Intel and Google published the results of a significant joint security review of Intel Trust Domain Extensions (Intel TDX). The five-month engagement between Intel's INT31 research team and Google Cloud Security focused on hardening Intel TDX Module 1.5, the core software responsible for managing confidential virtual machines. The review identified five vulnerabilities and 35 other weaknesses or areas for improvement. According to Intel, all five vulnerabilities were patched in the latest code version released to partners.

Intel TDX represents a shift in data center security. Unlike traditional virtualization, where the hypervisor has full access to guest data, TDX creates "Trust Domains" (TDs), or hardware-isolated virtual machines. These are cryptographically isolated from the hosting infrastructure using Intel's Secure Arbitration Mode (SEAM). The system relies on the Intel TDX Module, a digitally signed software shim running in SEAM. It enforces security policies that hardware alone cannot handle. Because a compromise of this module could theoretically bypass the system's isolation guarantees, it is a critical verification target.

Intel's upcoming Core Ultra Series 4 "Nova Lake-S" could be the company's first desktop processor series to offer Microsoft Copilot+ native acceleration capability. The NPU of "Nova Lake" offers throughput of 74 TOPS, far exceeding the 40 TOPS required by Copilot+. Intel already met this with its "Lunar Lake" mobile processors, but its current "Arrow Lake-S" and upcoming "Arrow Lake-S Refresh" processors only do 13 TOPS as they implement an older generation NPU carried over from "Meteor Lake."

This is not to say that all desktop processor models of "Nova Lake-S" offer 74 TOPS, some could offer lower throughput, but there's plenty of product segmentation room for Intel to ensure that even its cheapest retail model offers at least 40 TOPS to meet Copilot+ requirements. AMD might end up beating Intel to the title of first socketed desktop processor with a Copilot+ capable NPU. The company could launch its Ryzen AI 400 series "Gorgon Point" Socket AM5 APUs sooner than Intel's rumored late-2026 debut of the Core Ultra Series 4 desktop processors.

Synology today announced that it has achieved the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the internationally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). "Security and trust are foundational to everything we build at Synology," said Philip Wong, Chairman and CEO of Synology. "This certification reflects our commitment to protecting customer data and building secure, reliable solutions that our users can trust."

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 provides a risk-based framework for protecting information across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Synology's certification encompasses its ISMS, core infrastructure, secure development lifecycle (SDLC), and security response processes that support its global operations. "This certification helps ensure that data entrusted to Synology is securely protected and our operations adhere to consistent security practices aligned with the most stringent international standards." said Kuei-Huan Chen, Senior Director of the Synology Engineering Group.

AGON by AOC, the world's leading gaming monitor brand - introduces the 23.8-inch (60.5 cm) AOC GAMING 24G4ZR and the 27-inch (68.6 cm) 27G4ZR. Two new monitors that elevate the baseline for entry-level competitive gaming. Built around Fast IPS panels with 260 Hz overclocked refresh rates (240 Hz native), rapid 0.3 ms MPRT and up to 1 ms GtG response times, these Full HD displays deliver the speed and clarity that fast-paced gaming demands, at prices that make competitive performance genuinely attainable. Tilt-only stand alternatives, the 24G4ZRE and 27G4ZRE, will follow for gamers seeking even greater value.

Not long ago, 260 Hz and sub-millisecond response times were specs one could only find on esports-grade displays with price tags to match. Entry-level gaming monitors offered solid performance, but competitive players who wanted the fastest panels had to step up. The 24G4ZR and 27G4ZR mark a shift. AOC GAMING brings 260 Hz overclocked performance and 0.3 ms MPRT response times to the G4 entry-level line-up, joining existing models like the 200 Hz 24G4HA and 27G4HA. For players picking up their first dedicated gaming monitor, whether diving into Counter-Strike 2, grinding ranked in Valorant, or pushing for Diamond in Rainbow Six Siege, this is competitive-grade speed without the entry barrier.

The top Intel Core Ultra Series 4 "Nova Lake-S" desktop processor model, which comes with a total core-count of 52 and implements a big last-level cache (bLLC), could pull an astonishing 700 W in maxed out loads with power limits removed, kopite7kimi reports. The chip has a core-configuration of 16 P-cores, 32 E-cores, and 4 low-power island E-cores. For reference, a current Core Ultra 9 285K with Extreme power profile can pull up to 490 W PL4 in short bursts.

In related news, leaks by Jaykihn shed light on the way clock speeds of the various CPU core types are handled. The base frequency affects the clock speeds of P-cores and E-cores located in the Compute complex, but not those of the low-power island E-cores. "Nova Lake-S" will be Intel's first desktop processors to implement low-power islands, allowing the processor to clock-gate almost the entire compute complex when the PC is idling.

Antec Inc., a global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories, proudly announces the launch of the Antec VORTEX VIEW 360, an advanced All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler engineered for PC enthusiasts who demand both performance and personalization. At the heart of the Vortex View 360 is a striking integrated LCD, transforming the pump head into a customizable visual centerpiece. From real-time system stats to custom graphics and animations, users can make their build truly their own—without compromising thermal performance.

Built for modern high-core CPUs and intense workloads, the Vortex View 360 pairs its immersive display with a high-efficiency 360 mm radiator and optimized airflow fans engineered for sustained cooling under pressure. Whether powering competitive gaming sessions, creative workflows, or showcase builds, the Vortex View 360 is designed to stay cool, quiet, and visually unforgettable.

AMD announced that Ariel Kelman has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately. Kelman will lead the AMD global marketing organization, overseeing brand, communications, events, developer relations and go-to-market strategy. Kelman will report to Ruth Cotter, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and will work closely with the AMD executive team to deepen engagement with customers, partners, developers and the broader technology ecosystem as AMD continues to scale its product and solutions leadership.

"Ariel is a proven marketing leader with deep experience building brands, driving marketing impact at scale and connecting innovation to customer value," said Cotter. "As AMD continues to expand our portfolio and deliver industry-leading high-performance and AI solutions across data center, embedded, client and gaming, Ariel's leadership will be instrumental in sharpening our storytelling, advancing our marketing organization and accelerating our momentum."

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.