TechPowerUP NEWS

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Samsung Electronics is set to make a significant leap in semiconductor manufacturing technology with the introduction of its first High-NA 0.55 EUV lithography tool. The company plans to install the ASML Twinscan EXE:5000 system at its Hwaseong campus between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, marking a crucial step in developing next-generation process technologies for logic and DRAM production. This move positions Samsung about a year behind Intel but ahead of rivals TSMC and SK Hynix in adopting High-NA EUV technology. The system is expected to be operational by mid-2025, primarily for research and development purposes. Samsung is not just focusing on the lithography equipment itself but is building a comprehensive ecosystem around High-NA EUV technology.

The company is collaborating with several key partners like Lasertec (developing inspection equipment for High-NA photomasks), JSR (working on advanced photoresists), Tokyo Electron (enhancing etching machines), and Synopsys (shifting to curvilinear patterns on photomasks for improved circuit precision). The High-NA EUV technology promises significant advancements in chip manufacturing. With an 8 nm resolution capability, it could make transistors about 1.7 times smaller and increase transistor density by nearly three times compared to current Low-NA EUV systems. However, the transition to High-NA EUV comes with challenges. The tools are more expensive, costing up to $380 million each, and have a smaller imaging field. Their larger size also requires chipmakers to reconsider fab layouts. Despite these hurdles, Samsung aims for commercial implementation of High-NA EUV by 2027.

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Primate Labs, the developer behind the popular Geekbench benchmarking suite, has launched Geekbench AI—a comprehensive benchmark tool designed to measure the artificial intelligence capabilities of various devices. Geekbench AI, previously known as Geekbench ML during its preview phase, has now reached version 1.0. The benchmark is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it accessible to many users and developers. One of Geekbench AI's key features is its multifaceted approach to scoring. The benchmark utilizes three distinct precision levels: single-precision, half-precision, and quantized data. This evaluation aims to provide a more accurate representation of AI performance across different hardware designs.

In addition to speed, Geekbench AI places a strong emphasis on accuracy. The benchmark assesses how closely each test's output matches the expected results, offering insights into the trade-offs between performance and precision. The release of Geekbench AI 1.0 brings support for new frameworks, including OpenVINO, ONNX, and Qualcomm QNN, expanding its compatibility across various platforms. Primate Labs has also implemented measures to ensure fair comparisons, such as enforcing minimum runtime durations for each workload. The company noted that Samsung and NVIDIA are already utilizing the software to measure their chip performance in-house, showing that adoption is already strong. While the benchmark provides valuable insights, real-world AI applications are still limited, and reliance on a few benchmarks may paint a partial picture. Nevertheless, Geekbench AI represents a significant step forward in standardizing AI performance measurement, potentially influencing future consumer choices in the AI-driven tech market. Results from the benchmark runs can be seen here.

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A GZDOOM community mod called "DOOM II: Ray Traced" has done the unthinkable—added path-traced lighting, shadows, and reflections to DOOM II. The mod uses high-resolution voxel models and other game assets from the Voxel DOOM Project, which replaces the game's 2D sprites as fully-fledged 3D models. Pretty much all of the game's textures also see an improvement. Where "DOOM II: Ray Traced" comes to light is its path-traced lighting, which uses ray tracing hardware of modern GPUs—nothing is pre-baked. The mod also supports NVIDIA DLSS 3 Frame Generation and AMD FSR 3.0 Frame Generation, to help step up performance. A gameplay video sees a GeForce RTX 4080 break a sweat rendering it at 4K. And to think the original DOOM II could run on an 80386—a processor simpler than a single NVIDIA CUDA core.
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ViewSonic Corp., a leading global visual solutions provider, has announced the launch of the latest M1X and M1S portable projectors. Building on the signature designs of the ViewSonic M1 series, the new M1X and M1S projectors feature a patented 3-in-1 smart stand, enabling 360-degree vertical projection. These projectors also come upgraded with comprehensive horizontal & vertical keystone correction, allowing for side projection and enhanced setup flexibility. With Harman Kardon speakers and a built-in battery, these models ensure continuous entertainment experiences in both indoor and outdoor environments.

"We've observed consumers' evolving lifestyles, with a greater demand for dynamic visual experiences and on-the-go convenience," said Dean Tsai, General Manager of Projector & LED Display Business Unit at ViewSonic. "When we launched the first-generation M1 in 2019, we've consistently received positive feedback from the market. Now, as part of our commitment to innovation and user focus, we're excited to launch the new M1X and M1S projectors. Designed with user convenience in mind, these new models enhance setup possibilities with upgraded features, delivering a more versatile audiovisual experience for entertainment anywhere."
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HighPoint has unveiled the industry's first 16x M.2 Ports NVMe RAID AIC; the SSD7749M2. Featuring an unprecedented 16 independent M.2 device channels, and armed with HighPoint's proven PCIe Gen 4 Switch Architecture and NVMe cooling technology, SSD7749M2 RAID AICs are capable of delivering 28 GB/s of transfer throughput while supporting an astounding 128 TB of client-class NVMe storage; attributes that are particularly beneficial for AI driven workflows that require high-speed storage solutions capable of rapidly processing vast quantities of data. The compact, professional-grade PCIe AIC storage solution can be easily integrated into any x86 workstation or server platform capable of supporting modern dual-width GPUs, and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of management and monitoring tools designed to optimize and streamline the platforms NVMe storage ecosystem.

Advanced Architecture Maximizes Capacity and Performance
Innovative, dual-sided, vertically aligned M.2 loading trays can directly host up to sixteen 2280 form factor M.2 SSDs using only one side of the PCB. This unique architecture results in an impressively slim hardware footprint, with a form factor similar to that of a high-end dual-width GPU. The sixteen device channels can operate independently or concurrently, and enable the SSD7749M2 to support an astonishing 128 TB of M.2 storage, with the potential to scale up to 256 TB in the near future, all from a single PCIe slot!
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TechPowerUp partnered with GIGABYTE to our readers in the United States, Canada, and the EU, a chance to bag one of two GIGABYTE GS34WQC 34-inch curved gaming monitors. This slick, no-nonsense monitor can be the jewel on your desk, with its wafer thin bezels, restrained styling, and yet first-rate specs that include a 1500R curvature, ultrawide resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, and 120% sRGB color gamut. Among its gaming-grade chops are 120 Hz refresh-rate, which can be cranked up to 135 Hz, 1 ms (MPRT) response time, 4000:1 static contrast ratio, and 300 cd/m² maximum brightness. Open today until August 24, the giveaway needs little from you except the most basic info to help us reach out to you if you've won. You can increase your chances of winning by sharing the giveaway with your friends over social media. Good luck!

For more information and to participate, visit this page.

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EK, the leading manufacturer of premium liquid cooling gear, is doing a mid-life upgrade of its Quantum Vector² water blocks by releasing five new products. These new EVO version water blocks are compatible with Strix and TUF 4080 and 4090 series graphics cards. The new Vector² EVO water blocks efficiently tackle the excessive heat generated during high loads on the GPU. These water blocks, an evolution of the Quantum Vector² GPU water blocks from EK's premium Quantum Line, feature a 3rd-generation Vector cooling engine that has been tweaked to maximize cooling power. They cool not only the GPU die, but also the voltage regulation module, voltage controllers, and VRAM, providing comprehensive thermal management.

The main upgrades of the EVO water blocks include:

• A new stand-out end-piece design to shorten the water block
• A custom-made inner O-ring that prevents coolant from seeping between the channels and improves flow across the entire water block, focusing more coolant through the cooling fins
• New, high-performance pre-cut thermal pads
• A better-performing thermal paste

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ORIGIN PC is excited to launch the NEURON 3500X, a high-performance desktop system featuring a price that is unrivaled in the market. This new ready-to-ship system is set to redefine standards in the space of desktop computing systems.

The NEURON 3500X, renowned for its high performance and affordability, will be shipping in just 1-3 business days. This expedited delivery timeline allows our valued customers to experience the cutting-edge capabilities of the NEURON 3500X, equipped with an Intel i5-13600KF, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB, and 32 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5, without any cumbersome wait times. We take immense pride in our commitment to customer service and satisfaction, providing not just revolutionary technology but also exemplary delivery standards.
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Intel today released the latest version of the Arc GPU Graphics Drivers. Version 101.5971 beta comes with day-zero optimization for "Black Myth: Wukong." It also comes with optimization for "Hunt: Showdown 1896" and "World of Warcraft: The War Within." The drivers also fix a couple of issues with this release. The alpha playtest of Delta Force: Hawk Ops experiences application instability during gameplay, which has been fixed with these drivers. A bug that causes foliage in "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" to exhibit corruption has been fixed. For Core Ultra 100 "Meteor Lake" processors with Arc Graphics, the drivers fix a bug that causes "Force of Warships" to exhibit texture corruption during gameplay. Grab the driver from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.5971 Beta
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Block ads on your devices with this intuitive app offering data privacy and malware protection. AdGuard's Family Plan is now $18.97 (reg. $79), and you can save extra with code ADGUARD. If you're watching a Twitch livestream, YouTube how-to video, or simply scrolling through Wirecutter, you've likely encountered one very annoying thing: ads. Ads and other pop-ups are incredibly pesky, getting in the way of our content and putting a dent in our online experience.

Tired of wasting time clicking out of ads? You can banish ads for good, all while protecting your devices and information, with the AdGuard Family Plan. Secure up to nine devices with AdGuard's comprehensive data privacy tools, now on sale for $18.97 (reg. $79). Use code ADGUARD to save extra. AdGuard is designed to block all types of advertisements, whether they're distracting banners, intrusive pop-ups, or irritating video ads. You can also create filters to customize your experience on different platforms and manually block any missed ads.

Never see an ad again when you get lifetime access to AdGuard's Family Plan for just $18.97 through September 3 at 11:59 PM Pacific. Use code ADGUARD to save an additional $2!
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AMD today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire ZT Systems, a leading provider of AI infrastructure for the world's largest hyperscale computing companies. The strategic transaction marks the next major step in AMD's AI strategy to deliver leadership AI training and inferencing solutions based on innovating across silicon, software and systems. ZT Systems' extensive experience designing and optimizing cloud computing solutions will also help cloud and enterprise customers significantly accelerate the deployment of AMD-powered AI infrastructure at scale. AMD has agreed to acquire ZT Systems in a cash and stock transaction valued at $4.9 billion, inclusive of a contingent payment of up to $400 million based on certain post-closing milestones. AMD expects the transaction to be accretive on a non-GAAP basis by the end of 2025.

"Our acquisition of ZT Systems is the next major step in our long-term AI strategy to deliver leadership training and inferencing solutions that can be rapidly deployed at scale across cloud and enterprise customers," said AMD Chair and CEO Dr. Lisa Su. "ZT adds world-class systems design and rack-scale solutions expertise that will significantly strengthen our data center AI systems and customer enablement capabilities. This acquisition also builds on the investments we have made to accelerate our AI hardware and software roadmaps. Combining our high-performance Instinct AI accelerator, EPYC CPU, and networking product portfolios with ZT Systems' industry-leading data center systems expertise will enable AMD to deliver end-to-end data center AI infrastructure at scale with our ecosystem of OEM and ODM partners."
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[NextPowerUP]

Intel may have debuted its Hybrid (heterogeneous multicore) architecture for the desktop with the 12th Gen Core "Alder Lake-S," but the value-ended Core i3 series SKUs throughout the 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors have remained 4-core/8-thread traditional multicore chips, with just four P-cores. Intel is about to change this with the Core Ultra 200 series "Arrow Lake-S." According to OneRaichu, a reliable source with Intel leaks, the company is giving finishing touches to a pair of Core Ultra 3 series desktop processor SKUs based on the "Arrow Lake" microarchitecture. These will be 8-core chips, a doubling in core-count form the past generations, but the nature of these 8 cores is not yet known.

Among the SKUs in the leak are the Core Ultra 3 205, and the Core Ultra 3 215, both of which are 8-core chips. The two are probably differentiated in a similar manner to past generations of Intel Core i3 desktop did, using cache sizes (eg: Core i3-10100 and i3-10300). The chips probably feature a 4P+4E core configuration, as a "2P+6E" configuration might not be possible, as the E-core clusters are indivisible, although we don't know if the same rule applies to the "Skymont" E-core clusters. The dedicated L2 caches of both the P-cores and E-core clusters could be smaller than on Core Ultra 5 and above SKUs. The Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" processor uses "Lion Cove" P-cores with 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, while the Core Ultra 9 285K probably has "Lion Cove" P-cores with 3 MB of L2 cache per core.

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With AMD having launched its new processor generation, all eyes are now on the Core Ultra 200 series "Arrow Lake." We finally have some idea about its launch date, thanks to a leak by Benchlife.info. Apparently, Intel is launching the Core Ultra 200 "Arrow Lake-S" series processor family on October 10, 2024. At this point it's not known if this will be a low-key media event, or a completely online launch, since Intel has pulled the plug on the Innovation 2024 event, which would have been the launchpad for these processors. The October 10 date aligns with past rumors that pointed to a Q4-2024 launch for at least the -K and -KF desktop processor SKUs targeting PC enthusiasts and gamers; with the series putting on bulk in 2025. We've gone into the probable SKUs Intel will launch in its first wave in our older article, here.

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ZOTAC GAMING proudly announces the much-anticipated premium gaming handheld, the ZOTAC GAMING ZONE, is ready to begin accepting preorders in select regions and e-tailer platforms. The ZONE, which emphasizes premium hardware and elite controls, was announced COMPUTEX 2024 with great anticipation. Visitors arriving at GAMESCOM 2024, one of the largest video game trade fairs held annually in Cologne, Germany, will be the first to experience the thrills of gaming on the ZONE. The ZOTAC GAMING ZONE is the first handheld gaming PC on the market to incorporate premium hardware and elite control features that players will not find on other handheld PCs, offering gamers more immersion and advantages in PC games like non-other.

The ZOTAC GAMING ZONE is powered by AMD's Ryzen 7 8840U, an efficient powerhouse with bleeding edge Zen 4 architecture and RDNA 3 graphics that enables even AAA gaming at native 1080p resolution. Along with the 16 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 Memory on board, the ZONE makes the full spectrum of experiences that PC gaming can offer through stunning visuals and performance, and take advantage of AMD's driver-level Fluid Motion Frames (FMF) and FidelityFX Super Resolution technology to enhance gameplay performance and immersion further. Also featured are a full-sized 2280 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD and a UHS-II microSD card reader to cover every gamer's storage needs.
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According to a recent report from Globes, Arm, the chip design giant and maker of the Arm ISA, is reportedly developing a new discrete GPU at its Ra'anana development center in Israel. This development signals Arm's intention to compete directly with industry leaders like Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA in the massive discrete GPU market. Sources close to the matter reveal that Arm has assembled a team of approximately 100 skilled chip and software development engineers at its Israeli facility. The team is focused on creating GPUs primarily aimed at the video game market. However, industry insiders speculate that this technology could potentially be adapted for AI processing in the future, mirroring the trajectory of NVIDIA, which slowly integrated AI hardware accelerators into its lineup.

The Israeli development center is playing a crucial role in this initiative. The hardware teams are overseeing the development of key components for these GPUs, including the flagship Immortalis and Mali GPU. Meanwhile, the software teams are creating interfaces for external graphics engine developers, working with both established game developers and startups. Arm is already entering the PC market through its partners like Qualcomm with Snapdragon X chips. However, these chips run an integrated GPU, and Arm wants to provide discrete GPUs and compete there. While details are still scarce, Arm could make GPUs to accompany Arm-based Copilot+ PCs and some desktop builds. The final execution plan still needs to be discovered, and we are still waiting to see which stage Arm's discrete GPU project is in.

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