Cyberpunk 2077's latest patch 1.3 addresses various bugs and introduces free DLCs. CD Projekt Red has made performance enhancements, including Dynamic Resolution Scaling for smoother gameplay, and fixed several gameplay-related bugs. The update also includes new content such as Johnny Silverhand's Alternative Appearance and new jackets for the character V. The patch aims to improve the overall gaming experience across all platforms, including PCs, consoles, and Google's Stadia.

Microsoft has announced the integration of Xbox Cloud Gaming into the Xbox app for Windows, available to Xbox insiders. This service, part of the xCloud project, allows streaming of over 100 games and offers features like controller and network status information, social connectivity, and game invitations. Previously, PC users accessed xCloud via a browser. The service is available in 22 countries, with plans for further expansion.

Cloudflare has opted for AMD EPYC Milan CPUs over Intel's Ice Lake Xeons for its new 11th-gen servers due to the latter's higher power consumption. Cloudflare's decision was driven by the need for energy efficiency, as the company operates data centers in 200 locations worldwide. AMD's processors were found to be more efficient in terms of Requests-per-Watt, making them a more cost-effective choice for Cloudflare's extensive infrastructure.

Arm proposes that performance per watt should replace Moore's Law as the primary goal for semiconductor design, emphasizing computational efficiency. Rob Aitken of Arm argues that as transistor density improvements slow, focusing on performance per watt will drive future advancements. The article discusses the importance of optimizing workloads for ultra-low-power processing, exemplified by movements like TinyML.

In-depth testing by HardwareBusters reveals that the new, smaller cooler in the PlayStation 5 performs better than the original, despite initial skepticism. The new PS5 revision shows improved cooling for the SoC, with temperatures dropping significantly, although VRAM and VRM temperatures have increased slightly. Overall, the new cooler is deemed better, with only minor increases in exhaust temperatures and noise levels. Users should not be concerned about the performance of their PS5, whether they have the newer or older model.

The European Processor Initiative (EPI) has successfully developed and is currently testing its first batch of EPAC RISC-V processors, aimed at providing the European Union with high-performance computing independence. The processors feature multiple special-purpose accelerators and are designed for high efficiency and throughput. The project involves contributions from various European institutions and companies, with the chips being manufactured on GlobalFoundries' 22nm FDX low-power semiconductor node. The initiative aims to eventually integrate these processors into a comprehensive HPC system for diverse workloads.

Microsoft's Windows 11 introduces a more complex process for changing the default web browser, requiring users to set defaults for multiple file types individually. This change, aimed at providing more granular control, has been criticized for being user-unfriendly, especially for non-tech-savvy individuals. The article highlights the contrast with the simpler process in Windows 10 and suggests that the new method may not be well-received by all users.

ASML Holdings, a leading Dutch company in silicon chip manufacturing, has outlined ambitious plans to develop processors with over 300 billion transistors by 2030. The company aims to achieve this through advancements in transistor density and packaging techniques, utilizing technologies like nanosheet-FETs, EUV lithography, and CFET. ASML also predicts significant improvements in memory technology, with NAND Flash modules expected to exceed 500 layers by 2030. The article highlights the collaborative efforts of companies like TSMC and AMD in advancing Moore's Law and silicon chip technology.

Intel's executive vice president Gregory M Bryant shared a now-deleted tweet revealing a poster about the upcoming Thunderbolt 5 protocol, which aims to achieve 80 Gbps bandwidth, doubling the current Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 speeds. The new protocol will likely use a USB-C connector and employ a novel PAM-3 modulation technique for higher efficiency. The leaked information also suggests that Intel is using TSMC's 6 nm manufacturing node for test chips, showing promising results.

NEO Semiconductor has patented its X-NAND technology, which combines the speed of Single-Level Cell (SLC) NAND with the capacity of Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND. The company, headquartered in San Jose, aims to license this technology to major memory manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. X-NAND is designed to meet the growing demand for high-speed, high-capacity storage, particularly in applications such as 5G and AI/ML.

Researchers from Incheon National University in South Korea have developed a DNA-based processor called the Microfluidic Processing Unit (MPU), capable of performing basic logic gate operations such as AND, OR, XOR, and NOT. This innovation represents a significant step forward in DNA computing, potentially paving the way for future DNA-based processors that integrate DNA algorithms and storage systems. The MPU, which can be controlled by a PC or smartphone, simplifies the previously complex process of DNA computation, making it more practical and accessible.

AMD and Valve are collaborating to develop a new CPU performance scaling driver for Linux, aimed at enhancing the performance of the Steam Deck gaming console. The Steam Deck, which features AMD's custom Ryzen APU with RDNA 2 GPU and Zen 2 CPU, runs on a Linux-based Arch operating system. The new driver is expected to improve CPU frequency scaling, addressing current inefficiencies in power and performance management. Details of the collaboration will be shared at the upcoming X.org Developer Conference, with hopes that the work will be released in an open-source format to benefit the broader ecosystem.

The National Security Agency (NSA) awarded a $10 billion cloud contract to Amazon Web Services (AWS), aiming to consolidate its intelligence data into a single repository for easier analytics. The contract, codenamed WildandStormy, faces potential delays as Microsoft has filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) after losing the bid. This follows the cancellation of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) contract due to legal disputes between AWS and Microsoft.

IBM has introduced its new Power10 processors, designed for heavy-duty computations and hybrid cloud workloads. The Power10 family includes three SKUs with up to 15 cores per CPU and advanced SMT technology, offering significant performance improvements over previous generations. The E1080 servers, equipped with Power10 processors, are positioned to compete directly with Intel's Xeon Scalable Platinum-based systems, with IBM claiming superior performance in certain workloads.

The semiconductor foundry industry has reached a new historical high in revenue, with a 6.2% growth quarter-over-quarter, driven by increased demand for chips amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to 5G, and supply chain shortages. TSMC and Samsung lead the market, despite facing power shortages that impacted their growth. Chinese fabs are also showing significant growth. TrendForce reports that the shortage of foundry capacities persists, with newly installed capacities being fully booked by clients, indicating ongoing supply issues.

The latest Linux kernel patch introduces preliminary support for the DisplayPort 2.0 protocol in AMD GPU drivers, enhancing data transfer rates and bandwidth for improved image output. The patch supports Ultra High Bit Rate (UHBR) 10, with UHBR 13.5 and 20 to be added later. This update is intended for the upcoming RDNA3 series GPUs, as the current RDNA2 GPUs do not support DP 2.0. The first DP 2.0 monitors are expected to be available in the coming months.

XFX has partnered with EK Water Blocks to create the XFX Radeon RX 6900 XT Zero WB, a liquid-cooled graphics card that promises overclocking capabilities beyond 3.0 GHz. Utilizing AMD's Navi 21 XTXH GPU and a custom PCB, the card features a base clock of 2200 MHz and a boost frequency of 2525 MHz. The card requires significant power, equipped with three 8-pin connectors and a 350W TGP. The cooling solution, developed with EK Water Blocks, includes a nickel-plated copper cold plate and RGB lighting, but requires a custom liquid loop for optimal performance.

Leaked renders suggest that Gigabyte is preparing a Radeon RX 6600 graphics card, a non-XT version aimed at the mid-range market. The card is expected to feature a Navi 23 XL chip, 1792 Streaming Processors, 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a triple-fan cooling system. However, these details are unofficial and should be taken with caution until AMD provides official specifications.

Intel is celebrating the upcoming launch of its first 'real' discrete GPU family, the Intel Arc Alchemist, by hosting a giveaway. Participants can enter by visiting the Intel Gaming YouTube channel and submitting a question for DrLupo to ask SVP and GM Raja Koduri. The Arc Alchemist graphics cards mark Intel's official entry into the discrete GPU market, aiming to compete with AMD and Nvidia. The pre-production silicon has already been demonstrated running AAA titles, generating excitement for the final product.

Intel is planning to introduce overclocking capabilities in its upcoming Arc GPU drivers, as revealed by Roger Chandler, Intel's Vice President and General Manager of Client Graphics Products and Solutions. The Arc graphics card line-up aims to challenge the current GPU market dominated by AMD and Nvidia. Intel's new architecture, including the Alchemist GPU, will feature XeSS supersampling technology to compete with AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling. The overclocking functionality will be integrated into the driver UI, allowing users to maximize performance.

GlobalFoundries has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) that may value the company at around $25 billion. Despite rumors of an acquisition by Intel, GlobalFoundries aims to remain under its current ownership by Mubadala Investment Company. The IPO process is being managed by several major financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Corp. The company is expected to reveal its IPO in October, with public trading anticipated by the end of the year, pending approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Puget Systems has announced a return to near-normal operations after pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions. The company faced severe shortages but has now stabilized its supply of critical components, including CPUs. Sales of AMD-powered systems have increased significantly, indicating improved chip supply. Puget credits its industry relationships and strategic planning for the recovery, although some supply issues persist.

The original Quake, a pioneering first-person shooter from 1996, has been remastered by id Software and Machine Games. The updated version, presented at the QuakeCon virtual event, features 4K resolution support, enhanced visuals, and new extension bundles while preserving the core gameplay. Available for $9.99, the remaster supports crossplay across PCs and consoles, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch. Existing game owners receive a free upgrade.

Microsoft has clarified that while users can install Windows 11 on unsupported systems using ISO installers, the company will disable Windows Update functionality on these systems. This decision significantly limits the benefits of installing the OS on unsupported hardware, as users will not receive critical updates and security patches, potentially leading to system instability and vulnerability to security threats.

Sony's PlayStation 5 has undergone a quiet hardware revision, featuring a smaller heatsink and fan compared to the original model. YouTuber Austin Evans highlighted these changes, noting that the new model lacks the copper cold plate and has fewer fins. Initial observations suggest the new revision outputs higher exhaust temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. Sony, which has been selling the PS5 at a loss, announced profitability with the new model, possibly due to these cost-cutting measures. Further testing is needed to determine the full impact on the console's performance.

Cybercriminals are exploiting graphics cards by hiding malicious code in VRAM, making it undetectable by antivirus scanners. A proof-of-concept tool for this exploit was recently sold online. The exploit works on Windows PCs supporting OpenCL 2.0 or higher and has been tested on various Intel, Radeon, and GeForce graphics cards. Research group Vx-underground plans to demonstrate this technique soon. This is not the first instance of such an exploit, with previous examples like the Jellyfish attack using similar methods.

Intel has shipped its last batch of Itanium processors, marking the end of the 64-bit processor family's era. The Itanium lineup, developed in collaboration with Hewlett-Packard (HP), was designed for server and enterprise workloads with a focus on efficiency through the IA-64 Instruction Set Architecture. Despite the theoretical benefits, Itanium faced limited software support and is now being phased out, with HP's HP-UX operating system support ending on December 31, 2025. Intel will continue with only the x86-64 architecture for its server processors.

Valve's latest Steam Hardware Survey for July reveals that Linux gaming market share has reached 1.0% for the first time in years. This growth is attributed to the introduction of Proton, which allows Windows games to run on Linux, and the upcoming release of Valve's Steam Deck, a Linux-based portable gaming console. The market share is expected to continue growing as the Steam Deck gains popularity, potentially leading to a higher adoption rate of Linux gaming in the future.

Chinese technology giant Alibaba announced a ban on the sale of all goods and services related to cryptocurrency mining, effective October 8, 2021. This decision follows the People's Bank of China's declaration that all crypto-related transactions are illegal. The ban includes virtual currency miners, related services, hardware, software, and tutorials. The move aligns with the Chinese government's efforts to eliminate cryptocurrency activities within the country.

DRAM prices are expected to decline by 3-8% in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to high inventory levels among clients, according to a report by TrendForce. The report highlights that the supply of DRAM is outpacing demand, leading to a price drop. The demand for PCs has weakened, server inventory is high, and the mobile market remains stable. The DRAM market adjusts to supply and demand changes, but future trends remain uncertain.

TrendForce, a Taiwanese market intelligence firm, predicts a decline in contract prices of PC DRAM by 0-5% for the fourth quarter of 2021. This follows a lower than forecasted price increase for the third quarter, providing relief to consumers in the context of overpriced GPUs. The report attributes the expected price drop to DRAM suppliers lowering prices to adjust inventories, which are filled to the point where memory suppliers need to reduce pricing to clear stock. High DRAM inventory levels among PC OEMs and the lifting of COVID-related restrictions, which may reduce notebook computer demand, are also factors contributing to the anticipated decline in PC DRAM prices.

GPD, a Shenzhen-based mini-PC maker, is preparing to launch a new GPD Pocket 3 PC featuring an Intel 11th generation Tiger Lake processor, specifically the four-core eight-thread Core i7-1195G7. The device will also include 16 GB of LPDDR4x system memory and options for 512GB or 1TB M.2 PCIe NMVe SSD storage. The 8-inch IPS panel will have a 1920x1080p resolution, and the system will utilize the integrated Iris Xe GPU. Details on modularity, pricing, and availability are yet to be announced.

MIT researchers have developed a technology to visualize supercomputer hardware using the Unity 3D Game engine, aiming to simplify the monitoring, diagnosing, and fixing of problems in these complex systems. The technology, known as MM3D, is part of the Data Center Infrastructure Management tools by the MIT SuperCloud division and allows for real-time system reporting and alerting. While not yet commercialized, this innovation could significantly improve system administration for supercomputers.

Graphics card prices in Germany and Austria have increased by 6-7% in September, with AMD's Radeon RX 6000 series retailing for 174% of MSRP and Nvidia's GeForce RTX 30 series at 170% of MSRP. The Radeon RX 6600 XT is trending towards a price exaggeration of at least +45%. The report by 3DCenter highlights a worrying trend of price increases and declining availability, which is directly affecting pricing. While the data reflects local trends, it is indicative of broader market conditions.

Nvidia is introducing its new Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing (DLAA) technology, which will debut with The Elder Scrolls Online's upcoming Deadlands DLC. Unlike DLSS, DLAA focuses on enhancing image quality at native resolution without upscaling, using AI algorithms to smooth edges and recover lost details. The technology requires Nvidia RTX 2000 or 3000 series cards and is expected to provide superior anti-aliasing without a performance boost. The Elder Scrolls Online's creative director, Rich Lambert, highlighted the technology's benefits during a Twitch Livestream. DLAA is currently available for testing on the public beta server.

LinuxFX version 11, a Brazilian Linux distribution, mimics the look and feel of Microsoft's Windows 11 while running a Linux kernel-based OS. Based on KDE Plasma and Ubuntu Core, it uses the WX Desktop theme to replicate Windows 11's UI. The distribution retains the core software and package manager of Ubuntu 21.04, offering a wide range of pre-compiled software. While it supports both x86 and Arm architectures, Raspberry Pi support is limited to version 10.8.4, with an update expected soon.

Raspberry Pi Pico, a microcontroller with a 133 MHz dual-core RP2040 processor, has been used in a creative project by Twitter user @bobricius to emulate ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. The project, utilizing a custom PCB and the M.CU.M.E software, features a built-in game pad and LCD display, and can connect to an external monitor via a VGA connector. This non-commercial project showcases the versatility of the Raspberry Pi Pico in reviving 80s gaming experiences.

Details about the upcoming Samsung Exynos 2200 SoC with RDNA2 graphics have surfaced, revealing clock speeds and GPU specifications. The Exynos 2200 features six RDNA2 Compute Units with 384 Streaming Processors, operating at 1250 MHz, potentially delivering around one TFLOPS of computing power for FP32. The information, shared by leaker Ice Universe, suggests that the SoC will pair RDNA2 graphics with Arm-based CPU cores. Official details from Samsung are still pending, but the frequency of leaks indicates an imminent release.

A report by Linux gaming site Boiling Steam reveals that 72% of the top 50 games on Steam can run on Linux, either natively or using Proton. Valve is addressing compatibility issues, particularly with anti-cheat engines, ahead of the Steam Deck's launch. The Steam Deck, which will run a Linux-based OS, is expected to ship by the end of 2021. Valve's Proton project is crucial for translating Windows-specific calls into Linux-compatible ones, and while it's a challenging task, Valve aims to ensure the Steam Deck can run most of the Steam library effectively.

Philips has released the 279M1RV monitor, a 27-inch Nano IPS panel with 4K resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate, VESA HDR 600 support, and Ambiglow ambient lighting. It features Nvidia's G-SYNC support, multiple I/O ports including HDMI 2.1 and USB-C, and built-in speakers with DTS Sound. Priced at £725/€845 in Europe, it is not yet available in the United States.

ZeroPoint Technologies AB, a Swedish startup from Chalmers University of Technology, has announced its patented memory technology, Ziptilion, which promises to double RAM capacity and bandwidth with higher power efficiency. The company has secured €2.5 million in seed funding. Ziptilion works by compressing memory data using proprietary algorithms, potentially reducing memory latency. The technology can be embedded into various designs, including SoCs for smartphones and Raspberry Pi, offering significant performance improvements. While mainstream market adoption remains uncertain, the technology shows promise.

Intel's Z690 chipset, designed for the upcoming 12th Generation Core processors codenamed Alder Lake, has been detailed in a leak. The chipset reportedly supports both DDR4 and DDR5 DRAM and features 16 Gen5 PCIe lanes from the CPU, up to 12 PCIe Gen4 lanes, and up to 16 PCIe Gen3 lanes from the chipset. It also includes an upgraded Direct Media Interface with 8 PCIe Gen4 lanes and robust USB connectivity with up to four USB 3.2 2×2 ports. Additionally, it supports CNVio modules for Intel Wi-Fi 6E. The information is unconfirmed and should be taken with caution until Intel officially releases details.

AMD's upcoming Ryzen processors based on the Zen 4 architecture are expected to offer significant performance improvements, particularly in power delivery and thermal management. The new Raphael CPUs will feature an enhanced CUR_TEMP output for smoother fan operation and reduced noise. Additionally, AMD aims to optimize power consumption efficiency by minimizing the number of power conversion stages.

MSI has introduced the Optix MEG381CQR Plus, a gaming monitor featuring a 'Human-Machine Interface' (HMI) concept. This monitor includes a 37.5-inch IPS panel with a WQHD resolution, 1-ms response time, Nvidia's G-Sync technology, and a 175 Hz refresh rate. The HMI concept integrates SteelSeries' GameSense with MSI's Mystic RGB lighting to enhance gaming immersion by displaying game details through LED effects. While the concept is intriguing, its practical utility remains to be seen. Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.

Ampere Computing's Altra Max M128-30 processor, featuring 128 Arm-based cores, has been spotted in the wild, indicating it may already be shipping to customers. The processor boasts impressive specifications, including a maximum clock speed of 3 GHz, extensive cache capabilities, and robust memory and connectivity support. This development could signal a shift towards Arm-based processors in large cloud hyperscalers, potentially challenging the dominance of x86 offerings.

XDO Tech is launching the Pantera Pico PC, a compact x86 PC powered by Intel's Gemini Lake platform, through Kickstarter. The device features an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor, up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 memory, and M.2 SSD storage options. It offers multiple USB ports, HDMI output supporting 4K at 60 FPS, and an integrated TPM 2.0 module for Windows 11 compatibility, all within a small form factor.

The open-source RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) has seen a new development with the porting of Nvidia's CUDA software library to the Vortex RISC-V GPGPU platform. CUDA, which provides GPU acceleration when coded for support, can now be executed on the Vortex platform that is based on the RV32IMF ISA and supports OpenCL 1.2 graphics API. Researchers have created a pipeline to translate CUDA source codes into an executable RISC-V binary file, involving several intermediate representations and the use of POCL, an open-source implementation of the OpenCL standard.

Cryptocurrency values reaching record highs have led to an increase in GPU prices in China, as reported by MyDrivers. This trend is not isolated to China, with similar price hikes observed in Germany. The profitability of cryptocurrency mining is driving up the costs of graphics cards, with Asus's RTX 3070 Ti and Radeon RX 6600 XT experiencing significant price increases.

Intel has introduced the NUC P14E laptop, a modular device based on the NUC 11 Compute Element, featuring a range of processors from Celeron 6305 to Core i7-1185G7 and up to 16GB of memory. The laptop includes a 13.9-inch 1440p IPS touch display, various I/O ports, a PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD slot, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, and a 74 Wh battery within a 1.5 KG CNC'd anodized aluminum body. Pricing and availability details have not been released, but the product is targeted at the business market.

The Powkiddy A20 is a new portable gaming console inspired by the original Nintendo Game Boy but powered by the Android operating system. It features an Amlogic S905D3 CPU, Arm Mali-G31MP2 GPU, 2GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 3.5-inch IPS display. The console supports various emulators and Android apps, offering extensive customization options. It includes connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a micro HDMI port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a USB-C port for charging. The device is expected to be available soon on Powkiddy's AliExpress store.

Two former managers of Micron Wafer Technology Co., Ltd. in Taiwan were sentenced to prison for leaking confidential information and trade secrets to a competing company in China, Hefei Zhiju Company. The court found that they had taken pictures of cleanrooms and downloaded files with trade secrets, sending them to the Chinese company. Three other former employees are still undergoing legal proceedings. The case highlights ongoing issues of IP theft by China-based companies.

Security researchers from Dresden Technology University have identified a Meltdown-like vulnerability affecting all AMD processors, initially thought to impact only Zen 2 and Zen+ models. The vulnerability, termed 'Transient Execution of Non-canonical Accesses,' allows data leakage through specific software sequences. AMD has issued a security bulletin and mitigation guide, recommending software vendors to update their programs with LFENCE instructions or other speculative execution mitigations.

Jared McNeill successfully booted the NetBSD operating system on Apple's M1 processor, marking a significant step towards enabling non-macOS operating systems on the M1 chip. NetBSD, known for its portability, has been ported to the M1 despite the challenges posed by the custom SoC. This development is part of broader open-source efforts to support new operating systems on Apple's custom silicon.

AMD has added 17 new PCI IDs to the AMDGPU Linux kernel DRM driver, potentially indicating a refresh of the RDNA 2 GPU line-up. The new IDs are divided among Sienna Cichlid (Navi 21), Navy Flounder (Navi 22), and Dimgrey Cavefish (Navi 23) SKUs. The reason for the addition of these IDs is not yet clear, but it suggests that AMD is preparing for new GPU product launches.

AMD is developing the Frontier supercomputer for the US Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aiming to deliver over 1.5 ExaFLOPs of computational power. The $600 million project features next-generation EPYC processors and Radeon Instinct graphics cards, with a coherent interconnect between CPUs and GPUs. AMD's recent Linux kernel patches continue to support Frontier's advanced memory management capabilities. The Frontier is set to be the world's fastest and first exascale-class supercomputer, surpassing Intel's delayed Aurora system.

SteelSeries software has been found to have a zero-day vulnerability similar to one previously discovered in Razer's Synapse software, allowing unauthorized users to gain admin rights on Windows 10. The exploit can be triggered even without owning a SteelSeries device, using tools like USBgadget generator. SteelSeries has disabled the installer launch and is working on a permanent fix. The vulnerability requires physical access to the device, mitigating some risk for users.

The PC market is experiencing significant growth during the pandemic, with IDC forecasting a 14% increase in worldwide PC shipments in 2021, reaching 347 million units. The growth is driven primarily by the laptop market, with notebook PCs expected to be the main driver of future growth. IDC's long-term forecast suggests a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% for traditional PCs, while tablet demand is expected to decline. Despite potential future declines as budgets shift post-pandemic, the market is anticipated to be larger than pre-pandemic projections.

A new, smaller Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 carrier board named 'The Stick' has been created by Swedish engineer @arturo182, founder of Solder Party. The Stick features a USB-C connector for power and a pinout for several GPIO pins, making it suitable for basic use despite its small size. However, it lacks a solid mounting mechanism, which could be improved with the addition of M2.5 screw holes, a feature present in the previous smallest breakout board, MinCab.

IBM introduced the Telum processor at Hot Chips 33, designed for the next generation of IBM Z mainframe computers. The Telum chip, fabricated on Samsung's 7 nm node, features 22.5 billion transistors, runs at over 5 GHz, and includes 8 CPU cores with 256MB of semi-private cache. It offers significant improvements over the previous generation, including a custom out-of-order execution pipeline, SMT2, and an AI accelerator with over 6 TeraFLOPs of computing throughput, supporting various machine learning libraries. The new IBM Z processor will use a 16-core dual-chip module scalable to a 256-core system.

Engineers at Chipsee have developed an All-In-One (AIO) solution using the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, named AIO-CM4-156, aimed at developers and makers. The system features a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel, optional touchscreen, and various connectivity ports. It includes a standard RPi CM4 setup with 2GB of LPDDR4 SDRAM and no Wi-Fi or eMMC, though additional memory can be added upon request. The product, priced at $339.00, comes with a power supply, cable, and Raspberry Pi HAT adapter, but requires users to provide their own mouse and keyboard.

BYD Semiconductor, a division of Chinese EV maker BYD and the country's largest supplier of microcontrollers for the EV market, has had its IPO efforts halted due to a government crackdown. The suspension is linked to a regulatory investigation into Beijing Tian Yuan Law Firm by China's Security Regulatory Commission. The investigation has delayed BYD Semiconductor's plans to go public on the Shenzen Stock Exchange, potentially prolonging the process by several months. The company aims to raise funds to address the ongoing semiconductor shortage.

AMD's forthcoming socket AM5, designed for the codenamed 'Raphael' processors, will not initially support PCIe 5.0, unlike Intel's upcoming Alder Lake series processors. This information comes from leaked documents from a Gigabyte hack, as reported by TechPowerUp. AMD's socket AM5 will have 28 PCIe lanes running the PCIe 4.0 protocol. The decision not to support PCIe 5.0 puts AMD behind Intel in the interconnect space, although the EPYC Genoa lineup does support Gen5. The reasons behind AMD's choice and the potential impact on the market remain to be seen.

The Raspberry Pi 4 is set to receive improved support for 4K 60 Hz resolution through updates to the Broadcom VC4 processor and HDMI, thanks to patches submitted by developer Maxime Ripard. These updates, which enhance the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) of the VC4, are expected to be included in future Linux kernel revisions, though not in the upcoming version 5.15. The improvements are specific to the Raspberry Pi 4 module with BCM2711 SoC and newer variants.

Tesla has introduced the D1 Dojo custom ASIC, a chip designed for AI training as part of its Dojo supercomputer. Manufactured by TSMC using a 7nm process, the chip contains over 50 billion transistors and has a die size of 645mm^2. It outperforms Nvidia's A100 Ampere GPU in FP16 workloads, boasting 362 TeraFLOPs at FP16/CFP8 precision. The D1 features a mesh of functional units with a 64-bit CPU, custom ISA, and 1.25MB scratchpad SRAM memory per unit.

The AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT graphics card has been overclocked to 2.8 GHz using basic air cooling, achieving full stability under stress testing. This was accomplished using custom beta software called MorePowerTool, developed by Igor's Lab forum member 'hellm'. The overclocking process involved increasing the GPU power limit and adjusting voltage settings. Performance tests showed a slight improvement in frame rates, and the card achieved the top spot on the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark database. Users are cautioned that using third-party software for overclocking may void warranties and damage the GPU.

AMD's upcoming Raphael processors, based on the Zen 4 architecture, will use the new LGA1718 package, also known as CPU socket AM5. Despite the new socket, it is expected to maintain compatibility with coolers designed for the previous AM4 socket. This information, derived from a recent Gigabyte hack, suggests that the mounting mechanism will remain unchanged, allowing users to reuse their existing coolers. The article also details the thermal design power (TDP) requirements for various CPU models, recommending different cooling solutions based on the TDP. The news is seen as a positive development for users planning to upgrade to Zen 4 processors.

Attackers recently stole 112GB of data from Gigabyte, revealing details about AMD's upcoming EPYC Genoa processors. The Genoa chips feature 96 cores, support 12 channels of DDR5 memory, and introduce AVX-512 support to AMD's lineup. The highest-end SKU has a 320 Watt TDP with a maximum power draw of 400 Watts, and for 1 millisecond, the CPU can draw 700 Watts. The leaked information is extensive, and further details are being analyzed.

Gigabyte is facing criticism for allegedly refusing to accept an eligible GP-P750GM power supply unit for RMA, despite the unit's serial number falling within the range specified in the company's official press release. This incident, reported by a Reddit user, raises concerns about whether Gigabyte's RMA policy is being inconsistently applied, potentially limiting returns to newer batches of the product.

Fritzchens Fritz has published die shots of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G APU, revealing a 179.9 mm2 silicon area, which is 16% larger than its predecessor due to the new Zen 3 cores. The APU features six cores, twelve threads, and seven GPU cores based on Vega architecture. Analysis by Locuza suggests that while AMD could have added more GPU cores, power constraints limited the number of Radeon Vega cores included. The APU's 10.7 billion 7 nm transistors are primarily used for computational purposes.

Microsoft released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22000.132 to Dev and Beta Channel participants, featuring updates and improvements. The build includes fixes for Search and Widgets issues, and Windows Sandbox crash. New app updates include a revamped Snipping Tool with dark mode, a re-written Calculator app in C# with new features, and modernized visuals for Mail and Calendar apps with theme support.

Intel is removing support for its Cannon Lake graphics driver in the upcoming Linux kernel version 5.15, as the chips were shipped without the integrated graphics engine active. The removal indicates that the driver was superfluous, as the graphics engine never functioned due to yield issues with Intel's 10nm process. The Cannon Lake chips were initially limited to the China region, and the subsequent delays in Intel's 10nm process allowed competitor AMD to gain a significant advantage. The majority of Intel's development efforts for the Linux kernel version 5.15 appear to be focused on the graphics driver stack.

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) is a compact and powerful module used in embedded applications. Uptime Labs, led by Ivan Kuleshow, has announced the MinCab, the smallest carrier board for the CM4. The MinCab offers minimal interfacing with USB-C power and GPIO connections, making it ideal for smart home systems. Although currently a prototype, the MinCab could see mass production if Uptime Labs decides to expand its availability.

Gigabyte is set to adopt Intel's next-generation Alder Lake processors in its upcoming AORUS 17G 17YE5 laptop, which was revealed through a UserBenchmark test submission. The laptop features a 14-core Alder Lake processor with 20 threads and DDR5 memory. However, the benchmark score was abnormally low, suggesting it may be an early engineering sample with untuned performance or incompatibility with the benchmark software. The system includes a 16GB DDR5 SODIMM running at DDR5-4800, indicating potential for higher performance in the final product.

Gigabyte, a Taiwanese computer hardware company, was the victim of a ransomware attack by the RansomEXX hacking group, resulting in the theft of 112GB of confidential data. The stolen data includes motherboard designs, encryption keys, UEFI BIOS versions for unreleased products, TPM data, and details about the upcoming Zen 4 architecture. The attackers are demanding a ransom to prevent the public release of the information. Gigabyte has isolated the affected servers and contacted authorities, but has not commented on any negotiations with the hackers.

The Aya Neo Pro handheld gaming console, an upgraded version of the Aya Neo, will start at $1,215 for the 1TB model. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 4800U processor and aims to deliver a PC gaming experience in a portable form. The base Aya Neo model is priced at $925 for 512GB, and the Pro models are expected to ship in mid-September. The Aya Neo Pro will compete with Valve's Steam Deck, which is priced up to $649 for the 512GB model.

Valve's upcoming Steam Deck gaming console, set to ship in December, has generated significant interest. Valve has released a FAQ page detailing the console's features, including a custom AMD APU, a high-speed microSD card slot, and a custom Arch Linux-based OS. The Steam Deck supports microSD booting, multi-boot, and can function as a PC controller via Remote Play. It uses Proton to support non-Steam games but does not officially support VR or external GPUs. The console maintains full performance on battery, and more details are expected as the release date approaches.

EVGA, known for its customer-friendly no-questions-asked return policy, is facing criticism for charging high RMA deposit fees based on current scalper pricing levels. The Advanced RMA program allows customers to receive a replacement GPU before sending the damaged one, but requires a deposit as collateral. This policy aims to protect EVGA from customers who might scalp the replacement card without returning the original. While this creates a financial burden for some customers, it's a necessary measure to prevent abuse of the system. EVGA continues to offer Advanced RMAs, a significant selling point for their products, and customers can opt for the standard RMA process if they prefer not to pay the deposit.

Amazon's highly anticipated MMORPG 'New World' has been delayed until September 28th, 2021, due to the need for further bug fixes and polishing. The game, which has been associated with GPU malfunctions, particularly affecting EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 cards, aims to provide a better user experience with the extra development time. Developed by Amazon Games using the Open 3D Engine, a collaboration between the Open 3D Foundation and the Linux Foundation, 'New World' is set in the 17th century and involves players colonizing an island resembling the Americas.

A third-party tool called Magpie now allows AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology to be used on any Windows game, even if it doesn't natively support FSR. While the tool can upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, it is not designed to boost performance significantly and may not work well at higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K. The implementation of FSR in Magpie acts as a post-processing step, which might lead to some quality loss. The software could also increase system resource usage depending on the situation.

Radxa and StarFive have announced a partnership to produce a single-board computer (SBC) powered by the RISC-V processor, expected to be released by the end of Q3 2021. The new board will utilize StarFive's JH7100 processor, featuring two SiFive U74 cores and additional IPs like Nvidia's NVDLA neural network accelerator. The collaboration follows previous efforts with Seeed Studio and Beagleboard. The RISC-V ISA, developed at UC Berkeley, is open-source and license-free, making it accessible for widespread use.

Pliops, a startup founded in 2017, has unveiled its Pliops XDP, a modern RAID controller for servers with all-flash storage. The XDP, a PCIe-based card, promises a 3-15 times performance increase by managing NVMe storage efficiently, reducing CPU stress by up to 80%. It can operate in NVMe block interface or key-value library API modes, optimizing data flow and storage management. The product aims to enhance server performance and lower infrastructure costs significantly.

Japan's National Institute Information & Communication Technology (NICT) engineers set a new internet speed record of 319 Terabits per second, nearly doubling the previous record of 178 Tb/s set in 2020 by UK and Japanese engineers. This breakthrough was achieved using advanced optical fibers and specialized laser technology, marking a significant advancement in internet speed capabilities.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported record-breaking earnings for Q2 2021, with a 28% YoY revenue increase and an 11% rise in profits. The surge in demand for semiconductor processors, driven by the global pandemic, has bolstered TSMC's performance. The company anticipates continued growth supported by its advanced 5nm and 7nm technologies and plans to invest $100 billion over the next three years to expand its manufacturing capabilities.

Lenovo has introduced a new series of entry-level workstation-grade desktop PCs powered by Intel Rocket Lake processors, aimed at various professional workloads. The ThinkStation P350 family includes the P350 Tiny, P350 Tower, and P350 Small Form Factor models, each offering different configurations of Intel Core and Xeon processors, DDR4 memory, and Nvidia GPUs. The P350 Tiny is noted for being the industry's smallest workstation, while the Tower and SFF models provide more computing power and flexibility for mission-critical tasks.

Linus Torvalds announced the release of Linux kernel version 5.14, which notably removes legacy support for Parallel ATA (PATA), or IDE, shifting all IDE support to libATA. This change reflects the obsolescence of IDE in favor of more advanced protocols like SATA in modern PCs. The removal of the old IDE layer is part of ongoing kernel development and cleanup, despite the overall growth in the kernel's codebase.