Latest hardware news and stories
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.
The pirate-themed co-op survival game Windrose, formerly known as Crosswind, launches in Early Access on Steam on April 14, 2026. Combining exploration, base-building, ship crafting, and a dynamic combat system in an open world with around 30 islands and over 100 dungeons, the game has gained immense popularity. Developed by Windrose Crew from Uzbekistan, it boasts over 1.5 million wishlist entries on Steam and promises 50 to 70 hours of gameplay. Following a highly positive reception of its demo, the developers are incorporating community feedback into ongoing updates.
Best Graphics Cards and CPUs for Anno 117: Pax Romana – Performance and Value Compared
A comprehensive comparison of current graphics cards and CPUs reveals that the Radeon RX 9070 XT and GeForce RTX 5060 deliver high frame rates in Anno 117: Pax Romana, while AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus are ideal for smooth gameplay. Although the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti offers the best FPS per euro, it is no longer recommended due to its limited VRAM. Instead, models with 16 GB VRAM such as the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are better long-term choices.
Tech Launches in April 2026: From Gaming Handhelds to Foldables – Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus and More
In April 2026, several major tech launches are set to take place: Xiaomi unveils the Redmi K90 Max and Redmi K Pad 2, OnePlus reveals a gaming handheld and the Ace 6 Ultra, Oppo introduces the Find X9 Ultra, and Motorola launches the Razr Fold. Apple has increased MacBook Neo production to 10 million units due to high demand and is expected to introduce a new dark red color for the iPhone 18 Pro. Meanwhile, Huawei's Pura X Max is emerging as a key inspiration for Apple’s upcoming foldable phone.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x with Snapdragon X2 Plus and 120Hz Display Launched – Priced Below MacBook Neo
Lenovo has launched the new IdeaPad Slim 5x 13Q8Y11 in Europe, a compact 13.3-inch notebook featuring a 120Hz display, up to 32GB RAM, and the powerful Snapdragon X2 Plus processor. The device includes a 54.7Wh battery with 65W fast charging and is priced from €1,249. Meanwhile, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 with Ryzen 5 7535HS, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD is currently available at Computeruniverse for €589, undercutting the Apple MacBook Neo.
Intel Advances AI and Gaming Technology with Partnerships, New Compression Tech, and Quad-GPU System
Intel has announced a strategic partnership with Google to advance AI infrastructure by combining Xeon CPUs with Google’s custom IPUs. The company also introduced Texture Set Neural Compression (TSNC) to reduce memory demands in modern games and compete with Nvidia’s neural texture compression efforts. Additionally, Intel unveiled the Arc Pro B70 in a quad-GPU configuration called Battlematrix, consuming up to 720 watts, though AI inference scaling is non-linear due to PCIe-based communication.
Geekbench 6.7 Adds Intel iBOT Detection – Core Ultra X9 378H Officially Listed
Geekbench 6.7 introduces detection for Intel iBOT to accurately assess performance of Core Ultra 200 Plus processors, as iBOT boosts results through specialized code optimizations. Meanwhile, Intel has officially listed the Core Ultra X9 378H in its ARK database—a mobile Panther Lake chip with 16 cores and Intel 18A lithography—primarily for refined product segmentation.
Asustor Lockerstor 24R Pro Gen2: High-Performance NAS with 24 Bays and AMD Ryzen 7 Pro
Asustor introduces the Lockerstor 24R Pro Gen2, a 4HE rackmount NAS with 24 drive bays and a maximum storage capacity of 768 TB. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745, up to 192 GB of RAM, dual 10-gigabit network ports, and redundant power supplies, it supports advanced features like RAID 50/60, iSCSI, and Docker, making it ideal for professional data centers.