Latest hardware news and stories
AMD Launches Ryzen 5 5500X3D in China, Revitalizing AM4 Platform for Gamers
AMD has launched the Ryzen 5 5500X3D in China, expanding its availability beyond Latin America. The processor, based on Zen-3 architecture, features six cores, 12 threads, and a 3D V-Cache with 99 MB of total cache, making it a cost-effective option for gamers. This release keeps the AM4 platform alive and reinforces AMD’s continued support for the legacy platform, though it remains unavailable in Europe for now.
AMD Zen 7 with 32 Cores and 512 MiB Cache for AM5: New Ryzen AI 400 Processors Show Limitations
AMD is reportedly planning a future Ryzen processor based on the Zen-7 architecture with up to 32 cores and a massive 512 MiB cache leveraging dual CCDs with stacked 3D V-Cache. The chip is expected to launch no earlier than 2028 and will continue using the AM5 socket. Meanwhile, the current Ryzen AI 400 processors (Gorgon Point) for AM5 offer fewer PCIe 4.0 lanes, limiting graphics card bandwidth to PCIe 4.0 x8.
Lenovo Launches Legion 7a: First Gaming Laptop Without Dedicated GPU Powered by AMD Strix Halo
Lenovo has introduced the Legion 7a, the first gaming laptop in its lineup without a dedicated graphics card. Powered by AMD’s Strix Halo platform with integrated Radeon graphics and Ryzen AI Max+ processors, it features a 15.3-inch OLED display and weighs just 1.65 kg. With 180 W USB-C charging and support for up to 128 GB of Unified Memory, the device delivers high performance with efficient power usage.
Amazon and OpenAI have announced a strategic partnership worth over $150 billion, involving investments, the use of Trainium chips, and custom AI model development. OpenAI has also signed an agreement with the U.S. Pentagon to deploy its AI models in classified networks, while implementing safeguards against mass surveillance. Meanwhile, Anthropic is advancing AI capabilities with its free Memory feature for Claude and the discovery of 22 security vulnerabilities in Firefox using its Claude Opus 4.6 model. In parallel, OpenAI has postponed the launch of ChatGPT's adult mode, and performance issues with the GeForce RTX 4090 in Resident Evil Requiem have been resolved.
Resident Evil Requiem runs nearly flawlessly on AMD Radeon RX graphics cards and the Steam Deck under Linux, while Nvidia and Intel GPUs struggle with ray tracing issues and visual glitches. In response, Nvidia released the Geforce Hotfix Display Driver 595.76 to address problems such as visual artifacts in Requiem and crashes in Star Citizen. Based on the Game Ready Driver 595.71, the update aims to improve performance, particularly in pathtracing. The situation highlights AMD's growing compatibility with modern Linux-based gaming platforms.
Resident Evil Requiem on Steam Deck and Linux: AMD Performs Well, Nvidia Releases New Driver
Resident Evil Requiem runs smoothly on the Steam Deck without official compatibility and performs well on Linux desktops with AMD Radeon RX, but suffers from significant performance issues on Nvidia and Intel graphics cards. Ray tracing is not supported on any platform. Nvidia has released the Game Ready driver 595.71 WHQL, featuring DLSS 4 optimizations and support for Resident Evil Requiem, following the withdrawal of version 595.59 due to a fan control bug.
Crimson Desert: 4K with Ray Tracing and PSSR-2 – Performance on AMD and PS5 Pro Tested
Crimson Desert runs at true 4K with ray tracing at approximately 60 frames per second on the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, enhanced by AMD's Ray Regeneration technology. On the PlayStation 5 Pro, the game is expected to deliver 4K graphics at high frame rates with PSSR-2 support. Developer Pearl Abyss has confirmed that console gameplay footage will be released soon. Both platforms aim to provide enhanced visual fidelity and smooth performance for the upcoming action-adventure.
Xiaomi has launched the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro in Germany with 144-Hz displays, featuring powerful processors and versatile accessories. At the same time, the company is offering compelling deals on older models such as the Redmi Pad 2 Pro for just €143 and the Poco Pad X1 and Xiaomi Pad 7 with up to 30% discounts on Aliexpress. This strategy highlights Xiaomi's effort to cater to both premium and budget segments with a diverse product lineup.
Bungie has released its new PvPvE extraction shooter Marathon, set in a science fiction world centered around a destroyed spaceship. The game has reached third place among the best-selling titles on Steam in the US, surpassing Arc Raiders, despite facing heavy criticism over its monetization. Ahead of its March 5, 2026 release, Bungie is conducting a free 'Server Slam' to test servers and matchmaking, while also announcing a major patch and responding to player feedback with planned UI improvements, balance adjustments, and Duo lobbies. Marathon will also be available on last-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles, adding to its accessibility.
BYD Revamps Electric Mobility: 1-MW Charging Stations and Denza Z9GT Launch in Europe
BYD has launched a new era in electric mobility with the Denza Z9GT and a groundbreaking 1-MW charging technology. The electric car, boasting a range of 1,036 kilometers in the CLTC cycle and up to 1,500 kW charging power, promises a revolution in fast-charging capabilities. The company plans to deploy 20,000 charging stations across Europe by the end of 2026, creating the world’s largest megawatt charging network. However, BYD faces challenges in securing European certification for its vehicles.
AMD Readies Linux Ecosystem for Zen 6 EPYC with Enhanced Profiling and Power Control Features
AMD is preparing the Linux ecosystem for its upcoming Zen 6 processors, particularly the EPYC Venice lineup. The company is introducing enhanced instruction-based sampling (IBS) support with features like RIP bit 63 filtering and fetch latency thresholds, along with finer power controls and improved system monitoring via the HSMP Linux driver. These updates aim to provide developers with advanced tools for performance analysis and system optimization.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 and ThinkPad E14 G7 with Core Ultra 5, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD on Sale
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G8 IAL with Core Ultra 5 225U, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD is available for €973, featuring a 16-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1200 resolution, dual-channel memory, USB 4, and a backlit keyboard. The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G7, priced at €1,077.75, offers a 14-inch 2.8k display with 120 Hz, sRGB, and high image quality, along with 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD. Both models are Copilot+ PCs with a powerful NPU, long battery life, and are rated as high-performance business laptops.
Mesa Developers Reach Consensus on AI Policy – Intel and AMD Advance Linux Graphics Drivers
Mesa developers are finalizing an AI policy for their open-source graphics drivers, while Intel and AMD advance Linux graphics support. Intel has submitted Xe3 driver improvements for the Linux 7.1 kernel, AMD has open-sourced the ROCprof Trace Decoder, and ARCTIC Cooling released a Linux fan controller driver. Meanwhile, several Intel kernel drivers have become orphaned due to engineer departures, highlighting ongoing challenges in open-source maintenance.
PS5 Pro Gets Enhanced PSSR Technology: Resident Evil Requiem Debuts First
An enhanced version of Sony's PSSR upscaling technology, based on AMD's FSR 4 and the joint Amethyst project, debuts today in Resident Evil Requiem for the PlayStation 5 Pro. Powered by an improved AI neural network, the technology boosts image quality, particularly in complex textures like hair. Additional games will support the feature starting in March, without requiring a firmware update.
The Trump administration has banned the U.S. military from using AI models from Anthropic, classifying the company as a supply chain risk. OpenAI capitalized on the gap by securing a Pentagon contract for handling sensitive data, sparking criticism over mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Meanwhile, Caitlin Kalinowski, head of OpenAI’s robotics division, resigned after criticizing the company’s military ties. In a separate incident, a Mexican startup incurred over $82,000 in cloud costs within two days due to a stolen Google Cloud API key, highlighting critical security vulnerabilities.
Linux 7.0-rc3 Released: Major Updates for AMD and Intel CPUs, Drivers, and Security
Linux 7.0-rc3 has been released, marking one of the largest release candidates in recent history. It includes significant updates for AMDXDNA Ryzen AI drivers, graphics drivers, and security and performance enhancements for both Intel and AMD CPUs. Linus Torvalds noted the unusually large size due to a backlog of contributions. The kernel will serve as the default for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and Fedora 44, with ongoing testing to stabilize it before the final release.
Lenovo Legion Go Fold: Foldable Gaming Handheld Transforms into Laptop for Mobility and Productivity
Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go Fold Concept, a foldable gaming handheld with a 7.7-inch OLED display that transforms into various modes, including an 11.6-inch laptop. The device combines tablet, laptop, and gaming handheld functions and is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 Pro processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a 48 Wh battery. It features detachable controllers and a POLED display, with a potential launch in 2026 or early 2027. Designed for both gaming and productivity, the concept aims to offer versatile mobility and multitasking capabilities.
Bungie's Marathon Dominates Steam Charts – Beta Hits 143,000 Players Amid UI Criticism
Bungie's new survival extraction shooter Marathon has topped Steam's sales charts, climbing to third place ahead of its official launch. The Server Slam Beta reached 143,000 concurrent players on its first day, earning praise for its gunplay but drawing criticism for its user interface. Despite falling below 100,000 players at launch, the game received positive initial reviews. Meanwhile, Steam is offering deep discounts on other titles including Cities: Skylines, Ruiner, and Aven Colony.
AMD Ryzen AI 400: New Desktop APUs with Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 for AM5 Socket Arrive in 2026
AMD has unveiled the Ryzen AI 400 APUs for desktop PCs, featuring Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics, which will be available in socketed form for the AM5 socket for the first time. The Pro series includes twelve models with TDPs from 35 to 65 watts, based on the Gorgon Point design and equipped with a 50 TOPS NPU. Initially, the processors will only be available in OEM prebuilt systems, not for the DIY market. Additionally, MSI has introduced a new AIO liquid cooling prototype optimized for AMD's AM5 platform.