Latest hardware news and stories
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition Available Before Launch – Lenovo Unveils New Legion Gaming Tablets
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition with dual 3D V-Cache is already available ahead of its official launch on April 22 on platforms like eBay and JD.com. Meanwhile, Lenovo is set to unveil two new Legion gaming tablets, the Y900 11 and Y900 13, on May 19 as successors to the 2023 Y900 model.
AMD has unveiled the Ryzen AI 400 series, codenamed 'Gorgon Point', which technically represents a refresh of the existing Strix and Krackan platforms rather than a new architectural generation. At the same time, the company is re-launching the Ryzen 7 5800X3D as the 'AM4 10th Anniversary Edition' to celebrate a decade of the AM4 socket platform. These moves highlight AMD's strategy of extending product lines through branding and market positioning rather than introducing groundbreaking technological advancements.
Intel has officially launched the Core Series 3 'Wildcat Lake', a new CPU lineup for budget laptops and edge devices featuring hybrid architecture, integrated NPU, and up to 40 TOPS of AI performance. Built on Intel's 18A manufacturing process, the processors are set to launch in April 2026. Meanwhile, Mesa 26.1-rc1 has been released, introducing significant Vulkan extensions, performance improvements, and enhanced OpenCL support across Intel, AMD, and other hardware platforms.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2: First Benchmarks Reveal Impressive Performance with Up to 220W Power Draw
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition is set to launch on April 22, 2026, and early benchmarks reveal high performance with up to 220 watts of power consumption at temperatures of 96 degrees. The CPU reaches up to 5.5 GHz in single-core and slightly outperforms the standard Ryzen 9 9950X3D in synthetic tests. Initial testing with an OEM air cooler confirms strong performance in applications like 7-Zip and Cinebench, with AMD promising up to a 13% performance increase.
Steam is currently offering several highly rated games at significant discounts, including the demolition simulation Demolish & Build 2017 for €1.19, the shooter classic Max Payne 2 for €2.49, and the hand-drawn adventure Machinarium for €3.99. The action RPG Bastion, developed by the creators of Hades, and the fast-paced shooter Echo Point Nova are also available at deeply reduced prices. These deals span genres from simulation and adventure to action and sci-fi, offering players a rare chance to acquire classic and modern titles at remarkably affordable rates.
Alienware AW2726DM: 27-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor with 240Hz for €419
Dell has unveiled the Alienware AW2726DM, a 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate, QHD resolution, and HDR10 support. The display delivers exceptional image quality, infinite contrast, and ergonomic features including height adjustment and VESA mounting. Despite limited connectivity and the absence of RGB lighting, it includes burn-in protection and a three-year warranty.
Intel Nova Lake-S with 44 Cores? Leak Suggests Cache Strategy Shift and New Wildcat Lake Generation
A leak suggests Intel's Nova Lake-S processors may shift from 42 to 44 cores, indicating a change in tile configuration and potentially enabling new models with bLLC cache without a K suffix. Meanwhile, Intel has officially announced the 'Wildcat Lake' processor, featuring up to six CPU cores and two Xe3 graphics cores. These developments could impact Intel's market segmentation and cache strategy, though details remain unconfirmed.
ASUS Unveils First TUF Gaming Mini-ITX Motherboard: The B850I WiFi Neo
ASUS has unveiled the TUF Gaming B850I WiFi Neo, the first Mini-ITX motherboard in the TUF Gaming series featuring the B850 chipset for AMD's AM5 socket. The board supports DDR5 memory up to 9.600 MT/s, PCIe 5.0 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 2.5 Gbit/s LAN port, though it is limited in features due to its compact form factor. Aimed at gamers and enthusiasts seeking reliable, compact systems compatible with Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 processors, it offers a more affordable alternative to ROG models with reduced VRM phases and PCIe 4.0 M.2 support.
OneXPlayer has unveiled the X2 Mini, a new high-end gaming handheld featuring an 8.8-inch OLED display and the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. The device includes detachable controllers and a keyboard expansion, but pricing and release details remain pending.
Metro 2039: Fourth Main Entry in Post-Apocalyptic Series Revealed on April 16
The fourth main installment of the Metro series, Metro 2039, will be officially unveiled on April 16, 2026. Developed by 4A Games and Deep Silver, the game follows up on Metro Exodus from 2019 and is co-created with Dmitry Glukhovsky. It is expected to be set in Moscow, though it remains uncertain whether protagonist Artyom returns or if a new character will take center stage.
Linux 7.1 Delivers Performance Boosts, New Hardware Support, and Kernel Optimizations
The Linux 7.1 kernel introduces significant performance improvements, including a nearly sixfold speedup in CRC64 verification on ARM64 via NEON instructions, removal of unnecessary memory clobbers for better x86 execution, and support for ECC memory error reporting on AMD Zen 3 Rembrandt APUs. These updates build on the foundation of Linux 7.0, enhancing security, performance, and hardware compatibility for upcoming distributions like Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
Intel Core Ultra 400 Series: Nova Lake-S CPUs with Mega-APU Challenge AMD's Ryzen AI
Intel has revealed the core configurations for its upcoming Core Ultra 400 series (Nova Lake-S) desktop processors. These CPUs will introduce a mobile processor combined with a large Xe3p graphics chip in a Mega-APU for the first time, enabling cost-effective production through a flexible tile design. The new architecture aims to enhance performance and efficiency for next-generation computing, positioning Intel to compete directly with AMD's Ryzen AI in AI and graphics workloads.
Intel Core Ultra 400 'Nova Lake': New Desktop CPUs with Up to 52 Cores and 288 MB Cache Unveiled
Intel is set to launch the Core Ultra 400 series, codenamed Nova Lake, for desktop systems featuring up to 52 cores and 288 MB of Big Last Level Cache. The processors will use the new LGA-1954 socket, support DDR5-8000 memory, and introduce new performance and efficiency cores named Coyote Cove and Arctic Wolf. The lineup includes single- to dual-tile configurations with Thunderbolt 5, 24 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and a 6th-generation NPU, with mass production expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Rockstar Games Confirms Cyberattack: GTA 6 Unaffected, but Data Stolen
Rockstar Games confirmed a cyberattack by the ShinyHunters group, which exploited a security vulnerability at third-party vendor Anodot.com. Only a limited amount of non-critical corporate data, including financial information, was compromised, while GTA 6 and player data remained unaffected. The hackers released the stolen data after Rockstar refused to pay the ransom. The company stated that the incident had no impact on operations or players.
HP ProBook and ZBook with Core Ultra 5: Affordable Offers for 14-Inch Laptops with sRGB Display
HP is currently offering two 14-inch laptops with the Core Ultra 5 125U processor: the ProBook 440 G11 for €666 and the ZBook Firefly 14 G11 for €829, with a cashback offer reducing the price by €100. Both models feature 16 GB of RAM and a 14-inch display, with the ProBook offering an sRGB-capable, low-power screen with 400 nits brightness, while the ZBook includes a 1920x1200 IPS display. Equipped with modern connectivity including USB-C, Gigabit Ethernet, and an LTE module, the devices are targeted at professional users seeking performance and mobility.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition: High-Performance CPU with Dual 3D V-Cache Launching April 2026
AMD introduces the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition, a high-end processor with dual 3D V-Cache designed for users running both gaming and productivity workloads simultaneously. The chip will launch on April 22, 2026, priced at $899, featuring an enhanced cache architecture and higher power consumption. Pre-orders have already begun in China, marking its official regional debut.
Samsung Galaxy S26+ Review: Powerful Exynos 2600, but Battery Life Remains a Challenge
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ impresses with the new Exynos 2600 chip and Xclipse 960 GPU, delivering high and stable frame rates in demanding games. While performance significantly surpasses the Galaxy S25+, battery life remains a limitation due to the small 4,900 mAh battery and slow charging. The device is ideal for gamers and Samsung loyalists, but users prioritizing battery and camera performance may prefer the cheaper S25+ or competitors like the Oppo Find X9 Pro.
CPUID Website Compromised: Malware Injected into CPU-Z and HWMonitor from April 9–10, 2026
Between April 9 and 10, 2026, the official CPUID website was compromised, leading users to download malicious versions of the popular system monitoring tools CPU-Z and HWMonitor. The breach occurred through a compromised API that injected malicious code, including a harmful DLL that connected to a command-and-control server for remote access. CPUID confirmed the security incident, stating that the vulnerability has been patched and downloads are now safe.
New OLED Laptops with Core Ultra Processors: Lenovo, Medion, and Asus Unveil Powerful New Models
Lenovo, Medion, and Asus have unveiled new OLED laptops powered by Intel's Core Ultra processors, offering high display quality, powerful hardware, and innovative features. Models such as the Lenovo Yoga Pro 7, Medion SPRCHRGD 16 S1, and Asus Vivobook 16 Flip are available in various sizes and configurations, with up to 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD. Some devices include touchscreens, USB-4, WiFi 7, and up to 19 hours of battery life. Additionally, Lenovo has launched the IdeaPad Slim 5x with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus, expanding the range of OLED laptops available in Europe.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4: Global Launch on April 16 with Enhanced Features and Two Launch Packages
DJI has confirmed the global launch of the Osmo Pocket 4 on April 16. The new vlogging camera features improved hardware, enhanced tracking, and integrated storage, with prices starting at $499. Two launch packages—the Standard and Creator Combo—are available, alongside rumors of a microSD card slot and a new full-sensor feature. A Pro version with dual cameras and optical zoom is also expected in late spring.