Intel's upcoming Core Ultra Series 2 "Arrow Lake Refresh" desktop processors are confirmed to bring CPU E-core count and L3 cache uplifts at their given price-points, recent benchmark leaks confirm. The series was originally rumored to consist of three SKUs, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, and the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus. The company was later reported to have cancelled the 290K Plus, and will proceed to launch the 250K Plus and 270K Plus very soon (details in our upcoming article).

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is significantly spruced up from the current Core Ultra 5 245K. The company has given this chip a 6P+12E core configuration, up from 6P+8E of the 245K. With three "Skymont" E-core clusters at its disposal, the chip also gets an increase in L3 cache, now increased to 30 MB, from the 24 MB of the 245K. There's also a nominal increase in frequency, with the P-cores boosting up to 5.30 GHz, a 100 MHz increase over the 245K. The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is essentially a downclocked Core Ultra 9 285K. It maxes out the "Arrow Lake-S" silicon, enabling all 8 P-cores, all 16 E-cores, and the entire 36 MB L3 cache present, but has clock speeds resembling the Core Ultra 7 265K, with a maximum P-core boost frequency of 5.50 GHz, compared to 5.70 GHz of the 285K. The 270K Plus could also lack Thermal Velocity Boost available in the 285K. The 270K could come at an attractive price-point below that of the 285K.

Toward the end of 2026, Intel will debut its next generation Core Ultra Series 4 "Nova Lake-S" desktop processors, introducing new CPU core IP and a significant uplift in CPU core counts, besides special SKUs with large L3 caches to take the fight to AMD's X3D processors with 3D V-Cache. Much has been reported on the processors, but not much about the platform and chipsets, until Jaykihn dropped a new leak. We are now hearing that Intel could take a similar approach to AMD in differentiating its desktop chipsets, with two enthusiast-segment chipset models, and a mainstream model, besides the usual chipset models for commercial desktop and workstation segments.

This approach would see the introduction of the new Z970 chipset positioned a notch below the flagship Z990 chipset that succeeds the current Z890. There will not be an "H970," as Intel has seen consistently low demand for such a chipset, and there's no "H870" in the current generation. The Intel 900-series "Nova Point" chipset family will begin with the B960 mainstream chipset succeeding the current B860. Positioned above this will be the new Z970, offering enthusiast features such as multiplier-unlocked CPU overclocking when paired with K-series processor models. Above this, is the flagship Z990 with significantly more platform I/O features. The Q970 will be the commercial desktop chipset from this generation, while W980 will cater to workstation platforms powering Xeon W-series processors based on "Nova Lake-S."

Intel is preparing to give its next-generation Core Ultra Series 4 "Nova Lake-S" desktop processors not one, but two enthusiast-segment desktop motherboard chipsets, the Z990 and Z970. The new processors introduce Socket LGA1954, which will require a motherboard upgrade. The idea behind segmenting Z990 and Z970 to succeed the current Z890 is to probably bring enthusiast features such as CPU overclocking to a wider market segment.

There is no word on how the Z990 and Z970 are differentiated, but VideoCardz reports that the Z970 is based on a physically smaller chip resembling the mid-tier B960 chipset that succeeds the current B860. The difference between the two could hence be I/O. The Z990 could feature a larger number of platform PCIe lanes, and have a wider 8-lane DMI chipset bus, whereas the Z970 could have fewer PCIe lanes, and a 4-lane DMI bus, just like the B960, but with the added CPU overclocking capability. This chipset would hence be suitable for those who want enthusiast features but don't need an elaborate I/O. We still don't know the exact PCIe lane counts of Intel's 900-series chipset, so we can't tabulate them.

AutoFull, a leading brand in the esports peripheral equipment industry known for its professional-grade gaming furniture and player-driven design philosophy, has launched the new and upgraded AutoFull M6 Ultra 2.0 gaming chair, the latest evolution of its flagship ergonomic gaming throne designed for gamers, creators and hybrid workers seeking uncompromising comfort and performance. The AutoFull M6 Ultra 2.0 gaming chair is available now from AutoFull US website at $599.99 (RRP $899.99) and £599.99 (RRP £999) on the UK website.

The AutoFull M6 Ultra 2.0 builds on the success of the original M6 Ultra with next-generation comfort technology and extensive adjustability, positioning it as a premium solution for long gaming sessions, competitive esports, professional streaming and everyday work. Designed to transition seamlessly between gaming, work and leisure, the chair delivers precision support across the entire body while maintaining a luxurious, stable and durable construction.

MelGeek has officially entered the gaming mouse market with the Horus Lightweight Esports Gaming Mouse, signaling a technically focused expansion following the brand's recent innovations in mechanical keyboard design.

Weighing approximately 49 grams, the mouse maintains structural rigidity without aggressive shell perforation. Its internal layout is tuned to a 50:50 balanced weight distribution, helping preserve sensor alignment during rapid hand movements.

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 over 20 years of experience, Alphacool now expands its lineup with the Apex Thermal Putty X1. The Alphacool Apex Thermal Putty X1 is a high-performance alternative to conventional thermal pads. As a non-curing, electrically non-conductive silicone gel, it adapts perfectly to uneven surfaces and varying gap heights with minimal contact pressure. No need to choose pad thickness, no compromises, lower temperatures.

A key advantage of the Apex Thermal Putty lies in its optimal consistency for handling and shape stability. Under light pressure, the material adapts ideally to different gap heights while remaining dimensionally stable. This reliably compensates for unevenness and tolerances between the cooler and the component, ensuring optimal contact between the heat source and the heatsink at all times. This is especially important for modern graphics cards and other sensitive electronic components, as delicate parts such as memory chips or voltage regulators are effectively protected from damage.

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 last year, and if your computer is still running it, then your data is at risk. If you want an easy way to upgrade, right now, you can get Windows 11 Pro on sale for only $12.97 (reg. $199). Windows 11 Pro adds security tools that help protect your files and accounts in ways Windows 10 simply doesn't. BitLocker can encrypt your drive so someone who gets your laptop can't just pull the data off it. Smart App Control can block unknown or suspicious programs before they run, which is helpful if you download software from different places. Windows Defender works in the background to scan for threats without a separate antivirus subscription.

There are also changes that make it easier to work on a crowded desktop. Snap layouts let you click a layout and drop apps into neat side-by-side or grid views instead of dragging windows around. Virtual desktops help you keep work, personal tasks, and side projects in separate spaces on the same computer. When you plug back into a monitor or dock, Windows 11 Pro does a better job of putting windows back where they were instead of stacking them on one screen.

Right now, it's only $12.97 to get Windows 11 Pro, but it won't stay that way.