As pointed out by Golden Pig Upgrade (via Wccftech), the chairman announced that the upcoming Nvidia RTX xx60 laptop model is expected to have a 115W TGP, a notable reduction from the 140W TGP of the RTX 40 series. Additionally, it was noted that the whole laptop GPU series would feature GDDR7 memory, which most likely means that the same would go for the desktop parts.

These revelations align with earlier disclosures from a Clevo presentation, which hinted at reduced TGP for certain SKUs within the RTX 50 Blackwell laptop lineup. While the GN22-X11 and X9 SKUs are projected to maintain a TGP of 175W, the X7, X6, X4, and X2 SKUs are anticipated to see a decrease to 115W. Furthermore, the memory bus for the upcoming xx60 laptop GPU is expected to remain at 128 bits, potentially enabling 8 GB of GDDR7 memory.

It's important to note that the maximum TGP spec doesn't include all laptop configurations, with Nvidia's Max-Q models being a good example. The RTX 50 laptop GPU series launch is expected to coincide with the introduction of Intel's Core Ultra 200H, which should happen in early 2025.

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KitGuru says: Do you think this lower power consumption on Nvidia's upcoming laptop GPUs will also apply to the desktop parts?

Starting with the Lenovo Legion Go USB-C dock, it serves as a base station for the Lenovo Legion Go, providing a range of connectivity options, including a 1 Gb RJ45 connection, a USB-C port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port supporting up to 4K at 60 Hz resolution. The Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock is now for €64.99.

Moving on to the Lenovo Legion Go charging connector, it combines the separate TrueStrike controllers into a single, rechargeable unit that you can play with while charging the pads. With a full charge (chargeable via USB-C), the inbuilt battery powers both the left and right TrueStrike controllers. To further enhance your gaming experience with the Legion Go, Lenovo is also launching the Lenovo Legion Go joystick and joystick caps. The textured material improves grip and comfort, preventing your hand from slipping in intense moments. All these accessories will be available beginning in October 2024, with the charging connector costing €59.99 and the pads €9.99.

For gamers on the go, the hard shell, dual-zip Lenovo Legion Go carry case protects the device, with additional space for accessories such as a power adapter, FPS Mode controller puck, and other peripherals. Including a clapboard to protect the screen and an interior zip pocket adds practicality to this carrying solution. The Lenovo Legion Go carry case is coming out in January 2025 for €29.99.

Moreover, the Lenovo Multi-Device Bluetooth mini keyboard complements the Lenovo Legion Go with its compact design and multi-device functionality. The keyboard is compatible with Windows, Android, and iPadOS so that you can use it with other devices you may own. The Lenovo Multi-Device Bluetooth Mini Keyboard is planned to be released in November 2024, priced at €39.99.

Expanding the display options for gamers, Lenovo introduces the 27-inch Lenovo Legion R27qc-30, and the 31.5-inch Lenovo Legion R32qc-30 monitors. Both monitors feature 1500R curved panels with refresh rates of up to 180 Hz and response times of 0.5 ms (MPRT). The 27-inch model covers 120% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3, while the 31.5-inch model offers 112% sRGB. Both monitors have two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a 3.5-mm audio out, and two 3 W speakers. The Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 monitors are expected to be available starting October 2024 for €259 and £349, respectively.

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KitGuru says: Do you own a Lenovo Legion Go? Planning on getting any of these new accessories for your handheld?

These Geekbench entries (via Benchleaks) may have provided the first confirmation of the speculated specifications for the upcoming AMD RDNA4 architecture. While the product is not explicitly named, it is referred to as “GFX1201”, which corresponds to the architectural ID for RDNA4 GPUs. However, it's important to approach this information with caution. The current state of RDNA4 GPU development remains unclear, and the entry could be based on a qualifying or engineering sample, potentially not reflecting the final specifications or clock rates.

According to the Geekbench entries, the RX 8000 GPU could feature 28 CUs, most likely referring to WGPs (Work Group Processors). If that's the case, that would be equivalent to 56 CUs and 3,584 Stream Processors. The listed clock speed of 2,101 MHz is lower than expected, which is not surprising, considering this is likely an engineering sample. Furthermore, the performance scores seem unusually low, making it hard to compare with the alternatives that are now available. Also worth noting is the suggested 16 GB of VRAM. However, the type of memory and its speed are not specified. Previous rumours pointed to the possibility of GDDR6 memory, but it's hard to confirm.

Intriguingly, reports from board partners indicate a shift in focus towards RDNA4 development over new RDNA3 products, hinting at the advanced stage of RDNA4's development. This is supported by the testing configuration, featuring an Intel Core i7-12700F processor and an ASUS B660 motherboard—components typically preferred by board partners for testing purposes.

We previously heard AMD might skip the high-end segment with the RX 8000 series GPUs. Instead, potential options could range from the RX 8800 to the RX 8500 series, based on the Navi 48 (higher CU-count) and Navi 44 GPUs. The GFX1201 ID and core count likely correspond to the Navi 48. According to the latest reports, AMD is expected to unveil its next-gen discrete GPUs at CES 2025.

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KitGuru says: What are your performance expectations for AMD's new generation of discrete GPUs? How do you think they'll compare to RX 7000?

Concord and Helldivers 2 are two multiplayer-focused titles priced at £34.99 and were released on PC and PS5. While Helldivers 2 quickly amassed over 400,000 players on Steam and achieved notable success, Concord has struggled to generate the same level of enthusiasm, as seen by the data from SteamDB.

Several factors contributed to Concord's underwhelming launch. The competitive nature of the hero shooter genre, dominated by free-to-play juggernauts like Overwatch 2 and Valorant (and possibly the upcoming Marvel Rivals), posed a significant challenge. Despite being in development for over eight years, Concord failed to offer anything innovative to set it apart in such a fiercely contested market.

Although Concord has received mostly positive Steam reviews, boasting a 73% approval rating, the limited number of reviews, approximately 500, indicates low player engagement. Furthermore, the game faced additional challenges as it debuted on the same day Valve pulled the curtain on Deadlock, the developer's upcoming MOBA shooter.

Despite the rocky start, the developers remain optimistic about Concord's prospects for recovery. However, the road ahead appears challenging with intense competition and a saturated market.

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KitGuru says: What do you think went wrong with Concord for it to have such a low player count? Should the developers consider a pivot to a Free to Play model to keep up with similar shooters on the market? 

Olden Era is positioned as a prequel to the fantasy saga, offering players a non-linear campaign that delves into the series' origins. The game is set in the continent of Jadame, a location previously mentioned but never before explored in the franchise. Promising a vibrant and dynamic fantasy world with wonders and perils, the Olden Era invites players to construct an empire and engage in tactical battles with heroes and mythical creatures.

The game will introduce distinct factions, biomes, and creatures, all portrayed in a refreshed visual style reminiscent of the series' original art. Additionally, new combat mechanics will be introduced, including active abilities for heroes and creatures, a faction-based perk system, and more. Ubisoft has unveiled five identified factions, with a sixth yet to be disclosed. These factions include Temple (the original Knights), Necropolis (Undead and Vampires), Sylvan (representing the Forces of Nature and Fey Folks), Dungeon (Dark Elves and Underground Creatures), and Hive (insectoids corrupted by Demons).

Among the game's other features are improved AI and difficulty levels, three game modes (solo, co-op, and multiplayer), a random map generator, and in-game editing tools that enable players to share their creations. Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era is scheduled for release in Q2 2025, with an early access phase on Steam for PC.

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KitGuru says: Are you a fan of the series? Are you interested in the Olden Era?

The Zone is powered by the Ryzen 7 8840U, the same silicon found in the Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen 7040 series. Although there are slight differences in NPU performance (or is absent), the underlying architecture for all these chips is Zen 4 and RDNA 3 (Radeon 780M). Power profiles, thermal characteristics, and clock rates are still expected to influence performance.

According to the listings gathered by VideoCardz, the Zone has started appearing in various European countries, including Germany (CaseKing), the UK (Scan), and Poland (X-Kom), priced at €849/£849/zł3,899, respectively. These prices are comparable to the ROG Ally X, which is priced similarly in the same regions.

Based on the Caseking listing, we can expect the Zone to be available on September 12th. However, the Polish store anticipates it will be available on September 23rd. All three retailers are accepting pre-orders.

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KitGuru says: Interested in getting a gaming handheld? Would you consider the Zotac Zone or go for something cheaper?

The Tower 600 features a vertical design with an octagonal prism form. Its distinctive horizontal layout gives it a different look than you usually see in the market. Supporting both regular motherboards and the latest hidden-connector motherboards like the Asus BTF series, MSI Project Zero series, and gigabyte Project Stealth series, the Tower 600 simplifies cable routing and building your system.

The Tower 600 doesn't disappoint in terms of cooling, with support for up to a 420 mm AIO radiator on the right side and a 360 mm AIO radiator on the left. Additionally, it comes with two pre-installed CT140 fans on top and the capacity to accommodate up to thirteen 120 mm fans or nine 140 mm fans, ensuring cooling for high-end systems. The detachable fan brackets also simplify fan installation.

Designed for convenience and flexibility, the Tower 600 has two additional GPU mounts and rotating PCI-E slots, offering various mounting options for graphics cards. Its detachable panel design, featuring three 3 mm tempered glass panels on the front and two perforated panels on each side, allows easy access and maintenance. The chassis also offers ample cable management solutions, including two cable clamps in the rear chamber, velcro straps, and cable ties.

For users looking to enhance the visual appeal of the Tower 600, Thermaltake offers the separately available chassis stand Kit and 3.9-inch LCD kit. The stand kit, comprising a bottom cover and a display stand, enables a distinctive horizontal case arrangement. Meanwhile, using the TT RGB Plus software, the 3.9-inch LCD screen can display GIFs, images, and real-time information about components, time, and weather.

KitGuru says: Do you like The Tower case series design? Which Tower model do you like the most?

Measuring a generous 160 cm (L) x 88.7 cm (W), the G700 RGB gaming desk provides ample space for a dual monitor setup. The dynamic screen glide architecture allows users to adjust the horizontal position of their displays, thanks to the aluminium alloy sliding rail that guarantees durability and stability.

Cable management was also a focus point when designing the G700 RGB gaming desk, as seen from the cable management compartment beneath the desktop, ensuring a clutter-free gaming environment. At the same time, the novel two-piece tabletop design allows convenient access to the cable management compartment without the need to crawl underneath the desk. Moreover, the G700 kit includes two magnetic cable organisers, providing a simple yet effective solution for tidying the cabling.

Designed with user comfort, the G700 RGB gaming desk features a cloth mouse pad surface with a semi-coarse textured weave for precise mouse tracking. The controller panel, equipped with six keys and a digital display, offers convenient operation and allows users to adjust the desk height from 61 to 125 cm. With two height presets, users can easily find their ideal setup for maximum comfort. Additionally, the controller allows you to customise the lighting for the RGB strip.

KitGuru says: Would you consider Thermaltake's G700 RGB gaming desk for your setup?

The AOC Agon Pro AG326UD‘s QD-OLED panel has a 165 Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time (G2G), and a 10-bit colour depth. According to AOC, it can cover the entire sRGB space and 99.3% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. With a typical SDR brightness of 250 nits (100% APL), a maximum SDR brightness of 450 nits, and a peak HDR brightness of 1000 nits, this monitor fulfils the VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification requirements. The monitor also comes pre-calibrated with a ΔE<2 (sRGB).

Regarding ergonomics, the AOC Agon Pro has a fully adjustable stand, offering a wide range of motion, including swivel, tilt, height adjustment, and bidirectional pivot. Connectivity options are pretty good, with one DisplayPort 1.4 input, two HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB 3.2 ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Additionally, the monitor houses two 8W speakers and supports Adaptive-Sync technology.

Furthermore, the AOC Agon Pro boasts various features for gamers, including AOC G-Menu, Game Colour, Shadow Control, Low Input Lag, PiP, PbP, and dynamic crosshairs. To top it off, the monitor comes with Light FX RGB lighting on the back shell, adding a touch of flair to any gaming setup. According to TFTCentral, the display is backed by a 3-year warranty (including brun-in) and is expected to become available in September for around €850.

KitGuru says: Seeing its specs, the new AOC Agon Pro monitor rivals the Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2 and the MSI MAG 321UP. However, it seems it will come cheaper than both, which might be enough to make most prefer the AOC monitor over the other two.

While AMD has not officially confirmed the launch date, HXL, Yuri “1usmus”, and Hassan Mujtaba have all pointed to the revised timeframe. Even with this delay though, it would still be a quicker turnaround compared to previous generations. While we saw a 17-month and 7-month gap between the Ryzen 7 5800X and 7700X and their 3D V-Cache counterparts, the new series would only take six months, assuming the Ryzen 7 9800X3D would release at the same time as the other 9000X3D CPUs.

Anticipated to offer three SKUs with comparable cache capacities to previous generations, the Ryzen 9000X3D series is also expected to introduce enhanced overclocking capabilities, support for DDR5 memory, and “interesting differentiators”.

While we might have to wait a bit longer than we initially expected for the Ryzen 9000X3D series, gamers can look forward to the supposed release of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, scheduled for next month.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you waiting for the Ryzen 9000X3D series to upgrade your system? Knowing it might take longer than expected for its launch, will you consider an Intel Core Ultra 200K or wait for the Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs?

According to Hoang Anh Phu, a reliable source for AMD leaks, the company is gearing up to launch the Ryzen 5 7600X3D as part of the 7000X3D series with 3D V-Cache. This move marks AMD's introduction of 6-core variants into the X3D processor lineup for the AM5 socket.

While specific details such as clock speeds, TDP, and L3 cache capacity are not provided, it's expected that the L3 cache will be around 32MB, complemented by an additional 64MB from the 3D V-Cache, resulting in a combined total of 102MB when counting with the L2 cache.

Considering that the previous 7800X3D was priced at around £330, it's likely that the new SKU will be priced below £300. As per the report, it's expected to launch in early September.

KitGuru says: Considering the performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a 6-core variant, even if it had lower clocks, would likely be the go-to mid-range solution for gaming. That, however, could easily change with the upcoming Core Ultra 200 desktop series, as well as AMD's planned Ryzen 9000X3D processors in 2025.

According to ComputerBase, many motherboard manufacturers said the B850 and B840 series will be available next year. These new AM5-based motherboards will support three Ryzen CPU generations: 7000, 8000, and the newly released 9000 series.

The cost for the new X870 and X870E motherboards has yet to be announced, although that should happen shortly. However, the new boards are expected to be more expensive than the existing 600-series boards, which were released two years ago. The B650(E) models have been especially popular among AMD users since they provide enough PCIe 5.0 lanes for the graphics at a lower price tag than the X670E boards.

Targeted at the mainstream market, the B850 will succeed the B650, allowing CPU and memory overclocking and featuring PCIe 4.0 lanes for graphics (PCIe 5.0 is optional), PCI 5.0 for NVMe storage, and USB 3.2 support (20 Gbps). That puts it on par with the previous X670. As for the B840, it's a new series with restricted PCIe support up to Gen3, USB 3.2 (10 Gbps), and memory overclock capabilities. This will be aimed at the commercial and entry-level sectors, replacing the existing A620.

Because the 800-series boards were not ready for the Ryzen 9000 introduction, all major motherboards have updated their 600-series board to support the new Zen5-based series.

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KitGuru says: If you were to upgrade to a Ryzen 9000 or 9000X3D CPU, which motherboard chipset would you go for?

First, we have the Acer Chromebook 314 CB314-2H, now available for just £149, down from £249. This Chromebook is perfect for everyday work and online studies. If you need more power, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 CB515-2H is £100 off. Equipped with an Intel Core i3 CPU and a 15.6-inch Full HD display, it could be worth getting a bit more performance for users.

For gamers, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 is now £170 off. Packed with a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU, an Nvidia RTX 3050 Laptop GPU, and a 144 Hz display, it's a good choice for an entry-level gaming laptop. Are you looking for something more high-end? The Acer Predator Helios 16 PH16-72 is currently discounted by a whopping £500. Powered by a 14th-generation Intel Core i9 CPU, an RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, and a 16-inch MiniLED display, this gaming laptop is now more accessible for anyone looking for a portable high-end gaming machine.

If a laptop for daily tasks is what you need, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-44P is now £200 off. Boasting an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it offers ample power and storage for your everyday needs. Lastly, the Acer Aspire Vero AV14-52P bundle (includes a mouse, mousemat and sleeve) is now available for eco-conscious folk with a £100 discount. The laptop has an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD.

You can find all of Acer's deals on Amazon, HERE.

KitGuru says: Will you take advantage of any deals on Acer Amazon Week?

The Razer Kraken V4 supports Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB connections, offering support for multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile devices. Featuring the retractable HyperClear Super Wideband Mic inspired by the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, the Kraken V4 offers improved audio capture for more clear and natural communication. Additionally, the headphones boast Razer's TriForce Titanium 40 mm Drivers, promising to deliver an overall good audio quality without compromises.

The Kraken V4 also includes THX Spatial Audio, providing 7.1 surround sound and more realistic positional audio. The headset also features an on-earcup game/chat balancing button, allowing quick adjustments to the volume mix between in-game audio and voice interactions.

The Kraken V4 is the first Razer gaming headset to feature 9-zone earcup illumination powered by Razer Chroma RGB. Capable of displaying up to 16.8 million colours, users can enjoy stunning new lighting effects, such as the “Wheel”, “Starlight”, and “Fire” settings, and customise each lighting zone using Chroma Studio.

In addition to the wireless model, the Razer Kraken V4 X is a wired RGB gaming headset that offers long-lasting comfort and comparable immersive audio qualities. The wireless Kraken V4 is now available for £179.99/$179.99 USD/€199.99. Priced at £79.99/$79.99/€89.99, the Kraken V4 X is set to be available in Q3 2024, providing gamers with more affordable access to Razer's new headset series.

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KitGuru says: Would you prefer the wireless version of the new Kraken V4 or save some and go for the wired model?

This unique graphics card showcases a striking gold and dark blue colour scheme, with magnetically attachable half backplate covers as its standout feature. The default backplate sports a dark blue colour, but users can select from 10 distinct half-backplates, each adorned with artwork from one of the World of Warcraft expansions. These can be combined to the user's liking. It's important to note that these custom backplates cover the exposed part of the heatsink, possibly impacting the card's airflow.

Based on the Gaming Slim model (non-X), the card comes with Nvidia reference clocks as standard: 2475MHz, which can be further boosted to 2490MHz by applying factory overclock settings using MSI Gaming software. MSI has confirmed a retail release for the RTX 4070 Super World of Warcraft Edition for August 26th.

The company will also give away a sample of this special graphics card as part of the “World of Warcraft Memories” event, running from August 26th to September 17th. Players are encouraged to share their favourite WoW experiences and tag relevant MSI social media accounts for a chance to receive this unique edition graphics card at no cost.

Besides the graphics card, participants can also get a copy of the World of Warcraft Collector's Edition. If the event reaches 60,000 participants (which most likely will since it has already crossed the 40,000 participants mark), MSi will also give away a World of Warcraft modded PC.

KitGuru says: Are you planning to participate in the giveaway, or would you prefer to buy the WoW-themed RTX 4070 Super Gaming Slim card directly from a retailer?

The Core Ultra 9 285K is the series' flagship, but mainly because we don't know what Intel has planned for special versions such as the KS series. We know the Core Ultra 9 285K will have a core configuration with 8x Lion Cove P-cores and 16x Skymont E-cores. The CPU won't have hyperthreading; hence, the core and thread counts are 24. According to leaks, Thermal Velocity Boost should allow the CPU to reach 5.7 GHz.

The boost clock speed was validated by thorough Geekbench results (1, 2 via BenchLeaks), which showed clock speeds as high as 5,696 MHz. That allowed the CPU to achieve 3449-3450 in the single-core test and 22,997-23,024 in the multi-core test. The CPU was tested on an Asus ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming motherboard with 64GB of DDR5-6400 memory.

We also have scores for Core Ultra 7 265K(F), a 20C/20T CPU with 8x P-cores and 12x E-cores. The clock speeds are expected to boost up to 5.5 GHz. However, the CPU never exceeded the 4,600 MHz mark during the tests. Still, across the three entries (1, 2, 3), the CPU scored between 3029 and 3080 in single-core testing and 18084 and 18131 in multi-core.

According to the latest reports from the Board Channels (via VideoCardz), Intel will announce its next desktop CPU series on October 10th and release them on October 17th.

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KitGuru says: How much higher do you expect the Core Ultra 7 265K retail samples to score on Geekbench?

The most obvious change in the new variant is the adoption of GDDR6 memory, boasting a clock speed of 20Gbps, in contrast to the GDDR6X's 21Gbps. Despite this alteration, the card remains consistent with the original model regarding clock speeds, memory capacity, and TDP. This latest release is not a new SKU but a modified version of the existing model.

Equipped with an AD104-251 GPU featuring 5,888 CUDA Cores and 12 GB of GDDR6 memory connected to a 192-bit interface, this card exhibits a 5% reduction in memory bandwidth over its predecessor, going from 504 GB/s to 480 GB/s. Nvidia claims that the new variant will deliver “similar” gaming performance, but no specific data or performance charts have been provided to corroborate this.

Scheduled for worldwide release in September, the GeForce RTX 4070 will be fully compatible with the current Game Ready Driver. Like its predecessor, the card is expected to have a 200W TDP and extend support for 12VHPWR and 8-pin power interfaces. Moreover, the MSRP is expected to remain the same as the GDDR6X variant.

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KitGuru says: Do you believe that the performance of the two versions of the RTX 4070 will be similar, or will we see considerable differences in some cases?

The introduction of homesteads in Janthir Wilds offers players a dedicated piece of land to craft their living area, complete with approximately 300 distinct decorative elements and the promise of more in future updates. Additionally, the expansion introduces the Kodan Spear Mastery, marking the first time that all character professions can access a new weapon type and fighting abilities.

Moreover, the Warclaw mount has received an update, allowing for enhanced open-world exploration through a new mastery track, enabling players to navigate the terrain with greater agility and engage in battle with newfound versatility.

Players can also look forward to challenging new content, like the new World Boss event, where up to 50 players will be tested against mighty titans drawn to Janthir's primal energies. The return of Convergences from Secrets of the Obscure adds a layer of intense 50-player instanced gameplay. Excitingly, ArenaNet has committed to delivering further content for Janthir Wilds at no extra cost, promising players a new legendary spear weapon and backpack, additional maps, and the return of raids, offering unique story beats and formidable boss encounters.

Priced at £21.99/$24.99/€24.99, the expansion is now available on Steam and the official Guild Wars 2 website, offering players immediate access to two new explorable maps, namely Lowland Shore and Janthir Syntri.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you play Guild Wars 2? Have you already bought the expansion, or will you wait for more feedback before deciding?

The World of Warcraft Edition Arctis Nova 7 wireless headset is engineered with the Nova Acoustic System, providing HiFi audio and 360° Spatial Audio for an immersive gaming experience. The headset also boasts a 38-hour battery life and ClearCast Gen 2 mic with AI-powered noise-cancelling. Purchasing this headset comes with an in-game mount, the Grinning Reaver.

Next up, the World of Warcraft Edition Aerox 9 Wireless Gaming Mouse offers 18 programmable buttons and a TrueMove Air sensor for precision and accuracy. Its lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for extended gaming sessions. Buyers will receive the Lil'Flameo pet in-game item with this mouse. Then, there's the World of Warcraft Edition QcK XXL mousepad (900x400x2 mm), which features a micro-woven cloth for precise tracking and a non-slip rubber base. This mousepad comes with the Battle Turtle mount in-game item.

Moving on to the Artisan Keycap World of Warcraft Edition, this Sword of Sargeras-inspired keycap comes in limited supply. Each keycap is individually numbered and hand-painted. Completing the collection are the World of Warcraft Edition Booster Packs, offering faction-themed Speaker plates and Headband sets for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and Arctis Nova 7 headsets. The keycap and booster packs come each with the Battle Turtle in-game mount.

Moreover, SteelSeries has integrated video clipping software Moments within World of Warcraft, allowing players to clip, edit, and share their gameplay highlights. The collaboration also introduces an official EQ preset that enhances in-game audio using the SteelSeries Sonar Audio software suite.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of World of Warcraft? Have you liked anything from SteelSeries' new WoW-themed peripheral collection?

To commemorate the renewal of the partnership with Manchester United, Konami and the club have opened up a giveaway to give one lucky fan a chance to win a pair of tickets to every single Manchester United FC home league and domestic cup game during the 24/25 season. You can get into the giveaway HERE.

As part of the renewal of the Konami and Manchester United partnership, the Japanese videogame company will remain the club's official football video game partner. Konami will maintain commercial rights for the eFootball series, including player access, media, and use of official club branding, images, and recreations.

KitGuru says: Will you be participating in the giveaway? Who will you take with you if you win the tickets?

The recently unveiled H5 Flow case upgrades its cooling capacity without compromising its design. The case can house up to eight 120mm fans, with two slots positioned above the mesh PSU shroud to enhance GPU cooling. The top, front, and side panels are equipped with fine mesh to improve ventilation while keeping dust at bay. Moreover, it can support a 360mm radiator at the front and a 240mm radiator on top.

Builders will appreciate the H5 Flow's user-friendly features that streamline the building process and cable management. With extra-wide channels, hooks, straps for effortless wire routing and concealment, and tool-free panel removal, constructing a system with the H5 Flow promises to be a quick and enjoyable experience. The standard H5 Flow has two F120Q (Case Version) fans (front and back). On the other hand, the H5 Flow RGB features an F360 RGB Core (Case Version) fan set in the front and an F120Q (Case Version) in the back. The H5 Flow is priced at £89.99/$129.99, while the H5 Flow RGB variant will retail at £109.99/$149.99.

Moving on to NZXT's latest offering in the cooling department, the Kraken Elite V2, this new AIO liquid cooler series brings many exciting features to the table. One of the standout updates is the enlarged IPS LCD, which is 30% bigger than the one on its predecessor and features a new RGB LED ring. Through the NZXT CAM software, users can personalize their LCD with GIFs, monitor system temperatures, and interact with popular services such as YouTube, Spotify, and Google Photos. Additionally, the RGB auto-sync feature in NZXT CAM allows the RGB LED ring to change colours dynamically based on the on-screen content.

The single breakout wire from the Kraken Elite V2's radiator hub simplifies connections and maintains a clean build. Furthermore, the RGB version comes with NZXT's Single Frame RGB Core fans for a more streamlined installation process. Regarding compatibility, the Kraken Elite V2 includes mounting brackets for various CPU sockets, including the latest Intel and AMD offerings. The Kraken Elite V2 uses high static pressure fans that offer plenty of airflow while maintaining quiet operation at low loads, thanks to the Zero RPM Mode. The addition of NZXT's custom-designed turbine pump provides a high flow rate and high head pressure, delivering efficient and silent CPU cooling.

The RGB-less Kraken Elite V2 will be available with 360mm and 240mm radiators for £259.99/$294.99 and £209.99/$239.99. The RGB variants, regardless of colour, start at £229.99/$259.99 for the 240mm radiator model, moving up to £239.99/$274.99 for the 280mm model and £279.99/$319.99 for the 360mm radiator.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of NZXT's new PC components? If so, which ones?

While the promotion details are still emerging, this new offer is a departure from the standard game promotions typically tied to specific high-value components such as GPUs, CPUs, and motherboards. Even if you're in the market for a new set of peripherals, you might be happy to know that you can get a digital copy of Star Wars Outlaws bundled with a keyboard and/or mouse.

The following MSI products will be eligible for getting a digital copy of Star Wars Outlaws:

• MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 PSU
• MAG Pano M100R PZ PC case
• MAG Coreliquid I360 White AIO liquid cooler
• MPG 321URX QD-OLED monitor
• RadiX AXE6600 WiFi 6E Tri-Band gaming router
• Vigour GK71 Sonic series keyboards
• Clutch GM51 Lightweight mice series

While it's unclear whether standalone purchases of items such as gaming keyboards and mice will qualify for the free game offer, the diversity of items featured in the promotion suggests plenty of ways to get a free game code.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on picking up any MSI hardware soon? Will you be taking advantage of the Star Wars Outlaws bundle? 

According to Benchlife, at the top of the lineup sits the Core Ultra 9 285K, equipped with 8x Lion Cove P-cores and 16x Skymont E-cores. Promising impressive performance, the 285K is expected to reach speeds of up to 5.7GHz using Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) technology. Notably, the 125W TDP model will also be available in 65W (285 non-K) and 35W (285T) variants, with base frequencies ranging from 2.5GHz to 1.4GHz.

Rumours suggest the Core Ultra 7 tier will comprise five models, including F and KF versions (no integrated graphics). This lineup is expected to boast 20 cores, with boost clocks up to 5.5GHz (TBMT 3.0). Adding to the lineup, Intel is set to introduce new Core Ultra 5 models with up to 14 cores and 5.2 boost clock speeds (TBT 2.0). The table below details the specifications of the upcoming lineup

The leaked 200-series lineup notably lacks any mention of Core (Ultra) 3 variants, suggesting that these may be introduced later. Intel's plans point to an initial release of the Core Ultra 200 series on October 10th, with K and KF variations expected to be the first to come out. The non-K and T-Series variants should come in early 2025.

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KitGuru says: If this line-up is accurate, do any of Intel's upcoming CPUs interest you?

The report comes from Globes (via VideoCardz). While the timeline for releasing this rumoured GPU remains uncertain, note that such developments typically span several years. Moreover, there is no information on whether the GPU is in the early stages of development or if it has progressed to advanced testing phases.

Reports suggest that ARM's new GPU is expected to target gaming and AI applications. However, whether it will be integrated into mobile devices or aimed at desktop systems remains unclear. Qualcomm has developed GPUs in the past but never dedicated ones.

This development comes two years after Nvidia's failed attempt to acquire ARM, sparking speculation about the potential outcome had the acquisition gone through. However, Nvidia's ongoing involvement with MediaTek has kept the chipmaker in the game.

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KitGuru says: Do you think ARM could compete in the desktop GPU market? The hardware is just one side of the coin, good drivers will also be needed. Intel's first-generation desktop graphics cards, for instance, have improved tremendously since launch through more mature drivers.

The Core Ultra 200K series will feature two 24-core variants, the Core Ultra 9 285K and Core Ultra 9 275, both equipped with 8x Lion Cove P-cores and 16x Skymont E-cores. According to Jaykihn, the qualification sample of one of these processors (most likely the Core Ultra 9 285K) can reach a maximum clock speed of 5.7GHz using TVB (Thermal Velocity Boost), a 1.0GHz increase over the previous Engineering Sample. Moreover, the leaker stated that this same qualification sample can push all P-cores to 5.4GHz and all E-cores to 4.6GHz.

Overall, it seems the new processors will clock under their predecessors. However, note that clock speed isn't everything when discussing CPU performance. As the Geekbench results we've shared previously show, the upcoming processors will probably outperform their older counterparts.

Intel was expected to announce the desktop Core Ultra 200K CPU series in the upcoming Innovation 2024, which has been scrapped due to the company's cost-cutting efforts. However, the company confirmed its plans to return to hosting Innovation in 2025. As for the CPUs, these should still be announced later this year and released soon after.

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KitGuru says: Do you think the maximum clock speeds will increase on the retail samples of the Core Ultra 200K series processors?

Under the hood of the Core HS, there's an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, featuring an 8-core Zen 4 CPU with a 12-CU RDNA 3 integrated graphics. The hardware is complemented by Ayaneo's software, Ayaneo Space 2, providing additional functionality such as overlays and power profile switching to the handheld. The console will come with Windows 11 Home pre-installed.

Configurable to handle a TDP of up to 28W and accommodate M.2 2280 SSDs up to 4TB, the Core HS also features LPDDR5X-7500 memory, an SD card reader, and a 46.2Wh battery (12000 mAh). Moreover, it supports WiFi 6E and two USB4 Type-C ports.

The pricing for the Core HS starts at £499 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. The top-tier configuration with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage is available for £599. However, Antec is currently running a promotion that gets you the 32GB model and additional accessories, such as a carrying case, screen protector, and docking station, for the same price. All these accessories can be bought separately.

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KitGuru says: Do you think the Antec Core HS will compete well against other handhelds on the market? 

HardwareUnboxed was hot on the case when it came to Ryzen 9000 performance and the disparity between independent tests and AMD's own benchmarks. After further discussions, an unusual Windows bug was discovered, which could be impacting performance, particularly in games.

It appears that the gaming performance of AMD's Zen 5-based CPUs could be affected by system account privileges. Allegedly, inadequate account privileges may lead to reduced gaming performance, even for local administrator accounts. AMD suggests using the hidden administrator account to ensure you have the correct privileges to maximise gaming performance.

HardwareUnboxed's recent assessment showed a gaming performance boost when using a new account, with the Ryzen 7 9700X particularly impacted. Despite AMD claims that only Zen 5 CPUs were affected, HardwareUnboxed also decided to test the Ryzen 7700X, which also gets a performance boost, albeit a smaller one, in the same conditions.

Testing 13 games at 1080p resolution, HardwareUnboxed observed a 3.8% performance gain for the Ryzen 9 9700X and a 2.6% rise for the Ryzen 7 7700X when a fresh account was used. AMD also advised reviewers to ensure proper provisioning when switching CPUs by upgrading or reinstalling chipset drivers or, ideally, performing a new installation of Windows. The issue seems specific to gaming and is yet to be confirmed by Microsoft, but AMD stated it would be fixed in an upcoming Windows update.

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KitGuru says: Although 3.8% isn't much, it's always nice to get a free performance upgrade. Hopefully, it won't take long before Microsoft fixes this bug.

PBO Enhanced Mode takes AMD's PBO to the next level by fine-tuning the CPU for enhanced performance. For instance, activating PBO on a Ryzen 9 9950X can result in a roughly 5% performance increase in Cinebench R23, while MSI's PBO Enhanced Mode can further elevate this uplift to 10%. Compared to default settings, the Ryzen 7 9700X could see a significant performance boost of up to 15%, as seen in the first set of graphs below.

Like its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X, the new Ryzen 9 9950X can reach 95°C under full load. With MSI's Set Thermal Point, users can choose one of three temperature limit options: 85°C, 75°C, and 65°C. These options will lock the max temperature to the selected value, marginally decreasing performance in exchange for considerably lower temperatures. For instance, with the Ryzen 9 9950X, the data shared by MSI shows that choosing the 85°C thermal point can effectively control the temperature while maintaining or even slightly enhancing performance thanks to MSI's optimisations.

Then there's MSI's High-Efficiency Mode, which optimises memory settings to minimise latency and elevate performance in specific applications. With four presets (Tightest, Tighter, Balance, and Relax), users can select the most suitable setting based on their memory's overclocking capabilities.

High-Efficiency Mode can also be combined with AMD's Optimized Performance Profile (DDR5-6000 CL30-38-38-96), designed for memory sticks with Hynix chips, and MSI “Memory Try It!”, which offers multiple overclocking combinations for common memory chips.

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KitGuru says: Are you planning to get a new Ryzen 9000 series processor and pair it with an MSI 600-series motherboard? Will you try these features or do you prefer to manually tune the CPU yourself?

The Titan RX RGB uses a FlowDrive cooling engine powered by a three-phase motor to deliver superior performance, enhanced power efficiency, quieter operation, and increased flow rate compared to its predecessors. Paired with a precision-engineered cold plate that ensures optimal contact with the CPU's integrated heat spreader, these coolers consistently achieve lower temperatures under all conditions. Moreover, they're equipped with Corsair's recently launched RX RGB fans, explicitly designed for high airflow and static pressure essential for radiator cooling.

Adding to the visual spectacle, the RX RGB fans are coupled with the new pump cap with 20 individually controllable RGB LEDs. In addition, the Titan RX RGB coolers allow users to customise their cooler with CapSwap modules, providing flexibility in altering the cooler's design or functionality without needing tools. These modules include options such as the 3D Groove module, the VRM fan module, and the LCD Screen module.

As the name suggests, these new coolers are compatible with Corsair's iCue Link technology, which enables seamless connections and cable management. The Titan RX RGB offers compatibility with various Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel LGA 1851/1700 and AMD AM5/AM4. With radiator diameters up to 360mm, this cooler can accommodate even the most demanding CPUs. The iCue Link Titan RX RGB has a six-year warranty and is now available. The 240mm model costs £149.99, the 280mm model £169.99, and the 360mm model costs £179.99. Pricing is the same regardless of colour.

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KitGuru says: Although expensive, few AIO liquid coolers have an RGB lighting system as good as iCue Link. That alone might convince some to get this cooler over others on the market.

It's important to note that the two findings are based on different Geekbench versions (5 and 6), making direct comparisons challenging. Still, we can compare the results with those of older processors. The Core Ultra 5 was tested with a Colorful iGame Z890 Ultra and the Core Ultra 7 was tested with a Gigabyte Z890 Aero G. Both systems had 32GB of memory (unspecified speeds).

Based on the available information, the 245K looks to outperform the Core i5-14600K by 11% in single-core tests and by 4% in multi-core tests. On the other hand, the Core Ultra 7 265KF is projected to outperform the Core i9-14900K in single-core testing and perform similarly in multi-core tests to the Core i7-14700KF and the Ryzen 9 7950X.

It's also worth mentioning that while the Core Ultra 7 265KF may lag behind AMD's newest 9700X in single-core tests, it is expected to deliver better multi-core performance. However, without the complete system specifications (memory, overclocked or not, etc), it's too soon to draw conclusions.

The Core Ultra 7 265KF uses a 20-core configuration comprising 8 Lion Cove P-Cores without hyperthreading and 12 Skymont E-Cores. Based on the latest benchmark entry, the maximum clock speed is reported to be 5.5GHz. On the other hand, the Core Ultra 5 245K CPU packs 14 cores, including 6 Lion Cove and 8 Skymont cores. The former boosted up to 5,141MHz.

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KitGuru says: Were you expecting higher scores from these processors on Geekbench, or are they within your expectations?