PC gamers have started to preload the 140GB Starfield download, leading several inquisitive players to check into the files, particularly to validate a technical support component of Starfield. This component centres on Bethesda and AMD, with AMD being the ‘exclusive' PC partner for the game's launch. AMD has announced that FSR2 will be supported at launch, but no word has been provided as to whether competing upscaling solutions – such as DLSS and XeSS – would be included.

So after combing through Starfield preload files on PC, I don't see any sign of it supporting DLSS/XeSS. If true I think this would generate a lot of backlash for Bethesda & AMD (due to their refusal to confirm whether they block rival GPU vendor techs in their sponsored games). pic.twitter.com/U67On3x6Kt

— Sebastian Castellanos (@Sebasti66855537) August 18, 2023

According to Sebastian Castellanos (via PCGamesN), there are no signposts for FSR2 or any other FSR iteration in the game files, which is most likely because FSR is open-source, allowing developers to integrate it into the executable files. In contrast to AMD's approach, Intel's XeSS and Nvidia's DLSS are proprietary technologies that need a precompiled .dll file to work.

As such, the absence of these files suggests neither of the two will be supported. This omission, however, isn't conclusive confirmation of the game's lack of these technologies, since significant day-one updates sometimes bring features that weren't there at launch. Given the underlying support for temporal upscaling through motion vectors, implementing DLSS and XeSS into Starfield should be a straightforward task if Bethesda wants to add support after the fact, while modders like PureDark are already aiming to have a DLSS mod available on day 1.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: There's still hope that Starfield will support DLSS and XeSS at launch. However, even if it doesn't, modders should be able to easily implement it by piggybacking on the FSR implementation that will most likely be present.

Since the launch of Arc Graphics, Intel has released 30 graphics drivers for its Arc GPU lineup. These include Game On Drivers for 57 games, with more to come in the future. The company also claims to have increased the performance of DX9-based games by 43% on average when playing on an Arc A750 LE. DirectX 11 games have also seen considerable improvements, with an average increase of 19% in performance compared to the launch driver based on Intel's own benchmarks.

In this update, Intel also talked about a relatively unknown metric named “GPU Busy” (measured in ms). This metric can be used to indicate if your system is either CPU- or GPU-limited. To better understand this concept, Intel shared some charts comparing the frametime and GPU Busy of a system (Core i5-13400F paired with an Arc A750 LE) running Overwatch 2 at 1080p Ultra. For example, a CPU-limited scenario is when frametime is considerably higher than GPU Busy, while a balanced scenario is when frametime matches GPU Busy. With the latest drivers, Intel also improved frametimes considerably, reducing CPU bottlenecks.

These and other metrics comparisons can be found in Intel PresentMon Beta, the company's new monitoring and capture tool. This new software includes a configurable performance overlay, a telemetry tool with real-time metrics, and a capture tool. Presentmon will be open-source and have multi-vendor support, broad API support, command-line options for power users, and more.

Given that Intel PresentMon Beta is supported by all the main GPU vendors, you can install it on your system regardless of your graphics solution. If you're interested in trying this new tool, you can download it HERE.

KitGuru says: The Intel Arc Graphics ecosystem keeps getting better with time – it will be fascinating to see how the landscape lies when Battlemage is released.

The Lenovo Legion Go has been the subject of several rumours in the last month. The alleged final design has now been shared by WindowsReport, showcasing some of the key features of this handheld system. The renders depict a portable device with a 16:9 aspect ratio screen and an intriguing surprise—a detachable controller, similar to the Joy-Cons seen on the Nintendo Switch but with a couple of extra buttons.

Image credit: WindowsReport

The Legion Go stands out from rivals, including the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, thanks to its slightly bigger display, measuring in at 8 inches diagonal. It also features trackpads similar to those seen on the Steam Deck and a small kickstand behind the screen to hold the console. There's a pair of USB-C ports at the top and bottom, a power button, a headphone jack, and a Micro-SD slot, according to the original report.

As for the internal hardware, it's claimed that the upcoming portable console will feature an AMD Phoenix APU, most likely something akin to what's in the ROG Ally. However, it is unclear if the system would use the Ryzen Z1 (6-core CPU, 4-CU GPU), the Z1 Extreme (8-core CPU, 12-CU GPU), or one of the Ryzen 7040U series chips.

KitGuru says: Based on what you've seen about the Lenovo Legion Go, do you think it will offer anything truly groundbreaking compared to the other handheld consoles on the market?

The GamingPro GeForce RTX 4070 Ti White OC stands out from prior GamingPro SKUs, which have generally featured black, dark grey, and silver aesthetics. Instead, this card has an all-white design, with the exception of the black PCB. Palit previously released a similar white card, but based on an RTX 4080, and that was only available via an exclusive giveaway running late last year.

The GPU is rather large, with a triple-fan cooler and a 2.5-slot design, reaching 32.8 cm in length. To power it, there's a PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR interface, allowing you to use either a 12VHWPR cable or two normal 8-pin cables paired with an adapter. The overclock is a modest 2.3% increase over stock clocks, operating at a boosted clock speed of 2670 MHz. The card has a TDP of 285W, which is the norm for this model.

The card is already available from system builder MIFCOM. Alternatively, Palit is doing another giveaway to win one of these cards that will last until September 15th. To enter, you'll need to “craft funny, meme-worthy, and imaginative pictures” with the graphics card. The winner will be notified on September 20th. You can find all the details on this competition HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think about Palit's limited-edition RTX 4070 Ti GamingPro White OC graphics card?

The Core Reactor II Gold series is, according to XPG, the result of the company;s dedication to listening to community feedback, with significant enhancements derived directly from user requests. For example, the new design is now more in line with the gaming market in terms of its design, as well as offering an extra form factor for higher wattage models (1000 W and 1200 W).

All new XPG Core Reactor II PSUs meet the Intel ATX 3.0 criteria. These new PSUs were built to be capable of handling the new high-end graphics cards and systems with high power consumption, coming with a 12VHPWR (12+4-pin) connector and cable. The fully-modular design is also a welcoming feature because it reduces unnecessary cable clutter. Moreover, thanks to its reduced dimensions, with the 1000 and 1200 W models measuring 86x150x160mm and the remaining models measuring 86x150x140mm, it should fit in virtually any M-ATX, ATX, or E-ATX PC case.

The XPG Core Reactor II Gold series PSUs are also certified 80 Plus Gold, offering good power efficiency at low, medium, and high loads. These new PSUs are available in a range of sizes and colours, depending on the power level required. There is a suitable unit for any system among the five wattage choices: 650 W, 750 W, 850 W, 1000 W, and 1200 W. The XPG Core Reactor II Gold series is protected by eight industrial-grade protections (OPP, UVP, OVP, SCP, OTP, OCP, NLO, and SIP) and comes with a worry-free 10-year warranty.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: The Core Reactor II Gold feature set is quite impressive. Even if there are plenty of 80 Plus Gold PSUs capable of outputting 1200 W of power, the compact dimensions and general aesthetics of the XPG Core Reactor II units might be enough to help them stand out in this crowded market.

The ZBox E Series has always been Zotac's most interesting Mini PC line, aimed at delivering high levels of performance in a compact package. The all-new Magnus One and Magnus EN continue to bundle high-end PC hardware components into small and portable designs. The Magnus One retains its 8.3-litre chassis while getting a generational uplift in graphics and CPU performance. Thanks to the Intel Core i7-13700 and a Zotac RTX 4070 graphics card inside, the Magnus One should give you the power to play even demanding titles with good framerates at 1440p. Besides the black case, Zotac is now also launching a white model of the Magnus One. The standard models come with a 1TB M.2 SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory (up to 64 GB). Alternatively, there are barebone models that allow you to use your choice of memory and storage solutions.

The other E-series mini PC is the Zotac ZBox Magnus EN374070C. At just 2.6 liters, it is even smaller than the Magnus One. Even so, it packs quite a punch, featuring an Intel Core i7-13700HX CPU and a RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. Like the Magnus One, there's a standard model with 16 GB of DDR5 memory (up to 64 GB) and a 1TB M.2 SSD, and a barebones model.

As gaming and content production Mini PCs, the Magnus mini PCs offer a wide range of connectivity options for a variety of controllers and devices. There are USB 3.1 connectors, up to four display outputs with HDMI and DisplayPort choices, and wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. A Thunderbolt 4 connector and a UHS-II 3-in-1 SD card reader are also available.

If you're looking for something equally compact but don't need as much performance, Zotac is launching the C-series Nano mini PCs. These systems are powered by 13th Gen Intel Core processors and are passively cooled, allowing them to operate silently. Their casing is only 68mm tall and has a volume of just 1.79 liters. Available with three Intel Core CPUs (i3-1315U, i5-1335U, or i7-1355U), it allows you to choose the best model for your needs. The C-series Nano casing is covered in a honeycomb pattern to increase breathability and features a huge heatsink that allows the CPU to run comfortably.

The C Series nano also has a slew of productivity-oriented features, including a Thunderbolt 4 connector, 4x USB 3.1 ports, triple display compatibility with HDMI and DisplayPort, and a 2.5 Gbps LAN interface. The C Series will only be available as barebones systems with two SODIMM slots supporting up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory, an M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot, and a 2.5-inch drive bay for storage devices.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of Zotac's new mini PCs? Which one would be best suited for your needs?

The news was announced through Starfield's Twitter account. Starfield is now available for preload on the Xbox Series X|S and PC (via the Xbox app and Microsoft Store). Those who bought or are still planning to buy the game from Steam before the release will have to wait a little longer since the preload period does not begin until August 30th.

Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN

— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023

Note that to preload the game on the PC, you'll need at least nearly 140 GB of free space. On Xbox Series X|S consoles, you'll need slightly less space, requiring about 125 GB of storage space to proceed with the preload process.

The standard game will be available on September 6th for £69.99 or via Xbox Game Pass. You can also get the Premium Edition Upgrade for £34.99 or the Digital Premium Edition for £99.99, which gives you access to the game five days early. Lastly, the Constellation Edition, which also gives access to the game starting September 1st, will be available for £249.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already pre-ordered Starfield? Will you preload the game, or will you install it only when it releases?

After yesterday's release of Everspace on Xbox Game Pass, Firewatch will be the next title to come to the game subscription service. Starting August 17th, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to play the narrative-driven title on Cloud, consoles, and PC. Then, we have The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, also coming to Cloud, consoles, and PC on August 18th. The turn-based RPG Sea of Stars is coming next on August 29th for Cloud, consoles, and PC, followed by Gris on September 5th, also coming for Cloud, consoles, and PC.

In further good news, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are now allowed to play the upcoming Madden NFL 24 for up to 10 hours thanks to the EA Play subscription included with Microsoft's gaming subscription. Moving on to the new Game Pass Ultimate perks, we have the Overwatch 2 New Heroes Starter Pack and the Madden NFL 24 MUT Welcome Pack now available. Additionally, starting tomorrow, subscribers can also claim a Fallout 76 Lunchtime bundle.

With the wave of new games coming to the service, there are also a few leaving. On August 31st, games such as Black Desert (Cloud and Console), Commandos 3 – HD Remaster (Cloud, Console, and PC), Immortality (Cloud, Console, and PC), Nuclear Throne (Cloud, Console, and PC), Surgeon Simulator 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC), and Tinykin (Cloud, Console, and PC) will leave the service.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the new games coming to Xbox Game Pass? Are you planning on trying any of them?

The Smart BM3 Bronze series is compliant with Intel's ATX 3.0 standard, meaning it can withstand 200% power excursion and achieve 60% efficiency at 2% load. Furthermore, these new PSUs can power RTX 40 series GPUs with a native PCIe Gen 5.0 connection via the 12VHPWR connector, while your traditional 8-pin PCIe connectors are also in place for other graphics cards. Furthermore, the Smart BM3 Bronze has a Smart Zero Fan design to reduce unwanted noise, as the built-in 120 mm fan only spins when the load reaches 20%, though there is a physical switch to toggle this mode on and off.

Thermaltake's new Smart BM3 Bronze PSUs are equipped with high-quality Japanese 105°C/221°F main electrolytic capacitors, something Thermaltake claims results in improved longevity and stability. The Smart BM3 Bronze can offer a consistent supply to PC components thanks to its DC-to-DC architecture and high-amperage single +12V rail design. Furthermore, this power supply is 80 Plus Bronze-certified and Intel C6/C7 state-ready. In addition, the Smart BM3 Bronze series has comprehensive industry-grade protection (OCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, SCP, and OTP) to ensure the safety of your system.

The Smart BM3 Bronze – TT Premium Edition PSUs will be available in August 2023 and come with a five-year warranty. The 550W model will go for $64.99/€74.90 MSRP, the 650W model for $69.99/€84.90, the 750W model for $79.99/€94.90, and the 850W model for $89.99/€109.90.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: If you're planning on building a new entry-level system, would you consider Thermaltake's new Smart BM3 Bronze PSUs?

The iCUE Link XC7 RGB Elite CPU water block has a new Hexa-flow cooling engine using laminar flow to provide better cooling over the whole CPU. Moreover, it features a nickel-plated copper cold plate with over 120 microfins fins to pull heat away from the CPU, alongside an integrated temperature sensor for fine-tune control. 24 RGB LEDs hidden beneath a transparent nylon flow chamber provide customisable lighting effects, while tool-free installation on modern CPU sockets – as well as pre-applied thermal paste – should mean mounting a water block has never been this easy.

For those looking for more customisation, the iCUE XC7 RGB Elite LCD CPU water block retains the same design and cooling performance as the non-LCD variant while introducing a 2.1″ 30 FPS IPS screen with 480×480 resolution. This screen is surrounded by 31 RGB LEDs and is fully programmable via iCUE software, where users can configure it to display system temperatures, custom images, or GIFs.

Then, there's the iCUE Link XG3 RGB Hybrid GPU water block, which is available in three models for near-universal compatibility for various Nvidia RTX 40/30 series and AMD RX 7900 XT(X) cards. Featuring a hybrid design that cools both the GPU and memory ICs, this block uses a split flow manifold to ensure an even distribution of coolant over the copper cold plate. Moreover, there's a dedicated fan to cool the circuit board and VRMs. This block features 18 RGB LEDs and uses nylon and copper construction to increase reliability and durability.

For existing owners of the iCUE XG7 RGB GPU water block, a GPU RGB Adapter will be introduced soon, allowing integration into an iCUE LINK setup. Future XG7 GPU blocks will come with native iCUE Link connectivity.

Lastly, we have the iCUE Link XD5 RGB Elite pump/reservoir combo, which houses a Xylem D5 pump and a 440-ml transparent reservoir illuminated by 22 RGB LEDs. Vibration is minimised through a rubberised mounting system, and multiple G1/4″ inlet ports accommodate various configurations. Like the water blocks, it incorporates an in-loop sensor for real-time coolant temperature monitoring. A version equipped with an LCD screen is also slated for release later this year.

The iCUE Link CPU Water Blocks and XD5 RGB Elite come with a three-year warranty, while the XG3 RGB Hybrid and 4-Way Signal Splitter have a two-year warranty. The iCUE Link GPU RGB Adapter is available for pre-order and is expected to become available in September.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Thinking of building a custom water loop? Would you consider using any of Corsair's new Hydro X Elite cooling components?

Netflix has begun to roll out a restricted beta test to a small number of subscribers in Canada and the UK on selected TVs. The PC and Mac beta testing will be accessible via Netflix.com on compatible browsers in the coming weeks.

This first test will include Oxenfree and Molehew's Mining Adventure. To play the games, the idea is to use your phone as a controller. Alternately, those using PCs and Macs may use a keyboard and mouse to play on Netflix.com.

The main purpose of this restricted beta is to test the game streaming technology behind the service and how phones work as controllers. The first devices supporting the Netflix Cloud Gaming Beta app include Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN. More gadgets will be added in the future.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Will you try Netflix Cloud Gaming when it's available for you?

The First Descendant, which will have its cross-platform beta this weekend, will launch with DLSS 3 support. Note that a game supporting DLSS 3 means it also supports DLSS Super Resolution. As such, RTX 40 series owners won't be the only ones benefiting from increased framerates. RTX 30 and 20 series owners can enable DLSS 2 Super Resolution to bump their framerates, albeit not to the same extend as with DLSS 3.

The upcoming looter-shooter is still set to launch in Q4 2023, so you shouldn't have to wait long to try Nvidia's upscaling technology in this title. Moreover, Need For Speed Unbound is also getting DLSS 3 support with its Volume 4 update, releasing tomorrow.

As for the new DLSS 2-supported games, the ARPG Achilles: Legends Untold is getting an update to support DLSS 2. Moreover, the strategy-survival title Gord and the online survival horror game The Texas Chainsaw Massacre will get day-1 support for DLSS 2 as well. The former will be available on August 17th, and the later on August 18th.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Will you benefit from the introduction of DLSS 2/3 support in any of these games?

Developed using the Vulkan 1.1 API, Solar Bay offers two tests that support ray tracing: a quick benchmark that assesses immediate performance, as well as a stress test that gauges device performance using a heavy workload during extended periods. The former measures a device's ability to deliver instantaneous performance for short bursts, resembling the gameplay loop of many mobile games. Upon completion of the Solar Bay benchmark, it generates four scores. One is the overall score, and the other three are sub-scores corresponding to each ray tracing section.

The Solar Bay stress test is an extended evaluation showcasing how a device maintains performance during prolonged gaming sessions with ray tracing enabled. This test runs the Solar Bay workload for 20 minutes, producing a chart that illustrates performance fluctuations throughout the test. A consistent set of results indicating minimal performance throttling is the optimal outcome.

Solar Bay is now available for Android devices on the Google Play Store for free and for Windows platforms on Steam, Epic Games, or directly from UL Solutions for $34.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you find UL's new 3DMark Solar Bay benchmark useful? Are you planning to try it?

This chain of findings started when user “panzerlied” stated that Nvidia wasn't planning to design a successor to its AD104 GPU over on Chiphell. According to the leaker, Nvidia's next-gen GPU lineup will omit the X04 GPU, instead introducing an X05 GPU to fill the gap. Unfortunately, panzerlied does not go into depth regarding the ramifications of the name change for customers.

After panzerlied shared this information, VideoCardz asked one of the most trustworthy Nvidia leakers for confirmation. To that, kopite7kimi answered with a list of GPUs (codenamed Blackwell) that Nvidia will use for the RTX 50-series, which didn't include any X04 GPUs. The leaker's list of GPUs only included the following models: GB202, GB203, GB205, GB206, and GB207.

The first Nvidia x03 GPU came with the RTX 30-series in early 2022, almost 1.5 years after Ampere made its debut. Used for the RTX 3080 Ti mobile (Mobile and Max-Q), RTX 3060 Ti, and RTX A5500 (Mobile and Max-Q), it was positioned between the enthusiast-level GA102 and high-mid-range GA104. In the ADA GPU series, Nvidia launched the AD103 and AD104 GPUs as part of the primary lineup. As for the Blackwell GPU lineup, based on the latest information, the X03 part will completely replace the X04 SKU.

Nvidia's next-generation consumer architecture is planned to become available in 2025.

KitGuru says: Without a GB204, it's everyone's guess what GPU the “RTX 5070” series cards will use. Nvidia could either go for GB205, assuming it's good enough for the job, or use GB203, which would likely feature a cut in the number of active CUDA cores. Alternatively, assuming there will be an RTX 5070 Ti and an RTX 5070, another likely scenario would be using GB203 on the former and the GB205 for the latter.

The report comes from Golden Pig Upgrade (via @HXL), which has proven to be quite accurate in the past. We're told the next generation of Intel CPUs is expected to have a 50% increase in cache per P-core over 13th Gen Core and a 140% increase over the 12th Gen series. It's worth noting that the actual sizes of the E-core cluster cache and L3 cache have yet to be confirmed.

ARL-S Big Core L2 3MB (per Core)https://t.co/31XsVl4x8Z

— HXL (@9550pro) August 12, 2023

There are also reports claiming that Meteor Lake will feature a new type of cache that would work much like an L4 cache. This cache would be named Adamantine cache, but Intel has yet to confirm that detail. Seeing as Meteor Lake and Arrow Lake have more than a few similarities, we believe the latter would also feature this same type of cache.

Based on what we've heard, Arrow Lake-S CPUs will be based on the Intel 20A CPU node and feature Lion Cove (P-core) and Skymont (E-core) cores. These CPUs are expected to feature mobile and desktop variants, with both reportedly packing Xe-LPG-based iGPUs. The first Intel Arrow Lake-S products are expected to come out in H2 2024.

KitGuru says: How do you think the increased L2 cache will benefit the upcoming CPU architecture?

Over at Bilibili (via @HXL), user T小白 confirmed most of the specs of the upcoming processors and shared the results of some of the testing he conducted. Unfortunately, it's unclear if the testing was done with a retail or qualification sample so do bear that in mind.

“13700KS” (14700K) vs 13700Khttps://t.co/bf0UtAsS8W pic.twitter.com/5eL3XdpCNW

— HXL (@9550pro) August 12, 2023

Instead of the 16-core configuration of the Core i7-13700K, this CPU now boasts a 20-core configuration, matching the rumours we've been hearing about this particular processor. With a thread count of 28, the Core i7-14700K CPU has 8x P-cores and 12x E-cores, up from 8P+8E on the i7-13700K. As for clock speeds, the upcoming SKU will turbo to 5.5 GHz instead of 5.3 GHz.

All tests were run using an ASUS ROG APEX Z790, 2×16 GB of DDR5-8600, and an RTX 4090. During the all-core AIDA64 test, the CPU's P-cores peaked at 5.5 GHz, while the E-cores went up to 4.3 GHz. It's also worth noting that, as compared to the 13700K, the maximum package power on the 14th Gen CPU has increased from 232 to 260W. In CPU-Z and Cinebench R23, the CPU performs 4.2% to 4.5% better in single core workloads and 14.3% to 20.7% better on multithreaded workloads. The tester also tried to downgrade the i7-14700K to the i7-13700K, deactivating four E-cores and downclocking the CPU, which delivered virtually similar results. Moving on to gaming, in titles like CS:GO, Genshin Impact, and PUBG, the Core i7-14700K seems to offer small improvements, as expected by the bump in clock speeds.

The Core i7-14700K will be available in October, with Intel set to formally announce the new K-series next month at its Innovation 2023 event.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: As with any pre-release benchmark data, take these results with a grain of salt – but would you be happy if this was indeed a retail 14700K?

As noted by InstLatX64, Intel's ‘perfmon' software now has more CPUIDs. In the past, the data found on perfmon has revealed the names of previous generations of Intel cores, including the “Redwood Cove” featured on Meteor Lake. The latest findings have returned a similar result, but this time for Lunar Lake. Based on the information found, it would seem that Lunar Lake chips will use Lion Cove performance cores and Skymont efficiency cores.

#Intel perfmon has been updated with #LunarLake = LionCove+Skymont
CPUID.1Ah.EAX=
20000000: #Tremont
20000001: #Gracemont
20000002: #Crestmont
20000003: #Skymont
40000000: #SunnyCove
40000001: #GoldenCove
40000002: #RedwoodCove
40000003: #LionCovehttps://t.co/mUNIXHoC4i https://t.co/J0oQcIyRvG pic.twitter.com/eYBKGZv3As

— InstLatX64 (@InstLatX64) August 10, 2023

These codenames were first linked to Arrow Lake, a product that was meant to work with a wide range of CPUs. Lunar Lake, on the other hand, is designed specifically for low-power devices.

Intel has said that its goal is to have Lunar Lake ready for production by H2 2024, which means the first consumer devices would land in either Q4 2024 or early 2025.

KitGuru says: Based on what we've learned until now, Lunar Lake will almost certainly be the successor to Meteor Lake, covering the low-power segments of the 2nd generation of Core Ultra mobile chips. As for the higher-powered mobile CPUs, these will probably use Arrow Lake.

This gaming monitor has an ultra-wide resolution of 3440×1440 and a 34-inch Super Speed VA panel with a 1500R curvature. The static contrast ratio of the display panel is 4000:1, and the normal brightness of the screen is rated at 300 nits. Featuring an eight-bit colour panel, it covers 120% of the sRGB colour space. The screen has a refresh rate of 120Hz by default, but with an overclock, it is capable of reaching 135Hz.

As a FreeSync Premium-certified monitor, you can benefit from tear-free gaming. The height of the stand can be adjusted by up to 100mm, and it can tilt from -5 degrees to 20 degrees. Moreover, you can remove it to use a VESA 100×100-compatible mounting arm. The monitor has a 3.5mm headphone jack, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a DisplayPort 1.4 input with HBR3. Additionally, the monitor has two 2W stereo speakers.

The Gigabyte GS34WQC packs a slew of gaming-oriented features, including Game Assist with Crosshair, Black Equaliser, Game Timer, Aim Stabiliser, Overdrive, OSD Sidekick, PiP and PbP, Wide Colour Gamut technology, and Super Resolution. Safety features such as a TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light mode and flicker-free technology are also available.

KitGuru says: As an ultrawide gaming monitor, does the Gigabyte GS34WQC have what it needs to be a good alternative to other offerings on the market?

The HS80 MAX is a multi-platform gaming headset with support for Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless, allowing for adaptable networking on a variety of platforms and consoles. With the push of a button, you can connect to all of your devices while easily switching between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth-connected devices. When connected to a device via Bluetooth, the battery can last up to 130 hours (no RGB), reducing to 65 hours (no RGB) when using the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. A full charge takes less than three hours.

Along with expanded connection possibilities, the HS80 Max range retains all of its greatest features, including an omnidirectional microphone, 50mm audio drivers, a comfortable floating headband, iCUE support, and aluminium-strengthened construction. Play PC, PlayStation 4/5, and Mac games with Dolby Atmos spatial audio, customised for you by Sonarworks SoundID, which detects your individual hearing preferences and creates a personalised audio profile.

The HS80 MAX gaming headset comes with a two-year warranty and access to Corsair's global customer care and technical support network. The HS80 MAX has an MSRP of £169.99/$179.99.

KitGuru says: What do you think about the new Corsair HS80 Max? Would you consider buying it?

To address the problem, Intel released a revised software-level microcode. However, there is concern about how it will impact performance, which might be reduced on AVX2 and AVX-512 workloads using the “Gather” instruction by up to 50%, according to Intel.

After Intel issued the fix, Phoronix promptly started testing it to see the real performance impact. The testing showed that performance is affected differently depending on the CPU, as two Xeon Platinum 8380 CPUs were roughly 6% slower, while the Core i7-1165G7 saw performance deterioration ranging from 11% to 39%. Although both chips still show smaller performance degradation than Intel's predicted 50%, the drop is still noticeable. The consequences of Downfall may extend beyond specialised jobs like AI or HPC to more typical applications like video transcoding.

The issue affects Intel mainstream and server CPUs with microarchitectures spanning from Skylake to Rocket Lake. The detailed list of CPUs impacted by this vulnerability can be found here.

KitGuru says: The microcode update is optional but we would always encourage keeping your PC as secure as possible. 

On September 26th, EA FC Mobile will release. Those who already play FIFA Mobile won't need to go and search for a new app, as a patch will reskin the game with EA's new branding. The cover star for EA FC Mobile is none other than Vini Jr., the stellar talent hailing from Real Madrid and Brazil.

Diving into the game itself, FC Mobile is designed to replicate the different styles of running, penalty kick postures, and unique celebrations of specific players. Naturally, Vini Jr. serves as a prime example of this. The game's tempo has been crafted to cater to mobile gaming, prioritising tactile engagement over other aspects of football. Moreover, FC Mobile introduces a reimagined shooting mechanism, bolstered by the inclusion of a power shot feature, a knock-on dribble, and a hard tackle move.

FIFA Mobile has over 100 million players but EA is now taking a bit of a gamble with its football rebrand.

KitGuru says: This year marks a significant milestone for EA Sports, with the introduction of EA Sports FC as the new brand for their football games. Still, the only noticeable difference is the franchise's name, as most systems in the EA Sports FC games are improvements over those found in previous FIFA titles.

Performancedatabases (via VideoCardz) says that it has the first screenshots showcasing a running AMD Strix Point APU. In one of the pictures, we see CPU-Z running, but it doesn't fully recognise the CPU. Still, it can tell you which instruction set is suitable and how big the CPU is. On the other hand, the HWiNFO image shows that the processor in question is a Strix (Point?) chip based on the 4nm process node with a 45W TDP.

Image credit: PerformanceDatabases

The HWiNFO picture in particular also shows a few details about clock speeds, but it's clear that the data is wrong. Not only does it show a minimum and boost clock speed of 6.375GHz, but also a base clock speed of 8.8GHz, which doesn't make much sense. Still, it's important to note that the information read by HWiNFO suggests the upcoming chips will support AVX2 and AVX512 instructions.

Moreover, the pictures let us see that the CPU has four Zen5 cores and eight smaller Zen5c cores. Both types of cores allow hyper-threading, something that Intel's E-cores don't. Also, it looks like the size of the L1 data cache is 48KB per core, while the size of the instruction cache is 32KB per core. Also, each P-core has 1MB of L2 cache, while the E-cores seem to be grouped in clusters of four cores, with each group sharing 1MB of L2 cache between themselves. The amount of L3 cache on both programs contradicts each other, with CPU-Z showing 16MB and HWiNFO showing 8MB.

KitGuru says: These two screenshots back up the idea that Strix Point APUs are currently being tested. However, it's important to note that these CPUs are still engineering samples, and as such, it will take some time before we see them running on any commercially available devices.

Aside from the fast OLED panel, the AGON Pro AG276QZD also features a 10-bit colour depth, HDR10 support, and expansive 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage.

The AGON Pro AG276QZD features Adaptive-Sync support and G-Sync compatibility to eliminate screen tear.

Moving on to the design, the AG276QZD has an anodised metal finish in black on its front cabinet, complemented by a space grey stand. The design is graced with user-friendly features like a quick-release mechanism for swift setup and a handle for ease of transportation. The base's compact footprint frees up desk space for the mouse and keyboard, while the built-in 2-port USB 3.2 hub and a rubber cable management clip ensure an organised setup.

The stand offers 130mm of height adjustment, as well as tilt and pivot capabilities. On the back of the monitor, you'll find an RGB light strip for an ambient glow while gaming.

Like other AGON and AGON Pro models, this monitor comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty, a 4-year zero dead pixel guarantee, and a year of accidental damage coverage (limited to one incident per monitor). The AGON PRO AG276QZD is now available for $999.99.

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KitGuru says: OLED is swiftly becoming the new standard for high-end gaming monitors. Are you looking to make the jump to an OLED display? 

In a presentation at FMS 2023, SK Hynix delved into the progress of their pioneering 321-layer 1Tb TLC1 4D NAND Flash. Attendees were treated to a firsthand look at the groundbreaking samples, highlighting the company's prowess in pushing the boundaries of NAND development. This momentous event unfolded in Santa Clara from August 8th to 10th.

Image credit: SK Hynix.

Drawing on the technological expertise honed from the development of the world's highest-capacity 238-layer NAND, already in wide-scale production, SK Hynix charted an expedited course for the 321-layer variant. This strategic breakthrough overcame stacking limitations, propelling SK Hynix into the era of NAND with over 300 layers, poised to lead the market forward.

The 321-layer 1Tb TLC NAND delivers a 59% upswing in productivity compared to its predecessor. This leap is attributed to technological advancements that enable more cell stacking and expansive storage capacities on a single chip. The outcome? A substantial increase in total production capacity per wafer.

The upcoming memory modules will be used in PCIe 5.0 SSDs, like the one shown during the announcement. SK Hynix aims to refine the 321-layer NAND memory and commence mass production of this new technology by H1 2025.

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KitGuru says: Although SK Hynix may have been the first, companies working in the sector such as Samsung and Micron should follow soon.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse released earlier this year and is the sequel to Into the Spider-Verse, an animated film following the adventures of Miles Morales and various versions of Spider-Man from throughout the multiverse. The film has garnered plenty of praise from fans and critics alike. Now in collaboration with Sony Pictures and Marvel, Zotac is launching the new MEK HERO PCs, each with a different colour palette, as well as a graphics card with a unique Spider-Verse twist.

These are midrange PCs, offering a Ryzen 5 7600 processor and either an RTX 4060, RTX 4060 Ti or RTX 4070 graphics card.

Starting with the highest-specced of the bunch, the MEK HERO G3 A7647 combines the speed of the Ryzen 5 7600 with an RTX 4070 graphics card. As for the MEK HERO G3 A7646I, it comes with the same AMD Ryzen 5 7600, but paired with an RTX 4060 Ti. Lastly, the MEK HERO G3 A7646 features an RTX 4060 8 GB graphics card and the same CPU as the other two systems.

To cool the systems and components, each comes with a 240mm AIO CPU Cooler and four 120mm fans. Moreover, all systems also feature Windows 11, 16GB of Kingston DDR5 memory, and NVMe SSD storage. Powering each system, there's a 600W 80+ Gold Certified Power Supply. A special accessory bundle inspired by Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is included with the three new MEK HERO PCs. The package comes with three Ztorm figures, a set of decorative decals, and a set of fan insignia, all based on the movie and its cast.

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KitGuru says: If you want a pre-built system with some flair, the new Zotac MEK HERO systems are worth looking in to.

As per the picture shared by HXL, we can confirm some of the details about the upcoming CPU via the CPU-Z and Core Temp outputs. If the information shown in the image is genuine, it seems that the CPU's core count (6P + 8E) will stay the same as its predecessors, as expected. However, it's almost guaranteed that an increase in frequency is due.

pic.twitter.com/iKJOwwzii2

— HXL (@9550pro) August 8, 2023

The latest rumoured specs indicated that the Core i5-14600K will boost up to 5.3GHz, 200 MHz more than the Core i5-13600K. Looking at the information displayed in CPU-Z, it matches what we've been hearing regarding the CPU's boost clock speed. Note that the system that we see in the picture is using the F5 BIOS, with the CPU running on a Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X Axe motherboard.

Intel is getting ready to introduce its new desktop CPU series in September, with availability likely following in October.

KitGuru says: Are any of you planning on upgrading your PC later this year when new hardware drops? 

Starting with the RTX 5000 ADA, the new graphics cards come with an AD102 GPU with 12,800 CUDA cores. Packing 32GB of GDDR6 ECC memory running at 18Gbps across a 256-bit memory bus, the RTX 5000 has a 250W TDP and an MSRP of $4,000.

Expanding the RTX 4000 ADA series, there are two additional cards: the RTX 4000 ADA and the RTX 4500 ADA. The former is pretty much the same as the RTX 4000 ADA SFF NVIDIA had previously launched, including its $1,250 MSRP. However, the new model comes with a 130W TDP (60W more), allowing the GPU to boost up to 2.2GHz instead of 1.56GHz. In addition, the memory clock speed also increased from 16Gbps to 18Gbps, while the 160-bit memory bus remained the same. Lastly, there are changes in the cooler design, with the standard RTX 4000 ADA adopting a single-slot design.

As for the RTX 4500 ADA, it features an AD104 GPU packing 7,680 CUDA cores paired with 24GB of GDDR6 memory clocked at 18Gbps on a 192-bit memory bus, drawing about 210W of power. This card's MSRP is set at $2,250.

It's worth noting that all the new RTX ADA workstation cards feature a full PCIe Gen4 x16 interface. Another commonality is the presence of a quad DisplayPort 1.4a setup, of which the RTX 4000 uses mini-DisplayPorts while the rest use full-sized connectors.

KitGuru says: Have you ever tried any of Nvidia's RTX workstation graphics cards? How was your experience with it? 

It's important to note that ASRock has already submitted an entry to EEC referencing RX 7800 XT GPUs. Previous postings included a handful of Phantom Gaming versions, clearly indicating that one of AMD's next cards would have a 16GB memory configuration. However, the latest listing (via @momomo_us) confirms the existence of more models that span the Steel Legend (SL) and Challenger (CL) series.

https://t.co/fCJ1wHfGXg

— 188号 (@momomo_us) August 8, 2023

The new listing also suggests the RX 7700 XT should release relatively soon while also confirming how much VRAM it has. In line with the RX 6700 XT, the upcoming GPU is expected to have a memory capacity of 12GB. Moreover, the models listed suggest that there will be RX 7700 XT models belonging to the Phantom Gaming (PG), SL, and CL series.

It's important to remember that EEC listings don't always reflect the actual specification since companies sometimes list models that never see the light of day. It's speculated that the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT will release this quarter.

KitGuru says: The RX 7000 series has seen a slow rollout but after many months, the 7700 and 7800 series GPUs are finally set to arrive. Will any of you be looking to upgrade once these launch? 

The Shadow-X's LCD screen provides rapid access to the information you wish to see. Customisable via the Epomaker Driver, the software allows you to decorate the screen with photos or animated GIFs or show the battery level, date, time, and other information. Moreover, the dial on the top left corner lets you easily switch between connection modes, allowing you to effortlessly change between devices you're connected to.

Featuring a gasket-mount structure, it offers a floating and cushioned typing feel. To complement it, the keyboard's touch-sensitive keystrokes are enhanced by a PC plate, the gasket mount's best friend, as well as double-shot PBT keycaps. Moreover, the Epomaker Shadow-X also features PORON Foam and an IXPE switch sheet to absorb the excessive typing sound while also reducing key stress and guaranteeing switch health.

Shadow-X's connectivity options include a USB-C cable, a 2.4G wireless dongle, and Bluetooth (up to three devices). The Shadow-X comes with a 3000 mAh battery, which eliminates the need for frequent recharges. There are four mechanical switch options: Epomaker Flamingo, Gateron Pro Yellow, Epomaker Budgeriar, and Epomaker Bluebird. You can now pre-order the Shadow-X, regardless of the switch you choose, for $79.99.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of Shadow-X's built-in LCD? Do you see it as a gimmick or something that will become more widely adopted?

The inaugural releases within this product line include controllers compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, the lineup also encompasses a Sonic-inspired protective case tailored for the Nintendo Switch, as well as a Trifold Game Card Holder designed to embrace and secure your valuable Nintendo Switch cartridges.

In the case of the PowerA Sonic Switch gear, a vivid colour palette takes centre stage, punctuated by splashes of yellow and blue, each featuring a different image of our favourite blue hedgehog. As for the Xbox controller, it comes with a two-tone blue square pattern with stars, with Sonic posing on the left side.

The PowerA lineup of Sonic-themed gaming accessories is now available. At the time of writing, the price of the Xbox Series X|S controller is unknown, but considering the cost of similar controllers, it should go for $37.99. As for the Nintendo Switch accessories, the card holder goes for $9.99, the protective case for $19.99, and the wired controller for $29.99.

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KitGuru says: Are you a fan of Sonic? Do you plan on ordering any of PowerA's new Sonic-themed gaming accessories?