Big CPU Changes, New GPU Launch, and Starfield Requirements

AD

APIMart

APIMart

AI API, 99.9% SLA. Your AI, Always On.Most models offer cost savings of 20–60%; nanobanana pro api costs only 0.03.

AI API, 99.9% SLA. Your AI, Always On.Most models offer cost savings of 20–60%; nanobanana pro api costs only 0.03.

Try Now

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Intel's CPU Naming Change
3. The New RTX 4060 and its Launch Date
4. AMD's Announcements: CPUs with More Cache
5. GPUs with Hidden Cables: A Trend at Computex
6. The Lexar NM800 Pro Gen 4 SSD
7. Steam's Interface Overhaul
8. Valve's Major Driver Update for Arc GPUs
9. AMD's CPUs with Massive Cache in the Epic Lineup
10. Microsoft's Attempted Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
11. Arctic's Desk Fan: The Summer Plus
12. Intel's Driver Update for ARC GPUs
13. Minimum Requirements for Starfield

🖥️ Introduction

Welcome back to the hardware news Recap of the week! In this article, we will cover some of the latest updates in the world of technology. Stay tuned for information on Intel's CPU naming change, the new RTX 4060 graphics card, AMD's announcements on CPUs with more cache, GPUs with hidden cables, the Lexar NM800 Pro Gen 4 SSD, Steam's interface overhaul, Valve's major driver update for Arc GPUs, AMD's CPUs with massive cache in the Epic lineup, Microsoft's attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Arctic's desk fan, and the minimum requirements for Starfield.

💻 Intel's CPU Naming Change

Intel has officially confirmed a major change in its CPU naming convention. Beginning with the next launch, Intel will be dropping the familiar "eye" branding and adopting a simpler numbering system for its CPU lineup. This change is a significant deviation from the naming scheme Intel has used since the Nehalem era. The new branding will include terms like "Core Ultra" and "Core Evo Edition" for different product offerings. However, the transition may lead to confusion among consumers during the next CPU launch. While Intel's attempt to reinvent itself is commendable, the branding change seems more like a marketing strategy than a necessary improvement.

🖥️ The New RTX 4060 and Its Launch Date

Nvidia has officially announced the launch date of the highly anticipated RTX 4060 graphics card. The RTX 4060 is set to hit the market on June 29th. This new addition to the RTX series is expected to offer impressive performance at a more affordable price point compared to its TI counterpart. With 3072 CUDA cores and 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, the RTX 4060 is poised to provide a compelling option for gamers. The lower price, combined with AMD's recent price drops, creates an interesting competition in the mid-range GPU segment. Benchmark testing will reveal the true performance and value of the RTX 4060 compared to its competitors.

💾 AMD's Announcements: CPUs with More Cache

During its recent data center and AI technology event, AMD made several significant announcements. One of the highlights was the introduction of CPUs with more cache in its Epic lineup. The new Zen 4C architecture, code-named Bergamo, offers a density-optimized design with up to 16 cores per CCD. This architecture increases the core count and aims to enhance performance in workloads that require both high density and absolute core count. Additionally, AMD unveiled the Genoa X CPUs, which feature Stacked 3D V-cache, resulting in a massive total L3 cache size of up to 1152 megabytes. These advancements in cache technology and core count demonstrate AMD's commitment to pushing the boundaries of server performance.

🖥️ GPUs with Hidden Cables: A Trend at Computex

Computex, one of the biggest technology exhibitions, showcased a new trend: graphics cards with hidden cables. Manufacturers are finding innovative ways to hide or mask the routing of power connectors on GPUs. Inno3D, for example, demonstrated concept designs featuring reverse-mounted power connectors and removable backplates. These designs aim to provide a cleaner aesthetic by minimizing the visibility of cables. Gigabyte also joined this trend with their Windforce V2 4090, which features a cutout on the front corner of the PCB to enable easy access to a high-power cable. While these designs may sacrifice cooling surface area, they offer customers more options for cable management and overall aesthetics.

💽 The Lexar NM800 Pro Gen 4 SSD

This week's news recap is brought to you by the Lexar NM800 Pro Gen 4 SSD. The NM800 is a high-performance SSD that boasts impressive transfer speeds and a gen 4x4 NVMe interface. With capacities ranging from 512 GB to 2 TB, this SSD is designed to handle heavy-duty workloads. Equipped with a heatsink and thermal pad, the NM800 ensures optimal heat dissipation, allowing it to maintain high performance even under intense usage. Offering sequential read speeds of up to 7500 megabytes per Second and sequential write speeds of up to 6500 megabytes per second, the NM800 is a reliable storage solution for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

🎮 Steam's Interface Overhaul

Valve, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam, has recently implemented a major update to its client interface. The updated UI features an overhaul of the main navigational pages, including a redesigned screenshot manager and an improved overlay. One notable addition is the new note-taking feature, which allows users to take in-Game notes without the need for alt-tabbing. These notes are saved to the cloud, making them accessible across multiple devices. Other improvements include revamped notifications and the introduction of pinned windows, enabling users to keep specific UI elements visible while playing games. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience on the Steam platform.

🎮 Valve's Major Driver Update for Arc GPUs

Intel's Arc GPUs have received a major driver update from Valve. This update brings significant performance improvements to several games, including F1 2023, Counter-Strike, Destiny 2, Aliens: Dark Descent, and Forever Skies. The uplift in these games ranges from 8% to 33%, showcasing the optimization efforts made by Intel. The driver version 44.99 introduces enhancements that enhance overall stability and make gaming more enjoyable for Arc GPU users. While there are still known issues that need to be addressed, Intel's commitment to improving drivers for its graphics cards is commendable and bodes well for the future of Arc GPUs.

💾 AMD's CPUs with Massive Cache in the Epic Lineup

At the recent data center and AI technology event, AMD made several significant announcements regarding its Epic lineup of CPUs. One of the key highlights was the introduction of CPUs with massive cache sizes. The new Zen 4C architecture, known as Bergamo, offers up to 16 cores per CCD, resulting in a dense and high-performance design. Additionally, AMD revealed the Genoa X CPUs, featuring 3D V-cache technology. These CPUs boast an unprecedented L3 cache size of up to 1152 megabytes, providing exceptional performance for technical computing workloads. AMD's focus on cache optimization reaffirms its commitment to delivering industry-leading CPUs for data centers and other enterprise applications.

🏢 Microsoft's Attempted Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

News broke this week about Microsoft's attempt to acquire the gaming giant Activision Blizzard. However, a temporary restraining order has been filed against the proposed acquisition by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The court has issued an injunction preventing the deal from closing until after a hearing on June 22nd and 23rd. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether the acquisition can proceed. Microsoft's potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard would have significant implications for the gaming industry, potentially consolidating power and resources under one tech giant. This development raises questions about the future of the gaming landscape and the potential impact on competition and consumer choice.

🌬️ Arctic's Desk Fan: The Summer Plus

Looking for a way to beat the summer heat while at your desk? Arctic has introduced the Summer Plus desk fan. This battery-operated fan features a unique impeller design and comes in a sleek white or black color. With a rechargeable battery that provides up to 14 hours of operation at lower speeds, the Summer Plus ensures continuous airflow without the need for a constant power source. The fan's compact size and minimalist design make it a perfect addition to any workspace. Whether you're working, gaming, or simply relaxing, the Summer Plus desk fan will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer months.

💾 Intel's Driver Update for Arc GPUs

Intel has rolled out a major driver update for its Arc GPUs. This update focuses on improving stability and performance for Intel's graphics cards. The version 44.99 driver brings notable uplifts in games such as F1 2023, Counter-Strike, Destiny 2, Aliens: Dark Descent, and Forever Skies. With optimizations and bug fixes, Intel is working towards enhancing the gaming experience for Arc GPU users. While there are still some known issues that need to be addressed, Intel's commitment to providing regular driver updates shows its dedication to delivering a seamless gaming experience on its graphics cards.

⚙️ Minimum Requirements for Starfield

Gamers eagerly awaiting the release of Bethesda's upcoming open-world RPG, Starfield, can now check the minimum requirements for the game. Starfield will require a compatible OS, with Windows 10 being the minimum requirement. As for the CPU, players will need at least an R5 2600X or an Intel i7 6800K. The recommended configurations suggest a similar CPU requirement. Memory-wise, a minimum of 16 GB is required, and the same is recommended. When it comes to graphics cards, an AMD RX 5700 or a Nvidia 1070 TI is needed for minimum performance, while an AMD 6800 XT or an Nvidia 2080 is recommended for optimal gameplay. Players should also ensure they have at least 125 GB of storage space, with an SSD being explicitly required. Starfield is set to launch on September 6th, 2022.

Highlights

• Intel announces a major CPU naming change, dropping the "eye" branding and adopting a simpler numbering system.
• Nvidia confirms the launch date of the RTX 4060 graphics card, with performance expectations and competitive pricing.
• AMD introduces CPUs with more cache in its Epic lineup, pushing the boundaries of server performance.
• Computex showcases a trend of GPUs with hidden cables, providing cleaner aesthetics and improved cable management.
• The Lexar NM800 Pro Gen 4 SSD offers high-performance storage solutions with impressive transfer speeds.
• Valve implements a major update to the Steam client interface, enhancing user experience with improved navigation and note-taking features.
• Intel releases a driver update for its Arc GPUs, delivering performance improvements for specific games.
• Microsoft's attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard faces a temporary restraining order from the Federal Trade Commission.
• Arctic introduces the Summer Plus desk fan, providing a cool breeze during hot summer days.
• Bethesda reveals the minimum requirements for Starfield, fueling excitement for the upcoming open-world RPG.

FAQ

Q: What changes is Intel making to its CPU naming convention?\ A: Intel is dropping the "eye" branding and adopting a simpler numbering system for its CPU lineup.

Q: When will the RTX 4060 graphics card be available?\ A: The RTX 4060 will be launched on June 29th.

Q: What are the key announcements made by AMD regarding its Epic lineup of CPUs?\ A: AMD has introduced CPUs with more cache and unveiled the Genoa X CPUs with Stacked 3D V-cache technology.

Q: What trend was observed at Computex related to GPUs?\ A: The trend at Computex showcased GPUs with hidden cables, providing cleaner aesthetics and improved cable management.

Q: What are the main highlights of Valve's interface overhaul for Steam?\ A: Valve's interface overhaul for Steam includes redesigned navigational pages, an improved overlay, and a note-taking feature.

Q: What improvements does Intel's driver update for Arc GPUs bring?\ A: Intel's driver update for Arc GPUs offers significant performance improvements for specific games.

Q: What are the minimum requirements for Bethesda's upcoming game, Starfield?\ A: Starfield requires Windows 10 as the operating system, an R5 2600X or Intel i7 6800K CPU, 16 GB of memory, an AMD RX 5700 or Nvidia 1070 TI graphics card, at least 125 GB of storage space, and an SSD.