PC Hardware News (October 12 - 19, 2024)
AMD Zen 5 Processors
AMD has been making significant strides with their Zen 5 microarchitecture. The company recently launched the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X, which are part of the Zen 5 desktop CPU lineup. These processors promise substantial performance and efficiency gains, although the launch was slightly delayed due to chip quality issues.
Intel Core Ultra 200S CPUs
Intel unveiled the Core Ultra 200S desktop CPUs, part of the Arrow Lake series, which are expected to offer significant efficiency improvements. This move is crucial for Intel as the company navigates financial challenges and workforce reductions.
Stability Issues with Intel Raptor Lake
Intel has addressed stability issues with their Raptor Lake desktop chips, attributing the problems to excessive voltage from microcode. A fix is now available through BIOS updates, aiming to stabilize these processors.
New Power Supplies
Cooler Master's V Platinum V2 1600W ATX 3.1 power supply has been reviewed, highlighting its quiet operation and high efficiency. This is part of the broader shift towards ATX 3.1 standards in mainstream power supplies.
Gaming News (October 12 - 19, 2024)
Upcoming Game Releases
Several notable games are set to release in the coming weeks:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on October 25, with system requirements indicating it will run well on minimally powerful gear.
- Sonic X Shadow Generations on October 25, a platformer that combines classic Sonic games.
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard on October 31, an RPG with early hands-on impressions available.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on October 31, an action/RPG with enhanced visuals.
New Game Announcements
- UFO 50 includes 50 games from the developers of Spelunky and their friends, featuring both solo and local multiplayer options.
- Dungeon Clawler, a roguelike deckbuilder that uses a rigged claw-machine instead of a deck of cards.
- Rue Valley, a time loop RPG where players live through the same 47 minutes repeatedly.
Game Updates and Expansions
- No Man's Sky received the Aquarius update, which adds fishing to the game and is free for existing players.
- Hunt: Showdown introduced its first new map in three years, Mammon's Gulch, set in Colorado.
- Killing Floor 3 showcased its first gameplay trailer, promising action horror and new survival mechanics.
Streaming Updates (October 12 - 19, 2024)
XCloud Enhancements
Microsoft announced significant updates to XCloud, including:
- Better Bitrate and Latency: Improvements in streaming quality and reduced latency.
- Cloud Supported Controller: Enhanced support for cloud gaming controllers.
- Xbox Together Feature: A new feature that allows for more social interactions during cloud gaming sessions.
- Potential XCloud Only Subscription: Discussions around a subscription model exclusive to XCloud.
Other Notable News
Community Reactions
- Team Fortress 2 fans delivered a book containing over 340,000 petition signatures to Valve HQ, showing their dedication to the game.
Industry Developments
- Palworld will not be turning into a live-service game, according to Pocketpair CEO, alleviating concerns from the gaming community.
This week has seen a mix of exciting hardware launches, significant game releases, and innovative streaming updates, setting the stage for a dynamic and evolving tech landscape.
