If you have an Nvidia RTX graphics card, you might want to check the rewards section of the Nvidia App, as the company currently offers a free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. This promotion allows you to try out a broad suite of Adobe's professional photo and video editing tools, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects, without an immediate financial commitment.

To be eligible for this offer, you must own an RTX GPU from one of the past three generations. The duration of the free trial varies based on the generation of your card: if you have a GeForce RTX 30 or RTX 40 series card, you'll receive one free month of Adobe Creative Cloud. However, if you own an RTX 50 series GPU, Nvidia is doubling that offer, providing two free months instead.

Furthermore, RTX 50 series GPU owners receive an exclusive bonus: access to Adobe's Substance 3D collection. This reward grants entry to five distinct Adobe applications, such as 3D Sampler, 3D Designer, and 3D Painter, and a substantial content library that can be valuable for game development and other 3D creative projects. A full Adobe Creative Cloud subscription typically costs around $69 per month, so these offers represent a significant value proposition.

A key detail to remember when claiming this reward is that you must provide payment information to Adobe for the one- or two-month trial. After the complimentary period concludes, your subscription will automatically renew, and you will be charged the standard monthly fee. If you do not intend to continue your membership, you must cancel your subscription before your free month or two expires to avoid any charges. It's also important to note that this reward is exclusively for first-time Adobe Creative Cloud users.

KitGuru says: Do you have an RTX 30, 40, or 50 series card? Are you planning to register it to take advantage of Adobe Creative Cloud's free month (or two)?

The post Nvidia is giving away Adobe Creative Cloud to RTX 30, 40 and 50 GPU owners first appeared on KitGuru.

Montech has announced the global availability of its latest cases, the X5 and X5M. These cases are engineered for performance PC builders, and hardware enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive refresh that blends modern design with next-generation component compatibility and a sleek, racing-inspired aesthetic.

The X5 is a full-featured evolution of the preceding X3 series. It boasts an expanded interior capable of housing E-ATX motherboards, providing ample room for even the most complex and power-hungry system configurations. The X5 accommodates graphics cards up to 420 mm in length. A thoughtful addition is the integrated GPU holder, built directly into the casing, which negates the need for any additional accessories and ensures even the largest next-generation GPUs are securely installed and free from sag. Moreover, the case comes pre-equipped with three 140 mm fans in the front and a single 120 mm fan at the rear. Furthermore, it offers extensive radiator support, with room for up to 360 mm radiators on both the front and top panels.

Aesthetically, the X5 features a fine carbon print finish, lending a sleek, gaming, and subtly motorsport-inspired accent to the case. The integrated ARGB lighting system offers a diverse palette of 25 lighting styles, all controllable via a physical switch on the top I/O interface. This I/O panel includes USB-A and USB-C ports and a compact audio jack.

Accompanying the full-sized X5, the X5M emerges as a more compact alternative with the same design language. It arrives ready for action with four pre-installed 120 mm fans, configured to ensure internal compatibility for top-tier components within its smaller chassis footprint. This makes the X5M ideal for tighter setups or minimalist desk environments with more limited space. Despite its reduced size, the X5M doesn't compromise on visual appeal. It retains the sophisticated carbon-textured appearance and the vibrant ARGB lighting system, ensuring a cohesive look whether paired with its larger X5 sibling or utilised as a standalone build.

Together, the X5 and X5M form a versatile and high-performance case series. The new X5 cases are available in black and white with an MSRP of $75, while the more compact X5M in black and white retails for $59.

KitGuru says: What colour and model are your favourites of the new Montech X5 series?

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While Windows 12 is reportedly being worked on, Microsoft still has plenty of work left to do on Windows 11. This week, Microsoft announced its plans for the next major Windows 11 feature update, which is now available to Windows Insider testers. 

According to Microsoft's Jason Leznek (via Tom's Hardware), Windows 11 version 25H2 leverages the same core platform and servicing stack as the current version 24H2. This shared foundation means that users upgrading from 24H2 to 25H2 can expect a streamlined transition, described as “as simple as a quick restart”, akin to applying a typical monthly cumulative update. This method is significantly faster than the “OS swap” experience encountered when upgrading from earlier versions like 23H2 to 24H2, which involved a more extensive file replacement process.

While the initial preview build of Windows 11 version 25H2 mirrors the features already present in the 24H2 Beta Channel, Microsoft plans to introduce new functionalities progressively. As with previous Windows iterations, new features developed for 25H2 will first be integrated into the 24H2 branch in a disabled state. As these features mature, they will be bundled into monthly cumulative updates for 24H2 and activated via small enablement packages. Although an official release date for version 25H2 has not been set, the period from September to October 2025 is considered a likely window. This timing strategically aligns with the official end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025 (one-year extension not included).

Updating to version 25H2 will also reset the support clock. Enterprise and Education editions will receive an extended 36-month maintenance cycle, while consumer and professional editions will be supported for 24 months. This incentivises users to upgrade to 25H2 to ensure their PCs remain supported with the latest security and bug fixes for the longest possible duration. Windows Insiders can begin testing version 25H2 immediately, providing feedback to Microsoft as development progresses. Once generally available, users can activate Windows 11 version 25H2 by restarting their systems after the enablement package is applied.

KitGuru says: Unfortunately a lot of these major Windows updates have also introduced new bugs. Perhaps this time around, Microsoft will manage a smoother rollout. 

The post Windows 11 is getting a major feature update soon first appeared on KitGuru.

While Nvidia has not yet made any official announcements, the rumour mill is spinning, with recent reports indicating that the RTX 50 Super series is on the way and will feature upgraded VRAM and a higher TDP. 

The latest intel from kopite7kimi points to the RTX 5070 Super utilising the GB205-400 GPU, indicating a fully enabled version of that silicon. This card is expected to feature 6,400 CUDA cores, a modest increase over the original RTX 5070's 6,144 cores. The most significant upgrade, however, appears to be in the memory configuration. The RTX 5070 Super is rumoured to pack 18GB of GDDR7 memory, bringing a 6GB increase over the original RTX 5070. Since it retains a 192-bit memory bus, this implies the adoption of 3GB GDDR7 modules. Memory speed is expected to remain consistent at 28 Gbps, maintaining the overall bandwidth at 672 GB/s. The card's TGP is also set to increase to 275W, an additional 25W compared to the RTX 5070.

Nvidia is reportedly also working on an RTX 5070 Ti Super, according to kopite7kimi. This GPU is expected to employ the GB203-350 GPU, maintaining the same 8,960 CUDA cores as the current RTX 5070 Ti. However, the memory configuration on the RTX 5070 Ti Super sees a notable upgrade. While it will retain 28 Gbps GDDR7 memory and a 256-bit memory bus (meaning no change in bandwidth at 896 GB/s), its capacity is set to increase to 24GB. This is again attributed to using 3GB GDDR7 modules, which are reportedly common across all upcoming RTX 50 Super variants.

The TGP for the RTX 5070 Ti Super is also rumoured to climb to 350W, a 50W increase that places it just 10W below the RTX 5080. The TGP value for the RTX 5080 Super is claimed to be 415W, a 55W increase over the RTX 5080.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Given the supposed specs of the RTX 50 Super series, it's unclear if Nvidia will replace the existing non-Super models with the new ones. Nvidia could make them coexist, selling the Super models as the high-VRAM variants.

The post Nvidia RTX 50 Super GPUs rumoured first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel is reportedly developing a new strategy to challenge AMD's stronghold in the gaming CPU market. A new report suggests that upcoming Nova Lake CPUs will integrate a “bLLC” (large Last-Level Cache) technology, hoping to get the same performance gains from AMD's 3D V-Cache in their X3D processors. 

Haze (via Techspot) states that at least two Nova Lake CPUs will feature this enhanced L3 cache. Both configurations are said to include 8x P-cores and 4x low-power E-cores. One variant will pack an additional 20x E-cores, while the other will have 12x E-cores. Both are expected to have the same 125W TDP rating.

This “bLLC” technology isn't entirely new to Intel's ecosystem, having already been implemented in their Clearwater Forest server CPUs. In those chips, a local cache is integrated directly into the foundation tile, which sits beneath the compute tiles. This approach mirrors AMD's current 9000-series X3D architecture, where 3D V-Cache is attached to the bottom of the CPU dies. However, this development surprises some, as Intel had previously downplayed plans for a consumer-facing technology akin to AMD's 3D V-Cache. In November 2024, Intel's Tech Communications Manager, Florian Maislinger, explicitly stated that there were no intentions for a desktop version of such a feature.

The Nova Lake-S series for desktops is anticipated to launch in late 2026 or early 2027. This generation is expected to introduce a new LGA 1954 socket and feature at least six desktop variants. The lineup is rumoured to range from a top-end CPU with 52x cores and a 150W TDP to an entry-level model with 12 cores and a 125W TDP.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: AMD has had great success in the gaming market thanks to 3D V-Cache. Do you think Intel will get a comparable performance bump? 

The post Intel may adopt 3D V-Cache starting with Nova Lake CPUs first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia rolled out a new DLSS Software Development Kit (SDK) a few days ago, bringing the most recent DLSS Transformer model out of beta. Now, testing with the latest SDK shows huge VRAM improvements when using the latest DLSS model. 

As noted by VideoCardz, this latest SDK, version 310.3.0, also brings crucial VRAM consumption optimisations. Nvidia's official changelog briefly noted these improvements, with more detailed information in the new DLSS Programming Guide.

At 1080p resolution, the 310.3.0 SDK's Transformer model consumes 87.77 MB of VRAM. This represents a 19.8% reduction compared to the previous beta version, which used 106.9 MB. Similar VRAM decreases, averaging around 20%, are applicable across higher resolutions, up to 8K. The following table details the VRAM reduction per resolution when moving from DLSS version 310.2.0 to version 310.3.0:

Resolution	DLSS Version 310.2.0	DLSS Version 310.3.0	VRAM Reduction
1920×1080	106.90 MB	85.77 MB	21.13 MB
2560×1440	181.11 MB	143.54 MB	37.57 MB
3840×2160	387.21 MB	307.37 MB	79.84 MB
7840×4320	1517.60 MB	1225.17 MB	292.43 MB

For typical configurations, such as a GPU with 8 GB of VRAM running at 1080p resolution, the DLSS model's footprint now accounts for approximately 1% of the total available memory. While the new Transformer model still requires more VRAM than the older CNN model (which used 60.83 MB at 1080p), the gap has significantly narrowed.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried the new DLSS Transformer model version 310.3.0? Did you notice any reduction in VRAM usage with the latest DLSS version?

The post Nvidia DLSS transformer model uses 20% less VRAM with latest update first appeared on KitGuru.

Bohemia Interactive is preparing a brutal new challenge for those hardened DayZ veterans who found the zombie-infested wilderness a little too forgiving. The developers have officially announced “Badlands”, the next major expansion for the survival game, set to drop sometime in 2026. This addition will transport players to a desolate desert zone where the elements themselves pose as much of a threat as the undead hordes.

DayZ has always pushed players to survive in a world where the dead walk. But true to the best zombie fiction, the dangers extend beyond mere shambling corpses. Injuries, starvation, and even other players remain consistently high on the list of common causes of death.

The “Badlands” expansion introduces the Nasdara Province, a sprawling 267 km² map. This war-scarred desert region starkly contrasts with the frigid landscape of the previous Frostline Expansion. In Nasdara, thirst is a constant and lethal threat, and survival will hinge on navigating frequent droughts, adapting to new terrain, and mastering region-specific weapons and gear.

Players can also expect new and adapted variants of the infected. While one might hope the extreme heat would slow them down, these undead have seemingly evolved, proving just as menacing in the desert. The “Badlands” expansion is confirmed for release sometime in 2026. For those who have yet to brave the world of DayZ, the base game is currently available on Steam at a 50% discount (Summer Sale), priced at $24.99/£24.49.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you still play DayZ? Can the Badlands expansion revive or revitalise your interest in it?

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Cooler Master is rolling out a duo of intriguing new PC cases, catering to vastly different builder preferences. The first is the third iteration of their popular SFF chassis, the NR200P V3. The other one is the Masterbox CM695, a “Classic Odd Design” case aiming to bridge the gap between vintage and modern PC builds. 

Unveiled initially at CES 2025 in January, the latest version of the NR200P (via Videocardz) boasts a redesigned side panel engineered to fully showcase and cool a graphics card running the entire length of the chassis. This window features a removable mesh screen, allowing users to completely expose the GPU for superior ventilation when performance demands it. Cooler Master asserts that the NR200P V3's design prioritises user-friendliness, with a tool-less approach to assembly and maintenance. The chassis is CNC-machined, and panels are secured with magnetic latching mechanisms, promising quick upgrades and hassle-free servicing.

Cooler Master has also unveiled a distinctly different offering: the Masterbox CM695. As indicated on its product page, this mid-tower case embraces a “Classic Odd Design”, featuring elements common in 20-year-old cases. Externally, the CM695 presents a refined aesthetic, featuring ample mesh to ensure optimal airflow for internal components, and, perhaps most surprisingly for a modern chassis, a classic 5.25-inch drive bay. Inside, the case continues its blend of old and new, incorporating an old-school HDD cage alongside modern cable routing channels equipped with rubber grommets for tidiness.

With dimensions of 477 x 209 x 488mm, the CM695 is described as tall and slender. Its front panel is split, with a solid top section and a mesh bottom allowing adequate airflow to its two pre-installed 120mm fans. Connectivity ports are conveniently located on the top of the case, adjacent to another mesh section that can accommodate three additional 120 mm fans. Builders will be able to choose between a solid left side panel or a tempered glass option to showcase their internal components.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Of the two new Cooler Master PC cases we've just shown, which one looks the most interesting to you?

The post Cooler Master introduces the NR200P V3 and MasterBox CM695 first appeared on KitGuru.

LG has announced that it has begun mass production its new and improved 4th Generation OLED panel. The new panel is aimed at taking OLED gaming to new heights, with even higher refresh rates and even higher contrast ratios. 

This Primary RGB Tandem technology is unique in its approach, stacking the three primary colors of light – red, green, and blue – into four independent layers. This structure boosts peak brightness and maximises contrast ratio, producing more vivid and precise visuals for users. The panel also boasts a colour reproduction rate of 99.5%, which LG Display claims is the best among current OLEDs. Furthermore, LG has employed a special film and an upgraded internal panel element structure to combat screen glare, blocking 99% of internal and external light reflections. This ensures that the panel maintains its image quality without colour distortion, even in brightly lit environments. This commitment to visual fidelity has earned the panel certifications for Perfect Black, Perfect Colour, and 100% Colour Fidelity from global organizations like UL Solutions and Intertek.

In parallel with this mass production milestone, LG revealed details about an even faster OLED display panel that simultaneously supports a 540 Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution. Breaking the 500 Hz barrier was previously considered a significant hurdle due to the potential for a steep drop in picture quality. However, LG Display claims to have successfully overcome this limitation by developing and applying a new proprietary algorithm.

Adding another layer of innovation, LG Display highlighted its proprietary Dynamic Frequency & Resolution (DFR) technology. This smart feature allows ultra-high refresh rate settings up to 720 Hz when operating in HD resolution. DFR empowers users to dynamically choose their preferred refresh rate mode based on the content, prioritizing either resolution or speed as needed.

Moreover, LG's OLED monitor panels also feature an industry-leading response time of a mere 0.03ms. This rapid pixel transition is crucial for appreciating the speed of fast-paced games, as even a high refresh rate can be undermined by slow response times. Combining a 0.03 ms response time with a 540 Hz refresh rate allowed LG's new OLED panel to achieve the highest tier of the VESA standard, ClearMR 21,000. LG expects to start mass production of its 540 Hz Gaming OLED panel in H2 2025, suggesting that monitors featuring these cutting-edge displays could hit the market soon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already jumped into the OLED monitor bandwagon? Will you do so with one of these new-gen LG OLED panels?

The post LG starts mass producing 4th-Gen OLED gaming displays first appeared on KitGuru.

New shipping manifest records from the NBD aggregation site have provided evidence of AMD's next wave of laptop APUs, revealing new FP8, FP10, and FP12-based Ryzen processors. While the entries are light on specific technical details, the unique Ordering Part Numbers (OPNs) associated with these chips strongly indicate they belong to AMD's upcoming “Gorgon Point” laptop series.

As first noted by @Olrak29 (via Videocardz), the shipping manifests specifically show upcoming 10-core and 12-core SKUs. These particular chips are expected to be part of the Ryzen 9 tier (Ryzen AI 9 465 and 470/475, respectively) and are set to launch with a default TDP of 28W.

Although the codename “Gorgon Point” doesn't explicitly appear in these manifest listings, a meeting with Chinese partners (via ITHome) has provided specifications for this new series. While AMD has yet to name these new SKUs, they will likely fall under the Ryzen AI 400 series branding.

Gorgon Point is not expected to introduce an entirely new architectural design. Instead, it appears to refresh the existing “Strix Point” platform, maintaining the same architectural components: Zen 5 CPU cores (including Zen 5c), RDNA 3.5 for integrated graphics, and the XDNA 2 NPU. While AMD isn't planning to introduce a new tier with additional core counts, meaning the overall core configurations will remain consistent, leaks earlier this year hinted at introducing new entry-level SKUs within the Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 3 series. Higher clock frequencies are also expected, as seen in most refreshes. The “Gorgon Point” series is scheduled to launch next year.

KitGuru says: Even if Gorgon Point won't bring any major improvements over Strix Point, the expanded lineup and slightly higher clock speeds are a welcome addition, assuming pricing remains consistent.

The post AMD Ryzen AI “Gorgon Point” APUs are on the move first appeared on KitGuru.

Ark 2, the sequel to Ark: Survival Evolved, has seen its expected release window shift once again. Initially slated for 2023, then delayed to late 2024, its Steam release date was recently adjusted to a vague “to be announced”. Now, Studio Wildcard, the developers behind the Ark franchise, have expressed a target of a 2027 debut.

In a recent interview with PCGamesN, Studio Wildcard co-founders Jesse Rapczak and Jeremy Stieglitz clarified the studio's strategy. They revealed that Ark 2‘s development was partially put on hold to focus efforts on Ark Survival Ascended. According to the co-founders, this decision has been important in allowing the team to gain a deeper understanding of Unreal Engine 5 and experiment with the engine's new capabilities and technologies.

Jeremy Stieglitz indicated that only “a small portion” of their team is currently dedicated to working on the combat mechanics in Ark 2, which will be souls-like. As per the developer, making this type of combat work in a multiplayer PvP context is pretty tricky. Stieglitz added that transforming the existing Ark 2 material into a functional early access game would require about 18 months of concentrated development time from a significant portion of the team.

With Ark Survival Ascended now out in the open, Studio Wildcard executives are reportedly seeking to transition their development focus back to Ark 2 without disrupting the revenue stream generated by Ark Survival Ascended. Previous Ark 2 videos and statements from Wildcard have outlined ambitious changes for the sequel. These include a reworked traversal system, a shift to third-person gameplay, and the already mentioned “soulslike” PvP combat. Furthermore, the new game will introduce NPC antagonists, a departure from the purely wild monsters found in existing Ark titles.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of the Ark games? Are you interested in the upcoming Ark sequel?

The post Ark 2 may not get Early Access launch until 2027 first appeared on KitGuru.

Peak is proving to be more than just a “jam game” experiment. What began as a simple project to combat burnout has exploded into a certified hit, initially selling a million copies in its first six days and now, surprisingly, reaching two million units sold in just nine days. This incredible momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the developers themselves, known as Landcrab, noted in a recent blog post.

As the developer said in a blog post, “It's been a wild time since launch… Peak managed to exceed our expectations of player count and hype by like… a lot.” This translates to an additional million copies flying off the virtual shelves in just three days.

While the celebration is warranted, Landcrab is already working hard on the game's first major update. They've been diligently collecting community feedback, assuring players that they're noting as many suggestions as possible. Potential improvements span the gamut from crucial quality-of-life adjustments to entirely new content and all of the additions they wanted to include from the start. Naturally, this will be underpinned by a strong focus on bug fixes, currently their top priority.

Landcrab is specifically investigating key issues impacting players, including problems with disconnection and reconnection, broader performance and optimisation, microphone or audio glitches, and game crashes. The development team openly acknowledges its small size and appreciates players' patience as it tackles these bug reports. Looking ahead, localisation is a confirmed inclusion for Peak, though Landcrab is cautious, stating they won't release anything significant until they are certain it's feasible.

KitGuru says: Do you think Peak will be a success for some time, or will it be just the new flavour of the month until the next one shows up?

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Six months after its introduction at CES 2025, the HDMI Forum officially approved the HDMI 2.2 standard. This upgrade dramatically boosts the maximum bandwidth to 96 Gbps, unlocking support for resolutions as extreme as 16K at 60Hz. However, users should be aware that achieving this will necessitate new “Ultra96”-certified cables, as HDMI 2.2 cannot operate at its peak without them.

The new HDMI version is a considerable leap forward for high-resolution and high-refresh rate content. While its predecessor, HDMI 2.1, already began to strain with uncompressed 8K at 60Hz, the new HDMI 2.2 specification can handle bandwidth-hungry scenarios like 12K at 120Hz and even 16K at 60Hz. It also supports up to 4K resolution at 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz in a full 4:4:4 format, with complete 10-bit and 12-bit colour depth.

One user-friendly change introduced with HDMI 2.2 is the mandatory labelling system. Learning from the confusion surrounding HDMI 2.1, where numerous cables failed to meet advertised specifications, the HDMI Forum will now require the “Ultra96” branding on all authorised cables. To ensure the label is correctly applied, manufacturers must test each cable. This should make it simple to find a truly HDMI 2.2-compliant cable.

The new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) adds another layer of refinement. This feature enhances audio-visual synchronisation, particularly in complex multi-device setups involving soundbars, AV receivers, or elaborate home theatre chains. LIP enables devices to communicate latency information to each other and automatically adjust sync, effectively eliminating the lag between visuals and audio.

While there's no official debut date for compatible devices, AMD's next-gen Radeon series is rumoured to feature HDMI 2.2. However, early leaks suggest not all models will offer the full 96 Gbps capability, with some possibly capping at 80 Gbps.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: While HDMI continues strengthening its lead in the living room and home entertainment space, DisplayPort is traditionally preferred in the PC gaming monitor market. HDMI 2.2 certainly has the potential to shift that balance. Still, its widespread adoption will depend heavily on how quickly manufacturers integrate the new standard.

The post HDMI 2.2 specification revealed first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia unveiled a significant evolution in its DLSS upscaling technology at CES 2025, introducing a new model as part of the DLSS 4 upgrade. This advancement, which also includes enhancements to DLSS Ray Reconstruction, Super Resolution, and DLAA, marks Nvidia's first implementation of a transformer-based AI model in a real-time application.

After a beta phase spanning almost six months, this transformer-based DLSS model is now out of beta (version 310.3.0). This development lays the groundwork for Nvidia's future upscaling and image quality models. Given that CNN-based DLSS was utilised for over six years, it is plausible that this new transformer-based technique will similarly evolve and improve over an extended period.

Previously, DLSS relied on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to generate pixels by focusing on localised areas within current and preceding frames. However, Nvidia recognized that CNNs had reached their performance ceiling, and simply releasing new upscaling profiles was no longer sufficient to drive further image quality improvements.

The new transformer model represents a more sophisticated approach. It boasts twice as many parameters as prior DLSS upscaling models and fundamentally shifts its focus from localised content. Instead, this visual transformer analyses the entire frame and evaluates the importance of each pixel, even tracking their significance across multiple frames.

Nvidia asserts that its transformer model allows a more comprehensive understanding of scenes, bringing numerous benefits. Those include stabler pixels, effectively reducing shimmering and other visual artifacts, diminishing ghosting, and better preserving fine details, especially during motion. In addition, edges appear smoother, and the overall image quality for ray reconstruction is substantially enhanced, particularly in scenes with challenging lighting conditions.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried the DLSS transformer model? Did you notice any difference compared to the older CNN-based models?

The post Nvidia DLSS transformer model leaves beta first appeared on KitGuru.

Philips has introduced the Evnia 27M2N3501PA, a new addition to its Evnia 3000 gaming monitor series. This model is positioned as a comprehensive solution for competitive gamers, integrating a range of technologies at an accessible price point, including the new Philips Evnia Precision Centre software.

The Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA features a 27-inch Fast IPS panel, delivering QHD (2560×1440) resolution for clear and detailed visuals. For fast-paced gaming, the monitor offers an overclockable 260Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms MPRT with Smart MBR, aiming to provide smooth visuals and optimal brightness during intense action. Adaptive-Sync technology and Low Input Lag are also present to reduce screen tearing and minimise input delay, respectively.

A new software utility, the Evnia Precision Centre, allows users to customise monitor settings and gaming profiles. This dashboard enables fine-tuning of settings, mode switching, and resolution adjustments. In addition, Image enhancement features such as Stark ShadowBoost, SmartContrast, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) are also included to improve visuals.

The monitor packs a decent amount of ergonomics right out of the box, featuring an adjustable SmartErgoBase that provides height, swivel, tilt, and pivot adjustments. Moreover, Flicker-Free technology and LowBlue mode are integrated to help reduce eye fatigue. The monitor also incorporates built-in stereo speakers. The Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA is expected to be available for purchase in late June with an MSRP of £209.00.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Considering its specs, looks, and pricing, the new Philips Evnia monitor looks like quite a good deal.

The post Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA delivers 260Hz QHD gaming for under £210 first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia has officially revealed the GeForce RTX 5050, a new mid-range gaming GPU for desktop and laptop platforms. The desktop version will start at $249, with laptops featuring the RTX 5050 expected to begin at approximately $999. Both variants are slated for availability in the second half of July 2025.

The RTX 5050 is designed for 1080p AAA gaming at medium to high settings. It supports DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, allowing users to push framerates higher than expected from an entry-level gaming GPU.

The desktop RTX 5050 utilises the “GB207” silicon, which is fully enabled, featuring 20 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) for a total of 2560 CUDA cores, 80 Tensor cores, and 20 RT cores. It also includes 80 Texture Mapping Units (TMUs) and 32 Render Output Units (ROPs). The GPU's base clock is 2.31GHz, with a boost clock of 2.57GHz. It has 8GB of VRAM (GDDR6 on desktop and GDDR7 on laptop) on a 128-bit memory bus. Nvidia did not specify the memory speed, but seeing the desktop version has a memory bandwidth of 320 GB/s, we assume the memory will run at 20 Gbps. As for the laptop version, it has a memory bandwidth of 384 GB/s, meaning the memory will run at 24 Gbps.

The desktop GPU has a Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 130W, allowing AIC partners to use 6-pin PCIe power connectors, though 8-pin PCIe is also expected. The laptop variant has a TGP up to 115W. Both models feature the latest NVENC and NVDEC video accelerators and a current display engine.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think the Nvidia RTX 5050 has what it takes to make a stand in the desktop market? What about its laptop version?

The post Nvidia introduces the RTX 5050 GPU for desktops and laptops first appeared on KitGuru.

Skullcandy is launching a new entry into the gaming headset market with the launch of the Crusher Plyr 720. This new headset is notable for being the first gaming-focused product to incorporate Skullcandy's patented Crusher multi-sensory bass technology, combined with an open-back design.

The Crusher Plyr 720 integrates Skullcandy's new multi-sensory bass with THX Spatial Audio and an open-back acoustic design. This combination seeks to provide a distinct auditory and tactile experience: explosions are designed to resonate more, engine sounds are deeper, and an opponent's approach can be pinpointed to a specific direction.

The open-back acoustics and positional audio tuning contribute to a spacious soundstage. The headset features dual Crusher drivers that, according to Skullcandy, allow gamers to perceive events in the game by feeling them before they are seen or heard. Unlike typical haptic headphones, the Crusher Plyr 720's drivers direct sound into the head and ears, rather than just around the latter. Skullcandy claims this results in a more visceral sensation akin to adding an adjustable subwoofer.

The Crusher Plyr 720 also offers audio management through the Skull-HQ app, allowing users to customise their sensory experience. For console and mobile gamers, THX Spatial Audio with head tracking is available via the Skullcandy Mobile App. The headset is designed for cross-platform compatibility and is available in two models: Multi-Platform, which offers wireless play on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile, with wired support for Xbox, and “Designed for Xbox”, which provides support for wireless play on Xbox, as well as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. Both versions of the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 are priced at $259.99 and will be available through the company's website and Amazon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: There are not many open-back wireless gaming headsets out there, so this is quite unique. 

The post Skullcandy Crusher Plyr 720 headset brings wireless open-back audio to PC and console first appeared on KitGuru.

Noctua has officially revealed its next-generation flagship 120mm fan, the NF-A12x25 G2. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the G2 introduces a refined blade geometry and a new motor design, promising a significant leap in performance-to-noise efficiency. 

The NF-A12x25 G2 is the successor to the NF-A12x25 and stands as the 120mm sibling to the already acclaimed 140mm NF-A14x25 G2. Like its forebear, this fan is crafted from Noctua's proprietary Sterrox LCP compound, enabling an incredibly tight tip clearance of just 0.5mm. However, the G2 version pushes the boundaries further with an enhanced progressive bend impeller featuring winglets, flow acceleration channels, and a redesigned centrifugal turbulator hub.

The NF-A12x25 G2 is designed as a versatile all-rounder, delivering superb results across various applications. It performs admirably in low-impedance, airflow-oriented scenarios like case cooling and in high-impedance, static pressure-demanding situations with heatsinks and water cooling radiators. For application-specific optimisation, the fan's Advanced Acoustic Optimisation frame can be paired with the included NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for a tighter seal on radiators. Enthusiasts can opt for the separately sold NA-IS1-12 inlet side spacer frame, which can enhance suction acoustics and improve flow rates in some “pull” configurations.

Noctua's ultra-low-loss etaPERF motor powers this fan, which uses its Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology to improve energy efficiency and running smoothness. The fans also feature SupraTorque, which allows the fan to leverage additional torque headroom. This ensures it maintains its desired speed even when operating against significant back pressure, leading to superior performance on heatsinks and radiators.

The NF-A12x25 G2 is available in three distinct versions. The standard PWM model offers a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. For those prioritising silence, a quiet LS-PWM variant tops out at 1100 RPM. Lastly, the Sx2-PP combination pack is also offered, bundling two fans with a slight speed offset of +/- ~50 RPM. This subtle offset is particularly beneficial in push-pull operations or multi-fan setups (like case cooling or radiators), helping to mitigate buzzing or other undesirable auditory interactions that can occur when fans run at perfectly synchronised speeds.

Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty, the NF-A12x25 G2 establishes a new benchmark within Noctua's portfolio. The Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM, and NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP are priced at €/$34.90, €/$34.90, and €/$64.90, respectively.

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KitGuru says: Although expensive, the first reviews suggest that it's indeed Noctua's best 120mm fan to date. However, other brands have strong alternatives for about the same price.

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Thermaltake has introduced the WAir CPU cooler, an air-cooling solution designed for workstation applications involving demanding tasks like 3D rendering and AI processing.

Brought to our attention by ITHome (via TechPowerUp), Thermaltake's new cooler measures 143.2 x 115 x 165mm and features a single-tower heatsink with aluminium fins. It is compatible with Intel LGA4677 and AMD sTR5/SP6 sockets and is rated to provide a cooling capacity of up to 500W TDP. The heatsink has six 6mm diameter copper heat pipes connected to a nickel-plated copper base. High-quality solder paste is used at the interfaces between the heat pipes and the heatsink fins and between the heat pipes and the copper base to optimise thermal conductivity.

The WAir cooler is equipped with two Thermaltake ToughFan14 Pro fans. Each of these 140mm fans operates at speeds ranging from 500 to 1500RPM, controlled via PWM. The fans utilise liquid crystal polymer (LCP) blades, designed to reduce vibration at higher speeds. Each fan provides an airflow of up to 83.4 CFM, a static pressure of 1.86 mm-H₂O, and a noise level of 24.4 dBA. They connect via 4-pin PWM connectors and have a rated operational life of 50,000 hours. The fan positions on the cooler can be adjusted to accommodate various memory module heights.

Thermaltake has not yet provided specific pricing or details on availability for the WAir CPU cooler series.

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KitGuru says: Seeing its specs, the Thermaltake WAir seems quite capable for a compact workstation CPU cooler. However, those planning on getting one of these to cool a high-core-count CPU might be better off waiting for reviews or using another cooling solution that has been proven to be more robust.

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