TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

be quiet!, the German manufacturer of premium PC components, introduces two new additions to its highly acclaimed Light Wings fan series: Light Wings 140 mm PWM Reverse and Light Wings LX 120 mm PWM Reverse. These new reverse-flow fans are designed for optimized airflow in cases with inverted layouts, delivering exceptional cooling performance while maintaining the brand's signature near-silent operation and high-quality standards. Both fan series feature vibrant ARGB illumination and are available in black and white.

Light Wings Reverse and Light Wings LX Reverse continue to be quiet!'s tradition of blending performance with aesthetic appeal. Featuring 20 individually addressable LEDs, the Light Wings Reverse includes dual light rings for uniform illumination from both the front and rear. Meanwhile, the Light Wings LX Reverse models boast 16 ARGB LEDs integrated into the fan blades, creating an immersive lighting effect from multiple angles. All models are compatible with 5 V ARGB headers and can be synchronized through motherboard software, while ARGB daisy-chaining ensures a tidy cable management experience.
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ASRock Industrial introduces the iEP(F)-9040 Series, a next-generation Robust Edge AIoT Platform designed to deliver high-performance edge AI computing, real-time industrial automation, and scalable expansion for smart manufacturing, intelligent vision systems, autonomous robotics, and edge AI applications. Powered by Intel Core 200S Processors (Bartlett Lake-S), the iEP(F)-9040 Series enables seamless AI inferencing, high-speed data processing, and intelligent edge computing for industrial IoT and AIoT applications. With support for up to 24 cores and 32 threads with enhanced longevity, DDR5 5600 MHz memory up to 96 GB, PCIe Gen 5 expansion, the Series is built to handle complex AI workloads. Designed to thrive in extreme industrial conditions, the series supports up to -40°C~75°C wide operating temperature range and 9 V-36 V DC power input with ignition control, ensuring reliable operation in mission-critical environments. The iEP(F)-9040 Series features rich industrial I/O, supports real-time TSN/TCC, and connectivity options like 5G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E and BT 5.4 for high-speed, low-latency communication. The Series is ideal for various industrial applications such as smart factory, AI-based Inspection, robotics, surveillance, smart transportation, and more, providing a future-ready AIoT solution for next generation edge and industrial intelligence.

Optimized AI and Compute Performance with Intel Core 200S Processors
The iEP(F)-9040 Series harness the power of Intel Core 200S Processors (Bartlett Lake-S) to deliver superior computing performance and AI acceleration with long-term support. With up to 24 (8P+16E) cores, delivering up to 32 threads, the series enables real-time AI inferencing, industrial automation, and intelligent edge computing. Compared to previous generations, Intel Core 200S Processors (Bartlett Lake-S) achieve up to 1.06x faster single-threaded and 1.08x faster multi-thread performance. Supporting dual DDR5 5600 MHz SO-DIMM memory up to 96 GB, the iEP(F)-9040 Series significantly boosts machine vision, AI model deployment, and automation. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics provides up to 4K high-resolution AI-driven imaging, with DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.0b, and VGA outputs for flexible industrial display configurations.
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[NextPowerUP]

Intel and SK Hynix have finalized an $8.85 billion transaction involving Intel's NAND flash memory operations, marking the conclusion of a two-phase deal initiated in 2020. In the first phase of the transaction, SK Hynix acquired Intel's SSD division along with a NAND production facility in Dalian, China, for $6.61 billion. The Dalian facility was later rebranded as Solidigm. Notably, this phase transferred only the physical assets and operational facilities, leaving behind critical intellectual property, research and development infrastructure, and specialized technical staff. The second phase, finalized with a payment of $1.9 billion this Tuesday, addressed these remaining components. With this payment, SK Hynix secured full rights to Intel's proprietary NAND technology, R&D resources, and the technical workforce dedicated to NAND operations.

During the transition period, Intel maintained control over these elements, which limited integration between Solidigm and Intel's NAND teams. This separation was designed to manage operational risks and gradually transfer capabilities. Completing this deal helps with a strategic restructuring of Intel's portfolio as it shifts focus toward high-growth areas such as AI chip development, foundry services, and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. A $1.9 billion financial injection is perfect in time for Intel Foundry business, burning billions per year, to offset some of the losses. For SK Hynix, consolidating the complete range of Intel's NAND operations enhances its competitive position in the global NAND market, providing access to established technologies and key industry expertise. This finalization is part of a broader trend where companies divest from commoditized memory products to concentrate on more advanced semiconductor solutions like AI chips and other accelerators, which are enjoying higher margins and a better business outlook.

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[NextPowerUP]

If learning a new language has been on your bucket list for as long as you can remember, Babbel makes it easier than ever. This language-learning app makes the experience more like a game than school, so you don't lose motivation—and StackSocial is offering an unbeatable deal on the app. This weekend, you can get a Babbel lifetime subscription for just $124.99 with code LEARN at checkout (worth $599 on Babbel's website). You'll get forever access to their mobile and desktop apps and 14 language courses, including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and more.

Babbel encourages you to set a weekly language-learning goal, but you set the pace with 10-15 minute lessons that you can take as frequently as you like. Each builds your skills in conversation, grammar, and pronunciation. A brand-new app update added an AI-powered conversation partner that helps you practice your language skills in real time. You'll build listening, comprehension, and speaking skills in an environment where you're completely free to make mistakes.

Don't miss out on this Babbel discount from StackSocial: $124.99 with code LEARN at checkout (reg. $599). This code expires on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
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[NextPowerUP]

Wizordum, the retro first-person spell caster developed by Emberheart Games and published by Apogee Entertainment, summons a 1.0 launch for PC via Steam on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, for $19.99. As one of the last surviving mages, traverse seven new levels on a journey to eradicate Chaos for good in this magical finale of Wizordum.

Battle arcane foes aboard speedy mine carts across Episode 3's chaotic fire and ice levels, filled with fiery lava and razor-sharp falling icicles. Face formidable bosses using all-new mage-tastic weapons, including the bolt-throwing Faewood Crossbow and the Staff of Chaos, an elemental triple-threat harnessing ferocious ice, fire, and storm spells.
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[NextPowerUP]

The Eternal Life of Goldman is a vibrant yet dark platformer adventure that weaves together legends, fairy tales, and myths. Explore a vast hand-drawn Archipelago, inspired by ancient fables and depicted in classic frame-by-frame animation, and defeat a mysterious Deity! It takes the genre at an unusual angle and offers something unexpected at every turn. Upgrade your cane with new parts and unlock new abilities, to explore the hidden corners of the Archipelago and face incredible creatures.

Hand-crafted to the smallest detail
The Eternal Life of Goldman is the result of years of work by people who love and appreciate the same cartoons, comics and games that you do - meticulously drawn, colored and animated by hand using classic frame-by-frame techniques. Every place, every object, every character, every visual effect -- everything is carefully planned and executed to the finest detail.
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 "MBA" models have turned up for sale through Chinese black market channels; with local PC hardware enthusiasts quickly snapping up these "reference design" curios—for "scientific" analysis, and in some cases: bragging rights. Officially, Team Red has relied on its board partners to produce an all-custom first wave of RDNA 4 gaming graphics cards. Recent discoveries of authentic-looking "Made by AMD" specimens suggested a very limited distribution of first-party units to trusted partners. According to a fresh ITHome news article, Team Red's Radeon RX 9070 XT reference PCB design was fully revealed via a comprehensive teardown. Kyogre shared heavily watermarked photos with the online publication; showcasing their disassembly of a "leaked" example.

Team Red's proprietary triple-fan cooling solution and backplate were removed; leading to the exposure of gory innards. ITHome provided a quick rundown visual clues—the analyzed unit features: "dual PCIe 8-Pin power supply interfaces, and a black shell with a tough and simple shape. It is about three slots thick and is equipped with a rear open and ventilated cooling backplane with a core back frame...Looking deeper into the internal structure of the graphics card, we can find that this graphics card is equipped with five heat pipes, the corresponding position of the GPU core uses a copper base, and the surrounding memory positions are also in contact with the metal frame through thermal pads. In addition, it is equipped with four video output interfaces."
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[NextPowerUP]

A great surface makes a whole lot of difference for PC gaming and work. It's part aesthetics, part utility. Here's what you need to know when shopping around. A mousepad is not just a simple accessory. SteelSeries QcK mousepads have proven, over and over, that they are best in gaming. They're washable and durable, feature a non-slip base, and micro-woven cloth optimized for low and high CPI mouse tracking. With more than 15 million sold, our iconic esports mousepads have enabled gamers around the globe to deliver top tier performance. And now, you can join them. Let's dive into a few reasons why.

Pick the exact style you want
The great thing about our new QcK Performance mousepad series—our latest—is that you can pick the kind of surface you want to adapt to your gameplay style. Do you prefer your mouse to glide super smoothly, or do you want more controlled precision with a little friction? Improved glide, more control, or something in between. This gaming mousepad is truly reflective of your style and preference.
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Intel GPU enthusiasts have been waiting patiently for news regarding higher-end models; ever since the launches of wallet-friendly Arc Xe2 "Battlemage" B580 and B570 graphics cards. As the cliché goes; recent silence has been deafening—we last heard about a speculative expanded lineup of B-series SKUs around late January. At the time, three mysterious "Battlemage" PCI identifiers turned up online; courtesy of Tomasz Gawroński's detective work. Opinions were split about the exact nature of these leaked "BMG" IDs; one camp envisioned Team Blue had professional variants of their existing B580 in the pipeline—presumably with generously specced pools of 24 GB VRAM onboard. A more optimistic group posited that Intel's Arc Xe2 desktop gaming family would welcome more potent "B750, B770," and (maybe) "B780" SKUs.

Yesterday, Tomasz Gawroński (aka GawroskiT) interacted with another notable source of inside track information: Jaykihn (jaykihn0). Plenty of Team Blue-related "scoops" have emerged via Jaykihn's social media channel; mostly predictions regarding upcoming desktop, mobile and enterprise CPUs. Their latest leak indicates Intel's alleged abandoning of a high-end/larger "BMG-G31" GPU die in 2024; within the third quarter of that year. Insiders have long insisted that the Arc Xe2 "Battlemage" project navigated choppy waters during development; hence the appearance of endless theories about the whole caboodle being called off. Jaykihn clarified that he believes that a "retail" launch of "BMG-G31" dGPUs will no longer take place. Many watchdogs will assume that a gap will be filled by forthcoming Arc Xe3 "Celestial" discrete GPUs. Jaykihn stated that they have no fresh insights into how that project is going.

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[NextPowerUP]

Surprise game alert! SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is digitally available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam, iOS and Android! This excellent RPG is a real fan-favorite thanks to its unique storytelling, beautiful watercolor graphics, satisfying turn-based combat and character progression and top-tier soundtrack. This new remastered edition enhances the game further, with updated visuals and UI, new gameplay features, additional playable characters, new events and more.

Basically, it's one of the crown jewels of the franchise brought bang up to date… and available today. SaGa fans are no doubt frantically checking their respective storefronts to download the game, but for anyone unfamiliar with SaGa Frontier 2, read on and we'll explain everything you need to know about this epic history-spanning RPG, including what's new.
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[NextPowerUP]

The next generation of the award-winning all-in-one coolers is here. The Liquid Freezer III Pro features optimized premium fans and takes ARCTIC's CPU water cooling to a new level of performance. It starts with the Liquid Freezer III Pro 360, which is also available in A-RGB and A-RGB (White) versions. The launch also marks the introduction of the next major promotion. Further variants in 240, 280 and 420 mm will be introduced in Q2 2025.

The Liquid Freezer III Pro offers PC enthusiasts and gamers an impressive performance upgrade. The new Pro fans set new standards at both high and low speeds. Compared to the previous model, the performance has been increased once again - for even more effective cooling with minimal noise.
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Super Micro Computer, Inc., a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, is announcing the availability of new single-socket servers capable of supporting applications that required dual-socket servers for a range of data center workloads. By leveraging a single-socket architecture, enterprises and data center operators can reduce initial acquisition costs, ongoing operational costs such as power and cooling, and reduce the physical footprint of server racks compared to previous generations of systems based on older processors.

"We are entering a new era of compute where energy-efficient and thermally optimized single-socket architectures are becoming a viable alternative to traditional dual-processor servers," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "Our new single-socket servers support 100% more cores per system than previous generations and have been designed to maximize acceleration, networking, and storage flexibility. Supporting up to 500-watt TDP processors, these new systems can be configured to fulfill a wide range of workload requirements."
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Launching today, KARMA: The Dark World invites players to confront their fears and uncover hidden truths in this first-person psychological thriller. From award-winning indie publisher Wired Productions and developer Pollard Studio KARMA: The Dark World is available now on PC and PlayStation 5with a Deluxe Edition, featuring an exclusive soundtrack, digital EP, and digital artbook.

Inspired by the works of legendary creators such as David Lynch (Twin Peaks), Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid, Death Stranding), and Christopher Nolan (Inception, Interstellar), KARMA: The Dark World blends psychological horror with immersive storytelling, challenging players to uncover the deepest secrets hidden in the minds of their targets. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers an intensely atmospheric experience with stunning visuals and a haunting narrative.
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According to ComputerBase, NVIDIA now requires laptop makers to clearly share full graphics power details for its upcoming GeForce RTX 50 Series "Blackwell" GPUs. This aims to fix long-standing issues with hidden performance limits that have led to unexpected differences between laptops with the same GPU model. In the past, many laptop makers did not provide complete information about total graphics power (TGP). This often meant that some lower-powered models performed better than higher-end ones because the power limits were unclear. Under the new guidelines, manufacturers must list important details such as base TGP, Dynamic Boost limits, and clock speeds on their product pages. NVIDIA said, "We work with laptop manufacturers to ensure they list graphics power on their product websites."

Companies like ASUS, MSI, and XMG have already started to show full specifications for models such as the ROG Scar 18 and Titan 18 HX. While most companies are following the rules, some remain unchanged. For example, Razer's Blade 16 (2025) initially left out the base TGP from its main specifications, hiding it in the product description. This can confuse buyers, as thinner laptop designs might use lower-powered GPUs even in high-end models. The fix for this issue is simple, and listing TGP and TDP values will ensure that gamers who plan on getting a laptop with a new RTX 50 series Blackwell GPU will choose their desired TDP for performance and power on the go aspects.

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[NextPowerUP]

Intel has released its latest version of the Arc GPU Graphics Driver, version 101.6653 Beta. The latest GPU graphics driver update brings Game On driver support for inZOI, KARMA: The Dark World, and The First Berserker: Khazan games, and improves performance Intel Arc B-series Graphics GPUs in Rise of Ronin game. According to Intel, you can expect up to 15 percent performance increase at 1080p resolution and up to 18 percent at 1440p resolution, both with Ultra Settings.

As it is the Beta released, Intel did not fix any previously known issues, so there is still an extensive list, including issues in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 and Call of Duty: Blackops 6 games, as well as some other applications like PugentBench, Topaz Labs Photo AI, MLPerf, Adobe Lightroom Classic, and others. You can check out the full release notes below.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.6653 Beta
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