Category: Gaming

  • GeForce RTX 5090 Sells for 193% Markup in US and Japan

    GeForce RTX 5090 Sells for 193% Markup in US and Japan

    One of Zotac’s latest RTX 5090 graphics cards recently fetched an impressive $6,600 during an eBay auction. The specific model that sold is the Zotac Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Solid Overclocked Triple Fan SKU, which is currently priced at $2,249.99 on Micro Center, although it is not available for purchase. The seller of this graphics card mentioned that they had just acquired it from Micro Center, meaning they earned a profit of over $4,000 in just a few days, thanks to a remarkable 193% markup.

    Scalpers and Resellers

    It’s common to see scalpers and resellers asking outrageous fixed prices for in-demand items like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090. While we’ve reported on this before, the recent eBay auction for an AIB RTX 5090 that ended at $6,600 adds a new layer to this discussion. Interestingly, the Zotac model is not even the priciest option available, as the Asus Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Astral LC is listed for $3,099.99 at Micro Center. If you calculate a 193% markup on that price, the Asus card would reach a jaw-dropping $9,083.

    Global Scalping Trends

    A similar trend is happening in Japan where PC fans are vocalizing their frustrations over reseller prices on platforms like Yahoo Auctions. As of now, an MSI GeForce RTX 5090 is available with a fixed price of 1,000,000 yen, which is around $6,445. Additionally, another MSI Gaming Trio board has received 33 bids and is currently listed at 651,000 yen, just under $4,200, with about 18 hours left for eager or affluent gamers to potentially line the pockets of scalpers.

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    GeForce RTX 5090 Sells for 193% Markup in US and JapanGeForce RTX 5090 Sells for 193% Markup in US and JapanGeForce RTX 5090 Sells for 193% Markup in US and Japan
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  • AOC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor with HDR10

    AOC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor with HDR10

    AOC has recently unveiled a new gaming monitor, the “Q27G10E2,” which comes in at 899 yuan ($125) in the Chinese market. You can find it for purchase on JD.com. Let’s take a closer look at its main features.

    Key Features of the AOC Q27G10E2

    The Q27G10E2 is built with a 27-inch Fast IPS panel that offers a sharp 2K resolution (2560 x 1440), providing clear and detailed images. It has a native refresh rate of 180Hz, which allows for incredibly smooth gameplay, and its 1ms GTG response time minimizes motion blur, making it perfect for high-speed gaming experiences.

    Advanced Technologies

    This monitor comes with MBR Sync technology, a unique feature developed by AOC that significantly cuts down ghosting and motion blur. It works well with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, ensuring that visuals are smooth and free of tearing. Additionally, the Q27G10E2 supports HDR10 and includes Dark Boost technology, which enhances contrast and detail for improved visual clarity. It boasts a 100% sRGB color gamut and a Delta E<2 rating, which guarantees professional-level color precision.

    The display reaches a peak brightness of 300 nits in HDR mode, providing vibrant and clear images. It’s also designed to reduce eye strain, featuring low blue light and flicker-free technologies to limit exposure to harmful shortwave blue light.

    Customization and Connectivity

    For users who want to personalize their experience, the Q27G10E2 includes the G-Menu adjustment software. This allows for adjustments in color settings, brightness, and even gaming macros. A smart crosshair function adapts in real-time to the visuals of the game, and a target magnifier simulates a zoomed-in scope effect for increased precision.

    In terms of connectivity options, it has HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, both of which support HDR content. There’s also a 3.5mm audio output available. The monitor is well-built, supporting VESA 100mm x 100mm wall mounting, and features a tilt adjustment range from -5° to 23°, though it doesn’t offer height or swivel adjustments.

    In other news, ViewSonic has launched a very budget-friendly 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor priced at only $55. Additionally, Koorui has released a new 27-inch 2K 170Hz Fast IPS gaming monitor, which also features a 1ms GTG response time and a brightness of 400 nits.

    AOC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor with HDR10AOC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor with HDR10AOC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor with HDR10AOC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor with HDR10
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  • UK Retailer Warns of Four-Month Delay for RTX 5090 and 5080

    UK Retailer Warns of Four-Month Delay for RTX 5090 and 5080

    Scoring an Nvidia RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 right now feels like trying to catch a ghost in a silicon wasteland. The reasons? The usual suspects: limited stock, huge demand, and scalpers. We shared an update about the situation in Europe, and a recent note from a well-known UK retailer presents a similarly bleak picture. It looks like those eagerly awaiting a new RTX 5090 GPU might have to hang on for as much as four months.

    Stock Updates

    Overclockers UK, in a recent statement, disclosed that they have completely run out of the Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 – not shocking at all – and have paused pre-orders for now. Furthermore, the retailer mentioned that the RTX 5090 is anticipated to be available again sometime in the next 3 to 16 weeks, while the RTX 5080 should be back on shelves within 2 to 6 weeks. Basically, anyone in the UK hoping for a new GeForce RTX 50 GPU may need to exercise patience for several months.

    Scalper Advantage

    Given that the Nvidia RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 have been selling for thousands of dollars, it’s clear that scalpers are making huge profits from the shortages. The RTX 5090 has received mostly favorable reviews, even if its improvements over the previous generation are somewhat slight. However, the RTX 5080’s performance upgrade compared to the RTX 4080 Super was not that impressive. Yet, this lack of a significant boost doesn’t seem to dampen the excitement surrounding the cards, as evidenced by the stock issues and Overclockers’ assertion of “incredibly high demand.”

    Conclusion

    Overclockers UK, highlighted by Wccftech, continues to show the struggle consumers face in obtaining these coveted GPUs.

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    UK Retailer Warns of Four-Month Delay for RTX 5090 and 5080

     

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  • GTA 6 Console Performance Insights from Ex-Rockstar Animator

    GTA 6 Console Performance Insights from Ex-Rockstar Animator

    Since the initial trailer was released, there hasn’t been much information from Rockstar about Grand Theft Auto 6. Despite this lack of official details, fans have been busy making guesses about what the next installment of the series will include.

    Expectations for Performance

    Regarding how well GTA Six might perform on consoles, former Rockstar Games animator Mike York has shared his thoughts. In an interview with Kiwi Talkz, which has since been taken down, York suggested that the game might not reach 60 FPS on platforms that aren’t PCs when it launches.

    York speculates that Rockstar is targeting a stable 30 FPS gameplay for current-gen consoles. This wouldn’t be surprising, given that GTA 5 originally ran at 30 FPS on the PS3 and Xbox 360 at its release. Later, Rockstar made it available on newer consoles, like the PS5 (Slim with Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle curr. $374.99 on Best Buy) and Xbox Series X, where it can run at 60 FPS.

    Impressive Graphics and Frame Rates

    Another point to consider is that the first trailer for GTA 6 displayed impressive graphics. Maintaining a locked 30 FPS for such a graphically demanding game would still be acceptable for many players upon release. However, York mentioned that it’s possible to achieve 60 FPS through AI upscaling and frame generation technology.

    York also pointed out that even the anticipated PS5 Pro might struggle to run GTA VI at a steady 60 FPS. Still, it’s important to remember that York hasn’t been with Rockstar since his work on Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5, and he admitted, “I don’t know what they’re doing over there.”

    Rockstar’s Focus on Performance

    Drawing from his past experiences, York believes that Rockstar Games is likely prioritizing making GTA 6 perform “fantastic at 30 FPS.” This focus on stable performance could shape how the game is received at launch and influence players’ expectations moving forward.

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  • Battlefield 6 Closed Playtest May Start Next Week

    Battlefield 6 Closed Playtest May Start Next Week

    Battlefield 5 and Battlefield 2042 fell short of what was anticipated, but EA is not abandoning its well-known FPS series. With Battlefield 6, the developers aim to avoid the issues that affected earlier games. After revealing some game specifics in September, EA indicated that playtests would significantly shape its development. Recently, MP1st has reported that a closed playtest for Battlefield 6 may commence as early as next week.

    Playtest Details

    As per MP1st, those wishing to participate will need to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Additionally, YouTuber DANNYonPC mentioned that another content creator removed a tweet regarding the upcoming Battlefield 6 playtest. The initial phase is expected to be limited, and it might take a while before additional players are invited to join in another session.

    Gamer Skepticism

    Players have good reasons to be doubtful about Battlefield 6. Battlefield 2042, which was launched in 2021, faced swift backlash due to bugs and weapon imbalances. The earlier title, Battlefield 5, was criticized for awkwardly designed maps and inaccuracies in its World War II representation. Battlefield 6 is set to return to a modern-day environment, reminiscent of the series’ most successful installments.

    Performance Challenges

    Battlefield 2042 introduced 128-player multiplayer, which proved troublesome for both EA and its rivals. The gameplay became excessively hectic, leading to the compromise of features like destructible environments. While the upcoming Battlefield will limit player count to 64 per map, this could still result in performance issues. Through the closed playtest, developers at Dice hope to identify and fix any issues early in the process.

    Despite having limited confirmed information, the release date for Battlefield 6 is anticipated to be in 2025. The rumored playtest could mark the beginning of a community-focused testing initiative mentioned by Vince Zampella from Respawn Entertainment.

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    Battlefield 6 Closed Playtest May Start Next Week

     

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  • Cheating in Call of Duty: Hackers Disconnect Black Ops 6 Players

    Cheating in Call of Duty: Hackers Disconnect Black Ops 6 Players

    Activision is facing significant troubles in their efforts to fight cheaters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. Even with the Season 2 update that promised to tackle the issue, hackers have found new ways to disconnect players from matches. A user named ItsHapa shared a video on X showing an in-game tool that methodically boots players from games. As a result, there were so many disconnections that one team had to forfeit.

    Popularity Attracts Cheaters

    Both Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the free-to-play Warzone are known for their exciting and fast-paced gameplay. This popularity makes them prime targets for cheaters who aim to ruin the experience or gain unfair advantages. Cheating in Call of Duty also poses a risk to a thriving esports scene, where huge amounts of money are involved.

    Activision’s Response

    In light of ongoing criticism, Activision has updated its Ricochet anti-cheat system. This security feature operates at a driver level to smartly identify the use of aimbots and other cheating methods. Since the launch of ranked play in Call of Duty: Warzone back in December, Activision has reportedly banned over 130,000 cheaters. However, the powerful tool highlighted by ItsHapa shows it only takes a few bad actors to disrupt competitive gaming for everyone.

    Community Frustration

    When Season 2 launched on January 28th, Activision was optimistic that the improved Ricochet anti-cheat would stop cheating attempts. The company accelerated investigations and flagged players who were linked to known offenders. Console gamers also have the option to avoid playing against PC users, where much of the cheating happens. Still, community frustration has reached a peak, as reactions to ItsHapa’s video show.

    Activision has not yet addressed the specific mass-kicking tool that is causing such distress among players. According to SteamCharts, which tracks both Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone together, there has been a noticeable decline in player numbers since December. It’s evident that gamers may seek other shooting games until the cheating issues in Call of Duty are effectively resolved.

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    Cheating in Call of Duty: Hackers Disconnect Black Ops 6 Players

     

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  • Koorui 27-Inch 2K 170Hz Gaming Monitor with 1ms GtG & 400-Nit Brightness

    Koorui 27-Inch 2K 170Hz Gaming Monitor with 1ms GtG & 400-Nit Brightness

    Koorui has introduced its new gaming monitor named the 27E1QX in the Chinese market. It is tagged at 899 yuan ($125) and can be purchased from JD.com. Let’s take a closer look at its main features.

    Specifications of Koorui 27E1QX

    The Koorui 27E1QX comes with a 27-inch Fast IPS screen that has a 2K resolution (2560×1440), which provides clear images and bright colors along with wide viewing angles of 178 degrees. It has a refresh rate of 170Hz and a response time of just 1ms GTG, ensuring smooth gameplay without lag, which helps reduce motion blur and ghosting.

    Visuals and Color Accuracy

    With a peak brightness of 400 nits and a static contrast ratio of 1000:1, the monitor supports 8-bit color depth, producing rich and vibrant visuals. It covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color space and 100% of sRGB, making it perfect for gaming as well as for content creation and media viewing. Additionally, it is HDR400 certified, which improves depth and contrast in images.

    Ergonomics and Connectivity

    The monitor is designed for ergonomic comfort with a versatile stand that allows for height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot rotation. This feature lets users adjust their viewing positions for the best comfort. It also supports VESA mounting (75mm x 75mm), which allows for wall or arm mounting to keep the workspace tidy.

    In terms of connectivity options, the monitor includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a DisplayPort 1.2, providing extensive compatibility with gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices. The built-in power supply keeps everything organized by avoiding external adapters.

    Design and Warranty

    The 27E1QX showcases a frameless, sleek design with ultra-thin bezels that enhance immersion and facilitate a seamless multi-monitor experience. It is available in black-blue and black-red color options, merging style with high performance. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty.

    In other news, ViewSonic has rolled out one of the most budget-friendly 1080p 144Hz gaming monitors at a price of just $55. At the same time, HKC has unveiled a new 27-inch gaming monitor equipped with a 2K Fast IPS screen, featuring a remarkable 300Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GTG response time.

    Koorui 27-Inch 2K 170Hz Gaming Monitor with 1ms GtG & 400-Nit Brightness
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  • Viewsonic Unveils Affordable 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor for $55

    Viewsonic Unveils Affordable 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor for $55

    Viewsonic has introduced a new gaming display named VA24G25 in the Chinese market. It comes with an attractive price tag of just 399 yuan ($55), positioning it as one of the most economical high-refresh rate monitors available. You can find this monitor for sale on JD.com. Let’s go over its main features.

    Key Features of Viewsonic VA24G25

    The Viewsonic VA24G25 features a 23.8-inch screen with a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Its IPS panel is designed for wide viewing angles, reaching 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, which is great for setups with multiple screens.

    The monitor can achieve a refresh rate of 144Hz when overclocked, while its native refresh rate is set at 120Hz, which can be adjusted for better stability. With a response time of 4ms (GTG) and a 1ms MPRT, it effectively reduces motion blur and ghosting, leading to a more fluid viewing experience.

    Brightness and Color Quality

    This monitor has a brightness of 400 cd/m² and a static contrast ratio of 1500:1. It utilizes 6-bit + FRC technology to simulate 8-bit color depth, ensuring clear visibility and improved image quality.

    ViewSonic’s Eye ProTech+ technology is featured in the VA24G25, which implements second-generation hardware for low blue light filtration, cutting down harmful blue light exposure to below 40% without introducing a yellow tint. Moreover, its flicker-free technology helps to eliminate screen flickering, thus minimizing eye fatigue during long periods of use.

    Connectivity and Ergonomics

    In terms of connectivity, the monitor includes a VGA port (which supports up to 75Hz) and an HDMI 1.4 port that enables the 144Hz refresh rate in overclocked mode. It is also FreeSync compatible, providing a smooth experience when used with compatible graphics cards. Furthermore, it has a Level 1 energy certification, making it an eco-friendly option.

    The monitor supports various ergonomic adjustments, like a tilt range from -5 to 20 degrees, which allows users to find their preferred viewing angle. Additionally, it has VESA mount compatibility (100mm x 100mm), making it simple to attach to a wall or set up in a multi-monitor configuration.

    In other news, HKC has unveiled a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2K Fast IPS panel, a 300Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms GTG response time. At the same time, AOC’s CQ32G4E, which is a 31.5-inch curved gaming monitor featuring a 2K resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate, is now on sale in China.

    Viewsonic Unveils Affordable 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor for $55Viewsonic Unveils Affordable 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor for $55Viewsonic Unveils Affordable 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor for $55Viewsonic Unveils Affordable 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor for $55
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  • AOC Q27G10E2: 27″ QHD Gaming Monitor with 180Hz Refresh Rate

    AOC Q27G10E2: 27″ QHD Gaming Monitor with 180Hz Refresh Rate

    The Q27G10E2 is AOC’s latest 27-inch gaming monitor, following the Q27G10E that was released in late 2023. This monitor is ideal for those who desire a good mix of refresh rate, resolution, and visual quality. It comes with a 2560 x 1440 (QHD) IPS panel that can refresh at speeds of up to 180Hz.

    Visual Quality

    The IPS display offers 178-degree viewing angles along with a 100% sRGB color range for accurate colors and steady image quality. It also supports HDR10. With a brightness level of 300 nits, this is a standard feature for monitors in this segment. The monitor has a static contrast ratio of 1000:1 and an 8-bit color depth, which should help deliver a balanced visual experience.

    Gaming Features

    To enhance the gaming experience, AOC has added Adaptive-Sync and AMD FreeSync to minimize screen tearing and stuttering. The response time is impressively rated at 0.5ms (MPRT). Other useful features include low input lag, motion blur reduction, and dynamic contrast settings.

    Connectivity and Design

    For connectivity options, the monitor is equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio out jack, making it suitable for both PCs and gaming consoles. Its ergonomic design incorporates a VESA mount (100 x 100mm) for various placements, yet it doesn’t offer height adjustment or pivot rotation.

    AOC has also added features like a low blue light mode, flicker-free technology, game tone adjustment, and a frame counter. However, the absence of height adjustability could be a downside for those seeking a more comfortable setup.

    Although the AOC Q27G10E2 doesn’t reach the extreme refresh rates found in some premium esports monitors, it remains a strong choice for gamers who want high refresh rates and clear visuals without spending a fortune. The specific pricing and availability details should be released shortly.

    AOC, Display Specifications.

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  • Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5080 FE Stock Cleared by Scalper Bots in Europe

    Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5080 FE Stock Cleared by Scalper Bots in Europe

    New gaming GPUs running out of stock on their launch day is becoming more of a norm than a surprise. This trend is largely due to the extremely limited availability, high demand, and the presence of scalpers. A recent incident highlights this issue with the retailer Proshop, which is the exclusive seller of Nvidia RTX 50-series Founders Edition in Europe.

    Scalpers Take Advantage

    It seems that a scalper bot managed to buy the Nvidia RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 cards even before they were officially available. As a result, genuine gamers were left with no chance to purchase a GPU through normal means. According to PCGH, the bot found hidden links that were not accessible to the general public and managed to buy out all the RTX 50 FE stock before the embargo was lifted, while Proshop took no action to stop these purchases.

    Workarounds for Restrictions

    There were rules in place to limit purchases to only one unit per address. However, some users cleverly used different addresses to circumvent these rules. PCGH broke this story and noted that Proshop has suggested that they contact Nvidia directly regarding the issue of the launch and how it was handled.

    Details on the Scalper Bot

    PCGH found out that the scalper bot, named Nvidia KSB Test v1.1, was shared on a German Discord server. Those who utilized the bot seem to be quite pleased with their acquisitions, showing no remorse for participating in such unethical behavior. PCGH claims they have compiled a list of usernames and invoices related to this incident and are ready to provide this information to Proshop. As of now, the retailer hasn’t shown interest in this list, but updates will be shared as they become available.

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