TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

AMD is readying a new line of professional graphics cards based on its latest RDNA 4 graphics architecture. The company has assigned the silicon variant "Navi 48 XTW" to power its next flagship pro-vis product, which will likely be branded under the Radeon PRO W9000 series. According to the source of this leak, the card comes with 32 GB of memory, which is probably ECC GDDR6, across the chip's 256-bit wide memory bus. The product should offer the same core-configuration as the Radeon RX 9070 XT gaming GPU, with 64 compute units worth 4,096 stream processors, 128 AI accelerators, 64 RT accelerators, 256 TMUs, and 128 ROPs.

Besides professional visualization, AMD could target the AI acceleration crowd. The company is hosting the "Advancing AI" press event in June, where it is widely expected to announce its next-generation AI GPUs and updates to ROCm. It could also use the occasion to unveil the Radeon PRO W9000 series product, promoting them to the AI acceleration crowd.

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[NextPowerUP]

Welcome to the last full week of April and this week we have a packed week of new games, especially if you're into various types of RPG games. This week's major release is a RPG that takes place in a Belle Époque inspired world. This is followed by a more traditional RPG game with swords and dragons, a horror survival game, a futuristic RPG with mechs, some classic RTS action with a familiar vibe and finally a Lovecraft inspired horror adventure. There are loads of other games launching this week as well, so check them out at the bottom of the list.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 / This week's major release / Thursday 24 April
Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend. Recruit special companions to access new travel methods and discover secret areas in the World Map. Steam link
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[NextPowerUP]

At Star Wars Celebration Japan, Electronic Arts Inc. revealed Star Wars Zero Company, a single-player turn-based tactics game developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games. In Star Wars Zero Company, players will step into the shoes of Hawks, a former Republic officer, to command an elite squad of cunning operatives through a gritty and authentic story set in the twilight of the Clone Wars. As an unconventional outfit of professionals for hire hailing from across the galaxy, Zero Company must set aside their differences to overcome nearly impossible odds and take on an emerging threat that will consume the galaxy if left unchecked.

"Our vision for Star Wars Zero Company is grounded in gameplay design pillars that weave in the immersive Star Wars galaxy with engaging turn-based tactics gameplay," said Greg Foertsch, CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor. "It's our aim to deliver a game with an original Star Wars story from the Clone Wars era that has meaningful outcomes from player choices, and deep turn-based tactical combat with an approachable and cinematic presentation."
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[NextPowerUP]

Facing global challenges of energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable development, Intel has been committed to pushing the industry toward higher performance and lower energy consumption product standards, actively leading the PC ecosystem toward a dual track of environmental protection and innovation. FSP Group, as Intel's long-term strategic development partner, shares the same philosophy and has continuously invested in power supply technology innovation with Intel's support, particularly focusing on 12VO architecture design that complies with the latest energy efficiency regulations.

At the Intel Client Ecosystem Symposium, FSP showcased its latest V3 version of TFX 12VO PSU, which not only helps brand customers build compliant PC systems but also contributes to carbon reduction and environmental protection with a design that balances high performance and energy efficiency.
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[NextPowerUP]

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of its new line of productivity focused wireless mice, Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition, and Razer Pro Click V2. Designed for users who want to integrate gaming products into their work setup, the new Razer Pro Click V2 mice emphasize ergonomic comfort, offering all-day support with gaming precision.

Ergonomic excellence for all-day comfort
Built with ergonomics in mind, Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is the brand's first wireless vertical ergonomic mouse. It features a 71.7º angle that mimics a natural handshake grip, reducing strain during prolonged use. The extended thumb rest keeps the hand relaxed as the base support elevates the wrist for smoother movements.
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[NextPowerUP]

Online chaos doesn't just come from pop-up ads or autoplay videos—it's in hidden trackers, shady websites, and data leaks that turn a simple scroll into a security risk. If you're managing devices for the whole family, things can get out of hand fast. That's where AdGuard's Family Plan steps in. Right now, you can grab lifetime access for just $15.97 using code FAMPLAN at checkout at StackSocial through April 27 (reg. $169.99).

This all-in-one data privacy tool blocks ads, filters out malicious websites, and protects up to nine devices from prying eyes. Whether you're trying to stream without interruptions, game without lag, or ensure your kids aren't falling into sketchy internet rabbit holes, AdGuard's got it covered.

Get lifetime protection for your whole household with this lifetime ad blocker. AdGuard's Family Plan is $15.97 with code FAMPLAN at checkout until April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $169.99).
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[NextPowerUP]

RetroPixel Digital and MicroProse are excited to unveil the first animated short in the Green Hawk Platoon character spotlight series: "Meet the Rifleman". This humorous introduction brings to life the game's most disciplined (and perhaps overly enthusiastic) class—the Rifleman.

In this animated feature, viewers get an up-close look at the Rifleman's personality, gameplay style, and unique abilities. Armed with classic toy-inspired weaponry and an unwavering commitment to the rulebook, the Rifleman is the dependable all-rounder every squad needs—even if his teammates didn't ask for it.
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[NextPowerUP]

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is excited to announce the NQ780 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD and the Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD, designed to provide the peak performance needed to keep every game running smoothly.

The Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers speeds up to 14,000 MB/s read and 13,000 MB/s write to provide superior performance for professional-grade systems. Its 6 nm controller optimizes heat control for more efficient performance and customers can pair it with an AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processor for a next-level game experience. The drive features DRAM Cache and SLC dynamic cache to greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness.
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[NextPowerUP]

At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Intel revealed its next-generation automotive system-on-chip lineup, unveiling two ambitious platforms, "Frisco Lake" and "Grizzly Lake". The company described these new designs as key steps toward fully software-driven vehicles, where much of the intelligence is handled by high-performance processors instead of dedicated hardware circuits. Intel said these chips would support advanced driver assistance and richer multimedia features. Intel's second generation Software Defined Vehicle, or SDV, Frisco Lake, is built on the upcoming "Panther Lake" architecture. The first volumes are expected in the first half of 2026, and TDP options will be among 20-65 W to meet different use cases. Intel says Frisco Lake will deliver ten times more AI performance and sixty-one percent better energy efficiency compared to the current Raptor Lake-based platform.

The new graphics block is based on the third-generation Xe architecture, known as "Celestial", replacing the older Battlemage design. Frisco Lake also supports twelve simultaneous camera inputs and up to two hundred and eighty audio channels. Linux kernel patch analysis also shows Frisco Lake cores are based on Panther Lake, confirming Intel's adaptation of its client CPUs for automotive use. Looking further ahead, Intel shared an early roadmap for its third-generation SDV platform, Grizzly Lake, which should arrive in the first half of 2027. Codenamed Monument Peak, these chips will use "Nova Lake" cores and may offer up to 32 efficiency-optimized cores along with an integrated Xe GPU capable of about seven TeraFLOPS. Additional features include support for six independent displays, twelve camera interfaces, and compliance with automotive safety standards.

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[NextPowerUP]

Chalkboards are an old-school thing now. About 67% of global classrooms now have adopted interactive technology, such as smart boards, to keep up with the times (UNESCO 2023 report). But how exactly do smart boards improve teaching? Let's dive into it, using HKMLC smart boards as a real-world example—and answer some of the most common questions teachers ask.
How HKMLC Smart Boards Solve Real Classroom Challenges
1. Boosting Student Engagement
Static whiteboards hardly keep students focused, especially those K-12 education learners. HKMLC interactive whiteboards change the game with dynamic and interactive lessons. Teachers can easily explain abstract concepts with videos, images, and 3D models. With the Essential 55 smart board, educators can launch quizzes and include Kahoot! Learning games to increase participation. Multiple students can draw on the screen as if using a tablet—all thanks to its 20-point multitouch display and ultra-precise 2 mm positioning.

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[NextPowerUP]

Industry insiders have disclosed fairly fresh theories about AMD delaying the launch of Radeon RX 9070 GRE graphics cards into the fourth quarter of 2025. Earlier leaks suggested a potential surprise arrival at some point in May (early next month), ahead of rumored wallet-friendly Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB and 8 GB models. In another bizarre turn of pre-release events, VideoCardz has acquired promotional shots of two—alleged—PowerColor Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12 GB custom designs. The online news outlet seems to have a strong "inside" connection to a source familiar with goings-on—within or adjacent to—the Taiwanese company.

Familiar images of flagship and entry level cards have emerged from an unnamed figure—reportedly, the manufacturer has reused its existing portfolio of RDNA 4 generation shroud and backplate designs. Curiously, a mid-tier Hellhound GRE card was not included in a recent NDA-busting exchange. VideoCardz believes that the exact same Red Devil enclosure—present on Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 siblings—is up for repeat business. A significant difference seems to be the reported utilization of two 8-pin power connectors (versus three on the flagship), and a minimum requirement of a 650 W-rated PSU. March-time whispers suggested a forthcoming mass production of board partner Radeon RX 9070 GRE cards; so the sudden appearance of two PowerColor SKUs seems to semi-verify older online claims. VideoCardz posits that AMD is deliberately seeding "incorrect information" within insider knowledge channels.

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[NextPowerUP]

Global PC shipments grew 6.7% YoY in Q1 2025 to reach 61.4 million units, according to Counterpoint Research's preliminary data. The growth was mainly driven by PC vendors accelerating shipments ahead of US tariffs and the increasing adoption of AI-enabled PCs amid the end of Windows 10 support. However, this surge may be short-lived, as inventory levels are likely to stabilize in the next few weeks. The impact of the US tariffs is expected to dampen the growth momentum in 2025.

Apple and Lenovo delivered strong performances in the quarter, largely due to new product launches and market dynamics. Apple experienced 17% YoY growth in shipments, driven by its AI-capable M4-based MacBook series. Lenovo's 11% growth reflected its expansion into AI-enabled PCs and its diversified product portfolio. Lenovo remained the brand with the largest market share during the quarter. HP and Dell, on the other hand, benefited from the US market pull-ins during the quarter, with 6% and 4% YoY growth respectively, and maintained their second and third places in Q1. We also found that the pull-ins happened for other major brands too ahead of the tariff uncertainty, leading to the market share further consolidating around major brands.
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[NextPowerUP]

Hi everyone—I have some big news to share, so I'll cut right to the chase: we have hired a new CEO to lead Discord through our next chapter of growth and someday becoming a public company. I am thrilled to share that Humam Sakhnini will take on this role, and I will continue as a member of our Board of Directors and Advisor to the CEO. Read on for the details. Building Discord has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the very beginning, our mission has been about bringing people together around games. It's a mission I've dedicated my career to, and seeing it come to life through all of you and the impact we've made together has been nothing short of extraordinary. I've learned more than I ever imagined I would, and I'm deeply grateful for so many friendships, challenges, and achievements along the way.

As we enter our next phase, I've been reflecting on how I can best contribute to Discord's long-term success. The job of a CEO is constantly evolving, and over the years I have continuously "hired myself out of a job." Usually that means delegating work and then taking on different leadership challenges. However, as I look at what is needed of Discord's CEO over the next few years, I realize that it's time for me to literally "hire myself out of a job." One thing I know for sure: our company is bigger than any one person. Its future depends not just on me, but on a strong leadership team, a clear vision for what comes next, and all of your incredible talent, care, and hard work. Today's Discord has all of that. It's by far the best version of the company we've ever had. We have a clear strategy, new business lines to grow into, love and passion from our users, and an incredible team of people working tirelessly to deliver for them.
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[NextPowerUP]

COLORFUL introduced its premium iGame GeForce RTX 5080 Vulcan OC 16 GB SKU earlier this year; complete with a mounted angle-adjustable 5th generation iGame Smart LCD screen. As of this week, the already launched standard black model is accompanied by a pale sibling—the manufacturer describes this new entry as sporting "snow-white armor." This spin-off is advertised as redefining the "visual language of high-end graphics cards." Unlike recently revealed lower end custom "Blackwell" gaming graphics cards, the quad-fan Vulcan W model gets special PR treatment—as demonstrated by COLORFUL's slick photo shoot and high-minded marketing blurb.

The Chinese AIB announced a retail launch—as of yesterday, their iGame GeForce RTX 5080 Vulcan W design headed to retail. Their own webstore and other regional platforms (JD, Tmall, Douyin, etc.) have started selling this SKU—the official starter price is 12,999 yuan (~$1784 USD). TechPowerUp's W1zzard reviewed a related (black) GeForce RTX 5080 Vulcan OC model; this triple-fan card was awarded with a "but expensive" badge—thanks to a potential $1300+ price point. COLORFUL's freshly introduced "pure white" flagship seemingly borrows cooling solution design inspiration from a key rival; the ASUS ROG Astral. A fourth 107 mm "sickle blade" fan is mounted on the Vulcan W's backplate.

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[NextPowerUP]

MSI, a leading global provider of high-performance server solutions, is bringing AI-driven innovation to Japan IT Week Spring 2025 at Booth #21-2 with high-performance server platforms built for next-generation AI and cloud computing workloads. MSI's NVIDIA MGX AI Servers deliver modular GPU-accelerated computing to optimize AI training and inference, while the Core Compute line of Multi-Node Servers maximize compute density and efficiency for AI inference and cloud service provider workloads. MSI's Open Compute line of ORv3 Servers enhance scalability and thermal efficiency in hyperscale AI deployments. MSI's Enterprise Servers provide balanced compute, storage, and networking for seamless AI workloads across cloud and edge. With deep expertise in system integration and AI-driven infrastructure, MSI is advancing the next generation of intelligent computing solutions to power AI's next leap.

"AI's advancement hinges on performance efficiency, compute density, and workload scalability. MSI's server platforms are engineered to accelerate model training, optimize inference, and maximize resource utilization—ensuring enterprises have the processing power to turn AI potential into real-world impact," said Danny Hsu, General Manager of MSI Enterprise Platform Solutions.
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