TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

Today, we're announcing that Amazon will invest up to $4 billion in Anthropic. The agreement is part of a broader collaboration to develop the most reliable and high-performing foundation models in the industry. Our frontier safety research and products, together with Amazon Web Services' (AWS) expertise in running secure, reliable infrastructure, will make Anthropic's safe and steerable AI widely accessible to AWS customers.

AWS will become Anthropic's primary cloud provider for mission critical workloads, providing our team with access to leading compute infrastructure in the form of AWS Trainium and Inferentia chips, which will be used in addition to existing solutions for model training and deployment. Together, we'll combine our respective expertise to collaborate on the development of future Trainium and Inferentia technology.
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Microsoft Plans to Build Nuclear-Powered Data Centers
Data center infrastructure is a complex matter. It requires shelter, cooling, and dedicated power generators that keep the servers running at full capacity and uptime. However, as these data centers can consume MegaWatts of power, it is becoming increasingly more work for hyperscalers like Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others to ensure proper power supply to their data centers. Today, according to the job listing by Microsoft, we learn that the Redmond giant is preparing its infrastructure for nuclear power to reduce data centers' dependency on the outside grid. According to the job listing, Microsoft is seeking a "Principal Program Manager, Nuclear Technology, who will be responsible for maturing and implementing a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy."

The SMR and microreactor systems are smaller-scale than traditional nuclear reactors that many power plants are using today and are more manageable due to their sheer size. The power plants based on the aforementioned technology can reside right next to the data center. We are sure that Microsoft had calculated the return on investment (ROI) of creating its power grid, as its electricity consumption will only increase in the coming years as the infrastructure expands. P. Todd Noe, director of nuclear technologies engineering at Microsoft, shared a note regarding the listing, stating: "This is not just a job, it is a challenge. By joining us, you will be part of a global movement that is transforming the way we produce and consume energy. You will also have the chance to grow your skills, advance your career, and make an impact on millions of lives." Below, you can see an example SMR from NuScale.

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(PR) BIOSTAR Unveils Next-Gen H610MS and H610MHD D5 Motherboards
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, is excited to unveil the brand-new H610MS and H610MHD D5 motherboards designed to supplement the needs of modern day professionals and home users seamlessly. Built based on Intel H610 single-chip architecture, ready for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core Processors, these motherboards are ideal for the working professional, making tasks such as web browsing, emailing, and document management a breeze. For the home user, it delivers an unparalleled experience whether watching movies on Netflix, listening to music, gaming, or even for HTPC uses like streaming, live TV recording, and more.

The H610MS motherboard supports the robust DDR4 memory modules. Users can utilize 2 DIMM slots with a capacity of up to 64 GB. Meanwhile, the H610MHD D5 motherboard is designed to handle the latest DDR5 memory modules across a similar 2-DIMM configuration of up to 96 GB of Memory, ensuring users have a breadth of choices for their distinct build preferences. These motherboards are brimming with cutting-edge features tailored to modern computing demands. Each board seamlessly supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, ensuring rapid data transfers and connectivity. Additionally, they are primed for the future with support for both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 interfaces, offering enhanced versatility for expansions. Furthermore, they are equipped to accommodate the blazing speeds of PCIe 3.0 M.2 drives with a bandwidth of 32 Gb/s, catering to users who seek swift storage solutions.
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(PR) Silicon Motion Provides More Details Regarding MaxLinear's Surprise Termination of the Merger Agreement
Silicon Motion Technology Corporation today disclosed additional details regarding MaxLinear's termination of its May 5, 2022 agreement to acquire the Company (the "Merger Agreement"). As previously disclosed, MaxLinear's July 26, 2023 notice of termination did not contain a factual basis for MaxLinear's claim that it was not obligated to close its acquisition of the Company because the Company's business had suffered a material adverse effect (as such term is defined under Delaware law (an "MAE")) and the Company had failed to operate its business in the ordinary course after the Merger Agreement was signed.

In the 15 months following the signing of the Merger Agreement, MaxLinear never once asserted, prior to sending its July 26, 2023 notice of termination, that there had been a material breach of the Merger Agreement, nor did it or its representatives ever mention an MAE or a breach of the ordinary course covenant.
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(PR) SOUNDBOKS Announces SOUNDBOKS 4 Bluetooth Speaker with Concert-level Quality and Volume
SOUNDBOKS, a leading brand in Bluetooth party speakers, today announced the highly anticipated SOUNDBOKS 4,engineered to outperform and outlast the competition. The SOUNDBOKS 4 delivers unprecedented sound quality at any volume and is paired with industry-leading battery technology, all wrapped in a customizable, durable build with an easy-to-use Scandinavian design.

"We built SOUNDBOKS to amplify every party and the SOUNDBOKS 4 features our best innovations to date," said Jesper Theil Thomsen, SOUNDBOKS co-founder and CEO. "I'm so proud of the entire SOUNDBOKS team for what they have achieved, working alongside our passionate community to develop the SOUNDBOKS 4, the perfect speaker for those who crave powerful, immersive sound that fuels a passion for music and togetherness."
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(PR) LG Display Announces Mass-Production of 17-inch Foldable OLED Panel for Laptops
LG Display, the world's leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it will start mass-production of the 17-inch Foldable OLED panel for laptops, a representation of the company's earnest commitment to the expansion of its OLED business for IT devices. LG Display's 17-inch Foldable OLED panel features a Tandem OLED structure previously applied to automotive displays, with a dramatically increased lifespan suitable for IT devices. An industry first in 2019, LG Display's Tandem OLED embodies its groundbreaking two-stack OLED technology, which adds an extra organic emitting layer to deliver brighter screens while effectively dispersing energy across OLED components for optimal stability and longer lifespans. The longevity of the panel is well-suited to IT devices which typically have longer usage times such as laptops, monitors, and tablets.

The company's groundbreaking 17-inch Foldable OLED for laptops integrates a specialized material that minimizes creasing in the folding area of the screen. This results in a seamless display and crystal-clear picture quality, unlike conventional foldable panels. In addition, the 17-inch Foldable OLED features an 'in-folding' design, allowing it to fold inwards with ease. The curvature of the folding portion is reduced to 3R (radius of curvature 3 mm), resulting in a slim and seamless screen design that closely fits together when folded in half. The panel incorporates QHD+ resolution (2560 x 1920) on its 17-inch large screen and boasts an infinite contrast ratio unique to OLED technology, ensuring high-definition content can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere.
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(PR) Creative and Skyworth Partner to Unleash Next-Level Audio-Visual Experience with Super X-Fi
Creative Technology is delighted to announce its strategic partnership with Skyworth, bringing the award-winning Super X-Fi Spatial Holographic Audio technology into their latest TV line-up, which includes state-of-the-art miniLED 4K models. After receiving 23 prestigious awards at CES 2019, Super X-Fi is set to revolutionize the way users experience sound on Skyworth's top-of-the-line TVs, making home entertainment truly exceptional.

Super X-Fi technology revolutionizes the audio experience for users by ingeniously recreating the immersive listening sensation of a high-end multi-speaker system, all within the confines of a pair of headphones or earphones. Unlike conventional audio processing, this innovative spatial audio technology breaks free from the limitations of flat and lackluster sound, infusing every note, beat, and whisper with a remarkable sense of depth, realism, and immersion.
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(PR) AAEON Unveils BOXER-8651AI Mini PC Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX
Industry-leading designer and manufacturer of edge AI solutions, AAEON, has released the BOXER-8651AI, a compact fanless embedded AI System powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX module. Consequently, the BOXER-8651AI takes advantage of the module's NVIDIA Ampere architecture GPU, featuring 1024 CUDA and 32 Tensor Cores, along with support for NVIDIA JetPack 5.0 and above to provide users with accelerated graphics, data processing, and image classification.

With a fanless chassis measuring just 105 mm x 90 mm x 52 mm, the BOXER-8651AI is an extremely small solution that houses a dense range of interfaces, including DB-9 and DB-15 ports for RS-232 (Rx/Tx/CTS/RTS)/RS-485, CANBus, and DIO functions. Additionally, the device provides HDMI 2.1 display output, GbE LAN, and a variety of USB Type-A ports, supporting both USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0 functionality.

The BOXER-8651AI, despite containing such powerful AI performance for its size, is built to operate in rugged conditions, boasting a -5°F to 131°F (-15°C to 55°C) temperature range alongside anti-shock and vibration resistance features. Consequently, the PC is ideally suited for wall mounted deployment across a range of environments.
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(PR) MSI and Capcom Partner for Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary Themed Peripherals
MSI, a global leading brand of computer hardware and gaming peripherals, is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with renowned game developer CAPCOM to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Monster Hunter series. The depth of gameplay, challenging quests, and immersive multiplayer experiences have made the Monster Hunter series a beloved classic among gamers of all ages.

The official unveiling of this thrilling partnership has taken place at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show, with the release of the limited-edition products scheduled for the Monster Hunter 20th-anniversary celebration in March 2024. Drawing inspiration from one of the series' most iconic monsters, the Rathalos, this collaboration will infuse the majestic aura and power of the Rathalos into a captivating range of limited-edition gaming peripherals.
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Intel Confirms Meteor Lake Desktop CPUs Coming in 2024
PC World's senior editor, Mark Hachman, managed to corner an important Team Blue staffer during this week's Innovation 2023 event, where Core Ultra "Meteor Lake" processors were presented in an official manner. This CPU family is set to arrive on December 14, but starting out only in mobile form—past leaks have yoyo-ed between rumored plans for desktop variants being alive or getting canned entirely. Michelle Johnston Holthaus—executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group at Intel Corporation—confirmed to PC World in a video interview that Meteor Lake desktop SKUs are scheduled for launch next year. She elaborated on this slightly surprising declaration: "I want one processor family top to bottom for both segments, doesn't everybody?"

Exact details regarding release timings were not disclosed, but previous leaks have indicated that the rest of Intel's 14th Gen Core/Raptor Lake Refresh desktop lineup is due in early 2024—a product launch of 65 W TDP-rated SKUs could coincide with CES 2024. A "Meteor Lake-S" desktop CPU series is speculated to be placed mid-year, while the Arrow Lake generation is believed to be slated for late 2024. Reports have suggested that Meteor Lake has been delayed numerous times due to developmental setbacks—a leaked presentation slide seemed to show MTL-S SKUs (on socket LGA1851) being limited to 35 and 65 W TDPs, thus restricting the range to Core i3 and i5 product lines. Intel's new naming scheme—for the Meteor Lake generation—will assign "Core Ultra 5" instead of "Core i5" if new models land in the "Premium" processor bracket. We are not entirely sure where the future equivalent to "Core i3" will stick in the lower-end hierarchy, but the revised naming system suggests that it will only exist within Intel's "Mainstream" tier—so just a plain "Core 3," without any mention of Ultra performance or feature set.
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[NextPowerUP]

Ubisoft has announced strong early momentum for The Crew Motorfest, the brand-new open world driving experience of The Crew franchise. The game is the highest rated title in the franchise and had the best first week for the franchise in terms of total unit sell through, overall consumer spend, and season pass adoption rate.

The Crew Motorfest has been received positively by critics and players alike, delivering on its promise of breathtaking Hawaiian scenery and graphic fidelity, improved vehicle handling, and an ode to car culture through the Playlist system. The Crew 2 community have already embraced the new opus and have taken advantage of the "Collection Import" feature, with more than 42 million vehicles imported from The Crew 2 to The Crew Motorfest.
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GoDeal24 Unveils Autumn 2023 Sale: Get Up to 62% on Genuine Office Software
GoDeal24, the international merchant of genuine, globally-valid software at discount prices, announced the 2023 Autumn Sale. Get Genuine Windows 11 Pro, the most powerful PC operating system, at just $10.25. Windows 11 Home can be had at $9.98. Free yourself from annual 365 subscription payments by getting Genuine, lifetime-valid Office 2021 Professional Plus at just $24.25. Better yet, pair it with Windows 11 at $32.99. Check out great deals on other editions of Windows and Office.

Buy Windows 10 Pro at $7.25 | Buy Windows 10 Home at $7.15 | Buy Windows 11 Pro at $10.25 | Buy Windows 11 Home at $9.98 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus at $24.25 | Buy Office 2021 Home and Business for Mac at $28.99 | Buy Office 2019 Professional Plus at $22.25 | Buy Office 2019 Home and Business for Mac at $26.99

Please use the coupon code SGO62 on the following items to avail the prices you see here.
Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $29.70 | Buy Windows Windows 10 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $25.68 | Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $32.99 | Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $28.69

Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 5-PC at $65.25 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 2-PC at $39.25 | Buy Windows 10 Professional 2-PC at $12.25 | Buy Windows 10 Home 2-PC at $12.01 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 2-PC at $20.25 | Buy Windows 11 Home 2-PC at $19.25

Please use the coupon code SGO50 on the following items.
Buy Visio Professional 2021 at $30.23 | Buy Project Professional 2021 at $33.82 | Buy Windows Server 2022 Standard at $26.13 | Buy Windows Server 2019 Standard at $16.06 | Buy Windows Server 2022 Datacenter at $30.75 | Buy Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC at $12.81
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Private Division Teases "Tales of the Shire"
Tales of the Shire—a "The Lord of the Rings" game—has been teased by Private Division. The introductory trailer does not contain any gameplay footage, but it indicates that a "cozy" Hobbit-related living habitat will serve as the main environment. A live action sequence shows a character adding yet another drawing to a sketchbook filled to the brim with illustrations of Hobbit life and key Shire locales. Take Two Interactive's indie specialist offshoot will be publishing the game, while Wētā Workshop is listed as Tales of the Shire's main development studio. The latter is best known for creating special effects and props—most notably on the Peter Jackson directed The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies.

Wētā Workshop's move into video games seems to be an odd one—but Take Two Interactive and its development partner did announce an unnamed The Lord of the Rings title last summer—Amie Wolken, head of interactive at Wētā Workshop stated (at the time): "It's a privilege to create a new game set in Middle-earth, especially one that's so different from what fans have played previously. As fans ourselves, we're excited for gamers to explore Middle-earth in a way they never have before, and introduce new fans to the magic of The Lord of the Rings." Private Division has set a very general 2024 launch window, with Tales of the Shire arriving on PC and consoles.
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(PR) Run AI on Your PC? NVIDIA GeForce Users Are Ahead of the Curve
Generative AI is no longer just for tech giants. With GeForce, it's already at your fingertips. Gone are the days when AI was the domain of sprawling data centers or elite researchers. For GeForce RTX users, AI is now running on your PC. It's personal, enhancing every keystroke, every frame and every moment. Gamers are already enjoying the benefits of AI in over 300 RTX games. Meanwhile, content creators have access to over 100 RTX creative and design apps, with AI enhancing everything from video and photo editing to asset generation. And for GeForce enthusiasts, it's just the beginning. RTX is the platform for today and the accelerator that will power the AI of tomorrow.

How Did AI and Gaming Converge?
NVIDIA pioneered the integration of AI and gaming with DLSS, a technique that uses AI to generate pixels in video games automatically and which has increased frame rates by up to 4x. And with the recent introduction of DLSS 3.5, NVIDIA has enhanced the visual quality in some of the world's top titles, setting a new standard for visually richer and more immersive gameplay. But NVIDIA's AI integration doesn't stop there. Tools like RTX Remix empower game modders to remaster classic content using high-quality textures and materials generated by AI.
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(PR) Helldivers 2 "Super Citizen Edition" Revealed
It's time, Helldivers. This is Katherine from Arrowhead Game Studios bringing you the biggest announcement yet: Helldivers 2 launches on 8th February 2024! Pre-purchase for both the Standard Edition and the Super Citizen Edition of Helldivers 2 are now available—enlist today to fight for the liberty of Super Earth.

Be the hero of Super Earth, defender of Freedom, herald of Managed Democracy. Team-up with your fellow Helldivers and fight more than just bugs: now the Automaton faction has emerged to threaten our liberty. Descended from the Cyborgs, an old enemy familiar to our Helldivers community, these mechanized killing machines are determined to wipe out the Super Earth way of life. The bots are an intelligent and relentless foe, you and your squad will have to gather your most powerful weapons and strategize on how best to wipe them out.
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Panos Panay Reportedly Quit Microsoft Due to Budget Cuts
Panos Panay did not present at Microsoft's recent Windows event in New York City—his departure from the titanic technology corporation was announced on September 18; so only three days before an official unveiling of new Surface products. Panay and his (now former) executive colleagues painted a positive picture regarding the move onto pastures new. News reports emerged about an alleged high level hiring by Amazon, with Panay overseeing Alexa and Echo divisions—replacing Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices & Services. A Business Insider report suggests that Microsoft's former chief product officer was unhappy about budget cuts affecting his Surface division—certain insiders were not surprised when Panay announced his retirement from the big M.

The transfer to Amazon was in the works for a while, according to cited inside sources—Microsoft reportedly implemented a round of major budget cuts and product cancellations that did not sit well with Panay. The Surface department experienced "significant" downscaling, and plans for next-generation Surface Headphones were jettisoned. Business Insider proposed that funds had been reassigned to more important internal ventures—mainly artificial intelligence. Many folks were looking forward to Panay taking the stage in NYC earlier this week, but Brett Ostrum (Corporate Vice President of Surface Devices) ultimately acted as his replacement—with a showcasing of the company's latest portable Windows devices. Attendees were somewhat surprised to see Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella turn up as well—it is possible that he was added to the roster for "some extra firepower."

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This Week in Gaming (Week 39)
As we're about to enter the last week of September, we have another somewhat slow week of new releases, that is unless you're a football fan, the kind with a round ball, not the oblong pig bladder kind. That said, if you're into trains, house building, hunting relics or ever wanted to know what it's like to jump between worlds, there might be something for you this week as well.

EA Sports FC 24 / This week's AAA title / Thursday 28 September
EA Sports FC 24 welcomes you to The World's Game: the most true-to-football experience ever with HyperMotionV, PlayStyles optimised by Opta, and an enhanced Frostbite. Join us in building the future of football on a foundation of innovation and authenticity with more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams, and 30 leagues.
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[NextPowerUP]

Total War: Pharaoh's release date via Epic Games Store has been delayed into early 2024, but its Steam launch time remains unchanged—it is still scheduled for October 11 (at the time of writing). It seems that Epic Games has added to the development team's pile of homework—Creative Assembly shared this information through its social media account(s): "We have moved the Epic Games Store release of Total War Pharaoh into early 2024. We were recently asked to help support the integration of additional social functions before we can launch on the Epic Games Store," it explains, "and we'll need additional time to help make that happen." Epic's listing simply states that Sega Europe's upcoming turn-based/strategy real-time tactics game will be "Coming Soon."

Customers with pre-orders already placed on the Epic Games Store should be issued notifications regarding automatic cancellations and refunds. Customer support team members will also get in contact regarding existing pre-release purchases. The Total War department apologized for any inconveniences caused, but affected folks are more than welcome to re-direct their cash to another shop: "We're disappointed too, and that we otherwise look forward to welcoming you into Ancient Egypt early next year. Otherwise our plans to launch Total War: Pharaoh on October 11th across all other storefronts remain unchanged, and we're excited to see you playing during our upcoming Early Access Weekend starting next Friday, September 29th."
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(PR) "Airship: Kingdoms Adrift" Launches Skyward on Steam
Hey Skyfarers, it's the day we have all been waiting for—grab your ships and join us in the skies! Airship: Kingdoms Adrift is officially launching on Steam, and we—Revolution Industry—couldn't be more stoked! Before we jump into commanding our ships, we want to send a massive shoutout to all you amazing skyfarers who've been with us every step of the way. We are beyond grateful for your support - you rock!

We're incredibly excited to see how you thrive in the world we have crafted. Whether you're building up a fleet, charting trade routes, or exploring the frontier at your airship's helm, we hope you love each moment as much as we loved creating this world for you to dive into! If you encounter any bugs or have suggestions, we're all ears, and would love to hear from you.
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Similarities Noticed in Arrow Lake & Meteor Lake NPU Drivers
Team Blue's marketing team has kicked into hype mode—Meteor Lake is launching at the tail end of 2023—with a shift in naming conventions comes another rebranding of internal technologies. The previously identified versatile processing unit (VPU) is now going under a different moniker: "Intel will usher in the age of the AI PC with the upcoming Intel Core Ultra processors, code-named Meteor Lake, featuring Intel's first integrated neural processing unit, or NPU, for power-efficient AI acceleration and local inference on the PC. Intel confirmed Core Ultra will launch Dec. 14." Michael Larabel, principal author at Phoronix, has noticed that newly updated versions of the Linux kernel have the "IVPU" accelerator driver bundled in. This will: "support Meteor Lake's VPU/NPU, while a patch is pending to extend that support for next-generation Arrow Lake processors."

In his opinion, there are some shared aspects across the two CPU generations: "Intel's Arrow Lake NPU appears very similar to that of Meteor Lake with the driver enablement coming down to adding new PCI IDs...(with) this patch adding the new Arrow Lake PCI IDs to the existing Meteor Lake driver code paths for this DRM accelerator driver is all that's needed to enable the VPU." Team Blue jumped two generations ahead at this week's Innovation event—Lunar Lake showed up in a live demo. Larabel believes that this late 2024 CPU family will revolve the dial to a greater degree: "The VPU/NPU with Lunar Lake brings more significant changes with the open-source driver changes already underway there. With Lunar Lake is the new VPU4 IP and the Linux 6.6 kernel with its updated IVPU driver already has initial support there."

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[NextPowerUP]

Phanteks expands the D30 fan lineup with the bigger, 140mm, D30-140 fans. These new 140 mm offerings represent the pinnacle of performance, aesthetics, and innovation, catering to the needs of both PC enthusiasts and builders.

D30-140 Fans: Redefining Performance and Aesthetics
The D30 fans introduce a mesmerizing integration of D-RGB lighting that spans seamlessly across the frame and blades of the fan from all sides. A hallmark of the D30 fan is its unique capability for easy and clean fan linking. Phanteks has designed bridge connectors and screw cover plates, enabling multiple D30 fans to be seamlessly interconnected. This innovative solution reduces cable clutter and transforms multiple fans into a unified, visually striking unit, resulting in an immaculately clean build. The D30-140 fans offer a choice of regular and reversed airflow fans, empowering users to customize cooling configurations. Enhanced by a robust 30 mm frame and aerodynamic fan blades inspired by Phanteks' renowned T30 design, these fans excel in challenging scenarios like radiators and mesh filters, delivering superior air pressure for optimal temperatures under demanding cooling needs. Together with the upcoming Glacier One 420D30 and NV9, the D30-140 fan offers an unparalleled blend of functionality and style to pc builders.
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(PR) Logitech G Unveils Playseat Challenge X - Logitech G Edition
Today, Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, and Playseat introduced the newest sim racing chair, the Playseat Challenge X - Logitech G Edition. Designed for Logitech G racing wheel and pedals, this new chair is a lightweight, foldable carbon steel frame and features a fully adjustable seat with Playseat's Actifit ️ breathable materials, providing sim racers with a racing chair that delivers exceptional comfort, versatility, durability and the performance needed to stay fully immersed in the race.

"There was a considerable amount of collaboration on this product to make the Challenge X more functional, comfortable and overall, a better racing experience, than traditional desktop gaming chairs. During that process our teams focused on three key areas of a sim racing chair and we couldn't be more happy with the results." said Jim Hoey, head of simulation marketing at Logitech G.
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Intel Core "Meteor Lake" Confirmed NOT Coming to Desktops, Only AIOs and Mini PCs
Intel's next generation Core "Meteor Lake" processor was confirmed by ComputerBase.de to not release on the desktop platform. The processor will not make it to a socketed desktop package such as the upcoming LGA1851. It will see a mobile-only (notebook and tablets only) launch, with select processor models based on the mobile BGA package being made available to PC OEMs to build all-in-one desktops and mini PCs as non-socketed processors.

The desktop platform presence of "Meteor Lake" has been surrounded by some controversy, owing mainly to its maximum CPU core count of 6P+16E, which is bound to fall short of the current 8P+16E, and AMD's 16P. A slide released by Intel added to the confusion, which indicated that "Meteor Lake" has a thermal range of 5 W to 125 W, with the latter being typically associated with the processor base power values of desktop Core K-series processors.
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(PR) GIGABYTE Announces Immersion GPU Servers and Nodes Following Open Rack V3 Specifications at the OCP Global Summit
GIGABYTE Technology, Giga Computing, a subsidiary of GIGABYTE and an industry leader in high-performance servers, server motherboards, and workstations, today announced ahead of exhibiting at the OCP Global Summit new OCP ORv3 based solutions, including ones designed for GPU centric workloads in immersion cooling. The new GIGABYTE products include a 2OU node tray, TO25-BT0, and compute nodes: TO25-S10, TO25-S11, TO25-S12, TO25-Z10, TO25-Z11, and TO25-Z12. For immersion cooling server deployments with ORv3 specifications are the new GPU servers: TO15-S40, TO15-S41, and TO15-Z40.

Our commitment to support Open Compute Project's designs dates back almost a decade starting with our OCP v1.0 products, and now we are releasing some well-designed, in demand ORv3 products. Through discussions with several customers, we decided to move forward with the development of these configurations. These designs check the boxes for specifications that are required," said Vincent Wang, Sales VP at Giga Computing. "We will continue supporting ORv3 specifications and we have more products on the horizon in Q1 2024.
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(PR) MSI Teams Up with UBISOFT to Create a New Gaming Experience for Assassin's Creed Mirage
MSI, the global leading brand in gaming, officially announced a collaboration with the renowned global game publisher, UBISOFT, for the highly anticipated game Assassin's Creed Mirage, which will be available worldwide on October 5th. Gamers who purchase designated high-end gaming laptops, gaming monitors or gaming routers equipped with the 13th generation Intel processors from MSI will have the chance to get a redemption code for Assassin's Creed Mirage.

UBISOFT's Assassin's Creed Mirage is an homage to the series and a particularly special tribute to the first Assassin's Creed. Inviting players to immerse themselves in a magnificent ninth-century Baghdad at the peak of its Golden Age, Assassin's Creed: Mirage offers a condensed, narrative-driven action-adventure experience with a modern take on the parkour, stealth, and assassination gameplay elements that have defined the franchise for over fifteen years. In this pivotal moment of History, players will become Basim Ibn Is'haq, a young thief with a mysterious past who joins the Hidden Ones in Alamut on a quest for answers.
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Report: Qualcomm Forces OEMs to Use Its Own PMICs for Oryon SoC
According to SemiAccurate, Qualcomm is currently navigating through many challenges with its Oryon SoC for laptops. The current problem is that Qualcomm is insisting on integrating its own PMICs (Power Management Integrated Circuits), which are inherently designed for cell phones, causing significant compatibility and efficiency issues. This approach is reported to have led to escalated costs and disagreements with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), seemingly hindering Qualcomm's foothold in the laptop sector. These PMICs are highlighted as unsuitable and highly priced, requiring the adoption of high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs engineered explicitly for cell phones, thus not designed to meet the current requirements of laptops optimally. The subsequent spike in production costs has ignited conflicts with OEMs, with several contemplating withdrawing from the project.

In response to the rising tensions, Qualcomm is allegedly providing financial compensation to the OEMs, potentially leading to selling SoCs at cost. The only good thing is the reported success of Nuvia-based Oryon SoC. The silicon is perfect at A0 stepping, and performance is reportedly good. However, power usage and efficiency are still in question. Forcing OEMs to use proprietary PMICs will likely have far-reaching impacts on Qualcomm's market strategies and relationships with OEMs. With disputes like this, we expect that Qualcomm-powered laptops are nearing availability, and we could see them in the coming months.

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(PR) Kioxia Introduces Next Generation e-MMC Ver. 5.1-Compliant Embedded Flash Memory
Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, today announced sampling of new, higher performing JEDEC e-MMC Ver. 5.1-compliant embedded flash memory products for consumer applications. The new products integrate a newer version of the company's BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory and a controller in a single package, reducing processor workload and improving ease of use. Both 64 and 128 gigabytes (GB) products will be available.

As the market continues to shift to UFS, there are cases where e-MMC may still be used. This includes consumer products with mid-range storage requirements such as tablets, personal computers, point of sale devices and other portable handheld devices, as well as smart TVs and smart NICs. Kioxia continues to reinforce its market-leading position by delivering a broad, high-performance product lineup and expanding the available options for these applications.
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(PR) The Talos Principle 2 Launches November 2
Hi everyone. Croteam is very happy today to announce The Talos Principle 2 is launching on November 2. This is a very special project for us. For one, it allowed us to continue the story of The Talos Principle, a game that shaped us just as much as Serious Sam did. But also, The Talos Principle 2 started a new chapter for us, as we transitioned from developing our own technology to Unreal Engine, which allowed us to put 100% of our focus on creating the best gaming experience we can.

We cannot wait for everyone to hop in The Talos Principle 2 on November 2nd, and experience this new adventure with us. You can pre-purchase The Talos Principle 2 now at 10% off, and if you own the original you can secure an additional discount. Thanks for all your support! The new game is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.
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Ubisoft CEO Discusses Acquisition of Activision Cloud Streaming Rights
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) rejected a previous draft of Microsoft's proposed deal to merge with Activision Blizzard (to the tune of $69 billion). The expected summer completion date was missed due to this sole case of opposition—all of the other international regulatory bodies had approved a conglomeration of Xbox and Activision portfolios. Ubisoft later emerged as an unlikely knight in shining armor, since the UK CMA has provisionally approved freshly revamped conditions—it turns out that Microsoft had agreed to sell its cloud streaming rights to the French video game publisher. The Financial Times sat down with one of the company's co-founders—CEO Yves Guillemot—and discussed how cloud gaming will revolutionize the industry.

Guillemot was not asked to comment on how much his firm has agreed to spend—allegedly a one-off fee—on purchasing Activision Blizzard's cloud streaming rights (from Microsoft). He did discuss the inherent risk of embracing a relatively immature market technology: "When Netflix first said it was going to go into streaming, their shares fell a lot and they were widely criticized. Today, we see what they have become. It's going to be the same with video games, but it will take time. But when it takes off, it will happen very quickly...We strongly believe in the next five to 10 years, many games will be streamed and will also be produced in the cloud. That's what pushed us to go forward with the Microsoft deal." This looks to be an unusual move for Ubisoft, considering the rumors of a recent strategy shift in reaction to downturns in sales.

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(PR) GlobalFoundries Submits Applications for U.S. CHIPS and Science Act Funding
GlobalFoundries (GF) announced today it has applied for U.S. CHIPS and Science Act Funding, with two full applications submitted to the CHIPS Program Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The submitted applications are for capacity expansion and modernization of GF's U.S. manufacturing facilities.

"As the leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors for the U.S. government, and a vital supplier to the automotive, aerospace and defense, IoT and other markets, GF has submitted our applications to the CHIPS Program Office to participate in the federal grants and investment tax credits enabled by the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act," said Steven Grasso, senior director of global government affairs at GF. "This federal support is critical for GF to continue growing its U.S. manufacturing footprint, strengthening U.S economic security, supply chain resiliency, and national defense."
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[NextPowerUP]

DRY STUDIO, a startup consumer technology brand that aims to bring advanced niche designs to global users at an approachable price, is releasing its first product with the Indiegogo launch of the new Black Diamond 75. As the world's first mechanical gaming keyboard with leaf spring mount, the Black Diamond 75 will bring a striking balance between esports capability and typing experience to the masses, with features such as low-latency 2.4G and an ID design inspired by the Lamborghini Aventador "Black Diamond". The Base Bundle is priced at 240 USD, and the Advance Bundle is priced at 295 USD. Early customers can get 15% off by taking advantage of the 48 hours Indiegogo Early Bird discounts.

Black Diamond 75 design philosophy
Placing emphasis on creating a keyboard with a unique and fierce shape, the Black Diamond 75 takes its inspiration from the modified all-carbon Lamborghini Aventador - the MANSORY Carbonado - also known as the "Black Diamond". A combination of real carbon fiber (Carbon) or anodized silver aluminium (Mithril) and hand-polished PMMA acrylic with increased hardness are used to realize stunning supercar aesthetics while providing durability that users have come to expect from mechanical gaming keyboards.
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(PR) Canalys Predicts Upswing for North American PC Market
The latest Canalys data reveals that PC shipments (desktops, notebooks and workstations) in the US declined just 6% year-on-year to 18.2 million units in Q2 2023, marking a significant improvement compared to earlier quarters this year. Notebook (including mobile workstations) shipments were down 4% to 15.2 million units, bolstered by the return of Chromebook demand in the education sector. Desktops (including desktop workstations) suffered a steeper decline, with shipments falling 12% to 3.0 million units. The US tablet market faced a similarly modest decline, with shipments down 5% to 10.3 million units.

"Despite undergoing another year-on-year decline, the US PC market showed promising signs of improvement in the second quarter," said Ishan Dutt, Principal Analyst at Canalys. "With the buildup of channel inventories now largely cleared, pockets of demand strength are now being reflected in vendors' sell-in shipment performance. A key area that helped drive volumes was the return of demand from education institutions, backed by the latest wave of federal funding, ahead of a licensing cost increase for ChromeOS. This helped propel Chromebook shipments to 4.7 million units, the highest level since peak deployments during the first half of 2021."
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AMD Ryzen 7 7840S Lenovo-Exclusive APU Benchmarked
Lenovo's newly released ultra-thin Yoga Air 14s 2023 Ryzen Edition laptop packs an exclusively tuned variant from AMD's 7040 "Phoenix" APU series—we are seeing a whole bunch of these mobile chipsets finally arriving inside portable computer hardware and in handheld games systems (Ryzen Z1 series), following several delays earlier in the year. AMD and Lenovo have partnered up on a special Ryzen 7 7840S eight-core APU, with a custom 30 W TDP profile—likely implemented to synergize with the Yoga Air's thin and lightweight design. Folks in the west have started to enjoy playing around with Ryzen 7 7840HS-equipped laptops, this particular APU has a 45 W TDP rating—also shared by China-market specific 7840H variants.

The MyDrivers review team has been taking Lenovo's Yoga Air 14s 2023 Ryzen Edition for a spin—PC Mark results suggest 10 to 11 hours of normal operation on battery, while lighter office tasking bumps that up to 14 hours. A snazzy 14.5-inch OLED screen with 10-touch support seemed to be a highlighted feature on this fancy slimline laptop. A 5% overall difference in performance (across a number of benchmark suites) was noted by the reviewer—a flagship Ryzen 9 7940HS (45 W) APU narrowly beat its less greedy 30 W sibling. The Yoga Air was judged to offer "top tier" performance that competes with a larger class of notebook (15.6-inch). The reviewer was suitably impressed by Lenovo's chassis design: "To be honest, there are very few thin and light notebooks on the market priced at 8,000 yuan (~$1095) that can surpass Yoga Air 14s 2023 Ryzen Edition in terms of appearance and craftsmanship."

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Ryan Shrout Announces Departure from Intel
The corporate world of semiconductor companies has seen some restructuring lately, and today, we learn that Ryan Shrout of Intel is leaving the company. Most recently serving as Senior Director of Client Segment Strategy, CCG at Graphics and AI Group, Ryan Shrout joined Intel over four years ago. Mr. Shrout started at the company as Chief Performance Strategist in 2018, and later, in 2020, he changed his role to Senior Director of Technical and Competitive Client Marketing. After that, he made a switch and was Senior Director of Gaming, Graphics, and HPC Marketing (AXG Marketing). His most recent role was relatively short-lived, only lasting for three months.

Many people in the community may know Mr. Shrout from his time at PC Perspective, which he founded and managed as Editor-in-Chief in 1999. However, today, on his Twitter/X profile, we're learning that he is departing Intel to take on another role. "Fall is a season for change! Yesterday was my last day at Intel. I'm going to take a couple weeks with the family then I'm excited to talk about what's next," the post stated. With such extensive experience in the PC industry, we are eager to see where Mr. Shrout lands next.

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(PR) Xbox Design Lab Offers Shift Controller Series Customization
In 2021, we introduced the Shift Special Edition Controller series with the Aqua Shift, followed by the Lunar and Stellar Shift controllers. We have been thrilled by the Xbox community's response to each controller and are delighted to announce that the Shift series is now available through Xbox Design Lab. Alongside the Aqua, Lunar, and Stellar Shift designs making their debut on Xbox Design Lab, we are equally excited to introduce the newest member to the Shift series family - Cosmic Shift. These color-shifting top cases change color with light and motion - including the blue shimmer of Aqua Shift, silver-gold shimmer of Lunar Shift, blue-purple shimmer of Stellar Shift, and white-pink shimmer of Cosmic Shift.

At its core, the Shift series symbolizes the essence of exploring distinct realms, as each controller has a design story tied to traversing from one dimension to another. The blue shimmer of the Aqua Shift symbolizes the sea and its rhythmic tides. The silver-gold shimmer of the Lunar Shift embodies the captivating aura of the moon. The Stellar Shift transports us to the depths of space, where the deep purple and blue shimmer mimic the mysterious themes of the galaxy.
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(PR) Total War: Pharaoh's Early Access Weekend Global Timings Revealed
The Total War: Pharaoh Early Access Weekend is almost upon us! Here are the global times for everyone (see below). ???? If you've pre-ordered your copy, it'll be available in your Steam library from Sept 29th, 13:00 BST to Oct 2nd, 13:00 BST. Prepare to journey back to the late Bronze Age! ???? The Early Access Weekend is an exciting opportunity for you to enjoy a carefully curated presentation of the game that includes two playable factions from two different cultures, a selection of Ancient Legacies, the full campaign map as well as all battle mechanics and most campaign mechanics. The game is playable for up to 60 turns, which can be replayed as often as you like during this time period.

This is the first time we're offering a pre-order bonus like this and we're proud to give you the chance to try part of the game a little earlier! We're currently focusing all available energies on polishing and delivering a smooth and enjoyable launch, so the Early Access Weekend is not a beta test. Of course, if you should happen to encounter a serious bug or issue, please do let us know.
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Capcom Not Open to Potential Microsoft Takeover
Haruhiro Tsujimoto, Capcom's chief operating officer, spoke to Bloomberg during last week's Tokyo Game Show. The discussion touched upon several subject matters, but the key takeaway was his refusal to accept any outside bid for complete ownership of Capcom's development and publishing arms. Sony and Microsoft have been hoovering up studios over the past three years, but the COO stated that any approach or bid for Capcom would be "gracefully declined." Tsujimoto was presented with a hypothetical situation: "How would Capcom respond to an acquisition offer from Microsoft?" A continuation of their existing relationship was his preference going forward: "I believe it would be better if we were equal partners."

He revealed that offers were made in the past: "There was a time (when) we were a target." Capcom desires internal "organic growth," rather than rapid expansion through acquisitions. It will occasionally rely on the third parties to develop games: "I also believe we can utilize external partners...but we have no intention of acquiring companies." Returning to the subject of growth—Capcom has not yet implemented a major price hike for its AAA titles, unlike other (rival) publishers—gamers are now paying up to $70 for (base/standard edition) big-budget interactive experiences on the latest-gen consoles and PCs. The house of Resident Evil and Street Fighter is seemingly ready to follow suit—as reported by Nikkei; Tsujimoto-san stated: "Development costs now are about 100 times more than they were during the Famicom era, but software prices haven't gone up to that extent...There's also a need to raise wages in order to attract talent. Seeing as wages are rising in the industry as a whole, I think raising unit prices is a healthy business model."

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[NextPowerUP]

Solidigm today announced the D7-5810, an enterprise SSD for extremely intensity write workloads. Such a drive would be capable of write endurance in the neighborhood of 50 DWPD. For reference, the company's D7-P5620, a write-centric/mixed workload drive for data-logging, and AI ingest/preparation, offers around 3 DWPD of endurance, depending on the variant; and the read-intensive drive meant for CDNs, the D5-P5336, offers around 0.5 DWPD. Use cases for the new D7-P5810 include high performance caching for flash arrays dealing with "cooler" data; high-frequency trading, and HPC.

Solidigm D7-P5810 uses SK hynix 144-layer 3D NAND flash that's made to operate in a pure SLC configuration. The drive comes in 800 GB and 1.6 TB capacities, and offers 50 DWPD over an endurance period of 5 years (4K random writes). More specifically, both models offer 73 PBW (petabytes written) of endurance. The drive comes in enterprise-relevant 15 mm-thick U.2 form-factor, with PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface, with NVMe 1.3c and NVMe MI 1.1 protocols.
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(PR) The Limted-Editon SteelSeries Ghost Collection Returns
SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, and the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, today announced the return of the Limited-Edition Ghost Collection, featuring the award-winning Aerox 3 Wireless mouse and Apex 7 TenKeyLess (TKL) keyboard. Design guides us, design defines us, and design connects us. Design also influences culture, so it's only fitting that the design behind the Limited-Edition Ghost Collection further sheds light on the style and innovation created for those who live a "gaming lifestyle."

A sleek sculptured shell is fused with a mesh pattern and a distinct ghost-like colorway to deliver a scary fast, ultra-lightweight, high-performance mouse, while an esports form factor keyboard shines bright through a translucent colorway. Add unrivaled RGB illumination to both and the Limited-Edition Ghost Collection makes a deadly combination.
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(PR) EK Launches ALL-Black EK-Quantum Surface Slim Radiators
EK, the leading manufacturer of premium liquid-cooling gear, is expanding its EK-Quantum Surface radiator portfolio. This line of radiators has already solidified its position as a prominent industry contender, earning extensive recognition and numerous accolades from respected review-based websites. The product line is now being expanded further by introducing two new Black Editions designed for the Slim series. The EK-Quantum Surface radiators result from years of meticulous development and market research aimed at delivering the utmost-quality product featuring both mechanical rigidity and top-tier performance.

These radiators are EK-Matrix7 compatible, as EK focuses on bringing the Matrix7 standard into all aspects of water cooling and beyond, enabling users to create stunning and professional-looking builds in a much more user-friendly way.
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[NextPowerUP]

Square Enix has released Forspoken Version Update Patch 1.22, making it the first game to officially support the AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3. In addition to FSR 3 support, the new Forspoken Version Update Patch 1.22 also adds the Native AA quality mode options and fixes some issues with save data between the main game and DLC.

According to the release notes, the update will not come to the PlayStation 5 version, and the Microsoft Store version will be updated as soon as the patch is approved. Surprisingly, Square Enix describes the AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 as technology that "combines temporal upscaling and frame generation to deliver significantly higher performance," and says that the frame generation is enabled separately from upscaling and is available when using AMD Radeon RX 5000 Series, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 Series, and Intel Arc 7 Series or newer GPUs. It is left to be seen if these will indeed work on Intel Arc series GPUs, as it was never officially confirmed by AMD.
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AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 to Officially Launch Tomorrow, Forspoken and Immortals of Avenum as Launch Titles
AMD has confirmed that FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3) will launch tomorrow, September 29, with Forspoken and Immortals of Aveum listed as first game titles to support it. The news was announced by Frank Azor over at Twitter, with the promise of more titles coming soon. In case you missed it back when it was announced in August, the FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 Fluid Motion (FSR 3 Fluid Motion) is AMD's direct answer to NVIDIA's DLSS 3 Frame Generation. As promised back then, the FSR 3 will work on the latest AMD Radeon RX 7000 series and previous-generation Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards based on the RDNA3 architecture, as well as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-, RTX 30-, and RTX 20-series graphics cards.

As explained back then, AMD FSR 3 Fluid Motion is a frame-rate doubling technology that generates alternate frames by estimating an intermediate between two frames rendered by the GPU. While Frank did not specifically mention any game titles, back in August, AMD confirmed that Forsaken and Immortals of Aveum will be the first two titles with FSR 3 Fluid Motion support.
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(PR) ASUS Shows ROG Ally Z1 and ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Differences
Earlier this year, we introduced the world to the ROG Ally: a Windows gaming handheld that can play all your games, anywhere you go. With its bright and colorful 1080p 120 Hz screen, ergonomic form factor, and incredible AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, the ROG Ally is a AAA monster, taking modern handhelds to a new level. Now, we're happy to announce that the Ryzen Z1 variant of the ROG Ally is also available for purchase, with all the same features and a more affordable price tag.

The AMD Ryzen Z1 comes is built on the same Zen 4 architecture as the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, with the latest RDNA 3 graphics engine and full support for AMD's incredible upscaling technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Radeon Super Resolution (RSR). With six cores and twelve threads alongside four graphics compute units, the Ryzen Z1 has the same robust power delivery and ROG Intelligent Cooling improvements that make the Z1 Extreme so potent, at a more affordable price.
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(PR) MAINGEAR Drops New Revolt Series Small Form Factor ITX Gaming PCs
MAINGEAR, the leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs, today revealed the latest addition to its MAINGEAR Drops program: the Revolt Series. Based on the ultra-popular Revolt 3 ITX case from HYTE, these small-form-factor gaming PCs set a new standard for space-constrained spaces and feature an integrated handle that makes taking esports-level performance on the go a breeze.

Though compact, Revolt Series PCs make no compromises when it comes to performance and come in a broad range of enthusiast-inspired performance tiers with GPU options ranging from the new GeForce RTX 4060 to the incredibly powerful 4090, 13-generation Intel Core i5-13400F to i9-13900K processors, efficient air cooling, and more.
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(PR) Phanteks Expands D30 Fan Lineup with 140 mm D30-140 Fans
Phanteks expands the D30 fan lineup with the bigger, 140 mm, D30-140 fans. These new 140 mm offerings represent the pinnacle of performance, aesthetics, and innovation, catering to the needs of both PC enthusiasts and builders.

D30-140 Fans: Redefining Performance and Aesthetics
The D30 fans introduce a mesmerizing integration of D-RGB lighting that spans seamlessly across the frame and blades of the fan from all sides. A hallmark of the D30 fan is its unique capability for easy and clean fan linking. Phanteks has designed bridge connectors and screw cover plates, enabling multiple D30 fans to be seamlessly interconnected. This innovative solution reduces cable clutter and transforms multiple fans into a unified, visually striking unit, resulting in an immaculately clean build.
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[NextPowerUP]

The wait is over. GeForce NOW Ultimate members can experience Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty on GOG.com at full GeForce RTX 4080 quality, with support for NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 technology. It's part of an action-packed GFN Thursday, with 26 more games joining the cloud gaming platform's library, including Quake II from id Software. Take on a thrilling challenge with Phantom Liberty, an all-new adventure for Cyberpunk 2077. When the orbital shuttle of the President of the New United States of America is shot down over the deadliest district of Night City, there's only one person who can save her. Become V, a cyberpunk for hire, and dive into a tangled web of espionage and political intrigue, unraveling a story that connects the highest echelons of power with the brutal world of black-market mercenaries.

Ultimate members can return to the neon lights of Night City and experience the benefits of NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 and its new Ray Reconstruction technology. These updates enhance the quality of full ray tracing in Cyberpunk 2077's Ray Tracing: Overdrive Mode, as part of the game's 2.0 update available for the base game for free and included with the Phantom Liberty expansion. Upgrade to a GeForce NOW Ultimate membership today to see Night City at its best.
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NVIDIA's French Office Reportedly Raided by Competition Regulators
Bloomberg reports that French competition regulators have raided a business alleged to be engaging in "anti-competitive practices in the graphics cards sector," which the Wall Street Journal identified as NVIDIA. The dawn raid was authorized by a liberty and custody judge, France's competition authority said in its statement, where it did not name NVIDIA. The regulator clarified that raids "do not presuppose the existence of a breach of law, which only a full investigation into the merits of the case could establish, if appropriate."

It's pertinent to note here, that while the anti-competitive allegations concern "graphics cards," the allegation is that the company (identified by WSJ as NVIDIA) has cornered the AI GPU market, and which is responsible for the rise of NVIDIA as the largest hardware company in Silicon Valley by market capitalization. While NVIDIA's AI HPC processors lack any raster graphics components, they are still considered GPUs, as they are built on the same principles, and for the most part, share a microarchitecture with gaming GPUs. Meanwhile, Bloomberg notes that the NVIDIA stock remains completely unfazed by the developments in France. "The shares gained 1.5% to $430.89 at the close in New York trading Thursday, bringing their year-to-date gain to 195%," it wrote.

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(PR) MSI Bundles Infinity Strash DRAGON QUEST with MEG Series AI Power Supplies
Gaming enthusiasts, get ready to take your gaming experience to the next level with an incredible offer from MSI. From September 29th to October 29th, 2023, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Infinity Strash DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai PC digital game, absolutely FREE, when you purchase either the MSI MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 or the MEG Ai1000P PCIE5.

As the world of gaming continues to evolve, MSI remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge technology that empowers gamers to excel. To redeem this exclusive offer, simply make a purchase of the MSI MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 or MEG Ai1000P PCIE5 betwen September 29th to October 29th, 2023. Upon purchase, will receive a unique game key that unlocks the captivating world of Infinity Strash DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai on PC.. Moreover, if you decide to participate in the 'Shout out for MSI' promotion and share the product experience, you can receive an additional USD 20 Steam code as a reward.
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(PR) Beyerdynamic Announces its First Ever Wireless Gaming Headset, the MMX 200
beyerdynamic, the renowned manufacturer of professional audio equipment, is expanding its MMX gaming product range. The manufacturer is launching the new MMX 200 wireless gaming headset, a product that takes gaming sound to a new level. The beyerdynamic MMX 200 wireless offers the perfect combination of crystal-clear studio sound, META VOICE microphone, and wireless connectivity for PC and console gaming enthusiasts. With features like Augmented Mode, LOW LATENCY, and Hybrid Mode with Bluetooth 5.3, the MMX 200 wireless becomes an essential companion for every gamer seeking top-notch performance and boundless flexibility.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND IN EVERY GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Specially designed by beyerdynamic acousticians for gamers, the integrated 40 mm studio driver systems deliver a clear, comprehensive soundscape. This not only impresses during gaming but also enhances voice communication and the enjoyment of music and movies. Precise in-game sound localization enables crucial gameplay maneuvers and enriches gaming worlds, making them appear even more realistic with their distinctive audio profiles.
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(PR) Quantinuum's H1 Quantum Computer Successfully Executes a Fully Fault-tolerant Algorithm
Fault-tolerant quantum computers that offer radical new solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems in medicine, finance and the environment, as well as facilitating a truly widespread use of AI, are driving global interest in quantum technologies. Yet the various timetables that have been established for achieving this paradigm require major breakthroughs and innovations to remain achievable, and none is more pressing than the move from merely physical qubits to those that are fault-tolerant.

In one of the first meaningful steps along this path, scientists from Quantinuum, the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, along with collaborators, have demonstrated the first fault-tolerant method using three logically-encoded qubits on the Quantinuum H1 quantum computer, Powered by Honeywell, to perform a mathematical procedure.
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China's First PCIe 5.0 SSD Controller from InnoGrit Enters Mass Production
During the China Chip Storage Future 2023 Storage Industry Trend Summit, Yingren Technology, widely recognized as InnoGrit outside of China, announced the initiation of mass production of its enterprise-level YR S900 PCIe 5.0 SSD controller. Marking a significant breakthrough, the YR S900 stands as China's first domestic PCIe 5.0 SSD controller. Operating on an open-source RISC-V architecture, the YR S900 is engineered to align with U.S. export restrictions, ensuring a seamless design and manufacturing process of the SSD controller. While Yingren Technology remains discreet about the specific process node to produce the YR S900, it's known that the controller embodies a versatile design, with compatibility extending to mainstream NAND from eminent manufacturers, and exhibits an impressive synergy with NAND from Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC).

The YR S900 is a quad-channel controller, offering sequential read and write speeds peaking at 14 GB/s and 12 GB/s, respectively, and is equipped with InnoGrit's third-generation ECC engine to optimize 4K LDPC encoding and decoding. This collaboration with Kioxia's XL-Flash results in a low 4K random read latency of 10us, highlighting its potential to deliver higher data throughput, increased stability, and extended service life. The YR S900 encompasses a comprehensive feature set, including FDP, SR-IOV hardware virtualization, CMB, and a range of data encryption algorithms. While the mass production of the YR S900 underscores a monumental stride in SSD solutions within China, it remains to be seen whether adopting this new Chinese technology will enter markets beyond China.

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(PR) Qualcomm Launches Its Next Generation XR and AR Platforms, Enabling Immersive Experiences and Slimmer Devices
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced two new spatial computing platforms - Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 - that will enable the next generation of mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR) devices and smart glasses. Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform: The platform brings premium MR and VR technology into a single chip architecture to unlock next level immersive experiences in thinner and more comfortable headsets, that don't require an external battery pack.

Engineered to deliver a lag free experience with breathtaking visuals and fully immersive sound, the platform allows users to blend virtual content with their physical surroundings and transition seamlessly between MR and VR experiences.
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(PR) HYTE Revolt 3 Powers the New MAINGEAR Revolt Series of SFF Gaming PCs
HYTE, the PC components, peripherals, and lifestyle brand of iBUYPOWER, is thrilled to announce its new collaboration with MAINGEAR, a leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs. MAINGEAR has selected the ultra-popular HYTE Revolt 3 Mini-ITX PC case as the housing for its brand-new Revolt Series of small-form-factor gaming PCs.

Revolt 3 is packed with advanced features while maintaining a compact 18.4L vertical footprint, providing a space saving solution for users with limited desktop real estate without compromising on component compatibility. MAINGEAR uses these advantages to deliver a new standard for constrained spaces with the Revolt series gaming PCs, which can be transported conveniently thanks to the integrated handle.
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[NextPowerUP]

Leading digital lifestyle accessories brand, Trust Electronics Ltd, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest gaming accessory, the GXT 489 Fayzo gaming headset. Designed to be an affordable and sustainable option for gamers, the Fayzo successfully combines a stylish and comfortable look with great functionality for immersive and exciting gameplay. The Trust GXT 489 Fayzo Gaming Headset is now available to buy on Very for £29.99.

The Fayzo headset features impressive 50 mm drivers that provide a powerful sound and allows gamers to feel like they are right in the middle of their game - experiencing every footstep, race, gunshot and more with real impact. Ideal for online play, the Fayzo has a detachable microphone with an on-ear volume and mute control to toggle these controls quickly and easily.
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(PR) Thrustmaster Unveils Ferrari 488 GT3 Wheel Add-On
Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil its new racing wheel rim specially designed for competition, in partnership with Ferrari: Ferrari 488 GT3 Wheel Add-On. This new wheel rim is a 1:1 scale replica of the wheel from the most successful car in the Prancing Horse brand's legendary history, with more than 500 victories in competitions: the Ferrari 488 GT3.

A real gem of racing performance technology, this replica wheel rim has been designed with weight and structure optimized for competition - thanks to its central faceplate with carbon fiber cladding, and the wheel rim's 12.2-inch/31-cm overall diameter. Feel every aspect of the circuit right at your fingertips, and really get the most out of your wheel base's power - while enjoying a high level of racing details and precision, allowing you to master every turn.
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(PR) EK CryoFuel Coolants Now Have Extended Shelf Life of Four Years
EK, the renowned cutting-edge cooling solutions provider, proudly announces a significant update on its high-quality CryoFuel coolant solutions. With the launch of clear EK CryoFuel coolants in March 2017 and their Solid counterparts in late 2018, EK has had enough time for extensive testing and now officially, with confidence, can confirm that the shelf life of all EK CryoFuel coolants is 4 years, as opposed to the previously stated 2 years. This improvement showcases the outstanding stability and performance of EK's CryoFuel coolant formula.

The company has continuously kept a watchful eye on its offerings since the launch of EK-CryoFuel coolants six years ago and EK-CryoFuel Solid coolants five years ago. During this period, through comprehensive testing and analysis, EK confirmed that its coolant formula possesses even greater longevity. The extension of the shelf life guarantees that CryoFuel coolants remain in flawless condition for a duration of 4 years from production date. Customers can now confidently open and utilize their CryoFuel coolants within the 4-year time frame, with the assurance they will perform flawlessly until subsequent changes occur, usually after one year of use.
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Raspberry Pi Foundation Launches Raspberry Pi 5
It has been over four years since the release of the Raspberry Pi 4, and in that time a lot has changed in the maker board and single-board computer landscape. For the Raspberry Pi Foundation there were struggles with worldwide demand and production capacity brought on by the global pandemic starting in 2020, and plenty of new competitors came to the scene to offer ready to order alternatives to the venerable RPi 4. Today however the production woes have been assuaged and a new generation of Raspberry Pi is here; the Raspberry Pi 5.

Raspberry Pi 5 is being announced in advance of availability unlike every prior RPi device launch. Pre-orders are open with many of the listed Approved Resellers on RPi's website starting today but unit shipments aren't expected until near the end of October 2023. As part of this pre-order scheme, RPi Foundation is withholding pre-orders from bulk customers and will be dealing in single-unit sales for individuals until at least the end of the year, as well as running some promotions with The MagPi and HackSpace magazines to give priority access to their subscribers. Genuinely nice to see, considering how hard it was to obtain a Pi 4 for the average Joe over the last couple years. The two announced prices for the RPi 5 are $60 USD for the 4 GB variant, and $80 USD for the 8 GB variant; or about $5 USD more than current reseller pricing on comparable configurations of the Raspberry Pi 4.

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(PR) ASUS Announces Availability of ProArt PA169CDV Pen Display
ASUS today announced the October availability of ASUS ProArt PA169CDV Pen Display, a portable 15.6-inch 4K UHD display featuring a 10-bit IPS panel. It includes the ProArt Pen featuring Wacom EMR technology for great writing and drawing experiences. PA169CDV is the world's first portable monitor that's both PANTONE Validated and Calman Verified to provide creators with the most accurate onscreen colors. Its innovative design includes upper and lower kickstands that enable different tilt angles for daily productivity and creative workflows.

Impeccable visuals with great levels of detail
ProArt PA169CDV is designed to empower creators and streamline creative workflows. The 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) panel offers 4X the pixel density and up to 3X more onscreen space that similarly sized FHD displays. Brightness levels of up to 500 nits and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification delivers brighter, lifelike images with unmatched levels of detail.
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(PR) Cincoze Announces DS-1400 Embedded Computer Series Powered by 12th Gen Core
Outstanding quality control is at the heart of manufacturing. Thanks to the rapid development of smart factories and AI technologies, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) is gradually replacing traditional manual inspection due to its higher efficiency, greater precision, and non-contact inspection. The core of AOI relies on high-intensity real-time computing and machine learning, which relies on the combined computing power of a CPU and a GPU. Rugged computing brand—Cincoze, recently released the latest addition to the Rugged Computing - DIAMOND product line, the high-performance and PCIe expansion embedded computer (DS-1400 Series). Not only does it come equipped with a super high-performance CPU, but it also supports GPU cards via PCIe interfaces. Since its launch, it has become a focal point in the AOI field and is an ideal choice for edge AI computer.

In the past, the manufacturing industry often relied on manual inspection to evaluate production line yield, which was inefficient and prone to errors. By introducing AOI technology, the efficiency and accuracy of product inspection can be significantly improved, thanks to powerful processing capabilities. As the core of the operation, the DS-1400 series can be equipped with Intel 12th gen Alder Lake-S processor, offering up to 16 cores (8P + 8E), with support for up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory at up to 4800 MHz with ECC. It features up to two PCI/PCIe expansion slots, one of which can support a maximum of 110 W, with dimensions of 111 mm x 235 mm. Cincoze's patented Adjustable PCIe Card Retainer (Patent No: I773359) ensures the DS-1400 operates stably in industrial environments with continuous vibrations, achieving precise and rapid inspection efficiency.
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[NextPowerUP]

XPG, a fast-growing provider of systems, components, and peripherals for Gamers, Esports Pros, and Tech Enthusiasts, today launched the XPG BATTLECRUISER II Super Mid-Tower chassis to markets around the globe. Building upon the success of the first generation premium XPG chassis, this E-ATX case features a long list of improvements based on feedback from the community, social listening from multiple platforms, media review recommendations, and key upcoming trends in both chassis design and cooling offerings and improvements.

XPG BATTLECRUISER II prioritizes convenience in the building and maintenance process, delivering an improved PCDIY experience. In addition to the 4 glass panels, there are 3 easy-to-clean magnetic dust filters, an adjustable GPU holder, and an improved Smart Cable Management design. It's everything you loved about the original award-winning XPG BATTLECRUISER with an updated touch. For more demanding builders, there's even a higher end version that comes paired with XPG PRIME BOX, for unlimited lighting customization options and thermal design control via XPG PRIME ecosystem management software.
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[NextPowerUP]

MINISFORUM today is launching their BD770i ITX "Mobile on Desktop" motherboard which comes equipped with AMD's 8-core "Zen 4" Ryzen 7 7745HX. Upon the CPU sits a custom "integrated advanced cooling system" which partially exhausts out of the I/O shield and supports installation of a 120 mm fan, which is not included. The board features dual actively cooled M.2 2280 PCI-E Gen 5 SSDs plus M.2 2230 E-Key for WLAN cards, 2.5G Ethernet, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, another pair of USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port that also supports display out as DisplayPort 1.4. The BD770i also features dual SODIMM slots for up to DDR5-5200 DRAM, as well as a full length PCI-E Gen 5 x16 for dedicated graphics cards. A small detail we noticed in the product images is the silhouette of two more M.2 ports on the rear of the board that aren't in the specifications. On the product page there are mentions of a higher-end BD790i with the Ryzen 9 7945HX which does not seem to be available yet, so perhaps this higher end board will feature these extra ports.

Despite the AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX supporting overclocking features such as an unlocked multiplier, AMD EXPO, and Precision Boost Overdrive; MINISFORUM has chosen to not support those features on the BD770i. Perhaps the upcoming BD790i will include OC support and features, we'll have to wait and see. Pricing for the BD770i is currently set at $399 USD for early orders, however the price is expected to increase to $499 USD after the launch period promotion expires.

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Microsoft Ending Windows Activations Using Windows 7 and 8 Keys
For over a decade since the launch of Windows 8, Windows has had a not so well kept secret; you could activate an install using a Windows 7 key. So long as you had the correct version of the key for the install you intended to use, such as Home or Pro, plugging a Windows 7 key into a Windows 8, 8.1, 10 or even 11 install after upgrading would activate that new copy of Windows. Microsoft originally allowed this as a means to entice users away from Windows 7 and onto their newer operating systems via the free Windows Upgrade system. This even worked when doing a fresh clean install if you had an OEM key harvested from an old machine. That old Dell box in your closet that came with Windows 7 Pro in 2009? That key glued to the back could still be used to activate a fresh copy of Windows 10/11 in 2023. Same with Windows 8 keys. That changes soon.

Microsoft announced the change on their Device Partner Center in a very short posting which reads,

Microsoft's free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016. The installation path to obtain the Windows 7 / 8 free upgrade is now removed as well. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are still free.

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(PR) Cocoon Out Now on PC & Consoles
Years in the making, Cocoon is now available! For the next two weeks, you can get it for 20% off. The team at Geometric Interactive has put a ton of work into it and we hope you'll love the experience as much as we do. From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside—Cocoon takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics to unravel a cosmic mystery.

WORLDS WITHIN WORLDS
Cocoon is a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, where each world exists within an orb that you can carry on your back. Wrap your head around the core mechanic of leaping between worlds—and combine, manipulate, and rearrange them to solve intricate puzzles.
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AMD Releases Adrenalin Edition Preview Driver for AMD Fluid Motion Frames
AMD has released the AMD Software Adrenalin Edition Preview Driver which add support for AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) technical preview which is available in several games and only works on AMD Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards. AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) will be available as a part of FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.0 (FSR3), which is expected to launch tomorrow and supported in Forspoken and Immortals of Aveum games.

With the new AMD Software Adrenalin Edition Preview Driver, AMD enables Frame Generation on a driver level as "Fluid Motion Frame" option, which can be enabled via HYPR-X, or individually for each game by using the Global Graphics Settings page. AMD has an extensive list of over 20 titles, including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Starfield, Hogwarts Legacy, The Last of Us Part 1, Far Cry 6, Shadow Of The Tomb Raider, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and others. AMD also notes that AFMF can also be manually for any title such as Cyberpunk 2077 using the per-app settings within AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition Preview Driver for AMD Fluid Motion Frames
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(PR) EK Unveils EK-QuantumX CoolingStation Monoblock for PlayStation 5
EK, the premium water-cooling gear manufacturer, proudly announces something entirely new and unique: a full-cover monoblock for the Sony PlayStation 5. The EK-QuantumX CoolingStation Monoblock for PS5 covers the entirety of the PS5's PCB and cools all the critical components on the front and back of the PCB. This revolutionary water block for the PlayStation 5 stands as a beacon of coolness amidst a sea of heated gaming sessions. Your PS5 will shed no more sweat while it performs tirelessly to render your favorite fantasy realms on the screen. It is mounted via standard ATX stand-offs for motherboards, making mATX cases a perfect fit for a water-cooled PS5. The monoblock features rich D-RGB lighting on the front with a plexi cutout.

Play Games the Way They Are Meant to Be Played
Don't let the external noise of air-cooling fans disrupt your immersion in a fantastic cutscene or lead to your demise in a boss fight. Water-cooling your PS5 will enable you to maintain consistent temperatures with minimal fan speed fluctuations, resulting in hardly noticeable changes in noise. Thanks to the extensive surface area of a water-cooling radiator, lower fan speeds are enough to dissipate heat, resulting in reduced noise levels. An additional benefit is that all the electrical components will operate at lower temperatures, extending their lifespan.
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(PR) Intel's New Fab in Ireland Begins High-Volume Production of Intel 4 Technology
Intel today celebrated the arrival of its Intel 4 technology, which uses extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology, and the first use of EUV in high-volume manufacturing (HVM) in Europe. The arrival of this important moment ushers in the future for products like Intel's upcoming Intel Core Ultra processors (code-named Meteor Lake), which will pave the way for AI PCs, as well as future-generation Intel Xeon processors coming in 2024 and produced on the Intel 3 process node.

EUV technology employed in the production of Intel 4 is broadly adopted in leading-edge semiconductor technology nodes that power the most demanding computing applications, such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced mobile networks, autonomous driving, and new data center and cloud applications. EUV plays a critical role in driving Intel toward its goals of delivering five nodes in four years and regaining leadership in process technology by 2025.
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[NextPowerUP]

A couple of slides from AMD's internal presentation were leaked to the web by Moore's Law is Dead, referencing what's allegedly the next-generation "Zen 5" microarchitecture. Internally, the performance variant of the "Zen 5" core is referred to as "Nirvana," and the CCD chiplet (CPU core die) based on "Nirvana" cores, is codenamed "Eldora." These CCDs will make up either the company's Ryzen "Granite Ridge" desktop processors, or EPYC "Turin" server processors. The cores themselves could also be part of the company's next-generation mobile processors, as part of heterogenous CCXs (CPU core complex), next to "Zen 5c" low-power cores.

In broad strokes, AMD describes "Zen 5" as introducing a 10% to 15% IPC increase over the current "Zen 4." The core will feature a larger 48 KB L1D cache, compared to the current 32 KB. As for the core itself, it features an 8-wide dispatch from the micro-op queue, compared to the 6-wide dispatch of "Zen 4." The integer execution stage gets 6 ALUs, compared to the current 4. The floating point unit gets FP-512 capabilities. Perhaps the biggest announcement is that AMD has increased the maximum cores per CCX from 8 to 16. At this point we don't know if it means that "Eldora" CCD will have 16 cores, or whether it means that the cloud-specific CCD with 16 "Zen 5c" cores will have 16 cores within a single CCX, rather than spread across two CCXs with smaller L3 caches. AMD is leveraging the TSMC 4 nm EUV node for "Eldora," the mobile processor based on "Zen 5" could be based on the more advanced TSMC 3 nm EUV node.
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AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 to Officially Launch Tomorrow, Forspoken and Immortals of Avenum as Launch Titles
AMD has confirmed that FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3) will launch tomorrow, September 29, with Forspoken and Immortals of Aveum listed as first game titles to support it. The news was announced by Frank Azor over at Twitter, with the promise of more titles coming soon. In case you missed it back when it was announced in August, the FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 Fluid Motion (FSR 3 Fluid Motion) is AMD's direct answer to NVIDIA's DLSS 3 Frame Generation. As promised back then, the FSR 3 will work on the latest AMD Radeon RX 7000 series and previous-generation Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards based on the RDNA3 architecture, as well as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-, RTX 30-, and RTX 20-series graphics cards.

As explained back then, AMD FSR 3 Fluid Motion is a frame-rate doubling technology that generates alternate frames by estimating an intermediate between two frames rendered by the GPU. While Frank did not specifically mention any game titles, back in August, AMD confirmed that Forsaken and Immortals of Aveum will be the first two titles with FSR 3 Fluid Motion support.
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(PR) ASUS Shows ROG Ally Z1 and ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Differences
Earlier this year, we introduced the world to the ROG Ally: a Windows gaming handheld that can play all your games, anywhere you go. With its bright and colorful 1080p 120 Hz screen, ergonomic form factor, and incredible AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, the ROG Ally is a AAA monster, taking modern handhelds to a new level. Now, we're happy to announce that the Ryzen Z1 variant of the ROG Ally is also available for purchase, with all the same features and a more affordable price tag.

The AMD Ryzen Z1 comes is built on the same Zen 4 architecture as the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, with the latest RDNA 3 graphics engine and full support for AMD's incredible upscaling technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Radeon Super Resolution (RSR). With six cores and twelve threads alongside four graphics compute units, the Ryzen Z1 has the same robust power delivery and ROG Intelligent Cooling improvements that make the Z1 Extreme so potent, at a more affordable price.
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(PR) MAINGEAR Drops New Revolt Series Small Form Factor ITX Gaming PCs
MAINGEAR, the leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs, today revealed the latest addition to its MAINGEAR Drops program: the Revolt Series. Based on the ultra-popular Revolt 3 ITX case from HYTE, these small-form-factor gaming PCs set a new standard for space-constrained spaces and feature an integrated handle that makes taking esports-level performance on the go a breeze.

Though compact, Revolt Series PCs make no compromises when it comes to performance and come in a broad range of enthusiast-inspired performance tiers with GPU options ranging from the new GeForce RTX 4060 to the incredibly powerful 4090, 13-generation Intel Core i5-13400F to i9-13900K processors, efficient air cooling, and more.
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(PR) Phanteks Expands D30 Fan Lineup with 140 mm D30-140 Fans
Phanteks expands the D30 fan lineup with the bigger, 140 mm, D30-140 fans. These new 140 mm offerings represent the pinnacle of performance, aesthetics, and innovation, catering to the needs of both PC enthusiasts and builders.

D30-140 Fans: Redefining Performance and Aesthetics
The D30 fans introduce a mesmerizing integration of D-RGB lighting that spans seamlessly across the frame and blades of the fan from all sides. A hallmark of the D30 fan is its unique capability for easy and clean fan linking. Phanteks has designed bridge connectors and screw cover plates, enabling multiple D30 fans to be seamlessly interconnected. This innovative solution reduces cable clutter and transforms multiple fans into a unified, visually striking unit, resulting in an immaculately clean build.
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NVIDIA's French Office Reportedly Raided by Competition Regulators
Bloomberg reports that French competition regulators have raided a business alleged to be engaging in "anti-competitive practices in the graphics cards sector," which the Wall Street Journal identified as NVIDIA. The dawn raid was authorized by a liberty and custody judge, France's competition authority said in its statement, where it did not name NVIDIA. The regulator clarified that raids "do not presuppose the existence of a breach of law, which only a full investigation into the merits of the case could establish, if appropriate."

It's pertinent to note here, that while the anti-competitive allegations concern "graphics cards," the allegation is that the company (identified by WSJ as NVIDIA) has cornered the AI GPU market, and which is responsible for the rise of NVIDIA as the largest hardware company in Silicon Valley by market capitalization. While NVIDIA's AI HPC processors lack any raster graphics components, they are still considered GPUs, as they are built on the same principles, and for the most part, share a microarchitecture with gaming GPUs. Meanwhile, Bloomberg notes that the NVIDIA stock remains completely unfazed by the developments in France. "The shares gained 1.5% to $430.89 at the close in New York trading Thursday, bringing their year-to-date gain to 195%," it wrote.

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(PR) MSI Bundles Infinity Strash DRAGON QUEST with MEG Series AI Power Supplies
Gaming enthusiasts, get ready to take your gaming experience to the next level with an incredible offer from MSI. From September 29th to October 29th, 2023, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Infinity Strash DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai PC digital game, absolutely FREE, when you purchase either the MSI MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 or the MEG Ai1000P PCIE5.

As the world of gaming continues to evolve, MSI remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge technology that empowers gamers to excel. To redeem this exclusive offer, simply make a purchase of the MSI MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 or MEG Ai1000P PCIE5 betwen September 29th to October 29th, 2023. Upon purchase, will receive a unique game key that unlocks the captivating world of Infinity Strash DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai on PC.. Moreover, if you decide to participate in the 'Shout out for MSI' promotion and share the product experience, you can receive an additional USD 20 Steam code as a reward.
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(PR) Beyerdynamic Announces its First Ever Wireless Gaming Headset, the MMX 200
beyerdynamic, the renowned manufacturer of professional audio equipment, is expanding its MMX gaming product range. The manufacturer is launching the new MMX 200 wireless gaming headset, a product that takes gaming sound to a new level. The beyerdynamic MMX 200 wireless offers the perfect combination of crystal-clear studio sound, META VOICE microphone, and wireless connectivity for PC and console gaming enthusiasts. With features like Augmented Mode, LOW LATENCY, and Hybrid Mode with Bluetooth 5.3, the MMX 200 wireless becomes an essential companion for every gamer seeking top-notch performance and boundless flexibility.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND IN EVERY GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Specially designed by beyerdynamic acousticians for gamers, the integrated 40 mm studio driver systems deliver a clear, comprehensive soundscape. This not only impresses during gaming but also enhances voice communication and the enjoyment of music and movies. Precise in-game sound localization enables crucial gameplay maneuvers and enriches gaming worlds, making them appear even more realistic with their distinctive audio profiles.
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[NextPowerUP]

Fault-tolerant quantum computers that offer radical new solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems in medicine, finance and the environment, as well as facilitating a truly widespread use of AI, are driving global interest in quantum technologies. Yet the various timetables that have been established for achieving this paradigm require major breakthroughs and innovations to remain achievable, and none is more pressing than the move from merely physical qubits to those that are fault-tolerant.

In one of the first meaningful steps along this path, scientists from Quantinuum, the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, along with collaborators, have demonstrated the first fault-tolerant method using three logically-encoded qubits on the Quantinuum H1 quantum computer, Powered by Honeywell, to perform a mathematical procedure.
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China's First PCIe 5.0 SSD Controller from InnoGrit Enters Mass Production
During the China Chip Storage Future 2023 Storage Industry Trend Summit, Yingren Technology, widely recognized as InnoGrit outside of China, announced the initiation of mass production of its enterprise-level YR S900 PCIe 5.0 SSD controller. Marking a significant breakthrough, the YR S900 stands as China's first domestic PCIe 5.0 SSD controller. Operating on an open-source RISC-V architecture, the YR S900 is engineered to align with U.S. export restrictions, ensuring a seamless design and manufacturing process of the SSD controller. While Yingren Technology remains discreet about the specific process node to produce the YR S900, it's known that the controller embodies a versatile design, with compatibility extending to mainstream NAND from eminent manufacturers, and exhibits an impressive synergy with NAND from Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC).

The YR S900 is a quad-channel controller, offering sequential read and write speeds peaking at 14 GB/s and 12 GB/s, respectively, and is equipped with InnoGrit's third-generation ECC engine to optimize 4K LDPC encoding and decoding. This collaboration with Kioxia's XL-Flash results in a low 4K random read latency of 10us, highlighting its potential to deliver higher data throughput, increased stability, and extended service life. The YR S900 encompasses a comprehensive feature set, including FDP, SR-IOV hardware virtualization, CMB, and a range of data encryption algorithms. While the mass production of the YR S900 underscores a monumental stride in SSD solutions within China, it remains to be seen whether adopting this new Chinese technology will enter markets beyond China.

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(PR) Qualcomm Launches Its Next Generation XR and AR Platforms, Enabling Immersive Experiences and Slimmer Devices
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced two new spatial computing platforms - Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 - that will enable the next generation of mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR) devices and smart glasses. Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform: The platform brings premium MR and VR technology into a single chip architecture to unlock next level immersive experiences in thinner and more comfortable headsets, that don't require an external battery pack.

Engineered to deliver a lag free experience with breathtaking visuals and fully immersive sound, the platform allows users to blend virtual content with their physical surroundings and transition seamlessly between MR and VR experiences.
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(PR) HYTE Revolt 3 Powers the New MAINGEAR Revolt Series of SFF Gaming PCs
HYTE, the PC components, peripherals, and lifestyle brand of iBUYPOWER, is thrilled to announce its new collaboration with MAINGEAR, a leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs. MAINGEAR has selected the ultra-popular HYTE Revolt 3 Mini-ITX PC case as the housing for its brand-new Revolt Series of small-form-factor gaming PCs.

Revolt 3 is packed with advanced features while maintaining a compact 18.4L vertical footprint, providing a space saving solution for users with limited desktop real estate without compromising on component compatibility. MAINGEAR uses these advantages to deliver a new standard for constrained spaces with the Revolt series gaming PCs, which can be transported conveniently thanks to the integrated handle.
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[NextPowerUP]

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, is excited to introduce the mid-range gaming combo with AMD AAA solution, the BIOSTAR AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT graphics card, and B650MT motherboard, the perfect solution for casual and mid-range gamers and individuals who relish a premium home entertainment experience.

Built around the AMD B650 single-chip architecture with support for the AMD AM5 socket, the B650MT motherboard is an ideal choice to run the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors with its innate ability to extract maximum performance at any instance. The B650MT motherboard is BIOSTAR's latest offering for gaming and home entertainment, meticulously crafted to meet the demands of both casual and mid-range gaming enthusiasts. This motherboard epitomizes efficiency and stability, boasting top-shelf BIOSTAR technology such as Super Hyper PWM for reliable, steady power delivery and innovative A.I Fan, with an automatic detection system designed to ensure optimum cooling performance while intelligently conserving energy.
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(PR) Team Group Launches T-Force XTREEM DDR5 Desktop Memory
Leading memory provider, Team Group, has tapped into T-FORCE Lab's superb R&D capabilities to create the latest iteration of the T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5 memory. By utilizing a patented IC classification test and verification technology, the upper limits of the DDR5 frequency have been raised to create a high-clock rate memory module designed specifically for gamers. Decorated with the glorious T-FORCE logo badge, the XTREEM's design exudes both confidence and style, befitting the newest king of overclocking memory modules.

T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5 memory demonstrates incredible overclocking performance to satisfy overclocking enthusiasts around the world. Not only using 2 mm-thick aluminium alloy fin heatsinks to enhance its thermal capacity, but also uses special heat-conducting silicone to tightly adhere the heatsinks with the memory to achieve the most optimal cooling effect. The surface is also treated with an anodized surface that is resistant to acid, corrosion, rust and is non-electrically conductive, providing gamers with greater peace of mind. The T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5's two-piece heat spreader is made of thick metal and underwent sandblasted surface treatment to give it the appearance of hard basalt and the matte black texture reminiscent of a black sand beach. Users can enjoy the excellent overclocking capabilities of the XTREEM DDR5 while admiring its elegant design.
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Google Introduces Chromebook Plus Lineup: Better Performance and AI Capabilities
Today, Google announced its next generation of Chromebook devices, called the Chromebook Plus, said to improve upon the legacy set by Chromebooks over a decade ago. Starting at an enticing price point of $399, this new breed of Chromebooks integrates powerful AI capabilities and a range of built-in Google apps. Notably, it features tools like the Google Photos Magic Eraser and web-based Adobe Photoshop, positioning itself as a dynamic tool for productivity and creative exploration. In collaboration with hardware manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo, Google is launching a lineup of eight Chromebook Plus devices on the launch date, with more possibly coming in the future.

Each model boasts improved hardware configurations over the regular Chromebook, including processors like the Intel Core i3 12th Gen or the AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series, a minimum of 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. Users are also in for a visual treat with a 1080p IPS display, ensuring crisp visuals for entertainment and work. And for the modern remote workforce, video conferencing gets a substantial upgrade. Every Chromebook Plus comes equipped with a 1080p camera and utilizes AI enhancements to elevate video call clarity, with compatibility spanning various platforms, including Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Set to be available from October 8, 2023, in the US and October 9 in Canada and Europe, the Chromebook Plus is positioning itself as the go-to device for many users. On the other hand, the AI features are slated for arrival in 2024, when companies ensure their software is compatible.
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AMD Radeon RX 7900 series Now Starts at $719 with Brand-specific Discounts
AMD Radeon RX 7900 series enthusiast-segment graphics cards now start at a street price of $719. A PowerColor Radeon RX 7900 XT Hellhound custom-design graphics card is listed on Newegg for $749, with a coupon code that shaves a further $30 off, bringing it down to this new low price. At this price, the RX 7900 XT offers significantly higher performance per Dollar than the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, which starts at $799, and is tested to offer around 5% lower performance than the RX 7900 XT.

Meanwhile, prices of AMD's flagship graphics card, the RX 7900 XTX, has been on a downward slope, too, with a PowerColor RX 7900 XTX Red Devil premium custom-design card being listed for as low as $889 with a coupon discount. This would space the RX 7900 XTX at least $200 apart from the cheapest GeForce RTX 4080, which is starting at $1,089.

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(PR) ViewSonic Announces ViewBoard IFP52-2 Series Interactive Displays
ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, has completed its comprehensive lineup of education solutions certified under Android Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA) with today's announcement of its ViewBoard IFP52-2 Series. ViewSonic's EDLA-certified solutions seamlessly integrate the Android operating system with the Google Play Store, empowering teachers, students, and IT administrators with versatile collaboration tools and state-of-the-art security measures for enhanced productivity.

"With sustainability in mind, ViewSonic now empowers education institutions with a truly complete offering of EDLA-certified solutions for upgrading the centerpiece of classrooms," said Clifford Chen, General Manager of the Presentation Group at ViewSonic. "Whether they need a whole new interactive display or a module to upgrade and avoid replacement, we now can ensure either option offers the simplicity and security of seamless Google integration."
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(PR) AQIRYS Expands Portfolio with New XO-1 ARGB Gaming Cases
AQIRYS announces today the launch of the XO-1 ARGB case. Available in two color variants, black and white, the new addition complements the range of high-end products offered by AQIRYS. Named after a main-sequence star located approximately 530 light-years away in the constellation Corona Borealis, the XO-1 case showcases a minimalist yet commanding design complemented by generous internal space and powerful features enabling you to build an incredible gaming PC both in performance and appearance.

The new XO-1 case sets a benchmark in terms of design and functionality. With a panoramic side panel made of secure glass, three preinstalled 120mm ARGB PWM fans on the front panel plus one in the back, and a robust construction made of SPCC steel, the XO-1 ARGB combines sophisticated aesthetics with top performance. The case also comes with an integrated fans hub and a remote control, allowing users to easily tune the color of the fans or adjust their speed. Extended support for various types of motherboards, diverse cooling and storage options, as well as an efficient cable management system make the XO-1 ARGB the ideal choice for any gaming enthusiast or content creator.
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(PR) AAEON Unveils UP Squared i12 Edge Mini PC
AAEON's UP brand, renowned for its extensive selection of developer boards and compact Mini PCs, is thrilled to announce the launch of the UP Squared i12 Edge. This Mini PC, the smallest in AAEON's lineup to host 12th Generation Intel Core Processors, measures just 130 mm x 94 mm x 68 mm. It has been designed as a compact and easily deployable system specifically tailored for industrial automation applications, such as AGV and IoT Gateway. The UP Squared i12 Edge offers a wide range of peripheral device interfaces tailored to its target industries. These include two USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2. Additionally, it features dual-stacked RJ-45 ports for Realtek RTL8111H-CG gigabit ethernet connectivity.

One of the standout features of the UP Squared i12 Edge is its support for CNVi via its M.2 2230 E-Key interface, making it an ideal choice for wireless data exchange with retrofitted factory equipment in the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, it offers support for AI modules through an M.2 2280 M-Key slot, enhancing the capabilities of its robust CPU lineup, which includes up to i7 SKUs from the 12th Generation Intel Core platform. Consequently, the UP Squared i12 Edge is an excellent candidate for AGV applications. Additionally, there is an option to add an M.2 2230 E-Key for Wi-Fi connectivity, which, when paired with the system's onboard TPM 2.0, caters to users interested in using the product as an IoT Gateway.
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Microsoft Tech Chief Prefers Using NVIDIA AI GPUs, Keeping Tabs on AMD Alternatives
Kevin Scott, Microsoft's chief technology officer was interviewed at last week's Code Conference (organized by Vox Media), where he was happy to reveal that his company is having an easier time acquiring Team Green's popular HPC GPU hardware: "Demand was far exceeding the supply of GPU capacity that the whole ecosystem could produce...That is resolving. It's still tight, but it's getting better every week, and we've got more good news ahead of us than bad on that front, which is great." Microsoft is investing heavily into its internal artificial intelligence endeavors and external interests alike (they are a main backer of OpenAI's ChatGPT system). Having a healthy budget certainly helps, but Scott has previously described his experience in this field as "a terrible job" spanning five years of misery (as of May 2023).

Last week's follow-up conversation on-stage in Dana Point, California revealed that conditions have improved since springtime: "It's easier now than when we talked last time." The improved supply circumstances have made his "job of adjudicating these very gnarly conflicts less terrible." Industry reports have Microsoft secretly working on proprietary AI chips with an unnamed partner—CNBC pinpointed Arm as a likely candidate—Scott acknowledged that something is happening behind-the-scenes but it will not be ready imminently: "I'm not confirming anything, but I will say that we've got a pretty substantial silicon investment that we've had for years...And the thing that we will do is we'll make sure that we're making the best choices for how we build these systems, using whatever options we have available. And the best option that's been available during the last handful of years has been NVIDIA."

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[NextPowerUP]

By error, over the weekend Canada Computers published prices of upcoming Raptor Lake Refresh desktop CPUs—a competing national store, PC-Canada, also prematurely leaked placeholder charges midway through September. Analysis of last month's figures revealed a 4% (on average) price hike over equivalent 13th Gen Core predecessors, although that information could be out-of-date by now. The numbers released by Canada Computers (now removed from their searchable database) are alleged to be closer to the final article, since we are nearing Intel's October 16th launch day of higher-end 14th Gen Core SKUs, comprised of K and KF variants.

A VideoCardz reader, Kithana, managed to log all of the gory details prior to Canada Computers removing all traces of embargo-busting data. Their news section has pored over the numbers: "A quick check reveals that new SKUs are expected to see an increase ranging from 0% to 7%. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the upcoming next-gen Core i5-14600KF is currently listed at the same price point as its predecessor, 13600KF, at $399 CAD. Notably, not present is the Core i9-14900K model on this list."
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(PR) Turtle Beach's REACT-R Controller Available in New Colors
Best-selling gaming headset and accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation today announced three new colorways - Red, Nebula, and Pixel Green - are now available for its Designed for Xbox Turtle Beach REACT-R Controller. These exciting new REACT-R Controller colorways join the original Black and White/Lavender options, further expanding Turtle Beach's growing catalog of top-rated game controllers. Not only do the new Red, Nebula, and Pixel Green REACT-R Controller colorways offer gamers more options to suit their style, but they also improve upon the original by featuring two additional rumble motors for added vibration effects.

Since its release, the REACT-R Controller has impressed Xbox and PC gamers by providing them with premium wired controller performance at an affordable price. GamesRadar+ reviewed the REACT-R and affirmed it is, "Stunning value for the money." The Mirror awarded it 5/5 stars and called it, "An absolute steal and undoubtedly one of the best Xbox controllers on the market." Turtle Beach's new Red, Nebula, and Pixel Green REACT-R Controller colorways are available today from Turtle Beach and participating retailers worldwide for $39.99/€34.99/£29.99 MSRP.
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PlayStation Live Service Model Questioned
Sony has invested a boatload of cash into boosting research and development efforts at its growing games division—this financial year's 300 billion yen injection (roughly $2.13 billion) will help its business keep up with Microsoft's inevitable and forthcoming absorption of the mega-sized Activision Blizzard publishing group. Sony's Interactive Entertainment (SIE) division has already expanded around plans that anticipate the live service gaming market hitting a value of $19 billion by 2026—PlayStation/SIE CEO Jim Ryan has reportedly been leading these efforts. Many folks in the industry see him as the key figure behind Sony's highly ambitious strategy, but his recently announced retirement has cast doubt on this controversial direction.

The rumor mill has placed around ten ongoing first party titles being developed for live service launch in the future, including an always online Horizon spin-off—Bungie is believed to be the central hub of MMO expertise, with advice handed out to less multiplayer-adept first party studios. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reckons that this has become a point of contention under the outgoing chief's tenure: "Over the last two years, Ryan has overseen a PlayStation shift toward "games as a service," a popular industry buzzword referring to video games, usually multiplayer, that can be monetized over long periods of time. It's been an uncomfortable pivot for some of Sony's studios, which have spent the last decade building out teams of experienced developers to make big, cinematic adventure games that are played solo."
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(PR) EA Sports WRC Modes & Features Explored
Following up from the first EA SPORTS WRC deep dive that shared details on gameplay features, we're excited to share more information on what players can experience when the game releases on November 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via EA App, Epic Store, and Steam. Our second deep dive goes into detail on Career, Moments, Multiplayer, and more in EA SPORTS WRC. Breaking it down is Molly Pettit, broadcaster and journalist for WRC.

Career
Career is a core WRC experience, where players will aim to lead their team to victory against the world's best rally drivers, cars, and teams. The first choice will be in deciding where on the WRC ladder to start their first season from. Want to build up a legacy across multiple classes? Then begin a journey with Junior WRC, as the Rally3 cars are a great entry point for new players. Alternatively, players can start in WRC 2, or even jump straight in at the deep-end with the Rally1 cars in the top class of competition. Following the initial class selection, players will then begin the process of creating their very own rally team. This starts with the team branding, including name and colours, before meeting the Chief Engineer and Benefactor.
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Gigabyte AORUS Z790 Master X Reportedly Prepped for Intel 14th Gen Core
Gigabyte has reportedly requested that reviewers refrain from revealing too much about newly refreshed motherboards—TPU's Darksaber was invited to take a closer look at "next generation motherboards" in late August, but representatives were cautious to mutter anything too obvious or specific about Intel's oft-leaked Raptor Lake Refresh/14th Gen Core CPU lineup. Fast forward to recent happenings—VideoCardz believes that Gigabyte had prepped a bunch of new motherboard products to showcase in parallel with Team Blue's September Innovation event—many expected to see Raptor Lake Refresh unveiled to a great degree, but an official announcement was instead relegated to a 12-second long livestreamed segment.

The Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer/distributor has allegedly manoeuvred to avoid breaking its partner's embargoes—VideoCardz stated: "Consequently, Gigabyte had to request reviewers to conceal any details pertaining to the new CPU series on the packaging and motherboards they had received as initially intended." Their report includes various pieces of evidence (screenshots and video captures)—focusing on a slightly rejigged AORUS Z790 Master X motherboard, which seems to sport "Core 14th gen processors" livery.

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(PR) Starbreeze Declares Resolvement of Payday 3 Server Problems
The scheduled maintenance carried out last week has fixed the initial matchmaking issues that occurred during Payday 3's first few days after launch. Matchmaking has been stable and has had good performance after the completed maintenance. In the past five days, PAYDAY 3 had a peak concurrent players (CCU) of 124,254. In September 2023, the game had 3,167,938 unique players (MAU). Starbreeze Nebula has a total of 4,538,702 registered users across all titles.

Starbreeze will now intensify the commercial activities around Payday 3, after partially pausing these during the previous week. In early October, the first update to Payday 3 will launch, focusing on improving the game experience. The coming months include planned updates for PAYDAY 3 that address both content, Quality of Life-improvements, bug fixes and new functionality.
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