PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com Practical PC & Tech Guides for Home, Work, and Play Sat, 06 Jul 2024 09:23:12 +0000 en-US https://www.pcguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PCguide-favicon-75x75.png PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com 32 32 GPU repair shop warns of more scams as it unveils an RTX 4090 imposter chip A repair shop has warned of a scam they found in a recent GPU repair. Northwestrepair on YouTube (thanks to Videocardz) has shown off quite the big switcharoo found in one of its customer's graphics cards. They had sent in an RTX 4090 for a repair in a seemingly newish ASUS TUF model, but inside it was not. Other attempts of passing on old GPUs usually involve memory replacement but this goes a step further and replaces the GPU chip itself.

However, it's not even that obvious, unveiling the processor seems to be the correct one with the AD102-301-A1 written on it, which is correct for the 4090. However, upon closer inspection, it is the GA102 chip found in the RTX 3080 Ti instead. According to the shop, it had been polished to remove the old label, and the new engraving was lasered on to try to pass off as the newer higher-end model.

RTX 4090 GPU vs fake chip, Source northwestrepair

To further diminish the card that was sent in, at least one of the memory modules on the board was 256MB instead of the 2GB of GDDR6X that should be on there. Further crippling the card from the 24GB of memory that should be on board and likely a lot slower too.

The reason for the GPU scams

These scams likely arose from the remnants of the crypto mining craze. Where we saw a shortage of GPUs as they were put to work in farms, they got put to work to earn money but as the craze subsided and costs rose, it became unprofitable. So to recuperate costs, they attempted to sell off the cards and flooded the market. But with so much stock not all could be sold off, and with newer cards coming out the older cards fell back in relevancy.

So to try and push them off, they had to be a bit more creative. Previously they might have just replaced the memory modules as they were the ones that were more put to work when farming, or resoldering GPUs to new PCBs, but this is another level. With a new-looking card with the peel on it's like new but with a replacement inside.

Depending on where the GPU is purchased there might not be too much the customer can do to reclaim their money depending on protections and the disputes you can send in. So selling off the old GPU on the newer card makes it a lot more appealing and gets the scammer a lot more money for the product.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/gpu-repair-shop-warns-of-more-scams-as-it-unveils-an-rtx-4090-imposter-chip/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362274 Sat, 06 Jul 2024 09:22:37 +0100
ASUS finally unveils its first ROG NUC with 2.5L PC It has now been about a year since Intel discontinued the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) PCs, handing over the reins to ASUS to continue the legacy of small-form-factor computing. Although it has already released a range of ASUS NUCs, it now is expanding the line with a more gaming focus in its Republic of Gamers brand slapped onto them. In it though you will be able to find some surprisingly strong hardware for the small gaming PC.

The SFF PC although a discrete standing computer, does utilize laptop hardware inside of it. It doesn't have to comply with Nvidia's SFF initiative considering the graphics card inside are the laptop versions and a lot easier to cool and fit in. That also applies to the Intel CPU you can find inside, with the NUC using the latest mobile processors. Both of these should give quite a bit of a boost in gaming performance, especially with the features available on the Nvidia hardware.

ROG NUC specs

As Videocardz outlines, there are two models available initially to pick from. With the NUC 970 and NUC 760 for a choice of top end and a bit dialed back option in both CPU and GPU. But still, they are a lot more high-end compared to the other range of NUC released previously considering the graphics card inside.

ROG NUC 970ROG NUC 760ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 185H (35-45W TDP, 5.1GHz, 16C/22T)INtel Core Ultra 7 155H (28-45W, 4.8GHz, 16C/22T)GraphicsNvidia RTX 4070 8GBNvidia RTX 4060 8GBMemoryUp to 64GB (2*32) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMMUp to 64GB (2*32) DDR5 5600MHz SODIMMStorage3x PCIe 4.0 SSD M.2 22803x PCIe 4.0 SSD M.2 2280IO PortsFront: 2x USB 10Gbps, 1x Combo jack, 1x SD card 8.0Rear: 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP 1.4a, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 10Gbps, 2x USB 2.0Front: 2x USB 10Gbps, 1x Combo jack, 1x SD card 8.0Rear: 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP 1.4a, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 10Gbps, 2x USB 2.0LAN2.5 Gbps2.5 GbpsWLAN and BTIntel Killer WiFi 6E 2x2 & BT 5.3Intel Killer WiFi 6E 2x2 & BT 5.3SecurityKensington Lock slotKensington Lock slotAdapter330W330WDimensions180 x 270 x 60mm, 2.6kg180 x 270 x 60mm, 2.6kgMSRP$2,199$1,629

With the new Core Ultra processors, there are integrated graphics with Intel Arc on board, but the Nvidia GPU is certainly the go-to with a lot of performance behind it. Especially with the ability to utilize DLSS 3, it should be able to push a lot more frames with its frame generation and high performance. Although might still be a bit behind the 4070 laptops as they have a bit more space for cooling.

The size is a bit more prominent and the images show off a few vents around the system so it should be able to keep up with the heat output of the processor or GPU. The specs for the 4070 and 4060 do range between 35-115W so there is a bit of power to utilize.

Additionally, the range of IO ports, DDR5 RAM, NVMe SSD slots, WiFi 6E, and toolless chassis does offer modern features and plenty of expandability. All in a PC case of just 2.5 liters it does have a good amount of potential to utilize and match up some laptop performance.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/asus-finally-unveils-its-first-rog-nuc-with-25l-pc/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362267 Sat, 06 Jul 2024 08:47:18 +0100
Intel’s next-gen CPUs might be limiting overclocking support to just one chipset As the next generation of hardware is slowly coming towards us, it's not unexpected to be getting more and more info leaking out about it. This particular leak targeted Intel's CPU and specifically its chipsets and motherboards. According to leaker jaykihn0 on X, who provided a whole spec sheet for the upcoming Arrow Lake-S chipsets, their overclocking potential them might be limited to just the top-end chipset.

This information is about the Intel 15th Gen processors that are expected to come in the second half of the year. This does mean a new motherboard standard as we expect another socket change for the new CPUs with a new naming standard as well. But although previously overclocking your CPU was fairly wide-ranged, except for the lowest chipsets, it now might be available on just the Z890 motherboards.

Intel 800 series leak, Source jaykihn0 on X

Arrow Lake-S motherboard chipsets and specs

In the leaked spec page, jaykihn0 revealed quite a bit of information on the chipsets for Arrow Lake-S. There we see the expected range of options with the full initial lineup according to the leaker featuring the: H810, B860, Q870, Z890, and W880. There we expect to see the Z, B, and H to be aimed at consumers, W for workstations, and Q for enterprise. The Z890 is the feature-rich and top-end option to pick from.

Because of that Intel seems to be limiting the IA and BCLK OC to just the Z890 chipsets. This is what is used to overclock your CPU, and it kind of makes sense as it is the more enthusiast-level board and these days, CPU overclocking is a lot less common considering most processors go as high on their own. In this case, you want the best option for a mobo with the best power solutions and cooling capacity.

On the other hand, memory overclocking is a bit more open, with only the Q870, and H810 boards not supporting it, limiting the enterprise and budget motherboards in what they can do. This is the more important overclocking option as it is a lot more influential as running your RAM higher is a lot more common and is actually advertised on the packaging rather than running the JDEC spec.

Another interesting feature is PCIe Gen 5 support is becoming a lot more common. Intel looks to be adding support to each of its motherboards. With each x16 slot (for the GPU) to have it, so any future graphics cards running the standard won't be limited. although the upper chipsets are the ones with more lanes and support for storage as well as the fastest NVMe SSDs. All in all, the next-gen is shaping up to be quite fast.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/intels-next-gen-cpus-might-be-limiting-overclocking-support-to-just-one-chipset/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362262 Sat, 06 Jul 2024 07:59:30 +0100
This newly-released horror game is completely free to keep on Steam for the next 2 days Released just today, on the 5th of July, Cakey's Twisted Bakery is a survival horror title worth picking up while it's free. While it doesn't look like the most content-rich experience on the planet, we can't complain about a free game. For comparison at first glance, it seems to follow the familiar Five Nights at Freddy's aesthetic, though this time in a bakery setting.

Head on over to the Steam Store page and check it out - it will be available for free until the 7th of July at 1 PM BST, so we thought we'd give it a highlight as a break from the very busy Steam Summer Sale. Can't get a better sale than 100% off and it's free to keep forever as long as you claim it in time.

Cakey's Twisted Bakery is 100% off on Steam until July 7

Cakey's Twisted Bakery is now 100% off, source: Steam

Cakey's Twisted Bakery is a game centered around cooking up a recipe with a dark twist. You'll be gathering ingredients in an effort to "bake the perfect pie of destruction" to use against "bakery baddies" that roam the game's dimly lit environment.

Worth adding to your Steam library?

We can't really sit here and say that we'd argue against picking up a free game. As far as depth goes, Cakey's Twisted Bakery looks pretty shallow, and some user reviews seem to reflect that. However, there's no reason not to add the game to your library for free, even if you only bother playing it on a particularly rainy day.

Given that the system requirements suggest you'll be able to play on just about any old PC, requiring a GT 1030 or RX 550 and 8GB of RAM, you shouldn't have trouble running it. Plus, it's just over 1GB, so a quick download too.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/this-newly-released-horror-game-is-completely-free-to-keep-on-steam-for-the-next-2-days/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362257 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:29:35 +0100
ASRock’s Creator Series will be the first AMD GPUs to use new 16-pin connector It isn't quite time to move onto the RX 8000 series GPUs yet, as ASRock announces a new pair of graphics cards for the tail-end of the current generation. They've gone with high-end, revealing RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX models with a couple of twists to think about. These make up the new 'Creator Series', which is actually a rebranding of the 7900 WS series they revealed back at Computex last month.

In tandem with a blower fan design (which we'll also be getting with this GALAX RTX 4070 Super), the new ASRock Radeon cards will be using the beefy 16-pin connector, rather than the dual 8-pin power connector we've come to know and love. Designed for multi-GPU setups, the Creator Series is best-suited for a workstation setup or a generative AI work.

Radeon 7900 Creator Series uses the 12V-2x6 connector

As a joint effort, these 7900 XT and 7900 XTX graphics cards will become the world's first Radeon GPUs to use the new 16-pin power connector, the 12V-2x6 variant to be exact. While some users may worry about the safety of 16-pin vs dual 8-pin, this newer revision should be more secure.

You may know by now that Nvidia adopted the 16-pin connector for their high-end RTX 40 series graphics cards. We won't go into a whole lot of detail regarding some of the problems users faced, but the original 12VHPWR connector melting issue is still a hotly-contested one. However, the revised 12V-2x6 connector does solve some problems thanks to the 90-degree design and shorting sensing pins to ensure a secure connection.

ASRock Creator Series AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, source: momomo_us on X

A couple of details we don't know about just yet

Despite getting a good look at these upcoming graphics cards, there are still a couple of things that remain a mystery. It's not yet known whether ASRock will come with an optional adapter, something we see with the RTX 40 series. On top of that ASRock has kept the price of these new GPUs under wraps, nor is the exact release date. We expect to see them available on the ASRock website in the near future.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/asrocks-creator-series-will-be-the-first-amd-gpus-to-use-new-16-pin-connector/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362247 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:00:40 +0100
RTX 4070 gaming PC gets price slashed in early Prime day deal on Amazon Most gamers would love to get their hands on a top-notch gaming PC but often the price can be prohibitive. Lucky for you we've just spotted a sweet deal on an RTX 4070 gaming PC for you to make the most of. Currently, this ASUS 2023 ROG RTX 4070 Gaming PC is available for just a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this ASUS gaming PC for just $1,599.00. That's after a sweet 16% discount off its usual asking price of $1,899.99 meaning you'll save over $300 if you buy it today.

Why you'll love this ASUS ROG RTX 4070 gaming PC

Here are some of the key features that make this gaming PC a real standout.

Compact Yet Powerful: At just 4.53" wide and 11.3" tall, the G22 gaming desktop fits in tight spaces while housing high-performance hardware.Exceptional Performance: Elevate your gaming experience with an Intel Core i7-13700F Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 DUAL, all within a compact 10L volume.Memory and Storage: 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD Gen 4.Sleek Modern Design: The G22 features a minimalist design that seamlessly blends into any setting, with subtle RGB lighting for added personalization.Easy Upgrade Access: Easily access the G22's internals with a simple slide, making component upgrades quick and effortless.Superior Sound Quality: Enjoy the immersive audio of Dolby Atmos and clear communication with Two-Way AI Noise-Cancellation technology.

Where to buy this ASUS ROG RTX 4070 gaming PC deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but be warned deals like this often don't last for long so if you like the current price we'd recommend acting quickly.

If this particular gaming PC isn't for you then be sure to check out some of the other great deals on gaming rigs that are live right now.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/rtx-4070-gaming-pc-gets-price-slashed-in-early-prime-day-deal-on-amazon/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362213 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:29:44 +0100
Nvidia’s RTX 50 series is likely still going to dominate while Intel and AMD fight for scraps As we get halfway through the year 2024, we approach the launch season for the next generation of graphics cards. As we get the RTX 50 series release date rumors for the last quarter of the year, we're slowly approaching the time when we might be hearing more about them. But as the current gen slowly leaves the news, it's hard to see much change coming in the market with the next series.

With now three companies battling for your choice to buy, it's a hard battle to win people over and innovate something better and grander. But that's not even the struggle as when the hype and power are behind one company is there, then it's hard to fight back. So we look forward to what we might expect from the likes of Intel and AMD as well as trying to fight back against Nvidia at the top of the market.

Nvidia's lead and dominance

It's no secret and quite the wide knowledge now of Nvidia's rise in power, as its stock prices rise and the market cap climbs the ranks. Although it peaked at number one, it now mingles in the top three alongside Microsoft and Apple. That's thanks to its endeavor into AI chips, with all the hype and build-up of models and massive computers, Nvidia is not shying away from selling computing power in that sector.

John Peddie Research shows the lead in add-in board sales that Nvidia has over the competition, as in Q1 24 it has 88% compared to 12% of AMD and 0% from Intel. That's even less to say on the enterprise section where the even bigger cards lay, with Nvidia growing more and more with a whole range of cards available from them. That's especially true at the top as there's nothing that matches up to the RTX 4090 for the gamers out there.

Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super

Even if we might be feeling a bit left behind, it kind of feels like we might be at the back of the mind now. As the lower end with the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB and how it might feel a bit lacking in this day and age. Especially as the prices keep rising and making it a bit less affordable which gives the competition a bit of an opportunity to get something out of it.

The fight for second

With so much lead the rest of the pack kind of has to fight for the scraps. Even looking at the Steam hardware survey, Nvidia's discrete GPUs lead ahead of any Intel or AMD cards, without integrated graphics counting. So it's more like these two having to fight for whatever is left but that comes with some struggles. Both have been known for driver issues so they might not be the easiest convert to.

They are also expecting to release new GPUs to come at a similar time to Nvidia. Intel's Battlemage release and AMD's Radeon RX 8000 release should bring some improvements alongside them but we don't expect anything too grand. All the AI hype of Nvidia that it also integrates into its cards makes it a lot more appealing and innovative. Whilst AMD and Intels kind of fall flat mostly, and are unlikely to cause a massive shift in impressions with their next generation.

Although Intel has a lot of improvement available to it, as the drivers have matured we'd like to imagine its next release being a lot easier to do. Whilst RDNA 4 might have just performance improvements, especially when it comes to ray tracing, that is something that could come better and closer to Nvidia. They both should be able to come with better prices, as Nvidia increases them, AMD and Intel can come for a lower price and make it harder to not choose a good value option. Even still there is a lot of love and commitment to the company which will be hard to cut down.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gpu/nvidias-rtx-50-series-is-likely-still-going-to-dominate-while-intel-and-amd-fight-for-scraps/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362196 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:05:32 +0100
This Steam Deck dock just got a price cut ahead of Prime Day and is compatible with other handhelds The Baseus 6-in-1 Docking Station, considered by many to be a great companion for Valve's Steam Deck, just received a price cut on Amazon. This exciting news comes right before Prime Day, making it a great opportunity to snag this must-have accessory at a discounted price.

The Baseus Docking Station is currently available for $33, marked down from its usual price of $39. This limited-time deal offers a saving of $6, so don't miss out on this chance to enhance your Steam Deck experience.

The Baseus Docking Station is 15% off

The Baseus Docking Station does more than simply keep your Steam Deck charged, it's one of the best Steam Deck accessories on the market. It also functions as a convenient stand, perfect for those moments when you want to relax and enjoy your favorite games with a Bluetooth controller. But the real game-changer is the ability to connect your Steam Deck to an external monitor.

While connecting a monitor to a handheld device might seem counterintuitive from a portability standpoint, it becomes a very attractive option for gamers who primarily play at home. Yes, the Baseus Docking Station, while paired with a larger monitor, transforms your Steam Deck into a full-fledged desktop gaming setup.

ASUS Rog Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and more are compatible

It's not just the Steam Deck that's compatible with this dock, the product listing reveals a varied list:

Steam DeckASUS ROG AllyASUS ROG Ally XLenovo Legion GoiPhone 15 SeriesiPad Pro 12.9"iPad Pro 11"iPad Air 5Surface Pro 8Surface Go 3Galaxy S22Galaxy Note 22 UltraHUAWEI P40 ProHUAWEI Mate 40 Pro

Trading portability for better gameplay?

It's undeniable that connecting a monitor significantly reduces the portability of your Steam Deck (or other handhelds). However, for gamers who spend most of their playtime at home, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The Baseus Docking Station, along with a monitor, might take up some extra space on your desk, but the trade-off for a superior gaming experience is definitely worth it.

The Baseus Docking Station provides the functionality you need, while the external monitor brings the visual spectacle. While the Baseus Docking Station might cater to a specific niche, it has proven to be the most useful gadget for enhancing the Steam Deck experience. With the current price cut, there's no better time to invest in it.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/this-steam-deck-dock-just-got-a-price-cut-ahead-of-prime-day-and-is-compatible-with-other-handhelds/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362211 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:55:39 +0100
This ASUS ROG RTX 4060 gaming laptop just took a sweet price drop in an early Amazon Prime Day deal Getting your hands on a quality gaming laptop can be the perfect way to take your favorite titles on the go with you but it can also be expensive. That's why it's always a good idea to keep a look out for deals and it just so happens that we've spotted a great RTX 4060 gaming laptop deal for you to sink your teeth into. Currently, this ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) Gaming Laptop is available for a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this ASUS gaming laptop for just $1,289.53. That's after a tidy 8% discount off its usual asking price of $1,399.99 that means you'll be saving over $110 if you buy it today.

Why you'll love this ASUS ROG Strix G16 RTX 4060 gaming laptop

Here are some of the key features that make this a great gaming laptop.

Powerful Gaming Laptop Gaming: Dominate the competition with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU.Lightning-Fast Memory and Storage: Seamlessly multitask with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD.Advanced Cooling System: The Strix G16 utilizes ROG Intelligent Cooling with Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and a third intake fan to maintain peak performance during extended gaming sessions.High-Performance Display: Enjoy smooth visuals on an FHD 165Hz panel with 100% sRGB, Pantone Validation.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Get a free 90-day pass for access to over 100 high-quality games, with new titles added regularly.MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus: Boost gaming performance by 5-10% with the MUX Switch, and optimize battery life with Advanced Optimus, which automatically switches between the iGPU and dGPU without needing a restart.

Where to buy this ASUS ROG Strix G16 RTX 4060 gaming laptop deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but be warned, deals like this often don't stick around for long so if you want to make the most of the current discount we'd recommend acting quickly.

If this particular gaming laptop doesn't look right for you then be sure to check out some of the other great gaming laptop deals that are live right now. Here are some of our current top picks.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/this-asus-rog-rtx-4060-gaming-laptop-just-took-a-sweet-price-drop-in-an-early-amazon-prime-day-deal/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362192 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:41:13 +0100
Floppy Knights may be your next free game on Epic, unless you don’t mind paying $5 on Steam While Epic Games typically unveils its free weekly game on Thursdays at 3:00 PM UTC, a reliable leaker has spilled the beans early this time. According to @billbil_kun, the free game replacing The Falconeer on July 11 will be Floppy Knights, a deckbuilding game originally priced at $19.99 when it first launched. This news comes as a surprise, as Epic has recently been announcing their free games ahead of leaks. However, billbil_kun seems to have gotten the upper hand this week.

Should the leak be accurate, those interested in Floppy Knights might be wise to hold off on purchasing it elsewhere, particularly considering it's currently available on Steam for just $4.99 until July 11th. After that date, grabbing it for free on the Epic Games Store could be a more enticing option if you're not fussed about launchers.

What is Floppy Knights?

For those unfamiliar with Floppy Knights, it's a game that blends deck-building and tactical elements. Players assemble a team of floppy disk-summoned knights and engage in strategic turn-based combat. The game boasts a unique visual style, with characters and environments constructed from floppy disks. So, while it's not about to set the world alight, the quirky aesthetic really complements the gameplay and creates an experience that is sure to be memorable.

Floppy Knights is playable on both Windows and Mac, making it accessible to a wide range of PC gamers. System requirements haven't been officially confirmed for the Epic Games Store version yet, but it's likely to run on most machines built within the last decade.

Floppy Knights gameplay - Image Source: Steam

Floppy Knights is also part of the Steam Summer Sale

If you're the kind of gamer who likes to keep their games library in a single place, typically Steam, you may be glad to know that Floppy Knights is also cheap as part of the Steam Summer Sale. If you don't mind throwing $5 its way, and supporting the developers while you're at it, the cheap price tag is worth it if you want to stay away from Epic.

The 75% discount makes it well worth picking it, whether you're a big fan of card games or just want something lightweight to dig into. Plus, it should run great on Steam Deck if ProtonDB is anything to go by - or any other handheld for that matter.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/floppy-knights-may-be-your-next-free-game-on-epic-unless-you-dont-mind-paying-5-on-steam/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362178 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:34:31 +0100
This RTX 4070 Super apparently has 16GB of VRAM, but it’s probably a typo A new announcement from GALAX shows off its latest RTX 4070 Super GPU, with a blower fan design. While this design is pretty unique in its own right compared to most cards out there, another detail caught our attention: 16GB of VRAM. First of all, we've reviewed the RTX 4070 Super, and we're pretty sure it didn't come with 16GB memory. And none of the other non-standard configurations do either, just GPU swaps such as this AD102 4070 Ti.

We'd love to see Nvidia upping the amount of memory in some of its graphics cards - fingers crossed for the RTX 50 series - but this announcement seems like a mistake. That has pretty much been confirmed now that GALAX has since deleted their announcement.

GALAX announces RTX 4070 Super blower fan design

The announcement post on X has now been deleted, but not before a snapshot could be taken. The marketing graphic showed off the benefits of a dual GPU setup, featuring two RTX 4070 Super cards with a blower cooler. It then goes on to boast 16GB VRAM for each of the cards. As the graphics says this "may not fully represent the actual product" - and it doesn't, but probably not in the way they were thinking of.

Conventionally speaking, the RTX 4070 uses the AD104 GPU with 7168 CUDA cores and just 12GB GDDR6X memory, not the 16GB that is advertised here. Though, as we said, the fact that GALAX has taken down the post shows this is more than likely a mistake. If it did want to support up to 16GB VRAM, the current 192-bit memory bus would need to be upgraded or the bandwidth would have to be limited on a narrower 128-bit bus, much like the RTX 4060 Ti 16GB variant.

Marketing graphic for RTX 4070 Super Blower Dual GPUs, source: GALAX]]>
https://www.pcguide.com/news/this-rtx-4070-super-apparently-has-16gb-of-vram-but-its-probably-a-typo/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362174 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:53:20 +0100
Kickstart your gaming PC build with this incredible AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Amazon deal If you're currently in the process of building a gaming PC and you're after the best CPU you can get for your money then listen up. We've just spotted a cracking deal on an AMD CPU that we know you won't want to miss. Currently, this AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU is available for just a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this quality CPU for just $194.55. That's after a huge 57% discount off its usual asking price of $449.00 meaning that if you buy it today you'll be saving a whopping $254.45 if you buy it today.

Why you'll love the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor

Here are some of the key features that would make this CPU a great addition to your PC build.

High-Performance Processor: AMD's fastest 8-core processor for mainstream desktops, featuring 16 processing threads. Elite Gaming Performance: This CPU is capable of delivering over 100 FPS in some of the most demanding games which makes it perfect for a gaming PC build.Cooling Requirements: Cooler not included; a high-performance cooler is recommended to make the most out of this CPU's potential.Advanced Capabilities: 4.7 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, with 36 MB of cache and DDR-3200 support.Advanced Platform Support: Compatible with the advanced Socket AM4 platform, supporting PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards.Memory Specification: Supports system memory up to 3200MHz.

Where to buy this AMD Ryzen 7 5800X deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but if you like the look of the current price then we'd recommend acting quickly because deals like this often fluctuate in price.

If this particular CPU doesn't look like quite what you're after then be sure to check out som of the other great CPU deals that are available right now over on Amazon.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/kickstart-your-gaming-pc-build-with-this-incredible-amd-ryzen-7-5800x-amazon-deal/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362162 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:53:18 +0100
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 to be lighter and longer lasting, says leak Samsung's next Unpacked event is less than a week away, and thanks to prolific leaker Evan Blass, we may already know almost everything about the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 foldable phones.

Blass leaked the entire spec sheets and marketing materials for both phones, revealing a focus on improved performance, battery life, and durability. While we'll have to wait until Galaxy Unpacked for all of this to be confirmed, Evan is often a reliable source.

What's new about the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 6?

As part of these leaks, we've learned a whole lot more about what's to come. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways:

Lighter and longer-lasting

Both phones are expected to be lighter than their predecessors despite being slightly thinner. This suggests Samsung has made significant improvements in materials and design to optimize weight and durability. Additionally, both phones boast longer battery life, with claims of one to three hours more video playback and LTE internet browsing compared to the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5.

Display and performance boost

The Z Fold 6 gets a significant screen upgrade with a much higher maximum brightness of 2,600 nits, a substantial improvement over the previous generation's 1,750 nits. Both phones retain the same screen sizes (7.6-inch inner and 6.3-inch outer for Fold, 6.7-inch inner and 3.4-inch outer for Flip), but the Z Fold 6's secondary screen is rumored to be slightly larger.

Powering both phones is the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, promising a significant performance leap compared to the previous generation. The Z Flip 6 also gets a RAM upgrade, jumping from 8GB to 12GB for smoother multitasking.

Camera upgrades for the Z Flip 6

The Z Flip 6 gets a major camera upgrade, ditching the 12MP main sensor for a more capable 50MP sensor while retaining the same f/1.8 aperture. This should translate to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. While Cameras are incredibly sensitive, this new range must be more durable - and it looks like fans have got their wish.

Both phones are claimed to have an IP48 ingress protection rating. However, it's important to note that the "4" in IP48 refers to dust resistance, which hasn't been a strong point for previous Samsung foldables. It's possible Samsung simply didn't bother claiming a dust resistance rating previously.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 using Interpreter Mode, source: Evan Blass

What remains unanswered?

While the leaks provide a pretty comprehensive picture of the phones' specs, some key details remain unanswered. Most importantly, the pricing for both phones is still unknown. Additionally, it's unclear how much the switch to an IPS display on the Z Flip 6's secondary screen might impact user experience.

So, with just a week left until Samsung's Unpacked event, these leaks paint a relatively clear and positive picture for both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Lighter designs, longer battery life, and performance upgrades are all welcome changes. However, the jury is still out on how much the dust resistance rating truly improves durability.

While the leaks provide a comprehensive picture of the phones' specs, some key details remain unanswered. Most importantly, pricing for both phones is still unknown. Additionally, it's unclear how much the switch to an IPS display on the Z Flip 6's secondary screen might impact user experience.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-and-z-flip-6-to-be-lighter-and-longer-lasting-says-leak/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362032 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:48:02 +0100
AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 is a surprise contender as it emerges on Geekbench with unusual config The competition between processors just got a little more interesting with the unexpected appearance of the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. This previously unheard-of chip boasts 8 CPU cores, but with a unique twist in its configuration. While AMD unveiled its high-end Strix Point processors, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen AI 9 365, at Computex 2024, the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 seems to be a new addition to the lineup.

Geekbench 6.3 scores the mobile chip 2,514 and 11,772 points in single and multi-core tests respectively. This result aligns with what we expect from Zen 5 cores, suggesting the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 utilizes this latest AMD architecture. The 4.2 GHz boost clock further reinforces this notion. A closer look at the chip however reveals some intriguing details.

AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 Geekbench scores - Image Source: Geekbench

AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 uses strange 3+5 core configuration

The model has 8 cores arranged in a 3+5 configuration. This has sparked speculation within the tech community. The most likely scenario is that the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 combines Zen 5 cores with newer, potentially more power-efficient Zen 5c cores. This core layout hints at the possibility that the chip might belong to AMD's upcoming Kraken Point processor family. This would also explain the "PRO" designation instead of the "3xx" numbering used in the Strix Point series.

However, there's another possibility. The "PRO" naming could simply be a leftover from the Strix Point development phase before AMD made a last-minute change to the product line. While the exact reason remains unclear, the appearance of the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 on Geekbench suggests AMD might be prepping a new range of processors with a focus on efficiency alongside raw performance.

AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 Geekbench clock scores - Image Source: Geekbench

Sluggish DDR5 RAM speeds too

The benchmark also revealed a peculiarity with the RAM. The Lenovo laptop running the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160 is equipped with 64GB of DDR5 memory, but clocked at a sluggish 1,870 MT/s. This is significantly slower than the typical speeds expected from DDR5.

This anomaly could be due to limitations of the early engineering sample or a specific configuration choice by Lenovo. Overall, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 160's appearance on Geekbench throws a curveball into the mix. Its strong performance, unique core configuration, and potential connection to the upcoming Kraken Point line make it a processor to watch.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/amd-ryzen-ai-7-pro-160-is-a-surprise-contender-as-it-emerges-on-geekbench-with-unusual-config/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362136 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:17:29 +0100
Steam Deck users are favoring the original Hades over its sequel as Summer Sale continues Hades II is a fantastic sequel to the original, but a quick glance at the top 100 played games on Steam Deck this week will tell you that many people are favoring the older 2020 title instead. Why is that? Well, there could be a few reasons why this is the case, but we're sure that the ongoing Steam Summer Sale is a big part of it.

Elden Ring is still top of the charts after claiming the number one spot off the back of the Shadow of the Erdrtree DLC launch, with fan-favorite Stardew Valley remaining as relevant as ever. Hades II is the only game in the top 10 not enjoying a discount, which says a lot too.

Hades is 60% off in the Steam Summer Sale

Usually priced at $24.99, Hades is now 60% off in the Steam Summer Sale, so it costs just $9.99, or £8.39 in the UK. Unfortunately, this isn't quite the lowest-ever price, but still well worth a purchase if you're looking to get into the hack-and-slash roguelike title. We don't know how long we'll be waiting until Hades II goes on sale either, so why not pick the cheaper option?

The Steam Deck - or other handheld devices - is the perfect match for the Hades series. Both games are lightweight and can run on just about anything; we found that it even ran smoothly on integrated graphics when testing the best settings for Hades 2.

Hades overtakes Hades II in the Top 100 played games on Steam Deck in the past week, source: Steam

Which Hades game should you buy?

If you've played neither game, then we'd suggest picking up the original, especially while it's on sale. Additionally, Hades II is still in early access and has much time to develop into a 'complete' game, not that it's really lacking content at the moment. The first Hades game will introduce you to the world and mechanics, we'd say in a more simplistic way than the ambitious sequel.

Looking at the Steam Charts of both games - Hades vs Hades II, people seem to agree. Even though the sequel enjoyed a massive amount of peak players on launch, nearly double Hades ever had, the player base has settled now, with more people still playing the original, many we imagine for the first time.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/steam-deck-users-are-favoring-the-original-hades-over-its-sequel-as-summer-sale-continues/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362134 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:53:59 +0100
This early Prime Day deal means you can snag yourself an RTX 4070 Ti Super for less If you're currently in the market for a great gaming graphics card then listen up. We've just spotted a fantastic RTX 4070 Ti Super GPU deal that we're sure you won't want to miss. Currently, this PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card is available for a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this quality graphics card for just $809.99. That's after a nifty 5% discount off its usual asking price of $849.99 meaning you'll be saving $40 is you buy it today.

Why you'll love this PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card

Here are some of the key features that make this graphics card so fantastic.

Advanced Graphics Power: Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing capabilities.High Performance: Coming in with a 2340MHz core clock and 2655MHz boost clock speed this card is ready to handle even the most demanding games.Ample Memory: 16GB GDDR6X (256-bit) on-board memory, 8448 CUDA processing cores, and up to 672GB/sec memory bandwidth deliver stunning visual realism.Versatile Compatibility: PCI Express 4.0 interface ensures compatibility with a wide range of systems, including DisplayPort and HDMI outputs for expanded connectivity.NVIDIA GeForce Experience: With this app you can capture and share videos, screenshots, and livestreams, keep drivers updated, and optimize game settings.

Where to buy this PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but be warned, deals like this often don't stick around fo long so act quickly if you want to avoid disappointment.

If this particular GPU doesn't look like what you're after then be sure to check out some of the other great graphic card deals that are live right now. Here are some of our current favorites.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/this-early-prime-day-deal-means-you-can-snag-yourself-an-rtx-4070-ti-super-for-less/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362140 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:43:41 +0100
Save $500 now on the incredible Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49-inch ultrawide OLED gaming monitor If you're currently in the market for a top tier ultrawide gaming monitor then listen up. We've just spotted a fantastic deal on a stunning OLED gaming monitor that we know you won't want to miss. Currently, this Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC OLED Curved Gaming Monitor is available for a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this awesome curved gaming monitor for just $1,099.99. That's after a hefty 31% discount off its usual asking price of $1,599.99 meaning you'll save $500 if you buy it today.

Why you'll love this Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49-inch OLED gaming monitor

Here are a few of the key features that make this Samsung monitor such an incredible display for gamers who long for top-tier graphics and immersion.

Samsung OLED: Samsung OLED powered by Quantum Dot Technology delivers a brighter screen with brilliant colors, deeper shades, and intense contrast for lifelike visuals.Super Ultrawide Display: Immerse yourself in your favorite game worlds with a super ultrawide display, equivalent to two quad HD monitors, featuring an 1800R curvature that wraps around your field of vision for even greater immersion.Refresh Rate and Response Time: Benefit from near-instant reaction times and smooth gameplay with a 0.03ms (GTG) response time and 240Hz refresh rate.Color: Experience true black and dark colors without pixel light bleed with DisplayHDR TRUE BLACK 400 offering supreme color and depth in every game.AMD FreeSync Premium Pro: Enjoy seamless, stutter-free action in complex, fast-paced game scenes with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, giving you a competitive edge.Connectivity: Make the most of multiple input options, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and a USB Hub, allowing you to connect your favorite devices efficiently.

Where to buy this Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49-inch OLED gaming monitor deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but be warned, deals as big as this often don't stick around for long so if you want to make the most of the current discount we'd advise acting quickly.

If this particular display doesn't look like the right fit for you then be sure to check out some of the other great gaming monitor deals that are live right now.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/save-500-now-on-the-incredible-samsung-odyssey-g93sc-49-inch-ultrawide-oled-gaming-monitor/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362133 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:34:47 +0100
Check out the huge Amazon deal on this stunning LG Ultragear 27-inch OLED gaming monitor If you're looking to get your hands on a stunning gaming monitor right now then an OLED gaming monitor could be the way to go. With that in mind, we've just spotted a fantastic deal on a gorgeous 240Hz monitor that we're sure you won't want to miss. Currently, this LG 27-inch Ultragear OLED QHD Gaming Monitor is available for a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this quality LG gaming monitor for just $596.99. That's after a huge 40% discount off its usual asking price of $999.99 meaning you'll save over $400 if you buy it today.

Why you'll love this LG Ultragear 27-inch OLED QHD gaming monitor

Here are some of the key features that make this a great gaming monitor for people wanting to get the most out of their in-game visuals.

Stunning Display: Enjoy vibrant, true-to-life colors with this OLED 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440 resolution) monitor which also boasts a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio and DCI-P3 98.5% color spectrum, perfect for gaming and HDR content.240Hz Refresh Rate: Experience ultra-smooth gameplay with a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, allowing quick responses to opponents and giving you an edge in competitive play.0.03ms (GtG) Response Time: Benefit from nearly instantaneous response times for smooth, lag-free scenes and reduced ghosting.HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4: Enjoy vivid colors and high-resolution graphics with support for up to 240Hz refresh rates through HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connections.NVIDIA G-SYNC & AMD FreeSync Premium: benefit from a fluid, tear-free gaming experience with compatibility for both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium.Adjustable Design: Optimize your gaming setup with an ultra-thin, virtually borderless design and adjustable height, tilt, and swivel settings for personalized comfort.

Where to buy this LG Ultragear 27-inch OLED QHD gaming monitor deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but be warned, deals as good as this often don't stick around for long so if you like the look of the current price then we'd advise acting quickly.

If this particular display doesn't look like what you're after then be sure to check out some of the other great gaming monitor deals that are live right now.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/check-out-the-huge-amazon-deal-on-this-stunning-lg-ultragear-27-inch-oled-gaming-monitor/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362129 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:43:35 +0100
Amazon crunches the price of this Alienware 27 inch gaming monitor ahead of Prime Day later this month Getting your hands on a top-notch gaming monitor can really make the difference between an average experience and an amazing one and we've just spotted a deal on a great 27-inch monitor that we're sure you won't want to miss. Currently, this Alienware AW2723DF 240Hz Gaming Monitor for a fraction of its usual asking price over on Amazon.

Right now you can pick up this 240Hz gaming monitor for just $499.99. That's after an awesome 23% discount off its usual asking price of $649.99 meaning you'll be saving $150 if you buy it today.

Why you'll love this Alienware 27 inch gaming monitor

Here are some of the key features that we think make this monitor well worth picking up.

Stunning Display: This Alienware gaming monitor boasts a 27-inch 2560 x 1440p resolution display.Smooth Refresh Rates: Enjoy seamless performance with up to 280Hz overclocked and 240Hz native variable refresh rates, perfect for gaming.Lightning-Fast Response: The fast IPS panel features a 1ms GtG (Gray to Gray) response time, ensuring lag-free gameplay.Certified NVIDIA G-SYNC and VESA Adaptive Sync: Experience stutter-free, tear-free, low-latency gaming with clear graphics thanks to NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and VESA Adaptive Sync certification.Vibrant, Immersive Display: The InfinityEdge screen with IPS Nano Color technology offers vibrant colors across a wide viewing angle, with 95% DCI-P3 color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification for dynamic, vivid visuals.Great Design: The sleek design of this monitor seamlessly integrates into any setup, featuring AlienFX lighting, 360-degree ventilation, improved cable management, and a fully adjustable stand with swivel, pivot, tilt, and height adjustments for optimized comfort and style.

Where to buy this Alienware 27 inch gaming monitor deal

This deal is available right now over on Amazon but be warned, deals like this often don't stick around for long so if you want to make the most of the current discount, act quickly.

If this particular monitor isn't your cup of tea then be sure to check out some of the other gaming monitor deals that are live right now.

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https://www.pcguide.com/deals/amazon-crunches-the-price-of-this-alienware-27-inch-gaming-monitor-ahead-of-prime-day-later-this-month/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362107 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:05:55 +0100
This device turns the Raspberry Pi into a full-blown retro console, but it’s not the full package yet The Raspberry Pi's potential as a retro gaming haven is undeniable at this point as we've seen countless transformations, from DIY emulation machines to giant retro screens. But what if you crave a classic console experience, complete with a dedicated case and familiar controls? This Pi-based Game Boy Advance? Well, yes, but there's also another and it's called the Heber MultiPi.

Heber Ltd. announced this exciting new product, designed to transform your Raspberry Pi into a full-fledged retro console. Pre-orders aren't live yet, but glimpses on their social media have retro gamers buzzing. The MultiPi sports a stylish case reminiscent of classic consoles, complete with a cartridge slot – a delightful nod to the SNES era and a potential gateway for future expansions.

The Herber MultiPi - Image Source: Herber Ltd.

Flexibility is key for the MultiPi

Flexibility is key here. The MultiPi boasts seven USB ports, one internal and six external, ensuring you have ample connections for your favorite retro controllers. Software loading is equally versatile, offering options like USB drives, MicroSD cards, and even a PCIe X1 port. This freedom caters to your preferred method of storing and accessing your retro game library.

Herber MultiPi Announcement - @Herber_Limited on X

Here's a crucial detail: the MultiPi doesn't come pre-loaded with games or emulators. While this might sound like a hurdle, it empowers you to do it yourself - or at least that is what Herber Ltd. would like you to think. You get to choose the specific emulators you want to enjoy your favorite classic games on. This level of customization allows you to curate a truly personalized retro gaming experience. However, it is important to acknowledge that this spin will not be for everyone, leaving many with an additional challenge.

Heber Ltd. is keeping the momentum going, with pre-orders expected to open soon. If you want to get involved, then stay updated on their website and social media to be among the first to grab this exciting new console.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/this-device-turns-the-raspberry-pi-into-a-full-blown-retro-console-but-its-not-the-full-package-yet/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=362093 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 17:17:31 +0100