The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 is making waves ahead of its official launch, with leaked 3DMark Time Spy and Geekbench scores suggesting a small performance uplift over the previous generation.

A user on the Tieba Baidu forums (via Everest) has shared a screenshot of what appears to be a Time Spy benchmark run for the RTX 5080. The image, reportedly captured from a video showcasing the new GPU, reveals a graphics score of 32,701 points. If accurate, this represents a 15% performance increase over the RTX 4080 Super, with an average Time Spy graphics score of 28,305.

Image credit: Baidu and Chiphell

Another leak from Chiphell (via Tomasz Gawroński) claims an overclocked RTX 5080 achieved an even higher Time Spy graphics score of 34,896. While this still falls short of the RTX 4090's performance, it represents a 6.7% improvement over the other leaked score.

Interestingly, the RTX 5080 was also recently spotted in Geekbench OpenCL and Vulkan databases (via Benchleaks). These results showed up to an 18% performance increase in the Vulkan test and up to a 17% increase in the OpenCL test compared to the RTX 4080 Super. It's worth noting that gaming performance typically doesn't scale as well as synthetic benchmarks, so the actual gains in games might be lower than these figures suggest.

KitGuru says: After seeing these results, do you think getting an Nvidia RTX 5080 is a worthwhile upgrade over the RTX 4080 (Super)?

The post Early Nvidia RTX 5080 benchmarks suggest small bump in performance over RTX 4080 first appeared on KitGuru.

A new DDR5 frequency world record has just been set! Overclocker HiCookie recently beat the previous DDR5 record of DDR5-12698, achieving a whopping DDR5-12726 with a V-Color memory stick and a Gigabyte motherboard.

Renowned overclocker HiCookie, using the Z890 Aorus Tachyon Ice, pushed a 24 GB V-Color DDR5 memory module to a staggering 12,726 MT/s (6,363 MHz). This feat was achieved with timings of 68-127-127-127-2T, and a Core Ultra 9 285K CPU downclocked to 419 MHz with only two cores enabled. Liquid nitrogen was used to cool the memory.

HiCookie praised the combination of the Z890 Aorus Tachyon ICE, the V-Color Manta Xfinity RGB memory module, and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU for enabling this record-breaking overclock.

This achievement marks a significant leap in DDR5 overclocking, surpassing the previous record of 10,600 MT/s set three months ago with the same motherboard. It highlights the rapid advancements in memory technology and the dedication of overclockers to pushing the boundaries.

KitGuru says: Do you think there's still room to push DDR5 memory speeds even higher?

The post New DDR5 world record has been set at 12726 MT/s first appeared on KitGuru.

AMD's upcoming FSR 4 upscaling technology could be easier to implement than previously thought, with rumours suggesting a seamless upgrade path for games already supporting FSR 3.1.

This comes from Kepler_L2 (via VideoCardz) who hinted on Twitter that FSR 4 might be a simple drop-in replacement for FSR 3.1 (FSR 3 Frame Gen not included). This means that developers could potentially upgrade their games to FSR 4 with minimal effort, and gamers might even be able to swap DLL files themselves.

This news is particularly exciting given AMD's silence on FSR 4 since its brief showcase at CES 2025. During the event, AMD demonstrated the visual improvements of FSR 4 over FSR 3.1, highlighting its AI-powered upscaling capabilities and significant gains in image quality over the previous version of the technology.

If AMD delivers on this rumoured seamless upgrade path, over 40 games that currently support FSR 3.1 could be ready for FSR 4 at launch. This would significantly boost FSR 4's adoption and allow gamers to experience the benefits of the new technology in a wide range of titles as soon as FSR 4 is available.

KitGuru says: Do you believe FSR 4 will have a chance against DLSS 4 and its new transformer model?

The post All AMD FSR 3.1-suported titles will reportedly be compatible with FSR 4 first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI Afterburner has received a significant update with the release of version 4.6.6 Beta 5. This latest version brings many improvements, including support for Nvidia's GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards, experimental support for Ryzen 9000 and Core Ultra 200 CPUs, alongside a fresh new look.

Developed by Alexey “Unwinder” Nicolaychuk, MSI Afterburner has long been the preferred tool for tweaking and monitoring graphics card performance, and it's what we use in our GPU reviews for overlocking. This latest beta addresses long-standing issues and adds new features to enhance the user experience.

Image credit: Unwinder

One of the key highlights of this update is the addition of support for new hardware, including the RTX 50 series, the Ryzen 9000 and Intel Core Ultra 200 series CPUs. Previous versions struggled to access all sensors and data from these newer architectures, but this beta introduces experimental support for all three families, allowing for more comprehensive monitoring and control. However, Unwinder emphasises that MSI Afterburner and Riva Tuner Statistics Server are primarily designed for GPUs. CPU support should be considered a bonus, and users shouldn't expect full functionality or dedicated support for CPU-related issues.

Afterburner 4.6.6 Beta 5 also introduces a new look with a default skin designed for Windows 11. However, users can still choose from other available skins to personalise their experience. Additionally, there's a new “MSI Special” skin that matches the aesthetics of MSI's RTX 5090 Special Edition series cards. Interestingly, the changelog mentions the integration of G-Assist, Nvidia's built-in chatbot.

The full patch notes can be found below:

• Added NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50×0 series graphics cards support:
  • Added quad fan control support for reference design NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50×0 series graphics cards.
  • Added software interface for future G-Assist integration.
  • MSI Windows 11 Dark skin is selected as default application skin now. Please take a note that quad fan control GUI is currently available in Dark and Light editions of MSI Windows 11 skins only. If you prefer to use some older legacy skins on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50×0 with 3 or 4 independently controllable fans, you may still switch between all fans in async fan control mode by pressing <Shift>+<F> repeatedly.
  • Added new MSI Special skin by Drerex design. New skin natively supports quad fan control feature on reference design NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50×0 series graphics cards.
• Added voltage control support for low-cost revisions of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40×0 GPUs.
• Refactored CPU info database format provides more simplified and unified future database updates for MSI Afterburner monitoring HAL, CPU.dll sample plugin and RivaTuner Statistics Server's own monitoring HAL.
• Updated HwInfo.dll plugin. Now the plugin can automatically spawn new versions on HwInfo, which now store path to installed application in slightly different installer's registry key.
• Added experimental support for AMD Ryzen 9xxx CPUs.
• Added experimental support for Intel Arrow Lake CPUs.
• RivaTuner Statistics Server has been upgraded to v7.3.7 Beta 5.

This beta version is exclusively available through Guru3D. Users who prefer downloading updates through MSI's official servers must wait until February, after the Chinese New Year celebrations.

KitGuru says: Do you use MSI Afterburner? Will you be updating to the new version or aren't too fussed?

The post MSI Afterburner beta adds support for RTX 50 series GPUs, Ryzen 9000 first appeared on KitGuru.

Calling all PC gamers here in the UK! Scan Computers, in Bolton, is hosting the UK's only official Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series launch event on January 30th, 2025. This is your chance to snag an RTX 50 series GPU on day one, along with exclusive perks and prizes.

Starting at 2pm on January 30th, Scan Computers will have a dedicated stock of RTX 50 series graphics cards available in-store exclusively for attendees. But that's not all. They'll also open pre-orders for specific RTX 5080 and 5090 models, allowing you to secure your card before they're available.

For those eager to get their hands on the latest Nvidia GPUs, there's even more incentive to arrive early. The first 100 people in the queue will receive a limited-edition launch hoodie and other exclusive merchandise. Plus, there will be food and drinks, competitions, giveaways, and more throughout the day.

This is the only official Nvidia launch event in the UK where you can grab an RTX 50 series GPU on day one. Don't miss this opportunity to be among the first to experience Nvidia's next-generation graphics cards.

For full details, see Scan's website HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on attending the event to ensure you get an RTX 5080 or 5090 as soon as possible? Do you already have an idea of which model you want?

The post Scan is holding an in-store launch event for the Nvidia RTX 5080 first appeared on KitGuru.

When Intel launched Core Ultra 200S in October 2024 we reached the conclusion that the new CPUs were not ready for action. At best the new platform was in Beta, however there was the outside chance it was fundamentally flawed and beyond redemption. This would obviously be bad news for Intel but would also impact Asus, ASRock, Gigabyte, MSI and any company that is invested in the Z890 platform.

Time stamps

00:00 Back story
01:19 Industry updates
03:13 Leo discusses
03:53 Latest Intel updates with Robert Hallock
10:17 Leo’s thesis and his thoughts
12:53 Memory latency
13:47 Leo shares his notes
15:09 Cinebench 2024 Multi Core
15:48 Cinebench 2024 Single Core
16:43 Geekbench 6 Multi Core
17:24 Geekbench 6 Single Core
17:58 CPU Power Consumption
18:53 Cyberpunk 2077
19:56 Far Cry 6
20:50 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
22:11 Total War Pharoah
23:16 Assassins Creed Mirage
24:03 Leo's closing thoughts

 

You can read and see what KitGuru said about the launch of Core Ultra 200S HERE

A month after the launch, Intel's Robert Hallock went public to talk about the proposed fixes for Core Ultra 200S HERE

And now, after CES 2025, we have received the promised updates from Intel that are supposed to fix Core Ultra 200S. This means we can retest the Core Ultra CPUs and see whether or not Core Ultra 200S is now ready for action.

The post Intel Core Ultra 200S revisit: 3 months of updates first appeared on KitGuru.

Cooler Master has just released the Hyper 612 Apex, a new air cooler that promises to pack a serious punch into a compact and user-friendly design. It has also introduced a SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB 3-Pack fan kit, designed to give PC enthusiasts a convenient and stylish way to boost their cooling performance.

This latest addition to the Hyper series is 30% smaller than its predecessors, making it ideal for space-constrained builds while ensuring compatibility with larger memory modules. The Hyper 612 Apex features six innovative superconductive composite heat pipes that, according to Cooler Master, efficiently transfer heat from the CPU. Combined with a dense fin stack, these heat pipes promise to provide exceptional cooling performance, even under demanding loads.

Cooler Master has also equipped the Hyper 612 Apex with its powerful Mobius 120P fan, which delivers high-pressure airflow with minimal noise. Installation is also said to be a breeze thanks to the cooler's compact design and user-friendly features. A removable magnetic top cover and the easy-to-remove fan simplify the process, while a durable nickel-plated copper base offers additional performance and corrosion resistance.

In addition to the Hyper 612 Apex, Cooler Master introduced the SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB 3-pack. Available in black and white, these kits offer a trio of fans that are visually appealing and deliver improved airflow and quieter operation compared to their predecessors. Cooler Master has refined the SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB fans with redesigned blades that optimise airflow and reduce noise levels. Moreover, they feature an enhanced loop dynamic bearing system for quiet operation.

The fan frames sport a sleek and modern design, seamlessly integrating the A1 mini-LED controller. This compact controller lets you control your cooling setup, offering advanced fan control and customisation options for fine-tuning the fans.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the design of the Hyper 612 Apex? What version of the SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB fans do you prefer?

The post Cooler Master launches Hyper 612 Apex cooler, SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB fans first appeared on KitGuru.

Asus is being scrutinised for its PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism. Reports of potential damage to graphics cards caused by the new design have surfaced, accompanied by photos of evident damage to the PCB.

The PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim, introduced on Asus's Intel 800 and AMD 800 series motherboards, aims to simplify removing graphics cards from the PCIe slot. However, concerns have emerged about the mechanism's potential to cause physical damage to the PCIe connector or the graphics card itself.

Image credit: Bilibili (via HXL)

Unlike previous ASUS motherboards that featured a dedicated button for releasing PCIe devices, the new system requires users to pull the card in a specific manner, potentially putting stress on the connector. A video shared on Bilibili (via HXL) demonstrating the mechanism shows the card being pulled from a ROG Strix X870E-E motherboard at an angle, which could lead to damage over various pulls. In the video, the user explains that they ran a test in which they repeatedly removed and inserted a graphics card using the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism. The results showed visible wear and tear on the connector after just 60 repetitions.

In response to the video, Tony Yu, General Manager of Asus China, acknowledged the problem and assured users it would be addressed. However, the extent of the issue and the potential solutions remain unclear. It's unclear if the problem affects all Asus motherboards with the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism, but the lack of clarity from Asus has left many users concerned.

For those experiencing issues, one potential solution is to use a different PCIe slot on the motherboard. However, this could reduce performance for high-end GPUs that rely on PCIe 5.0 bandwidth.

KitGuru says: Hopefully, Asus will provide a swift and comprehensive response to these concerns, offering clear guidance on preventing potential damage and addressing any design flaws in the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism.

The post Asus’ PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism comes under scrutiny first appeared on KitGuru.

Cooler Master is updating its AIO cooler lineup by launching two new series: the MasterLiquid Core II and the MasterLiquid Atmos Stealth. These coolers offer distinct features and cater to different aesthetics, designed to provide PC builders with versatile options for taming their CPUs.

The MasterLiquid Core II series builds upon the success of its predecessor with a range of enhancements, including a redesigned dual-chamber pump for improved performance in a smaller footprint. Available with 360, 240, and 120 radiators and compatible with the latest AMD and Intel CPUs, it provides greater flexibility in system builds.

The Core II also has an “infinity mirror” pump cover that adds a touch of visual flair to your system. Redesigned fans with updated blades and visuals deliver better cooling performance and a fresh aesthetic. Thanks to a quick-mount kit and pre-installed fans, installation is a breeze, while the 400mm tubing length provides ample flexibility for various mounting configurations.

For those who prefer a more understated look, the MasterLiquid Atmos Stealth series delivers high-performance cooling in an all-black, non-LED design. This stealthy cooler retains the innovative features of the Atmos series, including the refined dual-chamber pump and customisable pump top cover. The Atmos Stealth also prioritises sustainability with its eco-friendly pump cover made from recycled plastics. Pre-installed Mobius 120 Black fans ensure efficient and quiet cooling, while daisy-chaining fan connections minimise cable clutter for a cleaner aesthetic.

KitGuru says: Which new MasterLiquid AIO model would you choose for your build?

The post Cooler Master introduces two new MasterLiquid AIO series first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI has released the Strike 600, a mechanical keyboard with silent tactile switches. Designed for gamers, professionals, and content creators alike, it is designed to offer a refined typing experience focusing on quiet operation, durability, and customisation.

The Strike 600 comes equipped with Kailh Midnight Pro Silent tactile switches, which feature a tactile bump with minimal noise. With sound levels below 35 dB, these switches are perfect for late-night gaming sessions or focused work environments where silence is essential. The 70 million keystroke lifespan ensures a long-lasting typing experience.

Crafted with an aluminium alloy top cover, the Strike 600 exudes a premium feel and exceptional durability. Its matte finish and floating keycap design add a touch of elegance, while ergonomic features like adjustable feet and a concave keycap profile ensure comfort even during extended use. The Strike 600 uses fully customisable per-key RGB lighting powered by MSI Mystic Light, allowing you to personalise your setup with millions of colours and dynamic effects. A dual-touch volume wheel and dedicated media keys provide convenient control for multimedia and productivity tasks.

MSI has implemented sound-dampening materials, including multi-layered foam gaskets and an integrated silencer pad, to minimise unwanted noise like pinging and echoing. Moreover, MSI Center software allows you to further personalise the Strike 600, with options for customising RGB lighting, remapping keys, creating macros, and switching between three onboard profiles. The MSI Strike 600 is available now from authorised retailers for $79.99.

KitGuru says: For its price, the Strike 600 looks like a decent mechanical keyboard. However, a hot-swappable board would be appreciated, given it's only available with Kailh Midnight Pro Silent tactile switches.

The post MSI’s new Strike 600 keyboard utilises Kailh Midnight Pro Silent switches first appeared on KitGuru.

After MANY years in development, we finally got the first part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake back in 2020 for the PlayStation 4. This then necessitated a PS5 upgrade when the next-gen console launched later that same year. With FFVII Rebirth releasing just under a year ago, fans have been concerned that they might be waiting until the PS6 for the trilogy to conclude. Fortunately, this won’t be the case.

With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth now out on PC, the team at Square Enix have begun to look ahead to the future 3rd and final entry in this remake trilogy.

In an interview conducted by the Japanese publication Famitsu (and translated by Eurogamer), Final Fantasy series producer Yoshinori Kitase offered an update on the current development status of FFVII Remake part 3, claiming that work on the story is now complete, stating: “I'm very satisfied with it, so I'm sure the fans will be satisfied with the final chapter.”

Beyond this, in another interview (this time with 4Gamer and translated by VGC), Kitase was informed of concerns from fans that the final entry in the trilogy could arrive as late as the PS6 generation. Qualming these fears, the producer simply stated “No, you can rest assured about the next one.”

Given just how long it took for Square Enix to bring Final Fantasy VII Remake to fruition, it is a welcome surprise to see the team’s commitment to getting the full trilogy out as soon as possible.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for FFVII Remake part 3? What do you think it will be called? When do you expect the final entry to be released? Let us know down below.

The post Final Fantasy VII Part 3 will arrive before the PS6, Square Enix confirms first appeared on KitGuru.

First released back in 2021 for PlayStation and PC, Guilty Gear Strive is the latest entry in the long-running and much loved 2.5D fighting series from Arc System Works. In the years since, the game has found its way to additional platforms – with Xbox players receiving Strive in 2023 – and now the Switch. In alignment with this latest launch, Arc System Works have shared updated sales figures for Guilty Gear Strive.

As part of the Guilty Gear Strive Nintendo Switch launch trailer, the team at Arc System works revealed that the fighting game had reached a new milestone of over 3 million copies sold.

For context, while the team did previously share the news that Strive had surpassed 3 million players, its addition to Game Pass meant that concrete unit sales could not be determined at the time.

That said, the explicit use of the term ‘selling 3 million copies’ removes any ambiguity, and means that Strive has officially sold 3x more units than any other entry in the Guilty Gear series.

With Strive now available on Switch – and the likes of Lucy from Cyberpunk Edgerunners set to join the roster later this year – it seems as though the game still has plenty more runway to reach even higher heights.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Guilty Gear Strive? Is it the best entry in the series? Will the game surpass 5 million copies sold? Let us know down below.

The post Guilty Gear Strive officially surpasses 3 million copies sold first appeared on KitGuru.

Ever since Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, we’ve seen the console maker slowly but surely bring over the publisher’s back catalogue to its Game Pass subscription service. Following the likes of Call of Duty, Diablo and Spyro, Crash Bandicoot 4 is reportedly set to finally join Game Pass next month.

As reported by known industry leakers Insider-Gaming, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass line-up for February has been partially revealed, with the publication claiming:

“Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time will be one of the major titles releasing coming to Xbox Game Pass in February alongside Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed and other announced titles such as Far Cry New Dawn.”

Beyond this, Madden NFL 25 will reportedly also arrive on the service at some point in February. Of course, each month Microsoft adds well over a dozen titles to Game Pass (with January seeing around 20 new games) and so the full line-up should be much more comprehensive.

Still, with just how long it took for the acquisition of Activision to be completed, it is somewhat surprising to see these older titles taking this much time to be added.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the sneak peek for next month’s line-up? Should Crash 4 have been added already? Do you care about Madden NFL? Let us know down below.

The post Crash Bandicoot 4 reportedly coming to Game Pass next month first appeared on KitGuru.

The launch of AMD's Radeon RX 9070 series has been more confusing than expected. After their absence at CES 2025, AMD has been slow to share details on these GPUs, only stating that the cards would come out in Q1 2025. Since then, a more specific release has been confirmed for March, but now, a retailer might have specified the exact day.

While AMD has initially stated that the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 will launch in Q1 2025, rumours have been swirling about a more specific release date, with January 22nd or 23rd being the most frequently mentioned targets. However, an AMD representative has confirmed these graphics cards will be coming out in March, meaning we'll have to wait two more months.

Recently, B&H Photo Video (via VideoCardz), a major US retailer that previously listed the RX 9070 series for release on January 23rd, has changed the date to March 23rd, specifying which day the cards would be available. However, March 23rd falls on a Sunday, and while review embargoes are occasionally lifted on weekends, it's an unusual practice. It's more likely that B&H Photo Video pushed the date back by two months as a temporary measure while awaiting confirmation from AMD.

This latest development adds to the already perplexing situation surrounding the RX 9070 series launch. Retailers have been stocking the cards since early January, and some reviewers have reportedly received samples in late December. Yet, AMD has remained tight-lipped about an official release date, leaving many in limbo.

Several factors could be contributing to this delay. AMD might be facing production challenges, fine-tuning its pricing strategy in response to Nvidia's RTX 50 series launch, or simply prioritising software optimisation.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on getting an AMD Radeon RX 9070 series graphics card?

The post AMD RX 9070 series reportedly up for preorder on March 23rd first appeared on KitGuru.

While its unit sales were initially hampered by global shortages and other pandemic-related issues, the past few years have seen Sony selling PS5s out the wazoo – more than making up for the time lost during 2020-21. 4 years on from its launch and the PS5 is reportedly outpacing last generation’s PlayStation 4 in the US. Unfortunately, it seems the same can’t be said for the Xbox Series X|S.

As reported by industry analyst Mat Piscatella, in the 50 months since both the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S launched, US sales for Sony’s system have been outpacing that of the PS4 – currently 7% ahead of their last-gen machine (launch-aligned).

Given the fact that the PS4 went on to sell over 117 million units globally, seeing growth in this regard is nothing but good news for the console maker.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Xbox One generation of consoles fell far behind that of the PS4, the Series X|S has reportedly failed to even match its own previous standard, with Piscatella revealing that Series X|S is currently trailing behind the Xbox One by a not-so-insignificant 18%.

Of course, the video games market expands far beyond just the USA, but with it being one of the strongest regions for Xbox historically, this drop in sales is somewhat concerning.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the figures shared? Are you surprised by Xbox’s drop? Will the PlayStation 5 outsell the PS4 when all is said and done? Let us know down below.

The post PlayStation 5’s US lifetime sales outpace PS4 as Series X|S trails behind the Xbox One first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia appears to be cooking up a graphics card behemoth with 96GB of GDDR7 memory. The new card has been spotted on a shipping manifest without a name, but the memory configuration was clearly mentioned.

The report comes from ComputerBase, which found shipping manifests detailing a new Nvidia GPU with a 512-bit memory interface and a massive 96GB frame buffer. Interestingly, this 96GB of memory suggests the card uses 3GB GDDR7 modules in a clamshell configuration, a departure from the 2GB modules found in the RTX 5090.

While NVIDIA has already introduced 3GB GDDR7 modules in the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, this marks the first time we've seen them in a desktop card. However, this 96GB monster is likely destined for the professional workstation market rather than gaming rigs. Moreover, the exact model name remains unclear, but it could be the next-generation RTX 6000 or even an RTX 8000 based on the Blackwell architecture. The manifests confirm that the card features a PG153 board, which hasn't been used in gaming cards.

If this is indeed the RTX 6000 Blackwell, it will have double the memory capacity of its predecessor, the RTX 6000 Ada. While the TDP remains unknown, it will likely use the GB202 GPU, the only Blackwell desktop GPU with a 512-bit memory bus. Historically, Nvidia's workstation GPUs have featured higher CUDA core counts than their gaming counterparts. This suggests that this 96 GB beast could pack even more than the 21,760 CUDA cores of the RTX 5090, possibly using the full GB202 die with 24,576 CUDA cores.

KitGuru says: With these specs, this upcoming Nvidia GPU is shaping up to be a workstation titan. It's likely to find its home in fields like AI research, scientific computing, and content creation, where massive datasets and complex workloads require extreme memory capacity and processing power. Still, one can wonder how it will perform in gaming.

The post Nvidia Blackwell GPU with 96GB GDDR7 memory spotted first appeared on KitGuru.

If you are a regular viewer or reader of KitGuru you’ll know that we usually publish two or three review videos a week throughout the whole year. This might sound like quite an easy job but behind the scenes, things are not always so simple. Because of our thorough testing process, from time to time we find significant faults with products and things don’t quite go to plan. How the company deals with our feedback on issues can vary depending on the company in question – some react well, others not so much.

In our most recent video, we talk about how our intensive and thorough testing led us to find a significant fault with a new Fractal PC case due to launch at the end of the month. However, after presenting our feedback on the issue to Fractal, the company launched an investigation and cancelled the planned launch. We thought it was a great response from Fractal and it showed how valuable third party testing is for new products as the consumer will get a better product because of it.

KitGuru says:  We have to commend Fractal for how it handled this issue. The company took our feedback on board, recognised the fault after mass production had started, and pulled the product from launch until it was satisfied that the quality met the usual standard that is expected of Fractal and its customers!

The post Quality Matters: Fractal’s Swift Cancellation After KITGURU Input first appeared on KitGuru.

The Sonic series has had its ups and downs over the past many years, but the Blue Blur seems to be on a bit of a hot streak at the moment; having recently released the remaster/expansion Sonic x Shadow Generations to immediate sales success. Since its arrival in October 2024, the game has continued to sell well – now surpassing 2 million total copies.

As reported by the publication Gematsu, SEGA has now confirmed that Sonic x Shadow Generations has officially sold over 2 million copies since its launch back in late October.

For content, the game was reported to have surpassed 1 million total sales within the first 24 hours. This figure was then updated to 1.5 million within its first month on the market, meaning Sonic x Shadow Generations’ sales did indeed see a significant drop in the time since.

Even so, the game’s success is notable, especially as it was primarily a remaster of a game from 2011 (which had already sold over 6 million copies).

With it now abundantly clear that there is great fan interest in SEGA bringing back Sonic’s older adventures to modern systems, hopefully we see the likes of Unleashed, Heroes and more be remastered in the not-too-distant future.

KitGuru says: What did you think of Sonic x Shadow Generations? Was it a worthy remaster? What other Sonic titles would you like to see modernised next? Let us know down below.

The post Sonic x Shadow Generations has sold 2 million copies first appeared on KitGuru.

Prior to its premiere, Microsoft’s Developer Direct was stated to have a couple extra surprises in store, outside of its previously-announced deep-dives for the likes of DOOM and South of Midnight. With the showcase concluded, it has now been confirmed that this surprise was in fact a brand new entry in the much-loved Ninja Gaiden series – coming sooner than you’d think.

Making the surprise announcement during the Xbox Developer Direct, Microsoft confirmed that the long-dormant franchise will be returning later this year with the release of Ninja Gaiden 4, saying:

“The definitive ninja action-adventure franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in a high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.”

Set to be published by Xbox Games Studios themselves (and coming as a day-one Game Pass drop), this latest entry in the classic hack and slash series will be co-developed by spectacle fighter specialists ‘PlatinumGames’ alongside Team Ninja themselves.

Most surprisingly, Ninja Gaiden 4 is slated to release later this year, some time during Fall 2025 – meaning the teams managed to keep this under wraps for quite a while now.

Finally, it’s worth noting that while the game is set to be published by Xbox, and will be coming day-one to Game Pass, Ninja Gaiden 4 will be a multiplatform release.

PlatinumGames’ track record has been somewhat hit or miss in recent years, however, there is no denying that the team know how to make great looking melee action. Hopefully this marks a grand return for this long-dormant franchise.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the surprise announcement? Did you expect it to be Ninja Gaiden? What are your thoughts on PlatinumGames co-developing? Let us know down below.

The post Ninja Gaiden 4 announced, coming later this year first appeared on KitGuru.

Microsoft’s Developer Direct has now come and gone, with the Xbox console maker showing off a number of its upcoming games as well as a few surprises. One game which was promised to be at the event was DOOM: The Dark Ages. Sure enough, ID Software’s upcoming FPS made an appearance with 10 minutes of new footage – as well as the game’s release date.

Sharing a 10 minute deep-dive into the upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages, the team at ID Software highlighted many of the mechanics set to come to the threequel, including a focus on projectile-based combat and a nifty new shield.

Of course, the big news from the deep-dive was DOOM: The Dark Ages’ release date. While it did leak slightly ahead of time, the team officially confirmed that the game will arrive for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on the 15th of May.

It's been quite a few years since ID Software’s DOOM: Eternal, and while the changes made to its gameplay didn’t necessarily resonate with everyone, it’s cool to see the team continue to innovate on what it means to be a modern DOOM game.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the Developer Direct? What was your favourite showing? Will The Dark Ages be a day-one buy for you? Let us know down below.

The post DOOM: The Dark Ages launches this May first appeared on KitGuru.

Silverstone has just unveiled the Lucid LD04, a stylish micro-ATX chassis that offers a panoramic view of your system's internals and supports a wide variety of components.

Inspired by the popular aquarium-style trend, the Lucid LD04 features tempered glass front and side panels, providing a stunning 270-degree view of your internal components. This design lets you showcase your carefully chosen hardware while ensuring optimal airflow and thermal performance through the vented panels surrounding the rest of the case.

Despite its compact size (38.25 litres), the Lucid LD04 can accommodate micro-ATX motherboards and most triple-fan graphics cards up to 350 mm long. It offers ample space for components and provides multiple internal mounts for up to seven 120 mm fans (rear and top fan mounts also support 140 mm models). It supports CPU coolers up to 177 mm tall and can accommodate 240 mm or 280 mm radiators in the top panel. The PSU (up to 150 mm long) is housed in a separate vented compartment at the bottom.

Silverstone chose a USB-C port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a 3.5 mm mic port for the front I/O. The Lucid LD04 will be available in black and white finishes. The black version will retail for $72.99, while the white version will be slightly more expensive at $79.99. Both versions come with three ARGB 120 mm fans.

KitGuru says: Although cheap for an aquarium case, the Lucid LD04 is slightly limited in some aspects. However, if these don't interfere with your needs, this could be a case worth considering if you want something different from a traditional-looking case and don't want to spend much. 

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Since their handing over of the Life is Strange series to Deck Nine, DON’T NOD have experimented with a variety of different projects across multiple new IPs. Their latest endeavour – Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – which was slated to arrive in early 2025 has now gotten a bunch of new details including an updated release date.

Making the announcement via a press release, the team at DON’T NOD officially shared all the necessary launch details for Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, saying:

“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will be priced at 39,99€/$39.99/£35.89 upon release including both parts of the game – ‘Bloom’ and ‘Rage’ – which add up to roughly 10-12 hours of gameplay.”

As was previously announced, the first part of the game will launch on the 18th of February. That said, players will have to wait a bit longer for part 2 with the team sharing that “to optimize the experience for players and enhance the storytelling for a truly immersive continuation of the journey, the release of Tape 2 ‘Rage’ has slightly be (sic) pushed back to April 15, 2025.”

Since leaving the Life is Strange series behind, DON’T NOD has struggled somewhat to find its footing. That said, with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage looking like a nice blend of old and new, hopefully the team have found their new identity.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to Lost Records? Will you play the episodes on release or wait until both parts are out? Let us know down below.

The post DON’T NOD’s ‘Lost Records’ gets new details and release date first appeared on KitGuru.

30 years ago, Ted Price founded Insomniac Games. In the decades since, the studio has created many iconic franchises, from Spyro the Dragon to Ratchet and Clank – and most recently the Marvel’s Spider-Man games. After leading the studio for more than 30 years, Price has now announced his retirement.

Taking to the PlayStation Blog, the Insomniac Games founder and CEO officially announced his retirement, saying “despite a challenging 2024, Insomniacs stayed fully focused on building games for our fans. As a result of the team's persistence and collaboration, we're in one of the strongest positions we've experienced in years, with each game in development looking beautiful and playing fantastic.”

Price continued, “Therefore, last week, I felt comfortable announcing to the Insomniac team that after having been incredibly fortunate to enjoy such a fulfilling career in games, I'll be retiring from the industry at the end of March. Today, I'm sharing this news more broadly.”

The full blog post is lengthy and goes into greater depth on what this means for Insomniac Games moving forward.

In essence, as we’ve seen with a couple other PlayStation studios, Insomniac will now be managed by multiple leads, with Chad Dezern, Jen Huang and Ryan Schneider all taking up the mantle as co-heads of the studio. Hopefully Ted Price gets to enjoy his well-earned retirement.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the announcement? Does this change anything for Insomniac Games, or will it be business as usual? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Insomniac Games founder Ted Price retires from studio first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple took a big swing with their iPhone 15 series of phones, introducing a renewed focus on gaming with the announcement of iOS ports for a number of major AAA titles. Unfortunately, all of these games, including multiple Resident Evil releases, underperformed pretty significantly. It seems little has changed in the months since, with Capcom’s latest mobile port for RE2 Remake reportedly bringing in just over $100k.

As reported by MobileGamer.biz, the latest AAA title to come to iOS – Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 Remake – has brought in just over $100,000 since it launched on the platform back in December of last year.

According to the publication, during the game’s first 4 weeks on sale (in which it was discounted heavily to just $10), RE2 Remake brought in a total of $95K from 9500 purchases (via Appmagic).

In the week since, the game has seen these modest sales figures drop significantly, with the return to its full $40 price tag having tempted just 175 additional players – for an extra $7k in revenue.

While it’s impressive to see these modern AAA games running on a smartphone, it seems as though a majority of players aren’t comfortable enough yet to switch to mobile as their gaming platform of choice. Perhaps in time this will change.

KitGuru says: Are you surprised by the performance of these ports? Do you think Capcom expected higher sales for these games? Could AAA gaming be viable on a smartphone? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Capcom’s iOS ports continue to underperform as Resident Evil 2 brings in just $102k first appeared on KitGuru.