The first benchmark results for Panther Lake's Xe3 iGPU have surfaced online, giving us our first look at the performance potential of the new 12-core integrated GPU. The leak comes from a Geekbench entry for the upcoming Core Ultra X7 358H CPU, one of the first chips confirmed to carry Intel's new top-tier mobile branding.

Various Panther Lake benchmark scores were spotted by Benchleaks, all linked to an unannounced Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop. These entries showed the Core Ultra X7 358H as a 16-core CPU, featuring 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 4 LPE-cores, boosting up to nearly 4.8 GHz. This CPU is paired with 32 GB of LPDDR5X.

The focus of these benchmarks, however, is the integrated Xe3 GPU. In the Geekbench OpenCL test, the 12-core iGPU scored between 51K and 53K points. While Geekbench's OpenCL test isn't always the most flattering benchmark for Intel's integrated graphics, this score still represents a healthy 25% improvement over the previous generation “Arrow Lake-H” Arc iGPU in the same test. Perhaps more interestingly, this level of performance puts the Panther Lake iGPU roughly on par with Nvidia's laptop GeForce RTX 3050 and even outperforms Intel's own discrete Arc A550M laptop GPU.

Note that this is almost certainly an early engineering sample running on unoptimised drivers. Performance could still improve as Intel refines the software stack ahead of the official launch. Still, this early result is a promising sign for the graphics capabilities of the upcoming Panther Lake platform.

KitGuru says: What kind of performance are you expecting from Intel's Xe3 iGPUs on Panther Lake chips?

Crucial, Micron's consumer brand, is making a stronger push into the enthusiast gaming market with the launch of its new DDR5 Pro Overclocking (OC) 6400 CL32 gaming memory. These new sticks aim to deliver a sweet spot of high speed and relatively low latency, wrapped in a fresh heat spreader design.

Available in 16GB single modules or 32GB kits (2x 16GB), the new memory runs at 6400 MT/s with CL32 timings, which Crucial states offers up to 37.5% lower latency than standard JEDEC DDR5. The company is making some bold performance claims, suggesting users could see average frame rate increases of up to 25% in memory-sensitive titles compared to slower memory. However, real-world gains will naturally vary depending on the game and system configuration.

The modules support both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO profiles for easy one-click overclocking (though manual BIOS enablement might be needed for EXPO) and are validated for compatibility with the latest Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors. Crucial has also given the heat spreader a visual overhaul. The new design features a slightly raised profile with a subtle camo-inspired pattern and comes in either black or white, offering a more modern and tactical look compared to previous Crucial designs.

KitGuru says: As a Micron brand, the underlying memory technology is well-regarded for reliability. Crucial is positioning this kit not just for gamers, but also for content creators and users running data-intensive AI workloads who need a blend of speed and stability. 

Ubisoft has announced a major free update for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora that delivers two of the most highly requested features from the community since the game's launch. The new update, scheduled to arrive on December 5th, will finally allow players to experience the Western Frontier in a third-person perspective and add a New Game+ mode for players seeking a tougher challenge.

The headline feature is, of course, the third-person mode. Players will be able to switch between the original first-person view and the new over-the-shoulder perspective with the press of a button. According to Ubisoft, the development team has put significant effort into this, updating animations, controls, audio, and camera systems to ensure a fluid and intuitive experience, whether you're exploring or battling the RDA.

For those who have already completed the main story, the update also introduces New Game+. This mode allows players to replay the campaign while retaining all their unlocked skills and inventory from their previous playthrough. To keep things interesting, New Game+ will feature tougher enemies, but also offer rewards in the form of a brand-new skill tree and more powerful gear to acquire. It's worth noting, however, that the two previously released story packs, The Sky Breaker and Secrets of the Spires, will not be accessible within the New Game+ mode.

This update continues Ubisoft's post-launch support for the title, which has also seen quality-of-life improvements like a smoother 40 FPS performance mode for consoles and combat rebalancing. To celebrate the announcement, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is currently on sale at the Ubisoft store for up to 70% off on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for a limited time.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora? Are you interested in the new third-person mode?

In a market saturated with hardcore extraction shooters, a charmingly absurd parody has just waddled its way to the top of the Steam charts. Escape from Duckov, a top-down PvE looter shooter featuring heavily armed ducks, has become an overnight sensation since its launch on October 16th.

Developed by Team Soda, known for Snake Force and Soda Crisis, the game blends familiar extraction mechanics like raiding, looting, upgrading, with a quirky duck theme. Although it might seem a bit ridiculous on paper, it seems players can't get enough. According to the developer, the game sold over 500,000 copies in just its first three days.

The concurrent player numbers are equally staggering. SteamDB figures show the game has already hit a peak of over 182,000 players online simultaneously, placing it among Steam's most played games right now, but still behind behemoths like Counter-Strike 2, Battlefield 6, and Arc Raiders. This makes it the fourth best-selling game on the platform at the time of writing. Moreover, user reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, currently sitting at 95% favourable across nearly 7,000 reviews worldwide. While a significant portion of the player base is in China, the game's simple premise and addictive loop have clearly resonated worldwide.

Another ingredient for its success might be pricing. It launched at just £18, with a 12% discount currently bringing it down to £15.83 until October 30th. For that price, players are getting a surprisingly deep package, with five stages, over 50 weapons, base building, skill trees, crafting, and even Steam Workshop support for user-created content.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried Escape from Duckov? If you haven't, will you, or isn't it your type of game?

Sports Interactive has announced a multi-year licensing agreement with FIFA, bringing official rights to Football Manager for the very first time. Starting with next year's FIFA World Cup 26, the game will feature official tournament branding, kits, and more.

This partnership means that Football Manager 26, which is already set to be a transformative entry thanks to its move to the Unity Engine and the inclusion of women's football, will now feature a new level of authenticity for international management. The deal covers not only the men's World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, but also the FIFA Women's World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The results of this partnership will be seen next year via a free update, timed ahead of the real-world tournament kicking off in June 2026. FM26 Mobile (Netflix) will be the exception, getting the update at launch. This update will include a revamped international management module and will bring fully licensed kits for all 48 participating national teams, alongside official tournament logos and broadcast graphics.

The game is scheduled for a worldwide launch on PC and consoles on November 4th.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: It's a massive get for Sports Interactive and a feature fans have been requesting for years. Football Manager 26 is already shaping up to be the biggest leap for the franchise in a long time, and the addition of the official FIFA licence is the cherry on top.

InWin has unveiled its latest creation for the DIY enthusiast market, the Shift open-frame PC chassis. Designed as a highly adaptable platform, the Shift can transform between different orientations, serving as a test bench, a traditional gaming rig, or a dedicated hardware showcase.

Constructed from high-quality aluminium using CNC machining and extrusion processes, the Shift emphasises both a premium feel and structural rigidity. InWin highlights details like reinforced screw holes, suggesting the chassis is built to withstand repeated disassembly and modification. This focus on durability makes it appealing for professionals and hobbyists who are constantly tinkering with their hardware.

The open-frame design supports up to E-ATX motherboards and graphics cards up to 350 mm long, with tool-free GPU holders supporting both vertical and horizontal mounting. Its most unique feature is probably the “extension wings” attached via quick-release clamps. These can be positioned at any angle between 0° and 90° relative to the main frame, allowing builders to mount components by adapting the chassis's layout to their needs.

Unlike many open-frame designs that leave cable management as an afterthought, InWin has integrated routing options into the Shift to help maintain a clean look, ensuring the focus remains on the hardware. To further simplify the building process, especially for those new to open-frame concepts, InWin is providing an interactive 3D assembly guide via a free mobile app for iOS and Android. The Shift is now listed at €449.99 in the InWin online store.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: The InWin SHIFT looks to be a versatile and premium platform for PC builders who want a chassis that can adapt to different needs and show off their components. However, the asking price might be a too high when considering alternative open-bench solutions like Thermal Grizzly's der8enchtable.

Gigabyte is doubling down on display versatility, announcing two new 27-inch gaming monitors that feature dual mode technology. The new Gigabyte G27U and G27UP are both built around SuperSpeed IPS panels and allow users to switch between a 4K resolution at 160 Hz and a FullHD resolution at 320 Hz, offering the best of both worlds for different scenarios.

Both monitors share a core set of high-performance features aimed squarely at gamers. The 27-inch SuperSpeed IPS panels deliver a 1 ms GTG response time for the G27U and the G27UP, with the latter also rated at 0.5 ms MPRT. The two monitors have good colour reproduction, covering 95% of the DCI-P3 gamut, and support variable refresh rate technologies, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. Moreover, they carry an official FreeSync Premium certification and are also listed as G-Sync Compatible.

Gigabyte has equipped these models with its suite of gaming enhancements. The Tactical Switch 2.0 feature allows for instant switching between the 4K/160 Hz and 1080p/320 Hz modes with a single click. Gamers also get tools like Black Equalizer 2.0 and Night Vision for improved visibility in dark scenes, Aim Stabilizer Sync to reduce motion blur without disabling VRR, and customisable Game Assist overlays. Both monitors sit on fully ergonomic stands offering height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments.

While the core display and gaming features are identical, the key difference between the two models lies in connectivity and productivity features. The G27UP appears to be the more feature-rich option, boasting a built-in KVM switch, a USB-C port with 15W Power Delivery and DP Alt Mode, and a full USB hub (1x Type-B upstream, 2x Type-A downstream). The standard G27U seems to forgo these hub features, offering a more streamlined I/O focused purely on display inputs (HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4) and a headphone jack.

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KitGuru says: How much more would you be willing to spend for the extra features of the G27UP?

Atari is turning its attention away from its own back catalogue and is instead recreating one of its fiercest competitors from the golden age of gaming. The company has just announced the Intellivision Sprint, a modern remake of Mattel's classic 1979 console, the Intellivision.

Celebrating the original system's 45th anniversary, Atari's Intellivision Sprint aims to capture the look and feel of the original hardware, complete with its signature wood trim and gold top plates. However, it's packed with modern conveniences. The iconic disc controllers are back, but they are now wireless and feature internal rechargeable batteries that charge automatically when docked into the console itself.

The console connects to modern TVs via HDMI and comes with 45 built-in classic Intellivision games. To replicate the original experience, Atari is including 48 double-sided controller overlays in the box, corresponding to the built-in titles. In a neat touch for purists, the console also features USB-A ports, allowing owners to connect their original wired Intellivision controllers via an adapter (sold separately).

The Intellivision Sprint is available for pre-order now directly from Atari's website for $149.99, with shipping expected by December 2025 – just in time for the holidays.

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KitGuru says: Atari has recently focused on recreating its own hardware like the 2600+ and 400 Mini, but reviving a competitor's console is new for the company. Retro enthusiasts looking for an easy way to revisit the Intellivision library will likely be pleased with the new console.

After announcing a new 27-inch dual mode monitor, Agon by AOC is back with a bigger, brighter option for those wanting more screen real estate. The new AOC Agon Pro AG327UXM is a 31.5-inch powerhouse featuring a stunning Mini LED backlight with DisplayHDR 1400 certification and the same dual mode technology.

As reported by DisplaySpecifications, the AG327UXM features a 31.5-inch Fast IPS panel with a native 4K resolution running at 160 Hz. Like its smaller sibling, it offers the flexibility to instantly switch to an FullHD resolution running at 320 Hz for competitive gaming scenarios. Response times remain quick at 1 ms GtG (0.5 ms MPRT), and the monitor supports Adaptive-Sync via AMD FreeSync.

The real star of the show, however, is the Mini LED backlight. The AG327UXM boasts a high-density backlight with 2304 local dimming zones. This allows for incredible HDR performance, hitting a typical SDR brightness of 600 nits, a sustained HDR brightness of 1200 nits, and a peak HDR brightness of 1650 nits, earning it the top-tier VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification. Combined with Quantum Dot technology, the 10-bit panel also delivers excellent colour, covering 97% of the DCI-P3 gamut with a factory calibration targeting Delta E < 1.

Connectivity is robust, featuring two full 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 input with DSC support, making it ready for high-end PCs and current-gen consoles. A built-in USB 3.2 hub is also included for peripheral management. The monitor sits on a fully adjustable ergonomic stand and includes gamer-focused features like Shadow Control and a Low Input Lag mode accessible via AOC's G-Menu software.

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KitGuru says: Mini LED 4K monitors with over 2K dimming zones are not that common yet, so a model like this new AOC Agon Pro display is one of the few people can consider.