From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
GameStop Reopens Select Closed Stores Nationwide Starting September 11
GameStop announced it is reopening an unspecified number of previously closed stores across the U.S. beginning September 11. This move follows significant store closures in recent years as the company shifts its business focus beyond physical game sales.
IFA 2026 Showcases New Laptops, AI Hardware, and Monitors
IFA 2026 featured new computing hardware, including mid-range laptops from Dell, Acer, and Lenovo, and AI computing hardware from Nvidia and AMD. Lenovo introduced the IdeaPad Vibe with customizable colors and AMD Ryzen AI 4000 series or Snapdragon X processors, starting at $699.
Sharge Releases Disk Pro 2 SSD Dock with DIY M.2 Support, Active Cooling, and HDMI
Sharge launched the Disk Pro 2, a compact, magnetic DIY SSD dock that supports M.2 drives up to 8TB, featuring active cooling and an integrated USB/HDMI hub. This new version offers two models, Lite and Ultra, with varying HDMI and card reader speeds, building on the original Disk Pro's functionality.
Developer uses MacBook, webcam, and AI agent to debug AMD GPU drivers on Omarchy Linux
A Linux developer used an AI agent on an old MacBook, with a webcam and mirror setup, to visually debug AMD Radeon GPU drivers for the Omarchy Linux distribution. This setup allows the AI to monitor its own progress in real-time, demonstrating an "agent-first" approach to system debugging.
Developer Creates Windows 3.1 Program Manager Clone, ReProgman, Using Claude AI
Developer Mayuki created ReProgman, a clone of the Windows 3.1 Program Manager, using the Claude AI in about an hour. This 12-16MB application runs on Windows 11 and Apple Silicon, offering a retro shell experience.
Tinkerer builds working room-sized 8-bit computer using 460 recycled 1950s Soviet vacuum tubes
An electronics tinkerer named Mike has constructed a functional 8-bit computer using 460 recycled 1950s Soviet vacuum tubes. This project demonstrates a retro-computing approach, eschewing modern components for historical technology.
Nintendo announces The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 and accessories
Nintendo unveiled a special edition The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console, a Pro Controller, and a carrying case, set to release on October 29. This marks the first special edition hardware for the Switch 2 and celebrates the Zelda franchise's 40th anniversary.
Hypertune Releases Auto-Overclocking Tool for Intel Systems, Claims Up to 60% FPS Boost
Hypertune launched its Gaming Performance Engineering platform, an auto-overclocking tool developed with Intel, after an early access period. The tool optimizes individual Intel-based systems for CPU and GPU performance, network, and Windows features, with internal benchmarks showing frame rate improvements up to 28.2% in specific titles.
Framework Reduces Laptop 13 Pro Memory Prices, Issues Retroactive Refunds
Framework has lowered prices for 32GB and 64GB LPCAMM2 memory in its Laptop 13 Pro, offering retroactive refunds for past orders and applying the new pricing to pending pre-orders through Batch 10. This change is due to securing a limited quantity of Micron LPCAMM2 modules at a reduced cost, partially reversing a previous price increase.
Modder Creates Working Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti 16GB by Swapping VRAM and GPU
A Brazilian YouTuber successfully created a functional Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti graphics card with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a configuration that Nvidia had previously considered but did not release. This modification involved combining an RTX 3070 PCB with a 3070 Ti GPU and custom GDDR6 memory chips, demonstrating the feasibility of such a card.
Anycubic Releases Photon P1 MAX Resin Printer with Heated Vat and Wave Release Technology
Anycubic has released the Photon P1 MAX, a new large resin 3D printer that includes a heated vat and Wave Release Technology. This printer replaces the Mono M7 Max and offers a larger build volume, aiming to provide an updated option for resin 3D printing enthusiasts.
Unico Introduces Traveller ULW10, a 10-inch 4:3 Monitor for Retro Gaming
Unico has launched the Traveller ULW10, a 10-inch 4:3 monitor designed for retro gaming, featuring RGB SCART, VGA, and HDMI inputs, and a rear compartment for console storage. This monitor aims to provide a modern display solution for older consoles while maintaining a classic aesthetic, addressing challenges with connecting retro hardware to contemporary televisions.
Flea Market Shopper Finds Three Samsung 980 Pro 2TB SSDs in a $30 Asus Expansion Card
A shopper at a flea market in Kuwait City purchased an Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen 4 expansion card for $30 and discovered three Samsung 980 Pro 2TB SSDs installed within it. The combined value of the SSDs is estimated to be between $1,300 and $1,500, representing a significant discount on storage hardware.
El Reno Bitcoin Mining Data Center Condemned After 3 Million Gallon Water Leak
A Bitcoin mining data center in El Reno, Oklahoma, owned by Athlon Blockchain LLC, was condemned after leaking 3 million gallons of water, leading to school and business closures. The facility had been operating under a city stop-work order issued in 2023 due to safety code violations and expired permits. This incident highlights regulatory oversight issues and the environmental impact of data centers, particularly concerning water usage.
MSI MEG CoreLiquid E15 360 AIO Cooler Features 6.7-inch Screen, High Performance
MSI released the MEG CoreLiquid E15 360 AIO CPU cooler, which includes a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED screen and offers strong thermal performance. The cooler is priced at $399.99, positioning it as a premium option in the market.
Kaleidescape Releases Compact Terra Prime 246TB SSD Media Server for Home Theaters
Kaleidescape launched the Compact Terra Prime 246TB SSD media server, designed for high-end home theater systems. This server stores up to 2,300 4K cinematic movies and supports 25 simultaneous 4K streams, catering to luxury home entertainment setups.
Gamescom Apologizes for Initial Response to Indie Dev Hardware Thefts, Pledges Security Review
Gamescom organizers issued an apology for their initial communication regarding hardware thefts from indie exhibitor booths, acknowledging criticism and expressing empathy for affected developers. The organization is conducting a security review for indie exhibitors and inviting shared indie booth organizers to a roundtable to develop concrete security measures.
Arduview handheld, featuring transparent shell, PCB, and display, heads to Kickstarter
The Arduview, a new handheld gaming console with a fully transparent shell, motherboard, and display, is preparing for a Kickstarter launch. This device is based on the open-source Arduboy platform, designed for playing 8-bit games, and represents an advancement in transparent electronics beyond just clear casings.
Denver AI Data Center Waters Lawn Amid Drought Restrictions, Sparks Resident Outrage
A new AI data center in Denver was observed watering its lawn, causing puddles and resident anger, despite city-imposed Stage 1 drought restrictions set to begin in August 2026. The situation's legality is unclear, as the watering could be within permitted days, using recycled water, or under a variance, but it exacerbates existing negative perceptions of data centers' resource consumption.
Fractal Releases Summit and Define One PC Cases
Fractal has released two new PC cases: the Summit mid-tower and the Define One. The Summit features FSC-certified wood accents and an open-face design for airflow, supporting E-ATX motherboards and large graphics cards, priced between $169.99 and $199.99. The Define One, a modern iteration of the Define series, offers a closed-front design for quiet operation and an integrated air guide for GPU cooling, priced at $154.99.
SpaceXAI Offers 50% Starlink Discount to Memphis Residents Amid Data Center Backlash
SpaceXAI is offering a 50% discount on Starlink internet services and waiving hardware costs for residents near its Memphis data centers, following community complaints about unpermitted power turbines. This initiative aims to address local concerns while the company transitions to a new 1.2 GW power plant.
Independence City Council Member Recalled Over AI Data Center Tax Break Vote
Independence City Council member John Perkins was recalled by voters due to his support for over $6 billion in tax breaks for a Nebius AI data center. This marks the third official to lose their position following the council's 5-2 vote approving the tax incentives.
Sam Altman Compares ChatGPT Water Usage to Almond Production, Citing Data Center Efficiency
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that 38,000 ChatGPT queries use the same amount of water as producing one almond, arguing that AI data center water consumption is overstated due to advancements in cooling technology. He claimed modern data centers use water equivalent to an office building, not the higher amounts associated with older evaporative cooling methods. This comparison aims to reframe public perception of AI's environmental impact, particularly regarding water use.
Intel Replaces 'Fellow' Title with 'Distinguished Engineer' for Top Technical Staff
Intel is changing the title for its top scientists and developers from 'Fellow' to 'Distinguished Engineer' to align with a new standard of technical leadership emphasizing measurable business results and strategic vision. This change, effective last week, redefines the expectations for Intel's most senior technical roles without altering compensation.
Tape Storage Shipments Grew 57% in Q1 2026, Driven by AI and LTO-9/10 Adoption
LTO Program Technology Provider Companies (HPE, IBM, Quantum Corp.) reported a 57% year-over-year increase in tape storage capacity shipments for Q1 2026. This growth is attributed to increasing AI data center demands, traditional archive workloads, cyber-resilient backups, and the adoption of LTO-9 and early LTO-10 technologies.
KAIST Researchers Develop $7 AI-Powered Smartphone Clip-On for Hidden Camera Detection
Researchers from KAIST, NUS, and SMU have developed SweepLED, a $7 smartphone clip-on with an AI app that detects hidden cameras with 93.9% accuracy. This technology offers a more reliable and easier method for individuals to identify hidden cameras compared to existing manual or app-based solutions.
VSP MEGA MAX VS750D power supply explodes and catches fire upon being plugged in
A VSP MEGA MAX VS750D power supply unit (PSU) exploded and caught fire immediately after being plugged into a socket at a service center in Vietnam. The incident, captured on CCTV, highlights potential safety issues with low-quality PC components, particularly those with poor ratings.
Open-source database launched for community reports on coil whine in PC components
Lowell K. Wood IV (iBlessi) of TechFuelHQ created an open-source database to collect community reports on coil whine in PC components like graphics cards, power supplies, and AIO cooler pumps. This project aims to provide a resource for PC builders to identify parts prone to coil whine, addressing a common issue in computer hardware.
Unofficial Homebrew Port Brings GTA V to Nintendo Switch at 30 FPS
Modders have released an unofficial Homebrew port of Grand Theft Auto V for the Nintendo Switch, allowing the game to run natively on the console. This port, based on leaked source code, requires a jailbroken and overclocked Switch to achieve a stable 30 FPS.
Developer uses Claude Code to optimize Android TV performance without root access
An AI engineer used Claude Code to debloat an Android smart TV, deactivating apps and shortening animations via ADB without root access, resulting in improved performance. This demonstrates a practical application of AI agents for system optimization on consumer devices.
G.Skill Launches Flare X5X DDR5 Memory Kits with AMD EXPO ULL Optimization
G.Skill introduced its new Flare X5X series of DDR5 memory kits, which incorporate AMD's EXPO ULL (Ultra Low Latency) technology for optimized subtimings on Ryzen processors. This release provides another option for users seeking performance enhancements on AMD platforms, particularly those without 3D V-Cache.
Nvidia Driver Update Disables mVolt+ GPU Overclocking for RTX 50-Series Cards
Nvidia's driver version 615.56 has disabled the mVolt+ overclocking utility for RTX 50-series GPUs, preventing users from adjusting core power limits. This change impacts enthusiasts who used mVolt+ to exceed standard power limits and achieve higher overclocking results through software modifications.
Asus customer initially denied warranty for headset receiver, then offered replacement after social media post
An Asus customer was initially denied a warranty replacement for a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver for his ROG Delta II KJP gaming headset, despite the headset being under warranty. Asus support stated accessories were not covered, but later escalated the issue and offered a replacement after the customer posted on social media. This incident highlights potential inconsistencies in warranty policy application for bundled accessories.
Taiwanese Man Jailed for Covertly Recording Wife's Affair with Robot Vacuum
A Taiwanese man won a divorce settlement using robot vacuum footage of his wife's affair but was subsequently sentenced to five months in prison for illegal recording. The case highlights legal complexities surrounding privacy and evidence collection in marital disputes.
LG UltraGear 25G590B 1080p 1000Hz Gaming Monitor Now Available for Preorder at $999.99
LG has opened preorders for its UltraGear 25G590B gaming monitor, which features a 1080p resolution and a 1,000 Hz refresh rate, priced at $999.99. This monitor is notable for achieving a 1,000 Hz refresh rate at 1080p, differentiating it from other high-refresh-rate displays that reach this speed at lower resolutions.
Donkey Kong 64 receives native PC port, "DK64: ReKONGpiled," with modern features
A group of developers released "DK64: ReKONGpiled," a native PC port of Donkey Kong 64, by recompiling the original N64 code to C. This project allows the game to run on Windows, Linux, and Mac with features like ultrawide support, uncapped framerates, and improved controls, without emulation.
Laptops and game builds stolen from three exhibitors at Gamescom 2026
Multiple exhibitors at Gamescom 2026, including Mimic developer Ryan Laley, iam8bit, and Tessera Studios, reported the theft of laptops and a Steam Deck containing unfinished game builds. This incident raises concerns about the security of unreleased game data and the financial impact on developers, particularly smaller indie creators.
Poor liquid metal application corrodes Asus Zephyrus M16 CPU heatsink, causes performance issues
A 2022 Asus Zephyrus M16 laptop experienced severe overheating and crashes due to poorly applied liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) that corroded the CPU heatsink and nearly reached the silicon. Replacing the liquid metal with phase change material resolved the issues, tripling framerates and eliminating crashes. This incident highlights potential risks associated with factory-applied liquid metal in laptops.
Magnetic Core Memory USB Drive Transfers Text and Image Files Between PCs
A Japanese researcher successfully used a dinner-plate-sized magnetic core memory USB device to transfer a text file and a monochrome BMP image between PCs. This demonstrates the functional application of archaic memory technology in a modern sneakernet context, despite severe limitations in storage capacity and data retention.
GTA 6 Leaker Cashes Out $250,000 in Crypto Rug Pull Before Official Reveal
The individual or group behind the recent Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay leaks cashed out approximately $250,000 from the $CYBERLEEK memecoin. This rug pull occurred hours before Rockstar's official Extended Look premiered, ending a campaign that used leaked content to drive trading volume and accrue fees.