CPU
Ongoing coverage on CPU.
Latest coverage
With prices what they are, the third-tier Nvidia GPU makes up half the cost of this powerful HP rig
The HP Omen 35L is a powerful and quiet pre-built gaming PC that offers strong performance for its price point, though it is not the absolute bleeding edge. It features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, delivering excellent frame rates in 1440p gaming. While the price is considerable and peripherals are not included, its smart component choices and effective cooling make it a solid option for those who prefer not to build their own PC.
I've just finished reviewing AMD's latest gaming CPU and I would genuinely considering switching back to Intel
A review of AMD's Ryzen 7 7700X3D CPU suggests that Intel's Core Ultra 5 250K Plus offers competitive gaming performance at a lower price point, alongside superior productivity capabilities. While AMD's AM5 platform offers better future upgrade potential, the Intel chip's immediate value and performance may lead some builders to consider switching from AMD.
AMD's latest gaming CPU is more of the same, and that's why I'd still buy the 7800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X3D offers gaming performance nearly identical to the older Ryzen 7 7800X3D, but its value proposition is complicated by the 7800X3D's similar retail price and availability. While the 7700X3D excels in gaming with low power draw and good thermals, Intel's Core Ultra 5 250K Plus provides better compute performance for a lower price. The 7700X3D may offer better value in pre-built systems or bundles.
Alleged benchmarks leak online for Intel's 28-core Nova Lake-S CPU
Alleged benchmarks for Intel's upcoming 28-core Nova Lake-S CPU, potentially named Intel Core Ultra 9 4950K, have leaked online. The leaked data suggests significant performance gains over the current Arrow Lake-S generation, with single-thread scores near 1,000 and multi-thread scores near 20,000. Intel has confirmed that the Nova Lake architecture will debut on consumer chips first, with a 2026 launch window.
Intel says the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus isn't a flagship processor, but it's an Ultra 9 in all but name and price
Intel's new Core Ultra 7 270K Plus processor offers excellent gaming and content creation performance at a competitive $299 price point, positioning it as a strong alternative to higher-priced flagship CPUs. While it doesn't reach the absolute peak performance of some AMD Ryzen X3D chips, its balanced approach to power, thermals, and value makes it a compelling option for many PC builders.
Intel is keeping Raptor Lake CPUs around for 'years to come' as a cheaper alternative to DDR5-compatible chips
Intel plans to continue offering its Raptor Lake CPUs for several more years as a more affordable alternative to DDR5-compatible chips. The company sees value in the LGA 1700 socket and DDR4 memory support, especially given current market pricing. This strategy aims to meet consumer demand for cost-effective yet performant hardware.
Intel Nova Lake gaming CPUs to launch first, while server chips wait their turn
Intel's upcoming Nova Lake generation of processors will prioritize desktop chips for gamers before server variants, according to an interview with Tom's Hardware. This consumer-first approach contrasts with AMD's Zen 6 architecture, which is reportedly targeting servers first. The Nova Lake consumer chips will be branded as Intel Core Ultra 400 series and will require a new LGA-1954 socket motherboard.
I just awarded this Intel CPU 4/5 stars, and now you can get it with a free AIO cooler and two upcoming games
Intel's Core Ultra 5 250K Plus CPU is currently part of a promotion during Intel Gamer Days, offering a free Cooler Master AIO cooler and two upcoming games, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Star Wars: Galactic Racer, with purchase. Despite being slightly above its launch price, the bundle effectively makes the cooler and games nearly free after a promo code discount, presenting a strong value proposition for PC builders.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is incredible value for money, but it won't matter if Intel doesn't follow through on its socket longevity promises
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus processor offers exceptional value for 4K gaming and content creation at a $199 price point, representing a significant improvement over previous Intel generations in terms of thermals and stability. While its performance is strong, particularly in content creation benchmarks, concerns remain regarding Intel's commitment to socket longevity, a crucial factor for consumer trust in the competitive CPU market.
The Razer Blade 18 steps up to some of the most powerful gaming laptops I've tested and nearly steals the win
The 2026 Razer Blade 18 offers powerful performance comparable to top-tier gaming laptops, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU and up to an RTX 5090 GPU. While its slimline design, dual-mode 4K display, and impressive battery life are notable, its high price and incremental CPU update make it a difficult recommendation, especially compared to the older model or competitors like the MSI Raider A18 HX.
Lenovo just refreshed its most powerful gaming laptop, but a CPU boost can't justify a $2,000 markup
Lenovo has refreshed its Legion Pro 7i gaming laptop with a minor CPU upgrade to the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, offering a slight performance increase over the previous Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. Despite the minimal gains, the new model comes with a significant price markup, leading to questions about its value proposition compared to older, discounted models.
Asus ZenBook A16 review
The Asus ZenBook A16, featuring the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme CPU, offers impressive processing power and a high-quality OLED screen, but its integrated Adreno GPU limits its gaming capabilities. While it handles lighter titles and older games well at medium to low settings, it falls short for demanding modern games. The laptop is a strong productivity device with exceptional battery life, though its price and the GPU's limitations make it a mediocre choice for dedicated gamers.
Rumour suggests Intel is cooking up a 12 Xe desktop Nova Lake CPU
A new rumor suggests Intel's upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs will feature 12 Xe graphics cores, potentially offering a significant boost in integrated graphics performance. This leak, attributed to leaker Jaykihn, indicates that both mobile and desktop variants of Nova Lake will include these 'Xe3p' cores, which are expected to be geared towards AI inference.
Rumours suggest Intel may be planning to join the club of hardware manufacturers reviving old product lines, all the way…
Rumors suggest Intel is considering reviving older CPU production lines, including 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors. This follows similar moves by Nvidia and AMD to reintroduce older GPUs and CPUs to meet market demand. Intel's potential move would involve re-engineering chips for current fabrication processes, similar to AMD's approach with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
Morning Tech Bits
AMD's new CPU core type has been unlocked on Linux prior to its official announcement, according to XDA. Additionally, a CNET article explores how the 1993 game Doom has become a legendary porting target, capable of running on any device with a screen.
Morning Tech Bits
Demos for Mortal Shell II and The Sinking City 2 are now available on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest, featuring NVIDIA DLSS support. The article also touches on Valve's decision regarding subsidizing Steam Machines and the impact of the AMD 5800X3D CPU.
Intel CPUs with Nvidia GPUs could be here by 2028
A new rumor suggests Intel and Nvidia are planning to release integrated CPU and GPU chips by early 2028, potentially disrupting the market for AMD. This partnership could lead to more powerful and efficient laptops and gaming handhelds, and may impact console chip suppliers. The chips would combine Intel's x86 architecture with Nvidia's GeForce graphics, offering access to technologies like DLSS.
Hardware Reviews
This article features reviews of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 CPU and the GIGABYTE AERO X16 laptop. The CPU review focuses on its maximum cache performance, while the laptop review highlights its AMD Strix Point processor, low weight, and NVIDIA graphics.
Hardware Reviews
This article features reviews of various hardware components, including the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 CPU with a focus on its maximum cache, and the be quiet! Dark Rock 6 and Dark Rock Pro 6 CPU coolers. It also briefly mentions the Brother MFC-L8970CDW printer.
New rumour claims with '100%' confidence that AMD's next-gen Zen 6 desktop CPU will run at over 6.5 GHz
New rumors suggest AMD's upcoming Zen 6 desktop CPUs, codenamed Medusa, will exceed 6.5 GHz, setting a new record for factory-spec processors. This potential clock speed increase is attributed to the use of TSMC's cutting-edge N2 silicon. The leak also indicates a possible increase in core count to 12 cores per die, potentially leading to 24 cores in top-tier consumer CPUs.
