PC Gaming
Ongoing coverage on PC Gaming.
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Why aren’t there more PC-first gamepads? Valve don’t know, but they "did see an opportunity" for the new Steam Controller
Valve designers Lawrence Yang and Steve Cardinali discuss the lack of PC-first gamepads, noting an opportunity for their new Steam Controller. While acknowledging the dominance of console controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and PlayStation 5 DualSense, they believe there's a market for a controller specifically designed for PC gaming, offering features beyond 'good enough'.
Modder upgrades their supposedly 'vintage' 2008 ThinkPad with an RTX 4070 Super and I can feel myself…
A modder has upgraded a 2008 Lenovo ThinkPad with an MSI RTX 4070 Super graphics card, utilizing an external GPU setup. The project combines vintage laptop hardware with modern components, powered by a Corsair PSU, to enhance graphical capabilities.
The Blood of Dawnwalker PC Requirements Revealed: 5090 for 4K
Bandai Namco and Rebel Wolves have revealed the PC system requirements for The Blood of Dawnwalker, with 4K Ultra settings requiring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090. The action RPG will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on September 3rd, with minimum specs demanding an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X and 16GB of RAM.
Valve Is Forcing Microsoft To Make Significant Improvements To Windows Gaming Performance - Report
A report indicates that Microsoft is initiating a project called 'Windows K2' to significantly improve Windows gaming performance and reclaim user trust. This initiative aims to bridge the performance gap with SteamOS within two years, addressing issues like update frequency and system stability. These improvements are expected to roll out gradually over the coming months.
Single-channel DRAM is bad news for PC gaming but depending on what CPU you have, it's not actually as awful as you…
This analysis explores the impact of single-channel DRAM on PC gaming performance, particularly in light of current memory price increases. While dual-channel is generally preferred, CPUs with large caches, like AMD's Ryzen processors with 3D V-Cache, can mitigate performance drops in GPU-limited scenarios. However, in CPU-limited situations or on systems with less cache, single-channel DRAM can significantly reduce frame rates and cause microstutters, making dual-channel memory a crucial consideration for optimal gaming.
Steam Controller Won’t Support Xbox Game Pass at Launch, Frustrating PC Gamers
Valve's new Steam Controller faces criticism for lacking native support for Xbox Game Pass at launch, primarily due to its reliance on Steam Input. This limitation prevents its advanced features from working seamlessly with games outside the Steam ecosystem, frustrating PC gamers who use Game Pass. While workarounds may exist, the controller's $99 price point and competition from the more universally compatible Xbox Wireless Controller raise questions about its market appeal.
'Obviously we love the PC,' Gabe Newell told us 15 years ago, but his focus was on 'a responsibility to…
Valve boss Gabe Newell stated 15 years ago that his responsibility is to gamers and developers, rather than solely promoting PC gaming. He emphasized a customer-centric approach to improving the platform. This focus has contributed to the continued relevance of PC gaming.
Valve chief Gabe Newell saw today's consoles coming a long time ago: "All the consoles are using PC graphics…
Valve chief Gabe Newell accurately predicted that consoles would increasingly adopt PC-like hardware and graphics, a trend evident in current-generation systems like the Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch. While Nintendo maintains a unique approach with its custom chips and handheld focus, other platforms are converging with PC architecture, blurring the lines between traditional consoles and gaming PCs.
Morning Tech Bits
This week's tech news includes the launch of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred and Bus Bound with NVIDIA DLSS support. Logitech has also introduced the G512 X Gaming Keyboard, designed for customization.
Valve Confirms Steam Deck 2 Development: No Release Date Yet | HappyGamer
Valve has officially confirmed that development is underway for the Steam Deck 2, though a release date remains unannounced. The company is taking a deliberate approach to development, focusing on significant improvements over the original model. Competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are pushing the handheld market, making Steam Deck 2's eventual release crucial for Valve to maintain its position.
The Blood of Dawnwalker PC Specifications Revealed, RTX 5090 Required for Ultra 4K/60 FPS
Rebel Wolves has revealed the PC specifications for The Blood of Dawnwalker, confirming a September 3rd release date. Minimum requirements include 16 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X with an Nvidia RTX 3050 or equivalent for 1080p/30 FPS on low settings. Achieving 4K/60 FPS on Ultra settings will necessitate an Nvidia RTX 5090, with DLSS and FSR support available at launch.
Roadmaps and Plans
This review of the Valve Steam Controller covers latency benchmarks, battery life, and repairability. It also notes that a Valve-approved Half-Life remake is being added to Garry's Mod due to popular demand.
Intel VP Sparks Heated Debate Over PC Gaming Priorities | HappyGamer
An Intel executive's statement suggesting PC gamers underestimate software's importance has ignited a debate within the PC gaming community. While Intel emphasizes software utilization of hardware, gamers argue that poor optimization and rushed releases hinder their experience, highlighting the need for both strong hardware and well-developed software.
Gabe Newell once said Steam wasn't 'the answer to digital distribution,' proving that even Gabe Newell is…
Valve boss Gabe Newell reflected on his past statements about Steam's dominance in digital distribution, acknowledging that the landscape has changed dramatically since 2011. Despite competitors like Epic Games and Amazon attempting to challenge its market share, Steam has continued to grow, setting new concurrent user records and maintaining its 70/30 revenue split with developers.
Steam Controller släpps nästa vecka – kostar 99 euro
Valve has confirmed that the new Steam Controller will be released on May 4th for 99 Euros. This redesigned controller functions as both a gamepad and a mouse, featuring two touch-sensitive trackpads. Valve also plans to release the Steam Machine PC console and the Steam VR headset this year.
Valve says it can sell the Steam Controller while the Steam Machine is in AI limbo because "this doesn't have…
Valve will release the Steam Controller on May 4 for $99.00, ahead of the Steam Machine due to production hurdles like the ongoing RAM crisis. Hardware engineer Steve Cardinali stated the controller is simpler to manufacture and ready for launch, with Valve aiming to meet anticipated demand without pre-orders.
After a week testing Valve's new Steam Controller, it's better in almost every way - but still a bit of a niche proposition
Valve's new Steam Controller offers significant improvements over its predecessor, drawing design inspiration from the Steam Deck and enhancing usability for PC gaming on a couch. While it excels at adapting mouse-driven games for controller input, its specific design choices and thumbstick placement make it a niche product, though a solid upgrade for those who already appreciate its unique approach.
Valve Steam Controller review: A gamepad in search of a console
Valve's Steam Controller is reviewed as a gamepad primarily for PC gaming via Steam, with limited compatibility outside of the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Deck. The controller features dual trackpads, TMR joysticks, and a unique charging puck, offering a comfortable and balanced design. While it performs well in various game genres and offers long battery life, its reliance on the Steam ecosystem and lack of broader PC compatibility are noted as drawbacks.
Going oldschool with a 3:2 display is a real nostalgic PC gaming hit
This article discusses the BenQ RD280UG monitor, which features a 3:2 aspect ratio, a departure from the current widescreen standard. While it offers benefits for productivity and certain older or vertically oriented games, its niche appeal and price point make it less suitable for general gaming compared to traditional widescreen displays.
PSA: A lot of retailers want to sell you gaming laptops that just won't work right now
Retailers are currently selling gaming laptops with only 8GB of RAM, often priced between $700 and $900, due to RAM shortages. While these configurations are cheaper, they are not recommended for modern games and users should aim for 16GB, even if it means dropping to an Nvidia RTX 40-Series GPU.
