TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

This is not an April fool, as Qualcomm has apparently approached Intel with a takeover bid, according to the Wall Street Journal. The news follows earlier rumours about Qualcomm having eyed the opportunity to buy parts of Intel's client PC business, especially the parts related to chip design. Now it looks like Qualcomm has decided it might as well give it a go and take over Intel entirely, if the WSJ's sources can be trusted. It's still early days though and no official offers appear to have been proposed by Qualcomm so far and it doesn't appear to be a hostile takeover offer at this point in time. As such, this could turn out to be nothing, or we could see a huge change in the chip market if something comes of it.

It's worth keeping in mind that Intel's share price has dropped by around 57 percent so far this year—not taking into account today's small jump for Intel—and Qualcomm's market cap stands at over twice that of Intel's at 188 vs 93 billion US dollars. Even if Intel was to agree to a takeover offer from Qualcomm, there are several antitrust hurdles in multiple countries to get around for the two giants as well. This is despite the two not being direct competitors, but with Qualcomm recently having entered the Windows laptop market, the two are at least competing for some market share there. It's also unclear what Qualcomm would do with Intel's x86 legacy if it acquired Intel, as Qualcomm might not be interested in keeping it, at least not on the consumer side of its business. Time will tell if this is just some advanced speculation or a serious consideration by Qualcomm.

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[NextPowerUP]

Save over 70% on this bundle that offers courses on Java programming, Spring Framework, and more. Are you tired of your usual 9-5? Or are you looking to raise your earning potential? If either (or both) scenarios apply, you may want to learn how to program with Java. It's one of the most in-demand skills on the market now, especially if you want to work in backend development or enterprise solutions, but you don't necessarily need a degree to learn this programming language.

If you're ready to go further in your career or switch to an entirely new, more lucrative job, learning Java and Spring from this e-learning bundle can help. For a limited time, lifetime access to this learning resource is available for $39.99 (reg. $179).

Don't wait a minute longer to gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a more lucrative career. Grab this Java and Spring e-learning bundle for just $39.99 (reg. $179).
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[NextPowerUP]

While the upcoming desktop versions of Intel's "Arrow Lake" processors are stealing all the hype, we are getting a leak about the high-performance "Arrow Lake-HX" chips for laptop space. Thanks to Jaykihn on X, we learn that Intel has prepared six SKUs for laptop enthusiasts to power workstations and gaming. The upcoming Core Ultra 200 series SKUs are 285HX, 275HX, 265HX, 255HX, 245HX, and 235HX. Starting with the lower-end Core Ultra Core Ultra 5 245HX / 235HX, we get six P-cores running at 3.1 and 2.9 GHz base speeds, respectively. For both SKUs, E-cores are clocked at 2.6 GHz at the base. Boosing the P-cores yields a maximum of 5.1 GHz, while E-cores top out at 4.5 GHz. For graphics, the 48 EUs inside the iGPU are clocked at 1.8 GHz on the 235 HX, while 245 HX runs at 1.9 GHz. THese models don't support Thermal Velocity Boost and Turbo Boost Max 3.0, while of the remaining SKUs support both features.

Moving to the middle of the stack, there are two SKUs: Core Ultra 7 265HX / 255HX. Both feature eight P-cores and twelve E-cores. The differentiator here is the clock speed. P-cores on the 255HX run at 2.4 GHz base and 5.2 GHz boost, while the P-cores on 265HX run at 2.6 GHz base and 5.3 GHz boost. E-cores have a wider gap with the 255HX running at 1.8 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost, while 265HX has E-cores pinned at 2.3 GHz base and 4.6 GHz boost. Both of these SKUs have iGPU with 64 EUs set at 1.9 GHz.
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[NextPowerUP]

The upcoming Strix Point Halo processors from AMD now have a new name - Ryzen AI Max - and come with big promises of impressive power. This rumor, first reported by VideoCardz and originating from Weibo leaker Golden Pig Upgrade, reveals key details about the first three processors in this lineup, along with their specifications.

The leaker claims AMD might roll out a new naming system for these processors branding them as part of the Ryzen AI Max series. These chips will run on the anticipated Strix Halo APU. This series includes three models, with the top-end version boasting up to 16 Zen 5 cores and 40 Compute Units (CUs) for graphics. This setup is expected for the best model contrary to earlier rumors that AMD would drop such a variant. In fact, word has it that at least two of the models in this lineup will come with 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units. The leaker also hints that Strix Halo will handle up to 96 GB of video memory suggesting AMD aims to make this processor work with its ROCm (Open Compute Platform) system.
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[NextPowerUP]

Transcend Information Inc. (Transcend), a global leader in industrial memory storage, is proud to announce its first industrial-grade PCIe M.2 22110 SSD, the MTE730P. This SSD features Power Loss Protection (PLP) technology, ensuring robust data integrity even in the most demanding environments. With PCIe Gen 4 performance and capacities of up to 4 TB, the MTE730P meets the needs of high-end industrial automation, blade servers, data centers, and other modern storage applications.

Power Loss Protection: Create Higher Data Integrity
The MTE730P's Power Loss Protection (PLP) technology is a critical feature for applications such as automated manufacturing, medical systems, transportation systems, and financial transaction. It ensures that the built-in tantalum capacitors provide power to the controller and DRAM cache during power fluctuations or outages, guaranteeing maximum data integrity and security.
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[NextPowerUP]

GEEKOM, a Taiwanese tech company also known as the Green Mini PC Global Leader, recently released a strong lineup of flagship mini PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors and dual Ethernet ports, making it possible for users to enjoy impeccable performance and superb networking functionalities at the same time.

One of these mini PCs is the GEEKOM GT1 Mega, which employs a beautiful aluminum chassis with plenty of I/O, including two full-function 40 Gbps USB4 Type-C, six USB Type-A, 2 HDMI2.0, a 3.5 mm audio jack, an SD card reader and dual Ethernet ports. The two Ethernet jacks are both of 2.5 Gbps standard, which not only delivers high-speed and reliable internet connection for people's daily computing chores, but also enables the mini PC to serve more sophisticated networking functionalities as a soft router, a virtual machines, a hardware firewall, or even a home server. Besides, dual Ethernet ports can separate internal and external network connections, providing logical and physical separation of trusted and untrusted network traffic and keeping data safe from potential cyber-attacks.
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[NextPowerUP]

Hot on the heels of yesterday's leak of the Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake" retail box, we have pictures of the boxes the Core Ultra 7 265K/KF, and the Core Ultra 5 245K/KF. These are simpler paperboard boxes that retain essential box-art design of the 285K, but lack the fancy jewel-case. The processor comes in the usual plastic blister inside the box, along with the case badge. This time around, Intel is not releasing a "KF" variant of the Core Ultra 9 285K, but if down the line it does, you can expect it to come in a similar simple retail package as the 265K/KF.

The Intel Core Ultra main brand is positioned prominently on the front face. Much like the 14th Gen Core, the Intel brand is displayed in the same font size as Core. Below the two, is the Unlocked designation, followed by "Series 2," which indicates the 200 processor model numbering sequence. The top-right corner has the brand extension (3, 5, 7, 9). Intel is expected to launch its Core Ultra 200-series "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processors in late-October, 2024.

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[NextPowerUP]

Microsoft's Direct3D and HLSL teams have unveiled plans to integrate SPIR-V support into DirectX 12 with the upcoming release of Shader Model 7. This significant transition marks a new era in GPU programmability, as it aims to unify the intermediate representation for graphical-shader stages and compute kernels. SPIR-V, an open standard intermediate representation for graphics and compute shaders, will replace the proprietary DirectX Intermediate Language (DXIL) as the shader interchange format for DirectX 12. The adoption of SPIR-V is expected to ease development processes across multiple GPU runtime environments. By embracing this open standard, Microsoft aims to enhance HLSL's position as the premier language for compiling graphics and compute shaders across various devices and APIs. This transition is part of a multi-year development process, during which Microsoft will work closely with The Khronos Group and the LLVM Project. The company has joined Khronos' SPIR and Vulkan working groups to ensure smooth collaboration and rapid feature adoption.

While the transition will take several years, Microsoft is providing early notice to allow developers and partners to plan accordingly. The company will offer translation tools between SPIR-V and DXIL to facilitate a gradual transition for both application and driver developers. For those not familiar with graphics development, graphics APIs ship with virtual instruction set architectures (ISA) that abstracts standard hardware features at a higher level. As GPUs don't follow the same ISA as CPUs (x86, Arm, RISC-V), this virtual ISA is needed to define some generics in the GPU architecture and allow various APIs like DirectX and Vulkan to run. Instead of focusing support on several formats like DXIL, Microsoft is embracing the open SPIR-V standard, which will become de facto for API developers in the future, allowing focus on more features instead of constantly replicating each other's functions. While DXIL is used mainly for gaming environments, SPIR-V has adoption in high-performance computing as well, with OpenCL and SYCL. Gaming presence is also there with Vulkan API, and we expect to see SPIR-V join DirectX 12 games.

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[NextPowerUP]

GeForce NOW makes gamers' fantasies a reality by bringing top titles to the cloud. This week, the award-winning FINAL FANTASY XVI is available for members to stream at launch. Catch 11 bit studios' city-survival game Frostpunk 2 before it launches with early access on GeForce NOW. It's part of seven new games joining the expansive GeForce NOW library.

Eikonic Adventure
Dive into the richly crafted world of Valisthea in FINAL FANTASY XVI, the latest mainline entry in Square Enix's renowned role-playing game series. This epic action RPG unfolds in a once-glorious land blessed by the light of the Mothercrystals that's now slowly succumbing to the mysterious Blight. Play as Clive Rosfield as he navigates a dark fantasy filled with political intrigue and magical battles against Eikons, powerful manifestations of elemental forces. Eikons are wielded by Dominants, individuals who possess incredible strength and abilities. Featuring exhilarating real-time combat, the game allows players to unleash devastating moves by chaining together attack combos with seamless fluidity. With its gripping story, stunning visuals and intense gameplay, FINAL FANTASY XVI offers an unforgettable experience for new and longtime fans of the series alike.
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[NextPowerUP]

Intel's Core Ultra 200 series "Arrow Lake" CPU generation is bringing a complete P/E core redesign and, allegedly, a new package. According to VideoCardz, Intel's flagship SKU—Core Ultra 9 285K—features a completely redesigned box with new accent colors. Colors of choice include blue, black, and gray tones with a futuristic look. At the center of the new box is grey plastic packaging that protects and holds the actual processor. As the recent leaks suggested, this SKU will boast 8 "Lion Cove" P-Cores and 16 "Skymont" E-Cores without Hyper-Threading and with a maximum boost of 5.7 GHz. All of this will be packed inside a 125-watt power envelope. While we await the official launch, supposedly scheduled for October 10 and released on October 24, we can preview the new packaging box that Intel prepared for its new CPU family.

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[NextPowerUP]

As we continue our celebrations leading up to the 30th anniversary of the first PlayStation console launch, we have a special treat to reveal today that brings the past together with the present. Introducing our PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection to celebrate this wonderful milestone.

The new limited edition designs pay homage to 30 wonderful years of gaming, a journey made possible by the passion and support of our fans and talented game developers. Reminiscent of the very first PlayStation console to launch on December 3, 1994, this limited edition offering utilizes the original PlayStation color design and integrates it into the latest line of PS5 hardware products.
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[NextPowerUP]

CORSAIR, a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, has announced an exclusive multi-year, full cross-brand partnership with the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise. This powerful new integration sees two of the world's best-known gaming brands come together for the first time. The collaboration will include several Call of Duty titles, beginning with the launch of the highly-anticipated Call of Duty : Black Ops 6, releasing on October 25. The collaboration will extend across multiple product categories at CORSAIR including Drop, Elgato, ORIGIN PC and SCUF Gaming. Specific products, additional categories and more details will be announced over time.

"Teaming up with the world-renowned Call of Duty franchise is the perfect fit for the CORSAIR family of brands and for gamers looking to achieve a complete and immersive experience," said Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of CORSAIR. "We are thrilled to have these two world-class brands come together as CORSAIR is set to deliver premium performance for Call of Duty players across all platforms - PC, console and mobile - whether playing, capturing content or streaming."
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[NextPowerUP]

Elgato, a brand of CORSAIR, today shared new additions to its Wave audio line, expanding both hardware and software capabilities. Unveiled earlier today at TwitchCon, Wave Mic Arm Pro is an ultra-premium boom with smooth movement and a low profile, ideal for professional recording. Elgato also debuted Wave Desk Stand, a portable studio arm for mounting mics and accessories onto any flat surface, like podcasting tables. Together, they round out the brand's audio lineup, offering a versatile range of mounting options to fit any setup.

Additionally, Elgato revealed Wave Link 2.0, a major update to its flagship mixing app. Coming soon on PC and Mac, it introduces one-click audio routing and fast Stream Deck setup, making it easier than ever for creators to manage their sound.
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[NextPowerUP]

Back in July, we polled our readers to find out what PC main memory type they are using, with the choices consisting of DDR5, DDR4, and DDR3. Nearly two months into the poll and close to 36,000 responses later, an interesting picture is emerging. DDR4 memory emerged a clear winner, with a simple majority of our readers—58.2% of them—responding that they're using it. The latest DDR5 memory type is a distant second, with close to one-third of the respondents or 32.5% picking it. The old DDR3 memory type attracted an impressive 9.3% of the vote.

There could be many reasons why DDR4 remains the king—the AMD AM4 platform remains current, as AMD continues to release processors for this platform. Intel's LGA1700 platform supports DDR4, and there's a fairly wide selection of DDR4 motherboards for this platform, letting enthusiasts save on memory costs by carrying over their old memory or opting for cheaper memory. DDR5 at 32% isn't too discouraging, considering that the standard has been around just 3 years now, compared to the 9 years of DDR4.

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[NextPowerUP]

Supermicro, Inc., a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge is announcing the all-new FlexTwin family of systems which has been designed to address the needs of scientists, researchers, governments, and enterprises undertaking the world's most complex and demanding computing tasks. Featuring flexible support for the latest CPU, memory, storage, power and cooling technologies, FlexTwin is purpose-built to support demanding HPC workloads including financial services, scientific research, and complex modeling. These systems are cost-optimized for performance per dollar and can be customized to suit specific HPC applications and customer requirements thanks to Supermicro's modular Building Block Solutions design.

"Supermicro's FlexTwin servers set a new standard of performance density for rack-scale deployments with up to 96 dual processor compute nodes in a standard 48U rack," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "At Supermicro, we're able to offer a complete one-stop solution that includes servers, racks, networking, liquid cooling components, and liquid cooling towers, speeding up the time to deployment and resulting in higher quality and reliability across the entire infrastructure, enabling customers faster time to results. Up to 90% of the server generated heat is removed with the liquid cooling solution, saving significant amounts of energy and enabling higher compute performance."
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