Author page description
May 19
- Watch Nvidia's Computex 2025 keynote right here
➀ NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang delivered a keynote at Computex 2025 Taipei, focusing on AI and data center computing advancements;
➁ The event hinted at potential announcements for desktop users, alongside Nvidia's latest innovations in hardware;
➂ Competing initiatives like MSI's Nvidia DGX-powered AI supercomputer and the Beyond CUDA Summit's challenge to Nvidia's dominance were also highlighted.
May 18
- Nvidia's H20 follow-up in China won't be based on Hopper, says Jensen — Reportedly switching from HBM to GDDR7
➀ NVIDIA's next-gen AI accelerator for China will abandon the Hopper architecture due to U.S. export bans, shifting from HBM to GDDR7 memory;
➁ The move follows a $5.5 billion loss after the H20 chip was prohibited, with Huawei's Ascend 920 poised to fill the market gap;
➂ Technical challenges remain as Hopper's design conflicts with GDDR7, potentially forcing NVIDIA to adapt consumer-grade Blackwell architecture for compliance.
- Defendnot tool pitched as 'an even funnier way’ to disable Windows Defender
➀ A developer created Defendnot, a tool exploiting an undocumented Windows Security Center API to disable Windows Defender by simulating third-party antivirus registration;
➁ The tool injects code into Windows Task Manager, leaving systems vulnerable as it mimics antivirus software without actual protection;
➂ Microsoft flagged Defendnot as a Trojan, warning of its potential misuse, while debates arise over user autonomy versus system security risks.
- Xiaomi's in-house XRing 01 SoC leaked — melds 10-core Arm Cortex CPU plus 16-core Mali G925 GPU
➀ Xiaomi's XRing 01 SoC features a 10-core Arm CPU and 16-core Mali G925 GPU, built on TSMC's 3nm process;
➁ Early benchmarks show performance close to MediaTek's Dimensity 9400, with a 33% GPU core advantage;
➂ Chinese smartphone makers accelerate in-house chip development amid U.S. restrictions and cost-control efforts.
- First Intel Core 2 and Nvidia RTX 50 gaming experiments disappoint
➀ Enthusiast tests reveal Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 paired with NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti struggles to run ray-traced games due to missing CPU instruction sets;
➁ Non-RT games show potential for decent performance, but compatibility limitations highlight hardware generation gaps;
➂ Community discussions explore balancing CPU/GPU upgrades for budget builds, emphasizing modern processor needs for advanced features.
May 17
- How To Hibernate your Linux computer: Unlike sleep, it uses no battery
➀ Hibernation saves system state to disk instead of RAM, eliminating battery drain during standby;
➁ Step-by-step guide to enable hibernation on Ubuntu via swap file creation, GRUB configuration, and power menu customization;
➂ Additional methods to trigger hibernation through lid closure and hybrid suspend-hibernate modes for optimized workflow.
- Microsoft's 'We're faster than a Mac' ad claims top Copilot+ PCs are up to 58% faster than Apple's last-gen M3 MacBook Air
➀ Microsoft's new ad claims Arm-based Copilot+ PCs are up to 58% faster than Apple's M3 MacBook Air in multi-core benchmarks；
➁ The comparison uses 2024 data and targets last-gen Mac hardware, ignoring Apple's newer M4-powered MacBook Air；
➂ Copilot+ PCs focus on AI capabilities and battery life but face challenges in Windows-on-Arm software compatibility.
- Alleged AMD RX 7500 prototype surfaces with 1,536 shaders and 6GB VRAM
➁ Alleged AMD RX 7500 prototype with 6GB VRAM and 1,536 shaders surfaces, showing 64 ROPs but lower specs than RX 7600.
➁ TechPowerUp lists an unverified RX 7500 XT variant with fewer shaders and ROPs, suggesting possible product line confusion.
➂ Cancelled due to market irrelevance against NVIDIA's absent RTX 4050, with 6GB VRAM deemed insufficient for modern gaming.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU is currently priced at a record low of $269
➀ Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU hits a record low price of $269, down from its $404 MSRP;
➁ The processor features 20 cores (8 performance + 12 efficiency), 5.5 GHz max turbo, 33 TOPS NPU, and supports PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DDR5-6400 memory;
➂ Potential caveat: LGA1851 socket compatibility may require future motherboard upgrades.
- Endorfy Fortis 5 Black ARGB Review: All you need for AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D
➀ The Endorfy Fortis 5 air cooler delivers quiet operation and sufficient cooling for AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D at stock settings, though it struggles with Intel i7/i9 CPUs.
➁ Featuring six direct-touch copper heatpipes, a thick single-tower heatsink, and a 140mm ARGB fan with 100,000+ hour durability, it prioritizes real-world usability over extreme overclocking.
➂ Tested in closed-case environments for authenticity, it offers easy installation and full RAM clearance, making it ideal for mainstream users seeking reliable thermal performance.
May 16
- Silicon Power launches its first CUDIMM high-performance DDR5 with speeds of up to 9200MT/s
➀ Silicon Power introduces XPOWER Cyclone DDR5 RGB CUDIMM/UDIMM with XMP 3.0, PMIC, and On-Die ECC;
➁ CUDIMM version achieves up to 9200MT/s speeds with CKD module for enhanced signal integrity, but AMD AM5 platform support remains limited;
➂ Features RGB lighting, 2mm aluminum heatsink, and targets Intel Core Ultra/Z890 platforms.
- Go big or go home, with this 32-inch, 240Hz, 4K gaming monitor from LG — now at its lowest-ever price of $897
➀ LG's 32-inch Ultragear 32GS95UE OLED gaming monitor hits a record-low price of $897 (originally $1,399), featuring dual 4K 240Hz/FHD 480Hz modes and a 0.03ms response time;
➁ Equipped with OLED technology for infinite contrast ratios and Nvidia/AMD adaptive sync compatibility, plus innovative Pixel Sound audio via the display panel;
➂ Targets gamers seeking high-resolution visuals for titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or ultra-smooth gameplay in competitive shooters.
- Trump administration could add CXMT and other Chinese chipmakers to ever-expanding export blacklist
➀ The U.S. plans to add Chinese chipmakers like CXMT and SMIC subsidiaries to its export blacklist, citing national security concerns;
➁ A temporary U.S.-China trade deal may delay the move, but tensions persist over technology and military ties;
➂ CXMT, China's first DDR5 memory producer, faces escalating restrictions amid global semiconductor rivalry.
- Pliops expands AI's context windows with 3D NAND-based accelerator – can accelerate certain inference workflows by up to eight times
➀ Pliops introduces XDP LightningAI accelerator and FusIOnX software to address GPU HBM bottlenecks by storing precomputed context on SSDs;
➁ The PCIe 5.0 card enables near-HBM speeds, reduces redundant GPU calculations, and boosts inference throughput by up to 8x;
➂ Supports multi-GPU setups and persistent context sharing, lowering AI infrastructure costs while maintaining stable latency.
- Silicon Motion's new SM2324 enables USB4 SSD control with up to 32TB supported
➀ Silicon Motion launches SM2324, a single-chip USB4 SSD controller supporting up to 32TB storage and 4,000 MB/s read speeds;
➁ The controller integrates advanced security features like AES encryption and Apple MFi certification for professional media workflows;
➂ Built on TSMC 12nm process, it targets compact, high-performance external storage for consumer and enterprise markets.
May 15
- Lenovo unveils compact AI workstation equipped with Nvidia GB10 and 128 GB of system memory
➀ Lenovo launches ThinkStation PGX AI workstation with Nvidia GB10 chip and 128GB memory, delivering 1 PetaFLOP performance for AI models up to 200B parameters;
➁ Dual-unit configuration boosts capacity to 405B parameters, competing with Nvidia's Project Digits and Asus/MSI alternatives;
➂ Despite claims of 1 PFLOP at FP4 precision, real-world FP8 performance lags behind Tiny Corp's RTX 5090-based solution at 6x higher cost.
- Qualcomm confirms it is re-entering the data center CPU market, starting with Saudi Arabia's AI cloud project
➀ Qualcomm partners with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN AI to develop AI data centers using its CPU and edge computing solutions;
➁ The move marks Qualcomm's return to the data center CPU market after its failed Centriq project in 2019, leveraging Nuvia's Arm-based technology;
➂ The collaboration includes building a semiconductor design center in Saudi Arabia and follows Nvidia's recent AI GPU deployment in the region.
- Alphacool launches first Core GPU Cooler blocks for the AMD RX 9070 family
➀ Alphacool expands its Core GPU Cooler series with 21 new water blocks for AMD's RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, covering models from ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte, and others;
➀ The cooling blocks feature chrome-plated copper plates, brass connectors, and include backplates and pre-applied thermal paste for optimized heat dissipation;
➂ Priced at around €200, these blocks highlight the RX 9070 series' popularity, with non-XT models gaining traction for their efficiency and value.
- U.S. issues worldwide crackdown on using Huawei Ascend chips, says it violates export controls
➀ The U.S. Commerce Department prohibits global use of Huawei's Ascend AI chips, citing violations of export controls due to alleged use of U.S. technology;
➁ Nvidia views Huawei as a formidable competitor but highlights challenges in replacing its dominance, as Huawei faces sanctions limiting access to advanced chipmaking tools;
➂ The crackdown underscores U.S. efforts to maintain AI leadership, even as Chinese firms like Biren and Moore Threads emerge as potential long-term challengers.
- Pre-order the official Nintendo 256GB microSD Express memory card for the Nintendo Switch 2 for £49
➀ The officially licensed 256GB microSD Express card for Nintendo Switch 2 is available for pre-order on Amazon UK at £49 with a price guarantee;
➁ The card launches on June 5, 2025, alongside the Switch 2, supporting up to 2TB capacity for extensive game storage;
➂ 256GB offers the best value per GB, as higher capacities may be prohibitively expensive for most users.
May 14
- MSI MAG Pano 100R PZ Case Review: spacious, with extra PCIe slots and back-connect support
➀ MSI MAG Pano 100R PZ supports back-connect motherboards and vertical GPU installation with eight PCIe slots, offering flexible build configurations;
➁ The case delivers strong thermal performance with four pre-installed ARGB fans and supports up to ten fans/360mm radiators, though noise-normalized CPU cooling has room for improvement;
➂ Despite lacking an included GPU riser cable, it features thoughtful cable management, magnetic dust filters, and dual storage panels for SSDs/HDDs at a $159 MSRP.
- RTX 5090 laptop review claims GPU is a performance dud, but outshines the 4090 in power efficiency
➀ The RTX 5090 laptop GPU shows only marginal performance gains over the RTX 4090, with an average improvement of 1.23% at 4K and 0.02% at 1440p;
➁ Notable power efficiency improvements allow the RTX 5090 to run cooler and extend battery life during gaming sessions;
➂ With minimal performance uplift and high pricing, upgrading to the RTX 5090 is generally not recommended except for specific use cases like on-battery gaming or requiring 24GB VRAM.
- Space Forge to pioneer semiconductor manufacturing in space with first satellite launch in 2025
➀ UK startup Space Forge secures $30M Series A funding to develop manufacturing satellites for semiconductors and quantum computing materials in space;
➁ Their reusable ForgeStar-1 satellite launching in 2025 will utilize microgravity to create advanced materials, potentially cutting data center emissions by 75%;
➂ The U.S. subsidiary aligns with CHIPS Act to rebuild semiconductor supply chains amid geopolitical risks of Taiwan's chip dominance.
- Zotac is readying AMD Strix Halo powered mini-PCs for Computex
➀ Zotac announces new mini-PCs powered by AMD's Strix Halo APUs and Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti/5070 GPUs, set to debut at Computex;
➁ Models include the Magnus-E lineup with Intel Core Ultra 7 and desktop GPUs, plus an AMD-focused Magnus EA variant with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and up to 128GB unified memory;
➂ AMD's Strix Halo APUs offer 16-core Zen 5 CPUs and 40 RDNA 3.5 CUs, rivaling RTX 4060/4070 laptop GPUs.
- World's first CPU-level ransomware can "bypass every freaking traditional technology we have out there" — new firmware-based attacks could usher in new era of unavoidable ransomware
➀ A cybersecurity expert developed proof-of-concept CPU ransomware exploiting AMD Zen vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to manipulate microcode and bypass traditional defenses;
➀ The ransomware could encrypt data at the firmware level, surviving OS reinstallation and evading antivirus detection;
➂ The researcher warns of an imminent wave of advanced attacks and calls for systemic improvements in hardware security to address weak passwords and unpatched vulnerabilities.
May 13
- A 48GB dual-GPU Intel Arc B580 is reportedly in the works — Computex reveal rumored
➀ Intel's dual-GPU Arc B580 with 48GB VRAM is rumored to debut at Computex 2025 as a cost-effective AI/ML solution;
➁ The card combines two 24GB B580 GPUs via PCIe bridge, lacking shared memory pooling but offering 48GB VRAM at ~$800;
➂ Targets developers needing affordable high VRAM, though performance trails NVIDIA's Blackwell GPUs and requires manual optimization.
- Samsung's superfast 2TB 9100 Pro M.2 SSD is up for grabs at its lowest UK price
➀ Samsung's 2TB 9100 Pro Gen 5.0 SSD hits £219 at UK retailer SCAN, its lowest price to date;
➀ The SSD offers sequential speeds of 14,700/13,400 MB/s (read/write) and 1,200 TBW endurance, ideal for high-performance workloads;
③ Despite strong competition from brands like Crucial, Samsung's power efficiency and TLC flash make it a top pick for laptops and compact systems.
- AMD says AM5 platforms can support CUDIMMs, but won't commit to a release date
➀ AMD confirms AM5 platform has hardware foundation for CUDIMMs support but current Ryzen 7000 CPUs are incompatible;
➁ Ryzen 8000/9000 CPUs enable limited 'bypass mode' without performance benefits, requiring manual DDR5-3200 base configuration;
➂ MSI claims upcoming X870 motherboards will support CUDIMMs with Zen 5 processors, though AMD hasn't officially guaranteed compatibility.
- AMD RX 9060 XT leaked specs allege speedy 3.3 GHz GPU clock
➀ AMD's unreleased Radeon RX 9060 XT shows leaked specs with a 3.32 GHz boost clock and 16GB GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus;
➁ Despite half the memory bandwidth (320 GB/s) compared to higher-tier models, it adopts PCIe 5.0 and sub-200W TGP;
➂ Tipped for a May 20 launch, the GPU aims to compete with Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti at Computex 2025.
May 12
- Maxsun registers several Intel Arc B580 24GB models with the EEC
➀ Maxsun registered Intel Arc B580 24GB GPU models with the EEC, fueling Battlemage rumors;
➁ The 24GB variant could target both consumer and workstation markets, competing with Nvidia’s RTX 40/50 series;
➂ Intel’s BMG-G21 die offers 20 Xe cores, but faces challenges against Blackwell GPUs in raw performance.