Rise of the Tomb Raider to Get DirectX 12 Eye Candy Soon?
Rise
of Tomb Raider could be among the first AAA games that take advantage
of DirectX 12, with developer Crystal Dynamics planning a massive update
that adds a new renderer, and new content (VFX, geometry, textures).
The latest version of the game features an ominously named "DX12.dll"
library in its folder, and while it doesn't support DirectX 12 at the
moment, a renderer selection has appeared in the game's launcher.
DirectX 12 is currently only offered on Windows 10, with hardware
support on NVIDIA "Kepler" and "Maxwell" GPUs, and on AMD Graphics
CoreNext 1.1 and 1.2 GPUs.
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GIGABYTE Intros F2A88X-D3HP Motherboard
GIGABYTE
unveiled the F2A88X-D3HP mid-range socket FM2+ motherboard, based on
AMD A88X chipset. Built in the ATX form-factor, the board draws power
from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors;
conditioning it for the APU with a 6-phase VRM. Expansion slots include
one PCI-Express 3.0 x16, a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4), two
legacy PCI, and three PCIe 2.0 x1 slots.
The
board supports up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR3-2400 memory. Storage
connectivity includes eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Modern connectivity
includes two USB 3.1 (10 Gb/s) ports, with one each of type-A and
type-C; and four USB 3.0 ports (two on the rear panel, two via headers).
Display outputs include HDMI 1.4a, dual-link DVI, and D-Sub. 8-channel
HD audio with ground-layer isolation and electrolytic capacitors; and
gigabit Ethernet, make for the rest of its connectivity. The board is
driven by UEFI BIOS, with GIGABYTE's proprietary Dual-UEFI technology.
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(PR) Patriot DDR4 SODIMMs Approved for Intel Gen 6 Skylake NUCs
Patriot,
a long time, leading manufacturer of computer memory has announced the
qualification of their 4GB and 8GB DDR4 2133MHz SODIMMs for
compatibility with Intel's latest GEN 6 i3 NUC (Next Unit of Computing)
and GEN 6 i5 NUC.
The
qualification of Patriot's 4GB and 8GB SODIMMs was completed by CMTL, an
independent compatibility testing lab used by Intel to qualify memory
for their motherboards and platforms. Each DIMM submitted by Patriot was
put through rigorous physical and environmental testing in order to be
qualified as compatible with Intel's GEN 6 NUC, mini PC. Both the i3 and
i5 models of the Intel GEN 6 NUCs have a maximum capacity of 32GB
between its two DIMM slots and up to 2133MHz making Patriot a first rate
option for a computer memory solution.
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Intel Pushes CPU Microcode Update which Cripples Overclocking Non-K Skylake CPUs
Intel
pushed a CPU microcode update to its motherboard partners, which "plugs
a loophole," which allowed people to overclock Core "Skylake"
processors, other than those with the "K" brand extensions. The PC
enthusiast community
rejoiced
what it felt was a comeback of base-clock overclocking on
non-enthusiast Intel chips, with the advent of the company's 6th
generation Core "Skylake" architecture. Apparently, Intel sees it as a
flawed CPU micro-code which allowed overclocking, and which some
motherboard vendors even built marketing campaigns around.
In
an interview with PC World, a company spokesperson stated: "Intel
regularly issues updates for our processors which our partners
voluntarily incorporate into their BIOS," an Intel spokesman said. "The
latest update provided to partners includes, among other things, code
that aligns with the position that we do not recommend overclocking
processors that have not been designed to do so. Additionally, Intel
does not warranty the operation of the processor beyond its
specifications." So how does this micro-code update work? For starters,
it will work only if you want it to. If your motherboard currently
supports overclocking, then it will continue to do so, until you update
its BIOS. Intel will push the new micro-code to its motherboard
partners, who in turn will deploy it on their latest production batches,
and to their customers through DIY BIOS updates.
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Plextor Unveils the M6S Plus Series SSD
Plextor
announced the M6S Plus line of performance consumer SSDs, succeeding
the company's current M6S lineup. The drives implement Toshiba A19
toggle NAND flash memory built on the 15 nm process, and are driven by
Marvell 88SS9188 controllers. Available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB
variants, the drives serve up sequential transfer rates of up to 520
MB/s reads on all three variants, and up to 300 MB/s, 420 MB/s, and 440
MB/s writes, respectively. Random access speeds range up to 90,000 IOPS
reads, with up to 80,000 IOPS writes. Plextor's proprietary PlexTurbo
data-caching and PlexCompressor data-compression tech carries over from
the M6S. Built in the 7 mm thick, 2.5-inch form-factor, the drives
feature SATA 6 Gb/s interface.
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(PR) ASUS Announces the RP-AC68U Gaming Router
ASUS
today announced RP-AC68U, its top-of-the-range 802.11ac (AC1900)
dual-band Wi-Fi repeater. The compact and stylish RP-AC68U features four
internal high-performance antennas (3 transmit, 4 receive) and allows
users to easily extend coverage of an existing 802.11ac Wi-Fi network
with ultra-fast speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. RP-AC68U is equipped with a
USB 3.0 port for connecting storage devices. This high-performance port
supports ASUS AiCloud and delivers up to 10-times (10X) faster data
transfers than USB 2.0.
Five
Gigabit Ethernet ports add great flexibility for connecting wired
devices, and combined with the convenient Media Bridge mode they allow
users to convert any wired network devices to wireless operation.
RP-AC68U can also be used in Access Point mode to add ultra-fast Wi-Fi
convenience to any existing wired network. The compact RP-AC68U has a
sophisticated and stylish design, with illuminated red accents that can
be turned on or off by a convenient touch sensor incorporated in the
ASUS logo on the front. With its simple one-touch setup and LED signal
strength indicators for optimized installation, RP-AC68U is the
hassle-free way to extend ultra-fast Wi-Fi coverage to any part of a
home or office.
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(PR) Patriot Develops New Enhancements to V560 Gaming Mouse Software
Patriot,
a leading manufacturer of computer memory, SSDs, flash storage
solutions, mobile accessories and gaming peripherals has released a new
version of its V560 gaming mouse software.
The
V560, Patriot's first offering in the gaming mouse market and part of
the company's Viper line, made its debut to the public in early
November. Initially featuring 8200DPI, five customizable profiles with
color indicator, nine programmable buttons, up to 29.4g of adjustable
weights and two interchangeable grips for even more customization, the
V560 was set at a starting MSRP of $49.99.
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(PR) Kingston Digital Acquires USB Technology and Assets of IronKey from Imation
Kingston
Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology
Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today
announced it has acquired the USB technology and assets of IronKey from
Imation Corp. Kingston has been at the forefront of encrypted portable
solutions for businesses since it launched its first DataTraveler
encrypted USB Flash drive over 10 years ago. IronKey, one of the leading
alternative brands in encrypted USB Flash drive solutions for many
years, has been part of the Imation family since 2011. The acquisition
provides customers with a more comprehensive portfolio of products and
services, and demonstrates Kingston's commitment as the global leader in
trusted encrypted solutions for mobile data.
During
this integration process, Kingston wants to assure all parties that
there will be no immediate changes to the way business is transacted by
channel partners currently supporting IronKey products. Kingston is
known worldwide for its dedication and level of service to its partners,
resellers and distributors, and our goal is to maintain strong
communication and customer relationships during this time.
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(PR) GIGABYTE FORCE H7 and H5 Gaming Headsets Now Available
GIGABYTE,
the world's leading premium hardware brand, today announced the
availability of the FORCE H7 and H5, two high-end gaming headsets
integrating superior comfort and acoustic performance to deliver rich,
clear and premium sound that pushes immersive gaming experience to a new
level.
Featuring true 5.1
Surround Sound, the FORCE H7 boasts a total of 8 speaker drivers to
bring out the finest audio quality available in today's popular game
titles for creating a true-to-life gaming environment. The gold-plated
dual subwoofer drivers are added to the mix to allow gamers to get blown
away by the rumble of gunfire and explosions. The embedded USB sound
card ensures the surround sound is pure and interference-free, while the
audio equalizer enables gamers to customize audio settings based on
individual preferences.
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(PR) ViewSonic High Performance XG Gaming Monitors Now Shipping
ViewSonic
Corp., a leading global provider of visual solution products, announces
its new XG Series of professional-level gaming monitors, the XG2401,
XG2701 and XG2700-4K, are now shipping. ViewSonic's XG Series of
high-performance gaming monitors deliver essential technologies and
features ideal for gamers, and are available through all major e-tail
sites.
The XG2401 is a 24-inch
Full HD monitor packed with features like a 144 Hz refresh rate, and
AMD's FreeSync variable refresh rate technology that eliminate screen
tearing and stuttering for fluid gameplay during fast-paced action
scenes. A blazing-fast 1ms response time and low input lag provides
smooth screen performance - even in the most graphic-intense sequences.
For optimum speed and performance, SmartSync technology automatically
selects the best refresh rate, response time, and lowest input lag
needed in FPS games. A black stabilization function helps players spot
enemies lurking in the dark, while maintaining brilliant rich colors and
contrast.
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