Latest News - Page 37

A ZOTAC GeForce RTX 5090 SOLID reportedly failed catastrophically while its owner was playing through the Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced tutorial, according to a post on the r/pcmasterrace subreddit. While the user's description of the card "blowing up" is a bit of an exaggeration, they claim to have heard a loud pop and crackling noise about five minutes into the game, followed by a cloud of smoke, and the system shut down immediately.

This one is peculiar because of where the damage actually is. The 16-pin 12V-2x6 power connector, the usual suspect in RTX 5090 failures, came through untouched. Instead, the burn marks are concentrated around the PCIe interface, both on the card's gold fingers and around the main PCIe slot on the owner's MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk motherboard.

The card had reportedly been running fine for about a year with no hardware changes, and the only recent change was NVIDIA's GeForce 610.74 driver, released July 7, with support for Black Flag Resynced. There's no evidence tying that driver to the failure, and a software issue causing this kind of physical damage would be unusual on its own.

Former Epic Games VP Steve Allison joins Saber Interactive to help unlock the publisher's future.

Saber Interactive today announced that ex-Epic exec Steve Allison has been recruited, and will be serving as Saber's chief business officer. Allison was instrumental in the formation of the Epic Games Store and helped build a competing digital content sales platform on PC. He will lend his expertise to helm Saber's global developer-publisher games lineup.

"Allison will lead business development and strategy for the worldwide publisher and developer's portfolio of highly anticipated titles," reads the press release. "He will report directly to the CEO."

Counterfeit SSDs are getting harder to spot, and the latest one making the rounds is a fake Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SATA drive that can't take more than 120GB of real writes. Japanese outlet Akiba PC Hotline tore one down after testing it, and the results are a good reminder that fakes are getting more and more convincing.

On the surface, this fake looks close to the genuine 870 EVO. The box, label, and enclosure all closely mimic Samsung's real packaging, and Windows detects it as a proper 2TB SATA SSD. CrystalDiskMark even reported read and write speeds in the range you'd expect from a real 870 EVO, around 492 MB/s read and 467 MB/s write. On paper, everything checks out, and the scammers have made software-level tweaks to ensure it appears to be the real thing.

The problem showed up during a full-capacity write test using H2testw, a tool that fills a drive with data and verifies that it can be read back correctly. Around 117,227MB in, or roughly 120GB, the drive stopped writing entirely. Write speeds dropped to zero, and the previously written data became unreadable after a restart. This is a tell-tale sign of fake storage media.

Publishers set the prices of games sold on the PlayStation Store, former Sony Interactive Entertainment executive Gordon Thornton tells Insider Gaming.

Sony's decision to cut physical disc production has sparked controversy among the PlayStation faithful. The frustration has led to angry fans digging around Sony's financials and misinterpreting key data points, including digital/physical unit sales and revenues. With so much confusion floating around, it's important to pay attention when people in the know share info on industry dynamics.

Gamers are now getting more clarifications on how the digital PS Store actually works from higher-ups who used to work at Sony.

S&P Global shares predictions for the console games market from now until 2030, including estimates for PlayStation 6 and Project Helix. Sony's sales dominance throughout Gen 9 is expected to continue throughout Gen 10 as Microsoft faces down tough sales.

A new report from S&P Global estimates global console shipments from 2020 through 2030.

One particular graph shows how badly the RAM crisis is expected to bite into console production, with a major drop plotted in 2027. Console shipments will get a boost in 2028 thanks to the release of the PlayStation 6 and Project Helix consoles, yet the latter is expected to be outsold by the former by some 2.5x shipments.

The latest version of the popular tool HWMonitor has brought back support for monitoring hotspot temperatures with NVIDIA RTX 5000 GPUs.

VideoCardz noticed that the release notes from developer CPUID for version 1.65 of HWMonitor detail two new features: preliminary support for the Lisuan 7G100 GPU, as well as: "Hotspot temperature on NVIDIA RTX 50x0 GPUs."

If you recall, NVIDIA put paid to hotspot readings with the launch of Blackwell GPUs, but the sensors still remained - it's just that Team Green removed public access to them, so tools like HWMonitor could no longer pull those readings.

It's been less than a month since the re-release of AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, and the Zen 3 part has already hit the top five best-sellers on Amazon. The chip ranks as Amazon's fourth best-selling CPU right now, sandwiched between the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in 2nd place and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in 5th place.

The top 10 CPUs in Amazon's list are all AMD models, featuring the Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800XT, Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Ryzen 7 7700X, and Ryzen 9 9900X. The highest-ranking Intel CPU on Amazon's best-sellers list at the time of writing is the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, sitting at 15th place.

Amazon's best sellers list shows that demand for an X3D part that supports the AM4 platform is extremely high, thanks to the ongoing DRAM and SSD shortage, which has drastically increased DDR5 memory pricing. DDR4 pricing has not been completely unaffected by the DRAM shortage, but DDR4 is still much cheaper than DDR5. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D was the first X3D chip AMD ever produced, featuring eight Zen 3 cores with a peak turbo frequency of 4.5GHz and 96MB of L3 cache. However, bringing the two-generation-old CPU back was not easy; AMD had to redesign the 3D stacking process to accommodate a newer design since the original had been decommissioned.

Microsoft is finally delivering on a long-awaited fix to Windows 11 search, and while the fix is rolling out to specific Windows users, those users will be glad to know it targets local apps, files, and settings, while removing ads and other distractions, otherwise known as "bloat".

The company announced the news in a new Windows Blog post, where it wrote that it is rolling out an overhaul that makes search results clearer, more relevant, and easier to navigate. According to Microsoft, the changes are in direct response to user feedback and are intended to make the Windows Search Box a more valuable feature for everyday tasks. The update also includes better tolerance for typos and a more intuitive layout for scanning results, which should make browsing the plethora of files on your computer easier on the eyes.

Microsoft has recently been making an effort to refine the Windows 11 user experience, particularly in areas that have historically frustrated users, while also preparing Windows for full gaming integration through the Xbox Full Screen Experience. By removing MSN/Bing clutter and promotional content, the new search experience feels less like an ad platform and more like a functional tool, which is something Windows 11 users have been complaining about for quite some time.

Nintendo is reportedly considering an OLED upgrade for the Switch 2, according to a new report from ZDNet Korea. The Switch 2 launched with an LCD panel just like its predecessor, and similarly, walking the same path, the Switch 2's rumored OLED version would mean deeper blacks, richer colors, and overall improved visual fidelity.

The latest rumor suggests Nintendo is exploring a 1920 x 1080 Full HD OLED panel for a future revision of the Switch 2. Samsung Display may be among the potential suppliers for the panel, should the project move forward, which I would consider, given it's the same approach Nintendo took within the original Switch. Development could begin as soon as the end of this year, with mass production potentially starting by late 2027 or early 2028.

Additionally, Nintendo waited nearly 5 years into the original Switch's lifecycle before releasing an OLED version. If the company follows that same cadence, it will release the Switch 2 OLED at the earliest in 2029. If the report proves accurate, it would mark another step in OLED's growing role in gaming hardware, and with the Switch 2's new powerful hardware, I think every gamer would love to see those components paired with a gorgeous OLED display.

MSI's Intel 800-series motherboards can now push DDR5-8000+ speeds using memory built on CXMT DRAM, a major leap for Chinese-made modules, which are attempting to enter the turbulent memory market that is screaming for more supply.

MSI has announced its Intel Z890 motherboards, after dedicated BIOS tuning, deliver stable performance across both high-end and standard 4-DIMM CXMT-based memory kits. CXMT DRAM has quickly become popular for its value in the memory crisis, but until now, its frequency ceiling lagged behind that of traditional vendors, making it a difficult solution. MSI's firmware optimizations and stress testing have now closed the gap, and at least on these motherboards, owners can now pick up some new RAM that will (hopefully) be reasonably priced (whatever that means right now).

The key differentiator here is how well motherboard firmware interprets CXMT silicon. By refining memory training and timing, MSI managed to extract new levels of performance on these modules, which it has validated on a MEG Z890 UNIFY-X (2-DIMM): DDR5-8600 at 46-56-56-134 timings, paired with an Intel Core Ultra 5 245K and 2 x 24 GB CXMT modules (48 GB total).

Claude isn't just adapting to your questions; it's adapting to you, as Anthropic has officially confirmed that the AI chatbot's behavior shifts depending on both the model you pick and the language you use, resulting in a variation of tone and approaches to problem-solving questions.

In a nutshell, Claude changes its "personality" depending on the model that is being used, meaning the Claude you interact with when using Fable 5 is different than the Claude you interacted with when using the Sonnet model. Anthropic has published a report where it reveals it analyzed over 300,000 real user interactions and mapped Claude's behavior across four key personality traits.

The results show that Opus 4.7 is more critical and challenging, while Sonnet 4.6 is faster and more affirming. Meanwhile, language choice also plays its own role in the generated response, as it was discovered that Claude comes across as warmer in Hindi and Arabic, but more analytical and skeptical in English and Russian.

When it comes to productivity, the rise of powerful Mini PCs has been a game-changer, delivering performance, efficiency, and value in a compact footprint that's a fraction of the size of a regular desktop PC or even a notebook. KAMRUI's impressive lineup of Pinova P1 and Pinova P2 Mini PCs lives up to this promise, delivering in all three key areas and offering extensive connectivity options that make them perfect for small businesses, home offices, and personal use. And they put the Mini into a Mini PC with form factors that are up to 60% smaller than the competition.

And with that, KAMRUI has partnered with TweakTown to offer fantastic deals on its Pinova P1 and Pinova P2 Mini PC lineup. These compact productivity rigs all support 4K displays, high-speed wireless networking, 16GB of memory, SSD storage, and AMD Ryzen processors with integrated Radeon graphics. And best of all, they offer incredible value when you apply our special Promo Code at checkout on Amazon.

All KAMRUI Mini PCs come with lifetime technical support and a 12-month service plan for added peace of mind. These deals are only available for a limited time, too, so let's take a closer look at the offers.

Techland has some disappointing news for gen 8 console gamers: Dying Light The Beast has been cancelled on PS4 and Xbox One.

Dying Light The Beast, the latest standalone game starring Kyle Crane, will no longer release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The developers at Techland announced the news today on Facebook, essentially saying that the older-gen consoles aren't powerful enough to meet the game's needs.

The studio confirms that refunds will be offered to those who pre-ordered the cancelled PS4 and Xbox One versions of The Beast on all platforms.

Ubisoft insider Rogue Tx, who has a solid track record on Assassin's Creed leaks, says a reveal for Assassin's Creed Hexe could be coming relatively soon. As evidence, Rogue points back to something he flagged weeks ago: a hidden cathedral tucked into Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, which players have since matched to a real church in Nuremberg.

Given Hexe's rumored setting during the German witch trials, that cathedral looks less like a coincidence and more like Ubisoft seeding its next game inside its last one. The timing also roughly matches up to when you would expect a reveal for a game that is rumored to be coming in 2027.

Rogue also shared new gameplay details alongside the reveal talk. Hexe's parkour will reportedly blend the classic pre-RPG Assassin's Creed movement style with mechanics from Assassin's Creed Shadows, giving players double jumps and swings for both exploration and escaping enemies.

LG Display just put out an internal study claiming its 480Hz OLED monitors can improve your aim by as much as 38% over a standard 60Hz screen. These numbers are quite impressive and eye-catching enough to warrant a closer look.

According to the study, the company ran a blind test with 31 adult male gamers, all self-described generalists rather than esports pros, playing an unnamed first-person shooter at four refresh rates: 60Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz, and 480Hz, in random order. LG tracked hit score and the time it took players to eliminate a target after it appeared, then layered in subjective feedback on smoothness and tracking.

The headline result is a 38% jump in hit score at 480Hz compared to 60Hz, with most of that gain showing up between 60Hz and 240Hz. Going from 240Hz to 480Hz only added another 10% on top. LG chalks it up to OLED's near instant pixel response, which cuts input lag by more than 10 milliseconds at 480Hz compared to 60Hz.

A leaked render of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has surfaced on Telegram, offering a first look at the device ahead of its rumored August 12 launch, which, if you know anything about Google and unreleased Google products, this leak isn't surprising in the slightest.

Google has a long history of renders somehow making their way out onto the internet before the official announcement, and in this instance, the render was shared by leaker Mystic Leaks and then reported on by 9to5Google. The image reveals the back of the device in a new "Pine" colorway, with subtle but notable design changes from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The render highlights a smaller camera bar compared to last year's model, with the flash now moved to the upper left corner, rather than in the center on the 10. Some speculate this change could be for a new "Pixel Glow" notification system, which would use light and color to alert users when the phone is face-down, a feature that is similar to the multi-colored notification light that appeared on Google's Nexus line of smartphones. The Pro Fold 11 also doesn't fully adopt the all-black camera bar expected on the regular Pixel 11 lineup.

Sony announced it was ending production of PlayStation games on physical discs in January 2028, a decision that caused large portions of PlayStation gamers and gamers in general to turn against Sony. Now, it seems Sony won't only have angry gamers knocking on their door, but also Dutch consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument, who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Dutch PlayStation gamers that is seeking $457 million in damages for violations of pricing practises on the PlayStation Store.

While these issues seem completely separate on the surface, the Dutch consumer group argues that Sony's decision to end production of physical PlayStation games reinforces its alleged monopolized position in the market, as Sony will be able to push prices even higher than they were prior to physical PlayStation games being discontinued. While the lawsuit predominantly focuses on pricing on the PlayStation Store, the recent decision from Sony has only given the consumer group's argument more credibility.

Notably, Sony's relationship with gamers currently is thin at best, as indicated by a petition that has since reached more than 300,000 signatures, which calls for Sony to reconsider its disc phase-out decision. Additionally, PlayStation gamers are canceling their subscriptions to PSN in droves, prompting Sony to begin to offer 50% discounts to gamers attempting to end their PSN subscription. Simultaneously, Sony confirmed that PSN price hikes aren't off the table, and soft confirmed the PlayStation 6 will be launching without a disc drive.

The first spacecraft to make a close approach to Earth's enigmatic quasi-moon, Kamo'oalewa, has been confirmed, and as it approached, it captured clear photos of the object in orbit.

The mission, launched in May 2025, is now within 12.5 miles of the space rock, setting the stage for an unprecedented attempt to collect surface samples. The Chinese spacecraft Tianwen-2 spent 400 days traveling to the asteroid, covering 620 million miles to arrive at an asteroid that is only 50 - 60 feet wide. Its mission will last over a year, during which it will fly alongside the quasi-moon to study its composition and attempt to retrieve material from its surface using methods such as "anchor-and-attach" and "touch-and-go." If successful, China will join only two other nations in the elite club of asteroid samplers.

Kamo'oalewa, one of seven known quasi-moons, presents a unique challenge for the engineers behind the project, as the moon spins rapidly, completing one rotation every half hour. Its speed, along with its small size, demands extreme precision from the nearly two-ton space probe, especially if China doesn't want to disturb the rock's trajectory. According to planetary scientist Cristina Thomas, this is the smallest object ever visited by a spacecraft, and to successfully execute sample retrieval, it will take some skill.

Businesses are shifting their focus from raw AI power to cost efficiency, and OpenAI, Meta, and SpaceXAI are capitalizing on the trend. All three companies have recently released new AI models that emphasize lower operational costs, a move that could put pressure on Anthropic in the AI enterprise space.

According to Bloomberg, OpenAI's latest model, GPT-5.6, is designed to complete more work while using fewer tokens, and this shift represents a fundamental shift in the AI race as the costs for more sophisticated or higher-power models begin to be felt by AI companies.

Meta and SpaceXAI have also launched updated models, with SpaceXAI debuting Grok 4.5, claiming improved token efficiency, which directly targets the exponential cost for enterprise clients. With business customers increasingly scrutinizing AI spending, efficiency is now a major selling point, and, according to Bloomberg, is the new direction AI companies are heading.

Big German software company SAP has averted a potential EU antitrust fine by agreeing to open up its maintenance and support market for on-premise software. The European Commission has accepted the company's commitments to let customers switch or terminate support contracts more easily.

The change comes after an investigation by EU regulators into how SAP controlled access to its enterprise software for maintenance and support, a process that regulators argued stifled competition. Companies using SAP, which provides the critical infrastructure of any given company as its software processes finances, HR documentation, sales, etc, said they want to keep using SAP, but want third parties to be able to provide support. SAP has now allowed third-party providers to offer support services, which aligns with EU competition rules.

These concessions have closed the probe without a fine, which reports say could save the company billions. The move is one of many dodges tech companies have done under the pressure of the EU regulatory hammer, as the watchdog continues to exert its power in the name of the consumer. The EU has been pushing for fairer access to critical enterprise services, and SAP's agreement sets a precedent for how large software vendors may need to adapt in the future.