From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
Razer Releases Naga V3 Pro Gaming Mouse with Upgraded Sensor and More Buttons
Razer has released the Naga V3 Pro, an updated version of its multi-button gaming mouse, featuring up to 23 programmable buttons and Razer's Focus Pro 50K gen-3 optical sensor. This update provides gamers with a new option for a versatile, high-performance mouse, particularly for MMOs and other games benefiting from extensive button customization.
Undersea Cable Rerouted to Avoid Harry Potter Filming Location After Fan Complaints
The Greenlink Connector, a $580 million undersea power cable between Ireland and Wales, was rerouted after Harry Potter fans protested its planned path through the Freshwater West filming location of Dobby's grave. The project manager was unaware of the site's significance to fans, leading to hundreds of complaints that ultimately changed the cable's route. This incident highlights the unexpected influence of cultural landmarks on infrastructure projects.
Modder connects Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU to Steam Machine, achieves over 100 FPS in Crimson Desert
A Redditor successfully connected an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU to a Steam Machine using an M.2 to OCuLink adapter and an external dock, relocating the boot drive to a USB-C port. This modification allowed the Steam Machine to run Crimson Desert at over 100 frames per second on high settings, demonstrating a method to significantly upgrade the graphical performance of the compact gaming PC.
DIY Modder Creates Stirling Engine-Powered Computer Running Tetris on 150mW
A Reddit user developed a microcomputer powered by a miniature Stirling engine, capable of running simple games like Tetris, Snake, and Pong. This project demonstrates an off-grid computing device operating on a minimal power budget of 150 milliwatts.
Noctua finds over half of tested PC cases misstate CPU cooler clearances
Noctua conducted its own measurements of over 100 PC cases and found that 56 of them had significant deviations from officially listed CPU cooler clearance specifications. These inaccuracies can lead to either missed opportunities for larger coolers or compatibility issues where components do not fit as expected.
Modder uses 3D-printed block for direct-die liquid cooling on RTX 2060 Super, achieving 28°C
A modder successfully implemented a direct-die liquid cooling solution on an RTX 2060 Super GPU using a 3D-printed block, resulting in load temperatures of 28°C. This experimental method bypasses traditional metal water blocks by pumping coolant directly over the GPU silicon, demonstrating a novel approach to GPU cooling.
Yusuke Endoh Creates Piet Quine: A Self-Replicating GIF Image Program
Yusuke Endoh developed a "Piet Quine," a GIF image that functions as both a program and its own visual output, meaning the GIF code prints an exact copy of itself. This technical achievement combines esoteric programming language Piet with the concept of a Quine, a program that reproduces its own source code.
Micron initially offered low reimbursement for Crucial RAM warranty claim, later improved offer
Micron initially offered a customer a refund based on the original purchase price for a faulty Crucial RAM module, which amounted to only 37% of the current market value. After further communication, Micron provided an improved offer, addressing the customer's concerns about the low payout.
Owner of Intel 8080 Rubylith mask seeks restorer for historical artifact
The owner of an original Intel 8080 Rubylith mask, a pre-production layout of the 2 MHz CPU, is seeking a restorer for the artifact. This hand-crafted item represents a significant piece of computing history, showcasing the manual design process before CAD tools.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein now available uncensored in Germany after 24 years
Bethesda Deutschland announced that Return to Castle Wolfenstein is now available in its original, uncut form in Germany. This release ends a 24-year censorship period due to strict German laws regarding Nazi symbolism in video games, which previously required modifications to the game's content.
Pulsar Releases Feinmann F01 Noctua Edition Gaming Mouse with Integrated Hand Cooler
Pulsar has released the Feinmann F01 Noctua Edition, a gaming mouse featuring a built-in 40mm Noctua fan designed to cool the user's hand. This collaboration with Noctua integrates a unique cooling feature into an eSports-oriented mouse, offering a distinct design and functionality at the same price point as the original F01.
Atari ST Public Floppy Database, originally for SidecarTridge, is now publicly accessible
The Atari ST Public Floppy Database, initially designed for the SidecarTridge hardware add-on, is now openly available online for browsing, searching, and downloading .ST disk images. This provides a resource for Atari ST enthusiasts using emulators, other hardware, or original machines to access classic and homebrew software.
NASA Modified ISS Laptops with Standardized Power Connectors to Reduce Weight and Failure Points
NASA modified laptops for the International Space Station (ISS) by replacing modem ports with a standardized 'cannon plug' power connector. This standardization eliminated the need for multiple chargers, reducing weight and potential failure points on the ISS.
Modder converts Steam Controller haptic motors into stereo speakers using custom HID tool
A modder named Pixel1011 developed "Steam Haptics Player," a tool that repurposes the haptic motors in a Steam Controller to function as stereo speakers. This project demonstrates an unconventional use of existing hardware components, offering a novel way to produce audio from a device not designed for it.
Protesters Confront Verrus Representatives Over Proposed Salem Data Center
Protesters brought a guillotine to a Salem City Council meeting to oppose Verrus's proposed $5.1 billion Oakline at Mill Creek data center, leading to Verrus representatives being escorted out by police. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek subsequently terminated a deal to sell 32 acres of land for the project, forcing Verrus to revise its plans despite filing its application before a city-wide data center moratorium.
Apple Mac Pro Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Marking Transition to Intel Processors
Apple's first Mac Pro desktop computer was unveiled 20 years ago, completing the company's transition from PowerPC to Intel x86 processors for its workstation line. This event established a new Mac product line and introduced Intel Xeon-powered performance to Apple's high-end desktops.
User develops tool to shut down PC if GPU power connector pin exceeds 9.5A for 15 seconds
A Reddit user developed a free tool called "12VHPWR Guard" that monitors per-pin power draw on specific NVIDIA GPUs and shuts down the system if any pin exceeds 9.5A for more than 15 seconds. This tool addresses concerns about the reliability of high-density 12+4-pin power connectors on high-end graphics cards, which have been prone to melting issues.
Modder Converts ZimaCube 2 NAS into Gaming PC with External RTX 5060, Achieves Significant Performance Boost
A PC enthusiast modified a ZimaCube 2 NAS into a gaming PC by adding an external RTX 5060 graphics card and a dedicated power supply. This modification resulted in an 828% frame rate improvement in some tests and set a Time Spy world record for the integrated Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, demonstrating unconventional hardware repurposing.
New Lawsuit Alleges Micron's New York Fab Permits Allow "Forever Chemicals" Discharge
Environmental groups have filed a new lawsuit against Micron, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Onondaga County, claiming that permits for Micron's Clay, New York manufacturing complex are inadequate and will allow the discharge of PFAS "forever chemicals" into the Oneida River. This legal action challenges the validity of approved wastewater and air permits, arguing they lack sufficient controls for hazardous contaminants essential to semiconductor manufacturing. The lawsuit could delay or alter the construction and operation of Micron's planned four-fab complex.
TinyGPU v2.0 silicon passes real-world testing, renders 3D graphics at up to 15 FPS
Pongsagon Vichit's TinyGPU v2.0, a 240,000-transistor GPU, has successfully passed real-world testing, demonstrating 3D graphics rendering capabilities at 7.5 to 15 frames per second. This development showcases progress in compact GPU design, with a more advanced TinyGPU v3.0 featuring a programmable pixel shader already in preparation for a 2026 release.
Hideo Kojima's Kojima Productions and km5 release Death Stranding 2-themed wireless CD player
Kojima Productions and Japanese audio company km5 have released a limited-edition wireless CD player themed after the BB Pod from Death Stranding 2. This device, priced at approximately $160, is a reskin of km5's CP1 model with upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 and exclusive artwork, targeting collectors and fans of the game.
Bent AX Gaming RTX 5060 Ti GPU repaired after car crash due to short PCB design
An AX Gaming RTX 5060 Ti graphics card, bent in a car crash, was successfully repaired by resoldering a single memory chip. The card's short PCB design prevented more extensive damage, allowing a technician to restore full functionality and performance.
Signed 1983 Steve Jobs Business Card Auctioned, Opening at $70,000
A signed Steve Jobs business card from 1983, graded Gem Mint 10, is currently up for auction, with bids starting at over $70,000. This is the second signed 1983 card to be auctioned, following one that sold for $180,000 earlier this year, highlighting the high value of rare tech memorabilia.
Team Fortress 2 Player Selling 1.7 Million In-Game Cases Valued at $100,000
A Team Fortress 2 player, Vincent Stech, is selling his collection of over 1.7 million in-game cases, accumulated over nearly a decade, with an estimated value of $100,000. This sale highlights the potential for significant real-world value in digital in-game assets and the existence of economies beyond official platforms.
Bondtech admits Prusa CORE One+ INDX kits shipped with mislabeled, softer steel nozzles
Bondtech acknowledged that the nozzles included in the Prusa CORE One+ INDX 3D printer kits were advertised as "hardened steel" but are actually nitrocarburized steel, which is softer. This discrepancy means the nozzles will experience accelerated wear when printing with abrasive filaments, contrary to customer expectations for hardened steel components.
Untouched Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. NES Cartridges Discovered in Storage
A retro shop owner in Wisconsin discovered 97 untouched copies of Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. NES cartridges, some receiving perfect 10 grades from PSA. These cartridges are a previously unseen version, likely produced for warranty replacements or an unreleased bundle.
Rare PokePark Fishing Contest DS development cartridge listed on eBay for $9,100
A development cartridge for the "PokePark Fishing Contest DS" minigame, previously considered lost media, is up for auction on eBay with a starting bid of $9,100. This game was only distributed at a 2005 Pokémon theme park and designed to self-delete after 12 hours or power-off, making physical copies extremely rare.
Tom's Hardware Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Retrospective Series on PC Hardware
Tom's Hardware is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since its founding by Dr. Thomas Pabst. The publication is launching a series of articles looking back at PC hardware evolution, starting with CPUs, and reflecting on its history of unbiased testing.
Developer achieves 190 KB/s data transfer using streaming QR codes in browser
A developer created a proof-of-concept system, Decimen Optical Transfer, that streams data between devices using rapidly updating QR codes at up to 60 FPS, achieving nearly 190 KB/s. This method operates within a browser, requiring only camera access and no networking, pairing, or dedicated apps, offering a new approach to device-to-device data transfer.
MSI Introduces High-Efficiency Mode for DDR5 Memory to Reduce Latency
MSI has released High-Efficiency Mode, a new feature that optimizes memory sub-timings on existing DDR5 RAM kits to reduce latency, similar to AMD's EXPO ULL technology. This allows users without EXPO ULL-compatible memory to achieve comparable performance improvements through motherboard-level tuning.
Modder der8auer passively cools Ryzen 7 9800X3D by 19C using 110cm 3D-printed chimney
Modder der8auer constructed a 110cm 3D-printed chimney to passively cool an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, reducing its temperature by 19 degrees Celsius without fans. This experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the "stack effect" for PC cooling, offering an alternative to traditional fan-based systems.
Qualcomm-powered NEURA Robotics 4NE-1 humanoid robot collapses during Computex 2026 demo
A NEURA Robotics 4NE-1 humanoid robot, powered by Qualcomm's Dragonwing IQ10 RRD, malfunctioned and collapsed on stage during a Qualcomm keynote at Computex 2026. The incident, reminiscent of past tech demo failures, highlighted potential issues with the robot's stability and performance.
Keychron Launches Nape Pro Wireless Trackball Mouse with Customizable Buttons
Keychron, known for its mechanical keyboards, released the Nape Pro wireless trackball mouse, designed to fit under a keyboard's spacebar. This device offers six customizable buttons and a control dial, providing an alternative input method for users who prioritize keyboard-centric workflows.
Hi3D Releases Anniversary Update with Enhanced AI-Driven 3D Printing Workflow
Hi3D has released an anniversary update that integrates automated part separation, multi-color optimization, and print parameter generation into a single AI-driven workflow for 3D printing. This update aims to reduce the manual effort and multiple software tools previously required to prepare AI-generated 3D models for physical printing.
Atomarine proposes nuclear-powered data centers on ocean barges to address land-based issues
Startup Atomarine plans to develop nuclear-powered data centers on modular ocean barges to circumvent land-based challenges like power connection delays, noise, and pollution concerns. This approach aims to simplify permitting and allow for future upgrades to small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for power generation. The concept faces engineering challenges related to extreme weather, internet connectivity, and server durability in a marine environment.
Windows NT 4.0, Unifying Server and Desktop UI, Marks 30th Anniversary of RTM
Microsoft's Windows NT 4.0, codenamed Cairo, was released to manufacturing partners 30 years ago, on July 31, 1996. This version integrated the Windows 95 user interface into the 32-bit enterprise operating system, establishing a unified foundation for future Windows releases.
Hop Aero unveils 'Rook' cargo rocket concept for rapid 550-pound deliveries
Hop Aero, a Y Combinator startup, has publicly detailed its 'Rook' autonomous rocket concept, designed to deliver 550 pounds of cargo up to 750 km in 15 minutes from a shipping container. The concept has not yet flown and is supported by a $1.25 million Air Force contract expiring in October. This development highlights ongoing efforts in rapid point-to-point cargo delivery, though Rook's operational status and funding are still nascent.
The Peaceful Outcome Releases $21 Wii U SSD Upgrade Kit for M.2 or SATA Drives
The Peaceful Outcome (TPO) released an SSD upgrade kit for the Nintendo Wii U, allowing users to add M.2 or SATA drives for increased internal storage. This kit enables Wii U owners to expand console storage beyond the original 8GB or 32GB, offering a permanent internal solution for game storage, though it requires console modification and custom firmware.
Original Windows Task Manager Developer Creates Mac Version, Citing Activity Monitor's Limitations
Dave W. Plummer, the original developer of Windows Task Manager, is creating a version of the utility for macOS, stating that Apple's Activity Monitor lacks features. Microsoft granted Plummer permission to reference Windows XP Task Manager source code for this project.
Minecraft Players Map 80TB 2b2t Server, Create Custom .zvcr Compression Format
A team of Minecraft players completed a project to map the entire 80TB 2b2t server, compressing the data to a 15TB download using a custom .zvcr format. This effort preserves the state of Minecraft's oldest anarchy server, which has no rules or map resets.