Latest hardware news and stories
Intel Xeon 6 Powers NVIDIA DGX Rubin NVL8: High Performance Without NVLink
The Intel Xeon 6 serves as the x86 host CPU in NVIDIA’s new DGX Rubin NVL8 system, despite lacking NVLink support. The processors leverage technologies such as Priority Core Turbo to efficiently manage data processing for the eight Rubin GPUs. This integration combines high-performance computing with advanced AI capabilities, targeting next-generation AI workloads and data center applications. Even without NVLink, the platform remains powerful and scalable.
Cities: Skylines 2 has received a major free patch featuring new features such as a zoning toggle, the Iceflake Arena, two Creator Packs, and two radio stations. Development has shifted to Iceflake Studios after Colossal Order admitted that the Unity engine was overestimated, causing significant development challenges. The update also includes multiple bug fixes and introduces a new in-game encyclopedia. Developers are committed to ongoing improvements and fixes.
Fake CPU Scandal Spreads: Ninkear A15 Pro Also Allegedly Equipped with Faked Ryzen 5 7430U
There are growing indications that the Ninkear A15 Pro was also shipped with a fake AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, which is actually a lower-spec Ryzen 5 5500U. The suspicion is that the supplier, Emdoor Digital, may have been deceived or may have committed the fraud, while manufacturer Chuwi could have been a victim. However, confirmed evidence remains lacking, and investigations are ongoing.
Oppo Unveils Find N6: A Foldable with 200 MP Camera, Near-Invisible Fold, and 6,000 mAh Battery
Oppo has unveiled the Find N6, a foldable smartphone featuring a 200 MP main camera, an 8.12-inch bezel-less display, and a 6,000 mAh battery in a 4.2 mm thin body. The device uses an improved hinge mechanism and Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass, designed to endure up to 600,000 folding cycles. Oppo also announced a second-generation 50W magnetic wireless charger compatible with iPhones and MagSafe-enabled Android devices. The Find N6 is available in China but not planned for European markets.
OnePlus Nord 6 Expected to Launch in April 2026 with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and 9,000 mAh Battery
The OnePlus Nord 6 is expected to launch worldwide in early April 2026, based on the previously released OnePlus Turbo 6 in China. It will feature a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 165 Hz refresh rate, a 50 MP Sony main camera, and a 9,000 mAh battery. The device will be available in India in two storage variants and in Black, Mint, and Silver, potentially at a higher price than its predecessor. Additionally, the OnePlus Watch 4 is anticipated with minimal hardware changes but possible improved IP69 water resistance and multiple variants.
Reddit User Gets $1,000 AMD PC Build for $87 – Newegg Accepts Pricing Error
A Reddit user managed to order an AMD PC build with a Ryzen 5 7600X, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and a motherboard for just $87 due to a pricing error in Newegg’s configurator. The retailer accepted the order and shipped the components before the glitch was resolved. The incident sparked widespread discussion in the tech community and highlighted the consequences of software errors in e-commerce platforms.
A new Oppo flagship tablet, likely the Oppo Pad 5 Pro with model number OPD2511, has been revealed in leaks and is expected to launch in April 2026 in China alongside the Find X9 Ultra. It will feature a 13.2-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and 67W fast charging. Meanwhile, OnePlus is reportedly planning to withdraw from Europe and the US by April 2026, focusing on China and India. In China, Oppo, OnePlus, and Vivo have announced price hikes, while Xiaomi is set to launch the 18 Pro with dual 200MP cameras and a 7,000mAh battery.
New Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Motherboards and Competitive Lenovo IdeaPad Deals Compared
MSI and Gigabyte are set to release new motherboards for Intel's Core Ultra 200S Plus processors in the second quarter of 2026, featuring Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt, and CQDIMM memory support. Meanwhile, Lenovo offers competitive deals on its IdeaPad lineup, including a 13.3-inch model with Ryzen 7 for €599 and a 14-inch OLED variant with Core 7 for €799. These products cater to students, professionals, and power users with varying performance and portability needs.
MSI has released a new BIOS for the MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi to fix a long-standing PCIe throttling issue on AM5 platforms, which has affected users for months. Meanwhile, the HammerHAI supercomputer at HLRS, powered by HPE and Nvidia, will deliver over 15 AI exaflops and become operational in 2026 as part of the EuroHPC JU initiative. In parallel, Bcachefs 1.37 has launched with Linux 7.0 support, stable erasure coding, and new commands, enhancing data redundancy and system management. These developments highlight key advancements in hardware, AI infrastructure, and storage technology.
Linux 7.1: Enhanced Power Management, Expanded Hardware Support, and Improved API Documentation
The Linux 7.1 kernel introduces significant improvements, including a unified C-states table for Intel Panther Lake processors to enhance power management, enhanced support for AMD Ryzen AI NPUs, and preparation for UHBR DP tunnels in the Intel graphics driver. It also removes UDP-Lite to streamline networking code, integrates HID drivers for the Lenovo Legion Go gaming handhelds, and advances the Linux Kernel API Specification Framework beyond the RFC stage. These updates improve performance, hardware compatibility, and kernel documentation.
Mesa 26.1 Advances Mesh Shading, PowerVR Support, and PS5 Porting
Mesa 26.1 delivers major advancements in the open-source graphics driver landscape: LLVMpipe now supports mesh shaders and GLSL 4.60, Imagination's PowerVR Vulkan driver integrates seamlessly with Zink OpenGL, and initial patches have been submitted to support the Sony PS5 GPU. These updates significantly expand compatibility and performance across Linux graphics systems.
Apple has released comprehensive security updates for older iOS and iPadOS devices from 2014, patching critical vulnerabilities including the Coruna exploit. Alongside, the company introduces new security architecture like 'Background Security Improvements' and rolls out iOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, and other OS updates featuring new emojis, AI-powered features, and battery life optimizations. In the EU, Apple allows sideloading since 2024, while chat surveillance negotiations have failed. The updates also serve as a precursor to WWDC 2026.
Battlefield 6: Free Trial Launches March 2026 with New Map and Season 2 Debut
Electronic Arts announces a one-week free trial for Battlefield 6 from March 17 to 24, 2026, featuring the new Hagental-Basis map in the Bavarian Alps and various game modes from Season 2 'Nightfall'. Players can carry over their progress to the full version, with the update also introducing new weapons, motorcycles, and improvements to vehicles, AI, and user interface.
Electric mobility is surging with new models from Volkswagen, BMW, Xiaomi, and vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dreame. The Volkswagen ID.3 Neo introduces Vehicle-to-Load technology and extended range, while the BMW i3 2026 sets new benchmarks with 900 km range and 400 kW charging. The Dreame Nebula Next 01X features the first series-produced solid-state battery and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 1.8 seconds, and the Xiaomi SU7 2026 offers up to 902 km range with 800-volt technology. In 2025, global oil consumption dropped by 1.7 million barrels daily due to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in Asia.
Mesa 26.0.2 and Linux Updates: AMD, Valve, and Old Radeon Cards in Focus
The Linux graphics driver landscape is seeing a wave of updates: Mesa 26.0.2 delivers numerous bug fixes for Intel, AMD, and legacy Radeon cards, while AMD announces its Ryzen AI Embedded processors with Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 for automotive and industrial use. Valve is exploring enhanced per-game optimizations for the RADV driver, and D7VK 1.5 completes support for legacy Direct3D APIs via Vulkan. Meanwhile, the distributions EndeavourOS and CachyOS have released new versions featuring the latest drivers.
The new EndeavourOS 2026.03.06, named after the moon Titan, is based on Linux kernel 6.19.6 and introduces installer improvements such as Vulkan driver support and enhanced hardware detection. Meanwhile, Intel’s Compute Runtime 26.09.37435.1 delivers new features and performance optimizations for Intel graphics hardware on both Windows and Linux, including multi-device support and future platform readiness. These updates collectively enhance user experience and graphics performance across modern computing environments.
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has unveiled the SU7, a high-performance electric sports car targeting the Tesla Model 3, while Leapmotor is preparing to challenge the VW ID.3 and BYD Dolphin in Europe with its new A05 compact EV. In the US, electric vehicle prices may rise due to increased costs for chips, batteries, and materials, while a surge of used Teslas from expiring leases could flood the market and threaten new car sales.
Chuwi CPU Scandal: CoreBook Laptops with Fake AMD Processors
Chinese manufacturer Chuwi is under suspicion for using counterfeit AMD Ryzen processors in its CoreBook X and CoreBook Plus laptops. Instead of the advertised Ryzen 5 7430U (Zen-3), the devices contain the older, less powerful Ryzen 5 5500U (Zen-2), leading to price and performance manipulation. The company confirmed the use of older chips, citing leftover stock from various production batches, and has launched an internal investigation. BIOS and system tools mislead users about the actual CPU, suggesting deliberate falsification.
Sony announced several major updates for the PlayStation platform in March 2026. These include the release of AAA titles such as Madden NFL 26, Metal Eden, and Persona 5 Royal for PlayStation Plus starting March 17, expanded support for the enhanced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) in games like Silent Hill f and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and a temporary PlayStation Network outage. Sony also confirmed that frame generation technology will arrive eventually, while an insider downplayed the likelihood of a dedicated PlayStation PC launcher.
As global memory prices continue to rise due to supply chain disruptions and high demand from the AI sector, Australian retailers are refusing to replace defective Corsair DDR5 RAM modules, citing financial benefits from price increases. DDR5 memory prices have surged over 400% and are not expected to normalize until 2028, according to analysts. In response, Taiwanese manufacturer V-Color has launched 1+1 DDR5 kits featuring a real memory module and an optical RGB filler module, offering gamers a cost-effective and visually appealing way to upgrade their systems.