Computer Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Computer Hardware.
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iBuyPower's RTX 5060 RDY rig is a sign of how bad the memory crisis has become
The iBuyPower RDY Scale B06 gaming PC offers a decent build but suffers from significant compromises, particularly in its single-channel memory and the performance of its Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, making it a poor value at full price. While its thermals are excellent and the build is clean, the current memory crisis exacerbates its shortcomings, leading to a disappointing experience for modern gaming and content creation.
Someone made a copper gaming PC Frankensteined out of an old blowtorch and other assorted parts and is 'just going…
A Reddit user named Old-Mate-Fetus has created an elaborate custom copper PC build, notably incorporating a repurposed vintage Primus blowtorch as a reservoir. The unique, artsy design weighs nearly 20 kg and features high-end components like an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti.
'No fuss, no greater meaning, only fans': Corsair shares 3D print files for its April Fools mini fan cube
Corsair has released 3D print files for a fan cube, a product that originated as an April Fools' joke. The company shared the files on Printables, allowing users to create a cube designed to house six fans. This move follows community demand after the initial joke.
'Defying common wisdom', people have been buying more high-end graphics cards despite rising prices, with 12.5…
Despite rising prices and Nvidia's focus on data centers, the company maintains a dominant 90% share of the consumer graphics card market. The overall PC-based graphics add-in board market saw a 10% increase in shipments quarter-over-quarter, reaching 12.5 million units, a trend attributed to consumers buying before further price hikes driven by geopolitical events.
Why does this sort of thing never happen to me? Redditor says they found $10,000 worth of RAM just sitting in their…
A Redditor discovered approximately $7,200 USD worth of RAM, likely from an old work server, in their garage. The find highlights the value of server memory, which is often incompatible with standard desktop PCs, and touches on the current demand driven by AI data centers.
Gaming monitors are one of the only good things about PC hardware right now, but one niche feature is underloved
Despite a challenging PC hardware market, gaming monitors offer excellent value, with dual mode functionality being a particularly underloved niche feature. This mode allows users to switch between 4K for visual fidelity and 1080p for higher refresh rates, though current implementations suffer from slow switching and image blur. Improvements in interpolation and integer scaling could make dual mode monitors even more appealing.
Owner of nearly decade-old Dell laptop reportedly wore through the wrist rest and is 'being stabbed by carbon…
A user reported experiencing pain and skin irritation from the worn-down palm rests of their nearly decade-old Dell XPS 13 laptop, attributing it to exposed carbon fiber. The user described the feeling as being 'stabbed by carbon fibers' and a potential health hazard, while Dell has not yet responded to the complaint.
Apple should make a Mac Neo to fill the void left by the more expensive Mac mini
This article proposes that Apple should introduce a new, lower-cost Mac model, potentially named 'Mac Neo,' to fill a gap in its current lineup. The suggestion aims to provide a more affordable option for consumers, complementing the existing Mac mini.
The revived RTX 3060 12GB now costs more than the current-gen RTX 5050, and it makes me feel bad for entry-level PC…
The RTX 3060 12GB graphics card is now priced higher than the newer and faster RTX 5050, creating a confusing market for entry-level PC builders. Despite the RTX 5050's lower price and superior performance, the older RTX 3060's higher VRAM is a factor, though its resurgence in price is seen as illogical compared to current-generation options like the RTX 5060 or AMD Radeon RX 9600 XT.
HyperX unveils new gaming gear ahead of Gamescom
HyperX has unveiled a new lineup of gaming gear, including its first open-back gaming headset, the Cloud Alpha Air, and its lightest wireless gaming mouse, the Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro. The company also announced new gaming mice, microphones, monitors, and the OMEN 35L gaming desktop. These releases aim to enhance gamer immersion, precision, and performance.
Apple's M5 Ultra with an 80-core GPU will power through your AI models and 8K video
Apple has introduced new M5 Ultra chips for its Mac mini and Mac Studio computers, featuring an 80-core GPU designed to handle demanding AI models and 8K video processing. These chips represent the latest advancements in Apple's silicon technology for professional users.
Newegg’s AliExpress Storefront Has the Least Painful 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 Price Right Now
Newegg is offering a 32GB DDR5-6000MHz CL30 RAM kit from V-COLOR for $369.59 through its official AliExpress storefront, a significant discount compared to its direct Newegg listing. This kit is optimized for AMD systems with EXPO profiles but can also function on Intel platforms. The article suggests that current memory prices are unlikely to decrease substantially in the near future.
Lexar has unveiled its new Thor Ultra Gen 5 drives with lightning-fast 11,000 MB/s read speeds are coming to the US
Lexar has unveiled its new Thor Ultra M.2 2280 Gen 5 SSDs, boasting sequential read speeds of up to 11,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 10,000 MB/s. These drives will be available in capacities from 512GB to 4TB and come with a 5-year warranty. While already available in the UK, US pricing and availability are yet to be announced, and the article notes that Gen 4 SSDs may still be sufficient for most gaming needs.
The 'world's first' water-cooled Steam Machine is a Frankenstein's monster of neon pink tubing and…
A creator has developed what they claim is the world's first water-cooled Steam Machine, featuring extensive external neon pink tubing and a custom water block. This modification reportedly drops APU temperatures by 20-30 degrees Celsius, with plans for further VRM cooling improvements.
Corsair isn't rolling in money from its mega-expensive RAM kits—and it's all thanks to higher component…
Corsair is experiencing a decline in gaming component and system revenue despite increased memory prices, due to higher component costs impacting their broader product offerings. While memory sales are up, other component revenues are down, affecting overall demand. The company sees potential in the AI workstation market to offset these challenges.
The AI storage squeeze has made the humble USB stick relevant again
The surge in demand for AI-related storage has dramatically increased Solid State Drive (SSD) prices, making traditional USB flash drives relevant again for tasks like installing operating systems or carrying essential utilities. While SSDs offer higher capacities and faster speeds, their current inflated cost makes them impractical for certain uses, shifting the balance back towards the more affordable and accessible USB stick.
If your AMD chipset drivers are mysteriously failing to install like mine, you'll need to manually update instead
Users experiencing issues with AMD's chipset driver installation manager can resolve the problem by manually downloading and installing the drivers from a separate package. The AMD Install Manager has been failing for many users, but a manual update package is available on the release notes page.
Evening Tech Bits
The article discusses the current generation of PCs as potentially the last to be fully upgradeable. It suggests that future PC hardware might move towards more integrated or less user-serviceable designs.
Microsoft quietly deletes 32 GB RAM recommendation, which I'm sure has nothing to do with it bringing back 8 GB…
Microsoft has quietly removed support documents that recommended 32 GB of RAM for serious PC gamers. This change coincides with the reintroduction of 8 GB Surface laptops and the high cost of devices with 32 GB, potentially due to AI demands and a looming memory supply crisis. The article suggests Microsoft is downplaying higher RAM requirements to align with its less powerful, more affordable Surface offerings.
I test a lot of liquid coolers and this one absolutely crushes the rest
The Noctua NL-LC1 is presented as the best liquid cooler tested, excelling in quiet operation and high-end performance, particularly with demanding processors. Despite its top-tier cooling capabilities and advanced noise-dampening technology, it comes with a significant price premium, making it a poor value option compared to competitors like the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360.
