From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
Steam Hardware Survey: 16GB GPUs and 8-core CPUs Now Most Popular Configurations
The latest Steam Hardware Survey for July 2026 shows that GPUs with 16GB of VRAM and 8-core CPUs have become the most common configurations among users. This marks a shift from previous trends, indicating increasing hardware requirements for modern games.
China tightens regulations on chip design originality and enforcement
China has revised its regulations for integrated circuit (IC) layout designs, making it more difficult for companies to obtain legal protection for copied chip designs by strengthening originality requirements and enforcement measures. These changes aim to promote independent development within China's semiconductor industry and filter out weak claims of innovation.
Drone footage shows rapid construction progress at Elon Musk's ATCF chip fabrication facility in Texas
Drone flyovers reveal significant progress at Elon Musk's Advanced Technology Chip Fab (ATCF) in Texas, with groundwork and foundation work advancing quickly since its announcement in March. This facility is a joint Tesla-SpaceX project intended for developing accelerator chips that integrate logic, memory, and advanced packaging for various AI applications.
AI assists in bypassing BIOS RSA-2048 signature checks and unlocking hidden settings on HP laptop
An AI enthusiast used Claude Code to successfully unlock a BIOS-locked HP 15-dw1036ne laptop, bypassing RSA-2048 signature checks and revealing 55 hidden settings. This demonstrates AI's capability in reverse-engineering firmware security, potentially impacting how individuals approach locked devices and highlighting new applications for AI in security research.
Dasharo v0.9.0 launches as first open-source firmware for AMD AM5 platform, supporting Zen 4 APUs
3mdeb released Dasharo v0.9.0, the first open-source UEFI firmware for AMD's AM5 platform, with initial support for Zen 4 Phoenix APUs and the MSI Pro B850-P WiFi motherboard. This development utilizes Coreboot and AMD's openSIL framework, offering enhanced security and compatibility compared to traditional closed-source firmware solutions like AGESA.
Sovol M1D Open-Source IDEX 3D Printer Features Seven Swappable Toolheads
Sovol released the M1D, an open-source independent dual-extruder (IDEX) 3D printer with two nozzles and seven toolheads, capable of swapping toolheads in five seconds. This design allows for multi-material and multi-color printing with reduced waste and supports printing with advanced materials in the heated enclosure variant.
Intel Licenses Atom x86 Core RTL to Startup RosaicLabs for Custom Processor Development
Intel has granted RosaicLabs, a startup incorporated in May, access to its Atom processor technology, including Register-Transfer Level (RTL) code, enabling the company to develop custom x86-based processors. This marks a significant shift in Intel's long-standing policy of not licensing its core intellectual property, potentially opening new markets for its x86 architecture.
Georgia Power acquires 30 homes for grid expansion, sparking data center connection concerns
Georgia Power is acquiring 30 residential properties through sale or eminent domain to expand its power grid between the Ashley Park Substation and Plant Wansley. This expansion is linked by some residents and reports to the increasing power demands of AI data centers, raising concerns about the impact of AI infrastructure growth on local communities and the power grid.
Seagate to qualify 50TB HDDs in late 2027; strong demand for current drives through 2028
Seagate plans to begin qualification shipments for its 50TB-class hard disk drives in late 2027, with general availability in 2028. This development addresses the increasing demand for storage driven by AI and cloud computing, which has already led to most of Seagate's current HDD inventory being allocated through 2028.
Singapore Charges Two in AI GPU Smuggling Case; Nvidia Tightens Measures
Singapore has charged two individuals, Lim Jenny and Woon Guo Jie Aaron, with money laundering in an AI GPU smuggling case. The authorities seized a $42 million mansion and froze over $772,000 linked to the alleged activities. In response to U.S. pressure, Nvidia has drastically cut its list of authorized customers in Asia to curb smuggling into China.
Lenovo expands North Carolina AI server manufacturing facility to 890,000 square feet
Lenovo has expanded its manufacturing facility in Whitsett, North Carolina, doubling its footprint to 890,000 square feet. This investment aims to increase U.S.-native production of AI infrastructure to meet growing customer demand and improve supply chain efficiency.
Three US states to deploy pepper-spray drones in schools for shooter neutralization
Mithril Defense's Campus Guardian Angel drones, equipped with pepper spray and ramming capabilities, will be deployed in nine schools across Florida, Georgia, and Colorado. This pilot program aims to neutralize school attackers within seconds of an alert, potentially reducing casualties in active shooter incidents.
Intel Prepares New Nova Lake-S CPUs with 22-Cores, Big Last Level Cache
Intel is reportedly developing two new Nova Lake-S CPUs with 22 cores and significant Big Last Level Cache (bLLC), enhancing gaming performance. These processors, part of Intel's Core Ultra 5 tier, aim to compete with AMD's offerings. Rumored specifics suggest one 125W unlocked and one 65W locked variant, improving Intel's midrange desktop CPU competitiveness.
DRAM Supply to Module Makers Could Drop Over 70% by 2027 Due to HBM and Server RAM Demand
Apacer CEO C.K. Chang stated that DRAM supply from major manufacturers to independent module makers could decrease by over 70% by 2027 compared to 2026 levels. This reduction is attributed to major DRAM manufacturers prioritizing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server memory for large AI and cloud customers, leading to severe shortages for conventional DRAM products.
Intel Foundry Completes RAMP-C Program for Secure Domestic 18A Chip Production
Intel Foundry has completed the RAMP-C program, a U.S. government initiative launched in 2021 to establish a secure, domestic leading-edge chip ecosystem using its 18A process. This completion signifies Intel's readiness for external customers to fabricate products, including those utilizing the Intel Secure Enclave manufacturing flow, and advances the goal of a defense-ready domestic chip source.
California AI Data Center Sues for Colorado River Water After Wastewater Denial
Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, owner of a planned 330-megawatt AI data center in California, has filed a lawsuit to access 287 million gallons of Colorado River water annually for cooling. This action follows the denial of recycled wastewater by two cities and the Imperial Irrigation District, raising concerns about agricultural water reallocation and potential job losses in the region.
Open-source 3D-printed portable MRI machine built for under $70,000
The Open Source Imaging Initiative developed an open-source, 3D-printed portable MRI scanner, the OSI2 ONE, costing under $70,000, significantly less than standard MRI machines. AI is proposed to overcome the device's limitations in spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, making it viable for medical diagnoses, particularly in regions with limited access to expensive medical equipment.
Vatican's 'Click to Pray' app exposed user data for over six months due to security flaws
The official Vatican 'Click to Pray' app had critical security vulnerabilities that exposed personal data of over 700,000 users for more than six months. A security researcher discovered that user IDs could be used to access names, email addresses, and birthdates, and the issues were only fixed after public disclosure.
Microsoft releases native Xbox 360 emulator for PC, enabling modders to run 360 games
Microsoft released four original Xbox games on PC using a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03 (Fission), which was previously exclusive to Xbox consoles. This move has allowed modders to quickly adapt the emulator to run Xbox 360 games on PC, significantly impacting the Xbox emulation community.
Pro-Ukraine Group Claims Cyberattack Led to Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet Crash
A pro-Ukraine group, InformNapalm, claims a cyberattack on a Russian BARS drone defense system near Moscow caused a Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet to be shot down in a friendly fire incident. Russia attributes the crash to a "technical malfunction" during a routine training mission. This claim, if substantiated, indicates a successful sabotage operation against a high-value Russian military asset.
Lockheed Martin unveils Morfius X-Rotor counter-drone system for swarm neutralization
Lockheed Martin introduced the Morfius X-Rotor, a ground-launched, reusable counter-drone system that uses high-power microwave technology to neutralize up to 50 drones per mission. This development addresses the increasing threat of drone swarms on battlefields and aligns with the U.S. Department of War's Rapid Response Counter-UAS Roadmap.
Intel Commits to 14A Mass Production in 2028 Amidst 25% Revenue Increase
Intel announced it will begin mass production using its 14A fabrication technology in 2028, following a 25% year-over-year revenue increase to $16.1 billion in Q2 2026. This commitment to 14A manufacturing for its own products aligns with industry timelines for advanced process nodes and addresses demand for Intel's client and data center products.
TYLsemi Launches with $43M Funding to Simplify Custom AI Processor Development
TYLsemi, a new semiconductor firm, has emerged with $43 million in early-stage funding to provide custom processor development services, focusing on AI infrastructure. The company aims to simplify custom silicon creation by offering reusable, standards-based chiplets and end-to-end design services, making custom multi-chiplet processors accessible to companies without in-house silicon development expertise.
AI memory chip shortage drives up car prices; GM and BYD announce cost increases
General Motors expects a 0.3% increase in new vehicle prices this year due to rising component costs, primarily DRAM, while BYD has raised prices for its driver assistance features by 20%. The increasing memory requirements for advanced automotive features, including AI assistants and autonomous driving, are contributing to these price hikes amidst a global memory chip shortage.
Intel and AMD Sign Long-Term Server CPU Deals with Chinese Customers Amid Price Hikes
Intel and AMD are entering into longer-term purchase agreements with Chinese server customers for data center processors. These agreements guarantee purchase volumes for approximately one year without fixing prices, as server CPU prices in China have increased by over 40% since the beginning of the year.
Modder Runs GeForce RTX 4060 on Huawei Arm Workstation Using Modified Driver
A Chinese modder achieved running an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 on a Huawei Arm-based workstation running Windows 11. This demonstrates the capability to adapt Nvidia's GPU technology to non-x86 architecture, although performance is limited due to the hardware's constraints.
Meta to implement AMD’s custom Instinct MI450 accelerators with 144GB HBM4 for specific tasks
Meta will utilize custom AMD Instinct MI450 accelerators with 144GB of HBM4, reducing costs for recommendation workloads but limiting versatility in AI training. This shift may lead to significant material savings while relying on Nvidia for training larger models.
RPCS3 emulator adds support for older ATI Radeon graphics cards on Linux
RPCS3 emulator now supports ATI Radeon HD 2000, 3000, and 4000 series graphics cards on Linux. The addition allows users with older hardware to run the emulator, albeit with limited performance on lower-end cards.
Nvidia showcases DLSS 5 with three AI models for adaptive detail management
Nvidia revealed updates to DLSS 5 at SIGGRAPH, introducing three AI models for managing visual detail. This allows developers to switch between models in real-time, tailoring performance and detail levels for specific scenes, which addresses earlier criticisms of the technology's impact on artistic intent.
Intel announces layoffs in its Data Center group despite strong performance
Intel has announced layoffs in its Data Center group, which focuses on server CPUs and AI chips, despite reporting strong sales of $5.1 billion in Q1. The company aims to streamline operations but did not disclose the number of positions affected or a timeline for the cuts, raising concerns given the group's strong market position amid growing demand for AI infrastructure.
Sega 32X game Backrooms 32X features raycasting engine and procedural generation
Developer PaisleyBoxers has launched Backrooms 32X, a first-person game for the Sega 32X that utilizes a raycasting engine and features procedurally generated levels. This release highlights the technical capabilities of retro hardware, showcasing new gaming experiences on platforms like the 32X and MiSTer FPGA.
DIY mod replaces RTX 4060 fan cooling with a 5.5-pound heatsink
A gamer has created a passive cooling system for the RTX 4060 by attaching a 5.5-pound aluminum heatsink. This mod aims to eliminate fan noise, offering a quieter experience, though the GPU power draw seems atypical for passive cooling. As enthusiast interest in silent systems grows, this DIY approach highlights alternative cooling methods despite potential accuracy concerns in reported metrics.
Community and Tools Unlock Hidden Thermal Sensors on Nvidia RTX 50 GPUs
Community developers and internal tools have revealed hidden thermal sensors on Nvidia's RTX 50-series GPUs. This includes the hotspot sensor, found with Nvidia's internal MODS tool, and individual VRAM sensors accessible via a new plugin. These developments provide detailed thermal insights, crucial for optimizing GPU performance.
Samsung supplies VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1400 panels for new laptops
Samsung Display has begun supplying its VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1400 tandem OLED panels to Lenovo, Asus, Dell, and MSI for upcoming laptops. This new display standard requires at least 40% higher brightness than prior models, enhancing visual performance significantly and impacting laptop designs in the premium segment.
DIY 3D printed Companion Cube project launched after dbrand's cancellation
A 3D printing enthusiast has created a DIY version of the dbrand Steam Machine Companion Cube after its cancellation due to copyright issues with Valve. The project allows users to print and assemble the cube at home using detailed instructions and a list of required materials.
Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike Gaming Mouse Discounted to $125.99
Logitech's G Pro X2 Superstrike gaming mouse is now available for $125.99 following a $54 discount. This reduction marks the first significant price drop for this mouse since its February 2026 release, making it more accessible for gamers.
AMD Zen 6 Medusa Point APU Leaks Show High Geekbench Performance
AMD's upcoming Zen 6 'Medusa Point' APU has appeared on Geekbench, demonstrating superior performance in both single-core and multi-core tests to current AMD and Intel mobile chips. As a 10-core APU with a notable increase in scores—up to 3,329 in single-core and 16,555 in multi-core—the data suggests performance advancements in AMD's next-generation mobile CPUs, expected at CES 2027.
Samsung cuts 739 US jobs as it relocates consumer electronics HQ to Texas
Samsung has eliminated 739 jobs in New Jersey and about 100 in Texas as part of its move to relocate the headquarters of Samsung Electronics America to Texas by year-end. The layoffs predominantly affected the company's U.S. consumer electronics division, which faces challenges despite record profits in its chip division.
Russian drones employ magnetic compasses amid GPS jamming challenges
Russian forces are retrofitting Molniya drones with magnetic compasses to enhance navigation amid frequent GPS jamming in Ukraine. This $2 modification allows operators to verify their position visually and could improve mission success in contested airspace.
PC Powered by 192 AA Batteries Successfully Runs Linux and Games
Creator Uwoslab powered a desktop PC using 192 AA batteries, successfully booting into Hannah Montana Linux and running FreeDoom. This project demonstrates the feasibility of using conventional batteries for powering modern computing systems.