Category: Gaming

  • Strix Halo APU Specs Leak: 8x Zen 5 Cores & 25% iGPU Boost

    Strix Halo APU Specs Leak: 8x Zen 5 Cores & 25% iGPU Boost

    We shared news back in May that AMD has lined up at least four different Strix Halo models.

    This information was brought to us by the well-known leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead, who has now reinforced his earlier claims about the Strix Halo Low-Power (LP) while disclosing additional insights.

    Specifications of Strix Halo LP

    The Strix Halo LP is said to include 8 Zen 5 cores along with a 20 CU RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU. According to MLID, this APU might have a bus width of 128 bits, which could provide the iGPU with an impressive total bandwidth of 135 GB/s, as stated in previous leaks.

    Furthermore, MLID’s source has also indicated that the Radeon 8000S Strix Halo LP iGPU will come with 16 MB of Infinity Cache. Although this isn’t as large as what entry-level desktop graphics cards like the RX 7600 XT offer, it will still give the Strix Halo LP a bit of extra space to work with, considering the APU’s relatively low bandwidth of just 135 GB/s.

    Performance Expectations

    According to MLID, the iGPU of the Strix Halo LP is expected to match the performance of the RTX 3050 Max-Q. This APU is designed “to directly compete with (more power hungry) RTX 3050 W Max-Q + i7 laptops.” With Intel having moved away from using the “Core i” branding, we can now think of the Core i7 as being equivalent to the Core Ultra 7.

    In our records, the RTX 3050 Max-Q achieves an average score of 4,448 points in 3DMark Time Spy Graphics. This makes it 26% faster than the average score of the Radeon 890M. Thus, if the iGPU in Strix Halo LP provides RTX 3050-like performance, we can anticipate that even the least powerful Strix Halo APU will be a staggering 26% quicker than the Radeon 890M.

    Future Developments

    Lastly, MLID’s source mentioned that while AMD could introduce Strix Halo SKUs that consume even less power than Halo LP’s 105 W, the current strategy is to keep Strix Point focused on the 15-54 W range.

    On a bright note, CES 2025 is just around the corner, and AMD appears to have an exciting lineup planned, potentially featuring the reveal of Strix Halo APUs. We won’t have to wait long to see if the Strix Halo LP is indeed real and how it compares with Team Red’s latest products.

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  • Unico Pocket: Unique Retro Handheld for SNK Neo Geo Gaming

    Unico Pocket: Unique Retro Handheld for SNK Neo Geo Gaming

    The retro gaming handheld market is currently led by a select few companies. Anbernic, for example, has been launching a new device every month since the year began, with the latest being the RG406H, which is priced at $249.99 on Amazon. Powkiddy is also a consistent competitor, along with SZDiier, who are always in the mix.

    Unico’s New Offering

    A lesser-known brand, Unico, has introduced the Pocket, aiming to set itself apart from the other recent handheld gaming consoles in a significant way. The Pocket is powered by what Unico calls a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, which likely refers to some variant of a Rockchip chipset, possibly the Rockchip RK3328.

    Specifications to Note

    The Unico Pocket features a 4-inch IPS screen that delivers visuals at 960 x 720 pixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to the RG406H. Its dimensions are 156 x 77.6 x 17 mm, and it has the typical buttons one would expect, including a d-pad and two joysticks. Uniquely, it also has ABCD buttons, which honors the system it was designed for.

    As depicted in the image below, the Unico Pocket includes 40 games from SNK’s vast Neo Geo collection, featuring popular titles like multiple versions of The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Fatal Fury. However, it remains uncertain whether these games are officially licensed. Presently, the Unico Pocket can be purchased in grey and black colors for $79, with a suggested retail price of $89.

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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Launches at $100 Over Asus ROG Ally X Price

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Launches at $100 Over Asus ROG Ally X Price

    Hardly any time has gone by since the Claw 8 AI+ was recognized on CES’ website as a CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree. It seemed like MSI was gearing up to launch their new gaming handheld early in 2025. But two retailers have hinted that this might not be true.

    Pricing and Availability

    Amazon US and Excaliber PC have both listed the 8-inch gaming handheld at a price of $899, with a full launch expected next month. Even though the Claw 8 AI+ is currently out of stock on Amazon, you can still pre-order it at Excaliber PC, which includes the following specifications:

    Specifications Details

    As reported by VideoCardz, there will be a Core Ultra 7 256V model featuring 16 GB of RAM. However, there hasn’t been any confirmation about this yet. Nevertheless, all versions of the Claw 8 AI+ will measure 299 x 123 x 24 mm and have a weight of 794 g. This means that MSI’s new gaming handheld is significantly larger and heavier compared to the Asus ROG Ally X. In contrast, the newly released Claw 7 AI+ (currently priced at $799 on Amazon) is quite the opposite.

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  • MSI Claw 7 AI+ Launches to Compete with Asus ROG Ally X at $799

    MSI Claw 7 AI+ Launches to Compete with Asus ROG Ally X at $799

    It can be said that the MSI Claw received a mix of feedback when it was released earlier this year. Both MSI and Intel have tried to enhance gaming performance since the device’s debut. Yet, it’s clear that the Intel Meteor Lake platform does not perform as well in a compact design when compared to AMD’s latest advancements.

    New Architecture Update

    Now, MSI has upgraded the Claw with the more capable Lunar Lake architecture. For context, the Claw 7 AI+ is being launched alongside the larger Claw 8 AI+, which we have detailed in a separate article. Visually, the changes between the original MSI Claw and the Claw 7 AI+ are minimal. One notable addition is a second Thunderbolt 4 port.

    Specifications and Features

    According to Amazon US and Excaliber PC, the Claw 7 AI+ features the Core Ultra 7 258V processor along with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM. The storage capacity of 512 GB remains, but it’s now an M.2 2280 SSD instead of the M.2 2230 that was in the first MSI Claw. The device still has a 53 Wh battery and retains a 7-inch IPS display that supports 1080p, 120 Hz VRR, and 500 nits brightness.

    Pricing and Availability

    At this time, the Claw 7 AI+ can be pre-ordered on Amazon US and Excaliber PC for a price of $799. It’s important to mention that while Amazon US states the gaming handheld will be available on December 1, Excaliber PC suggests a different release date of December 25.

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  • Nintendo Boosts Anti-Piracy Efforts and Demands Reddit User Data

    Nintendo Boosts Anti-Piracy Efforts and Demands Reddit User Data

    Nintendo is famous for its tough stance on piracy, having taken legal actions against ROM sites and modding groups before. Recently, they slapped a $7.5 million lawsuit on a streamer who is said to be promoting pirated games and utilizing Switch emulators.

    A Clear Message

    Nintendo’s point is crystal clear: they are not just targeting individual gamers but are set on dismantling the whole system that enables piracy. Their latest focus seems to be the subreddit r/SwitchPirates, which is believed to be sharing pirated Switch titles. The lawsuit revolves around modder and former moderator of the subreddit, James "Archbox" Williams, who is accused of orchestrating copyright breaches and running piracy operations.

    Legal Actions and Responses

    According to the lawsuit from Nintendo of America, Williams was a significant moderator on the subreddit and is said to have either managed several accounts or worked alongside other individuals. After he didn’t show up in court, a judgment went against him. Now, Nintendo is requesting user information from platforms like Reddit, Google, Discord, and GoDaddy to track down more people involved and take additional legal steps.

    Future Implications

    It’s still unclear if Nintendo will be successful in this pursuit. For example, Reddit may argue that constitutional rights protect user information. Yet, if Nintendo wins, this case could set a precedent, possibly holding platform operators responsible for copyright infringements.

    Source: Link

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  • Inno3D Confirms Early Release for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

    Inno3D Confirms Early Release for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

    It seems that Nvidia is planning to update its lineup, replacing the GeForce RTX 4090, which is currently priced at $1,979 on Amazon, with the upcoming RTX 50 series. Recent leaks have surfaced that not only talk about the GeForce RTX 5090 but also a version exclusive to China, the GeForce RTX 5090 D. Furthermore, there are rumors hinting that the GeForce RTX 5070 or possibly the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti could be launched soon.

    Nvidia’s Upcoming Announcement

    In a livestream, a representative from Inno3D was heard discussing the GeForce RTX 5090. They mentioned that Nvidia is expected to make an official announcement ‘at CES 2025 in January’, although Nvidia has not confirmed this yet. However, it’s important to note that CEO Jensen Huang will be presenting a keynote address on January 6 at the CES event in Las Vegas.

    Availability Timeline

    Interestingly, the same Inno3D representative also claimed that the GeForce RTX 5090 might be available ‘in just three weeks’, suggesting a release around the third week of December based on the livestream timing. VideoCardz points out that this timeframe likely indicates when Nvidia will start shipping early units of the GeForce RTX 5090 to its partners, such as Inno3D, rather than when it will hit store shelves. Regardless, it seems that the GeForce RTX 5090 is already in mass production, which could also apply to the upcoming GeForce RTX 5070, 5070 Ti, and GeForce RTX 5080.

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  • Differences Between Red Magic 10 Pro+ and Red Magic 10 Pro

    Differences Between Red Magic 10 Pro+ and Red Magic 10 Pro

    Earlier this month, Nubia released the Red Magic 10 Pro series, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is the latest from Qualcomm. This series includes two models: the Red Magic 10 Pro and the Red Magic 10 Pro+ (full review). Both phones are impressive gaming devices and likely the best options available right now for an exceptional smartphone gaming experience.

    Key Differences

    Though the two Red Magic models share a lot of similarities, there are some important distinctions between them. This article will delve into those differences to assist you in deciding whether the Plus version is worth your investment. The primary differentiators are battery capacity and charging speed. The Red Magic 10 Pro comes with a 6,500mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging, while the 10 Pro+ has a larger 7,050mAh battery with 120W fast charging.

    Storage and RAM

    The gaming phones also differ in terms of RAM and storage options, with the Pro+ model offering larger configurations. The standard Red Magic 10 Pro has either 256GB or 512GB of storage along with 12GB of RAM, while the Pro+ comes in options of 512GB or 1TB with either 16GB or 24GB of RAM. However, both models use the same RAM and storage technologies, utilizing LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 Pro storage. Here are the pricing details:

    • Red Magic 10 Pro (12GB/256GB) – CNY 5299 (~INR 62,000/$735)
    • Red Magic 10 Pro (12GB/512GB) – CNY 5799 (~INR 68,000/$800)
    • Red Magic 10 Pro+ (16GB/512GB) – CNY 5999 (~INR 70,000/$830)
    • Red Magic 10 Pro+ (24GB/1TB) – CNY 7499 (~INR 87,500/$1040)

    Design and Display

    Aside from specifications, the design remains the same across both devices. It’s almost impossible to tell them apart just by appearance. Both models feature aluminum frames, with glass on the front and back. They have a 6.85-inch AMOLED display that supports a 144Hz refresh rate and can reach 2000nits of peak brightness. The display does have some level of protection, although Nubia hasn’t specified what it is.

    The gaming devices are equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is arguably the most powerful chip available for Android devices, paired with the fastest RAM and storage to deliver remarkable performance. Additionally, the gaming features and software optimizations enhance the overall gaming experience.

    Camera Specifications

    The camera specifications remain unchanged as well. Each phone has three sensors on the back: a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera. Both devices can record 8K video using the rear cameras, but only 1080p with the front camera.

    For a gaming phone, strong connectivity features are crucial, and both Red Magic 10 Pro models excel in this regard. They support the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 technologies, along with a fast USB Type-C port that offers DisplayPort functionality.

    Making Your Choice

    Since the two models don’t differ much, choosing between them should be straightforward. If you prefer longer gaming sessions without frequently needing to charge, the Plus version is the way to go. However, the standard model has a solid 6,500mAh battery and is still a fantastic choice.

    Your storage and RAM needs are also important since they vary based on your gaming habits. The standard model provides up to 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, which is enough for most users. But if you require more power and storage capacity, the Plus model stands out as the better option.

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  • Intel Arc B580 and B570 Desktop GPUs Launching December 3

    Intel Arc B580 and B570 Desktop GPUs Launching December 3

    Intel’s Battlemage desktop graphics cards are set to arrive sooner than expected. According to Videocardz, the announcement is scheduled for December 3, with the actual launch happening on December 12. This date is also when reviews for the GPU are expected to start appearing. Nevertheless, as previously mentioned, the initial stock may not be great, and you might have to wait until 2025 to finally get one.

    Model Details

    The report indicates that only two models will be released at first: the Arc B580 and the Arc B570. Notably, the Arc B3xx and Arc B7xx variants are missing from this initial offering. Moore’s Law is Dead has suggested that the Arc B770 has been delayed indefinitely, and the Arc B380 might make its debut in 2025.

    Specifications and Pricing

    The Arc B580 has appeared on Geekbench with specs that include 12 GB of 19 Gbps VRAM on a 192-bit bus, featuring 20 Xe cores and a boost clock of 2.8 GHz. It is expected to retail for $250 upon launch and should compete closely with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti in terms of performance.

    As for the Arc B570, not much information is available. Last gen, the Arc A570M was exclusive to laptops, so it’s unclear what a desktop version might offer. However, it’s reasonable to speculate that it could be priced around $200 and come with approximately 8 GB of VRAM.

    Source: Link

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  • Philips Evnia 34-Inch Gaming Monitor with Ambiglow Coming Soon

    Philips Evnia 34-Inch Gaming Monitor with Ambiglow Coming Soon

    The Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A is set to hit the European market soon. This gaming monitor features a 34-inch (~86 cm) screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. It is equipped with a 1500R VA panel and offers an UltraWide Quad HD resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels, along with a refresh rate of 180Hz.

    Specifications Overview

    Philips has stated that the brightness levels for the 34M2C5501A reach 300 nits in SDR mode and 400 nits in HDR mode. The monitor boasts a typical contrast ratio of 4,000:1 and a pixel density of 109.68 PPI. Additionally, it covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color space and 91% of the Adobe RGB spectrum. The monitor also features a 1 ms gray-to-gray response time and is compatible with AMD FreeSync technology, which helps minimize screen tearing. A standout feature is the three-sided Ambiglow RGB lighting, which reacts to the game’s video or audio. This option is already present in other models, such as the Momentum 329M1RV, which is currently priced at $899.99 on Amazon.

    Connectivity and Audio Features

    The monitor comes with built-in 5W stereo speakers and several ports, including two HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and a headphone jack. It’s important to mention that while the DisplayPort can handle WQHD resolution at 180Hz, the HDMI ports are limited to 100Hz for that resolution. The Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A is projected to cost £299.99/€379.99 in Europe. Retailers like Proshop in Germany suggest that the release could happen in approximately two weeks.

    Release Anticipation

    Philips is gearing up for the launch of this exciting new gaming monitor. With impressive specifications and features, the Evnia 34M2C5501A is likely to attract many gamers looking for an immersive experience.

    Source: Link

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  • Intel Arc B580 GPU Leak: 45% Premium for 12GB VRAM

    Intel Arc B580 GPU Leak: 45% Premium for 12GB VRAM

    Following a new leak regarding the key specifications of the Intel Arc B580, and the appearance of two ASRock models on Amazon, insiders @momomo_us and VideoCardz have discovered the first online retailer showcasing the price for the upcoming GPU. The Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition, which will be sold directly by Intel rather than through a partner, is set to have a starting price of $259.

    Price Comparison

    This new price reflects an increase of about 45%, as the Intel Arc A580 was initially launched at a suggested retail price of $179.99. This places the graphics card in a similar price range as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. However, with the increase in price, consumers will benefit from 12 GB of VRAM compared to the 8 GB offered by the Arc A580, although Intel has cut down the number of Xe cores from 24 to 20.

    Performance Expectations

    Only through thorough testing will we find out if the Arc B580 can truly compete against the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, given its new Xe2 architecture and significantly higher boost clock speeds reaching up to 2,850 MHz. The first Xe2-based graphics card is scheduled to release in December, and it’s anticipated that detailed benchmarks will soon follow to show how well the Intel Arc Battlemage performs in a fiercely competitive gaming GPU landscape. With Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5000 also likely launching in January, an exciting few months are coming up.

    Source: Link,Link

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