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April 29
- Amazon's Starlink rival sees the first 27 satellites successfully reach low-earth orbit — Project Kuiper satellites 'operating as expected'
➀ Amazon's Project Kuiper confirms successful deployment of its first 27 low-Earth orbit satellites, marking a milestone in its satellite internet initiative;
➀ The company aims to launch 3,236 satellites globally, but full deployment will take years, while Starlink already operates over 7,000 satellites and plans further expansion;
➂ Emerging competitors like China's SpaceSail and Amazon's entry could drive innovation and lower costs, benefiting end-users through increased competition.
- Grab the best CPU for gaming at its lowest price — only £445 for the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, plus free delivery
➀ AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D hits record-low price at £445 with free UK delivery;
➁ Features 3D V-Cache tech for 8% gaming performance gain over predecessor;
➂ Enhanced thermal design enables higher clock speeds with moderate cooling requirements
April 28
- Doom slithers and dithers its way with a 16-color Atari ST port
➀ Developer Jonas Eschenburg successfully ported the iconic FPS 'Doom' to the 40-year-old Atari ST, utilizing 16 colors and heavy dithering for visual output.
➁ The port retains gameplay features like palette effects (e.g., red screen flashes when taking damage) and requires original Doom files or a shareware demo to run.
➂ Compilation is limited to Linux systems due to copyright restrictions on the DOS sound library, highlighting technical and legal challenges in retro porting.
- Over 250 billion Arm chips have shipped since the first ARM1 processor launched 40 years ago
➀ Over 250 billion Arm chips have been shipped since 1985, powering devices from handhelds to datacenters;
➁ ARM1's 3μm/6,000-gate RISC design pioneered energy efficiency through resource constraints, evolving to 3nm/100M+ gates today;
➂ While maintaining dominance in mobile and expanding to AI/datacenters, Arm faces challenges from RISC-V and China's semiconductor ambitions.
- RX 9070 GRE pre-orders go live in China — May 8 retail, $575 MSRP, and 6% faster than the RX 7900 GRE
➀ AMD launches RX 9070 GRE in China with pre-orders live and deliveries starting May 8, priced at $575 MSRP;
➁ The GPU features 48 Compute Units, 12GB GDDR6 VRAM, and a 192-bit interface, with 6% better performance than RX 7900 GRE claimed by AMD;
➂ Initial regional exclusivity to China sparks speculation about potential global availability and price adjustments.
- Dough Spectrum Black 32 Ultra HD OLED Gaming Monitor Review: Tremendous Performance And Tweakability
➀ The Dough Spectrum Black 32 OLED gaming monitor boasts record-low input lag (480Hz FHD mode), Gorilla Glass-enhanced clarity, and superb 4K 240Hz performance;
➀ Factory-calibrated color accuracy, 95% DCI-P3 coverage, and MLA+ technology deliver 700+ nits brightness in HDR;
➁ Mixed user feedback highlights concerns about Dough's controversial reputation regarding delayed shipments and refund practices.
April 27
- Commodore OS Vision 3.0 Linux-based OS arrives to spruce up retro builds
➀ Commodore OS Vision 3.0, a fan-made Linux-based OS for retro Commodore devices, launches with enhanced customization and retro gaming features;
➁ New tools include a 'Commodore OS Central' resource hub, Settings Manager for UI/audio customization, and a BASIC editor for app development;
➂ Pre-installed games and demo titles aim to recreate classic computing experiences on modern retro-inspired hardware.
- GPU's built-in gyro & accelerometer tell you if the card isn't level — ROG Astral GPU battles card sag with software-monitored feature
➀ Asus ROG Astral GPU integrates Bosch Sensortec BMI323 IMU chip to detect positional changes and prevent GPU sag via software alerts;
➁ Despite reinforced PCIe slots and support brackets from manufacturers, heavy GPUs (up to 3kg) still risk mechanical strain over time;
➂ The $3,000+ GPU also features power/thermal monitoring tools, justifying its premium cost for high-end PC builders
- Intel's Core Ultra 5 processor 245K drops to $269 at Amazon
➀ Intel's Core Ultra 5 245K processor hits an all-time low price of $269 (originally $319) with 14 cores (6 P-cores up to 5.2 GHz and 8 E-cores up to 4.6 GHz).
➁ Supports DDR5-6400 RAM (up to 256GB), PCIe 5.0/4.0 devices, and integrates Intel graphics for basic display output without a dedicated GPU.
➂ Despite being a mid-range CPU, it offers strong performance for modern computing tasks and compatibility with emerging technologies.
- Legendary Voodoo4 GPU modded into laptop, benchmarks work with Windows XP
➀ A modified Voodoo4 GPU was integrated into a Dell Precision M4800 laptop via a custom MXM card, reviving the iconic 1990s graphics chip.
➀ Windows 98 faced compatibility issues, but Windows XP partially supported 3DMark 2001 and Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed.
➂ The project, planned for open-source release, blends retro tech nostalgia with modern engineering challenges.
- Game controller exports to Russia banned by UK gov — hopes to reduce options for enemy drone pilots
➀ The UK government bans game controller exports to Russia to restrict equipment used by drone operators in the Ukraine war;
➁ Part of a broader sanctions package targeting electronics, chemicals, and machinery to degrade Russia's military capabilities;
➂ While symbolic, the move aims to disrupt re-export channels and limit Russia's access to commercial tech repurposed for warfare.
- USB 2.0 is 25 years old today — the interface standard that changed the world
➀ USB 2.0, introduced in 2000, revolutionized data transfer with 480 Mbps speeds, replacing legacy ports like parallel and serial interfaces;
➁ Despite delayed adoption by PC makers and OS support, it became mainstream by 2004 due to cost-effectiveness and compact design;
➂ Even with modern USB4 offering 80 Gbps, USB 2.0 remains widely used for low-speed peripherals like keyboards and budget devices like the iPhone 16e.
- Wobkey Crush 80 Reboot Pro Review: Sounds even better than the Rainy75 Pro
➀ The Crush 80 Reboot Pro features an all-aluminum toolless case with magnetic assembly and 10 color options, delivering exceptional typing acoustics through Kailh Cocoa switches and FR4 plate;
➁ With 7,500mAh battery and triple connectivity (2.4G/Bluetooth/wired), it offers moderate 500Hz polling rate but falls short of gaming-grade 1000Hz performance;
➂ Priced at $169, it's positioned as an entry-level custom keyboard with VIA software support, though lacking media controls and switch customization options.
- Core i9 14900KS heatspreader transformed into CPU water block - clever machining yields a functioning water block
➀ A Chinese YouTuber transformed an Intel Core i9-14900KS CPU's heatspreader (IHS) into a functional water block using CNC machining, bypassing traditional cooling methods;
➁ Testing involved a bucket-based coolant reservoir and revealed lower idle/60W load temps but rapid overheating at reduced pump speeds due to design limitations;
➂ The mod reduces die-to-coolant distance by 4x but sacrifices surface area optimization, highlighting trade-offs between innovation and practicality.
April 26
- Montech XR Wood Case Review: Low cost, wood accents
➀ The Montech XR Wood case combines wood accents with a budget-friendly $79 price tag, undercutting many AIO coolers;
➀ Equipped with four pre-installed ARGB fans and support for up to 12 fans/360mm radiators, it delivers strong thermal performance;
➂ While the wood elements are limited to front strips, the case offers practical features like magnetic dust filters and dual storage configurations.
- AMD's Ryzen 5 7533HS APU makes its debut with Lenovo's budget lineup
➀ AMD's Ryzen 5 7533HS APU, a rebadged version of the 7535HS with reduced boost clocks, debuts in Lenovo's budget laptops;
➁ The chip features six Zen 3+ cores, Radeon 660M iGPU, and a 35W-54W TDP, targeting cost-effective devices;
➂ Lenovo's ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 and IdeaPad Slim 3/5 are among the first to adopt this APU, hinting at potential exclusivity.
April 25
- Startup aims to 3D print chips and cut production costs by 90% — nanoprinter operates at wafer scale
➀ Atum Works claims its nanoscale 3D printing method can replace current production flows and reduce chip fabrication costs by 90%;
➁ The method uses a nanoscale 3D printer to fabricate multi-material 3D structures with a 100 nm resolution at wafer scale;
➂ While not suitable for high-performance processors, the technology may be beneficial for packaging, photonics, sensors, and non-logic elements.
- Cooler Master V 850 SFX Gold ATX 3.0 power supply review
➀ The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold offers a compact, efficient power solution for small systems, though it has high fan noise and thermal limitations under heavy loads.
➁ With 80 Plus Gold efficiency and ATX 3.0 compliance, it's a solid choice for high-performance builds.
➂ Despite some marketing inaccuracies and thermal issues, it remains a viable option for users seeking reliability and performance in a small form factor.
April 23
- Chinese data centers refurbing and selling Nvidia RTX 4090D GPUs due to overcapacity — 48GB models sell for up to $5,500
➀ Some AI data centers in China are reportedly holding large stocks of China-specific 48GB Nvidia RTX 4090D GPUs and reselling them as new cards.
➁ Companies are dismantling and refurbishing the GPUs to generate profits.
➂ The report states that an AI data center requires a utilization rate of more than 70% to 75% to turn a profit, but the activation rates remain below 20%.
- You can save $300 on this prebuilt ABS gaming system with the best gaming CPU and GPU combo — AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
➀ This article highlights a prebuilt ABS gaming system with significant savings;
➁ The system features AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU;
➂ It offers 32GB of DDR5 6000MHz memory and a 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD.
- M.2 HDMI capture card provides dual 2K video input — works in any PCIe 2.0 or later slot
➀ Magewell introduces the Eco Capture Dual HDMI M.2 card, a compact video capture device with dual 2K video inputs.
➁ The card is designed for embedded systems and small form factor PCs, offering dual-channel 2K HDMI capture via PCIe 2.0 x4 lanes.
➂ It supports resolutions up to 2048x2160 and frame rates up to 144 FPS, and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and ARM-based systems.
April 22
- AOC CQ27G4ZH Gaming Monitor Review: 300 Hz For Less Than You’d Expect
➀ The AOC CQ27G4ZH offers premium video processing and a colorful contrasty image at an affordable price.
➁ It features a 300 Hz VA panel with Adaptive-Sync, HDR10, and wide gamut color.
➂ The monitor delivers excellent contrast, color accuracy, and low input lag, making it a great value for gamers.
- Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 8GB struggles due to lack of VRAM — and not just at 4K ultra
➀ The Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 8GB struggles in many games due to insufficient VRAM;
➁ Performance drops significantly, frame time stutters, and texture pop-in issues are common;
➂ The 8GB model falls behind the 16GB version, and the limitations are evident even at 4K ultra settings.
- Toshiba launches 24TB hard drives priced up to $649 for NAS systems
➀ Toshiba has announced the highest-capacity N300 and N300 Pro hard drives designed for private cloud and NAS systems.
➁ The 24TB drives offer an additional 2TB of capacity, allowing users to expand their storage without adding new systems.
➂ The N300 series supports up to 12 drive bays with a workload rating of 180 TB/year, while the N300 Pro can work with up to 24 drive bays and a workload of 550 TB/year.
April 21
- Rumors swirl about a 24GB Intel Arc B580 — but OEM swiftly strikes down claims
➀ Rumors suggest the existence of a 24GB variant of the Intel Arc B580 GPU;
➁ Sparkle's initial confirmation was followed by a retraction;
➂ The GPU is said to be part of Intel's Arc Pro family, targeting AI applications.
- Nvidia RTX 5070 vs RTX 5060 Ti 16GB — less VRAM but much better performance
➀ The RTX 5070 offers better performance than the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at current prices.
➁ The RTX 5070 is more readily available, but prices are not at MSRP.
➂ Performance differences are significant, with the RTX 5070 providing up to 35% faster gaming performance and up to 50% faster content creation performance.
April 20
- Pick up this MSI Creator A16 AI+ RTX 4060 laptop for just $1,499 at Amazon
➀ This MSI Creator A16 AI+ RTX 4060 laptop is currently available for $1,499 at Amazon, down from $1,899;
➁ The laptop features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, with 32GB of LPDDR5x-7500 RAM and a 1TB SSD;
➂ It has a 16-inch QHD+ IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate and RGB backlit keyboard.
- Steelcase Karman High Back Review: Adaptable frame, now with a headrest
➀ The Steelcase Karman High Back is a refined, lightweight task chair with a flexible, weight-activated frame for perfect, customized full-body support.
➁ It's the high-backed version of the Steelcase Karman, offering built-in headrest and neck cushion for extra back, shoulder, and neck support.
➂ The chair is designed to adjust to your body, with a floor-to-seat height range of 15.81 to 20.44 inches and a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.
- World's first drone system for fighting lightning protects cities and infrastructure
NTT has developed the world's first lightning triggering and guidance system using drones, aiming to protect cities and infrastructure from lightning damage. The system has successfully undergone trials and is expected to be installed in key locations to prevent damage. NTT's drones are equipped with lightning-resistant cages and have demonstrated the ability to intercept lightning safely.
- Radeon PRO W9000 GPUs said to use the Navi 48 XTW die, 32GB VRAM — Computex reveal suggested
➀ AMD is reportedly preparing to launch its RDNA 4 workstation GPU offerings, possibly under the Radeon Pro W9000 family.
➁ The top-end SKUs may use the Navi 48 XTW die with 32GB of VRAM, likely GDDR6.
➂ Radeon PRO GPUs are designed for workstation setups, targeting applications like AI, HPC, and VR/AR.