Category: Gaming

  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet

    Keeping in line with the legacy of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, AMD has introduced a new Zen 5 processor featuring 3D V-Cache. The processor is named “Ryzen 7 9800X3D,” and it boasts 8 cores. This latest chip not only aims to reclaim the gaming performance throne once occupied by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D but also intends to extend its lead over Intel. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has successfully achieved this goal.

    Performance Overview

    According to our evaluation of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (linked below), this X3D processor ranks as the top gaming CPU available today, showing an average performance boost of 14% compared to Intel’s Core i9-14900K, and an impressive 40% over the Core Ultra 9 285K.

    Nonetheless, like with all CPU launches, reviews can vary widely. Therefore, it is beneficial to consider a thorough analysis of launch reviews. Fortunately, 3DCenter has provided a detailed roundup of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D reviews following the Arrow Lake launch. The overall findings portray the Ryzen 7 9800X3D as a very strong option for gamers.

    Comparative Analysis

    From the 14 launch reviews compiled by 3DCenter, the Ryzen 9800X3D is, on average, 9% quicker than the Ryzen 7 9700X and about 7% faster than the Core i5-14600K in various applications. This is a noteworthy achievement from a technical perspective, especially since previous X3D models typically lagged behind in productivity when compared to their non-X3D siblings due to lower TDP and clock speeds.

    However, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D struggles against the Core i7-14700K, Core Ultra 7 265K, and Ryzen 9 9900X, as it falls short by as much as 20%.

    Gaming Highlights

    The gaming capabilities of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D are where it truly excels. The analysis by 3DCenter indicates that this processor provides around an 11% performance increase over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and a 23% improvement over the Ryzen 9 9950X. Unfortunately for Intel, their best gaming processor, the Core i9-14900K, is approximately 19% slower, while the Core Ultra 9 285K lags behind by 23%.

    For those still using the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, upgrading could be worthwhile, as the newer Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers an average performance boost of 32%.

    Efficiency Considerations

    Ryzen X3D processors are recognized for their excellent efficiency. This time, though, AMD has chosen to prioritize higher clock speeds over efficiency, leading to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D not meeting or surpassing the benchmarks set by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (available on Amazon).

    Despite this, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D still presents a solid argument for its performance with an average consumption of around 107 W in tested applications and just 73 W while gaming. In contrast, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D shows consumption figures of roughly 65 W and 53 W for applications and gaming, respectively.

    Moreover, the Core Ultra 5 245K and Ryzen 7 9700X showcase lower average application consumption at 95 W and 81 W compared to the Ryzen 7 9700X. However, in gaming, the Ryzen 7 9700X consumes a bit more at 86 W, while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses 67 W, which is 6 W less than the Zen5 X3D chip.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a remarkable launch by AMD, bringing fresh excitement after a series of less impressive releases. Sadly, Intel does not have a competitive response, and it may be some time before they do with future CPU designs.

    3DCenter

     
     

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet

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  • AMD Strix Halo iGPU Naming Scheme Leaked: What to Expect

    AMD Strix Halo iGPU Naming Scheme Leaked: What to Expect

    The AMD Strix Halo series isn’t officially announced by the company yet, but people are eagerly waiting for its reveal at the CES 2025 event. Recently, a chipset driver hinted that the new APUs will carry the Ryzen AI Max 300 name, and now a fresh leak has revealed potential names for the upcoming iGPUs.

    Details from the Leak

    This information comes from a reputable Chinese leaker known as Golden Pig Upgrade. According to this source, the new RDNA 3.5 iGPUs in the Strix Point series will fall under the Radeon 8000S branding. The highest-end model is believed to be the Radeon 8060S, which is rumored to have 40 Compute Units (CUs).

    To put this in context, the Radeon 890M within the Strix Point series includes 16 CUs, and based on our testing, it provides up to an 18% performance boost compared to the Radeon 780M in gaming scenarios. With the expected 40 CUs for the Radeon 8060S, its performance increase could be even greater.

    Mid-range Options

    The mid-tier iGPU in this lineup is expected to be called the Radeon 8050S, featuring 32 CUs, which is again an improvement over the Radeon 890M. Notably, the leak mentions that there will be one iGPU equipped with 16 CUs, but its specific name hasn’t been revealed yet.

    In addition to the naming of the iGPUs, the leak also gives insight into the APUs that will debut in the Strix Halo series. Golden Pig Upgrade indicates that there will be four models, with the entry-level version having six Zen 5 cores, while the top variant is rumored to include 16 Zen 5 cores (the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X currently priced at $382.55 on Amazon). More detailed specifications can be seen in the attached image below.

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  • Red Magic 10 Pro Official Images: Stunning Flat Design & Display

    Red Magic 10 Pro Official Images: Stunning Flat Design & Display

    Red Magic, a gaming brand by Nubia, is set to introduce the Red Magic 10 Pro smartphone series on November 13. The company has released official images today, giving a first look at the design and color choices of this new lineup. Similar to the previous Red Magic 9 Pro series, the new models will feature a flat design without any camera bump on the rear.

    Design Features of the Red Magic 10 Pro Series

    The Red Magic 10 Pro series will come in four color options: Dark Night, Day Warrior, Deuterium Transparent Dark Night, and Deuterium Transparent Silver Wing. With a design that eliminates the camera punch-hole, these smartphones are designed to provide a stunning full-screen viewing experience.

    The camera module on the back of the Red Magic 10 Pro series is completely flat against the glass surface. This series continues to use a triple camera configuration, with an RGB-LED ring placed below the two larger camera lenses. The distinctive “X” logo representing the tenth edition of the series will also be visible on the back.

    Buttons and Vent Placement

    On the right side of the Red Magic 10 Pro series, users will find gaming trigger buttons, a fan vent, a volume rocker, a power button, and a mode slider. The left side also includes an additional fan vent. The transparent versions of the phone will have translucent elements on the rear, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite logo.

    Recent leaks suggest that the Red Magic 10 Pro series will be equipped with a 6.86-inch OLED display that boasts a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The Pro+ model is rumored to feature a larger screen exceeding 7 inches, with options for up to 24 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of internal storage. Both devices will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, along with a custom R3 gaming chip to boost gaming performance. The Pro+ variant is also expected to include a powerful 7,050mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.

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  • AOC U27G40E 4K 27-Inch Gaming Monitor: 160Hz, 450 Nits Brightness

    AOC U27G40E 4K 27-Inch Gaming Monitor: 160Hz, 450 Nits Brightness

    AOC recently introduced a new 4K gaming monitor called the “U27G40E” in China. The monitor is retailing for 1,899 Yuan ($264) and can be found on JD.com. Let’s dive into its main features.

    Monitor Specifications

    The AOC U27G40E comes equipped with a 27-inch 4K (3840×2160 resolution) display that boasts a high refresh rate of 160Hz, ensuring smooth graphics. It has a response time of just 1ms grey-to-grey, which helps reduce motion blur and improve clarity during fast-paced gaming sessions.

    Visual Quality and Features

    With a brightness of 450 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, this monitor supports 10-bit color and covers 100% of the sRGB as well as 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts. Its DisplayHDR 400 certification enhances the dynamic range, making details in shadows and highlights more visible for realistic visuals.

    The color performance is impressive, offering 10.7 billion colors with ΔE<2 color accuracy. It covers 126% of sRGB and 95% of DCI-P3, professionally calibrated for vivid and precise color, making it ideal for both gaming and creative tasks.

    Eye Comfort and Multitasking

    For those who spend long hours in front of a screen, the monitor includes Low Blue Light Mode and Flicker-Free technology to help lessen eye strain by reducing harmful blue light and screen flicker. It also supports PBP (Picture-by-Picture) and PIP (Picture-in-Picture) modes, allowing users to view content from two different sources on the same display, which is perfect for multitasking.

    Gaming Features

    Designed with gamers in mind, it has a special gaming mode that utilizes Adaptive Sync technology to minimize screen tearing, giving players a competitive advantage by improving overall gaming performance. The monitor comes with G-MENU software, which allows users to customize game settings, color, and brightness, further enhancing the gaming experience.

    Connectivity and Ergonomics

    In terms of connectivity, the monitor is equipped with 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 DP 1.4 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Its stand is adjustable and includes cable management as well as a quick-release mechanism for easy setup. You can tilt, adjust the height, rotate, and even mount it on a VESA 100x100mm wall.

    Additional Launches

    AOC has also rolled out two more gaming monitors recently: a 34-inch ultrawide version with a 240Hz refresh rate, 1500R curvature, and HDR400 support, along with a 27-inch 2K QD-Mini LED monitor that features a 180Hz refresh rate, HDR1000, and peak brightness of 1200 nits.

    Related News

    In other news, Xiaomi has globally unveiled the TV Max 2025 series, which includes 85- and 100-inch models. These feature 4K 144Hz QLED displays, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, advanced gaming capabilities, and Google TV. The starting prices are €1299.99 for the 85-inch version and €1999.99 for the 100-inch model.

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  • Dimensity 9400 GPU Tests Show MediaTek’s Efficiency in Vivo X200 Pro

    Dimensity 9400 GPU Tests Show MediaTek’s Efficiency in Vivo X200 Pro

    While several evaluations have indicated that the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 is slightly trailing behind its competitors like the Apple A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Elite in CPU performance and efficiency, things are quite different when it comes to the GPU. A new analysis has assessed the graphics capabilities of the MediaTek chipset, showing it might lead the pack in this area.

    Performance Comparison

    According to testing done by Golden Reviewer, the Dimensity 9400’s Immortalis-G925 GPU seems to be both stronger and more efficient compared to Apple’s A18 Pro. In the 3DMark Solar Bay ray-tracing test, the Dimensity 9400 achieved an impressive score of 11,817 while consuming 11.4 watts. In contrast, the A18 Pro scored 8,587 with a power usage of 11.1 watts. These figures indicate a notable efficiency edge for the Dimensity 9400, being roughly 30% more efficient than the chipset in the iPhone 16 Pro Max during the test.

    Additional Benchmark Results

    The same trend continues across other 3DMark assessments. In the Steel Nomad Light test, the Dimensity 9400 not only surpassed the A18 Pro in scores but also used less power, showcasing about a 40% efficiency superiority over Apple’s chipset. This pattern holds true in the WildLife Extreme test as well, where the Dimensity 9400 outshines the A18 Pro in performance while also drawing less power.

    Overall Impression

    The results are clear: MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 stands out in the GPU performance, outclassing the A18 Pro in most metrics. It’s still uncertain how it will compare with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in similar tests, but we will keep you informed on any updates regarding that.

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  • Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x Boosts Online Gaming Experience

    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x Boosts Online Gaming Experience

    Wi-Fi 7 is here, and gamers can already benefit from the cutting-edge technology thanks to Intel’s latest Killer Wi-Fi modules. This new standard not only offers faster transfer rates and increased bandwidth, but it also greatly reduces latency, which is essential for activities like remote gaming. Moreover, users will experience a more reliable connection even when multiple devices are connected to the same network. This stability is particularly useful for video streaming when others are gaming or downloading content.

    Advancements Over Previous Standards

    Wi-Fi 7 represents a significant upgrade from Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. While it retains some fundamental features from earlier versions, such as frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), almost all other aspects see improvements. Although the addition of 6 GHz in Wi-Fi 6E did not enhance maximum transfer speeds, Wi-Fi 7 boasts theoretical speeds reaching up to 5.8 Gbps. This increase in speed is due to two main factors: the channel bandwidth has been doubled from 160 to 320 MHz, and the data density has risen from 1024 to 4096 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), allowing each symbol to carry 12 bits instead of 10.

    Connectivity Enhancements

    An important feature of the new Wi-Fi 7 is its Multi Link Operation (MLO). In earlier standards, devices could only connect to the router using a single frequency—either 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz. With Wi-Fi 7, devices can connect through two frequencies at once. For instance, if you move around your home, the connection can switch frequencies without dropping the connection.

    For our evaluation, we used the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio A1V laptop, which has the Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x (BE200NGW) module and the associated Killer Intelligence Center software. The Wi-Fi 7 router we tested was the Asus Rapture GT-BE98, currently available online for about 620 Euros.

    Performance Testing

    Our standardized Wi-Fi tests, which we consistently use for reviews, showed a performance increase to 2.9-3.0 Gbps for downloads and even around 3.9 Gbps for uploads. In contrast, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E max out at 1.8-1.9 Gbps, marking a substantial enhancement.

    Intel’s Killer Wi-Fi module includes the Killer Intelligence Center software, which provides an overview of all available networks and suggests optimizations for network settings or faster networks to connect to. It also features two presets, Multimedia and Creative, each with a distinct priority order for applications. We will explore some of these features in more detail.

    Prioritizing Applications

    The Killer Prioritization Engine allows users to prioritize specific applications, with online gaming being set as the highest priority by default. This setup ensures a smooth gaming experience, even if other applications like streaming or downloads are running in the background. Users can customize the priority list and set bandwidth limits for individual apps.

    An example is Steam Remote Play, which streams a game from a host PC to another device on the same network. We tested it with Grand Theft Auto V while simultaneously downloading multiple files to stress our connection. As shown in the accompanying screenshots with the Steam latency tracker, the streaming latency remained stable at around 30 ms with the Prioritization Engine activated. However, once we deactivated it, we noticed significant latency spikes (80-160 ms) and a marked decline in gaming quality.

    Smart Network Recommendations

    The Killer Intelligence Engine analyzes the network environment and suggests better networks when available. For instance, when using our standard cable router, the software recommended switching to the superior Wi-Fi 7 connection provided by the Asus Rapture GT-BE98.

    This functionality is further enhanced by Smart AP Selection, which not only assesses signal strength but also evaluates the quality of the Wi-Fi connection. If another connection offers a better signal, the access point can be switched automatically.

    The Killer Engine leverages one of Wi-Fi 7’s advantages by establishing two simultaneous connections. This is particularly beneficial for online gaming, as it requires both stable connections and low latency for an optimal experience. If one connection becomes congested, the Killer Engine can seamlessly switch frequencies to maintain low latency, ensuring your gaming is uninterrupted. This capability is effectively demonstrated in the provided video.

    Enhanced Network Performance

    The Killer Doubleshot 2.0 feature can boost network performance by utilizing all available network adapters at once. This is especially useful for gaming laptops that typically have both wired and wireless connectivity. For the MSI Stealth, the Wi-Fi 7 connection can be combined with the Ethernet adapter (2.5 Gbps), allowing high-priority applications to be automatically routed to the best connection.

    The new Wi-Fi 7 technology brings numerous benefits to users and represents a significant enhancement over Wi-Fi 6E. With a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router, transfer rates can nearly double compared to Wi-Fi 6, and the ability to use two connections simultaneously greatly enhances the online experience.

    Conclusion

    With higher transfer rates, reduced latency, and improved stability, the combination of Wi-Fi 7 and Intel’s Killer Engine delivers an excellent gaming experience and greater convenience for everyday use.

    Intel’s Killer Wi-Fi 7 modules take full advantage of the new technology, allowing users to tailor their online experience to their preferences. The Killer Intelligence Center software is user-friendly, providing recommendations based on the current network situation. All features are easily accessible, and once activated, the software automatically handles prioritization and the selection of the best available network. Gamers can enjoy their gaming sessions without worrying about network competition from other family members.

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  • Metro Exodus Lowest Price Ever on Steam with 90% Discount

    Metro Exodus Lowest Price Ever on Steam with 90% Discount

    Metro Exodus – the well-known immersive first-person shooter – is currently priced at an incredible $2.99 on Steam, which is a record low with a massive 90% off. If you haven’t yet tried this highly praised game, there’s no better time to jump in.

    A Journey Through a Post-Apocalyptic World

    Created by 4A Games, Metro Exodus offers a captivating narrative experience, set against the backdrop of the radioactive ruins of post-nuclear Russia. Players step into the shoes of Artyom, exploring tough terrains, gathering resources, and facing off against both mutated monsters and enemy factions. The game strikes a nice balance between open-world exploration and tight, intense combat scenarios.

    Critics Weigh In

    Metro Exodus has received acclaim for its stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, earning a score of 82 on Metacritic. One critic highlighted its “remarkable environmental detail,” emphasizing the “fascinating world-building that expands the genre’s limits.” However, player reviews are a bit mixed, sitting at a score of 7.3, mainly due to high system requirements and some pacing problems.

    System Demands and Performance

    When it comes to system demands, the game can be quite challenging. Our benchmark analysis shows that to maintain smooth frame rates, especially at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, you’ll need a powerful GPU. Even at 1080p, the older GTX 1060 is the bare minimum for playable conditions. Be sure to check our thorough benchmarks for more specifics on the game.

    In conclusion, now is an excellent opportunity to experience Metro Exodus if your gaming setup can handle it. You can find it on Steam here.

    Please note that prices can change. The deal was valid at the time this article was written, but it may be time-limited or have quantity restrictions. All information is provided without guarantee.

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  • Valve to End Steam Legacy Library Sharing Feature in Early 2025

    Valve to End Steam Legacy Library Sharing Feature in Early 2025

    The Steam legacy library sharing feature is set to end in early 2025, making way for the newly introduced Steam Family feature. Valve rolled out this updated game-sharing option to all users in September, presenting several enhancements compared to the previous system.

    Key Features of Steam Family

    One of the standout benefits of Steam Family is that it allows multiple users to enjoy shared games at the same time, a feature that the legacy library sharing lacked. However, it’s important to note that members cannot play the same game at once; for that, you’ll need to purchase multiple copies.

    Another advantage of Valve’s Steam Family is the ability for members to access shared games even when offline. This new feature allows you to add up to five family members, although Valve specifies that it’s intended for those who are part of your "immediate family." Each member within a family sharing plan will have individual save files and achievements, adding to the overall user experience.

    Transition to Steam Family

    When Valve first announced Steam Family, they hinted that the legacy game-sharing feature would eventually be phased out. Now, they have confirmed that the old method will cease to function after early 2025. The new feature has been accessible to all users since September, and you can set it up by visiting the "Family Management" section found under "Account details." For those needing assistance, Valve provides a detailed guide to help you through the setup.

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  • Sega Removes 60+ Classic Games from Steam and Other Stores

    Sega Removes 60+ Classic Games from Steam and Other Stores

    At 11:59 p.m. PST on December 6, 2024, Sega will start taking down more than 60 classic games from major platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop. Some of the popular titles that will be removed include Sonic 3D Blast, Jet Set Radio, and Crazy Taxi.

    Impact on Availability

    Figuring out the exact number of games being removed is tricky since some are bundled in collections that differ across platforms. For more details on which games will be taken off each store, you can check Sega’s FAQ, where they made the delisting announcement. The silver lining is that if you’ve already bought these games, you’ll still be able to download and play them even after they’re gone.

    Speculations on the Reason

    Sega hasn’t provided any reasons for this delisting. On a Reddit discussion about it, many people think that Sega might be removing the original titles to make way for remakes. Although the Japanese game developer has been praised for reasonable pricing so far, fans are concerned that future remasters or collections could come with higher prices or might only be available through subscription services.

    Remake Possibilities

    One hint that new remakes could be on the way is that the Sega Ages remasters for the Nintendo Switch (currently priced at $274 on Amazon) won’t be affected by the delisting. If Sega is indeed planning new versions, it remains unclear whether they will release these games individually or as part of a larger collection.

    Industry expert Oli Welsh shared his thoughts on Polygon, suggesting that technical quality issues might play a role in this decision since many of the games being removed are older ports and emulations.

    Collector’s Market

    Collectors of physical games might actually benefit from this planned delisting. Once the digital versions are unavailable, the value of physical copies on resale platforms might spike.

    Sega’s decision to delist these games has stirred various opinions among fans and collectors alike.

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  • RedMagic 10 Pro Global Launch Teased Before China Release

    RedMagic 10 Pro Global Launch Teased Before China Release

    Nubia is preparing to launch the RedMagic 10 Pro series soon. This series is rumored to include three gaming smartphones: Pro, Pro+, and Ultra. Each model will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and recent tests indicate that this system-on-chip, especially with an active cooling fan, can outperform other flagship models.

    Anticipated Launch Dates

    The full reveal of these gaming phones is set for November 13 in China. Before this event, Nubia has hinted at a global release for the RedMagic 10 Pro. Although there is no exact date mentioned on their teaser page, it seems likely that the international launch could take place in December or early 2025.

    Quick Global Expansion

    It’s interesting to point out that Nubia didn’t wait long to introduce the RedMagic Nova gaming tablet to the global audience. This occurred in less than two weeks following its launch in China. Even if the 10 Pro makes its international debut in December, it won’t be the first smartphone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite to be released outside of China, as the Realme GT 7 Pro is already set to launch in India on November 26.

    Returning to the RedMagic 10 Pro, the company has shared some specifics about this new gaming device. It will combine the Snapdragon 8 Elite with Nubia’s own Red Core R3 gaming chip. This setup is expected to deliver 45% improved performance and reduce peak power usage by 52%.

    Display Features

    The gaming smartphone is also set to feature a “Wukong screen,” which is designed with thinner bezels compared to the RedMagic 9S Pro (which can be bought on Amazon). The display will measure 6.85 inches, boast a 1.5K resolution, and support a 144 Hz refresh rate. More information about the 10 Pro is likely to be revealed in the near future.

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