From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
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.
Costco shopper scores $1,140 discount on iBuyPower 9800X3D gaming PC
A Costco shopper purchased an iBuyPower gaming PC for $1,140, reduced from $1,899.99. The PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and Nvidia RTX 5070, making it suitable for gaming at 1440p and some 4K settings. Such display unit discounts are rare and depend on store inventory.
Developer ports The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to iOS natively using AI
Developer Chris Sotraidis created HarkinianPad, a native iOS and iPadOS port of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, utilizing OpenAI's Codex and GPT-5.6 Sol to adapt existing decompiled C code. This allows the classic game to run with modern features like widescreen support and 60 FPS without emulation, requiring users to provide their own game ROM.
Neo Geo AES+ Retro Console Now Available for Pre-Order Starting at $249
SNK has opened pre-orders for the Neo Geo AES+ home console and ten re-released game cartridges on Amazon. The console is a silicon-level recreation of the original hardware, and individual game cartridges cost $90 each.
Developer Runs Doom Using Regular Expressions, Achieving 180 Seconds Per Frame
Artem Lytkin successfully implemented Doom to run entirely within regular expressions, a text-matching utility. This achievement demonstrates the Turing completeness of regular expressions, albeit with extremely slow performance, rendering one frame every 180 seconds.
Gamer creates booby-trapped Steam Deck with 3D-printed spikes and taser to deter family
A Steam Deck owner modified their device with a 3D-printed spiky case, a Raspberry Pi-powered camera, speaker, and taser to prevent family members from using it and draining its battery. The modifications successfully stopped others from touching the handheld without permission. This DIY project demonstrates an extreme solution to a common personal tech sharing issue.
Michigan Residents Sue AI Data Center Over Constant Noise, Company Offers to Buy Homes
Residents in Dowagiac, Michigan, filed a lawsuit against Alliance Cloud Services LLC, a subsidiary of Hyperscale Data, due to continuous high-pitched noise from its data center, which recently pivoted from cryptocurrency mining to AI computing. The city has fined the data center for violating a new industrial noise ordinance, while the company has offered to purchase homes from affected residents.
Physicists develop liquid computer using chaotic particle orbits for forecasting and anomaly detection
Physicists from the Universities of Konstanz and Stuttgart have demonstrated a liquid-based computing system using 400 microscopic particles in chaotic orbits to perform chaotic-signal forecasting and anomaly detection. This system, while less accurate than memristor-based alternatives, shows a novel approach to physical reservoir computing.
FPGA Recreation of F-14 Tomcat's CADC, Featuring MP944 Microprocessor, Released Open Source
Alan Taylor has recreated the F-14 Tomcat's Central Air Data Computer (CADC), including the MP944 microprocessor, in an FPGA and released the VHDL source code as open source. This project allows for the study and testing of the historically significant MP944 chip, which some argue predates Intel's 4004 as the first microprocessor, and its role in controlling the F-14's sweep-wing system.
Enthusiast Integrates Nvidia Tesla V100 into Gaming PC for LLM Inference
An enthusiast added a used Nvidia Tesla V100 GPU to a gaming PC, increasing total VRAM to 32GB for $266, enabling local inference of a 27 billion parameter LLM at 32 tokens per second. This modification demonstrates a cost-effective method for enhancing local AI model processing capabilities using older enterprise hardware.
Printed Solid Rebrands to Prusa USA, Expanding US 3D Printer and Filament Production
Printed Solid, a US-based filament manufacturer acquired by Prusa Research in 2022, has rebranded to Prusa USA, Inc. This change formalizes Prusa Research's expanded US presence, including 3D printer and filament production in Delaware, to better serve the American market and address supply chain challenges.
Game Compressor Utility Updated to Leverage Windows LZX Compression for Game Storage Savings
The Game Compressor utility has been updated to help users save disk space by transparently compressing installed games using Windows' built-in LZX compression. This tool addresses the rising cost of SSDs and the increasing size of game installations, offering a way to fit more games on existing storage.
Two individuals arrested in China for stealing 16 RAM sticks from eSports hotel PCs
Two men, Li and Cheng, were arrested in China for stealing 16 RAM sticks from gaming PCs in eSports hotels, selling them for approximately $1,950. The thefts led to hotel guests complaining about non-functional computers, prompting police investigation.
EA announces FC 27 with a $149.99 Ultimate Plus Edition, drawing player criticism
EA has announced FC 27, the latest installment in its annual soccer franchise, which includes a $149.99 Ultimate Plus Edition. This pricing has generated significant backlash from players, who compare it unfavorably to other game releases and question the value of annual updates. The controversy highlights ongoing player concerns about the pricing and value proposition of yearly sports game releases.
RTX 3090 and RTX 3050 achieve 144 FPS at 4K using Lossless Scaling for frame generation
A gaming enthusiast combined an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 and an RTX 3050 with Lossless Scaling software to reach 144 FPS at 4K resolution. The setup offloads frame generation to the secondary RTX 3050, allowing the RTX 3090 to focus on rendering, effectively doubling the frame rate.
Oregon to Implement New Fees for Undersea Cables, Funding State Schools
Oregon will begin charging service providers for undersea cables installed along its coast, moving from a one-time application fee to a per-linear-foot charge. This change aims to generate millions in revenue over time, which will be directed to the state's Common School Fund.
Engineering student showcases music created from coil whine noise
An engineering student demonstrated how coil whine can produce music by using a toroidal inductor. This unique approach highlights coil whine's potential to be perceived positively rather than as a nuisance, although it remains primarily an unwanted artifact in high-performance computing environments.
RTX 3080 Mod with 11 Fans Drops Temp Significantly but Yields Minor FPS Gain
TrashBench conducted an experiment adding 11 fans and a 360mm AIO cooler to an RTX 3080, achieving a temperature drop to 41°C. However, the modifications resulted in only a minimal performance boost, demonstrating the limited impact of cooling on frame rates.
Hashcat password cracker ported to Gameboy Advance at 727 hashes per second
A security engineer has ported the hashcat password cracking utility to the Gameboy Advance, achieving 727 hashes per second. This version, called gba-hashcat, utilizes the GBA's limited hardware resources, but significantly lags behind modern systems, performing 30 million times slower than today's powerful GPUs.