PC Hardware News (October 21 - 28, 2024)
AMD Zen 5 Processors
AMD has been making significant strides with their Zen 5 microarchitecture. The company recently launched the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X, which are the first desktop CPUs using the Zen 5 microarchitecture. However, the launch of the Ryzen 9000 series has been delayed by 1 to 2 weeks due to chip quality issues.
Intel Raptor Lake Stability Issues
Intel has addressed stability issues with their Raptor Lake desktop chips by publishing a microcode update. This update aims to resolve the excessive voltage problems that have been reported by users.
New Power Supplies
Cooler Master and Corsair have introduced new power supplies adhering to the ATX 3.1 standard. The Cooler Master V Platinum V2 1600W and Corsair RM750e are notable mentions, offering quiet and efficient power delivery.
Mini-PCs
Several mini-PC reviews have highlighted the growing trend of compact desktop systems. The ACEMAGIC F2A 125H and ECS LIVA Z5 PLUS, both utilizing Intel's Meteor Lake and Raptor Lake processors, respectively, have been reviewed for their performance and efficiency.
Gaming News (October 21 - 28, 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.
- Ys X: Nordics on October 25, an action/RPG in the Ys series.
- Until Dawn [2024 remake] on October 4, a survival horror game.
New Game Announcements
- UFO 50: A collection of 50 games from the developers of Spelunky and their friends, including 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.
Updates and Expansions
- No Man's Sky Aquarius Update: Adds fishing to the game, available for free to existing players.
- Hunt: Showdown's New Map: Mammon's Gulch, the first new map in three years, has been released, featuring a central mountain, two rivers, and expansive mines.
Community and Developer News
- Team Fortress 2: Fans have compiled over 340,000 names of #SaveTF2 petition signatories into a book and delivered it to Valve HQ.
- Valve's Deadlock: A new MOBA shooter that has generated significant hype among fans, streamers, and esports players.
Streaming Updates (October 21 - 28, 2024)
No Major Streaming Platform Updates
There have been no significant updates or announcements from major streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming in the past week. However, streamers continue to engage with new games and updates, such as the discussion around the upcoming Spider-Man 2 on PC and the comparison of upscaling technologies like PS5 Pro's PSSR and FSR 3.1.
Analysis and Impact
- AMD's Zen 5 Delay: The delay in the Ryzen 9000 series launch could impact AMD's market share and customer expectations, but the company's commitment to quality ensures that the final product will meet high standards.
- Intel's Financial Woes: Intel's workforce layoff and budget cuts reflect the company's efforts to stabilize financially, which might influence their product roadmap and innovation pace.
- Gaming Releases: The upcoming game releases, especially titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Sonic X Shadow Generations, are expected to drive engagement and sales in the gaming industry.
This week has seen a mix of significant hardware updates, exciting game announcements, and community-driven initiatives, highlighting the dynamic nature of the PC hardware, gaming, and streaming landscapes.
