Latest hardware news and stories
A new tuning method enables direct access to the voltage and power regulators of the Radeon RX 9070 XTX via the PCGH-i2c tool, delivering real performance gains without hardware modifications. Meanwhile, another article compares the power consumption and efficiency of AMD and Intel processors in 2026, with an efficiency index based on benchmark data, analyzing differences in power usage, particularly the roles of TDP, PPT, TDC, and PL2, including the Ryzen 7 9850X3D.
AMD Dominates Q4 2025: Ryzen and Epyc Shares Rise, Server Market Leads
In Q4 2025 AMD captured a 35.4 % share of the CPU market, taking market share from Intel’s Core, Core Ultra and Xeon lines. Desktop sales rose to 42.6 % of revenue, while server and mobile shares climbed to 41.3 % and 26 %, respectively – notably a 41.3 % server revenue share that solidifies AMD’s leadership over Intel. The data point to a long‑term strategy focused on higher‑end configurations and chiplet technology, with new Epyc‑9006 CPUs for HPC and AI expected in 2026.
AMD Releases Adrenalin 26.2.1 Driver and Advances openSIL Firmware for AM5 Motherboards
AMD has released the optional Adrenalin 26.2.1 driver, adding support for Nioh 3 and Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, along with fixes for graphics glitches and crashes. The driver is compatible with Windows 10 and 11 and supports all Radeon graphics cards from the RX-5000 series onward. Meanwhile, AMD's openSIL open-source firmware project is advancing on consumer AM5 motherboards, with a proof-of-concept implementation on MSI's PRO B850-P board using Coreboot. The initiative aims to replace legacy AGESA firmware and support future AMD Zen 6 processors, though it remains experimental and unsuitable for production use.
The article provides comprehensive tuning and efficiency tips for AMD's Ryzen processors—including the 9950X3D, 9800X3D, 5800X3D, 7800X3D, 5700X3D, and 7500F—with detailed guidance on overclocking, RAM tuning, and cooling for optimal gaming performance. Additionally, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero is reviewed as a high-end AMD-based motherboard, introduced as a refresh model featuring improved VRM, a redesigned UEFI interface, and new features such as 10 GbE LAN and an AIO connector. Targeting advanced users, the board offers enhanced specifications for demanding applications and is built for the AM5 socket. Together, these topics cater to enthusiasts seeking peak system performance and customization.
AMD and Gigabyte Launch Crimson Desert Game Bundle with Ryzen and Radeon Hardware
AMD has launched a promotional campaign offering the game Crimson Desert with qualifying Ryzen and Radeon hardware, including RDNA 4 graphics cards and Ryzen 9000X3D processors. The promotion runs from February 10 to April 25 and includes products from partners such as MSI, Acer, ASUS, and Gigabyte. Customers who purchase eligible devices will receive a redeemable game code until May 23. In collaboration with Pearl Abyss and hardware partners, the campaign aims to enhance gaming performance through advanced technology.
Intel Nova Lake-S: 52-Core 700W Processor May Require Special Motherboards and Cooling
Intel's upcoming Core Ultra Series 4 'Nova Lake-S' processor, featuring 52 cores (16 P-cores and 32 E-cores), can draw up to 700 W under full load when power limits are disabled. Expected to be part of a new Core X lineup, potentially branded as 'Core X9', it may only be supported by select motherboards due to thermal and power constraints that limit performance. The chip's extreme power consumption poses significant cooling and power delivery challenges for system builders and users alike.
Intel Drops Core Ultra 9 290K Plus, Focuses on 270K Plus and 250K Plus – Reviews Set for March 23
Intel has dropped the announced Core Ultra 9 290K Plus from its Arrow Lake refresh and is instead focusing on the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, both featuring more cores. Reviews for these two CPUs are scheduled to be released on March 23. Meanwhile, Intel announces the Core Ultra series with the 270K Plus and 250K Plus models for March, while the top-tier 290K Plus remains a potential flagship despite rumors of its discontinuation. Across the community, speculation continues around an Nvidia RTX‑5090 Ti/Titan, likely to hit the market only in the fall and currently existing only as a prototype.