This week’s hardware news highlights AMD’s successful launch of the Radeon 9070 XT, which has become the best-selling GPU in its first week, prompting increased manufacturing to meet demand. Additionally, ASUS introduced innovative motherboard designs, including a 600W power connector, while addressing user concerns about GPU damage during installation, and NVIDIA faced driver stability issues affecting RTX 30 and 40 series users.
In this week’s hardware news recap, several key topics were discussed, including AMD’s successful launch of the Radeon 9070 XT, ASUS’s new motherboard innovations, and ongoing issues with NVIDIA drivers. AMD’s CEO Lisa Su highlighted that the 9070 XT has achieved unprecedented sales, being the best-selling Radeon GPU in its first week, significantly outperforming previous generations. This surge in demand has prompted AMD to increase manufacturing to meet consumer needs, although it remains to be seen how this will affect pricing and availability.
ASUS made headlines with its Q release slim system for motherboards, which faced criticism for potentially damaging GPUs during removal. Initially, ASUS downplayed these concerns, attributing any damage to user error. However, following user feedback, ASUS has revised the design by removing a metal component from the PCIe slot to reduce the risk of damage. The company has also added instructional stickers to guide users on proper GPU removal, addressing concerns about warranty claims related to potential damage.
In another development, ASUS introduced its Tough Gaming B850 BTF WifiW motherboard, which features a new power connector designed to deliver up to 600 watts directly to graphics cards. This “Back to the Future” form factor aims to create cleaner builds by hiding connectors on the underside of the motherboard. However, this design raises concerns about compatibility with existing GPUs and the potential for increased costs and risks associated with power delivery failures.
The video also covered SoftBank Group’s acquisition of Ampear Computing for $6.5 billion, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in computing. Ampear specializes in high-performance, energy-efficient server CPUs, and this acquisition is expected to bolster SoftBank’s commitment to AI innovation. Additionally, rumors about Intel’s Battle Mage GPUs surfaced, with conflicting reports about the status of high-end models, indicating uncertainty in Intel’s future GPU plans.
Lastly, NVIDIA’s recent driver issues were highlighted, with developers recommending older driver versions to mitigate stability problems for RTX 30 and 40 series GPU owners. Height, a computer hardware manufacturer, announced price increases due to tariffs impacting raw materials, while also extending warranty coverage on its products. The video concluded with a roundup of various April Fool’s jokes from the tech industry, showcasing a mix of humorous and cringe-worthy gags from companies like Yahoo, Dbrand, and Razer.