Category: Gaming

  • Zombie Shooter on Steam: Over 700K Positive Reviews Under $1

    Zombie Shooter on Steam: Over 700K Positive Reviews Under $1

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enduring Popularity: Left 4 Dead 2 remains popular after 15 years, reaching over 40,000 concurrent players on Steam and boasting a 97% positivity rate from over 710,000 reviews.

    2. Engaging Narrative: The game follows four survivors navigating zombie-infested areas in the southern U.S., set just weeks after a devastating outbreak.

    3. Teamwork Focus: Players can team up in cooperative gameplay or compete in Versus mode, enhancing the multiplayer experience.

    4. Diverse Combat Options: The game features fast-paced combat with a variety of firearms and melee weapons, requiring careful ammo management.

    5. Limited-Time Discounts: Left 4 Dead 2 is currently available at a 90% discount on Steam, priced at $1 until February 17, as part of a cooperative gaming promotion.

    Released back in November 2009 for PC and Xbox 360, Left 4 Dead 2 has now been around for over 15 years yet it still remains beloved by many. Recently, it reached a peak of more than 40,000 players at once on SteamDB, and its reviews are impressive – boasting over 710,000 with a 97% positivity rate.

    A Thrilling Zombie Adventure

    In Left 4 Dead 2, gamers are thrown into a chaotic world plagued by a vicious virus that has transformed much of humanity into zombies. While the original game took place in the Pacific Northwest, this sequel takes players on a journey through the southern U.S., from Georgia to Louisiana. Set just weeks after the outbreak, the narrative follows four survivors who navigate through perilous settings, desperately looking for safe places to evacuate.

    Cooperative Gameplay at Its Best

    This game centers around teamwork, requiring players to join forces as one of four survivors. You can tackle the campaign alone with AI partners, or team up with up to three other players, either online or sitting side by side. Besides the traditional co-op experience, Left 4 Dead 2 includes a competitive Versus mode where one group plays as survivors while the other takes on the role of the infected. For those wanting a tougher challenge, the Survival mode pits players against continuous waves of zombies.

    Intense Combat and Weapon Variety

    Left 4 Dead 2 offers fast-paced and thrilling gunplay, featuring a blend of standard and special weapons. Players can choose from pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, and submachine guns, as well as powerful choices like machine guns and grenade launchers. However, ammunition is limited, so managing it wisely is crucial. When bullets run out, melee combat becomes vital. Unlike its predecessor, which allowed only basic melee attacks, Left 4 Dead 2 introduces a range of melee weapons – including axes, machetes, baseball bats, and even chainsaws, ideal for slicing through hordes of zombies.

    Big Discounts for Enthusiasts

    As part of the Steam Couch Co-Op Fest, featuring demos and deals on co-op games playable both on the couch and online, Valve is currently offering Left 4 Dead 2 at a whopping 90% discount until February 17. This drops the price to a mere $1, down from its usual $10.

    Prices may change. The offer was valid at the time this article was written but might be limited in duration or availability. All information is provided without guarantee.

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  • Microsoft Advances New Xbox Console Amid Cross-Platform Plans

    Microsoft Advances New Xbox Console Amid Cross-Platform Plans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Series X sales have dropped, prompting questions about the future of a new console.
    2. Overall console sales in the gaming industry have decreased, with Microsoft focusing on Game Pass and multi-platform games.
    3. Microsoft remains committed to developing new hardware, aiming to introduce unique features for a future Xbox console.
    4. Speculation exists about a possible Xbox handheld or hybrid console similar to the Nintendo Switch.
    5. Microsoft’s shift away from Xbox exclusives has surprised some industry insiders, indicating potential changes in strategy.

    Microsoft’s decision to bring its games to various platforms has raised questions about the future of a new Xbox console. It’s not a shock that the Xbox Series X has seen a drop in sales. Nonetheless, Jez Corden from Windows Central recently stated that Microsoft is dedicated to launching new hardware. Although it may be years before we see this new console, the company is moving beyond the early development phase.

    Console Market Challenges

    The Xbox consoles aren’t the only ones facing difficulty in attracting new buyers. Overall, console sales in the gaming industry have decreased over the past year, even if Sony is not feeling the pinch as much. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch is experiencing a slump in sales, but rumors about a Switch 2 are surfacing. In contrast, PC gaming is steadily gaining ground with a vast array of game titles available. As support for current consoles weakens, Microsoft is focusing more on Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and games that work on multiple platforms.

    Microsoft’s Commitment to New Hardware

    Despite leaning on other platforms for income, Microsoft isn’t giving up on developing a new console. Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, mentioned that today’s gaming consoles lack a distinct identity. He believes that the existing hardware misses the unique features that could make gaming on a specific system more enticing. While not revealing too much, he hinted that the upcoming Xbox console could introduce innovations that would change the gaming experience in surprising ways.

    Future Possibilities

    It’s also uncertain whether Jez Corden’s comments were about the anticipated Xbox handheld. Given the rise of mobile and cloud gaming, a hybrid console like the Nintendo Switch could fulfill various functions. It’s likely that a comparable Xbox console would also do well in a docked format, similar to the Switch or the Steam Deck.

    Some industry insiders have been taken aback by Microsoft’s swift move away from Xbox exclusives. If the development of a new Xbox console is indeed underway, the company might swiftly alter its approach once more.

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    Microsoft Advances New Xbox Console Amid Cross-Platform PlansMicrosoft Advances New Xbox Console Amid Cross-Platform Plans

     

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  • Frank Azor Denies 32GB Radeon RX 9070 Rumors, Hints at RX 9080 9090

    Frank Azor Denies 32GB Radeon RX 9070 Rumors, Hints at RX 9080 9090

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD officially announced the RX 9070 and 9070 XT graphics cards will launch in late February.
    2. The RX 9070 XT will not be available in a 32 GB RAM version, as confirmed by AMD’s Frank Azor.
    3. Azor’s statement applies only to the RX 9070 XT, leaving open the possibility of a future 32 GB variant in the RX 9000 line.
    4. Current RX models like the 7900 XT, 7900 XTX, and 7900 GRE offer more VRAM than the upcoming RX 9070 XT.
    5. AMD may reveal more graphics cards in the future, potentially including a 32 GB card aimed at machine learning and non-gaming uses.

    Ever since AMD announced its RDNA 4 design along with the upcoming RX 9070 and 9070 XT graphics cards, the internet has been filled with lots of talk, leaks, and speculation regarding their specifications and performance. A recent piece of gossip suggested that the AMD RX 9070 XT would be available in a 32 GB RAM version.

    AMD’s Official Announcement

    Today, AMD made an official announcement about the launch date, set for late February, through a post on X. In a follow-up post, AMD’s Frank Azor addressed the rumor about the 32 GB RX 9070 XT, stating clearly, “No, the 9070 XT card is not coming in 32 GB.”

    Future Possibilities

    It’s important to note that Azor’s statement only concerns the RX 9070 XT specifically, not the RDNA 4 architecture or the RX 9000 line as a whole. This has led to speculation that there could possibly be another variant with 32 GB released in the future. This new card might aim to replace models like the RX 7900 XT (currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon), 7900 XTX, or 7900 GRE, all of which offer more VRAM than the forthcoming RX 9070 XT’s 16 GB.

    What to Expect Next

    So far, AMD has disclosed only two graphics cards based on the RDNA architecture, and it’s likely that the company has more to announce later on. Furthermore, there is a good chance that a 32 GB graphics card focused on machine learning and other non-gaming applications is in development.

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  • AMD Confirms Radeon RX 9000 Launch Event for Late February

    AMD Confirms Radeon RX 9000 Launch Event for Late February

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD will showcase the Radeon 9000 series on February 28 at 8 AM EST, streamed live on their official YouTube channel.
    2. The RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 may be available for purchase starting March 5.
    3. This announcement follows Nvidia’s upcoming launch of the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, a competitor to the RX 9070 XT.
    4. Key specs for the RX 9070 XT include 16GB GDDR6 VRAM, 4,096 shaders, and a boost clock speed of 3.1 GHz.
    5. Pricing speculation suggests the RX 9070 may retail for $499 and the RX 9070 XT for $599, with potential higher prices for AIB models and taxes.

    After a long time of avoiding the topic and giving out unclear hints, AMD has finally announced when it will showcase the Radeon 9000 series. The big reveal is set for February 28 at 8 AM EST and will be streamed live on AMD’s official YouTube channel. There are whispers that the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 may be available for purchase starting March 5. David McAfee subtly backs this up by saying, “Get ready to make it yours when it hits shelves in early March.”

    Competition with Nvidia

    This announcement comes just a week after Nvidia is expected to launch the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, which will be a key rival to the Radeon RX 9070 XT. However, similar to its high-end peers, the RTX 5070 Ti is rumored to face supply issues. It remains unclear if the standard RTX 5070 will also suffer from this problem. Right now, AMD’s main task is to ensure a reliable supply of GPUs in order to dominate the upper-mid-range market.

    Spec Details Leak

    A leak earlier today has confirmed important specifications for the RX 9070 XT, including 16GB GDDR6 VRAM on a 256-bit bus, 4,096 shaders (64 CUs), and a boost clock speed of 3.1 GHz. There have been many speculations regarding its price, with some suggesting that the RX 9070 will retail for $499, while the RX 9070 XT may go for $599. Naturally, the final prices will likely be higher when considering AIB models and applicable taxes.

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  • Crytek Faces Crisis: 60 Layoffs and Crysis 4 Development Stopped

    Crytek Faces Crisis: 60 Layoffs and Crysis 4 Development Stopped

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crytek has laid off 60 employees, about 15% of its staff, due to “difficult market dynamics.”
    2. Work on Crysis 4 has been halted, raising questions about the future of the project.
    3. The gaming industry is experiencing widespread downsizing, influenced by rising development costs and economic uncertainties.
    4. Crytek is shifting focus to its game Hunt: Showdown, which is gaining popularity with over 60,000 concurrent players on Steam.
    5. Concerns exist within the community about potential increased monetization and microtransactions in Hunt: Showdown.

    Crytek, the German company known for the Crysis series, has let go of 60 employees and halted work on Crysis 4. In a post on X (previously Twitter), they mentioned “difficult market dynamics” as the cause for these decisions. The studio recognized the current struggles in the industry and stated that these actions are crucial for ensuring their long-term financial health.

    Layoffs and Industry Trends

    The reduction of 60 jobs represents about 15% of Crytek’s total staff, mainly affecting their development and support teams. This is part of a larger trend in the gaming industry, where numerous studios, including those affiliated with Microsoft and Sony, are downsizing in 2024. Increasing development costs and economic uncertainties are significant contributors, along with changes in the market post-pandemic that have compelled companies to retract after a period of rapid growth.

    Uncertain Future for Crysis 4

    Crysis 4, which was first announced in 2022, is now officially on hold. With hardly any news over the last two years, many are left wondering if the project will continue at all. This situation has sparked intense discussions on Reddit; while some fans had already given up hope, the sense of disappointment is still palpable.

    Focus Shift to Hunt: Showdown

    Crytek is now redirecting its attention to Hunt: Showdown, a multiplayer shooter that features a horror-western vibe. The game recently exceeded 60,000 concurrent players on Steam and is poised for further growth with the upcoming Hunt: Showdown 1896, which aims to bolster Crytek’s financial situation. Nevertheless, there are concerns within the community that this new direction may result in increased monetization and a rise in microtransactions.

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  • GTA 6 Release Window Hinted at in State of Play Event

    GTA 6 Release Window Hinted at in State of Play Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. No GTA 6 trailer was revealed during Sony’s State of Play on February 12, 2025.
    2. Borderlands 4 is set to release on September 23, 2025, suggesting a potential timeline for GTA 6.
    3. Take-Two’s CEO indicated that GTA 6 and Borderlands 4 will not release simultaneously.
    4. GTA 6 may be released a few weeks before or after Borderlands 4, possibly in late August or September 2025.
    5. A former Rockstar employee mentioned that GTA 6 is fully playable, raising hopes for its timely release.

    Although a lot of people didn’t expect much, some fans were still wishing for the second GTA 6 trailer during Sony’s State of Play on February 12, which showcased various new game announcements. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. But, fans of GTA didn’t leave without some news – Sony announced the release date for Borderlands 4, which could hint at when GTA 6 might come out.

    Borderlands 4 Release Date

    At the event, it was revealed that Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 23, 2025. Fans who remember Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s chat with Variety back in November 2024 might find this interesting – Zelnick pointed out that GTA 6 and Borderlands 4 won’t be released at the same time. He mentioned:

    “I think it’s safe to say that we wouldn’t, and no one would, stack up huge releases unnecessarily.”

    This statement indicates that GTA 6 is likely to come out either a few weeks before or after Borderlands 4. Technically, late August or early September still falls under summer. So, a release in this timeframe could be possible. However, Take-Two’s official announcement of a Fall 2025 release window makes it seem more likely that the launch will happen later. Previous titles like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas were also released in October, which adds some weight to this idea. Yet, many fans are skeptical about whether Rockstar and Take-Two can actually stick to this timeline. On the other hand, a former Rockstar employee has stated that GTA 6 is already completely playable, giving some fans a glimmer of hope for a timely release.

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  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Specs Leak: 4096 Cores, 16GB GDDR6 VRAM

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Specs Leak: 4096 Cores, 16GB GDDR6 VRAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon RX 9070 XT is launching in March with rumored specifications of 4096 cores and 16GB of VRAM.
    2. Leaks suggest a boost clock speed of 3.1 GHz and support for PCIe 5.0.
    3. Benchmark tests show an impressive average of 211.71 FPS at 1080p in Monster Hunter Wilds.
    4. Pricing is expected to be around $699, with partner cards potentially reaching $860.
    5. The performance may involve technologies like FSR or frame generation, warranting a wait for confirmed figures.

    The Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March, and as usual with new GPU releases, there are plenty of rumors and leaks circulating. The most recent leak provides some insight into the specifications of the Radeon RX 9070 XT, suggesting it will have 4096 cores and 16GB of VRAM, among other details. Furthermore, the leaker has shared a gaming benchmark indicating a high FPS at 1080p, though the visual settings details remain vague.

    Details on the Leak

    This information comes from a well-known X user known as HKEPC (@hkepcmedia), who posted a screenshot from GPU-Z, a utility that displays important GPU information, although the GPU name appears blurred. It’s identified as a Navi 48 GPU, which the leaker claims to be the Radeon RX 9070 XT. The image reveals 4096 unified cores, 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a 256-bit memory bus. Additionally, it shows a boost clock speed of 3.1 GHz, which likely indicates an overclocked specification.

    Benchmark Insights

    The version of GPU-Z used for this leak is 2.62.0, which is the most up-to-date version available. The screenshot also indicates that the Navi 48 GPU supports PCIe 5.0, which is expected for modern GPUs. Moreover, the leaker shared another screenshot from a benchmark tool for Monster Hunter Wilds, revealing an average of 211.71 FPS at 1920×1080 resolution. The test was executed on an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU with 48GB of RAM and at Very High settings. Once again, the GPU name is blurred out. Given the high FPS, it suggests that the Radeon RX 9070 XT should handle this game and other demanding titles well at 1080p. However, it may also indicate the use of FSR or frame generation, so fans of the Red Team might need to wait for solid performance figures.

    Pricing Expectations

    In terms of pricing, a recent leak suggests that the Radeon RX 9070 XT will be around $699, with some partner cards reaching up to $860. For context, the Founders Edition RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti are priced at $549 and $749, respectively, with partner cards being more expensive.

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  • Indie Shooter Developer Faces Backlash Over Legal Threats

    Indie Shooter Developer Faces Backlash Over Legal Threats

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bluedrake42, a popular YouTuber, created the free tactical shooter game Operation: Harsh Doorstop as an alternative to other well-known shooters.
    2. He called for transparency from influencers, asking them to disclose payments over $10,000 from competing games before giving opinions on his game.
    3. Many community members reacted negatively to his post, viewing his threats as excessive and unprofessional.
    4. Critics accused him of using controversy to draw attention to his game, which they believe is underperforming.
    5. The backlash has negatively impacted the game’s reputation, leading to an increase in negative reviews on Steam.

    With a subscriber base exceeding a million, Bluedrake42 isn’t just a prominent figure on YouTube; he is also the creator of the free tactical shooter, Operation: Harsh Doorstop. This game aims to serve as an alternative to well-known shooters such as Battlefield, Arma, and Squad, and it operates on a completely free-to-play basis while providing extensive support for mods. However, just before the upcoming significant update set for February 28, the developer has sparked controversy with a post on X.

    Call for Transparency

    In his recent X post, Bluedrake42 urges influencers to reveal any payments exceeding $10,000 from competing games within the last year. He demands that they disclose this information prior to providing their opinions on his game. He warns that failure to comply might lead to legal issues. Bluedrake42 maintains that influencers are not “independent journalists” and often receive payments from developers to unjustly criticize other games. To further engage the community, he is also providing a Steam key for the upcoming playtest to anyone who shares his post.

    Community Backlash

    When looking at reactions on Reddit, the feedback has been predominantly negative. Many community members consider the developer’s threats to be excessive, unprofessional, and ineffective. Critics have accused Bluedrake42 of using controversy as a strategy to gain attention for his underperforming game. One user remarked, “He rants about paid reviews, yet his own game is almost unplayable. Could this be the reason for the poor feedback?”

    Impact on Reputation

    The ongoing controversy is already negatively affecting Operation: Harsh Doorstop. While the game previously enjoyed a decent reputation with 77% positive reviews from over 17,000 users on Steam, the backlash triggered by Bluedrake42’s post on X has resulted in a notable increase in negative ratings.

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  • Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires Release in March

    Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires Release in March

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hearts of Iron IV, released in 2016, is priced at $39.99 on Amazon and has sold over five million copies on Steam by mid-2023.

    2. The game has received nearly a dozen DLC updates, with the first three expansions included with the base game as of April 2024.

    3. The upcoming DLC, Graveyard of Empires, will feature unique focus trees for India, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, highlighting historical imperial ambitions.

    4. Hearts of Iron IV has over 235,000 “very positive” ratings on Steam and currently retails for $49.99.

    5. A subscription option for expansions and new content is available at $7.99 per month or $14.99 every three months.

    Released back in 2016, Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game that is currently priced at $39.99 on Amazon. As of mid-2023, it has sold over five million copies on Steam. Since its launch, nearly a dozen DLC updates have been released. The first three expansions—Together for Victory, Death or Dishonor, and Walking the Tiger—were included with the base game as of April 2024. The next DLC, titled Graveyard of Empires, is set to launch on March 4th.

    New Focus Trees and Historical Context

    The upcoming DLC will introduce unique focus trees for regions today known as India, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In the context of Graveyard of Empires, India is referred to as British Raj, a term that was used from 1858 until 1947. Paradox Development Studio describes this DLC as exploring the imperial ambitions that clash in the complex terrains of Central and South Asia. The British Empire, which holds sway over Iraq and India, seeks to expand its influence into Iran and Afghanistan, while Russia is also eyeing these territories. Players will face various challenges and will have the opportunity to alter the flow of history—a common theme throughout the Hearts of Iron series.

    Pricing and Subscription Options

    As for reviews, Hearts of Iron IV enjoys over 235,000 “very positive” ratings on Steam and is available for $49.99 at present. For those interested in keeping up with all expansions and new content, there is a subscription option priced at $7.99 per month or $14.99 every three months.

    Paradox Interactive is the publisher behind this engaging strategy game, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.

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  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: No VRAM ECC for Pro Workloads

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 features the new GB202 GPU with significant hardware upgrades compared to previous models like the RTX 4090 and RTX 3090 Ti.

    2. The RTX 5090 does not include the ability to switch between ECC and non-ECC memory states, a feature available in the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090.

    3. ECC (Error Correction Code) memory is crucial for tasks requiring high data accuracy, such as machine learning, while regular consumers may not need it.

    4. GDDR7 memory specifications now include on-die ECC to handle increased memory densities and improve error correction capabilities.

    5. The RTX 5090 has high-performance GDDR7 memory but its support for ECC features is uncertain, relying on future updates for potential activation.

    Since the Ampere generation, Nvidia has replaced its top Titan card with the 90 series models aimed at both professionals and gamers.

    Significant Hardware Upgrades

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 features the new GB202 GPU, which shows major hardware enhancements when compared to the RTX 4090’s AD102 and RTX 3090 Ti’s GA102 GPUs. Interestingly, while the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090 allowed users to change the VRAM ECC state in the driver, this function seems to be omitted in the RTX 5090.

    Understanding ECC

    Error Correction Code, or ECC, is a method that allows memory to fix itself. Memory errors can happen due to bit flips during data transfer or when errors arise in the data as memory cells discharge and recharge their energy. This self-correction is achieved through either a dedicated memory chip that checks for parity among the other eight chips (known as on-die ECC) or through the memory controller (DRAM ECC).

    Most DDR5 consumer system memory supports ECC, but not fully. DDR5 RAM is designed to spot multi-bit errors but only fix single-bit errors through its built-in checking system. Due to how DDR5 divides 64-bit memory into two 32-bit sections, DDR5-ECC RAM comes in 72-bit (32+4) EC4 or 80-bit (32+8) EC8 configurations.

    When is ECC Necessary?

    ECC memory is not often needed for regular consumer tasks. If this term is new to you, it’s likely you won’t require ECC memory. Nevertheless, ECC is crucial for mission-critical and machine learning tasks where data accuracy must be preserved throughout the entire process. Google faced significant issues back in 1999 when they neglected to use ECC memory, which severely hampered their search engine’s performance due to memory corruption.

    All GPUs that use GDDR5 and GDDR6/6X VRAM have a system for detecting memory errors called Error Detection Code (EDC). Nvidia refers to this as Error Detection and Replay (EDR), a process that requests the retransmission of bits from the memory controller after a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is completed. EDR helps reduce pixel artifacts when VRAM is overclocked, although this may have a slight negative effect on performance.

    Features of RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090

    A lesser-known feature in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090 desktop GPUs is the ability to switch between ECC and non-ECC memory states via the driver. Unfortunately, this option is missing in the new RTX 5090. Both the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090 incorporate a method known as “soft ECC,” which doesn’t require a separate chip for parity. Instead, activating this feature dedicates some VRAM to act like an on-die ECC module.

    Consequently, this reduces the total available VRAM and memory speed. For the RTX 4090, the usable VRAM drops from 24 GB to 22.5 GB, with 1.5 GB allocated for ECC functions. Activating the ECC state affects performance; for instance, with ECC on in the RTX 4090, 3DMark Speed Way scores saw a 6.4% decrease, and Cyberpunk 2077 2.21 Phantom Liberty experienced about a 5% dip in average fps. The extent of performance loss varies based on the specific task.

    Advances with GDDR7

    With GDDR7, JEDEC has now included on-die ECC as part of the VRAM specifications, recognizing the higher chances of errors due to increased memory densities. GDDR7 employs on-die ECC with a protocol that informs the memory controller about the types of errors that occur. According to JEDEC, GDDR7 can fully correct 1-bit errors and completely detect 2-bit errors, although the detection for rare 3-bit errors drops slightly to 99.3%.

    Moreover, the official specifications also include command address parity with command blocking (CAPARBLK) to enhance the reliability of the command address bus. However, it remains uncertain whether Blackwell’s memory controller utilizes this on-die ECC functionality by default.

    Specifications of RTX 5090

    The RTX 5090 is equipped with 512-bit GDDR7 memory rated for an impressive 1.792 TB/s bandwidth at a rapid 28 Gbps clock, which could lead to transmission errors. Furthermore, Nvidia is promoting the RTX 5090 for AI workflows, which could gain from ECC when processing large datasets. However, Nvidia’s architecture whitepaper only mentions support for “Enhanced Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) for Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS),” which does not equate to ECC.

    While it would be reasonable to assume that Nvidia would activate GDDR7’s on-die ECC capability for the anticipated Blackwell workstation GPUs, it is still unknown if the ECC state toggle will be available for the consumer RTX 5090 through a future driver or VBIOS update.

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