TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveils the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% empowering gamers with ultimate control and personalization, shattering the boundaries of the traditional keyboard experience. Building on the success of the award-winning BlackWidow V4 75%, this new wireless, hot-swappable gaming keyboard combines Razer HyperSpeed and 4K Hz Razer HyperPolling technology with an onboard OLED display for ultimate customizability. Along with its immersive features, this ensures that the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% offers an unparalleled gaming keyboard experience.

"The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is the result of our relentless pursuit of gaming excellence," said Barrie Ooi, Head of Razer's PC Gaming Division. "With its hot-swappable design, Razer HyperSpeed wireless technology, and a built-in OLED display, this keyboard empowers gamers to create a setup that truly reflects their style and gain more control than ever before."
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[NextPowerUP]

Intel's upcoming Core Ultra 200 "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processors will herald a new wave of overclocking memory kits as the architecture is expected to support even higher memory speeds than the current 14th Gen Core. The product page of an ASRock Z890 motherboard lists out maximum memory speeds for various DIMM configurations. The most overclocker-friendly config—1 single-rank DIMM per channel—sees ASRock mention support for DDR5-9200+ (OC). The fastest DDR5 OC memory kits in the market are DDR5-8600, and over the Summer, JEDEC announced standardization of high frequency DDR5 configurations, including the likes of DDR5-8800. Such high frequencies require the DIMM to feature a clock driver.

Those looking for high capacity memory configurations have big reason to cheer. For two single-rank DIMMs per channel, or one dual-rank DIMM per channel, the motherboard's product page mentions an OC speed of DDR5-6800+. This should be a boon for those wanting large memory capacities such as 96 GB or 128 GB using dual-rank DIMMs at reasonably high speeds. Even the densest memory configuration, two dual-rank DIMMs per channel, has a maximum OC speed of DDR5-5800+. This should allow users to approach the platform's maximum memory capacity, such as 256 GB using four 64 GB dual-rank DIMMs, or 192 GB using four 48 GB DIMMs, but at much higher speeds that what the current platforms are capable of.

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[NextPowerUP]

Rise and shine - Capcom's latest action-adventure game, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, heads to the cloud at launch next week. It's part of nine new titles joining the extensive GeForce NOW library.

Dead Rising Coming Soon
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster returns with modern graphics. More than just a remaster, this Deluxe Remaster is a full graphical overhaul of the first game in the zombie-slaughtering action series Dead Rising. The remaster has also been fully voiced, supports auto-saves and has various other quality-of-life features. One day, the peaceful town of Willamette, Colorado, found itself put under quarantine by the U.S. army. Frank West, a freelance journalist, smells a scoop and finds his way into the only shopping mall in town. Unfortunately, the mall has turned into a living hell, crawling with countless zombies. Help will arrive in 72 hours, so it's up to him to find out the truth behind this incident before it's too late. Witness the unmatched mayhem and freedom when Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster launches on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Stream it with a GeForce NOW Priority or Ultimate membership for longer gaming sessions and higher frame rates.
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[NextPowerUP]

XMG is introducing the XMG APEX 17 MAX, its first gaming laptop featuring AMD's high-end processors from the Dragon Range series. This classic 17.3-inch laptop combines a Ryzen 9 7945HX with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4070 or 4060, along with a 165 Hz WQHD display offering 100% DCI-P3 and sRGB color space coverage. The 'MAX' suffix has always signified maximum CPU performance in XMG's APEX series laptops. While the APEX 17 MAX (M24) no longer features a socketed processor like earlier models, it is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, the laptop version of the Zen 4 desktop CPU AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. Both are built on the same 'Raphael' processor die, manufactured in a 5 nm process, offering 16 fully-fledged cores and 32 threads. This powerhouse CPU is paired with either an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or 4060, both delivering up to 125 watts of graphics performance (115 W TGP plus 10 W Dynamic Boost).

The display lid of the 17.3-inch XMG APEX 17 MAX, measuring 402 x 265 x 28.6 mm and weighing 2.85 kg, is made of aluminium for enhanced stability. The IPS panel features a classic 16:9 format with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, covering 100% of both the DCI-P3 and sRGB color spaces. It has a 165 Hz refresh rate, 330 nits of brightness, and supports AMD FreeSync. The display also offers a power-saving 60 Hz mode, allowing for extended battery life from the 73 Wh battery, which is internally screw-fastened and therefore replaceable. Additionally, the iGPU-only mode, selectable via the Control Center, enhances battery efficiency by completely deactivating the NVIDIA dGPU after a system restart, allowing the system to rely solely on the energy-efficient AMD iGPU. A MUX switch also enables users to switch the internal display connection between the dGPU and iGPU.
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[NextPowerUP]

Silicon Power (SP) is excited to announce the release of its latest high-performance memory solution, the StudioPro CFexpress 4.0 Type-B memory card. Carefully designed to meet the needs of professional photographers, filmmakers, and content creators, this card offers unparalleled performance and reliable durability, supporting the demands of 4K and 8K video recording with extreme speeds and huge capacities up to 2 TB.

PCIe Gen 4x2 Interface for Superior Performance
Equipped with an advanced PCIe Gen 4x2 interface, the StudioPro CFexpress 4.0 Type-B memory card easily manages 4K and 8K workflows with industry-leading speeds. Lightning-fast read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,100 MB/s ensure rapid data transfer and reduced waiting times during post-production. From high-frame-rate sports action to intricate wildlife scenes, these speeds capture smooth and uninterrupted recording, making it an essential tool for professionals seeking top-tier performance across demanding shooting environments.
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[NextPowerUP]

Samsung's foundry plans have again hit a major setback. The company notified staff at its Taylor, Texas facility that it was temporarily removing workers from the site because it is still experiencing challenges with 2 nm semiconductor yields, delaying mass production timelines from late 2024 to 2026. The Taylor site had been anticipated as the flagship facility for Samsung's sub-4 nm production, allowing access to potential customers near the facility. While Samsung has moved rapidly in terms of process development, its yields for advanced nodes have outstripped them, the company's yields for sub-3 nm processes hover around 50%, with Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology witnessing yields of only 10-20%, significantly lower than neighboring competitor TSMC's 60-70% for corresponding nodes.

The yield gaps that the company is experiencing have exacerbated the gap in market share, with TSMC capturing 62.3% of the global foundry market share in Q2 versus Samsung's 11.5%. The company is struggling to gain share despite efforts by Chairman Lee Jae-yong - including visits to component suppliers ASML, and Zeiss - and these yields put at risk as much as 9 trillion won in U.S. CHIP Act potential subsidies that are dependent upon operational milestones.

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[NextPowerUP]

Elgato, a brand of Corsair, today announced the launch of Stream Deck Studio in collaboration with Bitfocus, pioneers in professional broadcast software. A truly modern, hyper-customizable control surface that's set to redefine how pro broadcasters interact with their tools, Stream Deck Studio takes the form of a sleek 19-inch console with 32 LCD keys and two rotary dials. Slotting seamlessly into universal studio racks, it consolidates the controls of legions of hardware and software in ways that ensure remarkable ease of use without sacrificing advanced broadcast functionality.

Elgato launched Stream Deck in 2017. Shortly after, seeing how it simplified content creator workflows, Bitfocus developed Companion, custom software that repurposed Stream Deck for use in traditional broadcast settings. Both companies observed wide adoption of Stream Deck and Companion, validating the potential for a more tailored solution. Subsequently, Elgato and Bitfocus co-developed Stream Deck Studio.
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[NextPowerUP]

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced the launch of the Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD - ready for pre-order today (shipping in October). Designed to maximize the performance of Mac and PC devices with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 3, and USB4, this groundbreaking SSD sets a new benchmark with revolutionary speeds exceeding 6000 MB/s—making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.

"Intel's innovative Thunderbolt 5 technology sets a new standard for performance and simple connectivity, and OWC's Envoy Ultra SSD is a perfect example of how this technology can be harnessed to meet the needs of today's most demanding users," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). "OWC continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, delivering a solution that not only leverages the full potential of Thunderbolt 5 but also opens up new possibilities for professionals and creatives alike."
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[NextPowerUP]

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, launches the ColorPro VP2776T-4K, the company's first Thunderbolt 4 monitor. This monitor enables creative professionals to accelerate workflows with rapid data transfer and offers complete connectivity through its docking station. In addition to Thunderbolt 4, the VP2776T-4K delivers exceptional color precision with 98% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB color coverage, and Delta E < 2 accuracy, while offering stunning clarity with 4K UHD resolution and HDR 400.

Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic, stated, "ColorPro monitors are renowned for delivering industry-leading color accuracy and visual performance, making it the preferred choice for creative professionals. Building on the success of the VP2776, we've taken the VP2776T-4K to the next level by incorporating Thunderbolt 4 technology, providing the speed and versatility that today's videographers, animators, and 3D designers need to elevate their craft
effectively without interruption."
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[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA quietly released a variant of the GeForce RTX 4070 featuring slower 20 Gbps GDDR6 memory, replacing the 21 Gbps GDDR6X that the original RTX 4070 comes with. Wccftech has access to a GALAX branded RTX 4070 GDDR6, and put it through benchmarks focused on comparing it to a regular RTX 4070. Memory type and speed are the only changes in specs, the core-configuration isn't changed, nor is the GPU clock speed. Wccftech's testing shows that the RTX 4070 GDDR6 measures within 0-1% slower than the RTX 4070 (GDDR6X) at 1080p and 1440p resolutions; while the difference between the two is about 2% at 4K Ultra HD.

Wccftech's test-bed is comprehensive, with 27 game tests, each across 3 resolutions; and 7 synthetic tests. The synthetic tests are mainly part of the 3DMark test suite, including Speed Way, Fire Strike, Time Spy, Port Royal, and their presets. Here, the RTX 4070 GDDR6 is nearly identical in performance, with a 0-0.2% delta with the RTX 4070 GDDR6X. In the game tests, performance varies by resolution. 1080p has 0-1% performance delta, with the only noteworthy outliers being "Metro Exodus" (extreme preset), where the RTX 4070 GDDR6 loses 4.2%, and "Alan Wake 2," where it loses 2.3%.
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[NextPowerUP]

Samsung is implementing a major workforce realignment to improve operations and increase efficiency. According to a report from Reuters, Samsung has instructed its global subsidiaries to reduce marketing and sales staff by 15% and management personnel by 30% by the end of this year. Of its 267,800 employees worldwide, 147,000 are based overseas, and Samsung's global layoff plan is expected to impact all regions, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. The exact motivation behind the layoffs is unclear; one source cites the slowdown in global demand for tech products as a factor, while another suggests Samsung is aiming to increase profits by cutting costs.

Dell is also implementing significant measures, with plans to lay off at least 12,500 employees, approximately 10% of its total workforce. Dell is striving to become "leaner" by overhauling its sales divisions and adopting paperless operations with the help of AI. Job cuts are expected to continue overseas, with U.S. staff members expecting their turn soon. Dell has declined to confirm any numbers regarding the layoffs, particularly those concerning their employees.
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[NextPowerUP]

ASUS and GIGABYTE have registered a large number of Intel Z890 motherboards with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). For ASUS, the registrations suggest that these will be released on October 10, followed by an official market launch on October 24. ASUS has added no less than 29 Z890 motherboards to its ROG MAXIMUS, ROG STRIX, TUF GAMING, PRIME, and other series, while GIGABYTE has added 18 models to both its AORUS and non-AORUS series.

ASUS Z890 Motherboards

• ROG MAXIMUS Series
  
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 EXTREME
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 FORMULA
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX ENCORE
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 HERO
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 DARK HERO
  • ROG MAXIMUS Z890 HERO BTF

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[NextPowerUP]

AGON by AOC - one of the world's leading gaming monitor and IT accessories brands - announces the expansion of its G4 series with four new models designed to cater to a wide range of gaming preferences and budgets. The new line-up includes the 27-inch (68.6 cm) curved AOC GAMING C27G4ZXU, CQ27G4X, and the flat-model Q27G4XF, as well as the larger variant, the 31.5-inch (80 cm) curved AOC GAMING CQ32G4VE, offering a versatile selection of displays with high refresh rates and responsive panels, perfect for entry-level and budget-conscious gamers looking to elevate their gaming experience.

Curved immersion and lightning-fast refresh rates
The AOC GAMING C27G4ZXU leads the pack with its impressive 280 Hz refresh rate on a 27-inch curved Fast VA panel. This Full HD (1920x1080) monitor features a 1500R curvature for enhanced immersion, an up to 1 ms GtG response time, and 0.3 ms MPRT for crystal-clear motion. With a contrast ratio of 4000:1 and 300 nits brightness, it delivers vivid visuals and deep blacks, letting users enjoy visually rich games as well as competitive titles, striking a perfect balance for casual and enthusiastic gamers. The C27G4ZXU also includes built-in speakers and a 4-port USB 3.2 hub for convenient connectivity for gaming peripherals. For users looking for the same specifications (except speakers and the USB hub) with a simpler stand or to use with VESA mounts for example, AGON by AOC offers the AOC GAMING C27G4ZXE (launched June 2024).
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[NextPowerUP]

Synnex Technology International is a major Hong Kong-based distributor of PC components, which also retails directly. PC enthusiasts in Hong Kong have been trying to avail replacements for their Intel Core i9-14900K processors under Intel's laid down procedure, including extended warranties for the processor, which has been hit by the notorious physical degradation issue. A customer sent in their i9-14900K to find that they are not getting a replacement chip, because Synnex ran out of chips to send customers as replacements.

The retailer sent in a template response that the chip sent by the customer cannot be repaired or replaced, but the customer can avail a cash refund of HKD $4,200 (around $540), which is close to the street price of the processor. The processor itself has been running out of stock in many places, partly because inventory in the channel is being directed toward honoring warranty claims. The only practical way to honor a processor warranty claim is replacement, since there is very little that can be repaired by a distributor (except maybe the stock cooler). HKEPC reports that the user took Synnex up on its offer for refund, sold everything in their machine except the SSD, and is now planning to build a new machine based on the Ryzen 9 9950X.

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[NextPowerUP]

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Strix Platinum PSU series, the ideal power supplies for gaming PC setups. These high-efficiency units, available in 1200-watt, 1000-watt, and 850-watt versions, raise the bar with lower connection temperatures, intelligent wattage delivery, ATX 3.1 with Intel lab testing and a sizeable 10-year warranty.

Smart design, efficient operation
The ROG Strix Platinum PSU series is ready to power any rig a user can assemble, no matter what kind of graphics card they put under the hood. That's where the patented GPU-First intelligent voltage stabilizer (IVS) comes into play. It ensures that even an overclocked graphics card always has the stable power flow it needs to perform at peak capacity during intense gaming sessions, providing up to 45% more stable flow to the GPU than without the stabilizer. And if users prefer a conventional CPU-focused voltage sensor, they can disconnect the Strix Platinum IVS cable.
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