Latest hardware news and stories
Two high-quality refurbished HP mini PCs are now available at attractive prices: the HP T640 with AMD CPU and 8GB RAM for €65, and the HP EliteDesk 800 with Intel Core i5 and Windows 11 Pro for €289. Both devices offer powerful components, upgrade options, and are suited for different use cases—from hobby projects to office environments. The deals from RAM-Koenig provide cost-effective alternatives to pricier systems like the Raspberry Pi 5.
Apple MacBook Neo: A Price and Performance Shock to the PC Market
Apple has unveiled the MacBook Neo, a budget-friendly laptop priced at $599, which has been positively received by fans and media despite technical compromises such as an A18 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM. The device stands out for its high single-core performance, easy repairability, and surprisingly strong GPU, though its battery life suffers under load. ASUS Co-CEO S.Y. Hsu calls the low price a shock to the PC market, signaling a potential shift in competitive dynamics.
Valve Delays Steam Machine Again – 2026 Release Amid Memory Shortages
Valve has delayed the release of the Steam Machine again to 2026 due to global shortages of memory components, despite earlier promises of a launch this year. The console, equipped with Zen 4 and RDNA 3, is expected to run Windows games via Proton, but exact release dates remain uncertain. Valve continues to aim for a first-half 2026 launch while facing persistent supply chain challenges. The delay raises concerns about the device’s competitiveness against Microsoft’s Project Helix and its ability to attract PC gamers.
The point-and-click adventure Crowalt: Traces of the Lost Colony by Madcraft Studios is temporarily free on Steam, offering a mystery-driven journey set in 1737. Meanwhile, the German open-world game The Legend of Khiimori has gained widespread praise upon its Steam release despite being in early access, while voxel survival game Everwind launches unexpectedly early on March 17, 2026.
Intel has confirmed the specifications of the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, featuring 24 cores and a clock speed of up to 5.4 GHz as part of the expected Arrow-Lake refresh generation. At the same time, Intel has released details on the Core Ultra Series 3, codenamed Panther Lake-H, which is based on the advanced 18A manufacturing process. The Panther Lake chip uses PowerVia, a backside power delivery system, making die shots more difficult to produce, and consists of three chiplets with different fabrication processes. These advancements highlight Intel’s focus on performance improvements for high-end laptops.
3mdeb is making progress on the first Coreboot port for an AMD Ryzen AM5 platform, targeting the MSI PRO B850-P motherboard with integration of AMD's openSIL. The project, led by 3mdeb, aims to deliver a fully open-source firmware experience without vendor lock-in. Still in development, the effort is expected to be completed and released this year.
AMD is preparing a new CPPC Performance Priority feature for Linux, targeting future Zen 6 processors. Meanwhile, Linux From Scratch 13.0 has been released with Linux kernel 6.18.10, and the Maui.Gtk project introduces a GTK4 backend for Microsoft's .NET MAUI. In a separate development, SUSE could be sold by EQT for up to $6 billion, marking another potential ownership change.
Resident Evil Requiem Gets Patch and DLC Plans – Crimson Desert Faces Release Controversies
Capcom has released patch 1.110 for Resident Evil Requiem, fixing technical issues and removing RE-Framework mod support, while also confirming future content including a story DLC, mini-game, and photo mode. Meanwhile, Crimson Desert, an action-adventure by Pearl Abyss, is set to launch on March 19, 2026, but faces controversy over the late addition of Denuvo DRM, limited inventory space, and large download sizes, despite positive early reviews.
OpenAI has unveiled the new AI model GPT-5.4, which integrates native computer control, programming, and complex logical reasoning into a single system. The model outperforms competitors such as Anthropic Opus 4.6 in desktop control and achieves high scores in benchmarks like OSWorld-Verified and GDPval. With a context window of up to one million tokens and dynamic tool search, it reduces token usage and lowers costs. Meanwhile, Anthropic is challenging the U.S. Pentagon’s supply chain risk designation, while Nintendo has sued the U.S. government over tariffs on Switch consoles.
Tuxedo has unveiled the InfinityBook Max 16, a high-performance laptop featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and GeForce RTX 50 graphics card. The device includes a 16-inch display with a 300 Hz refresh rate, an aluminum chassis, and a 99-Wh battery. Configurations range from €1,470 to €2,830, with the AMD version slightly heavier than the Intel model offering an optional OLED display.
The MOVA Spring Sale offers innovative robotic vacuums and mops, as well as wet-dry vacuums, at heavily reduced prices starting at €299. Key models include the V50 Ultra Complete, Z60 Ultra Roller Complete, and the new S70 Roller, with discounts of up to €450. Additionally, the Beatbot Sora 70 pool robot is available with a €150 discount. All offers are time-limited and include accessories and a 3-year warranty.
Microsoft Confirms 'Project Helix' as Next-Gen Xbox with PC Game Support
Microsoft has confirmed the codename 'Project Helix' for its next-generation Xbox, which will support both console and PC games. The device will feature powerful AMD hardware with RDNA 5 graphics and is expected to launch in 2027, though delays are possible due to the DRAM crisis. This marks a shift toward a gaming PC-like console that could signal the end of the traditional Xbox console.
Major Refurbished Laptop Deals: Lenovo ThinkPad T14, HP EliteBook 840, and ProBook 440 Compared
Several robust business laptops are currently available as refurbished models at attractive prices. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 with Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM, and touch screen is priced at €199, the HP EliteBook 840 G8 with Core i5-1135G7 is available until tomorrow for €279, and the HP ProBook 440 G7 with 16 GB RAM is offered today for €229. All models feature long battery life, multiple ports, and Windows 11 Pro, with the ThinkPad standing out for its quiet operation and 15-month warranty.
Epic Games is offering the horror adventure Little Nightmares for free on mobile devices from March 5 to 12, 2026, available on iOS and Android and awarded the 'Editor's Choice' title. Simultaneously, the roguelite game Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is free on the Epic Games Store, including a bonus package of in-game items worth over €100 for Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms. The Turnip Boy offer runs until March 12 at 16:00 and requires a login to Idle Champions to claim the rewards. These promotions highlight Epic Games’ strategy to expand access to high-quality games across platforms.
Lenovo Offers High-Performance IdeaPad Laptops with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD at Competitive Prices
Lenovo is currently offering two premium notebook models at competitive prices: the IdeaPad Pro 5 14AKP10 with an OLED display and Ryzen AI 7, and the IdeaPad Slim 5 16IRH10 with a Core i5-13420H. Both devices feature 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and are tailored for creatives, students, and everyday use. They boast modern specifications such as Wi-Fi 7, high-resolution displays, and expandable storage options.
MSI is offering a free Crimson Desert Steam key with the purchase of select X870E and B850 motherboards from March 6 to April 6, 2026. The open-world action RPG, developed by Pearl Abyss, has now launched on PlayStation and Xbox Series X/S, following strong reception on PC, and impresses in PS5 Pro performance tests with 4K/60 FPS. Meanwhile, the indie horror game Order 13 has also arrived on consoles, adding to the growing roster of new gaming experiences.
Starting with Linux 7.1, the kernel will automatically power off systems upon fatal ACPI errors to comply with standards. AMD has enhanced its AMDGPU and AMDKFD drivers with support for DCN 4.2, GFX 12.1, and 57-bit memory addressing, while also enabling Display Core by default for GCN 1.1 APUs. Linux 7.0 introduced a performance optimization for epoll that boosts network throughput by 1.5% on AMD Zen 2 CPUs. Additionally, AMD has expanded its Ryzen AI Embedded P100 family with 8, 10, and 12-core processors based on Zen 5 architecture, targeting industrial, automotive, and edge computing markets with availability from Q3 2026.
Two quiet Dell Latitude business laptops, one with Intel Core i5-10210U for €170 and the other with Core i5-1145G7 for €229, are currently available as refurbished. Both models run on Windows 11 Pro and feature robust build quality, excellent keyboards, and expandable storage. The newer i5-1145G7 touchscreen model offers enhanced performance and a modern display, while the older model with 8 GB RAM and a weaker screen still provides solid performance for office tasks. Both offers are time-limited and include warranty coverage.
Intel bets on 18A and 14A: AI-driven CPU demand boosts production and profitability
Intel anticipates strong CPU demand, particularly in data centers driven by the AI boom, and plans to increase production of its new Intel 14A and 18A processors. The company aims to make its Foundry division profitable by 2027 through improved yields, advanced packaging, and growing external customer base. Demand for Panther Lake CPUs already exceeds supply, highlighting the strategic importance of these new technologies.
Ubisoft Confirms Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake and Announces Major Franchise Overhaul
Ubisoft has officially confirmed the remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, titled Black Flag Resynced, and released first artwork. The game will modernize the pirate adventure with updated graphics and gameplay systems. Additionally, the combat system of Assassin's Creed Hexe is being overhauled during late development, with a likely 2027 launch. Ubisoft also announced a free 60-FPS patch for Assassin's Creed Unity on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, set for March 5, 2026, as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the franchise.