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May 1
- TSMC SVP Kevin Zhang opens up on process technology development & evolving demands: Interview
➀ TSMC adapts to diverse client needs by offering segment-specific leading-edge nodes (e.g., N3P, A16) and advanced packaging solutions for AI/HPC and consumer devices;
➁ The foundry's roadmap focuses on three directions: transistor scaling, backside power delivery optimization, and multi-die integration, with A16 (2026) and A14 (2028) targeting data centers;
➂ Despite slowing transistor density gains (7-10% per node), TSMC maintains 30% power efficiency improvements per generation, leveraging innovations like Super Power Rail and 3D packaging.
- How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC
➀ Guide to creating a bootable Linux USB using Rufus for UEFI systems;
➁ Step-by-step installation of Ubuntu 22.04.1 alongside Windows 11 with partition management;
➂ BIOS configuration to enable GRUB bootloader for dual OS selection.
April 30
- Intel details 14A performance and new 'Turbo Cells' that unlock maximum CPU and GPU frequency
➀ Intel announced its 14A process node at Intel Foundry Direct 2025, claiming 35% power reduction and 1.3X transistor density improvement over 18A;
➁ The new Turbo Cells technology optimizes critical speed paths in CPUs/GPUs through customizable double-height libraries, balancing power/performance/area (PPA);
➂ 14A node introduces three standard cell libraries (tall/mid/short) and RibbonFET 2 transistors, with risk production scheduled for 2027.
- Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation' would still be crashing hard drives without this audio processing filter
➀ In 2005, Janet Jackson's song 'Rhythm Nation' was found to crash laptops by resonating with hard drive frequencies, leading Microsoft to implement a Windows XP audio filter.
➁ Despite Windows updates allowing users to disable audio filters, Microsoft made an exception for this specific filter to prevent hardware crashes, even in Windows 11.
➂ The issue is now largely obsolete due to SSD adoption, but the legacy filter remains a quirky example of software-hardware interaction.
April 29
- Windows 7 users with a solid background color faced delayed login process — it took four months for Microsoft to fix
➀ Windows 7 users with solid-color backgrounds experienced a 30-second login delay due to a system waiting for nonexistent wallpaper data;
➁ Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen revealed the code-level bug caused the system to timeout while awaiting bitmap loading confirmation;
➂ The issue persisted for four months post-Windows 7 launch until Microsoft patched it in November 2009.
- MSI's 'secure' yellow-tipped RTX 5090 12V-2x6 cable is still vulnerable to melting, user report suggests
➀ MSI's yellow-tipped 12V-2x6 power cables for RTX 5090 GPUs, designed to prevent melting, still experienced thermal damage during a user's gaming session at 400W load.
➁ NVIDIA's connector design lacks per-pin current balancing, forcing uneven load distribution and risking individual pin overheating up to 150°C.
➂ Solutions like Asus' shunt resistors and Zotac's safety lights highlight alternative approaches, but users demand NVIDIA to address inherent power delivery flaws.
- Cooler Master revives Hyper 612 cooler with 30% smaller Apex design, dual fans, and stealthy design
➀ Cooler Master relaunches the Hyper 612 Apex CPU air cooler with a 30% smaller design and dual Mobius 120P fans (up to 2,400 RPM) for enhanced cooling;
➁ Features a stealthy, no-RGB design with a removable top cover for customization, and offset heat pipes for RAM compatibility;
➂ Priced at $64.99 (on sale), it supports Intel LGA 1156 to LGA 1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, targeting minimalist PC builds.
- 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.