Author: Donster

Check out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

• Intel 13th Gen Core “Raptor Lake” Desktop Processors Launched
• Introducing the EVGA Z790 DARK and CLASSIFIED Motherboards
• NZXT Announces the N7 Z790 ATX Motherboards
• Reign Supreme with ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 and ROG Strix Z790 Series
• MSI Z790 motherboards and 13th Gen Intel Core Processors Have Landed
• GIGABYTE Unveils Z790 AORUS Motherboards
• Intel Arc A770 Launched at USD $329, Available from October 12
• Antec Presents the Vortex AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
• ASUS Launches ROG Crosshair and ROG Strix Motherboards Based on AMD X670E and X670
• GIGABYTE Unveils AMD X670 Motherboards with Advancements in PC Experiences
• MSI Launches AMD X670-series Chipset Motherboards
• CORSAIR Has Everything PC Builders Need for AMD Ryzen 7000
• Team Group Announces New T-FORCE DELTA RGB DDR5-7200 Memory
• EK Quantum Vector² FE RTX 4090 Water Block Hitting the Shelves Soon
• BIOSTAR Releases the X670E Valkyrie Motherboard

AMD is introducing their fastest Zen 4 processor for gamers. Today marks the end of the review embargo on the new 7000-series. The first official evaluations of the new Ryzen CPUs have arrived. Click on the links below for the latest on these new AMD processors.

• TOM’S HARDWARE - Ryzen 9 7950X and Ryzen 5 7600X
• ETEKNIX - Ryzen 9 7900X
• TECHPOWERUP! - Ryzen 7 7700X
• TECHPOWERUP! - Ryzen 5 7600X
• TECHPOWERUP! - Ryzen 9 7900X
• TECHPOWERUP! - Ryzen 9 7950X
• GURU3D - Ryzen 7 7700X
• GURU3D - Ryzen 9 7950X
• WCCFTECH - Ryzen 9 7950X & Ryzen 7 7700X

Source: TechPowerUp!

NVIDIA today released the latest version of GeForce Game Ready drivers. Version 517.48 WHQL comes with optimization for Overwatch 2. It also offers optimization for Microsoft Flight Simulator with DLSS support. A number of bugs are addressed with this release. To begin with, display brightness settings not being applied correctly on certain kinds of Lenovo notebooks in dGPU mode, has been fixed. The “NVIDIA GPU only” toggle not persisting on reboots on certain notebooks, has been fixed. The “reduce noise” option with ray tracing in Adobe Illustrator appears pixellated, which has been fixed.

Random crashes in DirectML.dll with Adobe Photoshop have been fixed. Performance issues with VRR monitors in Fusion 360 has been fixed. Shadow flickering with “Jurassic World Evolution 2″ has been fixed. Some UWP apps in Windows 11 exhibit lag with G-SYNC, which has been fixed. Language bugs with NVIDIA Control Panel has been fixed. External displays connected via USB-C or Thunderbolt dongles in Razer notebooks not correctly being detected, have been fixed. MS Flight Simulator exhibiting texture corruption after extended gameplay, has been fixed.

You can download the GeForce 517.48 WHQL drivers via GeForce.com.

Source: TechPowerUp!

AMD today released the Adrenalin 22.9.2 drivers. These drivers add support for the Radeon Graphics iGPU of the new Ryzen 7000 desktop processors that go on sale today. Game optimization is added for “Grounded.” A handful of issues have been identified with the release. Radeon Super Resolution failing to trigger after changing resolution in games such as Nioh 2, has been identified. Improper rendering of Oculus dashboard menus with RX 6000-series graphics cards has been identified. GPU utilization being stuck at 100% in Performance Metrics after closing games in some cards such as the RX 570, has been identified. Display briefly showing corruption when switching between video and games in some GPUs such as the RX 6700 XT, has been identified. Vertical Refresh Sync being set to “off” globally causing stuttering or driver timeouts, has been identified. Dropped frames in video playback have been identified.

The Radeon Software Adrenalin 22.9.2 drivers are available online at the AMD driver download page.

Check out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

• NVIDIA Introduces the GeForce RTX 40-Series Graphics Cards
• ASUS Launches GeForce RTX 40-series ROG Strix and TUF Gaming Graphics Cards
• ZOTAC Announces Next-Generation GeForce RTX 40-series Graphics Cards
• GALAX Introduces its GeForce RTX 40 Series Graphics Card Family
• INNO3D GeForce RTX 40-series is Here: RTX 4090 and RTX 4080
• COLORFUL Introduces Next-Generation GeForce RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Graphics Cards
• PNY Introduces Next Evolution NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs
• MSI Unveils its First Custom NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Graphics Cards
• Gainward Releases its RTX 40-series Graphics Cards
• Palit Announces GeForce RTX 40 GameRock and GamingPro Series
• Gigabyte Launches its Latest AORUS Graphics Cards Based on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series
• Kingston FURY Releases New Special Edition RGB DDR4 Memory
• Turtle Beach Unveils VelocityOne Rudder and Stand for Flight Sims

Source: TechPowerUp!

AMD late Wednesday released the Adrenalin 22.9.1 beta drivers. These come with optimization for “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” open beta, There’s only one issue fixed with this release, and that’s Enhanced Sync causing an intermittent black-screen to occur when playing games or videos using extended displays, and switching the Enhanced Sync feature on or off. Support appears to have been added for various new Radeon 600M-series iGPU models, which feature with the recently announced Ryzen 7020 and Athlon 7020 “Mendocino” entry-level processors. The upcoming Ryzen 7000 “Raphael” desktop processors are expected to feature a similar class of iGPU.

The Radeon Software Adrenalin 22.9.1 drivers are available online at the AMD driver download page.

Matrix Games and 2by3 announce the first DLC for War in the East 2.

Gary Grigsby’s War in the East 2 was last year’s best-selling and most praised wargame. The simulation improved every aspect of its predecessor, effectively rebooting the series and giving it new life. Since its release, Gary Grigsby and his team have been working hard to improve gameplay with various upgrades. Simultaneously, 2by3 Games started work on the game’s first DLC, Steel Inferno. This expansion puts the spotlight on several major offensives that influenced the course of the war in the East. It is also expanding the gigantic map further by opening new areas throughout eight new Scenarios and two new Campaigns.

Steel Inferno covers Operations in Yugoslavia in 1944 for the first time and adds several German scenarios, such as the attack into the Caucasus. The addition of hypothetical scenarios and two new full map campaigns offer countless extra gameplay hours in historically detailed settings and what-if alternatives.

The Steel Inferno DLC includes:

Two complete Campaigns:
• 1943 Campaign – 3 Jul 43 – 6 Jul 45 — an entire Campaign starting with the German Operation
• 1944 Campaign- 11 May 44 – 4 Jul 45 — an entire Campaign that begins with the Soviets readying for the start of their massive Summer 1944 offensives.

Nine Scenarios:
• Operation Kutuzov – 12 Jul 43 – 3 Oct 44
• Road to Karelia – 22 Jun 41 – 11 Oct 41
• Army Group A – Part I – Race for the Caucasus – 25 Jul 42 – 20 Nov 42
• Case Blue Phase II 42-43 – 25 Jul 42 – 5 Mar 43
• Case Blue Phase II 43-43 – Alternate – 25 Jul 42 – 5 Mar 43
• Army Group A – Part II – Kuban Bridgehead – 1 Feb 43 – 10 October 43
• AG C – Kutuzov to Bagration 43-44 – 12 Jul 43 – 2 Apr 44
• Western Ukraine 43-44 – 3 Nov 43 – 25 Apr 44
• Drama on the Danube 44 – 20 Aug 44 – 5 May 45

More information about Gary Grigsby’s War in the East 2: Steel Inferno can be found on the games official webpage.

The ‘Drone Age’ update features dozens of new military vehicles and new visual effects

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the “Drone Age” update for the military online action game War Thunder is already available to players. It expands the range of available weaponry from various eras: reconnaissance and combat drones (Russian Orion, Chinese Wing Loong 1 and the American MQ-1) make modern battles more believable, and the legendary Su-25 and Mirage 2000 show what piloted aircraft are capable of. There are dozens of new military vehicles added to the game including a new Chinese helicopter tech tree, Israeli versions of the M48 and M60 tanks, the Turkish T129 ATAK helicopter and the South African Rooivalk Mk1F CSH helicopter, the Italian Andrea Doria dreadnought, two new maps – “Golden Bay” and “Pradesh”, new visual effects for vehicle destruction, and much more.

The history of Chinese combat helicopters can now be experienced by progressing through their lineup in War Thunder. At first, local engineers adapted imported designs, like they did with SA.342L Gazelle. The first attack helicopter built entirely in China was the Z-9WA, created after studying French Dauphins. That led to even more local projects like the light strike-reconnaissance Z-11WA or the very successful Z-19. Finally, a full-fledged heavy attack helicopter Z-10 was designed with the involvement of specialists from the Russian Kamov design bureau.

Check out the trailer HERE.

The Mirage 2000C-S5 is the new top jet fighter that will capture the hearts of virtual pilots playing for France. The iconic delta wing, excellent flight characteristics and powerful armament make it a worthy competitor to other fourth-generation fighters. The French Air Force Mirage 2000 saw action in many conflicts in the 1990s, ranging from the Gulf War to Allied operations in Afghanistan. The aircraft is also in service in Egypt, India, Greece, Qatar, Brazil, Peru and other countries.

The new “Golden Bay” map for naval battles was created based on the coast of San Francisco with a recognizable silhouette of a picturesque bridge across the strait. The ground part is inspired by the landscape of the areas east of the bay, where small towns, green hills and mountains meet. And the location “Pradesh” (in Hindi this means “region”) is designed for ground and air battles and reproduces the foothills of the Himalayas on the border of India and Pakistan. Grassy hills and forested mountains coexist here with watery meadows and shrubbed plains.

In land and sea battles, procedurally generated shell-to-armor contact effects have been added that take into account the caliber and type of the projectile – now smoke and wisps of flame escape from the holes in armor. Tank explosion simulation has been improved, and track wheels can now fly off destroyed vehicles and interact with other objects on the battlefield. In addition, high-quality models of shells and missiles are now used in the kill camera and in the protection analysis menu. The player can now better see exactly how the enemy vehicle (or your own) was hit, and can better prepare for the upcoming battles.

Detailed information about the content of the update is available on the official website of the game.

Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video games developers and publishers, has today released a free Survival Map for Sniper Elite 5, as well as the latest batch of Season Pass One content. Entitled ‘Amongst the Rubble’, the new Survival Map is available free to all players as part of the latest title update while the new Concealed Target pack, which features a new pistol as well as character and weapon skins, is available as part of Season Pass One or as an individual purchase.

You can watch a trailer for the new content HERE.

Playable in both solo and co-op ‘Amongst the Rubble’ takes you back to the once beautiful city of Saint Nazaire. Now ravaged by war, it’s down to you and your teammates to defend the Command Post as you fight a seemingly never-ending streams of Nazis in the smoke-filled streets and ruins.

The Concealed Target Weapon and Skin pack will take your stealth to the next level as you hunt down your enemies from the shadows. The pack includes:

• HS.22 pistol
• Pea Dot Camo weapon skin
• Ghillie Suit Elite character skin (Karl and Monika)

The authentic World War 2 Ghillie Suit Elite character skin (available for Karl and Monika) is designed to break up your visual silhouette allowing you to blend in with your surroundings for the ultimate stealthy approach. When paired with the Pea Dot Camo weapon skin it becomes particularly effective as you stalk your prey.

Meanwhile the covert HS.22 pistol features an integral suppressor which makes it practically silent. Firing .22 calibre rounds with almost no recoil, this sidearm is deadly and accurate.

Get the Concealed Target Weapon and Skin pack on Steam.

To keep up to date with all the latest Sniper Elite 5 news please visit sniper.com.

New Baltic Themed Expansion for Europa Universalis IV Available Now

For almost a decade, Europa Universalis IV has encouraged players to explore new and exciting alternate histories of the early modern world. In the newest immersion pack, Lions of the North, dramatically different pasts can unfold before your eyes. Denmark can keep its hold on its northern subjects. The Teutonic Order can retreat to its past crusader glories. Gotland can become a pirate haven.

All of these dramatic “what ifs” are now available in the new Baltic Sea themed add-on to Europa Universalis IV. With branching missions, new government options for major players and even new military units, Lions of the North is packed with variety and excitement. Make your enemies hear your roar!

Highlights of Europa Universalis IV: Lions of the North include:

• Expanded Branching Missions: Decisions taken along some mission trees will determine what options are available to you in the future, allowing you to follow distinct and dramatically different alternate paths.
• New Mission Trees for Denmark: Maintain power in Scandinavia while expanding your influence over the northern German cities.
• New Mission Trees for Sweden and Norway: Break free from Danish dominance, and turn a foothold on the continent into the base for a northern empire.
• New Mission Trees for Teutonic Order, Livonian Order and Riga: Follow a path of religious zealotry or secularize your realm with an eye on the future.
• New Mission Trees for Poland, Lithuania and the Commonwealth: Vast lands on the border of East and West present unique challenges for ambitious rulers.
• Other Mission Tree Changes: Pirate kings of Gotland, unique options for a united Scandinavia, a free Finland, and a powerful Danzig.
• New Government Reforms and Estate Privileges: Some regional powers will have unique government options and new ways to court the favor and influence of local estates.
• New Units: The Swedish Carolean Infantry and Polish-Lithuanian Winged Hussars will be available for recruitment.
• New Unit Art: 35 new army sprites for regional powers.
• New Music: 3 new pieces of Scandinavian music, plus 3 other Baltic themed songs.

Lions of the North is accompanied by a major update to Europa Universalis IV, free for all players.

Europa Universalis IV: Lions of the North is available for a suggested retail price of $14.99/£11.39/€14.99.

More info is available and you can purchase Lions of the North on Steam.