Linux enthusiasts gather to hear the latest news: Intel is officially shutting down its Clear Linux distribution after ten years of development and optimizations. As many recall, Clear Linux is an Intel-optimized Linux distribution that serves as a high-performance, optimized OS designed to extract every last ounce of performance from Intel hardware, especially Intel Xeons. As software optimizations, such as AVX-512, became more common, Intel consistently pushed these optimizations and specific pre-compiled software with compiler flags that optimized performance on its CPUs. Traditional Linux distributions weren't optimized in that regard as they were mostly compiled to run on every x86 or Arm CPU, without any special flags raised for performance. This has enabled compatibility, but lacks a few percentage points of performance that Clear Linux managed to extract. As of now, these efforts are essentially terminated, and the distribution will cease to receive security and quality of life improvements, effective immediately. Users are advised to switch to another distribution. The complete statement follows.

If you remember GALAX's last overclocking triumph, it was thanks to Team OGS and their custom Extreme OC (XOC) BIOS for the RTX 5090D HOF. Now, this special XOC BIOS has surfaced online, courtesy of an eagle‑eyed post by OCNet user digitaljack3t. This firmware unlocks a default power limit of 2,001 W, which exceeds NVIDIA's official cap, and even allows you to adjust the TDP down to 400 W if you need to keep temperatures in check. It only works on the 5090D variant, so don't bother trying to flash it onto the regular 5090. That exclusivity makes sense given GALAX's decision to release just one non‑D HOF card globally, and it shows that true overclocking headroom is reserved for the 5090D platform.

Using liquid nitrogen cooling and finely tuned voltages, they pushed the core clock up to an astonishing 3,650 MHz and achieved a record time of 39.434 seconds on the GPUPI 32B benchmark. OC momentum carried over into graphics tests as well, where 3DMark Port Royal saw the GPU running at 3,570 MHz on its core and 2,250 MHz on GDDR7 memory, resulting in a score of 47,469 points. Meanwhile, the Unigine Superposition 1080p Extreme preset achieved 38,237 points, nearly 29% above the card's standard performance target. Extreme overclocking is not a dead end, and with this XOC BIOS, another overclocking lab could give it a try and potentially set a new world record.

Nikon announced that it will begin accepting orders today for its Digital Lithography System DSP-100, a back-end tool purpose-built for the next-gen of advanced semiconductor packaging. The company will deliver the first units during fiscal year 2026. The DSP-100 is specifically designed for panel-level packaging (PLP), a technology that industry leaders such as TSMC, Intel, and Samsung are adopting to overcome the cost and area limitations of 300 mm wafers. Standardized rectangular substrates, already fixed at 510x515 mm, allow more compute chiplets, HBM4 stacks, and I/O dies to be integrated into a single package. Nikon's engineers pushed the standard further by enabling exposure on glass or resin panels up to 600×600 mm. Key specifications released today show a 1.0 µm line‑and‑space resolution, overlay accuracy within ± 0.3 µm and throughput of 50 panels per hour at the 510x515 mm size.

By eliminating photomasks and instead steering an i-line equivalent light source through a spatial light modulator (SLM), the DSP-100 sidesteps both the optical distortion inherent in large single-lens systems and the expense of mask sets. A proprietary multi‑lens array borrowed from Nikon's flat‑panel display division stitches the pattern seamlessly across the full substrate. With a 600×600 mm panel accommodating 36 of the 100 mm square packages, the system delivers nine times higher throughput productivity compared to 300 mm wafer processes, dramatically reducing the cost per die. The maskless architecture also shortens design iteration cycles, a critical advantage as generative AI workloads drive rapid evaluation of data center accelerators. Nikon states that volume production of the DSP‑100 will commence in 2026, with pricing disclosed only to qualified buyers.

EIZO Corporation today announced that it has been awarded a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, the highest recognition possible in the global sustainability assessment. This marks a significant milestone for EIZO, which has advanced from Bronze to Platinum in a single annual evaluation cycle, placing it in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed worldwide. EcoVadis, founded in France in 2007, is one of the world's most trusted sustainability ratings providers, evaluating companies on Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. EIZO earned an overall score of 84, reflecting strong performance across all categories.

"This recognition affirms the steady progress we've made in integrating sustainability into our business and supply chain operations," said Masaki Ebisu, President and COO of EIZO Corporation. "We view this Platinum rating not as a goal, but as a foundation for continued innovation and responsibility in all aspects of our operations. We will continue to strengthen our ESG initiatives to create lasting value for society and our stakeholders."

Intel's Arrow Lake-S desktop update set for the latter part of 2025 might not bring the expected boost in AI capabilities. New information from Jaykihn, a leaker known for sharing regular updates on Intel roadmaps hints that this update will keep the current NPU 3 design instead of using the more advanced NPU 4 found in Intel's Lunar Lake laptop chips. The existing Arrow Lake desktop line uses NPU 3, which came out in 2023 with Meteor Lake and offers 11.5 TOPS of AI power. This falls well short of the 40 TOPS needed for Microsoft Copilot+ certification. Intel's Lunar Lake laptop processors have the upgraded NPU 4, which can reach up to 48 TOPS making them Copilot+ ready. By sticking with NPU 3 in the desktop update, Intel's desktop chips will still trail behind laptop offerings from AMD and Apple in AI speed. Without NPU upgrades, the Arrow Lake update seems to offer small increases in clock speed and continued production on Intel's 20A process. This small step forward might not be enough, given Intel's shrinking market share and the need for bigger design improvements to stay competitive.

At the same time AMD might face some problems with reports suggesting that Medusa Halo, which was supposed to come after Strix Halo, has been scrapped. This news comes from HXL, a leaker with a decent track record. This could mean that Intel's Nova Lake-AX is left without any real competition in a market where Strix Halo and Apple's chips are the big players. If this is true, it shows a big change in AMD's plans for high-end mobile computing.

Chinese company Peladn is preparing the Link S-3 as its first external GPU dock to feature Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, following its previous Link S-1 and Link S-2 models that used Thunderbolt 4 and OCuLink, respectively. This low-profile dock enables desktop graphics card connectivity for systems lacking dedicated GPUs. The device features dual Thunderbolt 5 ports with up to 80 Gbps bidirectional speeds; however, practical performance is limited to 64 Gbps due to constraints of its PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for the graphics card. The dock supports external ATX or SFX power supplies and 140 W Power Delivery through its Thunderbolt 5 connection. Its open-air design exposes the connected graphics card to ambient air for cooling, eliminating the need for built-in fans.

Peladn Link S-3 includes 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection via Realtek's RTL8156B controller, an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 3.0 x1 SSDs, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port at 10 Gbps, and an SD card reader. While Thunderbolt 5 offers higher theoretical bandwidth than OCuLink's 64 Gbps, the practical advantage is minimal due to PCIe constraints. OCuLink connections may still provide lower latency in some scenarios, though the Link S-3's Thunderbolt 5 implementation enables additional connectivity features that OCuLink docks typically lack. The Peladn Link S-3 is available for pre-order in China at CNY 1,599 (approximately $223), with shipping starting on July 26. Global availability has not been announced.

ASUS today introduced its first ROG Strix-H branded AMD platform motherboard. ASUS differentiates its ROG Strix line of motherboards with brand extensions resembling their main ROG brands, with E denoting "extreme," F denoting "formula," G denoting "gene" (microATX), I denoting "impact" (Mini-ITX), A denoting "apex," and H denoting "hero." The H extension is positioned below F, just like Hero is positioned below Formula; however ROG Strix-H motherboard SKUs tend to be rare as that price-point tends to be occupied by TUF Gaming Plus SKUs. The new ROG Strix X870-H Gaming WiFi7 S is exclusive to China, and comes co-branded. The board pulls power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and dual 8-pin EPS connectors, using a 16+2+1 phase VRM, which uses 80 A DrMOS on all phases. The board uses an 8-layer PCB.

The board is based on the AMD X870 chipset, which ensures USB4 connectivity, besides some premium networking features such as Wi-Fi 7. The AMD Socket AM5 is wired to four DDR5 DIMM slots, a PCI-Express 5.0 x16 slot, and two M.2 Gen 5 NVMe slots—the second slot shares its Gen 5 x4 lanes with the PEG slot. There are two additional Gen 4 NVMe slots, one of these is wired to the X870 FCH, while the other shares its lanes with the CPU-attached discrete USB4 host controller. The topmost Gen 5 NVMe slot comes with a tall heatsink, while the other three slots come with a flatter common heatsink-shroud.

SolidRun, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance System on Module (SOM) solutions, Single Board Computers (SBC) and network edge solutions, today announced a major milestone in collaboration with Amarisoft, a pioneer in software-defined wireless network technologies. The companies have successfully validated a fully functional 4G/5G base station featuring both gNB and 5GC, on SolidRun's compact Ryzen Embedded V3000 COM Express Type 7 module deployed on SolidRun's HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 carrier board.

This achievement demonstrates that high-performance 5G infrastructure no longer requires bulky, power-hungry servers. Instead, SolidRun and Amarisoft have proven that a carrier-grade base station can now be delivered in a compact, power-efficient system without compromising on features or performance. The validated solution supports 100 MHz bandwidth with 4T4R MIMO and runs a complete virtualized 4G/5G software stack from Amarisoft, without the need for external accelerators, FPGAs, or GPUs.

Rapidus Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced logic semiconductors, today announced that prototyping has started for its 2 nm gate-all-around (GAA) transistor structure at Rapidus Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM-1) foundry. The prototype wafers also started to obtain their electrical characteristics. Rapidus new IIM-1 foundry represents a significant advancement over the traditional foundry model. The company is re-imagining how semiconductor factories should think, learn, adapt and optimize processes in real time through cutting-edge methods and technology including:

Fully single-wafer front-end processing: In a single-wafer process, adjustments can be made to a single wafer, inspected and if successful, applied to all subsequent wafers. Single wafer captures more data, enabling AI models to be trained to improve wafer production and increase yields. Rapidus is one of the first companies that will commercialize fully single-wafer processing, which is central to its Rapid and Unified Manufacturing Service (RUMs).

MSI began rolling out UEFI firmware updates for its Socket AM5 motherboard lineup that encapsulate AMD AGESA 1.2.0.3F microcode. This latest version of AGESA comes with support for several new upcoming processor SKUs, including Ryzen 9000F series, which are "Granite Ridge" based chips with integrated graphics disabled; as well as AMD's upcoming Ryzen 9000G series desktop APUs, which are expected to be based on the 4 nm "Krackan Point" monolithic silicon. This chip features a 12-core CPU (4x "Zen 5" + 8x "Zen 5c"), a powerful iGPU based on RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture with up to 16 compute units; and the Ryzen AI XDNA 2 NPU capable of 50 AI TOPS, meeting Microsoft Copilot+ local acceleration requirements.

Besides support for new processors, AGESA 1.2.0.3F is also expected to lend 256 GB platform maximum memory support using four 64 GB DIMMs (2 DIMMs per channel). The firmware carries over many of the fTPM security vulnerability mitigations introduced with AGESA 1.2.0.3, which are recommended for all users. Lastly, MSI introduced several overclocking stability improvements with its latest firmware updates. Grab these updates from the Support section of the product page of your motherboard model on the MSI website.

ASUS today announced late-August availability of ProArt Display PA32QCV, a professional-grade 32-inch 6K (6016 x 3384) display designed for content creators. PA32QCV offers Delta E<2 color accuracy, 98% DCI-P3 gamut, and 218 pixels per inch (ppi) for stunning visuals. Each display is individually calibrated at the factory and Calman Verified to ensure exceptional and consistent color accuracy - vital for color-critical work.

PA32QCV also includes Mac-friendly features including a new M Model-P3 color preset to ensure consistent colors on macOS devices. Plus, ASUS DisplayWidget Center is now available for macOS, enabling convenient control of any ProArt display. Other features include built-in Auto KVM for effortless switching between two connected laptops or PCs with a single keyboard and mouse, as well as extensive connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 4 with 96-watt Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, and a USB hub. PA32QCV will be available for US$1299.

ASRock, the global leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, power supplies, and gaming monitors, today is pleased to announce its new range of AMD X870/X870E motherboards, adding more exciting products into its product portfolio. New products such as X870E Taichi OCF, the very first OC formula motherboard based on AMD platform, Phantom Gaming X870 NOVA WiFi, the new high end gaming motherboard based on X870 chipset, elegantly designed X870 Taichi Creator and X870 LiveMixer WiFi, lastly the powerful yet budget friendly X870 Pro-A WiFi.

Being the very first OC Formula motherboard based on AMD platform, the X870E Taichi OCF is designed for extreme overclocking with server grade ultra-low loss PCB and a stunning 22+2+1 phase 110 A SPS design. The innovative memory layout design with one DIMM per channel architecture provides exceptional overclocking potential. X870E Taichi OCF is equipped with Dual front USB Type-C, Dual USB4 Type-C at the rear, six M.2 slots for SSD and two of which even support PCIe 5.0 x4, delivering high performance and brilliant functionality, a perfect example of a flagship product.

Axiomtek—a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted to the research, development, and manufacture of innovative, highly efficient, and reliable industrial computer products—is proud to announce Super Mode support on its NVIDIA Jetson Orin -based AIE series, including the compact and rugged AIE100-ONA and AIE110-ONA. Designed for real-time, high-throughput AI workloads in intelligent transportation and smart parking applications, the system now delivers unprecedented AI inference performance thanks to NVIDIA's latest high-performance operating mode.

As demand for smarter, more responsive traffic and parking systems rises, system integrators are challenged to deploy edge AI solutions capable of simultaneously handling multi-stream video analytics, license plate recognition, object detection, and predictive insights—all with strict latency constraints. With the Super Mode feature enabled on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, Axiomtek's AIE100-ONA and AIE110-ONA now provide a significant performance leap to address these real-world deployment needs.

AVerMedia, a global leader in AI and livestreaming technologies, proudly announces that its GO Series of USB-C capture-and-charge devices—X'TRA GO, ELITE GO, and CORE GO—have been tested and verified by AVerMedia to support the Nintendo Switch 2. Designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of USB-C devices - including Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion GO, MSI Claw, iPad, and smartphones- the GO Series offers creators, streamers, and educators a reliable, portable streaming solution that just works—anytime, anywhere.

From the Nintendo Switch 2 to tablets and handheld gaming consoles, GO Series devices are plug-and-play ready for multi-platform streaming and recording. No bulky gear, no complicated setups—just a single USB-C connection that unlocks true mobile streaming freedom. Whether you're livestreaming gameplay, teaching remotely, giving training onsite/offsite, or creating content wherever you set up, the GO Series is your all-in-one content creation companion.

Razer, the world's leading lifestyle brand for gamers, partners with The Pokémon Company International to launch the highly anticipated Razer | Pokémon Collection into new territories. Following its popular debut in Asia, this fan-favorite collaboration is now available in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The collection combines the universal charm of Pokémon with Razer's signature gaming gear, designed for fans who want to play with style and personality.

Featuring the iconic Pikachu and the beloved Kanto Region First Partner Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—this vibrant lineup of PC gaming peripherals is crafted to resonate with both Pokémon Trainers and gamers alike. The result is a nostalgic yet modern collection that blends cultural relevance with collectible design and creative expression.

AMD confirmed today that its RDNA 4‑based Radeon AI PRO R9700 GPU will reach retail on Wednesday, July 23. Built on the Navi 48 die with a full 32 GB of GDDR6 memory and supporting PCIe 5.0, the R9700 is specifically tuned for lower‑precision calculations and demanding AI workloads. According to AMD, it delivers up to 496% faster inference on large transformer models compared to NVIDIA's desktop RTX 5080, while carrying roughly half the price of the forthcoming RTX PRO "Blackwell" series. At launch, the Radeon AI PRO R9700 will only be offered inside turnkey workstations from OEM partners such as Boxx and Velocity Micro. Enthusiasts who wish to install the card themselves can expect standalone boards from ASRock, PowerColor, and other add‑in‑board vendors later in the Q3. Early listings suggest a price of around $1,250, placing it above the $599 RX 9070 XT yet considerably below competing NVIDIA workstation GPUs. Retailers are already accepting pre-orders.

Designed for AI professionals who require more than what consumer‑grade hardware can provide, the Radeon AI PRO R9700 excels at natural language processing, text‑to‑image generation, generative design, and other high‑complexity tasks that rely on large models or memory‑intensive pipelines. It's 32 GB of VRAM allows production-scale inference, local fine-tuning, and multi-modal workflows to run entirely on-premises, improving performance, reducing latency, and enhancing data security compared to cloud-based solutions. Full compatibility with AMD's open ROCm 6.3 platform provides developers with access to leading frameworks, including PyTorch, ONNX Runtime, and TensorFlow. This enables AI models to be built, tested, and deployed efficiently on local workstations. The card's compact dual-slot design and blower-style cooler ensure reliable front-to-back airflow in dense multi-GPU configurations, making it simple to expand memory capacity, deploy parallel inference pipelines, and sustain high-throughput AI infrastructure in enterprise environments.

A month ago, AMD launched the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series of processors, but at the time, the company didn't provide any pricing. Today, in a blog post, the company revealed the pricing for five of the six new Threadripper processors, skipping the 12-core 9945WX for some reason. As these are workstation chips with up to 96 cores, pricing is accordingly high, with the 16-core 9955WX coming in at US$1,649. The 24-core 9965WX comes in at US$2,899, followed by the 32-core 9975WX at US$4,099. Things start to get really eye watering with the 64-core 9985WX at US$7,999 and finally the 96-core 9995WX at US$11,699.

In all fairness, the per core cost actually gets a lot lower with the two high-end parts, but it's pretty clear that these 350 W TDP chips are not intended for consumer use. AMD also added some new benchmark figures, comparing the 9995WX with Intel's Xeon W9-3595X. AMD claims to best it by between 40 and 145 percent, depending on the benchmark in question. It's a bit of an unfair comparison though, as the W9-3595X is only a 60-core CPU that has an MSRP of US$5,889, but Intel doesn't have any higher-end options in its workstation lineup either. It would've made more sense to put the W9-3595X up against the 9985WX though, as the two are closer both in terms of core count and price point.

VZR Audio, an audio products company founded by Apple's former lead acoustics engineer, Vic Tiscareno, today announces its long-awaited next flagship audiophile gaming headset, the VZR Model One MkII, available today from Amazon, Walmart, and independent retailers around the world.

VZR worked with award-winning musicians, producers, sound designers, and competitive gamers to improve all aspects of the acclaimed original VZR Model One. The VZR Model One MkII's retuned acoustic model produces a more accurate sound reproduction across the spectrum. Instruments sound true to life, and gamers can pinpoint enemy footsteps and gunfire for improved positional awareness.

At the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), researchers from Intel Labs and the Weizmann Institute of Science introduced a major advance in speculative decoding. The new technique, presented at the conference in Vancouver, Canada, enables any small "draft" model to accelerate any large language model (LLM) regardless of vocabulary differences. "We have solved a core inefficiency in generative AI. Our research shows how to turn speculative acceleration into a universal tool. This isn't just a theoretical improvement; these are practical tools that are already helping developers build faster and smarter applications today," said Oren Pereg, senior researcher, Natural Language Processing Group, Intel Labs.

Speculative decoding is an inference optimization technique designed to make LLMs faster and more efficient without compromising accuracy. It works by pairing a small, fast model with a larger, more accurate one, creating a "team effort" between models. Consider the prompt for an AI model: "What is the capital of France…" A traditional LLM generates each word step by step. It fully computes "Paris," then "a", then "famous", then "city" and so on, consuming significant resources at each step. With speculative decoding, the small assistant model quickly drafts the full phrase "Paris, a famous city…" The large model then verifies the sequence. This dramatically reduces the compute cycles per output token.

Listen up citizens, the law is back and patrolling the cloud. Nacon's RoboCop Rogue City - Unfinished Business launches today in the cloud, bringing justice to every device, everywhere. Log in, lock and load, and take charge with the ten games heading to the cloud this week. Plus, Cyberpunk 2077's 2.3 update amps up the chaos in Night City while Zenless Zone Zero's 2.1 update delivers summer vibes - all instantly playable in the cloud.

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Step into the titanium boots of RoboCop, the ultimate cybernetic law enforcer. Whether a veteran of the force or a rookie looking to protect the innocent, players will encounter a fresh case file packed with explosive action, tough choices, and that signature blend of grit and dry wit in RoboCop Rogue City - Unfinished Business. Tackle a new storyline that puts players' decision-making skills to the test, and wield the iconic RoboCop weapons while upholding the law. With GeForce NOW, players won't need a high-tech lab to experience high visual quality and lightning-fast gameplay. Stream the game instantly on mobile devices, laptops, SHIELD TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs, gaming handhelds or even that old PC that's seen better days.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation, today announced the new Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller: Donkey Kong. The new Donkey Kong-themed controller is the latest accessory in Turtle Beach's growing catalogue of officially licensed by Nintendo gaming accessories compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch - OLED Model. This controller also works with the Nintendo Switch 2 system - C button not available. The Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller: Donkey Kong is available for pre-order today from www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $59.99/£49.99/€59.99 MSRP and launches Oct. 12, 2025.

"Our officially licensed by Nintendo controllers are designed for passionate fans who love the iconic characters, immersive worlds, and legendary games Nintendo is known for," said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Our new Donkey Kong-themed wireless controller is packed with features for a standout experience, combining motion control support with dynamic artwork that reveals different Donkey Kong visuals depending on the viewing angle."

GravaStar, a global leader in cyberpunk-inspired tech gear, today announced the official launch of its highly anticipated Mercury Nova RX 9070 XT graphics card, created in collaboration with renowned hardware brand Yeston. The card is now available worldwide starting July 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST.

Combining the latest AMD RDNA 4 architecture with GravaStar's iconic sci-fi design language, the Mercury Nova RX 9070 XT delivers extreme gaming performance in an unmistakable chassis. Designed for gamers, custom PC builders, and collectors who demand both power and personality, this GPU is a bold new entry in the high-performance graphics card category.

ASUSTOR Inc. today announced support for Seagate's newly launched IronWolf Pro 30 TB high-capacity enterprise hard drive, also known as the ST30000NT011. These drives adopt the Mozaic 3+ technology, significantly increasing storage density on a single drive. It offers businesses a space-saving, high-performance, and highly durable solution for data-intensive storage environments. ASUSTOR's Ryzen-based Lockerstor Gen3 series combines full support for high-capacity drives with high-speed connectivity to meet and/or exceed the needs of stability, compatibility, and performance. With up to sixteen bays for Serial ATA drives, this means that our sixteen bay NAS drives support up to 480 TB in a single volume. As ASUSTOR supports the freedom to use any compatible drive or brand of drive since ASUSTOR NAS devices are not locked down, this fully unleashes the potential of your ASUSTOR NAS. This provides a more efficient and cost-effective storage option for high-capacity environments than locked down NAS products.

The ASUSTOR Lockerstor Gen3 series excels in scalability, durability, and operational efficiency. In ASUSTOR's quest to provide freedom for customers, ASUSTOR NAS devices support a wide range of options for hard drives and SSDs. Use SSDs in a Lockerstor Gen3 to improve performance in both random access and sequential access scenarios while using the SATA bays to obtain potentially hundreds of Terabytes. With 10GbE and USB4 connectivity, the Lockerstor Gen3 series easily handles high-bandwidth and high-density applications such as video post-production and enterprise file servers. As enterprise IT infrastructure shifts toward decentralized deployment, an ASUSTOR NAS's flexible hardware design and open platform that supports the freedom to use third party hard drives and SSDs has become a preferred choice for edge storage.

EIZO Corporation today announced the release of the FlexScan S1734 - a 17-inch square monitor with SXGA (1280 x 1024) native resolution for back offices and control rooms. It is the successor to the S1703-A, continuing to meet the versatile and long-term supply needs of various organizations.

The S1734 brings a refined visual experience with the integration of an IPS panel, offering a notable advancement over the TN panel used in the previous model. This transition enhances the monitor's screen readability with 178°/178° wide viewing angles, up from 170°/160°, ensuring consistent image quality from virtually any perspective.

AMD yesterday released the Ryzen AI 5 330 mainstream notebook processor capable of Copilot+. The company's pre-launch materials for the chip weren't clear on what silicon the processor is based on, and what its exact CPU core configuration is, besides vaguely mentioning 4 cores and its top boost specs. The company today put up detailed specs of the chip, and it turns out that the Ryzen AI 5 330 is based on a physically smaller monolithic chip dubbed "Krackan Point 2." AMD builds this chip on the TSMC N4P node.

A successor to "Phoenix 2," Krackan Point 2, as configured on the Ryzen AI 5 330, comes with a single heterogenous CCX that has four cores, one of these is a regular "Zen 5," and the other three "Zen 5c" cores. The four cores each have 1 MB of L2 cache, and share 8 MB of L3 cache. All four cores come with a base frequency of 2.00 GHz, but while the lone "Zen 5" core boosts up to 4.50 GHz, the three "Zen 5c" cores only boost up to 3.40 GHz. All four cores come with SMT, and share a common ISA, so threads can migrate among them seamlessly without encountering runtime errors. A software-based power management solution uses UEFI CPPC2-based "preferred core" flagging to ensure priority to the "Zen 5" core. The chip comes with a default TDP of 28 W, although OEMs can configure this between 15 W and 28 W.

Yesterday, we covered the leak of Intel's plan to take on AMD in the APU space with a "Nova Lake-AX" SoC that features a relatively powerful CPU core configuration paired with an enhanced Xe3 GPU core cluster. Today, one of the most reliable leakers, Raichu, confirms what the new Nova Lake-AX configuration could look like. When it comes to the CPU, the AX SKUs will feature a downsized CPU cluster, utilizing only a single tile with eight "Coyote Cove" P-cores and 16 "Arctic Wolf" E-cores, alongside the four-core LPE island, totaling 28 cores. Where the Nova Lake-S is expected to have up to two of those CPU tiles, the AX variant cuts out the second tile to make space for one of the biggest iGPUs we've seen Intel put in its SoCs.

Coming in at 384 Execution Units (EUs), this roughly translates into 48 Xe3 cores, assuming the standard eight EUs per Xe core configuration. However, there could be some internal changes to the way Xe3 cores handle render slices, so the total number of Xe3 cores remains unknown, except for the 384 EU count. Intel is also pairing this SoC with LPDDR5X memory, which operates at 9,600 or 10,667 MT/s, providing sufficient bandwidth to the 28 CPU cores and 384 EUs over a 256-bit bus. Additionally, Raichu claims that the launch is uncertain, which means that Intel is likely evaluating the platform for profitability if it decides to produce it in high volumes. Similarly to AMD's APU, there could be significant interest, so we will have to wait and see if Intel greenlights the project for the masses. The picture below is our own modification of Arrow Lake-H breakdown, and not what the actual Nova Lake-AX SoC would look like.

TSMC (TWSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today announced consolidated revenue of NT$933.79 billion, net income of NT$398.27 billion, and diluted earnings per share of NT$15.36 (US$2.47 per ADR unit) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Year-over-year, second quarter revenue increased 38.6%, while net income and diluted EPS both increased 60.7%. Compared to first quarter 2025, second quarter results represented a 11.3% increase in revenue and a 10.2% increase in net income. All figures were prepared in accordance with TIFRS on a consolidated basis.

In US dollars, second quarter revenue was $30.07 billion, which increased 44.4% year-over-year and increased 17.8% from the previous quarter. Gross margin for the quarter was 58.6%, operating margin was 49.6%, and net profit margin was 42.7%. In the second quarter, shipments of 3-nanometer accounted for 24% of total wafer revenue; 5-nanometer accounted for 36%; 7-nanometer accounted for 14%. Advanced technologies, defined as 7-nanometer and more advanced technologies, accounted for 74% of total wafer revenue.

Late last month, we reported an unexpected surge in DDR4 DRAM chip spot-pricing, just as leading memory chipmakers in Taiwan and South Korea announced plans to phase out the standard, leaving behind residual inventories to deal with leftover demand. It turns out that the nearly 1 decade-long market presence of the DDR4 standard, beginning with the 2013 6th Gen Intel Core "Skylake" processor, and continuing on until 14th Gen Core "Raptor Lake Refresh," along with AMD Ryzen Socket AM4 along the way, meant that there are simply too many devices out there with DDR4 memory and users looking for upgrades.

Digitimes now reports that South Korean memory chipmakers such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, have put on hold their phase-out plans for DDR4 chips, and may continue supply until they see spot pricing sufficiently falling behind that of DDR5. At the same time, the two will be walking a tight rope with supply to ensure they don't end up with bloated inventories.

ASUS today announced ASUS ExpertCenter P500 SFF (P500SV), an 8.6-liter compact desktop PC designed to redefine value and performance for small businesses. With the innovative compact air cooler thermal design and powered by an up to Intel Core i7 processor, P500 SFF unleashes up to 45 W TDP. Thanks to its enhanced thermal design, it also delivers whisper-quiet performance, generating just 30.8 dB even in Performance mode - or as serene as rustling leaves. This makes it ideal for focused, professional environments.

Security is paramount with ExpertCenter P500 SFF, so it's backed by the reassurance of multiple ASUS ExpertGuardian protections. This powerhouse meets commercial-grade standards with a NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS, while ASUS assures at least five years of BIOS and driver updates to protect critical data. Enhanced with ASUS AI ExpertMeet, ExpertCenter P500 SFF revolutionizes virtual meetings through advanced AI tools like real-time translation and automated summaries, making collaboration seamless. In short, ExpertCenter P500 SFF sets a new standard for small-business desktops, combining power, security and efficiency with incredible value - ready to empower professional excellence.

Publisher Kalypso Media and Developer Kite Games proudly announce Sudden Strike 5, the fifth instalment of the fan-favorite real-time tactics series. Sudden Strike 5 will be released in 2026, delivering authentic, tactical World War II battles to PC (Steam, Epic Games), Xbox PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 with Closed Beta registration beginning today on Steam.

Sudden Strike 5 returns to the front lines of World War II, where the trenches of war-torn Europe and North Africa immerse both new recruits and hardened soldiers in challenging historical scenarios. With a 25-mission campaign, more than 300 playable units, customizable Commanders, and PvP gameplay, Sudden Strike 5 raises the stakes higher than ever before to create the most epic large-scale tactical warfare experience in the series to date.

Following the successful debut of the AORUS MASTER 18 and 16, GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, now announces the availability of the GIGABYTE AERO X16 and GAMING A16, expanding its 2025 AI PC lineup. Built to meet the needs of gamers, hybrid users, and creators, both models combine next-gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs with GIGABYTE's exclusive GiMATE AI Agent for intelligent system control, AI-enhanced workflows, and immersive experiences.

Both laptops feature up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPUs, powered by the Blackwell architecture and NVIDIA DLSS 4 for AI-accelerated performance. The AERO X16 supports up to 85 W Max Graphics Power, while the GAMING A16 reaches up to 80 W. Integrated GiMATE AI Agent enables intuitive "Press & Speak" voice control, smart tuning, and privacy features. Built on an AI-ready platform with NVIDIA NIM, users can create personal AI agents and streamline workflows. With up to 14 hours of bat tery life, PD 3.0 fast charging, and Dolby Atmos audio, both laptops support modern AI-driven lifestyles.

ASRock, a global leader in motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, power supplies, and gaming monitors, proudly introduces the latest additions to our Mini PC lineup: DeskMini B860 and DeskMini X600/USB4. Designed to balance power, efficiency, and flexibility in an ultra-compact form factor, the new DeskMini series offers ideal solutions for business, education, digital signage, and home entertainment.

DeskMini B860: Intel Power Meets Practicality
Built on Intel's next-generation platform, DeskMini B860 features Thunderbolt 4, quad-display output, and support for dual DDR5 CSODIMM memory. With Energy Star 9.0 compliance, it delivers energy-saving performance that meets the needs of modern work environments.

Tomorrow at 10:00 CET, CD Projekt Red will release Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.3 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, bringing a renewed pulse to Night City. Players on compatible hardware can now activate AMD FSR 4 and FSR 3.1 frame generation, Intel XeSS 2 with frame generation, Intel HDR10+ Gaming, and, for the first time, Variable Refresh Rate on consoles. A native Apple Silicon build also debuts on the Mac App Store. Four new vehicles arrive through narrative side jobs: the Yaiba ARV-Q340 Semimaru, Rayfield Caliburn "Mordred," Yaiba ASM-R250 Muramasa, and Chevillon Legatus 450 Aquila. Once earned, each can be piloted hands-free with the new AutoDrive system or summoned as a self-driving Delamain cab after completing "Don't Lose Your Mind."

Rayfield's CrystalCoat technology now coats partner-brand cars and motorcycles, supported by twin-tone paint packages and a community cracked variant for budget builds. Photo Mode expands with twenty-seven additional NPC spawns, wardrobe swapping, new stickers, frames, and colour balance tools. Quality of life updates include inverted-mouse detection, replayable tutorials, quieter radio balance, and a host of quest, gameplay, and stability fixes. The complete list of changes is very long, and you can check it out here.

Intel has introduced the Computer Graphics Visual Quality Metric (CGVQM) tool, the first open-source metric specifically designed to evaluate real-time game imagery with nearly the same accuracy as humans. At its core is the CG-VQD dataset, which contains 80 three-second clips from 15 open-source 3D scenes, ranging from Amazon's Bistro demo to custom environments like House and Bridge, each processed by one of six modern rendering methods, such as neural supersampling, path tracing, or Gaussian splatting. Intel researchers began with a pre-trained 3D ResNet‑18 network and fine-tuned its channel weights to align its outputs with volunteer ratings. The result, CGVQM‑5, outperforms all existing full‑reference metrics and comes very close to matching human agreement.

Behind the scenes, CGVQM splits each video into smaller patches, extracts key visual features using a 3D ResNet backbone, and then adjusts a small set of channel-wise weights so that its predicted scores closely match the quality ratings given by human testers. CGVQM 5 digs deep into all five ResNet blocks for top accuracy. To make the tool practical for swift build pipelines, the team also created CGVQM‑2, a lighter version that uses only the first two ResNet blocks. By removing most of the latter features, it runs substantially faster while still beating every rival metric. Both variants produce error maps that clearly highlight artifacts, such as ghosting or flicker, allowing artists to spot and fix issues without running complete user tests. Game developers can clone the GitHub repository and add Vulkan hooks or Unreal Engine plugins to integrate CGVQM directly into their workflows, enabling them to run evaluations on the fly.

EnGenius Technologies Inc., a global leader in advanced connectivity and cloud-managed networking solutions, is pleased to announce the release of the ECW520, the latest addition to its Wi-Fi 7 portfolio. Engineered to provide enterprise-grade wireless performance at a highly cost-effective price point, the ECW520 is designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with next-generation connectivity—without the traditional enterprise cost.

EnGenius ECW520: High-Performance Wi-Fi 7, Optimized for SMBs
Powered by the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 Wi-Fi 7 platform, the ECW520 delivers robust tri-band 2x2x2 performance with combined throughput capabilities of up to 10.8 Gbps. At an MSRP of $189, the ECW520 redefines value in the wireless networking space, offering a professional-grade solution for IT professionals, managed service providers (MSPs), and integrators seeking high-capacity, reliable connectivity for SMB deployments.

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI), a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, is now shipping the industry's most advanced 4-socket servers for large-scale database and enterprise applications. Using the latest Intel Xeon 6 Processors with Performance-Cores (P-Cores), these new servers are CXL 2.0 ready and are ideal for HPC, mission-critical workloads, and in-memory databases. Other applications that will benefit from these systems are those that require a very large memory footprint with massive processing power, or scientific simulation applications that rely heavily on CPU computing with low latencies. As a critical component of Supermicro's Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS), these new servers offer significantly higher performance than previous generations of 4-socket systems.

"These new 4-socket servers are addressing the needs of the most demanding enterprises worldwide, who require the simplicity and serviceability of a single system with up to 16 TB of memory, and up to 6 double-width GPUs," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "With our DCBBS approach and worldwide production capabilities, Supermicro can now deliver complete data center solutions to customers in all geographies and is first-to-market for this segment. We are able to provide organizations with a wide variety of systems for all of their IT needs."

AMD today introduced the Ryzen AI 5 330, a mainstream mobile processor model for Microsoft Copilot+ ready notebooks at mainstream price-points. The processor comes with a slim CPU complex, but a full-featured NPU to locally accelerate Copilot+ and other edge AI use-cases. The processor comes with a configurable TDP of 15 W to 28 W, making it fit into most mainstream notebook form-factors with minimal cooling needs.

As for specs, the Ryzen AI 5 330 is based on a cut down variant of the 4 nm "Strix Point" monolithic silicon. Its CPU complex is 4-core/8-thread, although AMD didn't specify what the mix of "Zen 5" and "Zen 5c" cores is. It comes with 12 MB of "total cache" (L2+L3), which means the L3 cache is 8 MB, given that both the "Zen 5" and "Zen 5c" core types come with 1 MB L2 caches. The CPU cores are clocked at 2.00 GHz, with 4.50 GHz maximum boost frequency. Meanwhile, the iGPU model is dubbed Radeon 820M, and is configured with 2 compute units for 128 stream processors. The NPU, however, is the fully fledged XDNA 2 unit with 50 TOPS. We expect notebooks powered by the Ryzen AI 5 330 to be priced well under the $500 mark.

Akko, a global innovator in mechanical keyboards, proudly announces the release of the ISO layout version of its award-winning MOD 007 HE Year of the Dragon Magnetic Switch Keyboard. Now available in German, French, and UK layouts, this release brings one of Akko's most celebrated designs to a broader European audience.

Originally launched in ANSI layout, the Dragon Year keyboard was recognized with the Omdia Innovation Award at IFA Berlin 2024, one of the world's leading consumer electronics events. The keyboard draws deep inspiration from the Qinglong, a mythological creature representing strength, renewal, and Eastern wisdom. Its bold visual identity includes a three-tone anodized aluminium case with laser-engraved dragon-scale textures, and dye-sublimated keycaps featuring a powerful dragon in flight—creating a stunning fusion of traditional Chinese culture and modern industrial aesthetics.

LG Electronics is redefining portable performance with the expansion of its acclaimed LG gram lineup. The newest LG gram Pro models - the 16Z90TR and 17Z90TR - pack the power of hybrid AI into an ultra-light, ultra-thin form factor. Beginning today, the new gram Pro models will be available at LG.com (and later at LG-authorized retailers) starting at $2,799.99 for the 16-inch 16Z90TR and $2,549.99 for the larger 17Z90TR.

Designed for today's dynamic, on-the-go users, the LG gram Pro delivers next-gen performance with Intel Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) and Ultra 7 processors and NVIDIA RTX 5050 graphics. These laptops are built to handle everything from seamless productivity and smart multitasking to creative workflows and immersive gaming.

CD Projekt RED is about to rewrite the Mac's reputation as a second-tier gaming rig. At 8 am Pacific on July 17, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which includes the base game, Phantom Liberty, and Patch 2.3, will be available to download across the Mac App Store, Steam, GOG, and Epic. Players who already own the title on PC won't have to pay again. This isn't just a delayed port. Engineers have spent the last eighteen months rebuilding the REDengine pipeline to support Apple's Metal API, slicing each frame into parallel tasks that utilize every GPU core in M-series chips. The result is dynamic "For this Mac" presets that adjust resolution, effects, and memory usage in real-time. An M1 with 16 GB of unified RAM achieves 30 FPS at 1600×900, an M3 Pro with 18 GB maintains 60 FPS at 1080p, and the M3 Ultra or M4 Max with 36 GB sustains 60 FPS at native 1440p without thermal throttling.

Ray tracing is optional. Medium path-traced reflections run at 30 FPS on an M3 Pro and 60 FPS on an M3 Max or better, but the default settings keep neon effects rasterized for visual consistency. CDPR has also added AMD's FSR 2 frame generation and MetalFX upscaling, smoothing performance when the action ramps up. Storage requirements vary by platform: 92 GB on Steam, Epic, or GOG, and 159 GB on the Mac App Store due to pre-installed language packs. No matter where you buy it, cross-progression syncs your character across console, PC, and Mac. With Spatial Audio, dynamic HDR tuned for Pro Display XDR, and support for Metal 4 features like frame interpolation and real-time denoising, Apple aims to make AAA games feel native on Mac. If Cyberpunk 2077 runs as promised, the next studio to port a blockbuster might not wait years for a port, but plan from the beginning to tap the massive macOS market.

Patriot Memory officially unveils the MD330 Storage Hub—an industry-first, patent-pending design that combines 4K HDMI display output, USB-C PD 3.0 fast charging, and built-in storage in a single compact device. Engineered as a triple threat hub to support Projection × Storage × Power, the MD330 delivers up to 100 W of USB-C Power Delivery, allowing users to charge devices uninterrupted even during presentations or media streaming. With up to 1 TB of onboard storage, it meets the needs of fast data backup and media access on the go—creating a true mobile workstation experience in one device.

Engineered for modern multitasking, the MD330 Storage Hub supports up to 100 W of USB-C Power Delivery, keeping laptops, tablets, and smartphones fully charged—even during intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, or remote presentations. Its single USB-C connection handles video output and charging simultaneously, and it's widely compatible with laptops, tablets, smartphones, even supporting leading handheld gaming consoles like the Switch 1 and Steam Deck.

Patriot Memory announced the launch of its latest flagship PCIe Gen 5 SSD - the PV593 PCIe Gen 5 x4 M.2 2280 SSD, delivering industry-leading speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s read and 13,000 MB/s write. Powered by the advanced SMI SM2508 controller and built on TSMC's 6 nm process, the PV593 redefines next-gen storage for demanding workloads such as AI training, 4K/8K video editing, AAA gaming, and high-throughput multitasking.

With performance nearly twice as fast as PCIe Gen 4 SSDs—and over four times faster than Gen 3—the PV593 is engineered for users who demand speed without compromise. It features DRAM cache and dynamic SLC caching technology to reduce latency, accelerate system startup, and improve application launch times. With 4K random read/write speeds reaching up to 2000K/1650K IOPS, users can experience lightning-fast responsiveness across all tasks.

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, proudly introduces the G6 Direct Drive Racing Wheel with Pedals Bundle, a high-performance simulator system designed for passionate sim racing community. With a powerful 6Nm direct drive motor, a durable steel pedal set, and a 13-inch ergonomic racing wheel, the G6 delivers immersive realism with the precision and control demanded by true driving enthusiasts.

At the heart of the G6 is its direct drive servo motor, which provides smooth and immediate force feedback that replicates every shift in traction, road texture, and weight transfer with lifelike accuracy. Its compact aluminium alloy base houses a dual motor cooling system, complete with a low-noise fan and integrated temperature sensor to maintain consistent performance during extended sessions

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is thrilled to debut its new next-gen solid-state drive—the NM990 M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD, engineered for High-end gamers, professional creators and AI developers.

Leveraging next-generation PCIe 5.0 technology, the NM990 PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers speeds up to 14,000 MB/s read and 11,000 MB/s write, almost two times faster than typical Gen 4 SSDs. It provides superior performance for serious gamers and professional rendering.

The legendary Epomaker Galaxy series continues its expansion! Following the success of the Galaxy70 and Galaxy100, we proudly introduce two precision-crafted newcomers: Galaxy65 and Galaxy68. These 65% wireless mechanical keyboards combine hot-swappable switches, QMK/VIA customization, and studio-grade acoustics—perfectly suited for gamers demanding speed, professionals needing versatility, and design enthusiasts chasing minimalist perfection.

1. Design Wars: Portability vs. Premium Command
Galaxy65: The Nomad's Dream
Weighing 1.12 kg and crafted with an anodized aluminium body, the Galaxy65 is designed for portability. It's solid enough to offer durability while maintaining a sleek and compact form. The ball-catch gasket mount—with no screws—allows for quick swapping of foam, making it ideal for students and digital nomads who want to tweak their setup between sessions. The Cherry-profile PBT keycaps provide extra durability, even during extended café work marathons.

The ESM-HRPL is a next-generation COM-HPC module designed for compute-intensive edge applications. Paired with the high-performance EEV-HC10 carrier board, this solution is ideal for AI inference, smart healthcare, industrial automation, and intelligent energy systems. It delivers exceptional processing power, modular scalability, and long-term product availability for critical embedded deployments.

Advanced COM-HPC Performance for Evolving Edge Architecture
The ESM-HRPL module complies with the PICMG COM-HPC Client Type specification and supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors (LGA 1700, up to 65 W TDP), along with the Intel R680E chipset. It includes four DDR5 SO-DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB of memory at speeds up to 3600 MT/s and optional ECC support, depending on the selected CPU.

Chieftec is excited to announce the arrival of the Chieftec Iceberg white, now available in 240 mm / 360 mm sizes—the latest addition to our high-performance all-in-one CPU cooler lineup. The Chieftec Iceberg is an all-in-one CPU cooler, featuring a 240 mm/ 360 mm water-cooling radiator and Snap-On interlocking (ARGB) PWM fans that ensure excellent heat dissipation.

With fan speeds reaching up to 2200 rpm, it provides efficient cooling for a wide range of CPUs. The innovative parallel fin radiator design maximizes the contact area between water tubes and radiator fins, while maintaining a high surface area exposed to the cooling airflow, thereby enhancing overall thermal transfer and heat dissipation. The ICEBERG Series includes an infinity mirror ARGB cooling block and a 360-degree rotatable CHIEFTEC logo. Installation is hassle-free thanks to the robust braided steel tubing and the convenient mounting clip kit.

Exciting updates for PC players! Starting today, Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview who are also Game Pass Ultimate members can stream select console games they own beyond the Game Pass catalog on the Xbox PC app in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is supported. Earlier this year, we rolled the "Stream your own game" feature out to Game Pass Ultimate members on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles, TVs, Meta Quest Headsets as well as other browser supported devices like PCs, smartphones and tablets. Now, we're bringing that same flexibility to PC, allowing you to stream eligible games you already own without needing to install them directly from the Xbox PC app. This saves time, conserves hard drive space, and gives you more flexible access to your library through cloud gaming.

Even better, this feature includes console-only games that previously couldn't be played using the Xbox PC app. Just head to the Cloud Gaming section in the Xbox PC app, look for the Stream your own game catalog, choose a supported title you own, and start playing instantly. You can see the full list of over 250+ supported games here. You can expect even more games including console-only games and Xbox Play Anywhere titles to be added to the collection over time. You choose how and where to play. We're just making it easier to get there—with more flexibility, more access, and more games at your fingertips.

Intel is reportedly preparing "Nova Lake-AX," a high-end laptop SoC that combines a massive 52-core CPU complex with an expanded Xe3 graphics tile. While the standard Nova Lake‑S is set to arrive in 2026, followed by the H and HX mobile variants, the AX model will debut later as the flagship SKU. Built on Intel's second‑generation Foveros technology, Nova Lake‑AX stacks two compute tiles, each one with eight "Coyote Cove" P‑cores and 16 "Arctic Wolf" E‑cores, and a separate low‑power island with four LPE cores. A separate cache-boosted passive tile could add over 100 MB of Last Level Cache (bLLC), which feeds both the CPU cores and the Celestial Xe3 iGPU, potentially scaling up to 20-24 Xe3 cores. Intel already uses bLLC in its Clearwater Forest server processors as a passive interposer, where local cache integrates beneath active tiles, so its inclusion here could deliver a significant performance uplift.

Unlike the regular Nova Lake‑S, H, and HX variants, which are expected to feature half as many Xe3 cores or fewer, the AX model promises a truly gaming‑worthy APU experience with a massive iGPU. With a combined TDP approaching 150 W in mobile workstations, active cooling will be mandatory in all form factors. Intel clearly aims to challenge AMD's long‑standing lead in the APU space. Historically, Intel CPUs have shipped with modest iGPUs, while AMD's APUs have offered solid integrated performance capable of driving many games at 1080p and even 1440p. Nova Lake‑AX pairs substantial CPU horsepower with a massive Xe3 graphics engine, marking Intel's most aggressive entry yet for enthusiast and gaming laptops. As Nova Lake news ramps up, we expect more details, such as clock speeds, exact Xe3 core count, and pricing, to emerge in the coming months.

Today developer ArenaNet announced Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity, the sixth expansion for the award-winning and critically acclaimed MMORPG Guild Wars 2. Releasing on October 28, 2025, Visions of Eternity will offer a suite of new content and features for established and new players alike, including a new Homestead plot, new and upgraded abilities for the skimmer mount, an all-new story set in the island realm of Castora, two new explorable maps, and a new elite specialization for all nine of the game's playable professions.

Visions of Eternity will go on sale for $24.99 and, like its predecessor Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds, have three planned major updates scheduled for release throughout 2026. Launch day will open two new maps on the island of Castora, a heretofore unvisited part of Tyria and home to ancient magics that have warped the local flora and fauna in stunning ways. Amidst this enigmatic new land, players will be able to explore new build options for their characters as each of the game's professions can earn a new elite specialization with a collection of new traits and utility skills that will further increase the game's already staggering amount of gameplay customization options. The skimmer mount, already a master of aquatic environments, can develop new capabilities through one of three new mastery lines associated with Castora.

The time is now, Sire! After an arduous voyage kicking off from announcement, through the perilous marshes of the Steam RTS and Next Fests, our forces have finally arrived at our divine destination. Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is out now with a 10% launch discount active for the next two weeks!

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition excelled during the Steam Next Fest, ranking highly right against the best new game demos of the most jam-packed Next Fest to date. With over 230k wishlists and 195k demo downloads thus far, it was the #1 Popular Upcoming RTS demo, #5 Popular Upcoming Strategy demo, and #11 Top Strategy demo during the June Steam Next Fest. More than ever, players are fervently hungry for gaming experiences that take them back along memory lane and help them rediscover the joys of the past with modern improvements.

Aspyr has launched DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and GOG for $29.99. Developed and published by Aspyr, this definitive version of the critically acclaimed Neverwinter Nights 2 brings the beloved RPG to consoles for the very first time and adds a host of gameplay enhancements, improved textures, full controller support, crossplay, all three expansions, Steam Workshop modding, and more. The Neverwinter Nights 1 + 2 Enhanced Collection, a new bundle including Neverwinter Nights Enhanced Edition and Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, is also available on Steam, GOG and Xbox.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition preserves everything you love about the acclaimed original adventure. Assemble a team of friends - with full crossplay for up to four players across all platforms - and embark on an epic quest, now enhanced with all three campaign expansion DLCs, Steam Workshop support, and console controls.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of two cutting-edge PC accessories powered by Thunderbolt 5: the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock and Razer Core X V2 external graphics enclosure. Designed to elevate PC connectivity and external graphics capabilities, this powerful duo delivers expanded bandwidth, immersive display options, and modular flexibility for both work and play.

Thunderbolt 5 sets a new benchmark in docking station with high-speed connectivity, offering peak transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s—nearly 12 times faster than USB 3.0. This next-gen technology enables seamless operation of high-performance peripherals, ultra-fast storage, and drive multiple 4K displays, while also supporting daisy-chaining with other Thunderbolt devices for unmatched productivity and immersive gameplay. Whether simplifying setups with a single-cable connection to a 4K triple-display configuration or boosting laptops with desktop-class GPU performance, Razer's Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem delivers reliable performance, sleek cable management, and broad device compatibility.

More than 800 games and applications feature RTX technologies, and each week new games integrating NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex, and advanced ray-traced effects are released or announced, delivering the definitive PC experience for GeForce RTX players. Following the addition of DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation to another five games last week, this week sees the performance multiplying tech come to Marvel Rivals, RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business, and War Thunder.

Marvel Rivals Season 3 Available Now - Multiply Frame Rates With DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation & Reduce PC Latency With Reflex
Marvel Rivals Season 3 is out now. In the wake of the Timestream Entanglement, Knull stirs deep within Klyntar's core, stretching his shadowed hands across the cosmos. Omega-level telepath and original X-Men, Jean Grey joins the Marvel Heroes roster, soaring to cosmic heights when bonded with the Phoenix Force - the embodiment of creation itself. Now, she travels the stars as both savior and destroyer, confronting the darkness at its source: Knull, the King in Black.

Today, ASML Holding NV (ASML) has published its 2025 second-quarter results.

• Q2 total net sales of €7.7 billion, gross margin of 53.7%, net income of €2.3 billion
• Quarterly net bookings in Q2 of €5.5 billion of which €2.3 billion is EUV
• ASML expects Q3 2025 total net sales between €7.4 billion and €7.9 billion, and a gross margin between 50% and 52%
• ASML expects a full-year 2025 total net sales increase of around 15% relative to 2024, with a gross margin of around 52%

CEO statement and outlook
"Our second-quarter total net sales came in at €7.7 billion, at the top end of our guidance. The gross margin was 53.7%, above guidance, primarily driven by higher upgrade business and one-offs resulting in lower costs. "We see continued progress in litho intensity, particularly in DRAM, and the introduction of the TWINSCAN NXE:3800E reinforces that momentum. Meanwhile, EUV adoption is advancing as planned, including High NA. This quarter, we shipped the first TWINSCAN EXE:5200B system. Looking at 2026, we see that our AI customers' fundamentals remain strong. At the same time, we continue to see increasing uncertainty driven by macro-economic and geopolitical developments. Therefore, while we still prepare for growth in 2026, we cannot confirm it at this stage."

Firmware security firm Binarly disclosed that four serious vulnerabilities in GIGABYTE's UEFI firmware put more than 240 different motherboard models at risk of undetectable, reinstall-proof bootkits. Each of the flaws, tracked as CVE‑2025‑7029 through CVE‑2025‑7026, carries a high severity score of 8.2 on the CVSS scale and resides in System Management Mode, which activates before any operating system starts. An attacker with administrator privileges, whether local or remote, could exploit these issues to hijack System Management Interrupt handlers and inject arbitrary code into System Management RAM. Because memory controls every step of the boot process, any malicious implant remains hidden beneath the operating system and survives disk wipes and Secure Boot checks, allowing the attacker to maintain persistent control of the machine.

All four bugs originate in American Megatrends reference code that was quietly shared with OEM partners under non‑disclosure agreements earlier this year. Although Gigabyte customizes that base firmware, it did not pass along the necessary fixes to end users. Binarly alerted CERT/CC on April 15, and GIGABYTE confirmed receipt on June 12, but no public advisory appeared until Bleeping Computer reporters inquired on Monday. Users should visit GIGABYTE's support page to find and install the updated BIOS versions using the Q-Flash utility, and then re-enable Secure Boot. Devices that GIGABYTE has declared end of life may never see a patch. The company also claims only Intel-based boards are affected, leaving AMD boards untouched. Users can also run Binarly's free risk Hunt scanner to check for exposure. According to Binarly CEO Alex Matrosov, these vulnerabilities highlight how inherited reference‑code flaws can quietly spread through the hardware supply chain.

AMD has confirmed that it will soon restart shipments of its MI308 data center GPUs to China, following confirmation from the US Department of Commerce that its export license applications will proceed for approval. The news closely follows NVIDIA's announcement that it, too, expects to resume sales of its H20 AI chips in China. Both companies had been restricted under previous US export rules, which targeted high-end AI hardware. AMD's MI308, a custom version of its MI300 series, was designed specifically to meet those regulatory limits. The company told Tom's Hardware it plans to begin shipments as soon as licenses are granted. "We applaud the progress made by the Trump Administration in advancing trade negotiations and its commitment to US AI leadership," said an AMD spokesperson.

This shift in US policy comes as a relief for AMD, which previously estimated that the export restrictions could cost it around $800 million in inventory and related commitments. While not as large as NVIDIA's $5.5 billion hit, it was still a significant blow. With China remaining a massive available market, AMD and NVIDIA have both developed chips tailored to meet US guidelines. However, these products are time-consuming to design and difficult to repurpose for other markets. Investors welcomed the update, with AMD shares rising nearly 5% in pre-market trading. For now, the reopening of China's AI chip market signals a more flexible trade stance and renewed opportunities for US tech firms, especially as Chinese AI labs were deprived of high-end silicon.

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO), a global leader in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions, today announced the shipment of its breakthrough Ethernet switch—the Tomahawk Ultra. Engineered to transform the Ethernet switch for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads, Tomahawk Ultra delivers industry-leading ultra-low latency, massive throughput, and lossless networking.

"Tomahawk Ultra is a testament to innovation, involving a multi-year effort by hundreds of engineers who reimagined every aspect of the Ethernet switch," said Ram Velaga, senior vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Core Switching Group. "This highlights Broadcom's commitment to invest in advancing Ethernet for high-performance networking and AI scale-up."

First revealed at Computex 2025, the Phanteks Eclipse G370A is the latest addition to the popular Eclipse Series of mid-tower ATX chassis. Built for performance without the frills, the G370A is designed for gamers, builders, and workstation users who want high-end airflow and smart expandability - all at an accessible price point. The G370A delivers strong thermal performance with mesh panels throughout, support for up to 7x 120 mm fans, and dedicated clearance for a 360 mm top-mounted radiator. It also stands out in its class by supporting SSI-EEB motherboards, making it one of the few budget-friendly options for workstation-grade builds.

Thermalright today unveiled the Royal Pretor 130 Ultra premium dual fin-stack CPU cooler. It comes in white and black color models. It features a traditional aluminium dual fin-stack (D-type) heatsink, with seven 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heat pipes passing through a C1100 copper baseplate to pull heat from the CPU and spreading it across the two fin-stacks, which are ventilated by a pair of fans in push-pull configuration.

The outer "push" fan is a Thermalright TL-K12 120 mm spinner, while the inner conveyor fan is the 130 mm TL-HD13-X28. Both fans come with fluid dynamic bearings. The TL-K12 turns at speeds of up to 2,150 RPM, pushing up to 69 CFM of airflow at 27 dBA of noise output and 2.87 mm H₂O static pressure; while the TL-HD13-X28 turns at up to 1,750 RPM, pushing up to 81.88 CFM of airflow at 2.38 mm H₂O static pressure, and 28.3 dBA maximum noise output. The cooler measures 130 mm x 135 mm x 158 mm (LxWxH) with the fans in place. The company didn't reveal weight.

With the XMG FOCUS 17, XMG presents a laptop that is unusual in several respects, combining a 17.3-inch display in 16:9 format with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. The choice of form factor reflects continued strong demand for this specific screen size and aspect ratio. Positioned below the XMG PRO 16 in terms of pricing, the FOCUS 17 features a WQHD display with 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage and a 240 Hz refresh rate. Customers can choose between an Intel Core i9-14900HX or i9-13900HX processor.

To position the XMG FOCUS 17 in the sub-€2,000 price range, XMG is offering two 24-core, 32-thread CPUs from Intel's previous Raptor Lake HX generation: the Core i9-13900HX and its refresh, the Core i9-14900HX. The key difference between the two lies in the slightly higher boost clock of the 14900HX, reaching up to 5.8 GHz compared to 5.4 GHz. Both CPUs continue to deliver excellent gaming performance while being significantly more cost-effective than the newer Core Ultra 9 275HX.

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced the general availability (GA) of the new OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter, ideal for creative professionals and power users, and the redesigned OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Adapter, ideal for everyday tasks, classroom use, and bring-your-own-device environments.

OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter
Expanding visual workspace with up to four 4K UHD displays just became easier, more efficient, and cost-effective with the OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter. All that's needed is a single Thunderbolt, USB4, or USB-C port on a Mac, PC, or Chromebook to create a dramatically immersive viewing experience. No more multiple adapters hassle and the burden they put on a notebook's CPU, interface bandwidth, and battery life. Simply plug in this visual upgrade to utilize multiple Ultra-High Definition monitors in business presentations, creative projects, stock trading, or WFH settings. Powered by cutting-edge DisplayLink Pro technology, this adapter simply delivers a smooth and reliable multi-display experience while simultaneously charging a computer.

ASRock Industrial proudly announces the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit, a powerful AI computing platform delivering supercomputer performance for edge AI, robotics and advanced industrial applications. This advanced developer kit powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Series (Industrial/64 GB/32 GB), providing outstanding AI computing performance of up to 275 TOPs. It supports up to four 4-lane MIPI or GMSLII cameras and 12 POE ports for computer vision applications and includes two PCIe Gen 4 x8 slots, one M.2 Key M/B/E expansion slots for storage, 5G/4G LTE, and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless system integration.

With up to -25 to 50°C wide operating temperature and automation-specific I/O functions, this exceptional performance comes in a compact, energy-efficient form factor, representing a significant leap forward in edge AI computing capabilities for manufacturers, system integrators and developers. The Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit is ideal for Robotics, AMR, drones, remote cargo control, smart retail, and smart city applications, providing flexible camera integration and TPM 2.0 for security, reliable operations in harsh industrial environments.

Display specialist AOC proudly announces its new Essential E4 series, a comprehensive line-up of business-focussed B2B monitors featuring TCO Certified, generation 10 authentication and an unprecedented 5-year warranty across all models in the series. Ranging from 24-inch to 34-inch ultrawide displays with resolutions from Full HD up to 4K UHD, the series combines cutting-edge performance with industry-leading sustainability credentials.

All models feature integrated USB hubs with up to 4x USB-A (5 Gbit/s) ports, while selected models offer USB-C connectivity with DP Alt mode, 90 W Power Delivery and daisy-chain compatibility through DisplayPort-out ports (Multi-Stream Transport), KVM switches, and even 5 MP webcams, AOC is demonstrating its commitment to modern workplace productivity and environmental responsibility at the same time.

NVIDIA's long-awaited entry into Arm-based laptop CPUs has hit yet another obstacle, according to insiders close to SemiAccurate. Despite publicly declaring the N1 and its sibling N1x is in full production, the company now faces fresh engineering challenges that threaten to push shipping dates as far back as late 2026. Sources speaking to SemiAccurate describe that the newest issue may require a modification to the actual silicon. This setback follows an earlier hiccup, reported in early 2025, when some subtle flaws emerged during initial validation. NVIDIA engineers managed to correct those without a respin, restoring confidence and nudging the timetable back to early next year.

Performance teasers we spotted a month ago showed a prototype "NVIDIA N1x" scoring 3,096 in single‑thread and 18,837 in multi‑thread tests on Geekbench 6.2.2. The sample chip, believed to power an HP "8EA3" development notebook with 20 logical cores clocked at 2.81 GHz and backed by 128 GB of RAM running Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS, suggested a significant performance in big.LITTLE arrangement built from standard 10 Cortex‑X925 performance cores and 10 Cortex‑A725 efficiency cores. The N1x's integrated graphics and neural‑processing unit would close the gap with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite series and even Apple's M3‑class silicon. Now, with the latest issues looming, OEM partners may have to recalibrate their Windows laptop plans. NVIDIA will need to balance the risk of further delays against the need to demonstrate a polished, reliable experience before its CPU ambitions can truly challenge established players in the laptop arena. Late 2026 now appears set to become the new milestone for when the first N1‑powered notebooks might finally reach store shelves.

Just as US-China tech tensions showed signs of easing, NVIDIA has secured approval to resume shipments of its China‑tailored H20 AI accelerator. NVIDIA announced that the US Commerce Department will grant export licenses, reversing a ban imposed by the Trump administration. The H20, created to comply with earlier restrictions, had been sidelined in April when Washington tightened controls, forcing NVIDIA to write off substantial inventory and billions in anticipated sales. CEO Jensen Huang, fresh from a White House meeting with President Trump and now attending a government‑sponsored expo in Beijing, told Chinese viewers on state television that licenses would arrive very soon and allow the company to fulfill orders once thought lost. Additionally, Huang noted that a new, fully compliant RTX PRO GPU for digital twin AI and smart factories will also be coming soon.

NVIDIA's China strategy has long relied on processors tailored to local rules. When its H100 predecessor fell under US export limits, the company introduced the fully compliant H800 GPU. Huang has warned that aggressive curbs can backfire, pointing out that rival Huawei capitalized on NVIDIA's absence. Restoring H20 shipments will give cloud providers and autonomous-vehicle researchers access to high-performance hardware and help NVIDIA stabilize its data-center revenue. Bloomberg Intelligence notes that "The reversal could help recover a substantial portion of the $15 billion in fiscal 2026 data center revenue previously at risk, including $4-5 billion originally expected in 2H, and part of the $8 billion in unshipped 2Q orders." As NVIDIA rebuilds its China business, its success will serve as a new chapter for the broader health of US-China technology ties.

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, a global leader in mass-capacity data storage, today announced the global channel availability of up to 30 TB Exos M and IronWolf Pro hard drives. Built on Seagate's Mozaic3+ platform and powered by heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology, these drives are engineered to meet increasing demand for scalable, high-performance storage driven by the rise of AI deployments that are supplementing traditional enterprise infrastructure development. With over one million Mozaic hard drives now shipped, Seagate has reached more than just a milestone—it has marked a defining moment that underscores the strength and maturity of its breakthrough storage technology.

"Today, approximately 90% of the world's data is stored in just 10 countries. However, data gravity is increasingly pulling networks to the edge as nearly 150 countries adopt data sovereignty requirements, and AI workloads continue to expand. Datacenters—on-prem, private, and sovereign—are leveraging AI to unlock the value of their proprietary data," said Melyssa Banda, SVP of Edge Storage and Services, Seagate. "Our 30 TB drives are designed to support these rapidly growing trends, delivering the capacity, efficiency, and resilience needed to power the AI workloads."

Exascend, a global leader in advanced storage and memory solutions, today expanded its power-efficient PE4 enterprise SSD line with two new 7 mm U.2 models: 23.04 TB and 30.72 TB. Delivering up to 4.5 TB of storage per millimeter of thickness, these drives delivers best-in-class capacity currently available in a 7 mm form factor while cutting typical power consumption in half. The new PE4 models enable system integrators to maximize capacity in edge servers, rugged industrial computers, on-premises AI nodes, and space-constrained data centers where every watt and every millimeter count.

The PE4 30.72 TB doubles the density of competing 7 mm U.2 SSD and enables up to 737 TB of flash in a single 1U server, cutting rack space requirements by 50 percent compared to 15 mm drives and delivers a two-fold jump in TB-per-U efficiency. With active power draw of just 7 watts and under 1.5 watts at idle—a 70% reduction versus typical alternatives—these drives excel at applications where power budget is limited. This efficiency helps lower energy costs and supports sustainable operations by minimizing cooling requirements.

AAEON, a leading provider of Computer-on-Modules, has today announced the NanoCOM-MTU, a COM Express Type 10 CPU Module powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. Available in SKUs equipped with either the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H or Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H, both 28 W, the NanoCOM-MTU offers up to 16 cores and 22 threads on the diminutive 84 mm x 55 mm form factor.

It is clear from the combination of high CPU performance and relatively low power consumption of its processor selection that the NanoCOM-MTU is catered towards customers that require a small, flexible, and scalable solution. This is particularly apparent in AAEON's investment into the module's memory and storage, where despite default SKUs offering 16 GB of LPDDR5(X) and 128 GB of NVMe, AAEON note there is the option of extending these to 32 GB of LPDDR5(X) and 256 GB of NVMe, respectively. By default, the NanoCOM-MTU also offers two SATA drives, while additional expansion is available via four PCIe 4.0 slots.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory, is thrilled to announce that renowned French extreme overclocker, bl4ckdot, has set a new overclocking world record for fastest DDR5 memory frequency at DDR5-12872. This incredible frequency record was achieved with one 24 GB module of G.SKILL Trident Z5 DDR5 memory, built with high-performance SK hynix DDR5 ICs, running on the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboard and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K desktop processor under extreme liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling.

This remarkable milestone surpassed previous memory frequency records and marks another achievement in the pursuit of extreme memory overclocking. The score is validated on both HWBOT and CPU-Z. Please refer to the following pages for more details.

HWBOT validation here.
CPU-Z validation here.