Tag: Gaming Performance

April 10, 2025
MSI Claw Boosts Performance with Latest Intel Driver Update
Key Takeaways
1. MSI launched the Polar Tempest Edition of the Claw 8 AI+ with enhanced storage and a new color choice.
2. The new Intel Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 targets integrated graphics for 11th to 14th Gen Core processors, boosting performance for gaming handhelds.
3. Key improvements include power management optimization for Intel Core Ultra 200V gaming handhelds, improving efficiency and frame pacing.
4. Early reports indicate significant gaming performance boosts for Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ at around 17 W power levels.
5. The older Meteor Lake-based Claw 7 A1M will not receive the performance improvements from this driver update.
MSI has unveiled an updated version of the Claw 8 AI+, introducing enhanced storage and a new color choice. The Polar Tempest Edition will match the performance of the existing Claw 8 AI+, but its launch is paired with new drivers specifically designed to boost performance for gaming handhelds.
Driver Update Focus
The new Intel Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 is aimed at integrated graphics within 11th to 14th Gen Core processors, including the newer Arrow Lake, Lunar Lake, and Meteor Lake processors in the Core Ultra series. Additionally, this update is claimed to enhance the performance of Arc and Iris Xe graphics cards across multiple areas.
Key Improvements
The standout feature of this month’s driver release from Intel is the ‘power management optimisation’ for Intel Core Ultra 200V gaming handheld devices, which currently includes the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+. Both devices should now provide better frame pacing and operate more efficiently in lower power modes compared to previous driver versions.
Performance Boost
Early reports suggest that Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 greatly enhances gaming performance on the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ when running at power levels around 17 W. Sadly, this means that the older Meteor Lake-based Claw 7 A1M (currently priced at $454 – used on Amazon) won’t see these improvements. For more technical details, refer to Intel’s release notes for Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 and check their website.
Source:
Link
Tags: Claw 8 AI+, Gaming Performance, Intel Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734
April 7, 2025
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 RTX 5090 Slower than Older RTX 4090 Laptops
Key Takeaways
1. Initial laptops with GeForce RTX 5090 aim for high TGP values of 160 W or more, showcasing peak performance.
2. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605CX has a lower TGP of 120 W, positioning it as a midrange RTX 5090 alternative.
3. The 120 W RTX 5090 in the Zephyrus lags 25-30% behind the 175 W RTX 5090 in the SCHENKER Neo 16.
4. In gaming scenarios, RTX 4090 laptops outperform the Zephyrus by 5-35% in popular games without DLSS enhancements.
5. The Zephyrus 16 is slimmer, lighter, and more stylish, but its lower power limit affects GPU performance, affecting cost vs. performance trade-offs.
Some of the initial laptops featuring GeForce RTX 5090 graphics are aiming for high thermal design power (TGP) values of 160 W or more, showcasing the peak performance of the mobile GPU. In contrast, the new Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605CX sets its sights on a lower TGP of just 120 W, positioning itself as a “midrange” RTX 5090 alternative. Even though it remains a solid gaming laptop, its graphics performance is noticeably affected, leading to a situation where many RTX 4090 laptops can actually outpace the Asus.
Performance Comparison
In our latest review of the Zephyrus model, along with the accompanying graphs, it’s clear that the 120 W RTX 5090 in the 16-inch Asus lags about 25 to 30 percent behind the 175 W RTX 5090 found in the 16-inch SCHENKER Neo 16. This performance gap is so significant that even average RTX 4090 laptops in our database can exceed the Zephyrus by as much as 10 percent based on 3DMark tests.
Gaming Experience
The situation worsens when diving into real gaming scenarios, as the mobile RTX 4090 proves to outperform the RTX 5090-equipped Zephyrus by even larger margins, even at 1080p resolutions. Popular games such as Final Fantasy XV, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows can run anywhere from 5 to 35 percent faster on older RTX 4090 laptops when compared to the newer Zephyrus, without the aid of DLSS enhancements.
It’s important to point out that the new Zephyrus 16 is more slender, lighter, and more stylish than many other 16-inch gaming laptops, which required a tighter power limit for the GPU. Whether this trade-off is worth it in terms of cost versus performance ultimately rests on the buyer’s preferences.
Tags: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, Gaming Performance, GeForce RTX 5090
April 7, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2: Game Developer Reveals Graphics Features
Key Takeaways
1. The Nintendo Switch 2 features significant hardware improvements over the previous model, enhancing graphics and performance.
2. Civilization VII is confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside other platforms, and is set to launch on June 5.
3. The game performs similarly to a mid-level gaming PC, according to Dennis Shirk, the executive producer.
4. The new console offers “10x the graphics performance” compared to the original Nintendo Switch, according to Nvidia.
5. Players can transfer their existing Civilization VII game to the Switch 2 but must purchase an upgrade to access new features.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 boasts several hardware improvements compared to the previous model, and the team behind Civilization 7 has lauded its graphics capabilities. Dennis Shirk, the executive producer of the game, specifically mentioned that its performance is similar to that of a mid-level gaming PC.
Confirmed Titles
Civilization VII is just one of the many titles confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game launched on various platforms, including Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, Steam Deck, and the older Nintendo handheld on February 11, 2025. The developers have expressed satisfaction with how well the game performs on the Switch 2.
Impressive Performance
In a chat with Stephen Totilo from Game File, Dennis Shirk noted that the game runs smoothly like it does on a “mid-tier PC,” thanks to the console’s ample power. This statement follows Nvidia’s assertion that the Nintendo Switch 2 can achieve “10x the graphics performance” of its first-generation counterpart.
Enhanced Experience
The original Civilization 7 port for the Nintendo Switch received a mixed bag of reviews due to the limited hardware capabilities of the device. Many players reported avoiding larger maps just to have a somewhat playable experience on the older console.
However, with the developer’s positive feedback on the graphical prowess of the Nintendo Switch 2, players can expect a significantly improved experience with the new hardware. For those who haven’t heard, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is set to arrive on Nintendo’s latest console on June 5. Players who own the existing Switch version (available on Amazon) will be able to transfer their game to the Switch 2, although they will need to purchase an upgrade to access the new features.
Source:
Link
Tags: Civilization VII, Gaming Performance, Nintendo Switch 2
February 26, 2025
Asus Launches WiFi 7 Gaming Router with Nine 2.5G Ports
Key Takeaways
1. The ROG Strix GS7 Magic Box is a WiFi 7 gaming router priced at 1,999 yuan (around $280) and available for pre-order in China.
2. It features nine 2.5G Ethernet ports, including two gaming ports that prioritize game traffic, and a “Gaming SSID” mode for optimizing wireless connections.
3. The router is powered by a 1.8GHz MediaTek Filogic AI CPU and 2GB of DDR4 RAM, supporting high-performance gaming, streaming, and multitasking.
4. It offers dual-band speeds up to 7200Mbps, utilizing 4096-QAM modulation and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for reduced latency and improved stability.
5. Enhanced features include AI-driven gaming optimization, AiProtection for security, advanced cooling technology, and compatibility with the ROG Eco-System and AiMesh for easy network expansion.
Asus has introduced its latest ROG Strix GS7 Magic Box, a top-tier WiFi 7 gaming router designed for ultra-fast connections and minimal lag during gameplay. The router is priced at 1,999 yuan (around $280) and is currently available for pre-order in China.
ROG Strix GS7 Router Features
The ROG Strix GS7 Magic Box showcases a striking, angular design complete with an RGB-lit ROG logo and a stylish decorative film that adds to its gamer look. More than just its eye-catching appearance, this router is engineered for high-performance gaming.
Equipped with nine 2.5G Ethernet ports, it includes two special gaming ports (LAN5 and LAN6) that give priority to game traffic, helping to cut down on lag and maintain stable connections. For those who prefer wireless gaming, it has a “Gaming SSID” mode that identifies gaming devices and optimizes bandwidth to ensure a smooth experience.
Powerful Internal Components
At its core, the router is powered by a 1.8GHz MediaTek Filogic AI CPU along with 2GB of DDR4 RAM, providing seamless gaming, streaming, and multitasking capabilities. Its advanced eight-antenna system, featuring multi-angle PCB antennas and RichWave FEM chips, boosts signal stability, while the 5GHz antennas are designed with a 4T5R configuration for enhanced reception and reduced interference.
Optimized for WiFi 7, the GS7 Magic Box offers dual-band speeds soaring up to 7200Mbps—5764Mbps on the 5GHz band and 1376Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It employs 4096-QAM modulation, which increases speeds by 20% compared to WiFi 6, and includes Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous data transmission across different bands, lowering latency and improving stability.
Enhanced Gaming and Security Features
Additionally, the router boasts AI-driven gaming optimization with a three-stage acceleration system that minimizes latency and packet loss. It is compatible with the ROG Eco-System, which prioritizes Asus ROG devices, and mobile gamers can activate low-latency mode through the Asus router app for a more responsive experience.
In terms of security, the device comes with AiProtection for real-time threat detection. Furthermore, it is designed with advanced cooling technology, featuring a nano-carbon-coated heatsink and aluminum chassis, supports up to three SSIDs, and is compatible with AiMesh for easy expansion.
Tags: Gaming Performance, ROG Strix GS7, WiFi 7 Router
February 25, 2025
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Benchmark Results vs Non-X3D Chips
Key Takeaways
1. The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is set to release on March 12, with reviews under embargo until March 11.
2. Benchmarks indicate the Ryzen 9 9950X3D outperforms the Ryzen 9 7950X3D in productivity tests, showing a 17% advantage in Cinebench multicore tests.
3. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D has a slight edge over the Ryzen 9 9950X in single-core tests, with only a 3.5% difference.
4. In gaming performance, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D may still outperform the 9950X3D in some benchmarks, showing a close competition.
5. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D remains a strong contender in gaming despite the introduction of the 9950X3D.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is expected to be released on March 12, with reviews reportedly under embargo until March 11. Even though the release is over two weeks away, a set of benchmarks seems to have been published prematurely, showcasing some strong productivity results from the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Benchmarks and Performance
According to the benchmarks shared by PCBuild on Facebook (now deleted), the performance leaks we mentioned earlier this week appear to be quite accurate. The Bulgarian hardware retailer and system builder apparently tested the Ryzen 9 9950X3D using Cinebench R23 and PCMark Time Spy. The average scores indicate it outperforms the Ryzen 9 7950X3D in both tests, although the advantage in gaming performance isn’t that substantial.
Detailed Comparisons
When we look at the benchmark images compared to our own tests and database, the 9950X3D surpasses the 7950X3D by nearly 17% in Cinebench multicore tests. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 9950X (currently priced at $559.75 on Amazon) is not too far behind, lagging by about 3.7% in Cinebench R23. In the single-core tests of Cinebench R23, the difference between the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the standard 9950X is just 72 points, or 3.5%. The 9950X3D notably leads the 7950X3D by around 11%.
Gaming Performance Insights
However, gaming benchmarks tell a different tale. In comparison with previous results from our testing, the 3DMark Time Spy CPU scores show that the older Ryzen 9 7950X3D actually outperforms the Zen 5 9950X3D in one of the leaked benchmarks, leading by 3.7%. Another Time Spy result from the leak shows a maximum CPU score of 17,234 points, suggesting the Ryzen 9 9950X3D edges out the 7950X3D by a mere 118 points—a very slight margin.
These two benchmark results alone don’t give a full view of gaming performance, which can differ widely depending on the game. However, they do hint at what we might expect when the Ryzen 9 9950X3D launches in March. It also suggests that the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (currently priced at $740 on Amazon) is likely to remain a strong competitor in gaming, despite AMD’s adjustments to the 3D V-Cache specifications and design.
Source:
Link
Tags: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Benchmarks, Gaming Performance
February 23, 2025
iQOO Arena Launches in Delhi: Experience Neo 10R’s 90 FPS Gaming
Key Takeaways
1. iQOO has launched its first temporary store, iQOO Arena, in New Delhi from February 21 to February 23, 2025.
2. Attendees can preview the iQOO Neo 10R, which features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and offers 90 FPS gameplay for up to five hours.
3. The iQOO Arena includes interactive gaming zones and showcases the Neo 10R’s capabilities, emphasizing the brand’s focus on high-performance devices for gamers.
4. Customers can reserve the iQOO 13 at the pop-up store and receive complimentary TWS earbuds for online purchases, along with opportunities for student prizes.
5. The event aims to enhance customer engagement and showcase the innovative features of the Neo 10R before its official launch on March 11.
iQOO has launched its first temporary store, named iQOO Arena, in India, located at Select City Walk Mall, Saket, New Delhi. This store will be open from February 21 until February 23, 2025, operating between 11 AM and 7 PM. Attendees have a chance to get a sneak peek at the iQOO Neo 10R before its official release on March 11, experiencing its impressive gaming capabilities.
A Unique Gaming Experience
The pop-up store provides an interactive experience through various gaming zones, showcasing the Neo 10R’s impressive ability to maintain 90 FPS gameplay for up to five hours. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, the phone comes with a 6400mAh battery and 80W Flashcharge, promising effective performance for extended gaming sessions. It will be available in two colors: Moonknight Titanium and the exclusive Indian shade, Raging Blue.
Exciting Launch Events
Nipun Marya, the CEO of iQOO, expressed, “As we get closer to the launch of the iQOO Neo 10R, we are excited to offer our customers a special preview. Our first-ever iQOO Arena allows direct interaction with young gamers looking for high-performance devices. We are confident that the Neo 10R’s performance will surpass their expectations.”
In addition to the Neo 10R, the iQOO Arena features the iQOO 13. Customers can reserve the iQOO 13 at the pop-up, and those who shop online will receive complimentary TWS earbuds. Additionally, students can sign up for the iQOO Students Programme to have a chance at special prizes.
Engage and Explore
Visitors can evaluate the device’s performance in real-life situations and discover new techniques to improve their gaming experiences. The iQOO Arena emphasizes the brand’s dedication to innovation, performance, and customer interaction.
The event offers an insider look at the Neo 10R’s top features before its official debut, attracting mobile gamers and technology fans alike. With live demonstrations of its high-FPS performance, iQOO aims to strengthen its standing as a brand focused on performance.
Tags: Gaming Performance, iQOO Arena, iQOO Neo 10R
January 18, 2025
GeForce RTX 5090 Beats RTX 4090 by 37% in Blender Benchmark
The new GeForce RTX 5090 gaming GPU has just been launched, and it promises to deliver remarkable improvements in gaming performance thanks to its AI-powered frame generation features. The discussion about Nvidia’s use of AI technology to achieve these enhancements continues, but the performance upgrades that the RTX 5090 and other Blackwell gaming GPUs offer to render artists seem to be quite impressive. This is supported by a recent listing on Blender Open Data.
Performance Benchmarks
We have a clear insight into how the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 performs in Geekbench’s OpenCL and Vulkan benchmarks. The Blackwell flagship GPU shows a significant lead over its predecessor, with increases of up to 37% in OpenCL and 16% in Vulkan. While these enhancements aren’t revolutionary, the data we have so far indicates a solid generational boost in raw performance. Furthermore, according to the earlier mentioned Blender Open Data listing, the RTX 5090 demonstrates a notable speed advantage over the GeForce RTX 4090, particularly when using the Nvidia OptiX rendering engine.
Impressive Scores on Blender
When tested on Blender 3.6.0, the GeForce RTX 4090 achieved a median score of 13,000 points. In stark contrast, the RTX 5090 excelled with a remarkable score of 17,800 points, signifying an approximate 37% performance increase. This improvement can be attributed to the additional 33% RT cores present in the Blackwell card, which are evidently making a difference in this ray-traced rendering evaluation. However, it’s important to note that we currently have only one result for the RTX 5090, meaning its median score may fluctuate as more benchmark data becomes available on Open Data, allowing for a more accurate comparison between these two flagship models.
Purchase Information
If you’re interested, you can find the impressive 34-inch Samsung G8 OLED gaming monitor available for purchase on Amazon.
Blender Open Data | A special acknowledgment to our forum member LL for bringing attention to this entry | Teaser background image by engin akyurt via Unsplash.
Source:
Link

Tags: Blender Open Data, Gaming Performance, GeForce RTX 5090
January 17, 2025
Nvidia RTX 5090D vs RTX 4090: 20% Gaming Performance Boost
It seems that Nvidia has not pleased the gaming community with its reliance on AI-powered frame generation to boost the performance of its new RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 GPUs. The question of whether DLSS 4 can win over gamers is still open, but it’s evident that the actual performance gains from the Blackwell architecture are not as impressive as first expected.
Performance Insights
We have some preliminary insights into how the GeForce RTX 5090 performs in Cyberpunk 2077, both with and without DLSS 4 and MFG. However, analyzing just one game does not provide a complete picture. Thanks to discussions on Chiphell’s forums, a reviewer has managed to test the RTX 5090D, which is a variant tailored for the Chinese market, and has shared key details from their review. For those unfamiliar, the RTX 5090D is like the standard RTX 5090, but has lower AI TOPS and a 3-second limit for AI and crypto workloads.
Modest Gains
The reviewer found that the performance boost with this generation is, as expected, quite modest. With DLSS and ray tracing disabled, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090D outperformed the previous model by about 20%. While this isn’t terrible for a new generation, many in the gaming community anticipated a more significant improvement. However, when DLSS 4 and MFG were set to their highest settings, the reviewer reported that the RTX 5090D performed nearly as well as Nvidia had claimed.
Overclocking Details
Additionally, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090D appears to lack adjustable power limits. While there could be possibilities for such adjustments in the future, they seem slim. The reviewer also managed to overclock the card to 2600 MHz, while reducing the memory speed, leading to a memory bandwidth of 896 GB/s that effectively negated the advantages of GDDR7. In comparison, the RTX 4090 was overclocked to about 2610 MHz with a memory bandwidth of 912 GB/s. The testing setup featured a Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU with memory running at 6000 MHz. Although the exact FPS numbers in-game were not disclosed, this omission is disappointing yet understandable.
Source:
Link
Tags: DLSS 4, Gaming Performance, Nvidia RTX 5090D
January 11, 2025
AMD’s Frank Azor Criticizes Intel Arrow Lake-S, Blames Ryzen Shortages
There’s no question that Intel’s Arrow Lake-S series, particularly the Core Ultra 9 285K, has left many gamers feeling let down, despite some gains in efficiency and productivity. This disappointment, as noted by AMD’s Frank Azor in a chat with Tom’s Hardware, has resulted in an unexpected surge in interest for AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9800X3D Zen 5 chip.
Criticism of Intel’s Performance
Frank Azor didn’t hold back in his criticism. He called the Arrow Lake-S products “horrible,” clearly expressing his dissatisfaction with Intel’s lack of competitive offerings. “We knew we built a great part. We didn’t know the competitor had built a horrible one,” he said. He went on to explain that this situation contributed to the supply issues faced by AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Intel’s Promises vs. Reality
Intel had previously assured users that microcode updates would improve the poor gaming performance that didn’t meet their expectations. However, it seems that many users feel the updates have, in some instances, worsened performance, offering only slight improvements that still don’t rival even the previous generation’s products. While Intel has achieved notable efficiency and productivity advancements, these do not compensate for its lackluster gaming capabilities, which could deter many potential buyers. This is particularly true when comparing it to the solid gaming performance of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
AMD’s Growing Popularity
This scenario appears to be reflected in the sales figures, with AMD’s Ryzen 9 9800X3D selling significantly better than Intel’s offerings. Consumers eager to switch to AMD may face continued shortages, as AMD did not anticipate such high demand. As executive David McAfee has indicated, AMD is actively working to increase production. Nevertheless, due to the intricate nature of processor manufacturing, it might take another 3-4 months for supply to meet the rising demand.
Source:
Link
Tags: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Gaming Performance, Intel Arrow Lake-S
December 5, 2024
OnePlus 13R Shines in Leaked Pre-Launch Gaming Test Results
The OnePlus Ace 5 might not be able to match the speedy charging of its rumored Pro version, which is expected to launch soon in China. Nevertheless, it appears to be quite competitive in power efficiency and thermal stability during gaming, as reported by the reliable leaker Digital Chat Station.
Performance Insights
According to the tipster who claims to have tested the device firsthand, the Ace 5 achieved impressive average frame rates of 119.5 fps in Honor of Kings. However, these numbers dropped to 60.2 fps and 55.2 fps in Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, respectively. Despite this, the Ace 5’s performance is still seen as much better than that of other devices sporting the same processor.
Power Efficiency
The power efficiency of the Ace 5 has been noted, with figures of 5.7W in Genshin Impact, 4.8W in Honkai Star Rail, and a lower 3.38W in Honor of Kings. This efficiency is considered "far ahead" of competing devices that share similar specifications.
The testing setup included a flat 1.5K X2 LTPO display, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This version of the chipset is said to be quite different from the "ordinary" variant found in other Android phones like the OnePlus 12.
Chipset Modifications
Recent leaks suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Ace 5 is fairly standard. However, it features "magically modified" enhancements that include "chip-level gaming technology," according to Digital Chat Station. These modifications help the Ace 5 get closer to the Snapdragon 8 Elite in terms of thermal management and power efficiency during testing.
This could be promising news for the OnePlus 13R, especially if it launches alongside the global version of the OnePlus 13, as current rumors suggest.
Source: Link
Tags: Gaming Performance, OnePlus Ace 5, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3