NVIDIA on Tuesday, formally launched its GeForce NOW cloud-gaming service in India. The service comes with attractive introductory prices specific to the Indian market under an Early Access Pass scheme that's sure to draw attention, particularly in India's tier-2 and tier-3 cities that see rapid advances in availability of high-speed, low-latency, fiber-based Internet services, and 5G. As with all markets, the "Free" tier offers 1-hour gaming sessions, and access to a library of 2,000+ games, with 1080p resolution at up to 60 FPS, and a waiting queue that can take over 2 minutes; and there are ads.

The Performance tier is the most affordable paid tier, priced at Indian Rupees 999 a month. This gives you an ad-free experience, access to a wider library of over 4,500 game titles, the ability to install-to-play, not just ready to play; longer, 6-hour gaming sessions, a higher resolution 1440p @ 60 FPS gaming experience, and priority access in the queue of under 1 minute. Then there's the Ultimate tier, which offers a gaming experience resembling a desktop with a GeForce RTX 5080 GPU. This gives you up to 5K @ 360 FPS resolution or whatever an RTX 5080 is capable of in the real world; longer 8-hour gaming sessions, and the highest priority in the waiting queue, with typically no waiting time. This is priced at Indian Rupees 1,999 a month.

Samsung on July 14 formally launched the 990, its value-segment M.2 NVMe SSD. Not to be confused with the 990 EVO, another DRAMless SSD from the company that uses TLC NAND flash, the new 990 implements QLC NAND flash, and relies on controller-level optimization to shore up performance. Built in the M.2-2280 form-factor, the Samsung 990 features an M.2 NVMe Gen 4 (PCI-Express 4.0 x4) host interface, and is driven by a Samsung Piccolo-Q DRAMless controller. It uses the company's in-house V9 series 280-layer 3D QLC NAND flash memory.

The Samsung 990 comes in two capacity variants, 1 TB and 2 TB, priced at $270 and $530, respectively. The 1 TB variant offers sequential reads of up to 7150 MB/s with up to 6450 MB/s sequential writes, with up to 700,000 IOPS 4K random reads and up to 1.1 million IOPS 4K random writes; while the 2 TB variant offers slightly higher performance, with up to 7250 MB/s sequential reads, up to 6450 MB/s sequential writes, up to 850,000 IOPS 4K random reads, and up to 1.2 million IOPS 4K random writes. Where the 990 differs significantly from the TLC-based 990 EVO Plus, is write-endurance. The 2 TB variant offers 800 TBW, while the 1 TB variant offers a paltry 400 TBW. For reference, the 2 TB 990 EVO Plus offers 1200 TBW, and 1 TB 990 EVO Plus offers 600 TBW. Both variants are backed by 3-year warranties.

XPG, the gaming brand of ADATA Technology, today announced the launch of its latest ergonomic gaming chairs, the NIMBUS and NIMBUS PLUS. As remote work continues to shape modern lifestyles and dedicated gamers increasingly require robust support for extended sitting sessions, having a chair that perfectly balances sleek aesthetics and exceptional comfort has become more essential than ever. Combining modern minimalist design with top-tier ergonomic engineering, XPG introduces two distinct seating solutions tailored to different user preferences, making pure comfort second nature.

Designed for hardcore gamers and professionals who sit for over 8 hours a day, XPG presents the NIMBUS PLUS, a flagship high-back mesh chair centered on the concept of being "Beyond Breathable." Offering extensive adjustability, it accommodates a wide range of body types and seating preferences while maintaining exceptional airflow. Its high-elasticity breathable mesh covers the entire chair, promoting continuous ventilation to minimize heat buildup and keep users cool during intense gaming sessions or long workdays.

Dynabook Americas, Inc., a Sharp Company, today announced the Portégé Z40L-P, a premium Copilot+ PC, the second generation of Dynabook's advanced Portégé Z40L platform. Built for the demands of today's AI-enabled workplace, the 14-inch Portégé Z40L-P combines next-generation Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor options, enhanced on-device AI capabilities, enterprise-grade security, Intel Wi-Fi 7 and user replaceable 56Wh Li-Polymer battery. Pricing for the Portégé Z40L-P starts at $2,170 MSRP.

Expanding the platform beyond premium business productivity, select Portégé Z40L-P configurations feature Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors with Intel Arc Pro B390 graphics. With up to 12 Xe graphics cores, these models deliver discrete-class performance for technical and engineering workflows in a slim mobile workstation built for AI. Purpose-built to accelerate technical drafting, engineering design and computer-aided design applications, the Portégé Z40L-P provides smooth visuals, responsive performance and professional-grade capability in a thin-and-light form factor.

MSI today announced that its Intel 800-series motherboards are now fully optimized for DDR5 memory built on CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies) DRAM. Following dedicated BIOS memory tuning, MSI Z890 motherboards deliver stable DDR5-8000+ operation with CXMT-based modules, spanning from flagship overclocking designs all the way to mainstream 4-DIMM boards.

CXMT-based DDR5 modules have rapidly gained popularity thanks to their strong value proposition, but their frequency headroom has historically lagged behind established DRAM vendors, which is a gap defined less by the silicon itself than by how well motherboard firmware understands it. MSI took on exactly that challenge, developing dedicated memory training and timing optimizations for CXMT ICs and validating the results with rigorous stress testing.

DropReference, a PC hardware comparison and build-planning platform attracting more than 200,000 unique visitors each month, is officially expanding to the United States. Already established among European PC builders, DropReference allows users to compare PC component prices, create complete gaming PC configurations, check price history, and estimate expected gaming performance before purchasing their hardware. The US launch introduces pricing and availability from American hardware retailers, giving US-based users access to localized offers rather than converted European prices.

PC Hardware Price Comparison for US Builders
Shopping for PC hardware often requires checking several retailers, comparing product variants, and determining whether an apparent discount is actually a good deal. DropReference brings offers from multiple retailers together on a single product page. Instead of displaying every store listing as a different product, the platform groups matching offers around the exact hardware model. This helps users compare prices without accidentally mixing different GPU variants, storage capacities, motherboard versions, or regional product references.

GameSir, a global gaming peripherals brand renowned for combining high-performance engineering with distinctive design, today announces the launch of the GameSir T7 Pro W Retro Green Wired Controller. Combining dependable wired performance with a nostalgic translucent aesthetic, the T7 Pro W Retro Green delivers modern gaming technology in a design inspired by the iconic transparent hardware of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The GameSir T7 Pro Retro Green is available now, priced at £55.99 / $49.99 / €59.99 on the GameSir website, with Amazon availability expected at a later date.

Featuring a striking translucent green shell, the T7 Pro W Retro Green pays tribute to one of gaming's most recognizable design eras while introducing subtle RGB lighting that adds a contemporary touch. The result is a controller that blends retro character with modern style, making it equally at home on a desktop setup or alongside an Xbox console.

MSI announced that its EdgeXpert AI Supercomputer is now supported by Racknex professional Rack Mount solutions, enabling enterprises to deploy high-performance AI computing resources in standard 19-inch rack environments. Designed specifically for MSI EdgeXpert, the Racknex UM-MSI-201 Rack Mount Kit provides a flexible and standardized deployment option for enterprise AI, edge computing, smart manufacturing, and data center applications.

As generative AI and enterprise AI applications continue to expand, organizations are increasingly seeking AI computing platforms that deliver high performance, low latency, and secure local AI processing. Beyond computing capability, enterprises also require efficient deployment, system integration, space optimization, and simplified management within existing IT infrastructures.

GIGABYTE today introduced the B850M AORUS Stealth, a Socket AM5 motherboard based on the AMD B850 chipset that offers backside connectors for better cable management and aesthetics. This is among the first of the company's motherboards in the microATX form-factor to feature backside connectivity. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and a single 8-pin EPS connector. It uses an 8+2+2 phase CPU VRM design. The socket is wired to four DDR5 DIMM slots, the board's sole PCI-Express 5.0 x16 slot, and two M.2 NVMe slots, one of which is Gen 5 x4, and the other interestingly is Gen 4 x4 even though it comes from the CPU. There is a third M.2 Gen 4 x4 slot that's wired to the B850 chipset. Other storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gbps ports.

USB connectivity of the GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Stealth includes four 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 type-A on the rear panel; four USB 2.0 type-A, also on the rear panel; two 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2, one of which is type-A and the other type-C, on the rear panel; two 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports from a header; and a 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port from header. Network connectivity includes a Wi-Fi 7 160 MHz and Bluetooth 5.4 provided by a Realtek RTL8922AE WLAN module; and a 5 Gbps wired Ethernet interface driven by a Realtek RTL8126 series PHY. The onboard audio solution is driven by a Realtek ALC1220 HDA codec. The company didn't reveal pricing.

LIAN LI Industrial Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, introduces the UNI FAN FLEX Series, a new generation of UNI FANs designed for more flexibility over fan speed, lighting, and LCD customization. Powered by the new FLEX Receiver, the series supports control via L-Wireless, USB, or direct motherboard PWM/ARGB sync. Available in four models: TL FLEX, TL LCD FLEX, SL-INF FLEX, and SL-INF LCD FLEX.

The UNI FAN TL LCD FLEX and SL-INF LCD FLEX increase personalization with an integrated 1.8-inch LCD screen. The display features a 400 x 400 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness. Each LCD fan includes 512 MB of onboard flash memory, allowing pre-loaded screen backgrounds and system monitoring presets to be controlled wirelessly through L-Connect 3 without requiring a USB connection for basic display functions. For users who want full customization, USB mode unlocks advanced media uploads, including GIF and MP4 support, giving builders more freedom to match the fan display with the rest of their system theme.

NVIDIA is readying the new GeForce RTX 5090 SE graphics card, according to a report by GameGPU. This SKU could fill the gap between the current RTX 5080 and the flagship RTX 5090. Unlike the RTX 5090D and RTX 5090D V2, the RTX 5090 SE isn't a region-specific SKU aimed at complying with U.S. AI accelerator export controls, but is rather a mainline gaming GPU product. It is based on the same "GB202" silicon as the RTX 5090, but is cut down from it, featuring fewer streaming multiprocessors (SM), and a narrower 384-bit wide GDDR7 memory interface. The memory size is still 32 GB, achieved using a mixed density of 24 Gb and 16 Gb memory chips.

NVIDIA is carving the RTX 5090 SE out of the "GB202" by enabling 110 out of the 192 SM physically present on the silicon, resulting in 14,080 CUDA cores, 110 RT cores, 440 Tensor cores, 440 TMUs, and an unknown ROP count, probably 144. Meanwhile, the TGP of the RTX 5090 SE is expected to be around 500 W, down from 575 W of the RTX 5090. NVIDIA is looking to target a launch MSRP of $1,500, but you can be sure that the street price will be much higher.

GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, demonstrates how AI TOP ATOM four-node clustering scales local AI computing for increasingly complex workloads. As AI models, scientific simulations, and enterprise applications continue to grow in size and complexity, standalone systems are increasingly insufficient to meet rising memory and compute demands. AI TOP ATOM clustering removes that constraint, enabling memory-intensive workloads to run locally without compromising on data security.

Each AI TOP ATOM node delivers 1 PFLOP/s FP4 AI performance and 128 GB unified memory. Through a Race-capable 200 GbE switch, four interconnected nodes, each with 128 GB of unified memory, enable memory-intensive workloads to scale beyond the limits of a standalone system. The modular architecture allows organizations to scale from one node to four nodes as workload requirements evolve while maintaining local deployment and full data sovereignty, providing a scalable foundation for larger AI and scientific computing workloads.

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ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Gjallar premium gaming soundbar designed to deliver impactful, cinematic surround sound, clear in-game communication, and multi-platform compatibility to streamline any setup. It immerses gamers in a realistic 3D soundstage via 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound with left and right full-range speakers, tweeters, up-firing channels and a powerful 5G wireless subwoofer.

The Gjallar includes an all-in-one audio control hub that provides convenient access to EQ settings, playback controls, input source selection, and RGB lighting. The audio control hub also houses the built-in Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) microphones for seamless communication. The Gjallar offers versatile multi-device, multi-platform connectivity via USB-C, HDMI 2.1 (eARC), optical and AUX input, along with Bluetooth 5.3. In addition, a built-in USB hub on the side of the soundbar allows for easy device connections via USB Type-A. ASUS Aura RGB lighting offers up to 16.8 million colors and four preset effects for a complete, cohesive gaming setup.

ASUS Republic of Gamers today announced the ROG Raikiri II Pro PC—the ultimate gaming controller with a competition-grade 8K polling rate, extensive customization options including hot-swappable joysticks for a tailored feel, and industry-leading battery life. The ROG Raikiri II Pro PC provides gamers with unparalleled precision control to dominate gaming arenas.

The ROG Raikiri II Pro PC controller boasts an 8000 Hz polling rate and 2.4 GHz wireless performance enhanced by ROG SpeedNova technology for incredibly responsive control and ultra-low latency. All buttons—D-Pad, ABXY, and rear buttons—and bumpers feature micro switches for instant actuation and crisp, tactile feedback. In addition, the Dual Mode Triggers feature lets gamers seamlessly switch between short-travel, micro-switch and TMR sensor triggers with full travel, allowing for a tailored feel based on game genre.

Alphacool International GmbH from Braunschweig is a pioneer in PC water cooling technology. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and more than 20 years of experience, Alphacool is expanding its lineup with the new Eisblock Arc Pro B60 Creator GPU cooler. The Alphacool Eisblock Arc Pro B60 Creator combines strong cooling performance with an elegant design and was developed specifically for ASRock Intel Arc Pro B60 24 GB graphics cards. The GPU water block is precisely matched to the card's PCB layout.

The fin structure is based on the proven cooling technology of previous Eisblock generations and has been specifically optimized for the Arc B60 GPU. With 0.4 mm thick fins and a fin spacing of 0.4 mm, it ensures excellent coolant flow and high heat absorption. An optimized jet plate and the revised inlet design further improve water pressure distribution and increase efficiency.

Back in March, I wrote a detailed editorial on how hardware-accelerated audio is possible in Windows 11, and it's possible for sound card manufacturers to put native audio stack processing on the card to overcome issues with DPC latency spikes. Today, I'll talk a bit about USB-based onboard audio codecs, and how the Intel platform is better suited to handle them than the AMD platform, particularly given how motherboard designers handle the latter. The Intel "Azalia" high-definition audio (HDA) bus, introduced in the early-2000s, laid the foundation for high-quality onboard audio, offering consumers high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz audio. This is a low-latency interface designed to ensure the quickest possible movement of audio data between the system and the DAC. On Intel platforms, the HDA bus tends to be wired out from the PCH (the chipset), whereas on the AMD platform, the HDA bus is located on the SoC (the processor), and not the FCH (the chipset). This was a deliberate choice by AMD, and has to do with the chipset bus the company uses.

Unlike Intel, AMD's platform designers adopted a "SoC first" strategy. Modern Ryzen client-segment processors are fully-fledged SoCs in their own right; while the chipset only serves to increase downstream platform connectivity. Ryzen SoCs put out not just PCIe lanes, but also certain platform connectivity, such as USB and SATA; while the FCH puts out additional USB and SATA connectivity. Traditionally, on the Intel platform, the processor only puts out PCIe lanes, while the PCH handles all other forms of connectivity, including USB and SATA; and of course the HDA bus. Intel is able to place the HDA bus on the chipset, while AMD avoids this. The HDA bus is instead put out by the SoC.

The XMG APEX 17 is the first laptop in XMG's lineup to feature the 2026 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 with 12 GB of VRAM, up from the previous 8 GB. This new configuration, first announced at Computex 2026, complements the existing APEX 17 with AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060, which remains available as the entry-level option. All other specifications - including the chassis, 17.3-inch display, and connectivity - remain unchanged. For a limited time, customers can take advantage of a 5% early-bird discount. In addition, XMG's partner store, bestware.com, is running its major summer sale, offering up to 20% off on select laptop models.

The XMG APEX 17 (M25) now offers an upgrade to the long-awaited NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 with 12 GB of GDDR7 memory, while retaining the same model designation. Both the previously released RTX 5060 version, introduced in November 2025, and the new RTX 5070 version share the same chassis, display, and specifications - only the GPU differs.

In Win Development Inc. (InWin), a global innovator in PC hardware design and engineering, proudly introduces the L50 BREEZE. Moving beyond the aggressive styling and vibrant RGB effects traditionally associated with gaming systems, the L50 BREEZE embraces modern home décor influences. Featuring a reeded glass front panel and AWWA PureTone ambient lighting, BREEZE redefines the PC as a seamless part of everyday living spaces.

Inspired by contemporary interior architecture, the L50 BREEZE showcases a distinctive reeded glass front panel that diffuses lighting into soft, layered reflections, adding both texture and visual depth. A tinted tempered glass side panel provides a clear view of internal components, striking a balance between elegant lifestyle aesthetics and hardware presentation. Tool-free removable panels streamline installation, upgrades, and maintenance.

Apple today announced a new multiyear commitment with Broadcom to design and produce custom silicon components and cutting-edge wireless connectivity technologies for a wide range of Apple products. The new agreement, expected to exceed $30 billion, will lead to the production of more than 15 billion U.S.-made chips and support hundreds of American jobs. Apple has been working with the administration and businesses across the U.S. to help create an end-to-end silicon supply chain in America, and today's announcement advances those efforts.

Broadcom is part of Apple's American Manufacturing Program (AMP), launched last year to accelerate manufacturing in the U.S. This new agreement, which marks Apple's largest AMP commitment to date, will enable Broadcom to expand and modernize its manufacturing facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a $1.5 billion capital expenditure investment. Broadcom will produce advanced radio frequency components—including FBAR filters—and advanced wireless connectivity technologies at the Fort Collins facility.

KAMRUI is currently running a July promotion on Amazon US, offering discounts of up to 34% on its AK1PLUS and Pinova P1 mini PC lineup. The promotion covers three configurations, with prices starting at $230.84 after promo code. Deal validity runs from July 5 through July 31, 2026 (PDT), depending on the model.

KAMRUI AK1PLUS (N5095, 16 GB/256 GB)—$230.84 (34% off)
The AK1PLUS is the entry-level option, powered by an Intel Celeron N5095 processor (4 cores/4 threads, up to 2.9 GHz), paired with 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory and a 256 GB M.2 SSD. It is well suited for web browsing, office productivity, media playback, and 4K video streaming.

KAMRUI Pinova P1 (Ryzen Embedded R2544, 16 GB/256 GB)—$287 (29% off)
For users looking for additional performance, the Pinova P1 is powered by AMD's Ryzen Embedded R2544 processor (4 cores/8 threads, up to 3.7 GHz, 28 W TDP), paired with 16 GB of DDR4 memory, a 256 GB M.2 SSD, and Windows 11 Pro.

KAMRUI Pinova P1 (Ryzen Embedded R2544, 8 GB/256 GB)—$269.10 (28% off)
Powered by the same Ryzen Embedded R2544 processor, this configuration comes with 8 GB of socketed DDR4 memory and a 256 GB M.2 SSD. Unlike the 16 GB model, the memory can be upgraded to as much as 32 GB in a dual-channel configuration.Promo codes and hardware details follow after the break.

Intel today released the latest version of its Arc GPU Graphics drivers. Version 101.8861 Beta comes with optimization for "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced," "DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations," "Echos of Aincrad," and "Halo: Campaign Evolved." The optimizations are provided for Intel Arc A-series "Alchemist," and B-series "Battlemage" discrete GPUs, and Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc branded integrated graphics solutions. The drivers don't include any game- or application-specific bug fixes. Grab the drivers from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.8861 Beta

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in advanced memory technology, today announced mass production of PM1763, the company's PCIe 6.0-based enterprise solid state drive (SSD) optimized for next-generation AI and HPC server environments. As the volume of data required for AI training and inference continues to grow rapidly, enterprise SSDs (eSSDs) capable of delivering data quickly and reliably are becoming increasingly essential to AI infrastructure.

Featuring high-speed data transfer and an optimized controller architecture, PM1763 is expected to serve as a key storage solution for high-performance AI platforms. "Built on industry-leading performance, PM1763 has successfully completed validation for next-generation AI platforms and is well positioned to support evolving AI infrastructure requirements," said Jangseok Choi, Vice President and Head of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics. "As AI models continue to grow in size and complexity, PM1763 will serve as a key solution that enables customers to efficiently scale memory capacity and optimize AI operations."

If your PC needs a new operating system license, this is one of the lowest prices you'll find on Windows 11 Pro. Through July 19, a lifetime license is available for $9.97 (MSRP $199). This version is intended for PCs that require a new Windows license and already meet Microsoft's Windows 11 hardware requirements. Before purchasing, it's worth checking compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check tool. If your Windows 10 PC isn't eligible for Microsoft's free Windows Update upgrade, this license won't bypass those hardware requirements.

Windows 11 Pro includes everything found in the standard Windows 11 experience, along with additional features aimed at professionals, developers, and business users. That includes BitLocker for full-disk encryption, Hyper-V for running virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for safely testing software, and Azure AD support for workplace identity management.

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 (MSRP $199) through July 19.

Large file transfers are still more complicated than they probably should be. Many services limit upload sizes, require subscriptions, or offer little visibility into whether a file was actually received. Transfr Pro takes a different approach by combining unlimited file transfers, delivery tracking, and security features into a browser-based platform with a one-time lifetime license.

Through July 19, lifetime access to Transfr Pro Fast & Secure File Transfer is available for a one-time $79.97 (MSRP $499).

Transfr Pro is designed for freelancers, creative professionals, agencies, and teams that regularly send large media files, documents, or client deliverables. There are no transfer size limits, and shared files can be stored for up to 60 days. Instead of simply sending a download link, users can create professional transfer pages with custom branding for a more polished presentation.