9i5UyDD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/vpqsEIkAIFjv1ZSS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/vpqsEIkAIFjv1ZSS.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332798/nvidia-to-consume-77-of-silicon-wafers-dedicated-to-ai-accelerators-in-2025)

[NextPowerUP]

Last week, graphics card industry watchdogs alerted the wider hardware public to a registration of XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 custom design SKUs (https://www.techpowerup.com/332496/xfx-asrock-register-radeon-rx-9070-series-skus-in-south-korea) in South Korea. The recent leak points to an upcoming release of unannounced RDNA 4 -based SWIFT and QUICKSILVER models; XFX's official website does not list anything newer than its current Radeon RX 7000 series offerings. Based on a fresh momomo_us social media post (https://x.com/momomo_us/status/1892213086037393641), Amazon's South Korean branch has accidentally published product pages for Radeon RX 9070 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070.c4250) (non-XT) 16 GB SWIFT and QUICKSILVER cards. Related imagery and a single screenshot were preserved and then shared online; we are looking at very minimal black shroud and backplate designs.

TechPowerUp handled a similarly dark-tinted XFX demonstration sample (https://www.techpowerup.com/330969/xfx-radeon-rx-9070-series-graphics-cards-at-2025-international-ces) at CES 2025, but the latest leaked models do not visually match with this "premium black" preview unit. The Radeon RX 9070 QUICKSILVER's backplate appears to utilize the exact same backplate design, but its shroud's aesthetic setup is more elaborate (lots of angular surfaces). The CES "premium white" sample's overall shape and profile align with the leaked SWIFT model. XFX's black and white options were listed by a Canadian e-tailer (https://www.techpowerup.com/332447/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-9070-prices-leaked-by-canadian-retailer), a week ago. momomo_us's single screen capture points to alleged XFX Radeon RX 9070 SWIFT SKU clock speeds—apparently, its Amazon page was adorned with the following info points: 1400 MHz (base), 2210 MHz (game), and 2700 MHz (boost). As interpreted by VideoCardz, this is a factory-overclocked unit—PowerColor's Red Devil RX 9070 card shares the exact same clock settings (https://www.techpowerup.com/331151/uk-retailer-inadvertently-posts-radeon-rx-9070-xt-9070-gpu-specs).https://tpucdn.com/img/HqrmTgzYBieFX4eT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/HqrmTgzYBieFX4eT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gCrgo3bX6euNf6en_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gCrgo3bX6euNf6en.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EUsKAShQYRLBv5CN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EUsKAShQYRLBv5CN.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/3voTOOdN9DwHpa0a_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3voTOOdN9DwHpa0a.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332796/xfx-radeon-rx-9070-swift-quicksilver-imagery-leaked-in-south-korea)

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[NextPowerUP]

Welcome to the last week of February and this week we have a massive AAA release from a popular Capcom franchise that involves a lot of monsters in the wild. The rest of this week is a lot more low-key, with a rhythm platformer, a 2D scroller action ninja game, a co-op horror game, a retro collection which includes no less than 14 games and finally some greens and bunkers.

Monster Hunter Wilds (https://www.monsterhunter.com/) / This week's AAA release / Friday 28 February
Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit. The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds. Steam link (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2246340/Monster_Hunter_Wilds/)https://tpucdn.com/img/7dk9FQFHl8ETGjSo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7dk9FQFHl8ETGjSo.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/LeWtClhtA4uIy3Ie_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LeWtClhtA4uIy3Ie.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Ude01RRrKKliKvnL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Ude01RRrKKliKvnL.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/mxCtrnW4ZbVJQ5Bi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mxCtrnW4ZbVJQ5Bi.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332988/this-week-in-gaming-week-9)

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[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA's problems with its latest flagship RTX 50 series "Blackwell" GPUs continue. First, it was melting power cables (https://www.techpowerup.com/332334/unofficial-12v-2x6v-power-connector-melts-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090), then stability issues (https://www.techpowerup.com/332383/nvidia-investigating-reported-geforce-rtx-5090-5080-black-screen-stability-issues), and recently, the case of missing ROPs (https://www.techpowerup.com/332884/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-spotted-with-missing-rops-nvidia-confirms-the-issue-multiple-vendors-affected-rtx-5070-ti-too). Today, we got a confirmation that NVIDIA is investigating users experiencing significant stability problems, with reports of widespread black screen issues and system crashes since the launch of the dedicated 572 driver branch (https://www.techpowerup.com/332831/nvidia-releases-geforce-572-47-game-ready-drivers-with-support-for-rtx-5070-ti). Unlike owners of previous generation cards who can roll back to stable drivers, RTX 50 series users are particularly affected as no alternative drivers are available for their hardware. The problems span across the entire RTX 50 lineup, including the 5090, 5080, and newly announced 5070 Ti models. Users have reported issues ranging from display flickering to complete system failures, with some experiencing blue screen of death (BSOD) errors during normal operation.

The situation is especially problematic when using advanced features like DLSS 4 frame generation. NVIDIA staff member Manuel recently addressed these concerns on the GeForce Forums, confirming that the company is actively investigating the problems. Preliminary investigation suggests the issues might extend beyond driver software, potentially requiring VBIOS updates to resolve the stability problems fully. Some users have found temporary relief by reducing PCIe speeds below Gen 5 or lowering monitor refresh rates to 60 Hz, suggesting potential firmware-level compatibility issues. However, these workarounds are not guaranteed solutions for all affected users. The latest driver update (572.47), which added support for the RTX 5070 Ti, failed to address these critical stability issues, including only a single bug fix related to monitor wake-up from sleep mode. This has left many early adopters of the RTX 50 series frustrated with their premium hardware purchases.https://tpucdn.com/img/j6WF16XPOHNcVFWo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/j6WF16XPOHNcVFWo.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332944/nvidia-investigates-geforce-rtx-50-series-blackwell-black-screen-and-bsod-issues)

[NextPowerUP]

GoDeal24 is an international merchant of genuine, globally-valid software, out to solve the biggest problem of your IT infrastructure—keeping the software up to date within costs. Get Genuine Windows 11 Pro at just $13.55, and upgrade to the most powerful operating system that's ready for the AI PC of tomorrow. The most advanced productivity suite, Office 2021 Professional Plus, can be had at $35.74. Grab a combo of the two for $47.59. Check out great deals on other editions of Windows and Office, to save even more.

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[NextPowerUP]

TechPowerUp has discovered that there are NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards in retail circulation that come with too few render units, which lowers performance. Zotac's GeForce RTX 5090 Solid comes with fewer ROPs than it should—168 are enabled, instead of the 176 that are part of the RTX 5090 specifications (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5090.c4216). This loss of 8 ROPs has a small, but noticeable impact on performance. During recent testing, we noticed our Zotac RTX 5090 Solid sample underperformed slightly, falling behind even the NVIDIA RTX 5090 Founders Edition card. At the time we didn't pay attention to the ROP count that TechPowerUp GPU-Z was reporting, and instead spent time looking for other reasons, like clocks, power, cooling, etc.

Two days ago, one of our readers who goes by "Wuxi Gamer," posted this thread on the TechPowerUp Forums (https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/zotac-5090-solid-disabled-rops.332772/), reporting that his retail Zotac RTX 5090 Solid was showing fewer ROPs in GPU-Z than the RTX 5090 should have. The user tried everything from driver to software re-installs, to switching between the two video BIOSes the card comes with, all to no avail. What a coincidence that we had this card in our labs already, so we then dug out our sample. Lo and behold—our sample is missing ROPs, too! GPU-Z is able to read and report these units counts, in this case through NVIDIA's NVAPI driver interface. The 8 missing ROPs constitute a 4.54% loss in the GPU's raster hardware capability, and to illustrate what this means for performance, we've run a couple of tests.https://tpucdn.com/img/Znuul81qOMerLMtT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Znuul81qOMerLMtT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Ij960FLnjMIcqRcd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Ij960FLnjMIcqRcd.jpg)

Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332884/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-spotted-with-missing-rops-nvidia-confirms-the-issue-multiple-vendors-affected-rtx-5070-ti-too)

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[NextPowerUP]

Last month, Shuhei Yoshida announced his retirement from Sony Interactive Entertainment. His career at the company started back in 1986, and by 1993 he became involved with the corporation's nascent PlayStation division. The Japanese industry veteran has gone on a press appearance blitz over the past couple of weeks; many headlines have been generated by his candid musings. Most recently, Sacred Symbols+ (https://www.patreon.com/LastStandMedia/home) engaged in a conversation with Yoshida—their (paywalled) two-hour long podcast episode (#347) was made available to subscribers this week. The former PlayStation chief divulged that he pushed hard for the conversion of first-party titles from console origins to PC platforms, but his colleagues were reportedly reluctant to adopt this practice (at the time). Yoshida-san outlined the benefits: "releasing on PC does many things: it reaches a new audience who do not own consoles—especially in regions where consoles are not as popular. The idea is that those people may become fans of a particular franchise, and when a new game in that series comes out, they may be convinced to purchase a PlayStation." Sony started readjusting its exclusivity model a few years ago; greater ambitions (https://www.techpowerup.com/318206/sony-ceo-wants-playstation-ecosystem-to-expand-into-pc-ai-cloud-territories) were revealed in 2024.

He continued with this thought process: "it also adds additional income, because porting to PC is way cheaper than creating an original title...So, it's almost like printing money. And that helps us to invest in new titles now that the cost of games has increased." The ex-SIE boss believes that emerging markets are best served with releases on PC. Yoshida mentioned a huge (almost untapped) market—his ex-colleagues could do well, by targeting said region in the near future: "China is a huge PC game market...And China is a growing but very small console market. In order to reach the audience in countries like China then it's crucial to release on PC. So, I believe PC versions really reach a new audience." PC gamers have largely welcomed an improved flow of ported first-party titles, but Sony has absorbed feedback flak in early 2025; namely an underwhelming reception to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (https://www.techpowerup.com/331901/marvels-spider-man-2-pc-port-gets-underwhelming-reviews). In late January, Team Sony announced a revised PlayStation Network account policy (https://www.techpowerup.com/331796/playstation-network-sign-in-becomes-optional-in-game-content-incentives-added-for-pc-titles); backpedalling from a system that featured strict sign-in requirements.https://tpucdn.com/img/ciZXb2UcMitpc4yh_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ciZXb2UcMitpc4yh.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/apVht4RL3FJlz9q9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/apVht4RL3FJlz9q9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/c4B2PzQg0OumyXmZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/c4B2PzQg0OumyXmZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UbugVJok0uCnKnvm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UbugVJok0uCnKnvm.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332928/former-sony-exec-views-first-party-ps5-to-pc-porting-as-almost-like-printing-money)

[NextPowerUP]

You heard us the first time! The demo is playable RIGHT NOW (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/)! GO GO! Welcome to Kaso-Machi, where chaos goblins and crime mysteries await! For the first time EVER, you can get hands on with our colourful, sentient (of course, why wouldn't they be?!) mascots, get behind the wheel of your truck, and start discovering the mysteries that await you in Promise Mascot Agency! GO GO GO!

Delve into this open-world, genre-bending, creature collector, RPG. Be the boss, turn a profit, and collect the most chaotic roster of bizarre mascots. Severed pinky fingers run businesses? Sobbing Tofu! A Very Innocent Cat!? Oh my! Experience the star-studded cast FOR THE FIRST TIME! Featuring the dulcet tones of Takaya Kuroda (Yakuza's Kiryu Kazuma), Ayano Shibuya (Zelda Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom), and introducing Nobuyuki Hiyama (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask) as Captain Sign! So what are you waiting for? Mascots of every variety are waiting to be put on your books in this epic new 80-minute demo, now available as part of Steam Next Fest!https://tpucdn.com/img/7PgYwUEhES5Ox5Oi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7PgYwUEhES5Ox5Oi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yBea3Cey9skXhbYJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yBea3Cey9skXhbYJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZopZHPXYxxeicr1I_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZopZHPXYxxeicr1I.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/d3xkoJphE5c4OF1H_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/d3xkoJphE5c4OF1H.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332926/promise-mascot-agency-demo-available-now)

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[NextPowerUP]

On Wednesday (February 19), Apple announced the upcoming launch of its "budget-friendly" iPhone 16e (https://www.techpowerup.com/332793/apple-iphone-16e-launched-with-a18-soc-apple-intelligence-and-usd-599-price-tag) smartphone model. The Cupertino, California-based company has refreshed its entry level product tier—starting at $599—with modernized internals. Apple's new design houses an A18 chipset, as well as their much-discussed debut modem design. The C1 is a custom 5G part; fully developed in-house. Previously, modern iPhone product ranges have been fitted with Qualcomm 5G modems (https://www.techpowerup.com/313529/apple-and-qualcomm-renew-iphone-5g-modem-partnership). As expected, Apple contracted with TSMC for the production of A18 and C1 silicon—the A-type SoC is based on a 3 nm process node (TSMC N3E). Their proprietary modem baseband design utilizes 4 mm, while the receiver uses a 7 nm process—according to insiders.

Taiwan's Commercial Times reckons that TSMC will be the "biggest beneficiary" from the aforementioned agreement with Apple. Ctee TW's latest report cites industry analysis; soothsayers estimate annual shipments reaching roughly 22 million units annually. Additional whispers suggest that the C1 modem will turn up in non-iPhone devices—namely next-gen Watches and iPads, by next year. The report also mentions that upcoming Mac products are slated for C1 upgrades. Further leaks have linked project "Ganymede" to a "C2" custom 5G modem design—inside sources believe that a 3 nm TSMC process is on the cards. Another codename—"Prometheus"—was leaked by insiders; possibly referencing a future "C3" model.https://tpucdn.com/img/ANzPNCtDRTocXRqF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ANzPNCtDRTocXRqF.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Bss879WfJT1UqLeC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Bss879WfJT1UqLeC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PvW6jv5KMPOedWS7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PvW6jv5KMPOedWS7.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Atelier games have been around since the late '90s, with more than two dozen titles shipped in that time - but you're forgiven some unfamiliarity the series, as Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land (https://atelier.games/yumia/) will be the very first to arrive on Xbox. After playing through the first few hours of the game and speaking with producer Junzo Hosoi, it's becoming clear that the first Atelier title on Xbox isn't simply the latest in the series, it's the most ambitious entry yet.

"As a huge Xbox fan, I'm thrilled to finally bring the series to the system," Hosoi told me via email, "But when I look at the game as a whole, I don't describe Atelier Yumia as the next Atelier game. I describe it as a completely new JRPG series that has Atelier features." My preview session bore that out; players will find familiar RPG elements aplenty - strategic, real-time battles, crafting, exploration - but they come together in way that feels altogether different from others in the genre. The secret ingredient, if you will, lies in the super deep crafting system.https://tpucdn.com/img/ggbUlYuVEEXnK6Am_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ggbUlYuVEEXnK6Am.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8LlBmgpGIb8qSHpF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8LlBmgpGIb8qSHpF.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gAMJnFvW18Um5Vuq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gAMJnFvW18Um5Vuq.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6jHawSs8QLzuRGQ3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6jHawSs8QLzuRGQ3.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332922/atelier-yumias-feature-set-explored-koei-tecmo-opens-up-digital-pre-orders)

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[NextPowerUP]

An alleged AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9070-xt.c4229) graphics card has posted an overall score of 7931 points in a Furmark v2.5 OpenGL test session. Earlier today, Tomasz Gawroński shared a hastily prepared screenshot, accompanied by his observations: "I found an AMD (RDNA 4) Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU and Ryzen 9 9950X3D (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-9-9950x3d.c3993) CPU with hacked drivers (https://www.techpowerup.com/330859/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-benchmarked-in-3d-mark-time-spy-extreme-and-speed-way). Device ID (1002-7550) matches the recently leaked Geekbench entry (https://x.com/BenchLeaks/status/1892855330326847914). There are multiple benches with 9950X3D on Furmark. Scores are impressive: 41-48% higher than Radeon 7800 XT." VideoCardz believes that the Furmark leak points to the true potential of Team Red's upcoming Navi 48-based graphics cards. Recent Geekbench results—reportedly produced by Radeon RX 9070 XT and 9070 (non-XT) pre-release samples—have indicated underwhelming performance; closer to previous-gen mid-range (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7800-xt.c3839) levels.

The "hacked" Radeon RX 9070 XT sample's Furmark tally—of 7931—places it higher than previously perceived; when compared to Team Red's middle-to-high range portfolio of RDNA 3 offerings. VideoCardz posited that the leaked candidate's score: "puts it almost at the Radeon RX 7900 XTX (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7900-xtx.c3941)'s level, faster than the Radeon RX 7900 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7900-xt.c3912), RX 7900 GRE (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7900-gre.c4166), and over 50% higher than the 7800 XT. Based on rumors we heard this week, AMD is said to be claiming over ~40% higher performance at 4K (games) than the 7900 GRE, so this would be in line with these claims."https://tpucdn.com/img/Na7IdTE9NjFyH6PP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Na7IdTE9NjFyH6PP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/lLsdufRBty5FktGG_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lLsdufRBty5FktGG.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/bXJ0km6CUL8HHQti_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bXJ0km6CUL8HHQti.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qQe7geuZpNZy3vgi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qQe7geuZpNZy3vgi.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332921/radeon-rx-9070-xt-sample-reportedly-scores-7931-points-in-furmark-2-close-to-rx-7900-xtx-performance)

[NextPowerUP]

Mogadishu, 1993. Operation Gothic Serpent. What began as a routine mission to capture enemy lieutenants descended into chaos when two Black Hawks were shot down. U.S. forces found themselves trapped and outnumbered, fighting for survival in the heart of enemy territory. Now, you can experience the intensity of that fateful day firsthand.

Black Hawk Down is coming completely FREE on February 21! As a gesture of gratitude to all the Operators for all the support during the Open Beta, one of the most iconic military operations will be available to all for free (https://playdeltaforce.com). Squad up, stay sharp, and overcome! Remember...no one gets left behind! Delta Force is a definitive free-to-play modern team-based tactical shooter coming to PC, consoles, and mobile. As the latest installment of the classic series that has defined the genre for 25 years, Delta Force is back with four main game modes: large-scale multiplayer PVP—Warfare, next-gen extraction shooter—Hazard Operations, PVE mode—Raid, and classic PVE campaign mode—Black Hawk Down.https://tpucdn.com/img/hAYMsvIMPvmWykx8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/hAYMsvIMPvmWykx8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/g4CNUSQhGRMUmxVQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/g4CNUSQhGRMUmxVQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/E7eKATlgVxJe67av_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/E7eKATlgVxJe67av.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2XwF1RiezFna3WYK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2XwF1RiezFna3WYK.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332918/team-jade-announces-launch-of-delta-forces-black-hawk-down-co-op-campaign)

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[NextPowerUP]

Apple's unannounced M4 MacBook Air family is likely reaching market availability status at some point next month (https://www.techpowerup.com/332665/m4-macbook-air-likely-to-land-in-march-m5-macbook-pro-to-launch-before-ipad-pro). Last December, slimline notebook enthusiasts started hearing about an updated lineup; macOS's Sequoia 15.2 update reportedly referenced upcoming MacBook Air M4 13-inch and 15-inch models. An early sample unit—named "Mac16,12"—has participated in a Geekbench 6.4.0 (macOS AArch64) gauntlet; results appeared online yesterday. The alleged "MacBook Air 13" candidate posted an overall Metal score of 54,806 (https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/compute/3696772), and an overall OpenCL tally of 36,305 (https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/compute/3696620). The two separate Geekbench Browser entries confirm that the sampled device makes use of a 10-core M4 processor (https://www.techpowerup.com/332400/apple-macbook-air-m4-t8132-chip-identifier-leaked-online), with Cluster 1 containing four performance cores. Cluster 2 consists of six power efficiency-oriented cores. Base frequency is listed at 4.41 GHz; reportedly the highest recorded for an M4 SoC. Said chip accessed 24 GB of unified memory, during its macOS 15.2 (Build 24C2101)-based test session.

Notebookcheck and Wccftech compared the aforementioned data points with slightly older M4-equipped hardware, including a premium model. Both outlets observed a "measly" five percent performance difference. Elaborating on their findings, Notebookcheck stated: "as always, we would recommend taking early benchmark results with a healthy amount of skepticism for the time being. With that being said, the MacBook Air 13 benchmarked falls about 5% short of the median Geekbench OpenCL and Geekbench Metal results we achieved so far when benchmarking the M4 versions of Apple's Mac Mini and MacBook Pro 14." The rumored next-gen MacBook Air is expected to operate with a fan-less cooling system—press outlets reckon that the MacBook Pro's air-cooled operation puts it at a slight advantage (in benchmarks).https://tpucdn.com/img/DdcZ0rUzqidDEY0H_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DdcZ0rUzqidDEY0H.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/oNkEpGGJXeEqsauD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oNkEpGGJXeEqsauD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/TwX8zdGTrCxuFlsP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TwX8zdGTrCxuFlsP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6IPBu8KLwWhF7KmR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6IPBu8KLwWhF7KmR.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332916/apple-m4-macbook-air-gets-geekbenched-leaked-results-suggest-near-macbook-pro-level-performance)

[NextPowerUP]

Intel has updated its 18A node website with the message, "Intel 18A is now ready for customer projects with the tape outs beginning in the first half of 2025: contact us for more information." The contact hyperlink includes an email where future customers can direct their questions to Intel. Designed as a turnaround node for Intel, 18A carries industry-leading features like SRAM density scaling (https://www.techpowerup.com/332850/intel-18a-node-sram-density-on-par-with-tsmc-backside-power-delivery-a-big-bonus) comparable with TSMC's N2, 15% better performance per watt, and 30% better chip density vs. the Intel 3 process node used in Intel Xeon 6, as well as PowerVia backside-power delivery to increase transistor density.

Other features like RibbonFET are the first to replace FinFET transistors, making gate leakage a tighter control. Interestingly, Intel's first products to use the 18A node are client CPUs "Panther Lake" and "Clearwater Forest" Xeon CPUs for data centers. External Intel Foundry customers using the 18A node include Amazon's AWS, Microsoft for its internal silicon for Azure, and Broadcom exploring 18A-based designs. The process of gaining customers for advanced manufacturing is complex, as many existing Samsung/TSMC customers are not risking their capacity and contracts with established advanced silicon makers. However, if Intel's first few customers prove successful, many others could flock over to Intel's fabs as geopolitical tensions are questioning whether the current models of the semiconductor supply chain are feasible in the future. If US companies and startups decide to move with Intel for their chip manufacturing, Intel could experience a complete recovery.https://tpucdn.com/img/Z3SfYsz2ZO7tEB5q_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Z3SfYsz2ZO7tEB5q.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/332917/intel-18a-is-officially-ready-for-customer-projects)

[NextPowerUP]

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/graphics-cards/50-series/rtx-5070-family/)—built on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture—are out now, ready to power generative AI content creation and accelerate creative performance (https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/generative-ai-studio-ces-geforce-rtx-50-series). GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPUs feature fifth-generation Tensor Cores with support for FP4, doubling performance and reducing VRAM requirements to run generative AI models.

In addition, the GPU comes equipped with two ninth-generation encoders and a sixth-generation decoder that add support for the 4:2:2 pro-grade color format and increase encoding quality for HEVC and AV1. This combo accelerates video editing workflows, reducing export times by 8x compared with single encoder GPUs without 4:2:2 support like the GeForce RTX 3090 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-3090.c3622). The GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070-ti.c4243) GPU also includes 16G B of fast GDDR7 memory and 896 GB/sec of total memory bandwidth—a 78% increase over the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU.https://tpucdn.com/img/tPSriQ5rxXbE5BJ4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/tPSriQ5rxXbE5BJ4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/przxhcvdqzMq6PaC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/przxhcvdqzMq6PaC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/pVRr94T8vDgpFexx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pVRr94T8vDgpFexx.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332915/nvidia-recommends-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-gpu-to-ai-content-creators)

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[NextPowerUP]

Amazon Canada has listed two new XFX Magnetic Air Edition designs, within the last day or so—as discovered by the VideoCardz overwatch. Mid-way through last week, the first signs of these premium customized AMD RDNA 4 graphics cards appeared online (https://www.techpowerup.com/332447/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-9070-prices-leaked-by-canadian-retailer); courtesy of another Canadian leak. Within the same timeframe, XFX registered its "XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT QUICKSILVER Magnetic Air D6 16 GB (https://www.techpowerup.com/332496/xfx-asrock-register-radeon-rx-9070-series-skus-in-south-korea)" SKU at South Korea's National Radio Agency. Amazon.ca's two pre-order listings—likely prematurely published by accident—provide a first look at XFX's revised "Magnetic Air" modular fan system. The MERCURY Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Magnetic Air Black (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/xfx-mercury-rx-9070-xt-oc-magnetic-air-edition.b12119) and White Editions appear to sport plenty of loud RGB lighting zones—contrasting greatly, when compared to understated sibling designs (https://www.techpowerup.com/332796/xfx-radeon-rx-9070-swift-quicksilver-imagery-leaked-in-south-korea).

XFX's standard MERCURY Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Magnetic Air Edition seems to visually match with the manufacturer's "premium black" CES 2025 demonstration sample (https://www.techpowerup.com/330969/xfx-radeon-rx-9070-series-graphics-cards-at-2025-international-ces). TechPowerUp handled this powered-off unit at last month's trade event, alongside a "premium white" sample. Based on a leak—from two days ago (https://www.techpowerup.com/332796/xfx-radeon-rx-9070-swift-quicksilver-imagery-leaked-in-south-korea)—the pale candidate could be an XFX SWIFT model. Product and packaging imagery for Radeon RX 9070 (non-XT) SWIFT and QUICKSILVER emerged online, allegedly sourced from Amazon South Korea. Returning to XFX's highly-anticipated top-tier Magnetic Air options; price points of CAD$1438.03 (black) and CAD$1277.51 (white) are presently displayed on Amazon Canada. VideoCardz reckons that fluctuations (https://www.techpowerup.com/332447/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-9070-prices-leaked-by-canadian-retailer) will occur up until release day—both third-party listings (Fennec, Inc) mention the exact same release date: March 6. Base GPU clock speed is set at 1870 GHz, while the card's boost capability takes matters up to 3100 MHz—possibly aligning with numbers generated by an unnamed test sample (https://www.techpowerup.com/332514/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-gpu-specs-spotted-in-leaked-gpu-z-screenshot). An expected VRAM assignment—of 16 GB—is described by Amazon's Canuck branch. Three 8-pin power connectors are present in XFX's Magnetic Air product renders.https://tpucdn.com/img/lZgeEtdRfSCdYNM7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lZgeEtdRfSCdYNM7.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/x6ZhgK900GEQe9DV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/x6ZhgK900GEQe9DV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yRAlahyxOy7LteDK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yRAlahyxOy7LteDK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/3IC8vPeBxJ5tTSQn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3IC8vPeBxJ5tTSQn.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Numemory has introduced the NM101, a 64 Gb storage-class memory module that uses technology similar to Intel's now-discontinued Optane architecture. The device implements phase-change memory and crossbar technology in a 3D selector-only memory structure, matching Optane's 3200 MT/s transfer rate specification. The technical architecture diverges from Intel's implementation by using a single selector in its cross-point structure rather than the dual-selector approach of 3D XPoint memory. Operating at 1.2 V with an X8 bus width, the NM101 uses 3D stacking to achieve claimed performance metrics of 10x faster read/write speeds than NAND flash. Xincun Technology, which established the Numemory division in Wuhan in 2022, holds 273 patents related to the technology, including 60 international and 213 Chinese patents. The company's R&D team of 144 engineers has developed the architecture since 2019, three years before Intel ended its Optane program.

Production plans specify an initial manufacturing target of 10,000 units monthly by the end of 2025. Guao Technology has committed ¥10 billion to establish production facilities in Zhejiang province, with additional funding from the Anji county government. The NM101's operating temperature range spans 0-70°C, suitable for standard data center environments. While the device's specifications suggest the potential for data center deployment, specific IOPS and latency metrics remain unpublished. Initial production will serve domestic Chinese servers and storage manufacturers. The technology's viability in mass production remains to be demonstrated, particularly given the manufacturing challenges that contributed to Optane's market exit. The Chinese internal market is massive, so serving only domestic companies could be enough for Numemory at the beginning. If the company continues development, worldwide expansion could pick up where Optane stopped.https://tpucdn.com/img/WYr7GWtRLGpUxIqb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/WYr7GWtRLGpUxIqb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/vd99CRB5UKFGayER_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/vd99CRB5UKFGayER.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Just when you thought you'd seen everything, a Taobao seller has unleashed what might be the most over-engineered power connector solution yet: a 16-pin 12VHPWR power adapter complete with its own cooling fan and real-time monitoring display. Yes, you read that right—we're now actively cooling power connectors. The $30 adapter appears as manufacturers continue struggling with melting cable problems on NVIDIA's RTX 4090 series, despite the company's claims of resolving the issue. The adapter includes an LCD screen showing real-time temperature and power consumption readings, while its 180-degree design prevents sharp cable bends that are often blamed for connection problems. However, unlike more comprehensive solutions proposed by engineering experts, it doesn't address the fundamental issue of uneven power distribution across the connector's 12 power wires.

The adapter works with RTX 4090, 4080, and 4070 graphics cards. Still, it shouldn't be used with newer RTX 50 series cards, as the sales listing doesn't mention any GeForce RTX 50 series compatibility, and the latest "Blackwell" GPU design uses an updated 12V-2x6 power connector, which still appears riddled with issues. While adding a fan to a power connector may seem excessive, an intriguing possibility is that we may soon find water-cooler power connectors for the newer 12V-2x6, so users can prevent their $2000 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPUs from melting their power connectors. Irony aside, power delivery safety is a growing concern, and no clear resolution exists. NVIDIA has reassured users in the past (https://www.techpowerup.com/331432/nvidia-claims-16-pin-power-connector-issues-are-over-no-more-melting) that these problems are now solved, but the issues are piling up (https://www.techpowerup.com/332334/unofficial-12v-2x6v-power-connector-melts-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090) as more users get ahold of their RTX 5090 GPUs.https://tpucdn.com/img/mn6z1KzvJr1zPGBq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mn6z1KzvJr1zPGBq.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nLEKCpMcDMQC6c29_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nLEKCpMcDMQC6c29.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/v4RcnBNKE358zkgK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/v4RcnBNKE358zkgK.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/SPopHqUdx5YRQkxo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SPopHqUdx5YRQkxo.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

We're proud to reveal Chip 'n' Clawz vs. The Brainioids, a new action-packed strategy game that combines thrilling third-person action with the strategic depth of real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay - all set in a colorful, comic book-style world brimming with a unique cast of characters. Whether strategizing in battle or diving into the action firsthand, you will find a uniquely engaging and heroic adventure that keeps you coming back for more.

PLAY THE DEMO
As part of Steam Next Fest: February Edition from February 24 to March 3, the first-ever demo of Chip 'n' Clawz vs. The Brainioids will be available (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1332430/Chip_n_Clawz_vs_The_Brainioids/) for you to experience this exciting heroic action RTS adventure before it launches on PC, Xbox and PlayStation this spring with cross-platform play support at launch. The demo will give you plenty of Chip 'n' Clawz action to dive into, as it'll feature online and local campaign co-op and PvP multiplayer support, four Mission levels, two Challenge levels, two PvP maps, and plenty of weapons, mods, collectibles and base building options! If you want to join the Chip 'n' Clawz community and find fellow Earthlings to adventure with or challenge in PvP, join the official Chip 'n' Clawz Discord (https://discord.com/invite/2DEGRggKA2)!https://tpucdn.com/img/IMqhn6dFTNApr5yi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/IMqhn6dFTNApr5yi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yO15y0LmeuA1qaVv_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yO15y0LmeuA1qaVv.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/MeWHMwvZVCglwAWd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/MeWHMwvZVCglwAWd.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332907/arc-snapshot-games-unveil-chip-n-clawz-vs-the-brainioids-masterminded-by-x-com-creator)

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[NextPowerUP]

Over the past three weeks, press outlets and the buying public have levelled heavy criticism at NVIDIA board partners. The launches of three GeForce RTX 50-series "Blackwell" GPUs have—so far—been problematic; based on news reports and community feedback. Prior to release (on February 20), VideoCardz anticipated major price fluctuations for an all-custom portfolio of GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070-ti.c4243) graphics cards. The publication did not hold back with its targeting of ASUS (https://www.techpowerup.com/332735/accusations-directed-at-asus-over-anticipated-prime-rtx-5070-ti-series-price-manipulation); one of Team Green's big time AIBs. Only a small selection of baseline MSRP ($749) conformant models were available on day one, and VideoCardz posited that manufacturers would implement price hikes soon after launch. A follow-up report (https://videocardz.com/newz/geforce-rtx-5070-ti-launch-shows-very-few-msrp-models-and-fake-promotions) continues their investigation into a lack of baseline MSRP options (https://www.techpowerup.com/332554/multiple-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-models-listed-in-europe-us-two-baseline-msrp-skus-spotted), as well as so-called "fake promotions."

VideoCardz repeated its belief that ASUS will jack-up the asking price for its PRIME GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/asus-prime-rtx-5070-ti.b12082) model. When looking at Newegg's listing of baseline MSRP cards, the intrepid investigator stumbled up another notable absence: "we wrote three articles about the ASUS RTX 5070 Ti PRIME model not being listed as an MSRP card by retailers, which finally led ASUS to intervene (most likely for a limited time) to sell this card at the promised price. What we can immediately notice is the lack of the VENTUS 3X model from MSI, which was basically 90% of the MSRP card review coverage yesterday, as NVIDIA had no Founders Edition card for this launch and relied on board partners. In fact, the VENTUS 3X non-OC (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/msi-rtx-5070-ti-ventus-3x.b12201) is not even included in the official launch, meaning that the card you saw yesterday in reviews is simply not available anywhere." It should be noted that TechPowerUp received an MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X OC (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/msi-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-ventus-3x/) sample unit for evaluation purposes (review guide pricing was $749); Newegg lists this particular model with a current $829.99 price point (https://www.newegg.com/msi-rtx-5070-ti-16g-ventus-3x-oc-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-16gb-gddr7/p/N82E16814137933?Item=N82E16814137933), but stock is unavailable (at the time of writing).https://tpucdn.com/img/R8vPv8v6yuloPSpO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/R8vPv8v6yuloPSpO.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2wWPYFaukjMqEKWt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2wWPYFaukjMqEKWt.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/olw3MOtpsIfTMdzn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/olw3MOtpsIfTMdzn.jpg)

Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332904/msi-rtx-5070-ti-ventus-3x-not-included-in-launch-lineup-msrp-models-reportedly-still-in-short-supply)

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[NextPowerUP]

On March 4, Grand Theft Auto V (https://store.rockstargames.com/game/buy-gta-v) on PC is getting a free upgrade with sought-after features previously only available in the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online—including all the latest vehicles and performance upgrades available at Hao's Special Works, animal encounters, and access to purchase a GTA+ Membership—along with improved graphics options, faster loading times, and more. All players who currently own GTAV on PC will be able to upgrade to this new version for free, with the ability to migrate your Story Mode and Online progress.

New Features on PC
Once upgraded, current PC players—along with anyone playing the game for the first time—will have access to a full suite of much-requested GTA Online upgrades previously only available on the latest consoles. This upgraded version of GTA V on PC also features all of our recent player experience improvements for GTA Online, including kernel-based anti-cheat protections (https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/33490543992467/Grand-Theft-Auto-Online-BattlEye-FAQ) and proactive voice chat moderation (https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/23726364500755/Voice-Chat-Moderation-in-GTA-Online-FAQ) to help keep GTA Online fun for everyone.https://tpucdn.com/img/qiQCYGVopSQyHmzL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qiQCYGVopSQyHmzL.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/N1cyUFAdlG1JfBrQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/N1cyUFAdlG1JfBrQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/6pI0stT2b5uVN4L7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6pI0stT2b5uVN4L7.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/332903/rockstar-reveals-free-upgrade-for-grand-theft-auto-v-pc-version-coming-march-4)

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[NextPowerUP]

VideoCardz (https://videocardz.com/newz/final-specifications-of-amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-and-rx-9070-gpus-leaked) obtained AMD Radeon RX 9070 series specifications, which appear to be the official final configurations of the upcoming RDNA 4 GPUs. As we previously expected, the lineup consists of two models based on the Navi 48 GPU, which integrates 53.9 billion transistors on a 357 mm² die using a 4 nm (N5) process from TSMC. Both the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 utilize identical memory configurations: 16 GB of GDDR6 memory running at 20 Gbps across a 256-bit bus, delivering 640 GB/s bandwidth. Each card implements 64 MB of 3rd Generation Infinity Cache and supports PCIe 5.0 x16 interface standards. The RX 9070 XT features 64 RDNA 4 Compute Units, equating to 4096 Stream Processors, 64 Ray Accelerators, and 128 AI Accelerators. It operates at a 2400 MHz game clock and 2970 MHz boost clock, providing 48.7 TFLOPS of single-precision FP32 compute performance.

Power requirements include a 304 W TBP (https://www.techpowerup.com/332891/amd-radeon-rx-9070-xt-is-a-304-w-tbp-card-regular-rx-9070-comes-with-220-w-configuration) and a recommended 750 W power supply. The standard RX 9070 reduces specifications to 56 Compute Units (3584 Stream Processors), 56 Ray Accelerators, and 112 AI Accelerators. Clock speeds decrease to 2070 MHz game clock and 2540 MHz boost clock, with correspondingly lower power requirements of 220 W TBP and a recommended 650 W power supply. Since both SKUs use the same Navi 48 die, the separation between them is likely better binning for the XT version, and lower bins end up for the non-XT version. Both models support HDMI 2.1b and DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR13.5 outputs. AMD has confirmed the cards will launch exclusively through board partners with no reference designs planned and that the official unveiling will be in March. Earlier rumors have suggested a $699 price tag for the Radeon RX 9070 XT SKU, putting its expected price/performance near NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. AMD notes that 85% of gamers buy cards below $700, which the RDNA 4 series will focus on.https://tpucdn.com/img/Ten4QXbJLbGG6B7m_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Ten4QXbJLbGG6B7m.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Anyone who's ever worked an office job has probably used or encountered Microsoft's Excel app. The spreadsheet tool is handy, but it's not necessarily easy to navigate—in fact, you may have even nearly pulled your hair out trying to figure out how to manipulate Excel functions.

Instead of struggling with using spreadsheets and wasting precious time, learn how to use Excel (https://stacksocial.com/sales/the-complete-microsoft-excel-training-bundle?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=the-complete-microsoft-excel-training-bundle&utm_term=scsf-614482&utm_content=a0xRn000003HnFVIA0&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) with these e-learning courses. You could just become an Excel master—and Google Sheets, too—once you learn these tips and tricks. Grab lifetime access while it's available for only $34.99 (reg. $140).

Want to become proficient in Excel? Grab this seven course Excel training bundle (https://stacksocial.com/sales/the-complete-microsoft-excel-training-bundle?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=the-complete-microsoft-excel-training-bundle&utm_term=scsf-614482&utm_content=a0xRn000003HnFVIA0&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) for just $34.99 while supplies last.https://tpucdn.com/img/oAo46HpzfFQVRbza_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oAo46HpzfFQVRbza.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333077/quit-struggling-with-functions-on-excel-with-this-training-bundle)

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[NextPowerUP]

The Polish industrial memory manufacturer will once again be showcasing its product range at Embedded World, which takes place in Nuremberg, Germany, from 11 to 13 March. The company will be showcasing its latest solutions for industrial, defense, data center and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Goodram Industrial offers DRAM modules, SSDs and Flash memory for use in demanding industrial environments. Manufacturing in Poland, full memory testing and an in-house R&D department underpin product quality. Goodram Industrial memory is characterized by reliability, long life and resistance to extreme operating conditions. The range includes customized solutions for automation, robotics, transportation, medical, security systems, energy and telecommunications.

This year's launches include DDR5 CUDIMM/CSODIMM memory modules. These offer not only high capacity but also increased speed and stability of operation. Another interesting innovation is a microSD card with pSLC-Boost technology, which offers up to 100,000 program/erase cycles, far exceeding the standard parameters.https://tpucdn.com/img/eauBMrTiucPkEP46_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eauBMrTiucPkEP46.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/WNHqMcuvnccg5Pw9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/WNHqMcuvnccg5Pw9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/B5GHXorgLKhh5Svo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/B5GHXorgLKhh5Svo.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333170/goodram-industrial-to-showcase-latest-memory-solutions-at-embedded-world)

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[NextPowerUP]

KONAMI (https://www.konami.com/en/), a legendary name in the gaming industry, sought a partner who could breathe new life into one of its most iconic franchises—SILENT HILL (https://www.konami.com/games/silenthill/us/en/). Bloober Team (https://www.blooberteam.com/) was selected for their expertise in horror and atmospheric storytelling, and in 2021, both companies signed a partnership agreement. In October 2022, during the official SILENT HILL Transmission livestream, it was announced that Bloober Team was working on a remake of SILENT HILL 2 (https://www.konami.com/games/silenthill/2r/us/en/), widely regarded as one of the best psychological horror games in history.

The success of the remake proved that Bloober Team had perfectly captured the atmosphere and depth of the original while introducing crucial innovations. The game was well-received by players, earning an 86/100 rating on Metacritic and an 88/100 on OpenCritic, along with numerous awards, including Game of the Year 2024 from IGN Japan and Best Horror Game of the Year from the IGN Community Awards.https://tpucdn.com/img/6lkAO6M8mT2GlhP0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6lkAO6M8mT2GlhP0.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/LPrFWGr3TU6e8fO5_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LPrFWGr3TU6e8fO5.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8OK3DqDm5N1MdZqi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8OK3DqDm5N1MdZqi.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333168/bloober-team-and-konami-extend-collaboration)

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[NextPowerUP]

Framework has finally introduced its next-generation Framework Laptop 13, now powered by the extremely potent Ryzen AI 300 "Strix Point" APUs (https://frame.work/products/laptop13-diy-amd-ai300/configuration/new). The product is already available for pre-order on Framework's website, with prices starting from $899 for the Do-It-Yourself variant, and $1,099 for the fully assembled variant (https://frame.work/products/laptop13-amd-ai300/configuration/new). From the outside, the design of the product has been left mostly unchanged, which may appear somewhat disappointing at first, although an unaltered design likely indicates compatibility of components between the two laptops, which is undoubtedly one of the primary selling points for the Framework Laptop.

As mentioned, the biggest upgrade that the new Framework Laptop (https://frame.work/laptop13) brings to the table is the new selection of processors, with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU sitting at the highest-end. Unsurprisingly, the Strix Point APUs allow for excellent performance improvements to both CPU and GPU side of things. With 12 cores (4 Zen 5 + 4 Zen 5c) and 24 threads, the highest-end Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU performs admirably well in benchmarks as well as real-life workloads. The Radeon 890M iGPU is among the fastest available on the market, trading blows with the Arc 140T iGPU in synthetic benchmarks. Of course, the 50 TOPS NPU allows for CoPilot functionality, for those who care. The Windows variant ships with a dedicated CoPilot key as well, while the DIY variant does not.https://tpucdn.com/img/B362srIZaCQXaIw8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/B362srIZaCQXaIw8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZZDGjj7ZoVRU35eM_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZZDGjj7ZoVRU35eM.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333164/strix-point-powered-framework-laptop-13-introduced-with-prices-starting-from-usd-899)

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[NextPowerUP]

Baya Systems, a leader in system IP technology that empowers the acceleration of intelligent compute, and Semidynamics, a provider of fully customizable high-bandwidth and high-performance RISC-V processor IP, today announced a collaboration to boost innovation in development of hyper-efficient, next-generation platforms for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.

The collaboration integrates Semidynamics' family of 64-bit RISC-V processor IP cores, known for their exceptional memory bandwidth and configurability, with Baya Systems' innovative WeaveIP Network on Chip (NoC) system IP. WeaveIP is engineered for ultra-efficient, high-bandwidth, and low-latency data transport, crucial for the demands of modern workloads. Complementing this is Baya Systems' software-driven WeaverPro platform, which enables rapid system-level optimization, ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) are met based on real-world workloads while providing unparalleled design flexibility for future advancements.https://tpucdn.com/img/o7QESbegEL1B54hV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/o7QESbegEL1B54hV.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333167/baya-systems-and-semidynamics-collaborate-to-accelerate-risc-v-system-on-chip-development)

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[NextPowerUP]

TechPowerUp today released the latest version of TechPowerUp GPU-Z, the handy graphics sub-system information, monitoring, and diagnostics utility. Version 2.64.0 comes with support for the upcoming GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card. Support is improved for the upcoming Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. Among the issues fixed are incorrect TMU/ROP/shader counts displayed for Intel Arc B570; and when a message pops up "This service has been marked for deletion" comes up, a hint has been added which says that restarting the machine solves the problem. GPU-Z no longer checks for PhysX acceleration on non-NVIDIA GPUs, which should speed up startup.

We have an update relevant to the recent Blackwell missing ROPs controversy (https://www.techpowerup.com/332884/nvidia-geforce-rtx-50-cards-spoted-with-missing-rops-nvidia-confirms-the-issue-multiple-vendors-affected). On machines with no NVIDIA graphics drivers installed, and an RTX 50-series GPU such as the RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, RTX 5080, or RTX 5070 Ti installed, the ROP count is now shown as "unknown." NVIDIA drivers need to be installed for GPU-Z to read the actual ROP count of the card. This is important, because without drivers, previously, GPU-Z displayed a fallback hardcoded value for ROPs (reference spec), so we changed that to list "unknown" instead, to avoid causing confusion.

DOWNLOAD: TechPowerUp GPU-Z 2.64.0 (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/techpowerup-gpu-z/)https://tpucdn.com/img/5rhDDoq9u2NmcLLd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5rhDDoq9u2NmcLLd.jpg)
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AMD is launching new Socket AM4 processor SKUs well into 2025, eight years into the platform's lifecycle. The company just launched six new processor models under the Ryzen 5005G series. These span the Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, and Ryzen 3 tiers, and are all desktop APUs based on the 7 nm "Cezanne" monolithic silicon that combines up to 8 "Zen 3" CPU cores with an iGPU based on the "Vega" graphics architecture, featuring up to 8 compute units (CU). There's nothing [much] to report about the 5005G series, except that they are iGPU speed bumps of existing SKUs. These are not meant to be confused with the 5000GT series, which were CPU speed-bumps of the chips AMD launched in 2024.

Among the six new SKUs, the top-spec part is the Ryzen 7 5705G, which maxes out the silicon, enabling the full 8-core/16-thread "Zen 3" CPU with 512 KB of L2 cache per core and 16 MB of shared L3 cache; and the iGPU with all 8 CUs. This chip comes with CPU clock speeds of 3.80 GHz base with 4.60 GHz boost, with 2.20 GHz max engine clock for the iGPU. The CPU clock speeds are unchanged compared to the Ryzen 7 5700G, but the iGPU gets a 10% increase in max engine clock. The Ryzen 7 5705GE is an energy efficient variant with 3.20 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost for the CPU to achieve a 35 W TDP, but the iGPU engine clock gets the same 200 MHz speed bump.https://tpucdn.com/img/645DTEEXMM4CjrNR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/645DTEEXMM4CjrNR.jpg)
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Late last week, we reported that NVIDIA is investigating (https://www.techpowerup.com/332944/nvidia-investigates-geforce-rtx-50-series-blackwell-black-screen-and-bsod-issues) a software-level bug with certain GeForce RTX 50-series "Blackwell" graphics cards exhibiting black screen and BSOD errors. The black screens appear at random, there's no set way to reproduce to cause for the bug. The display head goes black, and sometimes the OS could even run into a bluescreen of death (BSOD) halt. NVIDIA earlier this week released a video BIOS update through its add-in card (AIC) partners, which should be distributed in the support sections of the brand websites. For those without such a VBIOS update, NVIDIA says that later this week, the company will release a GeForce Game Ready driver update that applies the same VBIOS update.https://tpucdn.com/img/92ftXlKv95rkjgLk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/92ftXlKv95rkjgLk.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA is preparing a late-March 2025 launch of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti following its early-March RTX 5070 launch (https://www.techpowerup.com/333131/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-reviews-reportedly-due-for-publication-on-march-4). The card will reportedly come with 16 GB and 8 GB memory variants, much like its predecessor, the RTX 4060 Ti, with the 16 GB variant launching late-March, and the 8 GB variant in April. A Wccftech report sheds light on a few interesting specs of the RTX 5060 Ti. Apparently, the card comes with a total graphics power (TGP) of 180 W, which should make it possible for partners to sell cards with single 8-pin PCIe power connectors. NVIDIA is looking to target the $400 to $500 price segment with the RTX 5060 Ti series, but a lot will depend on how AMD addresses this space with its lean new "Navi 48" silicon that could probably be cut down to create SKUs that square off against the RTX 5060 Ti.

The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, much like the RTX 4060 Ti, will come with a 128-bit wide memory bus, however, NVIDIA will give the GPU a massive upgrade in bandwidth with 28 Gbps GDDR7, giving it 448 GB/s of memory bandwidth, which is a 55% increase over the 288 GB/s that the RTX 4060 Ti has. The GB205 (or GB206?) GPU that the RTX 5060 Ti is based on could implement PCI-Express 5.0, which means that should NVIDIA opt for an 8-lane PCIe host interface to save board costs, the GPU could still enjoy bandwidth comparable to PCI-Express 4.0 x16 on systems with Gen 5 PCIe.https://tpucdn.com/img/es2t9O6zpXq4wVnC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/es2t9O6zpXq4wVnC.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Samsung aims to create 1,000-layer NAND by 2030 relying on its new "multi-BV" NAND design. The Bell (https://www.thebell.co.kr/free/Content/ArticleView.asp?key=202502241108375560107127) reports that this plan involves stacking four wafers to overcome structural limits. Wafer bonding technology plays a crucial role in this progress and Samsung intends to use it to break the 1,000-layer barrier. Samsung Electronics DS division CTO, Song Jae-hyuk, pointed out that wafer bonding allows separate production of peripheral and cell wafers before joining them into one semiconductor. The Bell says this technology will likely appear first in Samsung's 10th-gen NAND (V10), while industry experts think a single wafer can hold about 500 NAND layers when implementing only cell structures. In the past, Samsung has used the COP (Cell on Peripheral) technique, a method that places the peripheral circuit on one wafer, with NAND cells stacked on top. However, as NAND layers grow, the lower peripheral parts face more pressure potentially affecting reliability.

Samsung's plan involves working with China's YMTC (https://www.techpowerup.com/331816/ymtc-starts-shipping-5th-generation-nand-flash-with-294-layers), which should offer a hybrid bonding patent for V10 NAND. ZDNet (https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20250213202429) reports that the South Korean tech company will start making its V10 NAND in large quantities in the second half of 2025, with about 420-430 layers. Besides wafer bonding, Samsung adds other technologies to its NAND plan. The Bell points out that cold etching using molybdenum, and other new ideas will start with 400-layer NAND and play a key part in growing to 1,000 layers. Samsung isn't alone in trying to create ultra-high-layer NAND products. Japan's Kioxia also wants to reach this goal through its "multi-stack CBA" (CMOS Bonded to Array) technology. The company's plan is even bolder hoping to sell 1,000-layer (https://www.techpowerup.com/323940/kioxia-optimistic-about-introducing-1000-layer-3d-nand-by-2027) 3D NAND by 2027.https://tpucdn.com/img/ubDZS7BvpEy1YxkW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ubDZS7BvpEy1YxkW.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

In today's fast-paced office environment, efficiency and productivity are key. Shuttle's latest innovation, the XPC nano Barebone NA10H7, is a compact yet powerful AI-PC that enhances everyday office operations with intelligent computing and seamless multitasking.

Smart Performance in a Compact Form
Measuring just 1 liter in volume, the NA10H7 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7-8845HS APU with Zen 4 microarchitecture. With 8 cores, 16 threads, and integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics, this AI-enhanced system accelerates workloads and optimizes daily office tasks. Additionally, it features an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that delivers 16 TOPS AI performance, contributing to a total AI acceleration of 39 TOPS (NPU+CPU+GPU combined). This makes the NA10H7 particularly adept at handling AI-driven workloads such as intelligent automation and predictive analytics.https://tpucdn.com/img/jzeCuLzOdVa43Hwx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jzeCuLzOdVa43Hwx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/chc5cOQwAWwBrl4h_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/chc5cOQwAWwBrl4h.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/RAw2u583JQEzk9J6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RAw2u583JQEzk9J6.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/GWuFDfyCQ9PT13bj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GWuFDfyCQ9PT13bj.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Western Digital (Nasdaq: WDC) announced the successful completion of the planned separation of the company's Flash business. Earlier this month, Western Digital held its Investor Day event where the company shared its vision, strategy and plan to enable its customers to unleash the power and value of data. Looking ahead, Western Digital Chief Executive Officer Irving Tan shares how the future of HDDs begins now here (https://blog.westerndigital.com/the-future-of-hdds-begins-now/) in his latest blog post.https://tpucdn.com/img/ZqZU5QJtCO6gGCuw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZqZU5QJtCO6gGCuw.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

EK, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to introduce the EK-Quantum Vector³ FE RTX 5090 - Plexi, our high-performance water block designed exclusively for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition. The EK-Quantum Vector³ FE RTX 5090 is the first water block to support the NVIDIA RTX 5090 Founders Edition three-part PCB design, providing a high-performance, fully enclosed liquid-cooling solution for NVIDIA's most powerful gaming GPU yet. This stunning EK-Quantum Vector³ FE RTX 5090 water block is fully EK-Matrix7 compatible, featuring a signature CNC-machined backplate with a sleek, ribbed design, a custom acrylic top and backlit EK logo. Founders Edition never looked this good.

Unmatched Performance and Cooling Efficiency
The EK-Quantum Vector³ FE RTX 5090 water block delivers high-performance liquid cooling, premium aesthetics, and precision engineering for NVIDIA's flagship RTX 5090 Founders Edition. Inside, you'll find an expanded cooling system, improved pre-cut thermal pads, alongside a precision-engineered gasket system, ensuring optimal heat dissipation for the GPU core, VRAM, and power stages.https://tpucdn.com/img/kKKXz7BlMxbQO2IZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kKKXz7BlMxbQO2IZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7iqrCIv6aLbrLZTn_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7iqrCIv6aLbrLZTn.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2IzZx6klcI50s2Ir_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2IzZx6klcI50s2Ir.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

MSI, the world-leading gaming & creator laptop brand, today announced its groundbreaking RTX 50 Series laptops at MSIology: Dragonforged Dominance Launch Event - a new lineup inspired by the ancient Norse myth of Yggdrasil. Embracing the themes of renewal and resilience, MSI's innovative devices integrate three core principles: innovative technology, luxurious aesthetics, and extreme performance.

Dragonforged Dominance Launch Event
"Much like the mythic World Tree that connects the nine realms, our new laptops are designed to meet diverse user expectations—from immersive gaming to high-end professional work" said Steven Yang, MSI Notebook Regional Sales & Marketing Manager.https://tpucdn.com/img/3TLaZNBN65tycwF8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3TLaZNBN65tycwF8.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Elgato, a Corsair brand, today announced it's sponsoring the OBS Project, developers of Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). With the sponsorship, Elgato will help fund new innovations on the free, open-source platform for streamers and video creators. Additionally, Elgato revealed a brand-new plugin, making it easier for users to add and share OBS Studio setups.

"This partnership builds on a long history of collaboration," says Taylor Ward, Director of Ecosystem at Elgato. "Elgato tools and OBS Studio have always gone hand in hand—now we're taking that connection to the next level. Together, we're excited to bring creators new ways to enhance and streamline their workflows."https://tpucdn.com/img/cLEwTlSYpqzL4Arj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cLEwTlSYpqzL4Arj.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qUomsgEozszdA5Nl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qUomsgEozszdA5Nl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/1ALaGVvUL7SlTD7x_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1ALaGVvUL7SlTD7x.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

IBM today is announcing its intent to acquire DataStax, an AI and data solution provider. DataStax's technology will enhance IBM's watsonx portfolio of products accelerating the use of generative AI, helping companies unlock value from vast amounts of unstructured data. The acquisition also builds on IBM's commitment to open-source AI. DataStax is the creator of AstraDB and DataStax Enterprise, NoSQL and vector database capabilities powered by Apache Cassandra; and Langflow, the open-source tool and community for low-code AI application development.

IBM will continue to support, engage, and innovate with the open-source Apache Cassandra, Langflow, Apache Pulsar, and OpenSearch communities in which DataStax participates. IBM's long-standing commitment to open-source AI includes the open-source IBM Granite foundation models and Instruct Lab, a revolutionary approach to advancing true open-source innovation around LLMs.https://tpucdn.com/img/suKBuztUXAgOUvdW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/suKBuztUXAgOUvdW.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333145/ibm-to-acquire-datastax-deepening-watsonx-capabilities-and-addressing-generative-ai-data-needs-for-the-enterprise)

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[NextPowerUP]

Cisco today announced plans for an expanded partnership with NVIDIA to provide AI technology solutions to enterprises. Enterprises recognize that AI is essential to growth but remain early in their adoption as they navigate the unique technical complexity and security demands of operating AI-ready data centers. The expanded partnership aims to give organizations flexibility and choice as they look to meet the demand of AI workloads for high-performance, low-latency, highly power-efficient connectivity within - and between - data centers, clouds, and users.

"A robust and scalable AI ecosystem is key to driving the transformative power of AI," said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon. "This expanded partnership between Cisco and NVIDIA, just like our Verizon AI Connect strategy and solutions, builds towards accelerating and enabling resource-intensive AI workloads at the Edge of the network."https://tpucdn.com/img/E3YTUxnhtnFuqK8l_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/E3YTUxnhtnFuqK8l.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Silicon Labs, a leader in secure, intelligent wireless technology for a more connected world, today announced that its MG26 family of wireless SoCs is now generally available through Silicon Labs and its distribution partners. As the industry's most advanced, high-performance Matter and concurrent multiprotocol solution to date, the MG26 SoC features double the Flash and RAM of other Silicon Labs multiprotocol devices, advanced AI/ML processing, and best-in-class security to empower developers to design future-proof Matter applications.

"With MG26, we're not just setting a new standard in multiprotocol wireless performance for battery-based, low-power smart home applications—we're redefining what's possible for the future of IoT connectivity with Matter," said Jacob Alamat, Senior Vice President for the Home and Life business unit at Silicon Labs. "This device empowers developers to create smarter, safer, and more powerful solutions in an increasingly connected world."https://tpucdn.com/img/swQfGKbC25PUxcey_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/swQfGKbC25PUxcey.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333143/silicon-labs-redefines-smart-home-connectivity-with-new-concurrent-multiprotocol-soc)

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[NextPowerUP]

Earlier today, the AMD Rewards website was updated with a new marketing promotion—standard edition digital copies of Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds (https://www.monsterhunter.com/wilds/en-us/) (due on February 28) will be bundled with qualifying purchases of select Ryzen processors, Radeon graphics card, as well as Team Red-powered gaming laptops. AMD's previous "Game Bundle Promotion" campaign rolled out last autumn—at the time, participating customers were gifted digital copies of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Unknown 9: Awakening. Unfortunately, the latest iteration grants access to a single AAA title. Multiple hardware and gaming news outlets have advised prospective buyers to make use of the Monster Hunter Wilds PC performance benchmark utility (https://www.techpowerup.com/332188/capcom-releases-monster-hunter-wilds-pc-performance-benchmark-tool); in preparation for the game's full release. Preview builds have reportedly brought fairly potent test systems to their knees.

Curiously, AMD's list of eligible products does not include any desktop (AM5) 3D V-Cache models—a glaring omission, given the nature of this promotion. Instead, various standard SKUs are listed; at the top we spotted their Ryzen 9 9950X (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-9-9950x.c3649) CPU. The cheapest options seem to be the Ryzen 5 9600X (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-5-9600x.c3652) and Ryzen 7 7700 (https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/ryzen-7-7700.c2960) (non-X) models. Qualifying graphics card options are restricted to the Radeon RX 7000 series; there is no mention of next-gen candidates—terms could be amended later this week; AMD will be presenting its new Radeon RX 9070 series on February 28 (https://www.techpowerup.com/332062/amd-radeon-rx-9070-series-launch-event-slated-for-late-february). Team Red board partners are expected to reveal their respective participations with this Monster Hunter Wilds promo campaign; Sapphire—a well regarded AIB—announced its involvement (https://www.sapphirenation.net/25q1bundle), as of this afternoon. Interestingly, ASUS has introduced a similar marketing initiative (https://promotion.asus.com/en/us/monster-hunter-wilds), also involving Capcom and its popular Monster Hunter franchise.https://tpucdn.com/img/9NGkLgRHz1OFkI9I_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9NGkLgRHz1OFkI9I.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2Cg2gJFUI9784PY6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2Cg2gJFUI9784PY6.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/4OWMz1dpqUcj5NZF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4OWMz1dpqUcj5NZF.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Hey, Splitfam. We're doing an Open Alpha preview of the work we've done on Splitgate 2 (https://www.splitgate.com/), available to everyone for four days from Feb. 27 to March 2. Come play with us! This is your first chance to check out our new Multi-Team Portal Warfare, 8v8v8 battles of colossal proportions set on a massive map. Plus, we've got new arena maps, new weapons, new gear, and hundreds of improvements based on community feedback. Anyone with a Steam account (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2918300/Splitgate_2/), a PS5 (https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10010012/), or an Xbox Series X|S (https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/splitgate-2/9pf5q1b0fhsl) can register and play—for free, as always. Read on (https://www.splitgate.com/news/play-the-splitgate2-open-alpha) for more details about what will be included in the Open Alpha.

Portals Change Everything
Portal into the action as an elite Ace in Splitgate 2, the only free-to-play shooter where you can teleport across the map to outsmart your opponents. Team up, customize weapons, and master portaling skills as you compete for glory in epic showdowns. This is the future of Splitgate, bringing fast-paced portal gunplay with objective-based game modes, distinctive new maps, and a wild collection of weapons. Dominate the competition with the ultimate tool: a portal gun. Flank your foes and turn the tide of combat by portaling across the map, or defy gravity to launch yourself for jaw-dropping aerial kills. Recruit your friends and compete for the respect of the entire galaxy. Take control of the Hotzone while your friends hold off enemies portaling in from all sides. Stand together and steamroll your opponents to win the match and claim victory.https://tpucdn.com/img/3q8Ei9SQhcCggL9P_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3q8Ei9SQhcCggL9P.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ARFpbPtoSUxI5jlx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ARFpbPtoSUxI5jlx.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ShFXt2Di6dNOrBT4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ShFXt2Di6dNOrBT4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QoqTH3mXpNUWM7KV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QoqTH3mXpNUWM7KV.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333341/splitgate-2-open-alpha-build-available-on-steam-ps5-xbox-series-x-s)

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[NextPowerUP]

Back in 2021, award-winning development studio MercurySteam (https://www.mercurysteam.com/) and publisher 505 Games (https://505games.com/) announced an official partnership that would bring their latest title (codenamed Project Iron) to life. For several years, the talented team at MercurySteam have been hard at work forging their next adventure. The time has come to finally unveil what they've been up to behind closed doors.

FORGE YOUR LEGEND
Introducing Blades of Fire (https://505.games/BladesOfFireAnnounce), an all-new action-adventure that takes you across a beautiful world full of uncertainty and challenge. You take on the role of Aran de Lira, firstborn of the King's Ward. The newly crowned Queen Nerea has cast a powerful spell that turns steel into stone and only her arms of abominations wield the divine metal against which other blades shatter. Get ready to forge your own weapons and put them to the test in a unique combat system, as you work towards becoming a master in forging. Develop your skills and craft weapons that suit your preferable fighting style. Remember, when facing your foes, your choice of weapon will be key to success! Only the right weapons will allow you to take down certain enemies.https://tpucdn.com/img/btPhL18Eu8cVgqGH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/btPhL18Eu8cVgqGH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/H26mTaLSlcws0rej_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/H26mTaLSlcws0rej.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/q0vwKv1XYKviGzA8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/q0vwKv1XYKviGzA8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xIr3eZGtrMeGQsAq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xIr3eZGtrMeGQsAq.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333339/mercurysteam-505-games-introduce-blades-of-fire-launching-on-may-22)

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[NextPowerUP]

It seems like ads get in the way of everything, from targeted Instagram ads (which may slightly concern you) to video ads in the middle of a YouTube video (which can be incredibly annoying). Instead of slamming your phone to the table, consider investing in the AdGuard Family Plan.

This AdGuard offer is designed to eliminate ads while protecting up to nine devices (https://stacksocial.com/sales/adguard-family-plan-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=adguard-family-plan-lifetime-subscription&utm_term=scsf-614707&utm_content=a0xRn000003JfSLIA0&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er) and your personal information for only $15.97 (reg. $169) with code GUARD 20. Grab it before stock runs out. Distracting banners? Gone. Intrusive pop-ups? You can say goodbye to those forever. AdGuard offers advanced and unbeatable ad-blocking, working to rid your devices of every type of ad so you can go back to binging YouTube videos or reading Wirecutter articles in peace.

Improve your browsing experience and digital safety when you grab this AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription (https://stacksocial.com/sales/adguard-family-plan-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=adguard-family-plan-lifetime-subscription&utm_term=scsf-614707&utm_content=a0xRn000003JfSLIA0&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er), now just $15.97 when you enter code GUARD20 at checkout. This price drop ends soon.https://tpucdn.com/img/rXCJuCUI33jgL2MI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rXCJuCUI33jgL2MI.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

SoftBank Corp., ZutaCore and Hon Hai Technology Group ("Foxconn") today announced they implemented ZutaCore's two-phase DLC (Direct Liquid Cooling) technology in an AI server using NVIDIA accelerated computing, making it the world's first implementation of ZutaCore's two-phase DLC (Direct Liquid Cooling) technology using NVIDIA H200 GPUs. In addition, SoftBank designed and developed a rack-integrated solution that integrates each component of the server, including cooling equipment with two-phase DLC technology, on a rack scale, and conducted an operational demonstration and performance evaluation at its data center in February 2025. The demonstration results indicated the solution passed NVIDIA's temperature test (NVQual), thereby confirming the compatibility, stability and reliability of this rack-integrated solution. The solution also achieved pPUE (partial Power Usage Effectiveness) of 1.03 (actual measured value) per rack for cooling efficiency

With the spread and increased adoption of AI, demand for AI servers and other computing resources is expected to expand significantly, further increasing power consumption at data centers. At the same time, reducing power consumption from the perspective of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has become a pressing issue worldwide, requiring data centers to become more efficient, consume less power, and introduce innovative heat removal solutions. Since May 2024, SoftBank has been collaborating with ZutaCore, a global leader in the development and business deployment of two-phase DLC technology, to develop solutions optimized for low power consumption at AI data centers.https://tpucdn.com/img/soT2HUQBcbMcQDrb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/soT2HUQBcbMcQDrb.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333340/softbank-zutacore-and-foxconn-collaborate-on-development-of-rack-integrated-solution)

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[NextPowerUP]

Apple's new budget-friendly iPhone 16e model was introduced (https://www.techpowerup.com/332793/apple-iphone-16e-launched-with-a18-soc-apple-intelligence-and-usd-599-price-tag) earlier this month; potential buyers were eyeing a device (starting at $599) that houses a selectively "binned" A18 mobile chipset. The more expensive iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models were launched last September, with A18 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A18) chips on-board; featuring six CPU cores, and five GPU cores. Apple's brand-new 16E smartphone seems to utilize an A18 sub-variant—tech boffins have highlighted this package's reduced GPU core count: of four. The so-called "binned A18" reportedly posted inferior performance figures—15% slower—when lined up against its standard 6-core sibling (in Geekbench 6 Metal tests (https://wccftech.com/iphone-16e-a18-gpu-benchmark-15-percent-slower-than-than-non-binned-version/)). The iPhone 16E was released at retail today (February 28), with review embargoes lifted earlier in the week.

A popular portable tech YouTuber—Dave2D (aka Dave Lee)—decided to pit his iPhone 16E sample unit against older technology; contained within the iPhone 15 (2023). The binned A18's 4-core iGPU competed with the A16 Bionic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A16)'s 5-core integrated graphics solution in a 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited head-to-head. Respective tallies—of 2882 and 3170 points—were recorded for posterity's sake. The more mature chipset (from 2022) managed to surpass its younger sibling by ~10%, according to the scores presented on Dave2D's comparison chart. The video reviewer reckoned that the iPhone 16E's SoC offers "killer performance," despite reservations expressed about the device not offering great value for money. Other outlets have questioned the prowess of Apple's latest step down model. Referencing current-gen 3DMark benchmark results, Wccftech (https://wccftech.com/iphone-16e-a18-gpu-is-nearly-10-percent-slower-than-a16-bionic-in-3dmark-wild-life-extreme-unlimited/) observed: "for those wanting to know the difference between the binned A18 and non-binned variant; the SoC with a 5-core GPU running in the iPhone 16 finishes the benchmark run with an impressive 4007 points, making it a massive 28.04 percent variation between the two (pieces of) silicon. It is an eye-opener to witness such a mammoth performance drop, which also explains why Apple resorted to chip-binning on the iPhone 16e as it would help bring the price down substantially."https://tpucdn.com/img/JJb6oDclhwynnKTQ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JJb6oDclhwynnKTQ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7HeQcJNdlDw1naJR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7HeQcJNdlDw1naJR.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/RNqm9oEFG4996UuI_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RNqm9oEFG4996UuI.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ogetjSu1kg0CqaEu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ogetjSu1kg0CqaEu.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Vastarmor continues on its path to become a reliable graphics card manufacturer and AMD board partner (since the RDNA 2 days) and they are among the first to announce their own implementations for the latest AMD RDNA 4 graphics architecture with the launch of the Vastarmor Radeon RX 9070 XT Super Alloy and Vastarmor Radeon RX 9070 Super Alloy graphics card series. Both graphics cards are available in black and white versions and use 100 mm fans with ARGB lighting.

The RX 9070 XT Super Alloy has a three-fan design measuring 326.66 mm long, 59.4 mm wide, and takes up 2.8 slots. The RX 9070 Super Alloy uses a dual-fan approach and measures 281.44 mm x 50.15 mm, taking up 2.5 slots. Both graphics cards are equipped with a reinforced metal backplate. In terms of specifications, Vastarmor opted to tune up the clock speeds a bit: the RX 9070 XT Super Alloy features a 2570 MHz Game Clock (2.4 GHz reference) / Up to 3100 MHz Boost Clock (3.0 GHz reference), while the RX 9070 Super Alloy uses a 2210 MHz Game Clock (2.1 GHz reference) / Up to 2700 MHz Boost Clock (2.5 GHz AMD reference).https://tpucdn.com/img/qvTVfHW7fe2xKjax_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qvTVfHW7fe2xKjax.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/XhfWagZ948r9fDXL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XhfWagZ948r9fDXL.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Q6udgZaEcWsnllJg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Q6udgZaEcWsnllJg.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Attention, for the Administration of New London bears tidings of utmost importance. Since the fateful September past, our City has endured (https://frostpunk2.com/), prospered, and expanded its dominion. In pursuit of greater foresight, our vigilant expeditionists have charted a course through the treacherous frostland. As fresh intelligence reaches us, we are pleased to provide an update on their tireless endeavors.

Moreover, scouts report that the arrival of Spring shall bring significant developments for the people of New London. They have also urged the Administration to observe a day of reflection on April 24th, in honor of the seventh anniversary of our first great expedition—an endeavor once guided by a departed leader of unwavering resolve. May light forever grace their steadfast soul.https://tpucdn.com/img/RtxchbWdHKGwmopW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RtxchbWdHKGwmopW.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xyRrh62OZIXKQXwV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xyRrh62OZIXKQXwV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KCm95QdAdMGk5ARy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KCm95QdAdMGk5ARy.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/VNNeAYQW4kWduG2y_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VNNeAYQW4kWduG2y.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Samsung's foundry operation has experienced many setbacks over the past six months, according to a steady feed of insider reports. Last November, industry moles leaked details of an apparent abandonment (https://www.techpowerup.com/328680/samsungs-second-gen-3-nm-gaa-process-shows-20-yields-missing-production-goals) of the company's 3 nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process. Significant yield problems prompted an alleged shift into 2 nm territories, with a next-gen flagship Exynos mobile processor (https://www.techpowerup.com/332073/samsung-reportedly-optimizing-exynos-2500-soc-for-late-2025-launch) linked to this cutting-edge node. According to a mid-week Chosun Daily article, Samsung and its main rival—TSMC—are in a race to establish decent yields of 2 nm wafers, ahead of predicted "late 2025" mass production kick-offs. The publication's inside track points to the Taiwanese foundry making the most progress (with an estimated 60%), but watchdogs warn that it is too early to bet against the South Korean competitor.

Despite murmurs of current 20 - 30% yields, the Samsung's Hwaseong facility is touted to make "smooth" progress over the coming months. Chosun's sources believe that Samsung engineers struggled to get 3 nm GAA "up to snuff," spending around three years on development endeavors (in vain). In comparison, the making of 2 nm GAA is reported to be less bumpy. A fully upgraded "S3" foundry line is expected to come online by the fourth quarter of this year. An unnamed insider commented on rumors of better than anticipated forward motion chez Samsung Electronics: "there are positive aspects to this as it has shown technological improvements, such as the recent increase in the yield of its 4 nm process (https://www.techpowerup.com/332533/amd-to-build-next-gen-i-o-dies-on-samsung-4nm-not-tsmc-n4p) by up to 80%." Recent-ish reports suggest that foundry teams have dealt with budget cuts (https://www.techpowerup.com/331468/samsung-electronics-reportedly-slashes-foundry-investments-in-half), as well as mounting pressure (https://www.techpowerup.com/332863/samsung-boss-reportedly-encouraged-simultaneous-develop-of-exynos-2500-soc-galaxy-s26-series) from company leadership to hit deadlines.https://tpucdn.com/img/76TKUZPyQ6k0g5Tz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/76TKUZPyQ6k0g5Tz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/xvC6Sp8my0IOs6gu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/xvC6Sp8my0IOs6gu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8yxmSfCtjvZTCZqJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8yxmSfCtjvZTCZqJ.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Forza Horizon 5 (https://forza.net/horizon) is getting one of its biggest updates! This April, the Horizon Festival evolves with Horizon Realms. This brand-new feature will let players dig into Forza Horizon 5's history of Evolving World updates. Explore 12 fantastic Evolving World locations: 11 of the best previously limited-time locations and the premiering Stadium Track. Collect new Horizon Realms-exclusive accolades to unlock four new-to-Horizon reward cars. Revisit your favorite environments, or discover them for the first time, in Horizon Realms available for every platform on April 25!

Pre-order Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 Today!
Forza Horizon 5 is now available for pre-order ahead of its PS5 release on April 29! Visit the PlayStation Store to pre-purchase (https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP6312-PPSA22327_00-0810100104879906/) one of Forza Horizon 5's different editions. Standard Edition comes with the complete base game and its free content and features like Horizon Realms. Get access to an extra 42 cars added with Car Pass by purchasing the Deluxe Edition of Forza Horizon 5. Upgrade your adventure to the fullest with the Premium Edition. This edition comes with both Forza Horizon 5 expansions (Rally Adventure and Hot Wheels), 42 additional cars from Car Pass, VIP Membership, and extra perks that are included in the Welcome Pack.https://tpucdn.com/img/760pfUSNFHJgax8v_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/760pfUSNFHJgax8v.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/kaJ0e2wG7IECZIN3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kaJ0e2wG7IECZIN3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/OmCF5kSDBLn9uBwy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OmCF5kSDBLn9uBwy.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/iR2RNrsFkUQDG6Ea_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/iR2RNrsFkUQDG6Ea.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Yesterday, OpenAI introduced its "strongest" GPT-4.5 (https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-4-5/) model. A research preview build is only available to paying customers—Pro-tier subscribers fork out $200 a month for early access privileges. The non-profit organization's CEO shared an update via social media post; complete with a "necessary" hyping up of version 4.5: "it is the first model that feels like talking to a thoughtful person to me. I have had several moments where I've sat back in my chair and been astonished at getting actual good advice from an AI." There are apparent performance caveats—Sam Altman proceeded to add a short addendum: "this isn't a reasoning model and won't crush benchmarks. It's a different kind of intelligence, and there's a magic to it (that) I haven't felt before. Really excited for people to try it!" OpenAI had plans to make GPT-4.5 available to its audience of "Plus" subscribers, but major hardware shortages have delayed a roll-out to the $20 per month tier.

Altman disclosed his personal disappointment: "bad news: it is a giant, expensive model. We really wanted to launch it to Plus and Pro (customers) at the same time, but we've been growing a lot and are out of GPUs. We will add tens of thousands of GPUs next week, and roll it out to the plus tier then...Hundreds of thousands coming soon, and I'm pretty sure y'all will use every one we can rack up." Insiders believe that OpenAI is finalizing a proprietary AI-crunching solution (https://www.techpowerup.com/332331/report-suggests-openai-finalizing-proprietary-gpu-design), but a rumored mass production phase is not expected to kick-off until 2026. In the meantime, Altman & Co. are still reliant on NVIDIA for new shipments of AI GPUs. Despite being a very important customer, OpenAI is reportedly not satisfied about the "slow" flow of Team Green's latest DGX B200 and DGX H200 platforms into server facilities. Several big players are developing in-house designs, in an attempt to ween themselves off prevalent NVIDIA technologies.https://tpucdn.com/img/3Bmuv0sxdCL231hw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3Bmuv0sxdCL231hw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/piG56VtEwbjUBh5h_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/piG56VtEwbjUBh5h.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/bIzX0ARQpWCXyz09_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bIzX0ARQpWCXyz09.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

ASRock, the leading global motherboard, graphics card and mini PC manufacturer, today launched the new Taichi, Steel Legend and Challenger series graphics cards based on AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and Radeon RX 9070 GPUs. The new graphics cards are built-in the ultra-fast AMD RDNA 4 architecture graphics which features 3rd Gen ray tracing and 2nd Gen AI accelerators to deliver the performance you need to max out your gaming. Powered by AMD RDNA 4 architecture, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU features 64 compute units (3rd Gen ray tracing and 2nd Gen AI accelerators), AMD HYPR-RX, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, DisplayPort 2.1, and PCI Express 5.0 ready. And the AMD Radeon RX 9070 features 56 compute units (3rd Gen ray tracing and 2nd Gen AI accelerators), AMD HYPR-RX, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, DisplayPort 2.1, and PCI Express 5.0 ready.

The AMD RDNA 4 architecture also delivers various features such as Radiance Display Engine, Fluid Motion Frames 2 technology, Radeon Anti-Lag 2 technology, AV1 Encode/Decode, AMD FidelityFX technologies and AMD Noise Suppression etc. These rich features enhance the gaming comprehensive performance of RDNA 4 and bring much powerful gaming platform to gaming users.https://tpucdn.com/img/g0RdCisVntcA0xY7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/g0RdCisVntcA0xY7.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

On Feb. 28, 2025, Naga Chandrasekaran, executive vice president, chief global operations officer and general manager of Intel Foundry Manufacturing, sent a message to Intel employees in Ohio updating them on the latest planned construction completion dates for Ohio One Mod 1 and Mod 2 that are under construction in New Albany, Licking County, Ohio. I continue to be impressed by the progress you are driving on our Ohio One campus. We have come a long way since construction began, and I am grateful for all that you've accomplished to lay the groundwork for our future as we make Ohio one of the world's leading hubs of advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Last quarter, we achieved our "go vertical" milestone when the "basement" level of the fab was completed - and work on the above-ground structure is now underway. The campus has been transformed in ways that bring Ohio's natural beauty to the site. You are also doing so much beyond our campus to support Ohioans in our neighborhood and across the state by creating education and workforce development initiatives, building local business partnerships, and volunteering and investing in the community. I am proud of the impact you are making.https://tpucdn.com/img/J9ZB8jSxN040GJtA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/J9ZB8jSxN040GJtA.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/dqL5wKUl6z4vkyw3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dqL5wKUl6z4vkyw3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/pWfGMdujvyW0WcOR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pWfGMdujvyW0WcOR.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Traditional cybersecurity measures are proving insufficient for addressing emerging cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing and data access attacks. Moreover, future quantum computers pose a security risk to today's data through "harvest now, decrypt later" attack strategies. Cybersecurity technology powered by NVIDIA accelerated computing and high-speed networking is transforming the way organizations protect their data, systems and operations. These advanced technologies not only enhance security but also drive operational efficiency, scalability and business growth.

Accelerated AI-Powered Cybersecurity
Modern cybersecurity relies heavily on AI for predictive analytics and automated threat mitigation. NVIDIA GPUs are essential for training and deploying AI models due to their exceptional computational power.https://tpucdn.com/img/7IHmrhYc62DhbOdU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7IHmrhYc62DhbOdU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/l2NMhpTVjUGpkC3e_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/l2NMhpTVjUGpkC3e.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD's proper introduction (https://www.techpowerup.com/333301/amd-rdna-4-and-radeon-rx-9070-series-unveiled-usd-549-usd-599) of first wave RDNA 4 graphics cards has focused on Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models; officially due for retail release next week (March 6). Lower-end options popped up—via naming scheme material—during CES 2025, albeit with little fanfare. According to the latest reports emerging from China's tech press, AMD teased an upcoming Radeon RX 9060 Series launch. TechPowerUp's well-maintained GPU database has listed a speculative Radeon RX 9060 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9060-xt.c4251) 12 GB model since early January; a fresh update (https://www.techpowerup.com/333237/sapphire-nitro-radeon-rx-9070-xt-bios-leak-reveals-navi-48-xtx-gpu-variant) has revealed the "theorized" existence of a Team Red "Navi 48 LE" GPU.

As reported earlier today, AMD rolled out a "surprise (https://www.techpowerup.com/333306/amd-debuted-radeon-rx-9070-series-msrps-in-china-reportedly-12-hours-ahead-of-global-event)" in-person Chinese RDNA 4 event—in contrast, Western audiences have just watched an official virtual presentation. According to ITHome and VideoCardz, a Team Red representative slipped in a brief mention of the forthcoming Radeon RX 9060 Series. This announcement was made right at the tail end of the company's presentation (in China); teasing a second quarter 2025 launch window. AMD did not go into great detail—ITHome divulged the company's key goals for forthcoming Radeon RX 9060 cards: "mid-range market, focusing on cost-effectiveness, and aiming to provide high-performance/low-power solutions for 1080p and 1440p gamers." Local insiders reckon that the lower-end of AMD's RDNA 4 lineup will be downgraded with fewer computing units and a pool of 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM. ITHome's sources believe that Radeon RX 9060 TBPs are expected to be somewhere "between 150 W and 200 W." Speculated MSRP info indicates a range of $349 to $449 (USD) pricing.https://tpucdn.com/img/8ibptleaZfksjLQ1_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8ibptleaZfksjLQ1.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/lllQM1VinDcA8Q9f_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lllQM1VinDcA8Q9f.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Igwd7JkK1FY9HBh6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Igwd7JkK1FY9HBh6.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Take center stage and own the spotlight with the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller! Two exclusive editions are now available for pre-order—the LP Black Tribal Encore Edition (https://crkd.gg/products/lp-black-tribal-multi-platform) and the LP Blueberry Burst Pro Edition (https://crkd.gg/products/lp-bluebuerry-burst-multi-platform). Both guitars feature the legendary Gibson Les Paul shape, reimagined as a game controller. Whether you're rocking out in Fortnite Festival, reliving classic Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, or shredding in community favorites like YARG or Clone Hero, we've redefined a legend with modern innovations built for today's rhythm gamers. From the team that developed the iconic hardware for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, this release continues the revival of rhythm gaming like never before—bringing the band back together for a whole new era!

SHARED FEATURES
Both the LP Black Tribal Encore Edition and LP Blueberry Burst Pro Edition share advanced features with key differences in fret button and strum bar design. The Pro Edition features mechanical fret buttons (instead of standard fret buttons) and a Hall Effect Strum Bar with Haptic Feedback (instead of a mechanical strum bar). The Encore Edition includes standard fret buttons and a mechanical strum bar.https://tpucdn.com/img/GwC0JGKdYTQzvGp2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GwC0JGKdYTQzvGp2.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/V7hosAUhm5UsaLnb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/V7hosAUhm5UsaLnb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/mkG2jF63ZX9k0wtx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mkG2jF63ZX9k0wtx.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

News outlets have provided detailed coverage of NVIDIA's rocky launch of GeForce RTX 50-series graphics card over the past month, but the latest major problem was documented late last week. In the interim, TechPowerUp's original article (https://www.techpowerup.com/332884/nvidia-geforce-rtx-50-cards-spotted-with-missing-rops-nvidia-confirms-the-issue-multiple-vendors-affected) has been updated six times (at the time of writing)—demonstrating the fluid nature of this sorry situation. Team Green and involved board partners—are now—acutely aware of the "missing ROPs" controversy, following an absorption of strong backlashes from frustrated owners and the larger PC gaming hardware community. Thanks to a reader's tip-off, VideoCardz has highlighted a system integrator's compelling new initiative—very likely put in place in order to avoid customer dissatisfaction.

The aforementioned VideoCardz audience member spotted an interesting new tag on CyberPowerPC's (https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/) system builder webpage. The PC pre-build specialist company stated that it: "will ensure all systems equipped with GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, and 5070 Ti video cards have the correct number of ROPs before shipping". CyberPowerPC QA staffers are likely utilizing version 2.64.0 of TechPowerUp's GPU-Z tool (https://www.techpowerup.com/333166/techpowerup-gpu-z-v2-64-0-released) to check for unwanted anomalies—a simple and very quick process. Industry experts believe that system integrators are taking matters into their own hands, thus avoiding complicated and time-sapping processing of RMAs. The so-called "ROPGate" scandal is expected to last for a while.https://tpucdn.com/img/5iZZXSDhHRqRJQJ8_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5iZZXSDhHRqRJQJ8.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9KIhXCMy0wL4xola_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9KIhXCMy0wL4xola.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/itcB2c1j9JLsrdVP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/itcB2c1j9JLsrdVP.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/5G1VvmIbkFONcTPK_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5G1VvmIbkFONcTPK.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Today Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, released the highly anticipated co-op action RPG Monster Hunter Wilds on PlayStation 5 with PS5 Pro Enhanced support, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam (starting at MSRP $69.99). Join the Expedition Team as they journey to the Forbidden Lands in search of the mysterious "White Wraith" and unravel the mystery of this unrelenting frontier. Wield 14 iconic weapon types ranging from Great Swords to Gunlances and battle larger than life monsters uniquely adapted to their ever-changing environments. Then gather resources to craft an expansive arsenal of more powerful gear to take on even bigger challenges in your search for answers.

Venture to the Forbidden Lands
After rescuing the young boy Nata on the border of the reportedly uninhabited Forbidden Lands, the Hunter's Guild gathers its resources and forms the Forbidden Lands Expedition Team to investigate Arkveld, the mysterious "White Wraith," that attacked Nata's village. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the player's Hunter is joined in the Expedition Team's Avis unit by Alma the Guild-appointed Handler, Gemma the reliable Smithy, and the Hunter's trusty Palico.https://tpucdn.com/img/8okBMKjGtM1WNkIe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8okBMKjGtM1WNkIe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/gMCajhg3me13DqmD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/gMCajhg3me13DqmD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/tD7LcUkntMJcADp9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/tD7LcUkntMJcADp9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/TG2VTFlvUzd56IvF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TG2VTFlvUzd56IvF.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

At the heart of the Aether is Kiwi Ears' largest planar driver yet, featuring a 15.3 mm diaphragm powered by multi-layered N52 neodymium magnets. This advanced driver technology provides a headphone-like listening experience, offering enhanced output and dramatically reduced distortion compared to typical 12 mm or 14 mm planar drivers. The result is superior audio quality with exceptional resolution, a wider soundstage, and precise imaging. With its newly designed chamber and improved ventilation, the Aether recreates the lifelike, open sound signature of open-back headphones, making it the perfect choice for both audiophiles and professionals seeking true-to-life audio reproduction.

Tonal Integrity
Tonal integrity is a key feature in engineering the Aether. Staying true to Kiwi Ears' signature tonal balance, t he Aether has been meticulously crafted to deliver natural and precise sound. The bass is focused, with sub-woofer-like slam and a smooth transition from mid-bass to mids, providing slight warmth to the body of the sound. The core midrange, from 300 to 800 Hz, remains flat, ensuring monitor-like accuracy for both instruments and vocals. The treble is painstakingly tuned to carefully match the tonal perception of the human ear and give a clear, yet natural upper frequency response.https://tpucdn.com/img/kbTRgMxV8CrcumMH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kbTRgMxV8CrcumMH.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/12XdyTHEGOVzlHiT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/12XdyTHEGOVzlHiT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/O48Cc39AVGPFRYwV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/O48Cc39AVGPFRYwV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/IMTs1zTlSIuUoKk5_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/IMTs1zTlSIuUoKk5.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Welcome back to the Midnight Murder Club (https://www.midnightmurderclub.com/). Here at Velan Studios (https://www.velanstudios.com/), we've been toiling away in the shadowy halls of Wormwood Manor, coming up with fresh, new ways for you to hunt your friends in the darkness. We've got a new game mode to announce and a new way to get your friends in on the fighting! Midnight Murder Club is a first-person shooter/party game where you and five friends hunt each other in the pitch-black rooms of the mysterious Wormwood Manor.

Armed with only a revolver and a flashlight, search the shadows for every flicker of light and every bump in the night as you stalk your prey. The tension turns to hilarity as you discover just how tricky it is to navigate and shoot in complete darkness! You sprint toward your friends' shouting voices echoing through the mansion, only to bump into someone else hiding in a dark corner! Shots ring out, luring the other hunters to your location. Every flash of light is the promise of a deadly firefight.https://tpucdn.com/img/TMn2X1LVMM9PDg3H_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TMn2X1LVMM9PDg3H.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UUeKhHm95UrKj3Yi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UUeKhHm95UrKj3Yi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/BGFi89LDj307k2gN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BGFi89LDj307k2gN.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/yfGfHWjjYQ7IGm1H_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yfGfHWjjYQ7IGm1H.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Apple today introduced the faster, more powerful iPad Air with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence. iPad Air with M3 brings Apple's advanced graphics architecture to iPad Air for the first time—taking its incredible combination of power-efficient performance and portability to a new level. iPad Air with M3 is nearly 2x faster compared to iPad Air with M1, and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic. Users will feel the speed of M3 in everything they do, from creating engaging content faster than ever to playing demanding, graphics-intensive games. Available in two sizes and four gorgeous finishes that users love, the 11-inch iPad Air is super portable while on the go, and the 13-inch model provides an even larger display for more room to be creative and productive. Designed for iPad Air, the new Magic Keyboard enhances its versatility and delivers more capabilities at a lower price. With iPadOS 18, support for Apple Intelligence, advanced cameras, fast wireless 5G connectivity, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), the new iPad Air offers an unrivaled experience.

With the same starting price of just $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air is a fantastic value. And for education, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at just $549, and the 13-inch model starts at just $749. Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air with M3 and Magic Keyboard for iPad Air starting today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.https://tpucdn.com/img/C4KXdejpsqtg1KRZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/C4KXdejpsqtg1KRZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/BbUBMJJ28qwnQXB7_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BbUBMJJ28qwnQXB7.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2Ho9wPzhoH1MwHHO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2Ho9wPzhoH1MwHHO.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KmQG9JqVhkoNUbZC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KmQG9JqVhkoNUbZC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZW8Sk1Nx9xfTnSgr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZW8Sk1Nx9xfTnSgr.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Optoma, the No. 1 DLP brand worldwide, today introduced the HCPro-4400 4K UHD projector powered by Dolby Vision technology. Bringing immersive images to the professional installation market and home cinema enthusiasts, the HCPro-4400 delivers cutting-edge 4K UHD visuals and is designed to be the first on the market with certifications for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and FILMMAKER MODE.

The HCPro-4400 provides unparalleled, lifelike imagery for enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows to viewing live sports with a 3,200,000:1 contrast ratio and 5,000 lumens of brightness for the best cinematic experience. With Dolby Vision optimizing each frame of content, the projector brings the big-screen experience home with remarkable brightness, contrast, and color - replicating the same image quality of Dolby Cinema in theaters. For greater visual detail and depth, HDR10+ enhances content for improved dynamic range and color precision.https://tpucdn.com/img/6a5pTklG4z9kUmHU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6a5pTklG4z9kUmHU.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/EFYCWvLhQodjrfiC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/EFYCWvLhQodjrfiC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/QNtxQTKa27ryftUZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QNtxQTKa27ryftUZ.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Welcome to ISLANDERS: New Shores (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2368930/ISLANDERS_New_Shores/)! Whether you're a longtime ISLANDERS fan or discovering the series for the first time, get ready to build, relax, and explore like never before! ISLANDERS is all about effortless creativity and smart, minimalist strategy. It's a city-building experience without the stress—no complex resource management, no overwhelming systems. Just beautifully generated islands, a carefully curated set of buildings, and the freedom to craft something amazing at your own pace.

Whether you're chasing high scores or simply creating a scenic paradise, ISLANDERS delivers that perfect mix of calm and challenge. With ISLANDERS: New Shores, we're taking that philosophy even further! Expect more variety, more creativity, and more ways to play, all while keeping the same simple, satisfying charm that made the original such a hit.https://tpucdn.com/img/n0ciHHCGvM4lzX2c_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/n0ciHHCGvM4lzX2c.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PsLJxE67hcTuPqPy_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PsLJxE67hcTuPqPy.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YMAqrYaov6SVTRf3_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YMAqrYaov6SVTRf3.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/RZWwgAyWHLaY8krH_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RZWwgAyWHLaY8krH.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

NACON, a leader in premium gaming accessories and parent of the RIG audio brand, is excited to announce the arrival of the RIG 900 MAX HS, officially licensed for PlayStation 5 console. Featuring best-in-class low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 and paired with a seamless charging base, the 900 MAX HS allows you to game wirelessly across all your favorite devices.

The 900 MAX HS also excels in audio performance, producing accurate audio via 40 mm base-boosted, high-sensitivity drivers that provide more volume with less distortion. The advanced acoustic chamber design improves listening quality while reducing audio fatigue, making it a perfect choice for all-day gaming. In addition, it boasts a chat-optimized omnidirectional microphone paired with noise rejection technology. The integrated flip-to-mute function further enhances versatility, allowing gamers to take calls and communicate with their squad seamlessly.https://tpucdn.com/img/oBztS86VHNhuAN8v_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oBztS86VHNhuAN8v.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/GoQSIOTuWV35bihq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/GoQSIOTuWV35bihq.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Wbb59r9VAiyNiFWZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Wbb59r9VAiyNiFWZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/cDcfZ5V8U9cXLMAP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/cDcfZ5V8U9cXLMAP.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS), the leader in workplace ergonomics, is announcing the newly relaunched Flo monitor arm for future-ready, ergonomic, modern workstations. This revamped version demonstrates the brand's design innovation, insight into workplace well-being, and industry-leading commitment to sustainability.

"Productivity gains from rapidly advancing technology come with a greater need to care for the health and wellbeing of workers," commented Cecil Huang, Senior Marketing Manager - APMEA of CBS. "To deliver this, the reimagined Flo leverages our signature innovation in design, working with the latest screens to optimize ergonomics in modern workstations."https://tpucdn.com/img/2suNijCXwNtJpcgE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2suNijCXwNtJpcgE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/TEEzLnEWaljq5HFf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/TEEzLnEWaljq5HFf.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/tPS1lFVA9LLNCVXf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/tPS1lFVA9LLNCVXf.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Exascend, a global leader in advanced storage and memory solutions, proudly unveils its flagship Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card, available in 512 GB and 1 TB capacities. Meticulously engineered to surpass the demands of professional content creators, the Nitro Pro series sets new benchmarks in speed, efficiency, reliability, and durability. Built for those who push creative boundaries, this no-compromise card delivers the power and resilience essential for capturing every critical shot, even in the most challenging environments.

Next Generation Performance with Optimized Low-Power Design
The Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card brings uncompromising performance to professional photographers and cinematographers, with maximum read speeds up to 3,750 MB/s and sustained write speeds up to 3,300 MB/s, doubling the performance of Nitro CFexpress 2.0 Card. Its VPG400 certification ensures seamless high-resolution video and rapid-fire photography, making it ideal for demanding workflows, including up to 12K RAW video recording. Compatible with legacy and flagship cameras, the Nitro Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card integrates effortlessly into any workflow, future-proofed for years to come.https://tpucdn.com/img/SSXFtTvymC8bfH7r_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/SSXFtTvymC8bfH7r.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/jWyN1nKGNow1E0VL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/jWyN1nKGNow1E0VL.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/BKaUjIduWuTqSCLa_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BKaUjIduWuTqSCLa.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM Quantum Computers, one of the global leaders in superconducting quantum computers, have completed and launched Europe's first 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer, now open to researchers and companies through the VTT QX quantum computing service.

The new 50-qubit quantum computer further strengthens Finland's position among the countries capable of developing and investing in quantum computing. Finland first announced its efforts in quantum computing development back in November 2020 with a total budget of EUR 20.7 million from the Finnish government to develop a 50-qubit quantum computer.https://tpucdn.com/img/M0kk7uQ2d6X2TxWC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/M0kk7uQ2d6X2TxWC.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Bc96RDPZTmKJCqmu_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Bc96RDPZTmKJCqmu.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/KsXcAP0NDvsHJAGF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KsXcAP0NDvsHJAGF.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD has announced that beginning with its RDNA 4 architecture, only Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Mode will be officially supported for the Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards and later models. This decision is intended to harness the full capabilities of the advanced UEFI, ensuring improved performance, enhanced security, and a smoother user experience. UEFI, a modern replacement for the traditional BIOS, functions as a compact operating system residing on the motherboard. It plays a vital role in initializing processors, configuring memory, and managing essential hardware components. Its features include faster boot times, support for storage devices larger than 2.2 TB, and robust protection mechanisms such as Windows Secure Boot. These capabilities represent a significant leap forward compared to legacy BIOS systems.

To accommodate modern hardware innovations like AMD's next-generation graphics, motherboards typically offer UEFI Mode and Compatibility Support Module (CSM) Mode. CSM emulates older BIOS functions but restricts access to many of UEFI's advanced features, such as AMD Smart Access Memory. By mandating UEFI Mode, AMD ensures that users of its latest graphics cards enjoy optimal compatibility, performance, and security benefits. This requirement is a natural evolution in PC technology, encouraging users to upgrade their system configurations to meet modern standards. As consumers prepare for the next wave of AMD GPUs, verifying that both hardware and operating systems are properly set up for UEFI Mode is a necessary step to fully leverage the advantages offered by the RDNA 4 graphics cards.https://tpucdn.com/img/B67odSSfISs2Psw6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/B67odSSfISs2Psw6.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading innovator in computing, networking, and storage solutions, has unveiled the TS-h1277AFX, a 12-bay tower all-flash NAS designed to meet the rigorous demands of multimedia production and virtualization. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 9000 Series processor, the TS-h1277AFX can be upgraded to 25GbE via expansion cards for high-speed data access. Combining exceptional performance and capacity, it serves as a centralized hub for storage, backup, and disaster recovery, making it an ideal choice for dynamic and collaborative work environments.

"All-flash NAS solutions are crucial for media professionals," said Alex Shih, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the TS-h1277AFX delivers low-latency, multi-user access that optimizes collaboration workflows. It provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio for creative teams, enabling seamless 4K/8K media transfers, real-time editing, and secure file management."https://tpucdn.com/img/kL1LKcym2wngMGvl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kL1LKcym2wngMGvl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8vEd0XnBSx79ClNB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8vEd0XnBSx79ClNB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/OxcknmU2M2FiSZDJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OxcknmU2M2FiSZDJ.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

TSMC (TWSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today announced its intention to expand its investment in advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the United States by an additional $100 billion. Building on the company's ongoing $65 billion investment in its advanced semiconductor manufacturing operations in Phoenix, Arizona, TSMC's total investment in the U.S. is expected to reach US$165 billion. The expansion includes plans for three new fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities and a major R&D team center, solidifying this project as the largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history.

Through this expansion, TSMC expects to create hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductor value for AI and other cutting-edge applications. TSMC's expanded investment is expected to support 40,000 construction jobs over the next four years and create tens of thousands of high-paying, high-tech jobs in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D. It is also expected to drive more than $200 billion of indirect economic output in Arizona and across the United States in the next decade. This move underscores TSMC's dedication to supporting its customers, including America's leading AI and technology innovation companies such as Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, Broadcom, and Qualcomm.https://tpucdn.com/img/y9QrQszbJS6DrPgL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/y9QrQszbJS6DrPgL.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333541/tsmc-intends-to-expand-its-investment-in-the-united-states-to-ususd-165-billion-to-power-the-future-of-ai)

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[NextPowerUP]

Just recently, we covered a report shared by a reliable industry insider that stated Apple is readying a launch event, or press release, for the M4-powered MacBook Air lineup. Now, Apple CEO Tim Cook has borderline confirmed the same, with a social media post that reveals a new product carrying the 'Air' moniker is set to be revealed sometime this week. Judging by the short teaser video accompanying the tweet, it can be foreseen that the product in question is none other than the MacBook Air, which is now almost certain to be updated with the M4 SoC later this week.

The M4 SoC is an excellent performer, boasting commendable CPU and GPU capabilities without sacrificing on the efficiency that the industry has come to expect from Apple Silicon. Unfortunately, however, no major changes are expected this time around, especially regarding the exterior. The MacBook Air is currently in the third year of its lifecycle, and a redesign can only be expected once it reaches its fourth birthday. Despite that, the M4 SoC alone is a welcome upgrade for those planning on purchasing a MacBook Air anytime soon. Students, in particular, have always been the MBA's target audience, and a decent spec bump will surely help the product hold its own against AMD's Krackan Point and Intel's Lunar Lake-powered offerings.https://tpucdn.com/img/yQRF91V02fJKXH7B_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/yQRF91V02fJKXH7B.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/lhxr0KwUWcNZYC4V_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lhxr0KwUWcNZYC4V.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/YJMlHx3tOnJcBcWi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/YJMlHx3tOnJcBcWi.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Today is a great day to be a gamer, as EA and Hazelight Studios unveiled Split Fiction: Friend Edition - a very special edition of the anticipated co-op adventure from the team behind the 2021 Game of the Year winner, It Takes Two. This limited edition of Split Fiction comes with all the essentials for you to jump straight into amazing co-op gaming - a copy of the game, a second controller, and for the first (and maybe only) time ever, a real friend shipped straight to your door. Get ready, because Split Fiction: Friend Edition is coming soon to a couch near you.

"As a gamer, being part of an epic special edition like this is awesome! I'm honored to be the first ever real-life friend to come with a game," said Greg, a companion that players can unbox by ordering Split Fiction: Friend Edition. "It was a little scary when Josef Fares told me to go into the packaging, but it's roomier and comfier than it looks. I'm excited to travel the world and make a new friend. I've got snacks to share and high fives to hand out as soon as I'm unboxed."https://tpucdn.com/img/oC2Eo0suhPu7V0fe_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oC2Eo0suhPu7V0fe.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/IFUYp1scl2ItNtrl_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/IFUYp1scl2ItNtrl.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UbqSWSyaxLmHoDWi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UbqSWSyaxLmHoDWi.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/FiFOQdGJ4ZdzHsDR_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FiFOQdGJ4ZdzHsDR.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Damo Academy—a research and development wing of Alibaba—launched its debut "server-grade processor" design late last week, in Beijing. According to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) news article, the C930 model is a brand-new addition to the e-commerce platform's XuanTie (https://www.xrvm.com/) RISC-V CPU series. Company representatives stated that their latest product is designed as a server-level and high-performance computing (HPC) solution. Going back to March 2024, TechPowerUp and other Western hardware news outlets picked up on Alibaba's teasing (https://www.techpowerup.com/320642/alibaba-unveils-plans-for-server-grade-risc-v-processor-and-risc-v-laptop) of the Xuantie C930 SoC, and a related Xuantie 907 matrix processing unit. Fast-forward to the present day; Damo Academy has disclosed that initial shipments—of finalized C930 units—will be sent out to customers this month.

The newly released open-source RISC-V architecture-based HPC chip is an unknown quantity in terms of technical specifications. Damo Academy reps did not provide any detailed information during last Friday's conference (February 28). SCMP's report noted the R&D division's emphasizing of "its role in advancing RISC-V adoption" within various high-end fields. Apparently, the XuanTie engineering team has: "supported the implementation of more than thirty percent of RISC-V high-performance processors." Upcoming additions will arrive in the form of the C908X for AI acceleration, R908A for automotive processing solutions, and an XL200 model for high-speed interconnection. These XuanTie projects are reportedly still deep in development.https://tpucdn.com/img/KxD5xa7UxDdzpdgj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KxD5xa7UxDdzpdgj.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/o9eiCvyte6TNO6JZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/o9eiCvyte6TNO6JZ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PhrGUJbde1Ny6fUL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PhrGUJbde1Ny6fUL.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

On June 1, 1988, the very first Madden video game was released to the world. Players needed to load up either a Commodore 64/Commodore 128, Apple II, or MS-DOS to launch the game. When they did, they were greeted with 8-bit animations of the NFL's most popular teams and found themselves controlling their favorite players to try and win themselves a Super Bowl. And at that time, it was amazing. Thirty-seven years later and EA SPORTS hasn't stopped advancing Madden and our American Football games.

Most recently, we launched EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25 (https://www.ea.com/en-us/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-25) and College Football 25 (https://www.ea.com/en-us/games/ea-sports-college-football/college-football-25), which are tentpoles of our beloved American Football Ecosystem. Yet our football games are no longer blocky pixels and four-directional controls. They're among the most realistic sports simulation titles on the planet. We even celebrated the recent Super Bowl weekend with these titles and our very own Madden Bowl, featuring championship games and incredible music all in the heart of New Orleans. This is in no small part due to the incredible teams and their mission to make our games better every single year. And technology plays a critical role in making this happen.https://tpucdn.com/img/mrxluDMESodIepDr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/mrxluDMESodIepDr.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/wIdtBQHaEsvYPJ7L_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/wIdtBQHaEsvYPJ7L.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nigoBqfbopZiUOTg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nigoBqfbopZiUOTg.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/bQaWaaW7E961w49M_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bQaWaaW7E961w49M.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

The "Medusa (https://www.techpowerup.com/319318/zen-6-rdna-5-linked-to-amd-medusa-ryzen-client-cpus)" or "Medusa Point (https://www.techpowerup.com/332583/amd-zen-6-powers-medusa-point-mobile-and-olympic-ridge-desktop-processors)" codename started to appear online over the past couple of months. These mysterious AMD projects were linked to next-generation "Zen 6" Ryzen desktop and mobile processor families (respectively). Initially, insiders reckoned that Team Red had selected an RDNA 4-based graphics solution for integration their futuristic new-gen laptop APU design. Two days ago, Golden Pig Upgrade weighed in with a different theory—the veteran leaker believes that provisions have regressed on the "Medusa Point" iGPU front.

Previous reports have suggested that the "Medusa Point" processor's iGPU aspect will utilize up to 16 compute units (CU), based on a theorized count of eight workgroup processors (WGPs) from leaked imagery. The latest insider tip points to the utilization of a non-specific "RDNA 3.x" branch, instead of conjectured RDNA 4 graphics technology. Industry watchdogs hold the belief that AMD will be sticking with RDNA 3.5 for a while—as featured on their current-gen "Zen 5" mobile-oriented Strix Point, Strix Halo and Krackan Point chips. As pointed out by Notebookcheck, Team Red leadership disclosed that RDNA 4 is exclusive to discrete card families (https://www.techpowerup.com/331727/amd-focused-on-delivering-rdna-4-to-desktop-mobile-a-secondary-concern) (for the time being). RDNA 3.5-equipped APUs have—so far—received a warm welcome; AMD engineers could be reserving development resources for a distant future project.https://tpucdn.com/img/JtOaN7l69nxx7oqN_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JtOaN7l69nxx7oqN.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/NoC3g9yillmHzZbT_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NoC3g9yillmHzZbT.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7sxTrJpmIhBQwD0o_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7sxTrJpmIhBQwD0o.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), together with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia, announced at Mobile World Congress 2025 plans to form an innovative, new Open Telecom AI Platform. Designed to support today's operators and service providers with real-world, AI-driven solutions, the Telecom AI Platform is set to drive unprecedented efficiency, security, capabilities, and new revenue opportunities for the service provider industry.

End-to-end Network Intelligence
Fueled by the collective expertise of world leaders from across domains including RAN, Routing, AI Data Center, Security and Telecom, the Telecom AI Platform will create a new central intelligence layer for telecom and digital services. This multi-domain intelligence framework will integrate AI and automation into every layer of network operations.https://tpucdn.com/img/VM7m7zKNw7XSiqq6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/VM7m7zKNw7XSiqq6.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333532/jio-platforms-limited-along-with-amd-cisco-and-nokia-unveil-plans-for-open-telecom-ai-platform-at-mwc-2025)

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[NextPowerUP]

At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are committed to fostering innovation and creativity in game development across the globe. As part of our continued effort to support emerging talent, we are thrilled to announce a new set of indie games from the India Hero Project, featuring two exciting and ambitious titles: Bloody Boots and Lokko, both coming to PS5 and PC. With these new titles the India Hero Project (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/india-hero-project/) continues to shape the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay innovation, and artistic expression within the Indian gaming industry. Our goal is to not only support these developers in bringing their unique visions to life but also to help them reach a global audience on PlayStation.

Bloody Boots | Developer: Weloadin (https://www.weloadin.com/)
Bloody Boots is a high-voltage third-person action-adventure game set in Crank Town, a dystopian entertainment hub powered by junk-punk advancements in biotech. This town thrives on illegal gambling and savage acts that push the limits of morality with twisted and chaotic activities. Play as a fugitive teen trapped in Crank Town's lawless mayhem. In a playground of ruthless mutants, mech-enhanced supervillains, and savage bosses. Fight to get your ticket out! Prepare for adrenaline-pumped action, in development for PS5 and PC.https://tpucdn.com/img/d6jnNNckDzXMFQ4c_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/d6jnNNckDzXMFQ4c.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7Vv6jteE2OsYUClE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7Vv6jteE2OsYUClE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/eqgBsC6BBTSeQCMt_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eqgBsC6BBTSeQCMt.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Over the past weekend, PC hardware news outlets spent time analyzing NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series price fluctuations. One keen market watcher—VideoCardz—has consistently stuck to a main theory of Team Green AIBs implementing last minute price hikes/market manipulations; coinciding with product launch periods. Almost two weeks ago, the online publication directed ire (https://www.techpowerup.com/332735/accusations-directed-at-asus-over-anticipated-prime-rtx-5070-ti-series-price-manipulation) at ASUS and MSI—noted as very high profile board partners. The current GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-5070-ti.c4243) graphics card lineup is populated by custom designs only; a Founders Edition was not made available within this tier. VideoCardz and Hardware & Co. have observed worrying price trends with AIB-produced models that are supposed to conform to NVIDIA's baseline MSRP of $749 (USD). Their latest reports singled out MSI's North American webstore—already a source of some contention (https://www.techpowerup.com/332904/msi-rtx-5070-ti-ventus-3x-not-included-in-launch-lineup-msrp-models-reportedly-still-in-short-supply).

Hardware & Co. (a French outlet) observed movement at the bottom-end of the manufacturer's "Blackwell" GPU lineup: "in the case of the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti launched on February 20, 2025, it took nine days...for a "big" brand to officially turn its back on NVIDIA MSRP. On Saturday (March 1), MSI has just updated its RTX 50-series catalog on its official American website with new prices for the RTX 5070 Ti. From now on, the cheapest reference is $820, $70 more than MSRP." VideoCardz is steadfast in its belief that GeForce RTX 50-series "MSRPs are a joke" at this point in time. MSI's VENTUS 3X and (newer) SHADOW 3X (https://www.techpowerup.com/332345/msi-website-lists-new-shadow-3x-geforce-rtx-5080-5070-ti-models) models are barebones packages that are designed as alternatives to basic first-party solutions (i.e. Founders Editions)—but VideoCardz has accused the manufacturer of becoming its own "scalper," with (apparently) little intervention coming from NVIDIA. At the time of writing, MSI's US webstore has updated its GeForce RTX 5070 Ti VENTUS and SHADOW listings. Prices have (temporarily?) reverted to original figures (refer to the third screenshot below); likely in reaction to recent "constructive" criticism levied by popular hardware news sites. As evidenced by a sea of "notify me" tags, the official North American store appears to have zero stock in their warehouse(s).https://tpucdn.com/img/bltRWalfZVdW9RLa_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bltRWalfZVdW9RLa.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qUxhTSR6KRaT92kz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qUxhTSR6KRaT92kz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Phgq0OjnAu5uyu87_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Phgq0OjnAu5uyu87.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

The ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B is a PCIe 4.0 x4 adapter card designed for M.2 NVMe SSDs, featuring a tool-less removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray for seamless drive access and easy maintenance. IT professionals, audio/video editors, and gamers can quickly install or swap M.2 NVMe SSDs without opening the system chassis, making it ideal for servers, industrial PCs, workstations, and media-heavy environments where fast SSD swapping is essential for minimizing downtime, maximizing productivity, or managing media libraries.

Innovative Removable Design for M.2 NVMe SSD
Unlike traditional M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe adapter cards, which require opening the chassis for maintenance, the ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B revolutionizes the process with a removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray that can be easily accessed from the PCIe slot panel. This tray allows quick and tool-less access, perfect for tasks like data backup, system recovery, or daily operations in demanding environments. With no need to remove the entire adapter card, it's an ideal solution for enterprise-level systems where time and uptime are critical.https://tpucdn.com/img/QP5woFZstBvO0ill_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/QP5woFZstBvO0ill.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/RtxFs1LSfMkZUGPb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RtxFs1LSfMkZUGPb.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/OhHbUpx6LsIgI9le_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/OhHbUpx6LsIgI9le.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced the Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite, the world's first 5G Advanced-capable FWA platform. Powered by the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF (https://www.qualcomm.com/products/technology/modems/qualcomm-x85-5g-modem-rf), the platform sets a new benchmark for 5G broadband performance with downlink speeds up to 12.5 Gbps. The Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite platform introduces comprehensive AI enhancements and integrates a powerful network Edge AI coprocessor with up to 40 TOPS of NPU processing power. This optimizes wireless connectivity across 5G broadband and Wi-Fi, while unlocking the power of generative AI for more devices, enabling a more reliable and harmonized user experience.

"The Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite Platform is a technological breakthrough, building on over 500 5G FWA designs to date, and extends our tradition of delivering platforms that solve the broadband industry's greatest challenges," said Gautam Sheoran, vice president and general manager, wireless broadband and communications, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "By integrating unprecedented AI and connectivity capabilities, with the Qualcomm X85 at its core, this platform offers ultra-fast speeds, reliability and flexibility at a lower total cost than wired broadband, ultimately, enabling a future where seamless, intelligent networks transform the way we live and work."https://tpucdn.com/img/KVlfg5wO4jXOOPPJ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/KVlfg5wO4jXOOPPJ.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/bjyT8B8HG28AtHGf_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/bjyT8B8HG28AtHGf.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

A famous philosopher once said that cosmic forces coalesce during each rotation of the Earth around the Sun, calling forth a Nacon Connect from the aether. I for one, am not a man who questions the wisdom of unnamed famous philosophers or things that strangers tell me on the internet. Jokes aside, what I can tell you is that the 2025 edition of Nacon Connect was an absolute banger. And for those of you who missed it, let me share with you some of the biggest reveals and most exciting news from the show.

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss
Having trouble sleeping again? Like a nightmare from which you never awake; Nacon Connect started with the reveal of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. With conflict over Earth's dwindling resources, corporations turn to the depths of the ocean, unaware of the horrors that lie beneath the surface of the waves. Dive into the depths of the Pacific, investigating the disappearance of a group of miners with the help of your AI companion, Key, all the while resisting the calls of Cthulhu as you desperately cling to your sanity.https://tpucdn.com/img/eothGFybNKw63c2w_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/eothGFybNKw63c2w.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/UYH8EgTYnODYqaeY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/UYH8EgTYnODYqaeY.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Shcynz0AjgdN2MsY_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Shcynz0AjgdN2MsY.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/qcX2phZN9o09kyRU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/qcX2phZN9o09kyRU.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Is newer really better? We certainly don't think so, especially since PCs are designed to last at least a few years, and our current models still work. However, there's a high chance that your PC is laggier than it once was, but that doesn't mean you need to overhaul it completely. Consider giving your PC an internal upgrade.

You might not realize this, but a new operating system could be the boost your PC needs to serve you better. If it's been a while since you last upgraded, you might've waited for the right time. Why? Because Microsoft's most up-to-date operating system (https://stacksocial.com/sales/microsoft-windows-11-pro-7?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=microsoft-windows-11-pro-7&utm_term=scsf-615281&utm_content=a0xRn000003MtddIAC&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er), Windows 11 Pro, for only $14.97 (reg. $199) through March 30.

Revive your trusty PC by upgrading its OS with Windows 11 Pro (https://stacksocial.com/sales/microsoft-windows-11-pro-7?utm_source=techpowerup.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=microsoft-windows-11-pro-7&utm_term=scsf-615281&utm_content=a0xRn000003MtddIAC&scsonar=1&aid=a-zpm4h3er), now available for just $14.97 while supplies last. The price goes back up on March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.https://tpucdn.com/img/CgCKEBiYc1YROjPF_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CgCKEBiYc1YROjPF.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9LuqUtatk4ooa8r6_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9LuqUtatk4ooa8r6.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/NqfpTJEQEI48beGP_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/NqfpTJEQEI48beGP.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation, a global leader in NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today announced its participation in Embedded World 2025, taking place from March 11-13, 2025, in Nuremberg, Germany.

At the event, Silicon Motion will showcase its latest storage and display interface solutions, including PCIe NVMe Gen 4/5 SSD controllers, Ferri embedded storage solutions, and advanced display interface SoCs. These cutting-edge innovations are designed to maximize performance per watt, extend device longevity and power for the next generation of AI-driven industrial, embedded, automotive, and data center applications.https://tpucdn.com/img/4Uor6edTishKYfWw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4Uor6edTishKYfWw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/tX1NCK4idPDLNYM0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/tX1NCK4idPDLNYM0.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/rmV7QW0KhPEInpue_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/rmV7QW0KhPEInpue.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/oTr8UtyA2d8OMIvp_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/oTr8UtyA2d8OMIvp.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333756/silicon-motion-showcases-storage-solutions-for-ai-and-display-interface-socs-at-embedded-world-2025)

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[NextPowerUP]

Avalue Technology introduces the HPM-GNRDE high-performance server motherboard, powered by the latest Intel Xeon 6 Processors (P-Core) 6500P & 6700P.

Designed to deliver quality computing performance, ultra-fast memory bandwidth, and advanced PCIe 5.0 expansion, the HPM-GNRDE is the ideal solution for AI workloads, high-performance computing (HPC), Cloud data centers, and enterprise applications. The HPM-GNRDE will make its debut at embedded world 2025, showcasing Avalue's innovation in high-performance computing.https://tpucdn.com/img/LkVUPj378hIKJ1Or_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/LkVUPj378hIKJ1Or.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/5yYF5Amgk7f4dHAS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5yYF5Amgk7f4dHAS.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/klvaln3BkpqIs3yd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/klvaln3BkpqIs3yd.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333755/avalue-technology-unveils-hpm-gnrde-high-performance-server-motherboard)

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[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA is readying an entry-mainstream graphics card in the RTX 50-series "Blackwell" generation, likely called the GeForce RTX 5050. There is also the possibility of an RTX 5050 Ti positioned a notch above this, below the RTX 5060. The RTX 5050 is intended to be a successor to the RTX 3050. The RTX 40-series "Ada" generation did not have SKU in this segment, and its absence was felt recently when Intel launched the Arc B580 offering high performance/price under the $300-mark. There are no known specs of the RTX 5050 and RTX 5050 Ti, except that both feature 8 GB of memory size—something that turned the tide in Intel's favor with the B580 having 12 GB of it—and both SKUs come with a total graphics power (TGP) of around 135 W.

The two will be intended for 1080p gaming with mid-thru-high settings. It remains to be seen if NVIDIA implements Multi Frame Generation, because MFG is not a magic toggle that turns unplayable framerates to 60 FPS, however DLSS 4 with transformer upscaling, and perhaps even single frame generation could make it. NVIDIA is looking to target price-points of $199 and $249 with the RTX 5050 and RTX 5050 Ti, respectively. As for probable launch-date, Wccftech says that the cards could launch in the second half of April 2025, following the launch of the RTX 5060.https://tpucdn.com/img/BWHgq0tK0e71TFUi_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BWHgq0tK0e71TFUi.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333754/nvidia-readies-rtx-5050-series-for-the-entry-mainstream)

[NextPowerUP]

Samsung Electronics is taking a close look at its chip design and foundry operations. This action could lead to organizational restructuring, including executive reassignments and workforce reallocation. The initiative aims to strengthen Samsung's competitive position against industry leaders such as TSMC. In January (https://www.techpowerup.com/331468/samsung-electronics-reportedly-slashes-foundry-investments-in-half), the company's executives initiated an in-depth evaluation of the System LSI division, which handles chip design. After that, the company plans to extend the review to its foundry business. Significant restructuring may occur within the System LSI division, one proposal involves transferring the Exynos system-on-chip (SoC) business to the Mobile Experience (MX) division to better align with Samsung's smartphone strategy (https://www.techpowerup.com/332863/samsung-boss-reportedly-encouraged-simultaneous-develop-of-exynos-2500-soc-galaxy-s26-series).

Samsung is also evaluating the potential pause of investments in its Pyeongtaek (South Korea) and Taylor (US) (https://www.techpowerup.com/323741/samsung-delays-texas-chip-fab-to-consider-2nm-process-upgrade) manufacturing facilities for its foundry business. At the same time, the company is developing strategies to improve yield rates (https://www.techpowerup.com/333329/samsung-reportedly-progressing-well-with-2-nm-gaa-yields-late-2025-mass-production-phase-looms) in its advanced manufacturing processes. Moreover, Samsung is also considering changes within its image sensor business, potentially shifting focus from high-resolution sensors toward products for autonomous vehicles and robotics applications. This action represents the first major internal assessment since Samsung established its management analysis department in November 2024. The primary objective is to revitalize underperforming business divisions.https://tpucdn.com/img/5BnFjxV0sVNjyFLV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/5BnFjxV0sVNjyFLV.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333753/samsung-evaluates-chip-design-division-could-reconsider-factory-investment-plans-in-south-korea-and-us)

[NextPowerUP]

We had the unpleasant surprise of learning on 03/06/2025, through an article on Kitguru website Link, that a Dutch retailer—UW GAME SPECIALIST (https://uwgamespecialist.nl)—allegedly informed a customer that they were unable to fulfill their order because 5 GeForce RTX 5090 32G Suprim SOC from our brand had supposedly been recalled due to a fire hazard.

With this statement, we would like to make it clear that these allegations are absolutely false, that no recall program is in progress, and that our products present no such risk.

Furthermore, we would like to specify that this retailer is not one of MSI's partners, and we do not work with them.

We reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for these highly defamatory allegations, which harm our brand's reputation, as well as against anyone contributing to their dissemination.https://tpucdn.com/img/81jMh9BxijNM4t5E_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/81jMh9BxijNM4t5E.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333750/msi-statement-on-false-rumor-about-msi-geforce-rtx-5090-32g-suprim-soc)

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[NextPowerUP]

On March 3, Longsys, a branded semiconductor memory enterprise, made its first-ever appearance at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. Under the theme "New Mode of Storage Empowering Global Mobility", it showcased a series of innovative storage products, attracting widespread attention.

PTM Business Model: Full-Stack Customization Service
The Product Technology Manufacturing (PTM) model was a major highlight, showcasing Longsys' full-stack customization capabilities—from in-house controller development and product design to rigorous testing and intelligent manufacturing.https://tpucdn.com/img/Nh6bfxEyNYMCr2Lg_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Nh6bfxEyNYMCr2Lg.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333749/longsys-debuts-at-mwc25-showcasing-its-storage-portfolio)

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[NextPowerUP]

Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, today announced Amazon GameLift Streams, a fully managed capability that enables developers to deliver high-fidelity, low-latency game experiences to players using virtually any device with a browser. Game developers no longer need to spend time and resources modifying their games for streaming or building their own streaming infrastructure. Players around the world can begin playing games in seconds instead of waiting minutes for streams or hours for downloads. Amazon GameLift Streams is a new capability of Amazon GameLift, the AWS service that empowers developers to build and deliver the world's most demanding games. The new streaming capability opens opportunities for developers to deliver new experiences to more players, helping them grow engagement and sales of their games.

"With more than 750 million people playing games running on AWS every month, we have a long history of supporting the industry's game development, content creation, player acquisition, personalization, and more," said Chris Lee, general manager and head of Immersive Technology at AWS. "Amazon GameLift Streams can help the game industry transform billions of everyday devices around the world into gaming machines without rebuilding game code or managing your own infrastructure. For game developers, this creates exciting new revenue and monetization opportunities that weren't possible before."https://tpucdn.com/img/4oXvJzbW1hhSmrTs_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/4oXvJzbW1hhSmrTs.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333748/amazon-gamelift-streams-empowers-developers-to-stream-games-to-virtually-any-device)

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[NextPowerUP]

TerraMaster, in collaboration with its partner Imagery Business Systems, has launched API-in-a-Box, marking a significant milestone in the field of software and hardware development. This pre-configured open-source solution integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and low-code technology with the TerraMaster F4-424 Max TNAS hardware, aiming to accelerate the creation of full-stack applications. It offers a seamless experience from requirement description to production deployment. Below is an analysis of its detailed features, target audience, and unique advantages.

Product Features and Technical Highlights
API-in-a-Box integrates several innovative features, making it an ideal tool for rapid development and deployment.https://tpucdn.com/img/7ExJovbCON2XIidU_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7ExJovbCON2XIidU.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333747/terramaster-adds-api-in-a-box-open-source-ai-application-generator-to-its-f4-424-max-tnas-series)

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[NextPowerUP]

MSI IPC, a global leader in computing and AI-driven solutions, is set to unveil its latest Edge AI Computing innovations at Booth No. 1-389, Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany. Powered by the latest Intel platform, MSI's cutting-edge technologies will drive advancements in automation, digital signage management, and AI-driven customer interactions.

Several MSI's partners, including Alptech, Spo-comm, Spectra, and Elmark, are joining this event to showcase their cutting-edge solutions powered by MSI IPC products. Their demonstrations will feature a diverse range of applications, including 4U rackmount systems, Panel PCs (PPC), and KIOSK solutions, highlighting the versatility and performance of MSI's industrial computing technology in various sectors.https://tpucdn.com/img/3aa0E91l0a6739bq_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/3aa0E91l0a6739bq.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333743/msi-ipc-showcases-cutting-edge-edge-ai-computing-solutions-at-embedded-world-2025)

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[NextPowerUP]

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of premium gaming hardware, today launched the GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards powered by unified AMD RDNA 4 compute units with enhanced ray tracing capabilities for an ultra-immersive experience across all key gaming resolutions. To satisfy gamers' pursuit of speed, performance, and visuals for a smooth and immersive experience, GIGABYTE offers the AORUS Radeon RX 9070 XT ELITE 16G, Radeon RX 9070 XT GAMING OC 16G, and Radeon RX 9070 GAMING OC 16G, catering to various gaming needs.

GIGABYTE has upgraded the WINDFORCE cooling system, balancing performance and thermal efficiency. The new Hawk Fan design minimizes turbulence and noise, resulting in up to a 53.6% increase in air pressure and a 12.5% increase in air volume without compromising acoustics. Server-grade thermal conductive gel is used to cool critical components such as VRAM and MOSFETs. This highly deformable, non-fluid gel provides optimal contact even on uneven surfaces and effectively resists deformation from transport or long-term use. Combined with advanced thermal technologies like a larger heatsink, vapor chamber and copper plate, these cards ensure optimal performance and quiet operation under demanding workloads.⁠https://tpucdn.com/img/kbCkzuZwiOGQXnKW_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/kbCkzuZwiOGQXnKW.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333742/gigabyte-launches-the-amd-radeon-rx-9000-series-graphics-cards)

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[NextPowerUP]

The TechPowerUp HWBOT Team brought you the 2025 TPU HWBOT Contest, with cash prizes up for grabs. To win, PC enthusiasts would have to make submissions to our HWBOT Team, each submission is worth 10 points, and we have three winners for the top-3 contributors. The Contest was open in the months of January thru February, spanning a wide range of benchmarks and OC feats. The entries have closed, and we have our three top contributors.

Deslok with 629 submissions, wins $150
neurotix with 369 submissions, wins $100
NattyKathy with 42 submissions, wins $50

A huge congratulations to you three, and thanks for everyone else to make our contest a success!

Learn more about the TechPowerUp HWBOT team (https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/official-techpowerup-hwbot-team-information-thread.330116/), and check us out on HWBOT (https://hwbot.org/teams/techpowerup).https://tpucdn.com/img/fvsAV0IkLnHA7crx_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/fvsAV0IkLnHA7crx.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333738/techpowerup-hwbot-contest-2025-the-winners)

[NextPowerUP]

Embrace the power of friendship and explore sci-fi and fantasy worlds with your co-op buddy today! A message from Hazelight Studios (https://www.hazelight.se/)—every game we've released has embraced a key word. In "A Way Out (https://www.ea.com/games/a-way-out/)" it was "Trust" and in "It Takes Two (https://www.ea.com/en-us/games/it-takes-two)" it was "Collaboration." With Split Fiction, it's all about "Friendship." That is also the heart of the experience we hope you will have as you play the game. Whether it is strengthening your bond with a partner or immersing yourself in the journey with an old friend.

We created Split Fiction (https://www.ea.com/en/games/split-fiction/split-fiction) by putting passion, creativity and a big love of video games first. This is a game that was built collaboratively by everyone at Hazelight and we haven't shied away from putting not only our best but also wildest ideas into it. We hope you will enjoy playing our game as much as we did making it. We are so eager to let you and other players around the world finally dive into our latest co-op adventure. To say that we're proud of it is an understatement! We also hope you will make those lasting memories in Split Fiction that only come from sharing an experience with someone else - that's what it's all about in the end.https://tpucdn.com/img/nYjSXwDFeX2IVk84_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nYjSXwDFeX2IVk84.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/9ehAsjfI7AYHTYUE_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/9ehAsjfI7AYHTYUE.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/i49FebVJB8yzbDFV_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/i49FebVJB8yzbDFV.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/JGiaXRDU6KtoooK0_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/JGiaXRDU6KtoooK0.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333727/split-fiction-is-available-now-hazelight-studios-reiterates-games-message-friendship)

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[NextPowerUP]

Commemorate The Last of Us franchise with a brand-new controller; here's a first look at the DualSense wireless controller—The Last of Us Limited Edition. Created in close collaboration with the creative team at Naughty Dog (https://www.naughtydog.com/), this striking design features glossy trophy icons printed across the surface that call back to key moments, characters, and events from The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II.

To share more about the controller's design and inspiration, here's Head of Studio and Head of Creative Neil Druckmann and Graphic Designer Megan Mehran from Naughty Dog: "We were excited by the chance to memorialize The Last of Us franchise in a controller that fans and our own team would love. We wanted to ensure that both installments of The Last of Us are represented, via trophy icons printed in black gloss across the controller body. Among the trophies, three particular images will immediately stand out for TLOU fans: The firefly, moth, and wolf. Players will recognize the Fireflies' iconic spray-painted logo that originated in Part I, while the moth and wolf represent the intertwining lives and duality between Ellie and Abby in Part II."https://tpucdn.com/img/pXaxx5EfiWsc4Sdd_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/pXaxx5EfiWsc4Sdd.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/RNeNnOfTQaCNEK2l_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/RNeNnOfTQaCNEK2l.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/nQVdwYHdQ9kKrTfX_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/nQVdwYHdQ9kKrTfX.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/y41GbUP76W6qFf72_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/y41GbUP76W6qFf72.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333726/playstation-naughty-dog-present-the-last-of-us-limited-edition-dualsense-wireless-controller)

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[NextPowerUP]

Frequenters of the MindFactory.de webshop have highlighted worrying signs of decline. A telling example was posted to the (German language) PCBaumeister subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/PCBaumeister/comments/1j2rvf4/was_ist_mit_mindfactory_los/); where a member queried: "what's going on at MindFactory? Only 12 Intel CPUs, 36 graphics cards (all brands), 30 monitors left on offer. Are they going bankrupt or are they emptying their inventory?" Similar alerts landed across PC hardware discussion boards—regional press outlets started to pay attention once a decent number of observations were tallied. Even VideoCardz started to receive tip-offs (https://videocardz.com/pixel/mindfactory-delists-all-geforce-rtx-40-50-cards-amid-insolvency-rumors) from its German readership, regarding MindFactory's very limited selection of previous-gen NVIDIA graphics cards (see screenshot below). According to the latest news articles, higher-end GeForce 40-series models are not listed. Additionally, there is a distinct lack of GeForce 50-series products on the webstore. VideoCardz found plenty of entries for AMD Radeon graphics cards, but nothing newer or more advanced than the RX 7800 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7800-xt.c3839).

Curious customers have contacted the webshop's service team, regarding low inventory and lack of product variety. A typical response reads as follows: "we (Mindfactory.de) are currently restructuring our store, which is why we have so few items in stock at the moment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us." Following on from community tips, local media outlets have shared their own investigations—currently, several online sites propose that MindFactory is facing bankruptcy. WinFuture.de's article (https://winfuture.de/news,149363.html) sports a prominent "Insolvenz—Freie Marktwirtschaft" graphic—translation: "insolvency—free-market capitalism." Igor Wallossek—of Igor's Lab fame—took issue with some of the sensationalistic headlines. He weighed in on this matter: "apparently, bankruptcy is to be filed for next week. I cannot speak about the background, it is extremely sensitive. I have known about it since Friday (February 28)." A dedicated news piece did not appear on igorslab.de, due to the following of an ethical code of conduct.https://tpucdn.com/img/6gys7p8UsCPSnSHB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/6gys7p8UsCPSnSHB.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZxoTltG1fS5PfKfm_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZxoTltG1fS5PfKfm.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/uqV6H8szMeViFEO2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/uqV6H8szMeViFEO2.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2LLM8AxMG9I5FZxb_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2LLM8AxMG9I5FZxb.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333724/shoppers-note-low-inventory-on-mindfactory-de-webstore-reports-suggest-upcoming-insolvency)

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[NextPowerUP]

Much has been said about how the upcoming Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (https://www.expedition33.com/) feels like a modern twist on the classic JRPG formula, with its flashy, turn-based combat, a massive overworld map to run around in, and customizable weapon sets. You don't have to look hard to see influences from the likes of Persona, Final Fantasy, and other titans of the genre. Mixed with its engaging race-against-the-clock narrative and compelling Belle Époque-inspired art direction, Sandfall Interactive (https://www.sandfall.co/)'s first game has all the ingredients needed for a sleeper hit when it launches April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and day one with Game Pass.

Recently, I had a chance to experience Expedition 33 for myself with an extended hands-on demo that guided me through the game's opening hours, learning more about its characters, getting a handle on its engaging turn-based combat, and exploring its dark, fantastical world. It's a world that I've been eager to run around in since it was first revealed during Xbox Games Showcase 2024 (https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/06/09/xbox-games-showcase-2024-recap-everything-announced/). In a world much like our own, the mysterious Paintress, who looks like a towering Greek god, awakens once each year and paints a number upon a giant monolith—upon which everyone of that age turns to smoke and fades away. As the game begins, she has painted the number 33, and a small team of adventurers sets out to accomplish what other expeditions have not—destroy the Paintress before even more souls are lost to dust.https://tpucdn.com/img/1SEXoz1WjuETtpKL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/1SEXoz1WjuETtpKL.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/dNs2mpxVHtSabEhD_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/dNs2mpxVHtSabEhD.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/ZmJx9XpvYdQQh3Iz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/ZmJx9XpvYdQQh3Iz.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/PmNBi4XEPKv5BzIB_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/PmNBi4XEPKv5BzIB.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333722/clair-obscur-expedition-33-previewed-by-xbox-wire)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333722/clair-obscur-expedition-33-previewed-by-xbox-wire)

[NextPowerUP]

On Monday (March 3), Qualcomm introduced its Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite (https://www.techpowerup.com/333528/qualcomm-launches-the-dragonwing-fixed-wireless-access-gen-4-elite-platform) model—advertised as the world's first 5G Advanced-capable FWA platform. Inevitably, the company's brand-new Snapdragon X85 5G modem will be compared to a rival design—Apple's proprietary C1 chip launched last month; as featured in the A18 SoC-powered iPhone 16e series (https://www.techpowerup.com/332793/apple-iphone-16e-launched-with-a18-soc-apple-intelligence-and-usd-599-price-tag). The two companies were closely intertwined for a number of years; with a longer than anticipated co-development of 5G solutions (https://www.techpowerup.com/313529/apple-and-qualcomm-renew-iphone-5g-modem-partnership) for multiple iPhone product generations. Cristiano Amon—the CEO of Qualcomm—believes that his team's X85 5G design will end up as the victor, when pitched against Apple's C1. In a CNBC-conducted interview, he boasted: "it's the first modem that has so much AI, it actually increases the range of performance of the modem—so the modem can deal with weaker signals. What that will do will set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices, and iOS devices, when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing."

Smartphone industry watchdogs reckon that Apple's C1 model will leverage superior power efficiency; courtesy of the contained modem and receiver being based on TSMC 4 nm and 7 nm processes (respectively). Qualcomm has not revealed the fundamental aspects of its new Snapdragon X85, so it is difficult to project its power consumption habits. Official press material concentrates on two big selling points: downlink speeds up to 12.5 Gbps, and 40 TOPS of NPU processing power. Insiders have posited that the in-house designed C1 modem will make its way into next-gen iPads and Apple wearables—additionally, the development of a successor is rumored (https://www.techpowerup.com/313529/apple-and-qualcomm-renew-iphone-5g-modem-partnership). Despite doing less business with Apple, Amon thinks that the future is peachy: "if modem is relevant there's always a place for Qualcomm technology. In the age of AI, modems are going to be more important than they have ever been. And I think that's going to drive consumer preference about do they want the best possible modem in the computer that's in their hand all the time." Qualcomm's chief expects that the supply of Snapdragon 5G Modem‑RF Systems—to Apple—will end in 2027.https://tpucdn.com/img/8XdqV6plM71hmljj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8XdqV6plM71hmljj.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/8KmlFpk0ys34Wdva_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/8KmlFpk0ys34Wdva.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/2wBmhK9wq0qctxsz_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/2wBmhK9wq0qctxsz.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333720/qualcomm-ceo-expresses-confidence-in-snapdragon-x85-5gs-design-predicts-inferior-apple-c1-modem-performance)

[NextPowerUP]

AOOSTAR announced that the WTR MAX NAS will soon hit the market, after almost a year of development. The WTR MAX is equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor, which outperforms consumer grade 8845HS series, a good choice from AOOSTAR. Another interesting feature is the ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory support. However, there's another feature that stands out as well. Users can install no less than 11 drives in the WTR MAX NAS: five SSDs (three PCIe 4.0 X2.0 and two PCIe 4.0 X1.0) and six HDDs, making it ideal for those needing large storage capacity. AOOSTAR included Oculink and USB4 ports too, so you can plug in an external GPU or more storage options.

Specifications are complemented by two 10G Ethernet ports and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. On the front, you'll find USB4, Type-C, and SD card slots. The NAS comes with its own screen to keep an eye on the system in real time. You can check things like how hot the CPU is, how the memory's doing, and how well the drives are working. Also, you can pick from different themes for the display - default, cartoon style, and cyberpunk (they're planning to add more themes and options in the future). AOOSTAR is going to start selling the WTR MAX NAS at the end of March for just $699.https://tpucdn.com/img/Zu1pkkQcmcUnNmV4_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Zu1pkkQcmcUnNmV4.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Z0ZCiNNM2hTiDQK9_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Z0ZCiNNM2hTiDQK9.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/inttYdp2tUNtgxXA_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/inttYdp2tUNtgxXA.jpg)

More... (https://www.techpowerup.com/333719/upcoming-aoostar-wtr-max-nas-packs-11-drive-bays-5-for-ssds-6-for-hdds)

[NextPowerUP]

The perfect cup—for that special typing satisfaction that starts at your keycaps; there's only one coffee-turned-keeb to satisfy your cravings. Say hello to Signature Series Cappuccino (https://drop.com/buy/drop-signature-series-cappuccino-keyboard#overview): your new favorite order. Coffee, chill and customize—topped with our magnetic Latte Decorative Case, this typing concoction is formulated around our CSTM80 Keyboard model - which makes it easy to personalize virtually any ingredient.

Completing the coffee look, our rich DCX Latte Keycap Set adds extra warm notes to the presentation—with a substantial body that offers a subtly sculpted experience. In the finest enthusiast blend; a true typing pick-me-up, this Cappuccino is infused with plenty of enthusiast components—including Gateron Yellow KS-3 Switches, interchangeable polycarbonate weights and switch plates, and a full array of typing foam.https://tpucdn.com/img/XKrsng1Xvk9x52sL_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/XKrsng1Xvk9x52sL.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/DUG9jFEZWM6IhrW2_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/DUG9jFEZWM6IhrW2.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/CioAZQyUrMSqXDPS_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/CioAZQyUrMSqXDPS.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333718/drop-introduces-its-cappuccino-themed-signature-series-keyboard)

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[NextPowerUP]

The day that we have been working towards for one year, and around 5 years overall for the studio (Dart Games (https://darts-games.com/index.php)). Our game—Do No Harm (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3138780/Do_No_Harm/)—is out! We are excited to show it to you. Hope you like it. We are also excited to announce a bundle with Death & Taxes (https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/51051/Life__Death/).

Do No Harm is a doctor simulator with a Lovecraftian twist. You take on the role of a village doctor, diagnosing and treating patients using ancient and often cryptic medical procedures. If you're a fan of profession-related simulators or games that test your decision-making under pressure, Do No Harm is a unique blend of strategy and horror that will keep you guessing until the very end.https://tpucdn.com/img/FjoK94xVMvgvcxZw_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/FjoK94xVMvgvcxZw.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/AdpLF0thUz4kPbDj_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/AdpLF0thUz4kPbDj.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/K7gyTslOHnhlknPo_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/K7gyTslOHnhlknPo.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Rinlz1MYoYKyMEXO_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Rinlz1MYoYKyMEXO.jpg)
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[NextPowerUP]

Last week, Acer registered a glut of new graphics card SKUs—an extensive EEC filing revealed several unannounced Nitro and Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 9060 XT models (https://www.techpowerup.com/333584/acer-registers-multiple-radeon-rx-9060-xt-skus-with-16-gb-8-gb-memory-configs). The AMD board partner seems to be preparing two memory configurations for its lower-end RDNA 4 custom cards: 16 GB and 8 GB (GDDR6). VideoCardz reached out to AIB industry moles, in order to establish whether the aforementioned specification points were concrete. A past weekend report "reconfirms" incoming 16 GB and 8 GB variants. Going back to RDNA 3, Team Red released its Radeon RX 7600 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7600-xt.c4190) GPU in 16 GB form, while the cheaper Radeon RX 7600 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-7600.c4153) made do with a VRAM pool of 8 GB. An unnamed board partner's list of launch day offerings reportedly contains basic technical specs (see screenshot below).

Leaked Radeon RX 9060 XT details show 16 GB GDDR6 and 8 GB GDDR6 variants, with 128-bit memory interfaces. VideoCardz believes that 20 Gbps memory chips will be utilized, as featured on recently launched Radeon RX 9070 series cards. The leaked product list indicates that required juice will be delivered through a lone 8-pin power connector; a minimum PSU requirement suggestion is 500 W, although this could jump up to 550 W for factory overlocked SKUs. A speculative "Navi 48 (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/amd-navi-48.g1071) LE" GPU variant is present within TechPowerUp's GPU database entry for the Radeon RX 9060 XT (https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-rx-9060-xt.c4251). VideoCardz reckons that a "Navi 44" GPU would be more appropriate for this class; perhaps derived from a mobile part. The leak suggests the presence of a single HDMI 2.1 port, as well as two DP 2.1 ports—a smaller GPU would have trouble driving more than that. During an official RDNA 4 launch event—held in Beijing (https://www.techpowerup.com/333315/amd-teases-upcoming-launch-of-radeon-rx-9060-series-slated-for-q2-2025), late last month—a Team Red representative announced a loose Q2 2025 launch window for Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics cards.https://tpucdn.com/img/u4YwAokLs81UsbUk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/u4YwAokLs81UsbUk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/Z3CyXcyLdf8S9emr_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/Z3CyXcyLdf8S9emr.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/7H9Jsph98OULLaMC_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/7H9Jsph98OULLaMC.jpg)

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[NextPowerUP]

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corp. and a global leader in server design and manufacturing, will showcase its latest AI and HPC innovations at Supercomputing Asia 2025, taking place from March 11 at Booth #B10. The event highlights MiTAC's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology with the introduction of the G4520G6 AI server and the TN85-B8261 HPC server—both engineered to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.

G4520G6 AI Server: Performance, Scalability, and Efficiency Redefined
The G4520G6AI (https://www.mitaccomputing.com/en/spec/Barebones/G4520G6_G4520G6U2BC-N#sp) server redefines computing performance with an advanced architecture tailored for intensive workloads. Key features include:

Exceptional Compute Power- Supports dual Intel Xeon 6 Processors with TDP up to 350 W, delivering high-performance multicore processing for AI-driven applications.
Enhanced Memory Performance- Equipped with 32 DDR5 DIMM slots (16 per CPU) and 8 memory channels, supporting up to 8,192 GB DDR5 RDIMM/3DS RDIMM at 6400 MT/s for superior memory bandwidth.

https://tpucdn.com/img/lgiOuMwk5rI4paCk_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/lgiOuMwk5rI4paCk.jpg) https://tpucdn.com/img/T8tp690ctN5JdabZ_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/T8tp690ctN5JdabZ.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333869/mitac-computing-showcases-cutting-edge-ai-and-hpc-servers-at-supercomputing-asia-2025)

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[NextPowerUP]

TrendForce's latest research reveals that the global foundry industry exhibited a polarized trend in 4Q24. Advanced process nodes benefited from strong demand in AI servers, flagship smartphone application processors (APs), and new PC platforms, driving high-value wafer shipments. This growth helped offset the slowdown in mature process demand, allowing the top 10 foundries to achieve nearly 10% QoQ revenue growth, reaching US$38.48 billion, and marking another industry record.

TrendForce notes that new U.S. trade tariffs under the Trump administration have started affecting the foundry industry. A surge in recent orders for TVs, PCs, and notebooks bound for the U.S. in 4Q24 is expected to extend into 1Q25. Additionally, China's consumer subsidy program—introduced in late 2024—has spurred early inventory restocking among upstream customers. Combined with persistent demand for TSMC's AI-related chips and advanced packaging, these factors suggest that despite Q1 being a seasonally weak quarter, foundry revenue will only decline slightly.https://tpucdn.com/img/BUvcFrb0YwQGHY3i_thm.jpg (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/BUvcFrb0YwQGHY3i.jpg)
Read full story (https://www.techpowerup.com/333868/4q24-global-top-10-foundries-set-new-revenue-record-tsmc-leads-in-advanced-process-nodes)

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