This week’s hardware news highlights Nvidia’s leaked ARM-based N1X CPU, Microsoft’s collaboration with Asus on the Xbox ROG Ally handheld gaming device, and Matrox’s return with a dual Intel Arc A380 GPU for video walls. Additional updates include ongoing US-China tariff impacts, Apple’s transition away from Intel Macs, TSMC’s accelerated US fab construction, and various industry innovations such as a 720 Hz OLED monitor and Alienware’s LEGO Area 51 replica.
In this week’s hardware news recap, several exciting developments were covered, starting with Nvidia’s rumored ARM-based CPU, the N1X, which has recently appeared in Geekbench listings. This processor, possibly developed in collaboration with MediaTek, targets consumer markets and boasts 20 threads with a 2.81 GHz base frequency. While its benchmark scores place it competitively between certain Intel processors, the results should be taken cautiously as Geekbench is not always representative of real-world performance. Meanwhile, Matrox has re-entered the GPU scene with a unique dual Intel Arc A380 video card designed for high-performance video walls, supporting up to eight displays with synchronized frame locking, showcasing Intel’s openness to innovative GPU configurations.
Microsoft and Asus have teamed up to launch the Xbox ROG Ally, a handheld gaming device running a stripped-down Windows 11 optimized for gaming. Featuring AMD Ryzen processors, up to 24 GB RAM, and a 7-inch 120 Hz display, the device aims to deliver AAA gaming on the go with AI-powered features. This launch comes amid Microsoft’s struggles with Xbox hardware sales and the rise of Steam OS, which offers superior frame time pacing in gaming. The collaboration highlights Microsoft’s attempt to enhance gaming experiences on Windows and compete in the handheld market, especially with the recent Nintendo Switch 2 release, which has seen strong sales but received criticism from iFixit for poor repairability.
The ongoing US-China tariff situation continues to impact PC component manufacturers like Gigabyte and MSI, who are rushing to fulfill orders before the temporary tariff pause expires in July. The uncertainty around tariffs, which can be as high as 145-170%, is causing concern about potential negative effects on the US economy and global market demand. Additionally, rumors about Nvidia’s RTX 5050 GPU for laptops have surfaced, with conflicting reports about whether it will use GDDR6 or GDDR7 memory, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Nvidia’s product releases.
Apple is reportedly ending support for Intel-based Macs with the upcoming macOS 26 Tahoe, marking a full transition to Apple Silicon. Meanwhile, TSMC is accelerating its US fab construction timeline by six months in response to government pressure to onshore manufacturing, although it continues to build advanced fabs in Taiwan. This expansion aims to increase chip production capacity, potentially benefiting supply and pricing, though consumer impact remains uncertain. In a notable government tech update, the FAA plans to replace its outdated systems, including floppy disks and Windows 95, with modern hardware, a costly and lengthy process estimated at tens of billions of dollars and four years to complete.
Other highlights include a Reddit user resolving a compatibility issue between an Nvidia 5080 Founders Edition GPU and an EVGA Z690 motherboard using insulating tape, showcasing a simple DIY fix. Rapid-fire news covered a Chinese company releasing a 720 Hz OLED monitor, Gigabyte’s new orange-themed motherboard, Razer entering the DIY keyboard market, and Iono’s upgraded Nintendo DS-inspired handheld. Lastly, Alienware introduced a LEGO replica of its Area 51 desktop, combining nostalgia with collectible appeal, though it sacrifices airflow and functionality. Overall, the video provided a comprehensive update on diverse hardware developments and industry trends.