TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

The undisputed number one princess in the world, Hatsune Miku, has conquered hearts the world over. But her blue hair and blue tie don't have to stay hidden in your WiFi. With the TUF Gaming x Hatsune Miku collection, the world's most famous vocaloid can sing along with you through your gaming peripherals. Special Hatsune Miku editions of the TUF Gaming K3 Gen II gaming keyboard, TUF Gaming H1 Gen II gaming mouse, TUF Gaming Mini Wireless mouse, and TUF Gaming P1 gaming mouse pad bring a cybernetic fusion of Miku's signature blue-green and pink color scheme along with the mechanical-armor aesthetics of TUF Gaming.

Durable, compact, and stylish: The TUF Gaming K3 Gen II Hatsune Miku Edition keyboard
Finished in the Hatsune Miku color scheme, the TUF Gaming K3 Gen II Hatsune Miku Edition gaming keyboard makes a stunning first impression. Miku-themed touches abound across its surfaces, including specialized keycaps for the Enter keys, spacebar, Esc key, and more. Per-key RGB LED illumination with up to 16.8 million colors, customizable through ASUS Aura Sync, lets you personalize the look of the board. But can you truly say from the bottom of your heart that Miku is adorable if you stray too far from her signature colors?
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

Around mid-April, an insider report suggested that AMD's Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU was capable of boosting up to 3.3 GHz. That specification leak has materialized in real life; across a group of board partner examples. Last week, ASRock confirmed that its triple-fan Radeon RX 9060 XT Steel Legend cards can achieve "boost clocks of up to 3320 MHz." Similarly, Sapphire's overengineered Nitro+ flagship option is reportedly just as capable. XFX has joined in on the fun; as demonstrated by a product landing page that covers several factory overclocked Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB and 8 GB custom card designs.

Interestingly, the North American board partner has implemented the same clock speeds across triple and dual-fan Swift OC SKUs. Identikit info—of "game clock up to 2780 MHz" and "boost clock up to 3320 MHz"—is mentioned throughout official listings. XFX's new-gen dual-fan Swift design was low-key unveiled during the early days of RDNA 4. VideoCardz reckons that a lot of Team Red AIBs are not going to stick with a baseline 150 W TDP; instead company engineers are opting for ranges between 170 W and 180 W. AMD's maximum TDP ceiling for the Navi 44 (XT) GPU is 182 W. We hope that a decent number of XFX evaluation samples have been shipped to TechPowerUp HQ for review purposes.
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

Today (June 1) we made a very difficult decision to suspend the development of project Gemini and project Bifrost—the relevant current reports have been released to the market. The suspension of the Gemini project is a consequence of the fact that the Publisher has not presented us with a draft of the subsequent content rider to the Publishing Agreement covering the terms and conditions of further milestones on project Gemini and the lack of communication from the Publisher as to its willingness to continue or terminate the Gemini project.

Project Bifrost was suspended due to the above and the analysis of the Group's cash flow, which showed a lack of prospects for securing organizational resources and funds necessary to continue the production and release of this project. As a result, we have to significantly regroup as a studio and scale down our teams, which hurts the most. We wish to express our deepest regret and sadness over how these events have unfolded and our sincere gratitude for everyone's contribution up to this point.

• Sebastian Wojciechowski, CEO

Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

In a "Public Real-Time Gold Deck" presentation document, Intel has advertised a good number of current and upcoming processor platforms that offer support for Time Coordinated Computing (TCC). Earlier today, InstLatX64 highlighted interesting "in development" technologies that were mentioned on page 34. The PDF was uploaded—for public consumption—mid-way through May, but Team Blue's "TCC Experience" was last revised on September 2024 (according to a footnote). This is fairly dry material; covering edge applications—suitably capable processors are advertised as dealing with a combination: "of real-time workloads and best effort workloads on the same system, by leveraging many silicon and SW optimizations." Interestingly, this TCC support slide confirms the existence of furthest out "Nova Lake-S" desktop and "Nova Lake-U" mobile processors.

Up until last month, Intel's "Nova Lake" next-gen CPU family was a mostly leaked property—an alleged "matching LGA 1954" socket standard was unearthed very recently. Intel leadership anticipates a loose 2026 launch window. Rumors of a 12-core "Bartlett Lake-S" gaming processor turned up online in April (linked to LGA 1700), following continued speculative talk regarding a lineup of "pure P-core" variants. The latest "TCC Experience" roadmap points to "Bartlett Lake-S" processors arriving—before "Panther Lake"—under the banner of "Intel Core Series 2." A "Bartlett Lake-S 12P" category sits just above "Wildcat Lake" on the TCC slide's timeline. The latter seems to be a lower-end mobile CPU range, likely designed with power efficiency in mind.

More...

[NextPowerUP]

NVIDIA plans to introduce its first Arm-based "N1/N1x" gaming SoC in Dell's Alienware laptops later this year or early 2026, according to Taiwanese reports. The SoC is being developed with MediaTek, combining an Arm-derived CPU core and NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU architecture. Early rumors suggest that NVIDIA's new SoC will operate within an 80 W to 120 W power range, positioning it among existing high-performance laptop chips. When Qualcomm entered the Arm-based laptop design market with its Snapdragon X-series, it faced challenges because many titles required emulation through Microsoft's Prism framework, leading to compatibility issues and lower frame rates on Arm-based Windows devices. NVIDIA plans to work closely with Microsoft and game developers to ensure that Arm compatibility is present from day one, so every Arm SoC maker will benefit.

Rumors of an Arm-centric NVIDIA chip first appeared in 2023, and recent leaks suggest an engineering prototype already exists. During an earnings presentation earlier this year, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang announced that the company plans to integrate Arm CPU blocks into AI-oriented hardware, specifically mentioning the Digits compute system. Dell's CEO, Michael Dell, also hinted at a future AI-capable PC collaboration with NVIDIA, fueling speculation that Alienware will be the first to use the new chip. Beyond gaming, the partnership with MediaTek could lead to broader Arm solutions for both desktops and mobile devices. MediaTek is reportedly working on its own Arm-based PC processors, and AMD is exploring Arm architectures for future Surface devices. NVIDIA's entry into this space could turn Dell's Alienware laptops into a practical testbed for high-performance Arm technology in a market long dominated by x86 workforce.

More...

[NextPowerUP]

Valve released its latest May 2025 Steam Survey results, and Linux gaming is on the rise. According to Valve, the usage of Linux kernel-based operating systems among Steam users increased by 0.42% to reach 2.69%, marking one of the highest levels the platform has seen. Windows remains the dominant operating system, at 95.45%, with macOS holding 1.85%. However, Linux's growth is significant for open-source enthusiasts. Given the continued expansion of Steam's user base, the absolute number of Linux gamers is likely at an all-time high now, with hopes of continued growth. The infamous year of Linux on the desktop is actually this year's Linux on handheld. In May 2023, Linux accounted for just 1.47 percent of Steam users, rising to 2.32 percent in May 2024 before this latest increase.

This upward trend has been driven in large part by Valve's SteamOS, which is based on Arch Linux and powers the popular Steam Deck handheld console. As more people adopt the Steam Deck and install SteamOS on desktop machines, the Linux gaming community on Steam continues to grow steadily. SteamOS is also expanding to more handheld devices, and more companies are launching and experimenting with handhelds using other Linux distributions. Improvements at the kernel level and enhanced driver support from AMD and Intel have also contributed to this surge. Besides more driver optimization, the Wine-based compatibility layer, Proton, has undergone numerous updates to enhance performance and stability, often achieving comparability with and sometimes outperforming Windows.

More...

[NextPowerUP]

The pit lane is open, the cars are in grid formation, and the red lights are off! F1 25 has officially launched and is now in players' hands. We thought this would be a great moment to connect with F1's Creative Director, Gavin Cooper, for an exclusive Q&A. Gavin has been a creative force in game development for decades. He has worked on racing titles since the late '90s and has built a career out of making the most immersive titles with unrivaled authenticity enjoyed by millions of players and fans around the world.

Meanwhile, Formula 1 has surged in popularity around the globe, adding nearly 90 million new fans in 2024 including a rising profile within American pop culture, making it one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. And F1 25 is the best place for players and fans to interact and celebrate their fandom. In our Q&A, Gavin shares his thoughts on how he and his team create the world's premier racing game, new technology advancements and how it impacts play, working with the community to make the best game possible, the summer blockbuster F1 movie and the game's unique tie-ins, and building a game that celebrates the sport, the fans, and the culture that surrounds it. Let's get into it.
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

PowerColor introduced four custom Radeon RX 9060 XT options during Computex 2025; consisting of standard black mid-range Hellhound and entry-level Reaper models. The dark 16 GB and 8 GB launch lineup will be joined by Spectral White sibling in the near future. The manufacturer's China website was updated with three pale alternatives at some point last week. Currently, only the Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB Hellhound Spectral White SKU has made tracks over to the Taiwanese brand's global web presence. The company's Navi 44 XT GPU-based portfolio is not expected to welcome premium-tier Red Devil entries, so the current collection—of seven distinct offerings—will suffice.

Curiously, the two Reaper models seem to differ in terms of clock speeds. As noted by VideoCardz, this specification disparity reflects a recently reported difference between Yeston's Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB and 8 GB GAEA SKUs. Almost akin to patterns exhibited by the Chinese AIB's baseline MSRP conformant products, the PowerColor Reaper 16 GB card seems to boast greater game and boost clock digits when compared to its 8 GB sibling: +90 MHz and 100 MHz (respectively). At first, Yeston's GAEA spec charts were believed to contain placeholder info or anomalous data. The appearances of comparable PowerColor examples indicate an advantageous position for certain 16 GB GDDR6 VRAM-equipped models.
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

This Sunday, June 8, it's time for another huge double feature. The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 kicks off at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK, immediately followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct—a deep-dive into the upcoming sequel to Obsidian Entertainment's award-winning sci-fi RPG. These shows are always an exciting moment for all of us at Xbox, offering a look at brand-new games and updates from across our first-party studios and our incredible partners across the globe. We hope you can join us to watch live. With that in mind, here are all the details you need to know ahead of Sunday.

What time does Xbox Games Showcase begin? The Showcase will take place on Sunday, June 8, beginning at:

• PDT: June 8, 10am
• EDT: June 8, 1pm
• BST: June 8, 6pm
• CEST: June 8, 7pm
• JST: June 9, 2am
• AEST: June 9, 3am

Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

As many will recall, Zotac's GeForce RTX 5090 Solid graphics card series has had a storied career since launching earlier this year. One example served as the progenitor of "ROPGate"—as rooted out by original TechPowerUp investigations. Despite a ban of non-D variants in the region, Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 Solid OC retail units were reportedly available to purchase—via online auctions—in China. Late last week, a disgruntled Alameda County-based customer highlighted their purchase of a very disappointing package.

Taking to the official Micro Center subreddit, member "JamesFerg650" outlined a so-called "backpack scam," and directed frustrations at the long-running computer retail store. A more measured update was shared online later on: "yesterday after work I went to the new Micro Center in Santa Clara for the soft opening. Almost four hours after clock out time, I was home with my brand new Zotac 5090. I was so happy leaving Micro Center, I went out the door without a second thought and drove home smiling and singing along to my (favorite) music. All that build up became the biggest letdown when I opened my box to find three cross-body backpacks inside rather than my 5090."
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

How NVIDIA's AI factory platform balances maximum performance and minimum latency, optimizing AI inference to power the next industrial revolution. When we prompt generative AI to answer a question or create an image, large language models generate tokens of intelligence that combine to provide the result. One prompt. One set of tokens for the answer. This is called AI inference. Agentic AI uses reasoning to complete tasks. AI agents aren't just providing one-shot answers. They break tasks down into a series of steps, each one a different inference technique. One prompt. Many sets of tokens to complete the job.

The engines of AI inference are called AI factories—massive infrastructures that serve AI to millions of users at once. AI factories generate AI tokens. Their product is intelligence. In the AI era, this intelligence grows revenue and profits. Growing revenue over time depends on how efficient the AI factory can be as it scales. AI factories are the machines of the next industrial revolution.
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

ASUS today announced the Prime MR120 series of case fans, designed for quiet and capable cooling performance with a gorgeous design that adds style to any PC. The MR120 series is built to keep a user's hottest components cool and their rig quiet. PWM control and a wide RPM range also mean the MR120 series will stay ultraquiet during lightweight tasks and crank up the cooling when it is time to run demanding apps. With a maximum noise output of 21dB(A), the MR120 Standard fan model will keep unwanted sound to a minimum so users can enjoy aural bliss in their gaming sessions. The MR120 Reverse stays similarly muted with a maximum noise output of 23dB(A). The latter is ideal for users who want an interior-facing fan that emphasizes RGB, presents unobstructed fan blades and keeps things quiet.

The MR120 series achieves a delicate balance of low noise and effective cooling thanks to its thick 28 mm frame. This allows for wider blades and enables high static pressure to push air deep into the nooks and crannies of a system. The Standard model of the MR120 provides up to 58CFM of airflow and 1.7mmH₂O of static pressure for an ample ability to handle airflow resistance, cool components and prevent heat buildup. The Reverse model of the MR120 provides strong cooling performance as well, offering up to 58CFM and 1.38mmH₂O static pressure.
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

ASUS today announced the Prime AP202 microATX computer case, featuring panoramic curved tempered glass for displaying internal hardware plus enhanced airflow via a unique slot vent. No matter what kind of PC a user is building—a gaming rig, creator command center, or general-purpose system—the AP202 will serve their needs and look good doing it.

Striking design
The understated design of the Prime AP202 only draws as much attention as a user wants it to. It comes in either a black or white colorway, so users can choose whichever suits their internal components best. And thanks to a curved glass window that stretches nearly halfway around the case, users will see their components from most angles.
Read full story

More...

[NextPowerUP]

Mid-way through last month, Tencent's President—Martin Lau—confirmed that this company had stockpiled a huge quantity of NVIDIA H20 AI GPUs, prior to new trade restrictions coming into effect. According to earlier reports, China's largest tech firms have collectively spent $16 billion on hardware acquisitions in Q1'25. Team Green engineers are likely engaged in the creation of "nerfed" enterprise-grade chip designs—potentially ready for deployment later on in 2025. Huawei leadership is likely keen to take advantage of this situation, although it will be difficult to compete with the sheer volume of accumulated H20 units. The Shenzhen, Guangdong-based giant's Ascend AI accelerator family is considered to be a valid alternative to equivalent "sanction-conformant" NVIDIA products.

The controversial 910C model and a successor seem to be worthy candidates; as demonstrated by preliminary performance data, but fresh industry murmurs suggest teething problems. The Information has picked up inside track chatter from unnamed moles at ByteDance and Alibaba. During test runs, staffers noted the overheating of Huawei Ascend 910C trial samples. Additionally, they highlighted limitations within the Huawei Compute Architecture for Neural Networks (CANN) software platform. NVIDIA's extremely mature CUDA ecosystem holds a significant advantage here. Several of China's prime AI players—including DeepSeek—are reportedly pursuing in-house AI chip development projects; therefore positioning themselves as competing with Huawei, in a future scenario.

More...

[NextPowerUP]

We're getting close to the Xbox Games Showcase, so you still have a little more time to download and play these games before we throw more at your "to be played" wishlist! For now, we have more updates, some day ones, and a few blasts from the past. Let's get to it!

Available Today:
Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Editions (Cloud and Console) - June 5
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard
Gather your party; the RPG saga returns. Immerse yourself in an epic RPG series where every choice matters. Play over 100 hours of adventure in enhanced editions of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II!
Read full story

More...