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Assassin's Creed Valhalla PC needs RTX 2080 for 4K 30FPS on Ultra

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Oct 15, 2020 11:24 PM CDT

Ubisoft has announced the Assassin's Creed Valhalla PC requirements, where you will need 8GB of RAM and 50GB of storage at a bare minimum.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla PC needs RTX 2080 for 4K 30FPS on Ultra

The game requires DX12, has an uncapped frame rate, support for multi-monitor and widescreen monitors, in-depth customization options and most importantly (for benchmarkers and GPU reviewers like myself) a built-in benchmark to test out Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

At a minimum for 1080p 30FPS on the Low preset you're going to require an AMD Ryzen 3 1300 or Intel Core i5-4460 processor, 8GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon R9 380 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 graphics card. If you want to hit 1080p 60FPS with the High preset you're going to need a higher-end Ryzen 7 1700 or Core i7-6700 and an Radeon RX Vega 64 or GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card.

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Continue reading: Assassin's Creed Valhalla PC needs RTX 2080 for 4K 30FPS on Ultra (full post)

Basemark teases new ray tracing benchmark, releases end of 2020

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Oct 15, 2020 10:31 PM CDT

Basemark just announced that it will be updating GPUScore with a brand new ray tracing benchmark, which is a world-first coming later this year.

Basemark teases new ray tracing benchmark, releases end of 2020

The new Basemark GPUScore benchmark will introduce what the company describes as a "hyper realistic, true gaming type of content in three different workloads: Relic of Life, Sacret Path and Expedition".

Relic of Life is a new benchmark to stress test high-end graphics cards, with fancy new real-time ray traced reflections. The biggest deal here is that Basemark's new ray tracing benchmark will work on both Windows 10 and the DirectX 12 API, as well as on Linux and on the Vulkan API.

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Continue reading: Basemark teases new ray tracing benchmark, releases end of 2020 (full post)

Someone is flying over LAX in a jet pack -- is it Iron Man?!

Anthony Garreffa | Science, Space, & Robotics | Oct 15, 2020 9:59 PM CDT

The news has been rocketing upwards reporting on someone flying around LAX in a jetpack, something that was confirmed by a China Airlines pilot to air traffic controllers.

Someone is flying over LAX in a jet pack -- is it Iron Man?!

It's not the first time, either -- with the unidentified jetpack-wearing person spotted at around 1:45PM local time in LA, explains the US Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA. 6 weeks ago the rocket man (or woman, or alien, or robot, or Qanon) was spotted flying around in their jetpack around LAX.

The FAA told CNN: "A China Airlines crew reported seeing what appeared to be someone in a jetpack at an approximate altitude of 6,000 feet, about seven miles northwest of Los Angeles International Airport".

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Continue reading: Someone is flying over LAX in a jet pack -- is it Iron Man?! (full post)

XFX China gets rid of 'almost all' Radeon RX cards to mining farms

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Oct 15, 2020 9:31 PM CDT

AMD is about to launch its new RDNA 2-based Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards, with news breaking from MyDrivers that the Chinese XFX branch has sold "almost all" of its Radeon RX 500 and Radeon RX 5000 series graphics cards to crypto mining farms.

XFX China gets rid of 'almost all' Radeon RX cards to mining farms

There's no confirmation of this news, but a machine translated excerpt from MyDrivers explains: "According to the information received, throughout September, XFX did not give agents several graphics cards in China. Almost all mainstream models on the market such as RX 580 8GB, RX 590 8GB, RX 5600 XT, RX 5700 XT, etc are out of stock. As for the reason, it is said that after XFX received these chips from AMD, they directly sold them to the miners , completely becoming "mining cards", causing the agents to not get the goods at all".

MyDrivers also notes that Navi 10-based graphics cards (Radeon RX 5600 and RX 5700 series) and AMD's older Polaris-based Radeon RX 500 series are very popular -- even with the release of NVIDIA's new Ampere-based GeForce RTX 30 series, when it comes to mining.

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Continue reading: XFX China gets rid of 'almost all' Radeon RX cards to mining farms (full post)

FitXR is adding dance workouts to its VR fitness repertoire

Kevin Carbotte | Extended Reality (XR) | Oct 15, 2020 9:07 PM CDT

FitXR, formerly known as BoxVR, is finally making changes to the core game to pair with its recent name change. The game will soon get dance routines as an alternative workout choice.

FitXR is adding dance workouts to its VR fitness repertoire

FitXR is one of the top fitness games for Oculus Quest. It started life as BoxVR, which was a workout game based on boxing moves. The game works like Beat Saber, with floating markers coming at you synchronized to a soundtrack. But unlike Beat Saber, where you don a pair or lightsabers and chop boxes to the beat, you use your fist to punch the beat. Recently, the developer changed the name of the game to FitXR to expand into new workout types.

Today, FitXR revealed the first new workout type that's in the works. Soon, the game will offer dance routines as an alternative to get those calories burned. The developer didn't reveal many details, but a short trailer clip shows that these new workouts will require more space. The boxing workouts don't do much for your legs other than a few squats, but it looks like the dancing routines will get those legs moving.

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Continue reading: FitXR is adding dance workouts to its VR fitness repertoire (full post)

3dRudder is now shipping a wireless model for standalone headsets

Kevin Carbotte | Extended Reality (XR) | Oct 15, 2020 8:38 PM CDT

3dRudder today announced that it has begun shipping the latest iteration of the 3dRudder locomotion controller. The new 3dRudder Pro Wireless is the first version of the controller compatible with standalone VR devices.

3dRudder is now shipping a wireless model for standalone headsets

3dRudder makes a VR accessory meant to solve one of the more significant problems with VR simulations: long-distance movement. The 3dRudder controller is a foot-based input device that allows you to move around a 3D environment without moving physically and without the use of unnatural mechanics, such as teleporting.

3dRudder says the device is simple to use and easier to learn than some virtual movement mechanics. The controller tracks four axes of movement, which allow you to move forward, back, left, and right by tilting the controller with your feet. It also supports rotation in both directions by twisting your ankles. And finally, it supports vertical elevation by moving your feet in opposing directions.

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Continue reading: 3dRudder is now shipping a wireless model for standalone headsets (full post)

EVGA's new 'XOC 450W' BIOS for GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra released

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Oct 15, 2020 8:35 PM CDT

EVGA has just released a new "XOC 450W BIOS" for its GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra graphics card, which allows up to 450W flow through the card.

EVGA's new 'XOC 450W' BIOS for GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra released

The GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra has a stock 400W limit out of the box, with +5% offered with power limit increases -- but the new XOC 450W BIOS allows up to 450W of power flowing through the card, a larger +18% increase.

EVGA is now at the same level as the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition -- which I reviewed right here -- in terms of power limit. We should see near identical performance between the two, at least in stock form -- not taking into considering tearing it apart and putting each of the cards under LN2 cooling.

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Continue reading: EVGA's new 'XOC 450W' BIOS for GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra released (full post)

ASUS PG32UQX revealed: 32-inch 4K 144Hz Mini-LED monitor with HDMI 2.1

Anthony Garreffa | Displays | Oct 15, 2020 7:29 PM CDT

ASUS has kinda accidentally revealed its new ROG Strix PG32UQX gaming monitor, which has appeared on a listing on Chinese Taobao.

ASUS PG32UQX revealed: 32-inch 4K 144Hz Mini-LED monitor with HDMI 2.1

The new ROG Strix PG32UQX gaming monitor has a large 32-inch Mini-LED panel, with 10-bit color, 1000:1 contrast ratio and 4ms gray-to-gray response time. The 32-inch Mini-LED panel has a native 4K resolution and super-fast 144Hz refresh rate.

One of the key parts of the new monitor is that it rocks HDMI 2.1 connectivity, which you would use over the DisplayPort 1.4 connector. It also means the new ROG Strix PG32UQX gaming monitor can be used with the next-gen Microsoft Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, as well as Sony's new PlayStation 5.

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Continue reading: ASUS PG32UQX revealed: 32-inch 4K 144Hz Mini-LED monitor with HDMI 2.1 (full post)

You can steal cars in Cyberpunk 2077, just like in Grand Theft Auto

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 15, 2020 6:51 PM CDT

CD Projekt RED just revealed a ton about Cyberpunk 2077's vehicles, confirming tons of customization and a very GTA-style mechanic.

You can steal cars in Cyberpunk 2077, just like in Grand Theft Auto

Night City is basically a high-tech crime haven, so it makes sense that cars can be stolen in Cyberpunk 2077. Gamers can yank drivers out of their cars just like in Grand Theft Auto and make away with their ride. The rides themselves have five basic classes with three main bases (or at least that's what was shown) but there's tons of variation and customization options.

"Every single vehicle you buy, every single player vehicle, is absolutely unique in every way. It's got a unique interior, unique exterior, paint job, it'll sound different and it'll also handle different," said Paul Dalessi, senior vehicle artist at CD Projekt RED.

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Continue reading: You can steal cars in Cyberpunk 2077, just like in Grand Theft Auto (full post)

Xbox Series X stays cool with frosty 49C temps while playing in 120FPS

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 15, 2020 5:16 PM CDT

The rumors around the Xbox Series X's blazing hot temps have been disproven, and the console actually runs pretty cool under specific performance demands.

Xbox Series X stays cool with frosty 49C temps while playing in 120FPS

Like the PlayStation 5, the Series X has a mighty cooling solution that combines a 120mm fan, a massive copper-plated vapor chamber heat sink, and a split motherboard design to ensure optimum temps. This design is working well. Various Series X previews have compiled operating temps for the Series X, and the results are pretty good.

According to Venture Beat's Jeff Grubb, the Xbox Series X maxed out at roughly 50C while playing Hitman 2, a backwards compatible game that hasn't been significantly optimized for the hardware. Tweakers.net has more comprehensive FLIR temp readings that show a substantial 27% decrease in overall heat output on the Series X. The test was conducted over 15 minutes of playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on both an Xbox One X and Xbox Series X.

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Continue reading: Xbox Series X stays cool with frosty 49C temps while playing in 120FPS (full post)

Destiny 2 hits 4K 60FPS on PS5, Xbox Series X with custom FOV slider

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 15, 2020 4:04 PM CDT

Destiny 2 will run at "true" 4K 60FPS on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, Bungie today confirmed.

Destiny 2 hits 4K 60FPS on PS5, Xbox Series X with custom FOV slider

Destiny 2's massive Beyond Light expansion will bring next-gen performance alongside a swath of new content. The game's free next-gen optimizations include native 4K 60FPS gameplay on both the PS5 and Series X consoles (1080p 60FPS on Series S), and also sports custom FOV sliders straight from the PC version. This is a pretty big deal that effectively widens your range of vision and it's never been offered in Destiny 2 on consoles before.

Bungie also confirms cross-generation play is supported--PS5 gamers can play with PS4 owners, and Series X/S owners can play with Xbox One players) but full-on cross-play between consoles, PC, and Stadia isn't available yet.

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Continue reading: Destiny 2 hits 4K 60FPS on PS5, Xbox Series X with custom FOV slider (full post)

PlayStation 5 UI revolutionizes Xbox One's old Snap Mode feature

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 15, 2020 3:32 PM CDT

The newly revealed PS5 UI has familiar features found in the Xbox One's old scrapped Snap Mode, including picture-in-picture playback.

PlayStation 5 UI revolutionizes Xbox One's old Snap Mode feature

The PS5's user interface is filled with all kinds of nifty new tricks. Each game now has an in-depth hub with an Activities section that's integrated with new features like challenges that track your in-game progress. The section lets gamers track their trophy progress in real-time, check out customized challenges that rotate on a timed basis, check out screenshots and shared videos, and get announcements and updates right from the developers.

One of the biggest advancements is how communication and interaction works on the PS5. The console lets you join up with friends and watch their shared streams as you play, complete with a picture-in-picture overlay similar to the Xbox One's Snap Mode. The UI is segmented into "cards" that can be pinned to your screen. Cards include the real-time Game Help section, a new feature that gives you tips on a game as you play, and new party chat systems.

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Continue reading: PlayStation 5 UI revolutionizes Xbox One's old Snap Mode feature (full post)

PlayStation 5 makes you pay to get in-game hints and tips

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 15, 2020 12:15 PM CDT

The PS5 has a built-in hint and tutorial system that shows you tips as you play, but there's a big catch.

PlayStation 5 makes you pay to get in-game hints and tips

Sony is adding lots of value to PS Plus. First there's the PS Plus Collection on PS5, and now subscribers get access to a new in-game help system that effectively shows you how to beat certain segments of the game with real-time videos, screenshots, and tips. It's called Game Help, and it's a big part of the PS5's new Activities section.

The new Game Help feature is exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers so that means you have to pay to used it. The idea is simple: Gamers can access an on-screen menu and get real-time hints on how to beat certain areas of a game. It's a move that could wipe out walkthrough websites and videos in one swoop.

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Continue reading: PlayStation 5 makes you pay to get in-game hints and tips (full post)

Cybershoes for Quest is in the works, Kickstarter campaign coming soon

Kevin Carbotte | Extended Reality (XR) | Oct 15, 2020 8:04 AM CDT

Cybershoes today announced that it would soon offer a wireless version of its VR locomotion peripheral compatible with Quest and Quest 2. The company plans to launch a Kickstarter later this year to fund the first production run.

Cybershoes for Quest is in the works, Kickstarter campaign coming soon

Cybershoes is a VR locomotion peripheral that allows you to walk in VR. The system includes a stool to sit on, a carpet for traction, and a pair of mechanical slippers that fit over your shoes. Each Cybershoe features a roller that tracks how fast you move your feet.

"Movement and locomotion has been a consistent issue in VR gaming. The main movement mechanics available today - smooth Movement via joystick or teleportation - can be jarring and lead to motion sickness," said Michael Bieglmayer, CEO of Cybershoes. "By translating natural movement to in-game motion, Cybershoes addresses motion sickness while increasing immersion, activity, and enjoyment."

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Continue reading: Cybershoes for Quest is in the works, Kickstarter campaign coming soon (full post)

Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller: green thumbs go tech thumbs

Sponsored Content | Connectivity & Cloud | Oct 15, 2020 4:52 AM CDT

Aeon Matrix has recently launched its new Yardian Pro, the latest in its smart sprinkler range that lets you take full control of your backyard. Aeon Matrix is continuing to deliver on its mission of bringing smart technology to improve the quality of life and world sustainability with its new Yardian Pro.

Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller: green thumbs go tech thumbs

The new Yardian Pro has improved Wi-Fi that will provide much-improved signal coverage, and if the newly-boosted Wi-Fi coverage isn't up to your standards, Aeon Matrix have added an RJ45 ethernet port to the new Yardian Pro smart sprinkler system.

The company has added in some control buttons that let you control your Yardian Pro smart sprinkler system, providing users with the choice of up to 12 minutes watering duration.

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Continue reading: Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller: green thumbs go tech thumbs (full post)

Google Meet for Glass offers hands-free collaboration for technicians

Kevin Carbotte | Extended Reality (XR) | Oct 15, 2020 12:44 AM CDT

Google this week revealed Google Meet for Glass, a reimagined version for Google Meet designed for the company's Glass Enterprise Edition 2 wearable computer.

Google Meet for Glass offers hands-free collaboration for technicians

Google Meet for Glass is a secure real-time video collaboration tool for hands-free communication while on the job. Meet for Glass allows workers to communicate with each other through live video chat. The camera on Google Glass will enable others to see exactly what the wearer sees, perfect for remote support.

Google said that it started testing Meet for Glass in its data centers to allow technicians to communicate remotely while maintaining social distancing protocols. Google's technicians used Meet for Glass for all sorts of purposes, including equipment review and training new employees, but the most common use case is remote assistance.

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Continue reading: Google Meet for Glass offers hands-free collaboration for technicians (full post)

Check out this teardown of a Quest 2 headset

Kevin Carbotte | Extended Reality (XR) | Oct 14, 2020 10:48 PM CDT

Facebook started delivering Quest 2 headsets to eager customers on October 13, but before most people could get their hands-on one, someone in Japan ripped the guts out of theirs. It's pretty amazing to see how Facebook put the whole thing together.

Check out this teardown of a Quest 2 headset

In the early hours of October 13, Twitter user GOROman posted a live stream video of an Oculus Quest 2 teardown followed by a series of close-up images of some of the internals. The pictures give us a bit of insight into the hardware in Quest 2, and the video shows just how complicated this device is.

In the first picture, you can see the entire assembly with the front cover removed. In the center, we see a small blower-style fan with a shroud to direct the air across the center of the primary board.

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Continue reading: Check out this teardown of a Quest 2 headset (full post)

All of EK's water cooling starter kits are now copper-based

Kevin Carbotte | Cases, Cooling & PSU | Oct 14, 2020 9:46 PM CDT

EK announced that it would no longer sell its entry-level EK Fluid Gaming aluminum water cooling systems to consumers. To avoid the risk of mixing metals, all EK custom cooling components will now be copper.

All of EK's water cooling starter kits are now copper-based

EK introduced the Fluid Gaming lineup a few years ago as an entry-level line of water-cooling parts for mainstream consumers. The Fluid Gaming series featured aluminum components, which were cheaper to manufacture and allowed EK to sell kits at an attractive price point. The Fluid Gaming line worked well, but the aluminum parts meant that Fluid Gaming parts weren't compatible with the rest of EK's water cooling components.

EK said that the Fluid Gaming brand is not going away, and neither are aluminum parts. EK will continue to sell pre-built gaming PCs under the Fluid Gaming PC brand, and those systems will include aluminum Fluid Gaming components. System builders will also have the option of selling Fluid Gaming hardware in their pre-built gaming machines.

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Continue reading: All of EK's water cooling starter kits are now copper-based (full post)

American rapper Logic buys ultra-rare Pokemon card for $220,000

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Oct 14, 2020 9:23 PM CDT

American rapper Logic has just slapped down a huge $220,000 on an ultra-rare Pokemon carrd, as he was the leading bidder on a PSA 10 Base 1st Edition Charizard card.

American rapper Logic buys ultra-rare Pokemon card for $220,000

Logic, whose real name is Robert Bryson Hall II, posted on Instagram explaining: "When I was a kid I absolutely loved Pokemon but couldn't afford the cards. I remember even trying to trade food stamps for theirs and now as an adult who has saved every penny he has made being able to enjoy something that I've loved since childhood now as a grown man is like buying back a piece of something I could never have. It's not about the material, it's about the experience".

Cardhops explained on Twitter: "A PSA 10 Base Set 1st Edition Charizard just sold at auction with an ending bid of $183,812.00 via @IconicAuctions. Including the 20% buyer's premium, the total transaction value exceeds $220k. As of now, this is the highest known sale of the card".

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Continue reading: American rapper Logic buys ultra-rare Pokemon card for $220,000 (full post)

NVIDIA will shift over to TSMC for new 7nm Ampere GPUs in 2021

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Oct 14, 2020 9:02 PM CDT

NVIDIA is currently making its Ampere GPUs on Samsung's new 8nm node, but according to the latest reports the company will be shifting over most production to TSMC in 2021.

NVIDIA will shift over to TSMC for new 7nm Ampere GPUs in 2021

DigiTimes is reporting that NVIDIA will shift over from Samsung 8nm to TSMC 7nm in the new year, which should see the new GeForce RTX 3080 20GB model, and mid-range GeForce RTX 3060 and other series cards that are expected towards the tail end of 2020 and more so into 2021.

DigiTimes explains: "It has also been reported that NVIDIA's previous annual masterpiece RTX 30 series uses Samsung Electronics' 8nm process at a considerable OEM discount, but will switch to TSMC's 7nm process in 2021. The order volume is not less".

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Continue reading: NVIDIA will shift over to TSMC for new 7nm Ampere GPUs in 2021 (full post)

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