tomshardware
Author page description
December 22
- AMD B850 motherboard pricing leaks at Amazon's overseas store — Gigabyte B850 boards listed between $240 and $308➀ AMD B850 motherboards priced between $240 and $308 are listed on Amazon's overseas store; ➁ Gigabyte's B850 series motherboards are set to launch on January 6, 2025; ➂ Asus is reportedly preparing to launch eight models with the B850 chipset and three with the B840 chipset.
December 21
- Lexar Play 4TB SSD review: Another good SSD for your PS5➀ Lexar Play offers reliable performance and high power efficiency; ➁ Available in 4TB and future 8TB capacities; ➂ Competitive pricing and heatsink design.
- Qualcomm wins legal battle over Arm — chipmaker didn't violate Arm's chip licensing agreement➀ Qualcomm has won a legal battle against Arm Holdings, with the jury concluding that it did not violate its architecture license agreement and technology license agreement by acquiring Nuvia and using its IP in Snapdragon X processors. ➁ The jury was unable to decide whether Nuvia, which was acquired by Qualcomm, violated its licensing terms with Arm. ➂ The decision leaves open the possibility of a retrial or further negotiations.
December 19
- U.S. gov't removes China's chip toolmaker AMEC from the list of 'military companies'➀ The U.S. Department of Defense removes AMEC, a Chinese etching and deposition toolmaker, from the list of companies linked to the Chinese military. ➁ The removal eases some restrictions but AMEC remains on the Commerce Department's Entity List, limiting its technology development. ➂ AMEC has faced similar blacklisting in the past, including in 2021.
- Asus ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi motherboard review: Snazzy snow owl➀ The Asus ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi is an upper mid-range motherboard priced at $399.99; ➁ It offers a range of features including AI technology, DIY-friendly design, and high-quality audio; ➂ The board performed well in gaming and productivity applications, with competitive power usage.
- Chinese GPU designers received key technologies from British company Imagination Technology: Report➀ British company Imagination Technologies supplies key GPU technologies to Chinese companies; ➁ UKCT accuses Imagination's managers of facilitating technology transfer; ➂ Imagination Technologies denies any wrongdoing and maintains industry standards were followed.
December 18
- AMD 3D V-Cache teardown shows the majority of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is dummy silicon➀ AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU teardown reveals a significant portion of the chip is dummy silicon for structural integrity; ➁ AMD's 3D V-Cache design shows impressive performance despite the dummy silicon; ➂ Intel has no plans to counter AMD's 3D V-Cache technology in the mainstream segment.
- High demand for Intel's Arc B580 as retailers receive weekly restocks — demand outstrips supply for the new $249 GPU champion➀ Intel's Arc B580 graphics card is in high demand as retailers receive weekly restocks; ➁ The demand outstrips supply for the $249 GPU champion; ➂ The success of the Arc B580 is a welcome change for Intel after recent challenges.
- Russia plans EUV chipmaking tools that it says will be cheaper and easier to build than ASML's — country outlines new roadmap to smaller chips➀ Russia unveils a plan to develop its own EUV lithography machines; ➁ The machines will use a laser with a 11.2nm wavelength, incompatible with existing EUV infrastructure; ➂ The development is divided into three stages, with the first focusing on foundational research.
- Qualcomm says its Oryon CPU cores have 1% or less of Arm's original technology — cores in Snapdragon X PC chips are almost entirely custom➀ Qualcomm's Oryon CPU cores use minimal Arm technology; ➁ Oryon cores are developed by Nuvia, a company co-founded by Gerard Williams III; ➂ Legal dispute between Arm and Qualcomm over Nuvia's architecture licenses and custom designs.
- GlobalWafers inks $406 million CHIPS Act deal to make 300mm wafers in the U.S.➀ GlobalWafers signs a $406 million deal with the U.S. government to produce 300mm wafers in the U.S.; ➁ The investment aims to boost domestic microelectronics production and localize wafer production; ➂ GlobalWafers plans to invest $4 billion in Missouri and Texas, creating about 2,580 jobs.
December 17
- Nvidia RTX 5080 allegedly adopts faster 30 Gbps GDDR7 modules, delivering 960 GB/s of bandwidth — The remaining Blackwell lineup is expected to stick with slower 28 Gbps memory➀ Nvidia's RTX 5080 rumored to feature 30 Gbps GDDR7 memory for 960 GB/s bandwidth; ➁ Remaining Blackwell lineup to use slower 28 Gbps modules; ➂ Nvidia's RTX 50 series expected to be first with GDDR7 memory
- AOC Agon Pro Porsche Design PD49 49-inch OLED gaming monitor review: High style and even higher performance➀ The AOC Agon Pro PD49 offers stunning visuals and high performance; ➁ It features a 49-inch QD-OLED panel with 240 Hz refresh rate and HDR400 support; ➂ The design collaboration with Porsche Design adds a premium aesthetic.
December 16
- SK hynix Beetle X31 (2TB) review: a solid, snazzy scarab➀ SK hynix's Beetle X31 2TB offers a spacious 2TB capacity with a solid metal shell and excellent accessories. ➁ Performance is decent but not outstanding in its class. ➂ The drive stands out with its unique design and included accessories.
- PowerColor Radeon RX 8000 'Reaper' series rumored to debut at CES 2025 next month➀ PowerColor is rumored to launch a new 'Reaper' GPU series for AMD's Radeon RX 8000 GPUs at CES 2025; ➁ The series is expected to target the budget/mainstream segment; ➂ It will include RX 8800 and RX 8600 models with XT variants, with Red Dragon and Hellhound variants rumored as well.
- Raspberry Pi 500 keyboard PC has been modded with an NVMe M.2 slot leveraging the device's conspicuously empty PCB header➀ Raspberry Pi 500 keyboard PC gets NVMe M.2 slot modification; ➁ Modders restore functionality by activating empty M.2 header; ➂ NVMe Gen 3 support enhances performance over SD cards
December 15
- Ventiva's Ionic Cooling Engine is quieter, higher performance, and more efficient than the Frore AirJet according to TechTuber teaser➀ Ventiva's Ionic Cooling Engine (ICE) is showcased by TechTuber Dave2D; ➁ The solid-state cooling technology uses ionic thrusters for heat dissipation without fans; ➂ Ventiva claims to have overcome the fragility issues of ionic coolers.
- Entire Intel Core 200 laptop lineup leaks out — Intel prepping to launch 22 new mobile CPUs next month at CES 2025➀ Intel's Core 200 laptop lineup is leaked, including 22 new mobile CPUs to be launched next month at CES 2025; ➁ The lineup is divided into Ultra and non-Ultra SKUs, with the Ultra series based on the latest Arrow Lake architecture; ➂ Detailed specifications of the CPUs are not yet available, but the leak suggests they are already with OEMs.
- BenQ Zowie XL2566X+ 400 Hz 25-inch gaming monitor review: Raw performance for esports➀ The BenQ Zowie XL2566X+ offers high performance gaming at a lower cost than OLED monitors; ➁ It boasts a 400 Hz TN panel with Adaptive-Sync and DyAc2 technology for smooth motion and low input lag; ➂ Despite lacking some features like HDR and wide gamut color, it is a solid choice for gamers.
December 14
- Overclocking Arrow Lake: How I set world records, plus simple tips to push your Core Ultra to the limit➀ Intel's Arrow Lake showcases significant memory overclocking potential; ➁ The author sets a world memory overclocking frequency record at DDR5-12666 MHz; ➂ Tips for enthusiasts on improving performance with standard cooling and liquid nitrogen overclocking.
- TSMC shares deep-dive details about its cutting edge 2nm process node at IEDM 2024 — 35 percent less power, or 15% more performance➀ TSMC unveiled details about its N2 (2nm-class) fabrication process at IEDM 2024; ➁ The new process promises a 24 to 35% power reduction or a 15% performance improvement at the same voltage; ➂ Key advancements include GAA nanosheet transistors and N2 NanoFlex design-technology co-optimization.
December 13
- Nvidia teases RTX 50 Blackwell Gaming GPUs for launch next month — The Witcher IV's first cinematic trailer likely leveraged the upcoming RTX 5090➀ Nvidia tease RTX 50 Blackwell GPUs; ➁ CES 2025 event announcement; ➂ The Witcher IV cinematic trailer hinting at RTX 5090
- AMD's fastest quad-core CPU gets tested — EPYC 4124P plays games at well over 60 FPS➀ AMD's new EPYC 4124P processor, a quad-core CPU, is tested in gaming scenarios; ➁ The processor, based on the Zen 4 architecture, offers over 60 FPS in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077; ➂ The CPU is tested with RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 Super GPUs, showing good performance in most titles.
- Sovol SV06 ACE Review: Affordable and Speedy➀ The Sovol SV06 ACE is a budget-friendly 3D printer with high speeds and quality features; ➁ It is inspired by Prusa's i3 machines and features Klipper firmware and a built-in camera; ➂ The printer offers auto bed leveling, high flow nozzle, and a variety of materials support.
- Intel executive says spinning off manufacturing unit is an 'open question'➀ Michelle Johnston Holthaus and David Zinsner, co-CEOs of Intel, have differing opinions on spinning off the Intel Foundry division; ➁ Intel is focused on making its 18A process technology successful; ➂ Intel has received several requests for proposals (RFPs) for its 18A technology.
December 12
- MSI MEG Maestro 700L PZ Case Review: Big and Luxurious➀ The MSI Maestoro 700KL PZ is a premium, eye-catching case designed for showing off components with vertical GPU installation options. ➁ It features high build quality, support for traditional and back-connector motherboards, and ample space for cooling. ➃ However, it has moderate thermal performance and a high price point.
- Synopsys announces Ultra Ethernet and UALink IP to power the next-generation of AI datacenters➀ Synopsys announces Ultra Ethernet and UALink IP for next-generation AI datacenters; ➁ The IPs support high-speed connectivity and intelligent multipathing; ➂ The technologies are expected to be launched in 2025.
- Huawei sticks to 7nm for latest processor as China's chip advancements stall➀ Huawei sticks to 7nm for its latest processor despite China's stagnation in semiconductor advancements; ➁ The Huawei Mate 70 Pro uses the HiSilicon Kirin 9020 processor with SMIC's 7nm-class technology; ➂ Huawei's reliance on SMIC's technology may delay the adoption of 5nm production until 2026.
December 11
- Gaming GPU sales plummet 14.5% in third quarter — Nvidia's RTX 5000-series launch looms large➀ Gaming GPU sales dropped 14.5% in Q3 2024; ➁ Nvidia's market share increased from 88% to 90%; ➂ Concerns over tariffs and economic recession may impact GPU sales.
- Nvidia could face massive $1 billion fine over antitrust violations in China — Nvidia's Mellanox acquisition is in Beijing's crosshairs➀ China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is investigating Nvidia over its 2019 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies; ➁ Nvidia faces a potential fine of up to $1.03 billion; ➂ The probe is part of China's retaliation against U.S. export controls on semiconductor technology.