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August 3
- Nintendo Switch 2 thermal limits mean you need air conditioning if you want to play in a hot climate — Big N advises against use in environments above 35 degrees Celsius (95F) due to overheating risk
➀ Nintendo confirms Switch/2 risks overheating above 35°C (95°F), advising usage only within 5-35°C environments;
➁ Users report Switch 2 fan noise, crashes even in handheld mode while playing lightweight games like Pokémon;
➂ Global warming and underpowered hardware may worsen thermal challenges, especially in regions with extreme heat.
- Gigabyte quietly disables Gen5 PCIe 5.0 GPU support on B650 motherboards in F35 BIOS update — Stay on F34 if you value the unofficial PCIe 5.0 support
➀ Gigabyte removed unofficial PCIe 5.0 support for GPUs on B650 motherboards via BIOS F35, citing stability risks, with performance dips observed post-update;
➁ B650 boards lack AMD's official PCIe 5.0 validation, as it's reserved for B650E/X670E chipsets, leading to compatibility concerns;
➂ Users can revert to BIOS F34 to regain Gen5 support, while industry insiders hint at broader vendor lockouts to uphold AMD's chipset segmentation.
- Intel prepares for Nova Lake CPUs with new Linux support — retiring 20-year-old 'Family 6' designation in favor of 'Family 18'
➀ Intel abandons 20-year-old 'Family 6' CPU classification for Nova Lake processors, adopting 'Family 18' to unify client CPUs and separate server CPUs under Family 19;
➀ Linux kernel patches confirm Nova Lake and Nova Lake L models, laying groundwork for future driver integration and 2026 hardware releases;
➂ Nova Lake aims for 16P+32E+4LPE cores and Xe4 iGPU, with potential use in desktops, laptops, and gaming handhelds.
August 1
- AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D gaming chip champ drops to $449 at Amazon — $29 off its MSRP
➀ AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D gaming CPU drops to $449 at Amazon, offering the best 8-core gaming performance;
➁ The processor utilizes 3D V-Cache technology and improved thermal design, delivering 8% performance gains over its predecessor;
➂ Dominates Intel in 1080p gaming benchmarks, especially in esports titles like CS2 and Valorant.
- SK hynix dethrones Samsung to become world's top-selling memory maker for the first time — success mostly attributed to its HBM3 dominance for Nvidia's AI GPUs
➀ SK Hynix surpassed Samsung in Q2 2025 with $9.66B memory revenue (36.2% market share), marking its first leadership since 1983.
➁ Dominance driven by HBM3/HBM3E supply for NVIDIA's AI GPUs, while Samsung faced delays and price cuts in the HBM race.
➂ The shift signals AI-centric demand reshaping memory industry profits, with SK Hynix advancing HBM4 R&D and Samsung seeking AMD/startup partnerships.
- 3D printing in space passes industry testing milestone for fabrication of spacecraft and associated equipment — promising future for zero gravity 3D printing
➀ Horizon Microtechnologies' 3D-printed components passed critical outgassing tests under the ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C standard, enabling their use in spacecraft manufacturing;
➀ The International Space Station (ISS) has successfully tested 3D printing in microgravity using low-temperature plastics;
➂ Specialized coating technology addresses material volatility, opening new possibilities for on-demand part fabrication in space.
- Dell's back-to-school sale takes $350 off the price of Alienware's 4K QD-OLED curved gaming monitor
➀ Dell offers a $350 discount on the Alienware AW3225QF 4K QD-OLED curved gaming monitor during its back-to-school sale, dropping the price to $849;
➁ The 32-inch monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate, HDR10/Dolby Vision, and exceptional color accuracy, earning Tom's Hardware's Editor's Choice award;
➂ Requires a high-end GPU to fully utilize its 4K resolution and performance, offering an immersive 1700R curved display for gamers.
- XeSS SDK 2.1 release opens up Intel's framegen tech to compatible AMD and Nvidia GPUs — Xe Low Latency also goes cross-platform if framegen is enabled
➀ Intel's XeSS 2.1 SDK enables cross-platform frame generation for AMD/Nvidia GPUs including GTX 10-series and RX 5000 series, though RTX 30/RX 6000+ is recommended;
➁ XeLL low-latency mode now works on non-Intel GPUs but requires active frame generation, with developers needing to adopt the updated SDK for implementation;
➂ Despite the openness, adoption is limited with only 22 games supporting XeSS 2, highlighting challenges against entrenched solutions like FSR and DLSS.
- Battlefield 6 requirements suggest it'll run on surprisingly modest PCs — EA VP says it still won't work on Steam Deck, though
➀ Battlefield 6 (BF6) requires surprisingly modest hardware, needing a 10th-gen Intel or Ryzen 3000 CPU and RTX 3060 Ti/RX 6700 XT GPU for optimal performance;
➁ EA confirms the game won’t run on Steam Deck at launch due to discrete GPU requirements but may work on handhelds with external GPUs or AMD Strix Halo chips;
➂ The free-to-play approach drives lower specs, contrasting with recent AAA titles demanding cutting-edge hardware.
- MLPerf Client 1.0 AI benchmark released — new testing toolkit sports a GUI, covers more models and tasks, and supports more hardware acceleration paths
➀ MLPerf Client 1.0 introduces a user-friendly GUI and expands support for Meta's Llama 2/3.1, Microsoft Phi, and experimental models;
➁ Enhanced hardware acceleration paths now cover Qualcomm, Apple, Intel, and NVIDIA devices via diverse SDKs and frameworks;
➂ New tasks like code analysis and large-context summarization enable deeper evaluation of AI performance across integrated and discrete hardware.
- How to tweak your Windows 11 and Windows 10 setup with Winaero Tweaker — easily remove ads, tracking, AI copilot, and more
➀ Winaero Tweaker is a free utility that enables deep customization of Windows 11/10, including removing ads, disabling telemetry/data tracking, and eliminating AI Copilot;
➁ The tool allows advanced users to freeze system states for benchmarking by disabling driver/Windows updates, while also restoring nostalgic features like classic shutdown shortcuts;
➂ Caution is advised when disabling critical security features like User Account Control (UAC), as it increases system vulnerability risks.
July 31
- The best CPU for gaming, AMD's 9800X3D, hits an all-time low price of £399 at Amazon — The lowest price in the UK right now
➀ AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D, dubbed the 'best gaming CPU,' hits a historic low price of £399 at Amazon UK;
➁ The processor leverages 3D V-Cache technology for superior gaming performance, excelling in esports and 1080p resolution with 8% gains over the previous generation;
➂ Thermal design improvements and unlocked overclocking capabilities make it a top choice for high-performance gaming builds.
- Adata XPG Lancer CUDIMM RGB DDR5-9200 review: Bleeding-edge memory with bragging rights included
➀ The XPG Lancer CUDIMM RGB DDR5-9200 C42 offers top-tier speed (up to 9200MT/s) and a sleek recycled aluminum design with RGB lighting, though compatibility is limited to Intel systems.
➁ AMD Zen 5 processors failed to support its 9200MT/s speed, while Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K struggled with Gear 2 mode, leading to performance compromises.
➂ Priced at $279.99 for 48GB, it's competitively positioned against DDR5-8400 kits but demands premium pricing for enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance.
- Samsung reportedly slashes HBM3 prices to woo Nvidia — cuts could put the heat on rivals SK hynix and Micron as company attempts to spur AI turnaround
➀ Samsung reports a 94% profit plunge in its chip division, driven by U.S. export restrictions and inventory corrections;
➁ The company pins recovery hopes on HBM3E production cost reductions to secure Nvidia's AI GPU supply chain, challenging SK Hynix and Micron;
➂ A $16.5 billion Tesla partnership and geopolitical risks, including U.S. tariffs, add complexity to Samsung's AI-driven turnaround strategy.
- Nvidia confirms end of Game Ready driver support for Maxwell and Pascal GPUs — affected products will get optimized drivers through October 2025
➀ NVIDIA confirms discontinuation of Game Ready drivers for Maxwell and Pascal GPUs post-October 2025, transitioning to quarterly security updates until 2028;
➁ Legacy GPUs like GTX 1080 Ti will lose DLSS/ray-tracing optimization but remain functional for non-RT titles;
➂ Windows 10 users receive extended driver support through October 2026 despite Microsoft ending OS updates in late 2025.
- China raises security concerns over Nvidia's H20 Chips — hardware may expose user data or hidden tracking functions
➀ China's Cyberspace Administration questioned Nvidia's H20 GPU over potential data security risks and hidden tracking functions linked to U.S. legislative proposals.
➁ The H20 is a modified export-compliant GPU for China, lacking tracking features, yet concerns may stem from efforts to boost domestic AI chip adoption (e.g., Cambricon, Huawei).
➂ Analysts view the scrutiny as symbolic, unlikely to escalate to a ban, as China still relies heavily on Nvidia's CUDA software ecosystem.
July 29
- ‘World’s smallest Intel Core Ultra-powered Mini PC’ crown claimed by fanless Aaeon PICO-MTU4-SEMI — just 43mm high and 0.44 liters in size
➀ Aaeon unveils PICO-MTU4-SEMI, claimed as the world's smallest Intel Core Ultra-powered Mini PC with passive cooling, measuring 108 x 95 x 43mm;
➁ Designed for industrial applications (e.g., robots, AGVs), it features legacy COM ports, dual LAN, and limited USB/HDMI, with optional GPIO for I/O control;
➂ Equipped with up to Intel Core Ultra 7 165U, 32GB LPDDR5, and M.2 SSD support, but lacks retail pricing—requires direct inquiry with Aaeon.
- U.S. semiconductor design company fined $140 million over China dealings — sold software to a military institution thought to be conducting nuclear explosion simulations
➀ Cadence Design Systems admitted exporting chip design software to China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), linked to nuclear weapons research, violating U.S. sanctions;
➁ From 2015-2020, Cadence China made 56 illegal sales to NUDT-affiliated institutions despite their presence on the Entity List, and partnered with sanctioned chipmaker Phytium without licenses;
➂ The $140 million penalty highlights U.S. enforcement on tech exports, amid growing concerns over AI chip smuggling and black markets bypassing restrictions.
- China forms AI alliances to cut U.S. tech reliance — Huawei among companies seeking to create unified tech stack with domestic-powered standardization
➀ China launches two AI alliances: the Model-Chip Ecosystem Innovation Alliance and the Shanghai AI Committee, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. tech.
➀ The Model-Chip Alliance focuses on integrating domestic AI hardware (e.g., Huawei, Biren) with software to streamline development amid restricted access to NVIDIA GPUs.
➁ The alliances seek interoperability through standardized APIs and frameworks, potentially accelerating China's AI ecosystem and global competitiveness.
- Ayaneo crams dedicated GPU-class Strix Halo and battery inside next-gen gaming handheld — second Ryzen AI Max+ 395 handheld boldly features an internal battery
➀ Ayaneo announces Next 2 handheld with AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU and Radeon 8060S GPU (40 CUs), targeting desktop-level gaming performance;
➁ The device adopts an internal high-capacity battery and dual-fan cooling system, contrasting with GPD Win 5's external battery solution;
➂ Despite a 55W default TDP and thermal challenges, Ayaneo claims breakthrough battery life via optimized design for AMD's power-hungry Strix Halo chip.
July 28
- Samsung inks $16.5 billion Tesla AI chip deal — Elon Musk says Samsung will produce new A16 chips: 'The strategic importance of this is hard to overstate'
➀ Samsung secures a $16.5B deal to produce Tesla's next-gen A16 AI chips at its Texas fab, aiming for production by 2029;
➁ Elon Musk highlights strategic collaboration, including Tesla engineers assisting in Samsung's manufacturing efficiency;
➂ The contract boosts Samsung's foundry credibility against TSMC, targeting 2nm-class automotive-grade chips for autonomous vehicles.
- MSI Katana 15 HX review: RTX 5050 gaming for under $1,000
➀ The MSI Katana 15 HX delivers solid 1080p gaming performance with an RTX 5050 GPU at under $1,000, offering exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers;
➁ Key drawbacks include a dim, color-lacking display (257.2 nits, 69.3% sRGB) and outdated 720p webcam, while the keyboard tends to overheat during extended use;
➂ Notable strengths include four-zone RGB lighting, extensive upgrade options (DDR5 RAM/SSD slots), and competitive productivity benchmarks despite using 14th Gen Intel HX-series CPUs.
- Apple's M4 Macbook Air plunges to its lowest ever price in the ultimate back to school deal — Amazon's $799 price tag trounces Apple's official deal program
➀ Amazon offers unprecedented discounts on Apple's M4 MacBook Air, with the 13-inch model dropping to $799 and the 15-inch model to $999, both $200 below MSRP;
➁ These deals significantly undercut Apple's official student promotion, which includes free AirPods but retains higher base prices;
➂ Featuring the powerful M4 chip, upgraded camera, and multiple configurations, the MacBook Air remains a top choice for students and professionals alike.
- Crazed modder discovers RTX 5050 is actually faster than a 1080 Ti — ends up overclocking Nvidia's plucky budget card to 3300MHz, swipes top six scores in 3DMark Time Spy with 28% clock speed increase
➀ Modder TrashBench initially aimed to overclock a GTX 1080 Ti to outperform Nvidia’s RTX 5050 but discovered the budget card outperformed the old flagship both at stock and when overclocked;
➁ The RTX 5050 achieved a 28% clock speed boost to 3.3 GHz, delivering a 17.55% average FPS gain in games and securing six top 3DMark Time Spy scores;
➂ Despite extensive tuning, the GTX 1080 Ti hit a performance ceiling at 2.2 GHz, highlighting generational advancements in Nvidia’s GPU architecture.
- Get AMD's 7800X3D gaming CPU, plus a white Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite motherboard for $449 at Newegg
➀ Newegg offers a combo deal with AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite X Ice motherboard for $449, saving over $150;
➁ The 7800X3D features 8 cores, 16 threads, 5.0 GHz boost, and supports PCIe 5.0/DDR5-5200;
➂ Though no longer cutting-edge, this bundle remains a cost-effective option for gamers and Windows 11 upgraders.
July 27
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers' latest patch accused of faking internal render resolution to boost FPS — game runs at 'Quality' upscaling even when the render scale is set to 100% native
➀ The latest patch for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers allegedly forces hidden upscaling even at 100% resolution, falsely boosting FPS while compromising image quality;
➁ Testing by hardware analyst Daniel Owen revealed a 28–37 FPS jump at "native" settings, suggesting the game now caps internal resolution at 80–85% despite claims;
➂ Players report reduced visual fidelity without disclosure, sparking backlash against developer 505 Games for deceptive optimization tactics.
- Eco-friendly 3D-printed house uses soil, not cement — building still scores top earthquake resistance rating
➀ Lib Work's 3D-printed houses use a mix of soil (65%), slaked lime, and natural fibers, achieving earthquake resistance grade 3—Japan's highest safety rating;
➁ The eco-friendly design reduces CO2 emissions by over 50% compared to traditional concrete homes, emitting only 22,434kg per house;
➂ The technology enables free-form architectural designs and even hints at future extraterrestrial applications with its 'Mars Building Project' using Martian soil.
- Kioxia and SanDisk start shipping BiCS9 3D NAND samples — hybrid design combining 112-layer BiCS5 with modern CBA and DDR6.0 interface for higher performance and cost efficiency
➀ Kioxia and SanDisk launch BiCS9 3D NAND with hybrid design combining mature 112-layer BiCS5/CBD+ technology and advanced DDR6.0 interface;
➁ Achieves 61% higher write speeds, 12% read boost, and 36% power efficiency improvement compared to previous generations;
➂ Strategic transitional product before 332-layer BiCS10, focusing on AI enterprise storage and cost-effectiveness.
- Intel spins off Network and Edge group as standalone business after posting $2.9b loss — seeking investors for NEX division amid massive internal restructuring
➀ Intel spins off its Network and Edge Group (NEX) to streamline operations and focus on x86 CPUs and AI-driven strategies;
➁ Quarterly losses of $2.9 billion and workforce reductions highlight financial challenges amid internal restructuring;
➂ Critical 14A node development faces cancellation without major external customers, signaling strategic reliance on partnerships.
- Anker's EufyMake retreats from 3D printer market — blames critical component supply chain issues
1️⃣ Anker halts sales of EufyMake M5 and M5C 3D printers due to critical component shortages;
2️⃣ Key parts like extruders and hotends are unavailable on public platforms, requiring direct customer service contact;
3️⃣ UV printers remain available, but FDM models face indefinite discontinuation with uncertain future support.