Hilbert Hagedoorn

AMD is preparing two new desktop processors with 3D V-Cache, covering both the older socket AM4 platform and the current socket AM5 ecosystem. The most notable model is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D Anniversary Edition, which brings back one of AMD's most popular gaming upgrade CPUs. Alongside it, AMD is introducing the Ryzen 7 7700X3D, a lower-clocked AM5 processor positioned below the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D originally launched in 2022 as AMD's first consumer desktop processor with 3D V-Cache. By stacking additional L3 cache on the processor, AMD created a chip that performed particularly well in games, often delivering strong results despite relatively modest clock speeds compared with newer CPUs. For many AM4 users, the 5800X3D became a practical final upgrade. It allowed owners of existing AM4 motherboards to improve gaming performance without moving to a new platform, DDR5 memory, and a new motherboard. AMD later discontinued the 5800X3D, followed by the more affordable 5700X3D, which removed that upgrade path from regular retail availability.

NVIDIA has introduced second-generation Ray Reconstruction, bringing one of the last major DLSS technologies in line with the company's latest AI model architecture. The update arrives as part of the DLSS 4.5 feature set and focuses on improving the quality, stability, and accuracy of ray-traced graphics through a new transformer-based AI model. Ray Reconstruction originally debuted in 2023 as part of DLSS 3.5. The technology was designed to replace conventional ray-tracing denoisers with AI-powered reconstruction. Traditional denoisers are responsible for cleaning up the noisy image data generated by ray tracing, but they can also reduce detail, introduce artifacts, or produce less accurate reflections and shadows. NVIDIA's AI approach sought to overcome those limitations by using neural networks to reconstruct higher-quality ray-traced imagery. The original implementation relied on convolutional neural network (CNN) models. In 2025, NVIDIA began migrating DLSS technologies to more advanced transformer-based architectures. These models provide significantly greater contextual understanding and can evaluate larger portions of an image simultaneously. DLSS Super Resolution, Frame Generation, and other technologies benefited from this transition, but Ray Reconstruction remained on an earlier generation model.

MSI has unveiled the MEG Vision X2 AI+, a new flagship desktop PC that combines high-end gaming hardware with a unique AI-focused user experience. The system introduces two major technologies: the LuckyClaw AI assistant and the AI Holostage, a dedicated display integrated directly into the chassis. The announcement highlights MSI's growing focus on artificial intelligence as a core part of the desktop experience. Rather than treating AI as a background service or software utility, the company is attempting to create a more visible and interactive relationship between users and their PCs. At the center of the platform is LuckyClaw, MSI's local AI companion. Designed to run directly on the system, LuckyClaw supports natural voice interaction and can perform a variety of hardware and system-management tasks. Users can adjust performance modes, modify RGB lighting settings, configure supported MSI monitors, and control other functions through voice commands rather than navigating conventional software menus.

Noctua and Carbice have announced a long-term strategic partnership aimed at bringing carbon nanotube-based thermal interface technology to PC enthusiasts. Under the agreement, Noctua will become the exclusive distributor of Carbice IP90 thermal pads for the DIY PC market while both companies collaborate on future cooling and thermal management products. The partnership introduces a new alternative to conventional thermal paste. Instead of relying on traditional compounds that may require periodic replacement, Carbice's IP90 thermal pads are designed as a long-term thermal interface solution intended to remain installed throughout the lifespan of a system. At the core of the technology are vertically aligned carbon nanotubes attached to a thin aluminum backbone and covered with a nanoscale polymer coating. According to Carbice, this structure provides several advantages over conventional thermal compounds and many existing thermal pads. The company claims the material gradually conforms to microscopic surface imperfections through repeated heating and cooling cycles, improving thermal contact over time rather than degrading through pump-out, drying, cracking, or separation.

ASRock has introduced the Radeon RX 9070 GRE Steel Legend Dark 12GB OC, a new custom graphics card built around AMD's Radeon RX 9070 GRE GPU and RDNA 4 architecture. The model joins the company's expanding Radeon RX 9000-series lineup and adopts a darker visual design aimed at users assembling black-themed gaming systems. The Radeon RX 9070 GRE is equipped with AMD's latest RDNA 4 graphics architecture, incorporating third-generation ray tracing accelerators and second-generation AI acceleration hardware. The GPU provides up to 48 compute units and supports a range of AMD gaming technologies, including FSR Redstone and AMD Fluid Motion Frames. Modern connectivity standards are also present, with support for PCI Express 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1a. Memory capacity is set at 12GB of GDDR6, positioning the card for demanding gaming workloads and modern AAA titles. ASRock's implementation arrives with a factory overclock that pushes boost frequencies up to 2920MHz. To sustain those operating speeds, the company has integrated a large triple-fan cooling solution featuring its Striped Ring Fan technology, Air Deflecting Fin design, and Ultra-fit Heatpipes. These cooling elements are intended to improve airflow distribution and heat dissipation across the heatsink assembly.

MSI has used Computex 2026 to introduce two new enthusiast-focused PC components: the MAG CORELIQUID A23 360 W all-in-one liquid cooler and the MPG VIXTA 300 PZ chassis series. Both products showcase a design direction that places equal emphasis on aesthetics, usability, and hardware performance. The MAG CORELIQUID A23 360 W stands out due to its unconventional appearance. Instead of exposing the pump housing and display, MSI wraps the cooling head in a fabric exterior inspired by premium home audio equipment. Hidden beneath the fabric is a digital display module capable of presenting system information while remaining concealed when not in use. The result is a cleaner, more integrated appearance compared to many gaming-oriented liquid coolers currently available. The cooling system utilizes a 360 mm radiator and a new generation of MSI-designed fans. According to the company, the fan blades have been engineered to balance cooling efficiency with acoustic performance. As processor power consumption continues to rise across both gaming and workstation platforms, low-noise thermal solutions remain an important consideration for enthusiasts building high-performance systems.

MSI has officially unveiled the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic 40th Anniversary Special Edition, a flagship gaming notebook created to mark the company's 40th anniversary. Combining premium materials, custom artwork, and some of the most powerful mobile hardware currently available, the system serves as a showcase product celebrating MSI's four decades in the PC industry. The design takes inspiration from the Draco constellation and incorporates a range of custom manufacturing techniques. The notebook lid features a metal etching and anodizing process that creates a textured surface while integrating a dragon-themed RGB shield logo and decorative Greek inscriptions. MSI further enhances the design with a five-layer screen-printing process applied to the keyboard deck, while dedicated 40th anniversary branding appears on multiple sections of the chassis. Beneath the custom exterior lies flagship-class hardware. The Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition combines Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. MSI rates the system for up to 270 watts of combined performance, placing it among the most powerful gaming laptops currently available. The platform is designed to handle demanding gaming workloads, professional content creation, AI applications, and other performance-intensive tasks.

MSI has announced two new additions to its AMD AM5 motherboard lineup, introducing the MPG B850 CARBON MAX WIFI and the MAG B850M MORTAR MAX WIFI W. Both boards are built around AMD's B850 chipset and support current-generation Ryzen processors, including Ryzen 7000, Ryzen 8000, and Ryzen 9000 series CPUs. The flagship of the pair is the MPG B850 CARBON MAX WIFI, which continues MSI's established Carbon-series design language. The motherboard combines a dark color scheme with carbon-fiber-inspired accents and RGB lighting integrated into the upper section of the board. A dragon-themed illumination zone adds visual flair while maintaining the clean appearance typically associated with the Carbon family. MSI has built the motherboard using a server-grade PCB and equips it with a substantial cooling solution featuring aluminum alloy heatsinks connected by a heat pipe. The design is intended to improve heat dissipation around the voltage regulation components and support stable operation under sustained workloads.

ASUS and Republic of Gamers have taken the wraps off an extensive display portfolio at Computex 2026, covering everything from next-generation OLED gaming monitors and professional creator displays to portable productivity screens and business-focused conferencing solutions. The announcement highlights ASUS' continued push into OLED technology, higher refresh rates, and advanced connectivity across multiple market segments. The headline products are the new ROG Swift OLED PG32UCWM and PG27UCWM, both built around ASUS' new Tandem RGB OLED technology. The company claims the RGB Stripe Pixel OLED design increases color volume by 27 percent compared to previous WOLED implementations by eliminating the traditional white subpixel. The flagship 32-inch PG32UCWM combines a 4K panel with dual-mode operation, allowing users to switch between 4K at 240 Hz and Full HD at 480 Hz. DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, HDMI 2.1, USB-C with 90 W power delivery, Dolby Vision support, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification round out the specifications. Availability is planned for early Q3 2026.

At Computex 2026, Cougar expanded its portfolio with a range of products aimed at high-performance workstation and AI-focused systems. The company's showcase included the new NU 700 and NU 500 full-tower chassis, ultra-high-capacity power supplies reaching 3200W, and a new series of AIO liquid coolers featuring integrated displays. The new NU series targets professional users building AI workstations and multi-GPU systems. Both the NU 700 and NU 500 support E-ATX motherboards, providing the space required for oversized graphics cards, accelerator cards, and workstation-class hardware. The larger NU 700 offers eight expansion slots, while the NU 500 provides seven. A key feature of both chassis is their dual power supply capability. Located beneath the lower shroud is space for two PSUs, allowing builders to power demanding multi-GPU configurations that may exceed the limits of a single power supply. With AI development, machine learning workloads, and GPU compute applications continuing to drive power requirements upward, the dual-PSU design offers additional flexibility for workstation deployments.