From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
MSI Katana 15 HX C14 Gaming Laptop Offers DDR4 Support Amidst Rising DRAM Prices
MSI introduced the Katana 15 HX C14 gaming laptop, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, in response to increasing DRAM prices. This allows for more affordable configurations for gamers seeking to manage costs during the current component price increases.
SK hynix and union reach tentative agreement on profit-sharing and wage increases
SK hynix and its labor union have reached a preliminary agreement for 2026 covering wage increases and profit-sharing bonuses, averting potential strikes. The new agreement changes the profit-sharing scheme to include both cash and stock, and removes a 10% ceiling on the profit-sharing pool, potentially increasing employee payouts.
Indiana Michigan Power Proposes $59 Million Rate Cut for Indiana Residential Customers
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has proposed a $59 million rate reduction for its Indiana residential customers, which could save individual households approximately $100 annually. This reduction is attributed to increased revenue from large customers, including data centers, and is currently awaiting approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Indie Hacker Funds MacBook Purchase by Selling Ad Space on Laptop Lid
An indie hacker, Vincent, has successfully pre-sold advertising sticker space on his MacBook lid, raising 111% of the laptop's retail price. This project, named Brand My Mac, allows advertisers to place their logos on his device, gaining visibility both online and offline.
MiTale uses IBM quantum computing simulator for C.L.A.Y. RPG asset generation
Game studio MiTale Ltd. announced at Gamescom that its upcoming RPG, C.L.A.Y. - The Last Redemption, utilized an IBM quantum computing simulator to generate game assets like maps, characters, and graphics. This marks an early application of quantum computing techniques in commercial game development, potentially paving the way for future integration of quantum hardware to accelerate complex tasks in gaming.
Modder creates overclocked PS3 'Pro' v3 with custom 3D-printed cooling and server heatsinks
A hardware modder developed a third iteration of a PlayStation 3 'Pro' console, featuring a 3D-printed case, dual Noctua fans, and server heatsinks to enable significant overclocking of the console's processors. This modification results in improved frame rates in most games while maintaining low operating temperatures and quiet fan operation. The project demonstrates advanced hardware customization for older gaming consoles.
Atari Releases 39 Activision Games on Cartridges, Compatible with Original and Modern Consoles
Atari has launched the Atari x Activision Collection, offering 39 classic Activision games on physical cartridges. This release provides physical media options for retro gaming enthusiasts, compatible with both original Atari 2600/7800 and newer Atari 2600+/7800+ consoles.
Businessman convicted of $24 million crypto mining Ponzi scheme involving 'AI supercomputer'
A Las Vegas businessman was found guilty of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering for operating a $24 million cryptocurrency mining Ponzi scheme. The scheme, named Profit Connect, falsely promised high returns and a money-back guarantee using an "AI supercomputer" for mining, but paid early investors with funds from new investors. This conviction highlights ongoing risks in unregulated crypto investment schemes, particularly those leveraging buzzwords like AI.
Micron initially offered a $200 refund for a faulty 4TB SSD, then provided a replacement after customer persistence
Micron, which exited the consumer SSD market, initially offered a customer a $200 refund for a faulty 4TB Crucial X9 portable SSD, despite its current market value exceeding $500. After the customer refused the refund and cited potential legal action, Micron provided a 1:1 replacement, raising questions about its warranty fulfillment practices.
DIY Semiconductor Enthusiast Creates Blue LEDs from Sapphire Wafers in Backyard Lab
Matthew Hartensveld, known as Dr. Semiconductor, successfully fabricated blue LEDs from gallium nitride on sapphire wafers using homemade equipment, including an eBay laser. This project is part of his open-source Semiconductor.DIY initiative, demonstrating advanced semiconductor manufacturing outside industrial settings.
Over 850 Retro Nintendo NES Games Valued at $50,000 Stolen in Home Robbery
A family in Pierce County, Washington, reported that thieves broke into their home and stole a collection of over 850 retro Nintendo NES games, valued at more than $50,000. The collection, amassed over 40 years, represented a significant personal and financial loss for the family.
Hyte Launches Y50 RGB PC Case with Panoramic Design and $99.99 Price Point
Hyte released the Y50 RGB PC case, a panoramic design featuring four RGB fans and a $99.99 MSRP. This new model removes the vertical GPU riser found in previous Hyte cases, aiming for a more budget-friendly option.
Apple Increases Mac Mini and Mac Studio Prices, Base Mac Mini Now Starts at $899
Apple has increased the prices for its Mac mini and Mac Studio models, with the new M6 Mac mini starting at $899, a $100 increase from its previous M5 version. These price adjustments follow earlier increases in June for other Apple computing devices, excluding iPhones and AirPods.
Dave Plummer releases TMOG, a cross-platform Task Manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Dave Plummer, the original developer of Windows Task Manager, has released TMOG (Task Manager OG), a new version that runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This application was developed using Claude Code based on a 107-page specification, offering visual customizations and 60 Hz animation.
Meteoric Develops Drones to Dissipate Clouds Over Solar Farms for Increased Power Output
Meteoric, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is developing autonomous drones to mechanically alter water droplets in low- and mid-altitude clouds near solar farms, aiming to reduce cloud reflectivity and increase sunlight on solar panels. This technology could boost annual generation from existing solar assets by 10-30% and offers a cheaper alternative to current cloud dissipation methods.
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.
Maxell and Disk Union Rerelease UD-60U Cassette Tapes for Nostalgia and Vintage PC Use
Disk Union and Maxell have rereleased UD-60U cassette tapes in Japan, targeting nostalgic customers and users of vintage 8-bit home computers. These ferric tapes are suitable for data storage on devices like the C64 Datassette due to their formulation.
World's First Webcam, the Trojan Room Coffee Pot, Switched Off 25 Years Ago
The Trojan Room Coffee Pot webcam, which predated the World Wide Web, was permanently switched off on August 22, 2001, after 10 years of operation at Cambridge University. This event marks the 25th anniversary of its decommissioning, highlighting an early innovation in remote monitoring technology.
Linux Kernel 7.3 Updates Voodoo 3 Driver for BIOS-less Initialization
Linux kernel 7.3 will include an update to the tdfxfb framebuffer driver, allowing 3dfx Voodoo 3 graphics cards to initialize without relying on the system's video BIOS. This change enables Voodoo 3 cards to function on non-x86 systems or with newer BIOSes that do not support the card's original video BIOS, expanding compatibility for vintage hardware.
Thermalright Releases Fan Frame Vision-1, a Clip-On LCD for 120mm PC Fans
Thermalright has released the Fan Frame Vision-1, a magnetic clip-on accessory that adds a 3.69-inch IPS display to most standard 120mm PC fans. This device allows users to display custom themes and information, connecting via USB 2.0 and integrating with Thermalright's TRCC software.
Storage unit auction yields retro Pentium 4 PC with unique UV-reactive PSU
A storage unit auction winner discovered a retro Pentium 4 PC featuring an Apevia X-Superalien case and a UV-reactive, see-through Apevia ATX-AS500W power supply, alongside a large quantity of other computer components. This find highlights Y2K-era PC aesthetics and component design, offering a glimpse into past hardware trends.
Gamer discovers factory plastic on RTX 3070 VRM pads, causing overheating and black screens
A Gigabyte RTX 3070 Gaming OC owner found protective film on the VRM thermal pads of their GPU after nearly five years of use, leading to overheating and system instability. Removing the film and repasting the core reduced GPU hotspot temperatures by 30°C and improved stability. This incident highlights a potential quality control oversight that can cause long-term performance issues and component degradation.
Amazon customer receives empty AMD Ryzen 5 9600X boxes in back-to-back scam
A New York-based computer repair store, PC Plug, received empty AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU boxes twice in three days after ordering from a third-party seller on Amazon. The store, which spends approximately $10,000 monthly on Amazon hardware, documented the incidents with unboxing videos and is concerned about the impact on their Amazon account.
SanDisk Optimus GX C50 Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S Now Available on Amazon
SanDisk has released its Optimus GX C50 storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X|S on Amazon, providing an alternative to Seagate's previously exclusive offerings. These cards allow direct gameplay from expanded storage, addressing the limited options available since the consoles' launch.
CPU-Z V3 Released with Overhauled Validation System and Stress Testing Features
CPU-Z has released version 3, introducing a significantly updated validation system with standard, advanced, and XOC modes, alongside built-in stress testing and health checks. This update aims to improve the utility of CPU-Z for general users, enthusiasts, and extreme overclockers by providing more comprehensive diagnostics and accurate frequency tracking.
Loudoun County, VA, begins to restrict data center construction after resident complaints
Loudoun County, Virginia, a region with over 250 data centers, is starting to limit new data center construction due to increasing complaints from local residents. This shift occurs despite data centers contributing significantly to the county's revenue and enabling lower property taxes and funding for public services.
Seasonic Launches Prime Enterprise RX-1600, First 80 Plus Ruby ATX Power Supply
Seasonic introduced the Prime Enterprise RX-1600, the first ATX power supply to achieve 80 Plus Ruby certification, offering 1600W and up to 95.4% efficiency. This development provides a new high-efficiency option for demanding desktop, workstation, and AI systems, potentially reducing power consumption in such setups.
BluHub 9-in-1 Blu-ray drive and dock exceeds Kickstarter funding goal by 160x
A Kickstarter campaign for the BluHub, a 9-in-1 Blu-ray read/write drive with docking capabilities, has surpassed its funding goal by 160 times. The device combines optical media functionality with extensive port options, appealing to users seeking a versatile media and connectivity hub.
G.Skill Settles Class Action Lawsuit for $2.4M Over Misleading RAM Speed Advertising
G.Skill has begun distributing payments from a $2.4 million class action settlement regarding claims of misleading advertising for DDR4 and DDR5 memory speeds. The lawsuit alleged that G.Skill did not clearly state that overclocking was required to achieve advertised speeds, and the settlement includes payouts to eligible customers and a commitment to update product packaging with clear disclaimers.
Modder integrates Switch 2 Joy-Con internals into original Wii Remote shells
A modder successfully transplanted Switch 2 Joy-Con components into Wii Remote shells, creating custom controllers that magnetically attach to a Switch 2 and function in games. This modification demonstrates the technical feasibility of integrating newer console hardware into older controller designs, offering a unique aesthetic and form factor for Switch 2 users.
Thermal Grizzly Sells Delidded Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition for $1,403
Thermal Grizzly is selling a delidded version of AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition processor for $1,402.83, which is over $500 more than the standard version. This offering includes post-delidding testing, a USB stick with results, and a 24-month worldwide warranty, addressing the voided AMD warranty.
Beijing AI Bar Loses Money Offering Free DeepSeek Coding Tokens with Drinks
An AI-themed bar in Beijing, AGI Bar, is losing money by offering unlimited free DeepSeek coding tokens with drinks, according to its owner. The bar, which runs local inference on Nvidia DGX Spark mini-PCs, gives away approximately ten times more drinks than it sells. This situation highlights the financial challenges of providing free, resource-intensive AI services.
MicroSD Card Endurance Test Writes 133 Petabytes Across 351 Cards Over Three Years
A tech enthusiast has conducted a three-year endurance test on 351 microSD cards, writing 133 petabytes of data to determine longevity. The testing revealed that consumer-grade cards averaged 10,000 program/verify/erase cycles, with PNY, Kingston, Delkin Devices, Lexar, and Samsung performing well.
Developer uses Claude AI to create macOS driver for Windows-only HP Laser 1008a printer
A developer created a native macOS driver for the HP Laser 1008a, a Windows-only printer, using Claude Code. The driver enables system-wide printing from Apple Silicon macOS devices and is available on GitHub, allowing users to utilize previously incompatible printers.
Minecraft Player Builds Functional AI Chatbot Using 445K Command Blocks Without Mods
A Reddit user named Objz created a working AI chatbot within vanilla Minecraft using 445,782 command blocks, without relying on any mods, plugins, or datapacks. This project demonstrates an innovative approach to implementing complex computational structures within the game's limitations, showcasing optimization techniques for in-game AI development.
Programmer ports playable Doom to Canon EOS 550D DSLR camera using Magic Lantern firmware
A programmer successfully ported a playable version of Doom to a Canon EOS 550D DSLR camera, utilizing the open-source Magic Lantern firmware. This development demonstrates the versatility of older hardware and custom firmware, allowing a classic game to run on an unconventional device.
Nova Lake CPUs with disabled E-cores may retain full L3 cache, increasing predicted cache sizes
New leaks suggest Intel's upcoming Nova Lake CPUs with partially disabled E-core clusters will retain their full L3 cache pool, contrary to earlier rumors. This change means certain configurations, like the 8+12+4 and 4+4+4, are now predicted to have larger L3 cache amounts than previously expected, potentially affecting performance for some midrange SKUs.
Adata XPG Novakey RGB DDR5-6000 C30 Memory Kit Released with Recycled Materials
Adata has released the XPG Novakey RGB DDR5-6000 C30 memory kit, featuring a new "Infinity Mirror" design and construction from 50% recycled aluminum and 85% post-consumer recycled plastic. This new memory offering provides consumers with another option in the DDR5 market, emphasizing both aesthetics and sustainability in its design.
Hydra Overclocking Tool Updates for RTX 50-Series GPUs with VRAM and Power Limit Controls
The Hydra overclocking application, developed by 1usmus, has been updated to version 2.3B, adding VRAM overclocking and power limit controls for Nvidia's RTX 50-series GPUs. This update allows for memory offsets up to +3000MHz and power limit adjustments to 125%, enabling users to push GDDR7 memory speeds to 36 Gbps.
GameStop Customer Trades Hundreds of Broken Consoles for Over $10,000 in Store Credit
A GameStop customer in Clackamas, Oregon, traded in hundreds of broken gaming consoles, including PlayStations, Xboxes, and Game Boys, receiving $10,690.06 in store credit. This event highlights GameStop's trade-in program, where store credit offers a higher value than cash for used or broken electronics.