Key Hardware Developments: Vulnerabilities, RTX Prioritization, AMD Updates

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Vulnerabilities in Driver Packages
3. Implications for Device Security
4. Lack of Protection from Windows
5. Loss of RTX Prioritization in Assetto Corsa
6. Disappointment for RTX Gaming Enthusiasts
7. Uncertainty Surrounding RTX Implementation
8. AMD's Product Page Updates
9. Clarification on Boost Clock Specifications
10. Controversy Surrounding AMD's Frequency Claims
11. Future of Reference Cards for Radeon RX 700 Series
12. Binning Statistics for Ryzen 3000 Processors
13. Implications for Overclockers
14. Rumors on the Next Threadripper Processor
15. Potential Competitions in the Market
16. Conclusion

Latest Hardware News Recap: Vulnerabilities, RTX Prioritization, AMD Updates, and Threadripper Rumors

In this week's hardware news recap, we dive into some significant developments in the tech industry. From the identification of vulnerabilities in driver packages to the loss of RTX prioritization in popular games and updates to AMD's product pages, there is a lot to cover. Additionally, we explore the latest rumors surrounding the next Threadripper processor and potential competitions in the market. Join us as we delve into the details of these key news items.

Vulnerabilities in Driver Packages and Device Security

Researchers at Eclipse IAM, a white hat firm, have recently uncovered vulnerabilities in over 40 different driver packages from various vendors, including major BIOS, NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. These insecure drivers, which bear authentic Microsoft certificates, can potentially grant improper elevated privileges and provide access to hardware and firmware interfaces. This widespread issue highlights a fundamental security concern, and efforts are being made to develop solutions to better protect against this class of vulnerabilities.

Loss of RTX Prioritization in Assetto Corsa: A Disappointing Development

Fans of the popular racing Game Assetto Corsa have been eagerly anticipating the implementation of real-time ray tracing (RTX) technology. However, recent statements from the developers suggest that they are no longer prioritizing RTX integration. This news comes as a disappointment to gaming enthusiasts who had high hopes for the game's graphics capabilities. The developers' focus now lies on improving optimization and overall performance, rather than investing resources into a feature that offers a low frame rate implementation of RTX.

Updates to AMD's Product Pages: Clarifying Boost Clock Specifications

AMD has quietly updated its product pages for Ryzen processors to provide further clarification on the term "max boost clock." Maximum boost clock refers to the highest frequency a processor can achieve on a single core under nominal conditions. AMD's intention is to clear up any confusion that may have arisen around this topic. It is important to note that there have been discrepancies between AMD's claimed frequencies and the actual frequencies achieved in certain scenarios. While some users may find these updates underwhelming, it is essential to understand the context and conditions under which maximum boost clock operates.

The Future of Reference Cards for Radeon RX 700 Series

AMD has addressed rumors suggesting that the reference models of its Radeon RX 700 series graphics cards would be retired early. The company clarified that there will continue to be a strong supply of these cards in the market. While partner designs are expected to take over, AMD will still support new partner designs with its reference design kit. This means that consumers can expect to see a variety of Radeon RX 700 series graphics cards from different partners, some of which may still incorporate AMD's reference PCB.

Binning Statistics for Ryzen 3000 Processors: Insights for Overclockers

Silicon Lottery, through its extensive research, has provided valuable insights into the binning statistics of Ryzen 3000 processors. These statistics offer overclockers a guide to the highest stable frequencies and voltages achievable on these processors. It has been observed that achieving high frequencies with stable voltages is challenging, as only a small percentage of chips can reach the highest clock speeds. Users should approach the silicon lottery understanding that not all chips will perform at the same level, and that high voltages are often required for extreme overclocks.

Rumors on the Next Threadripper Processor: An Exciting Showdown in the Making

With the release of Ryzen 3000 and EPYC 7000 series processors, rumors surrounding the next Threadripper processor have surfaced. Speculations suggest that both Intel and AMD are preparing for an HEDT (High-End Desktop) showdown in October. An alleged 32-core, 64-thread CPU, codenamed "Shark's Tooth," has appeared on Geekbench with impressive benchmark scores. While details about the new Threadripper socket and chipset remain uncertain, it is anticipated that PCIe 4.0 support will be included. The upcoming release promises to deliver enhanced performance and new features.

In conclusion, the tech industry continues to witness significant developments, ranging from the discovery of vulnerabilities in driver packages to shifts in priorities for game developers. AMD's updates to its product pages and the future of reference cards for the Radeon RX 700 series provide valuable insights for consumers. Overclockers can also benefit from the binning statistics of Ryzen 3000 processors, while the rumors surrounding the next Threadripper processor have created excitement for enthusiasts awaiting its release. With increased competition anticipated in the market, these developments further demonstrate the dynamic nature of the hardware industry and the constant drive for innovation.

Highlights:

• Vulnerabilities in over 40 driver packages pose a fundamental security threat to devices.
• Assetto Corsa disappoints as RTX prioritization is no longer a focus for the game developers.
• AMD's updated product pages clarify the meaning of "max boost clock" and address previous discrepancies.
• Reference cards for the Radeon RX 700 series will continue to be available, alongside partner designs.
• Binning statistics for Ryzen 3000 processors offer valuable insights for overclockers.
• Rumors suggest the release of the next Threadripper processor, sparking anticipation for an HEDT showdown.

FAQ: Q: What are the main security risks associated with the identified vulnerabilities in driver packages? A: The vulnerabilities can grant improperly elevated privileges and allow access to hardware and firmware interfaces, posing a significant threat to device security.

Q: Are there any plans to address the security issues related to the driver vulnerabilities? A: The researchers at Eclipse IAM have engaged with Microsoft to develop solutions that better protect against these vulnerabilities, such as blacklisting known bad drivers.

Q: Will Assetto Corsa ever implement RTX technology? A: The developers have indicated that RTX prioritization is no longer a focus, raising doubts about the game's future implementation of the technology.

Q: What do the updates to AMD's product pages clarify regarding boost clock specifications? A: The updates aim to provide better understanding of what "max boost clock" means, addressing confusion surrounding the term.

Q: Is there a significant difference between reference cards and partner designs for the Radeon RX 700 series? A: While partner designs have taken over the market, AMD will continue to support reference designs through its reference design kit, ensuring a variety of options for consumers.

Q: How can overclockers benefit from the binning statistics for Ryzen 3000 processors? A: Overclockers can use these statistics as a guide to understand the performance potential and voltage requirements of different processor models.

Q: What can be expected from the next Threadripper processor? A: The next Threadripper processor, rumored to be released in the future, is expected to offer improved performance, support for PCIe 4.0, and potentially a new socket and chipset.