AMD's Non-Monolithic GPUs: Boosting Performance and Cost-Efficiency

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD's Navi 330 Series GPUs: Potential Non-Monolithic Design
3. Cooler Master's New Shoes: A Crossover Collaboration
4. Newegg Reverses Denial of Refunds: A Positive Step
5. The Nvidia ARM Deal: Officially Dead
6. Intel's Raptor Lake: The Next CPU in Line
7. Best Buy's Exclusive Event: Total Tech Paywall
8. Lian Li Collaborates with Dan Cases: New Small Form Factor Designs
9. Valve Makes CAD Files for Steam Deck Public: Open Source Possibilities
10. HMRC Seizes NFTs in Attempted Fraud: A Dystopian Twist

🖥️ AMD's Navi 330 Series GPUs: Potential Non-Monolithic Design

In a recent LinkedIn profile update, an AMD infinity data Fabric silicon design engineer inadvertently revealed several unannounced products, including the Navi 330 series GPUs. While the engineer's profile has since been amended, screenshots are still circulating online. The leaked information suggests that the upcoming Navi 30 GPUs may adopt a non-monolithic design, potentially utilizing multiple chiplets or a stacked 3D design. This move would not only drive down costs but also improve yields, as smaller silicon dies are less prone to manufacturing defects. However, non-monolithic designs pose challenges with interconnectivity and substrate packaging. Nevertheless, mm is an aspect that AMD seems keen to explore further, given the success of their non-monolithic CPUs. This development aligns with AMD's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology, with RDNA 3 GPUs and Navi 3 series expected to hit the market in the near future.

👟 Cooler Master's New Shoes: A Crossover Collaboration

Tech meets sneakerhead culture as Cooler Master unveils its latest collaboration, the Sneaker X case. Initially conceived as a case mod, this innovative design has now become a tangible product. Showcasing a Fusion of style and functionality, the Sneaker X case exhibits an open-air design with shoe elements that serve as eye-catching features rather than practical components. The case comes in white with options for pink or red accents. As an added touch, it Sports a pair of shock absorbers, a feature that actual sneakers could benefit from. In addition to the Sneaker X case, Cooler Master also announced the Mini-X, a sleek, small form factor case that offers a more traditional design. With details on pricing and specifications still forthcoming, tech enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike eagerly anticipate the release of these unique cases.

🔄 Newegg Reverses Denial of Refunds: A Positive Step

Following recent controversy surrounding denied refunds and returns, Newegg is making efforts to rectify the situation and win back customer trust. In response to customer complaints, Newegg has pledged to address refund denials in cases where customers were previously turned away. The company claims to have measures in place until the end of 2021 to assist customers who were wrongly denied a refund or replacement. Newegg's Vice President of Customer Service, Terry Cox, has remained in contact with affected customers, requesting additional information and demonstrating a desire to improve customer satisfaction. Though skepticism remains, many are cautiously optimistic and hopeful that Newegg will restore its reputation as a reliable and customer-centric retailer.

🚫 The Nvidia ARM Deal: Officially Dead

After facing multiple regulatory hurdles and months of investigations, the proposed acquisition of ARM by Nvidia has been officially terminated. The deal, which was announced 18 months ago, faced scrutiny from various governing bodies, including the UK and the European Union, citing concerns over national security. Additionally, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit to block the deal altogether. With the termination of the deal, Nvidia will retain its 20-year ARM license, while ARM's long-time CEO, Simon Segars, steps down immediately. While this turn of events may not be surprising, it marks a significant development in the tech industry and raises questions about the future of both companies.

⚙️ Intel's Raptor Lake: The Next CPU in Line

As Intel's Alder Lake CPU hits the market, rumors emerge about the next CPU in Intel's pipeline: Raptor Lake. Early leaked benchmark scores indicate the existence of an i9-13900K CPU within the Raptor Lake family. The benchmark results suggest a configuration of eight performance cores and 16 E-cores, resulting in a total of 32 Threads. While the benchmark does mention 32 threads, it is important to note that it refers to 32 logical cores, which may not accurately represent the final specifications. Raptor Lake is rumored to be released in 2022, competing directly with AMD's N4 CPUs. As the CPU landscape continues to evolve, consumers eagerly anticipate the next Wave of technological advancements.

💰 Best Buy's Exclusive Event: Total Tech Paywall

In a move reminiscent of recent controversies surrounding Newegg, Best Buy introduces a new layer of exclusivity with its Total Tech paywall. Best Buy members who pay a $200 subscription fee gain the privilege of purchasing highly sought-after products. This new program drew criticism as it effectively forces customers to pay for the opportunity to buy items, akin to buying a ticket before being allowed to purchase a ticket to an event. Best Buy's recent restock of RTX 30 Series cards, which was limited solely to Total Tech program members, sold out within hours, demonstrating the demand for these elusive products. While Best Buy presents this as a value-added program, it raises concerns about fair consumer practices and benefits scalpers who take advantage of limited supplies.

📦 Lian Li Collaborates with Dan Cases: New Small Form Factor Designs

Lian Li, renowned for its innovative PC cases, teams up with Dan Cases to bring new small form factor (SFF) designs to consumers at an affordable price point. These collaborations aim to make high-quality SFF cases more accessible to a wider audience. The flagship product resulting from this partnership is the A4 SFX, a stylish and practical SFF case. The A4 SFX boasts the ability to accommodate triple-slot GPUs and a full 240mm CLC within its compact Dimensions of 5.5" x 9.6" x 12.8". The case will be available in two versions, differing in the PCIe riser cable type (Gen 3 or Gen 4). Buyers should consider component compatibility to ensure a proper fit within the compact enclosure. With the A4 SFX, Lian Li and Dan Cases aim to cater to the growing demand for high-performance PCs in a smaller form factor.

🎮 Valve Makes CAD Files for Steam Deck Public: Open Source Possibilities

In a move emphasizing its commitment to an open ecosystem, Valve has made the CAD files for the Steam Deck's shell publicly available, allowing users to modify and potentially 3D print their own shells. This open-source approach supports chassis and accessory designers, fostering a wider ecosystem around the Steam Deck. With the availability of CAD files, manufacturers can ensure precise measurements, improving the compatibility of third-party accessories. This step aligns with Valve's goal of providing a comprehensive gaming experience, as opposed to merely selling hardware. Furthermore, Valve's partnership with iFixit as an authorized seller of replacement parts reinforces their commitment to long-term support and repairability.

💻 HMRC Seizes NFTs in Attempted Fraud: A Dystopian Twist

In a dystopian twist, UK authorities have seized three NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and arrested three individuals following an alleged attempt to defraud the government of £1.4 million. The suspects employed sophisticated methods to conceal their digital footprints, including false identities, addresses, prepaid unregistered mobile phones, VPNs, and fake invoices. The investigation brings to light the potential risks associated with cryptocurrencies and online assets as tools for fraudulent activities. HMRC warns would-be fraudsters that using crypto or online assets for illicit purposes will not go unpunished. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and implications arising from the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

[Resources]

1. Newegg
2. AMD
3. Cooler Master
4. Nvidia
5. Intel
6. Best Buy
7. Lian Li
8. Dan Cases
9. Valve
10. iFixit
11. HMRC