TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

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

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[NextPowerUP]

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

Whether you prefer mastering a story-driven campaign or testing your skills in competitive multiplayer, the demo offers something for every player.
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[NextPowerUP]

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

Roughly a year ago, AMD decided against releasing its (RDNA 3) Radeon RX 7600 XT 16 GB GPU in China. Their Radeon RX 7600 (non-XT) 8 GB model did make it to China, but it was largely overshadowed by older tech—mainly Team Red's compellingly priced Radeon RX 6750 GRE 12 GB and 10 GB cards. Spec-wise, the Radeon RX 7650 GRE sits somewhere in-between its two "Hotpink Bonefish" Navi 33 siblings. All three cards share the same number of compute units (32 CUs), but differ in terms of boost clocks and thermal design power ratings. The GRE features a max. boost clock speed of 2695 MHz and a board TDP of 170 W—just a nudge over the Radeon RX 7600's 2655 MHz boost capability and 165 W board power rating. Both cards are frugal enough to rely on a single 8-pin power connector. By contrast, the hungrier 190 W TDP-rated Radeon RX 7600 XT sports two 8-pin inputs—this GPU can boost up to 2755 MHz. VideoCardz has kindly assembled a comparison chart (see below).
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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

Where can I access my PROS items?
PROS rewards can be found in your shared stash after completing the mission "Laboratores." These shared stashed can be found when purchasing lodging that includes shared stash in selected taverns; or by following the main quest line, where they can be found in your shared stash, which is in the room the local miller and blacksmith let you use after you complete the first part of their quests.
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[NextPowerUP]

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

Moreover, software compatibility was a major hurdle, making the X Elite systems borderline unusable for professionals with specific requirements that do not have Arm-native alternatives. As a result, the X Elite laptops had a sub 1% market share last fall - a daunting figure considering that Qualcomm had initially targeted 30 - 50% market share by 2029. That said, the story appears to be taking somewhat of a positive turn, with CEO Christiano Amon asserting that Snapdragon X-powered laptops accounted for over 10% of all $800+ laptops sold in December, in the US. Of course, the statement clearly addresses a very specific segment of the market, which makes the 10%+ number more modest that it may appear on paper.
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[NextPowerUP]

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

As mentioned, the mini PC, dubbed the GB-BRU5-225H, is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H CPU including four high-performance "Lion Cove" cores, eight high-efficiency "Skymont" cores, as well as two additional "low power" cores for a total of 14 cores and 14 threads. The 12.6 x 3.4 x 11.9 cm mini PC has no room for discrete graphics, and has to rely on the integrated Arc 130T iGPU with eight Xe cores. The system can be equipped with up to 96 GB of DDR5-6400 memory courtesy of its dual SO-DIMM slots. Considering the specifications, the mini PC should be sufficiently potent for the vast majority of moderately intensive workloads thrown its way.
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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

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

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

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

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors are the flagship models of the Ryzen 9000X3D series, designed for hardcore gaming enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in gaming performance. ASRock AM5 motherboards offer seamless compatibility with the Ryzen 9000X3D series, making them the ideal choice for gamers worldwide to experience the power of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors firsthand.
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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

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

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[NextPowerUP]

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

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

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

Through this initiative, AMD and CEA will engage in a structured collaboration, focused on technological advancements on next generation AI compute infrastructure. AMD and CEA also are planning a symposium on the future of AI compute in 2025 that will convene European stakeholders and global technology providers, startups, supercomputing centers, universities and policy makers to accelerate collaboration around state-of-the-art and emerging AI computing technologies.
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