Exciting Updates in Hardware Industry: New CPUs, GPUs, and More!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Lenovo's New CPUs
- New NVIDIA GPU Listings
- TSMC Fabrication Plant Hit by Virus
- Threadripper 2 Availability and Pricing
- Samsung's Consumer QLC SSD
- Rising Costs of PC Hardware
- NZXT's Game-Themed Custom Cases
- New Flash Technologies from Toshiba and SK Hynix
- Hardware Sales and Deals
Introduction
Welcome to another hardware news Recap! In this recap, we will discuss the latest updates in the world of technology. From new CPUs and GPUs to the impact of viruses on fabrication plants, we have it all covered. So let's dive in and explore the exciting news and developments in the hardware industry!
Lenovo's New CPUs
Lenovo, the renowned computer manufacturer, has recently unveiled its new lineup of CPUs. The new CPUs belong to the 2000 series and include the R3 and R5 series. These CPUs, based on AMD's Zen+ architecture, bring significant improvements in power management, latency reduction, and memory configurations. With higher clock speeds and improved support for DDR4 2933 memory, these processors promise enhanced performance for desktops and laptops.
New NVIDIA GPU Listings
The popular monitoring and stress testing software, AIDA64, has recently listed an NVIDIA GB 104 GPU as the GTX 1180. While the naming of NVIDIA's new GPUs has been a topic of debate, this listing provides some insight into the upcoming 1100 or 2000 series. Although the specific specifications and performance details are yet to be revealed, this listing indicates that new NVIDIA GPUs are on the horizon.
TSMC Fabrication Plant Hit by Virus
In an unexpected turn of events, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) faced a setback when a variant of the WannaCry virus affected their fabrication systems. This forced TSMC to halt production temporarily, resulting in a two percent decline in their quarterly revenue. Given TSMC's large volume of production, this decline translates to a significant loss of about $170 million. The impact of this virus highlights the vulnerability of fabrication plants to cyber threats.
Threadripper 2 Availability and Pricing
AMD has been generating excitement with their upcoming Threadripper 2 processors. These high-core count CPUs, based on the 12-nanometer Zen+ architecture, offer improved power efficiency and performance. With an enhanced voltage frequency curve, these processors can achieve higher frequencies at lower voltages, making them an attractive choice for power-hungry applications. The availability and prices of Threadripper 2 have been announced, and they are expected to hit the market soon.
Samsung's Consumer QLC SSD
Samsung, a key player in the SSD market, has introduced its first consumer-oriented QLC-based SSD. The QLC technology allows for higher storage density at a lower cost per gigabyte compared to previous NAND technologies. Samsung's QLC SSDs will be available in capacities of one terabyte, two terabytes, and four terabytes. This development promises lower prices for high-capacity SSDs, making them a viable alternative to traditional hard drives.
Rising Costs of PC Hardware
Manufacturers and consumers of PC hardware are bracing for an increase in costs. The current administration in the United States has imposed new tariffs on imports, including PC hardware and semiconductor-related materials. These tariffs are expected to raise costs by as much as 25 percent by the end of August. The potential increase in prices has raised concerns among industry experts and may affect the affordability of PC components for consumers.
NZXT's Game-Themed Custom Cases
NZXT, a renowned PC case manufacturer, has been venturing into custom-themed cases. Building on the success of their PUBG-themed case, NZXT has recently introduced a Nuka-Cola-themed case inspired by the Fallout series. This limited quantity custom-painted case comes with a matching motherboard, giving gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to personalize their PC builds. While these custom cases come at a premium price, they offer a unique and eye-catching aesthetic for fans of popular games.
New Flash Technologies from Toshiba and SK Hynix
The Flash Memory Summit witnessed exciting announcements from Toshiba and SK Hynix regarding their new flash technologies. Toshiba introduced its 3D Excite flash, aimed at high performance and low latency. The technology combines SLC flash with shorter bit lines and WORD lines, making it an attractive caching option for storage devices. Meanwhile, SK Hynix unveiled their 4D NAND technology, which combines charge trap flash and peripheral under cell architecture to increase density and reduce cost. These advancements in flash technology promise better performance and affordability in the storage market.
Hardware Sales and Deals
In this section, we highlight some noteworthy hardware sales and deals. EVGA's GTX 1080 FTW2 is currently available at a reduced price, making it an attractive option for gamers. Additionally, Corsair's popular K70 Luxe RGB keyboard is on sale at a significant discount. For budget builders, the VS 550 power supply from Corsair offers excellent value with its $20 post-rebate price tag. Lastly, the Trident Z RGB 16GB 3600MHz memory kit is currently available at a reduced price, providing enthusiasts with a great opportunity to upgrade their PC's memory.
FAQ
Q: When will Lenovo release the new CPUs?
A: Lenovo has accidentally leaked the specifications of its upcoming Ryzen 3 (R3) 2300X and Ryzen 5 (R5) 2500X CPUs. While an exact release date has not been confirmed, it is expected that these processors will be available in the near future.
Q: How will the TSMC virus outbreak impact the semiconductor industry?
A: The temporary halt in production due to the virus outbreak at TSMC's fabrication plant is estimated to result in a two percent decline in quarterly revenue. However, it is unlikely to have a long-term impact on the semiconductor industry as TSMC is actively working to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.
Q: What are the advantages of Samsung's QLC SSDs?
A: Samsung's QLC SSDs offer higher storage density at a lower cost per gigabyte compared to previous NAND technologies. This makes them a cost-effective solution for users who require large storage capacities. However, it is important to note that QLC SSDs have slightly lower endurance compared to other NAND technologies.
Q: Are the new custom-themed cases from NZXT compatible with other motherboards?
A: The custom-themed cases introduced by NZXT, such as the Nuka-Cola-themed case, are designed to be compatible with specific NZXT motherboard models. These cases come with a matching motherboard cover, but they are not functional and serve purely as decorative elements.