Tech News
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NVIDIA’s latest drivers hint at Counter-Strike 2 or Counter-Strike Source 2
There once was this free game that quickly became the defacto reason to host a late night LAN party with friends, beer and friendly razzing. The game was called Counter Strike and was one of the games that helped launch Steam as a powerhouse in online game distribution and DRM security.
Since then, Steam has become a go-to source for current hardware trends from actual gamers which help hardware makers determine what people are playing and what platforms they are using.
It would seem that NVIDIA may have leaked a new Counter Strike game by including that profile in their latest driver release. While this sounds a little far-fetched it is not outside the realm of possibility given that these line items that make it past QA are often rather reliable.
My guess is that this is most likely the rumored remaster of CS in Source 2 Engine. After all, it can’t be a sequel to CS as we’d have heard at least something about such a huge project. However, you should temper your expectations. Do not expect this to be a full remake of this classic game.
My guess is that if this is Counter-Strike Source 2, it will only feature QoL improvements (as well as some performance improvements due to Source2 Engine). And yes, I don’t expect higher-quality textures or any Ray Tracing effects.
It will be interesting to see what finally gets released or, if the lines end up getting removed in the next driver drop. Knowing a little about software development and how "overworked/lazy" developers and their QA counterparts can be I wouldn't be surprised either way.
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NVIDIA News: February is Filled With DLSS and Reflex Upgrades for GeForce Gamers
GeForce Gamers continue to reap the benefits of RTX ON Upgrades, with seven new DLSS games and six new Reflex games.
DLSS Performance Upgrades for Seven New Games!
NVIDIA DLSS has revolutionized graphics rendering, using AI and GeForce RTX Tensor Cores to boost frame rates while delivering crisp, high quality images that rival native resolution. And DLSS 3 adds new Frame Generation technology to multiply performance, along with NVIDIA Reflex, for the fastest and most responsive gaming possible.
This month, DLSS arrives in another seven games, including:
- Atomic Heart (launches Feb. 21 with DLSS 3)
- Blood Bowl 3 (launches Feb 23 with DLSS 2)
- Hello Neighbor 2 (updating Feb. 17 with DLSS 2 & Ray Tracing)
- HI-FI Rush (available now with DLSS 2)
- PlanetSide 2 (available now with DLSS 2)
- Returnal (available now with DLSS 2 & Ray Tracing)
- Sons of the Forest (enters Early Access on Feb. 23 with DLSS 2)
- Wanted: Dead (available now with DLSS 2)
Altogether, there are over 270 released DLSS games and apps, giving GeForce RTX GPU, desktop and laptop users significantly faster performance and the best possible image quality, for the definitive experience in every supported title.
Reflex Lowers Latency in World of Warcraft and more!
Over 60 released games now support NVIDIA Reflex, enabling GeForce players to reduce system latency significantly, for the most responsive gaming experience possible on any platform.
Since our last Reflex update, six games have added Reflex technology for their players, giving millions of GeForce gamers a superior experience, including:
- Deliver Us Mars (available now)
- Dying Light 2 Stay Human (available now)
- Hi-Fi RUSH (available now)
- HITMAN World of Assassination (available now)
- PERISH (available now)
- World of Warcraft (available now)
NVIDIA Reflex is used by over 20 million players each month. For the full list of 60+ supported games, click here.
New, Sortable List of DLSS and Ray-Traced Games
We have recently updated our GeForce.com article to provide press and end-users with an easy way to review games with support for DLSS and/or ray tracing. You can check it out here
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G-Wolves Hati-S Plus ACE @ TechPowerUp
Wireless mice have become very popular with computer users, no more cord to get in the way and it matches their new wireless USB enabled headset with 200 channel sound and the worst microphone ever conceved by man.
But, the mouse is still good, so that is nice.
I've never heard of the G-Wolves before but, they seem to be using some good components so, it might be worth checking out, assuming you can find it, at 46g's one gust of wind and you'll lose the thing under your desk.
With the wireless Hati-S Plus ACE, G-Wolves presents an ambidextrous mouse weighing no more than 46 g without any holes. Furthermore, the ACE comes with PixArt's latest PAW3395 sensor, Zippy main button switches rated for 60 million clicks, and pure PTFE feet.
Assuming you can get one, seems the G-Wolves are China based which could account for the company name.
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SilverStone VIDA 240 SLIM All-in-One Liquid Cooler Review @ APH Networks
While I tend to focus on "high performance" cooling solutions they do have some drawbacks that would include noise, cost and size while maybe not delivering all that much more when it comes to performance. One of the biggest challenges when building a system is making sure fans will fit and that the fans you pick will actually do the job.
The Silverstone VIDA 240 Slim addresses these issues by offering "slimmer" components and giving you more room to breathe.
The SilverStone VIDA 240 SLIM is a 240mm AIO cooler that can fit into tight spaces while not sacrificing in performance or features.
Be sure to check out the review for more details about this AIO cooler and how it could be used in yoiur next build.
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MP-9 ModPaste Thermal Compound Now Available
Thermal Paste, Thermal Compound, TIM or whatever you want to call it has become a hot topic in the custom PC world with a new compound being developed for a variety of different cooling needs. These include standard air cooling to harsh temperatures that we would use for Subzero overclocking and even extended usage for high demand servers and workstatsions. These different formulas all bring something unique to the table and show how dedicated some builders can be.
I got word during CES that we will now have a new player in the Thermal Compound market including our friends at ModMyMods. As you may remember, we reviewed their Modwater coolant back in 2020 and found it to be an excellent formula for all types of systems.
MP-9 ModPaste Thermal Compound Now Available
ModMyMods has developed a brand new thermal compound made right here in the USA with international materials! While most thermal compounds are derived from a primarily ceramic, metallic base or silicone. We have developed an effective synthetic industrial oil based compound that is far less electrically conductive while still maintaining a highly effective heat transference between a chip and heatsink/waterblock.
The ModMyMods MP-9 Modpaste comes packaged in a rubber capped borosilicate glass syringe that boasts an impressive three year shelf life, removable, reusable applicator tip and a magnetically closed carrying case.
Features
- Oil Based Thermal Compound
- 3 Year Shelf Life
- Low Electrical Conductivity
- Available in 1g and 2.5g tubes
- Made in USA
- Resealable borosilicate glass tube
- Easy to spread
Properties
- Form: Paste
- Color: Grey
- Odor: Slight Odor
- pH: 6
- Density: 2.6 g/cm3
- Viscosity: 3,000 Pa.s at 22C
- Thermal Conductivity: 9.0 W/mK
- Constant Temperature Range: 50-200C
ModPaste can be purchased from the ModMyMods webstore.
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Razer Basilisk V3 Pro @ TechPowerUp
I got to meet with Razer during CES 2023 and really enjoyed some of the VR accessories they had on display along with this headrest for their line of gaming chairs that had speakers allowing you to have full surround sound from a desktop sound system.
From what I have been told their mice and keyboards are pretty good as is the Basilisk V3 featured in this review.
Being the refresh of 2019's Basilisk Ultimate, the Basilisk V3 Pro has been updated across the board: Razer's latest Focus Pro 30K sensor, 3rd-generation optical main button switches, a highly adjustable scroll wheel, up to 90 hours of battery life, and compatibility with Razer's 4000 Hz HyperPolling Wireless Dongle and MouseDock Pro.
Seems Razer has taken the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" approach but, now with batteries.
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Sound Blaster X5: Make Your Audiophile-grade Headphones Sing
SINGAPUR – 31. January 2023 – Creative Technology today launched Sound Blaster X5, its latest USB DAC and amplifier sound card that ticks all the boxes on a discerning audiophile’s gear wish list. Decked with class-leading components, breakthrough audio technologies, a comprehensive connectivity profile and sporting a premium look and feel in a sleek build, the X5 simply pulls out all the stops as a compelling audio solution like no other.
This is It for Pristine Audio
Sound Blaster X5 personifies the best of Creative’s audio engineering and design expertise, equipped with audiophile-grade components to achieve exceptional audio quality. It is the first Sound Blaster to feature a dual-DAC design - 2 Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs deliver high-resolution lossless playback in 32-bit / 384 kHz over PCM with ultra-high dynamic range of up to 130 dB DNR. These DACs can also decode audio formats in DoP128 and DSD256 for high-fidelity audio streaming. Audio distortion is practically non-existent with an oversampled multi-bit modulator for an incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion rating of 0.00018%.
From studio-grade headphones with impedance of up to 600 ohms, including the most demanding planar-magnetic headphones, to sensitive in-ear monitors with 1 ohm output impedance, Sound Blaster X5 drives them all effortlessly. The award-winning Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplification technology, which is found in the high-end Sound Blaster AE series and Sound BlasterX G6, receives a design upgrade that, coupled with a dual-DAC and dual-Xamp configuration, delivers a fully-balanced headphone output and experience on the X5. A next-level design for audio fidelity makes its debut, using 2 dedicated Xamp circuits that amplifies the left and right channels separately in isolation throughout the entire chain of amplification, effectively eliminating in-circuit interference, noise and cross-talk. What makes the X5 stand out even more is the fact that this type of audio design is a rare find in its price category (sub-US$300).
Audiophiles with a lean to customize their own audio signatures can do just that with the Sound Blaster X5. When connected to the Creative app, they can make adjustments with a 10-band equalization frequency graph, add on Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass or Dialog+, or use CrystalVoice to improve communication quality. When in the mood for gaming, Scout Mode enhances in-game audio cues to highlight details for a competitive edge.
Sound Blaster X5 also supports ASIO 2.2 for low-latency playback and recording, as well as easy access to multiple audio inputs and outputs.
Full Marks for Connectivity
Sound Blaster X5 is a competent audio hub in its own right; its versatility means it is also compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles, DVD players and other living room entertainment systems. There are two-way RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a convenient USB-C audio and power port, as well as a 3.5 mm microphone-in port with an easy-to-access mic gain knob. There is also a 4.4 mm port for studio-grade balanced headphones, and a 3.5 mm port for regular headphones. All 3 ports use premium gold-plated connectors for better performance. It features a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and a dedicated USB-A host audio port for connection to wireless audio transmitters, as well as external USB speakers, headsets and microphones.
With a set of controls designed for an intuitive user experience, Sound Blaster X5’s front-mounted buttons and switches are easy to access and right at the fingertips for the audiophile’s convenience.
Pricing and Availability
Sound Blaster X5 is priced at US$279.99 and is available at the Creative online store.For more information on Sound Blaster X5, visit The Sound Blaster X5 Product Page.
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Noctua introduces NA-FG1 fan grills with offset push-pin mounting
One of the things I loved about "old" computers was modifying them. This was mostly done to increase performance but I did love me a tasty case mod, the smell of fresh paint and the joy of proper airflow.
One item from that era that seems to have fallen out of popularity was the fan grill. These wire devices did an excellent job at keeping animals and "stuff" out of your fans and were available in a variety of styles and sizes. It would seem with the advent of RGB fans and "smarter" end users (*omg I almost fell out of my chair writing that*) it seems we no longer need proper fan protection.
I guess youngsters are having less fan these days!
Noctua has announced the NA-FG1 Fan Grills. These are a wire grill with a raised profile and flat black finish. They are available in sizes ranging from 40mm to 200mm and come with push pin mounting hardware.
Noctua today introduced its new NA-FG1 series of fan grills for 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92, 120, 140 and 200mm fans. Available in sets of 2 (Sx2) or 5 (Sx5) including screws and a tool-free mounting system that can help to reduce turbulence and thereby improve both airflow performance and noise levels, Noctua’s NA-FG1 are premium grade fan grills for the highest demands in acoustic optimization and ease of installation.
“Fan grills may seem like a trivial accessory, but many available solutions can seriously hamper your fans’ acoustics and performance, so we decided to offer our own selection of grills”, explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “Our NA-FG1 use a proven, highly efficient design and top it off with a convenient tool-free mounting system that introduces an extra offset and can thereby help to improve both airflow and noise levels.”
While fan grills may not be the hot thing anymore it is nice to know there are still options to buy them, which has always been a challenge.
Check out the press release on the Noctua website and watch the installatoin video.
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YEYIAN Gaming Presents the Ultrawide 34" 2K SIGURD 4000 Curved Gaming Monitor
VA Panel with 165Hz refresh rate, HDR400, and adaptive-Sync technology fully compatible with AMD FreeSync and NVidia G-Sync
San Diego, California, Jan 31, 2023 - YEYIAN Gaming, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, is proud to announce the market launch of the latest YEYIAN Ultrawide 34" 2K SIGURD 4000 WQHD curved gaming monitor (sku: YMC-VA34-01). YEYIAN SIGURD 4000 is an ultra-thin bezel design with WQHD resolution, delivering excellent resolution and brightness on a LED VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio. It provides gamer-oriented features, including six scenarios presets for optimized screen settings when playing games, watching movies, and a standard text display.
The Adaptive-Sync technology is fully compatible with AMD FreeSync and NVidia G-Sync to ensure every frame is displayed correctly without artifacts or tearing. The monitor is also built using an advanced HDR processing chip to offer more than 16.7 million colors in a higher dynamic range and a broader color gamut for vivid gaming graphic visibility. A 1ms response time combined with a 165Hz refresh rate and Low Blue Light technology ensures that the YEYIAN 34" SIGURD 4000 2K can deliver superior gaming performance for hardcore gaming sessions and content creation.
"The brand-new Ultrawide 34" 2K SIGURD 4000 Curved Gaming Monitor is another masterpiece from YEYIAN. The monitor is built with an advanced VA panel for excellent response time, refresh rate, color accuracy, and performance across a wider range of viewing angles. It was born to bring an immersive panoramic viewing experience with a rock-solid built quality.
Large monitors like our 34" curved ultrawide panel help maintain a high degree of immersion in games and other forms of visual entertainment. Adaptive-Sync technologies such as FreeSync, and G-Sync help to maintain the best visual performance, while YEYIAN's Low Blue Light Technology intends to soothe eye strain for longer and more enjoyable viewing sessions. The YEYIAN SIGURD 4000 also supports showing two different visual sources simultaneously using PIP (Picture-in-Picture) and PBP (Picture-by-Picture) technologies. These practical features are intended to provide the best gaming experience by protecting the gamer and offering comfortable and long-lasting gaming sessions, making it a great monitor for gamers and content creators." explained Frank Lee, the VP of YEYIAN.
Screen tearing is a common annoyance for gamers who love fast-paced FPS and 3D Open World Games. These visual deformations are common with LED panels when the monitor refresh rate differs from the signals sent by the video card. The 34" SIGURD 4000 2K curved gaming monitors feature built-in Adaptive-Sync Technology. It fully supports AMD FreeSync and NVidia G-Sync, allowing AMD or NVidia GPU users to experience a low latency, low flickering, tearing-free, and fast-responding gaming experience. These adaptive-sync technologies also offer frame rate compensation to eliminate unexpected blur motion during movies or high-resolution gaming.
The monitor supports the latest DisplayPort 1.4 x 2 and HDMI 2.0 x 2 for full compatibility with current and future video cards and consoles. The YEYIAN SIGURG 4000 monitor has six preset scenarios: Movie, RTS, FPS, Text, Standard, and general games. These optimized-display screens allow the user to change the monitor settings with a single key press dynamically. The PIP and PBP functions also allow the user options to display two separate visual signals at the same time simultaneously; the real-time videos from their game console and game desktop/laptop can be shared on the same monitor.
The ergonomic design provides a wide angle of tilt and swivels for an ideal viewing position and to prevent users from neck and shoulder discomfort. The tilt angle can allow 5° to the front and 15° to the back. These significant features allow you to work on documents, watch movies, or play games longer and more comfortably.
Backed by a 3-year warranty, the YEYIAN Ultrawide 2K SIGURD 4000 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor is now available in major US e-tailers.
Availability:
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRDJ3JS7
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Thermaltake Presents a New Lineup of CTE (Centralized Thermal Efficiency) PC Chassis
A Leap-ahead in thermal solution design and heat dissipation through increased chassis ventilation
Walnut, California - January 5th, 2023 - Thermaltake - the premium brand for PC Case, Cooling, Power, and memory solutions, is proud to introduce its brand-new CTE (Centralized Thermal Efficiency) lineup of PC cases and will be showcased during CES 2023. Thermaltake's CTE series PC chassis is crafted to offer optimal thermal performance and heat dissipation through increased chassis ventilation. The CTE chassis will be available in three different models and include both TG and Air-focused panels, offering a choice of cosmetic options. Additionally, with the optimization for air, AIO/DIY Liquid cooling, the CTE lineup is intended to deliver a high degree of thermal performance to support the latest graphics cards in the market and future high-performance gaming PC builds.
Key Features of the CTE Series:
- 90 Degree Rotation of the motherboard provides more efficient airflow pathways.
- Full Mesh Airflow and TG Panel options are available.
- Increased Efficiency for Cold Air intake and heat extraction.
- Multiple AIO and LCS radiator mounting locations support up to 420mm.
- Patented rotational PCI-E slots to display graphics cards horizontally or vertically.
- New CT Series Fans are available in black or white and RGB or non-RGB, with new housings.
The new CTE technology by Thermaltake broke through the conventional chassis design with its reformatted internal arrangement. It was created from the ground up with the ever-increasing need for thermal efficiency. This approach provides a robust and efficient airflow path inside the chassis by moving critical heat sources closer to intake and offering a more efficient exhaust path. Furthermore, the abundance of mounting locations for cooling fans and AIO/DIY radiators, up to 420mm in sizing, make the CTE series ideal for all types of cooling, whether water or air. The overall approach has allowed CTE to offer a better and more efficient solution while still providing users with a large amount of customization for building and modding to create unique works of art.With the CTE lineup are the all-new CT series fans, available in both 120mm and 140mm, black or white, and with or without RGB for build compatibility. The CT series fans feature a new-generation PWM motor and hydraulic bearing for unprecedented reliability, combined with a unique blade design to push the air further than a traditional fan, even at speeds under 1500 RPM.
Availability
The CTE series will be available in major retailers starting April 2023Models
C750 Air/C750 TG ARGB, C700 Air/C700 TG ARGB, T500 Air/T500 TG ARGB
