ThinkComputers

A leaked CPU-Z submission may have revealed more than the performance of Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake-S desktop platform. The listing identifies a 28-core Core Ultra 9 processor and suggests Intel could abandon Arrow Lake’s three-digit model numbers in favor of a four-digit naming system for its next-generation desktop lineup. A leaked listing identifies a 28-core Core Ultra 9 Nova Lake-S processor. The chip reportedly combines 8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores, and 4 low-power E-Cores.

Seasonic has announced that its 1,600-watt PRIME ENTERPRISE RX-1600 is the first ATX power supply to receive 80 PLUS Ruby certification at 115 volts. The new efficiency tier emphasizes low-load performance alongside traditional operating points, targeting demanding desktops, workstations, and AI-focused systems. The PRIME ENTERPRISE RX-1600 is rated at 1,600 watts. It is the first ATX PSU certified under 80 PLUS Ruby at 115 V. Ruby adds efficiency testing at 5% and 10% loads.

Windows 11 is testing a long-requested privacy upgrade that gives users individual control over camera, microphone, and location access for traditional Win32 applications. Experimental Insider Build 26340.9212 brings desktop programs closer to the permission model already available for Microsoft Store apps, although Microsoft has not confirmed a public release date. Experimental Build 26340.9212 adds per-app camera and microphone switches for Win32 software.

Razer is expanding its tournament-focused hardware lineup with the Viper V4 Pro Esports Green Edition, a vivid new finish for its flagship wireless gaming mouse. Available today through Razer.com and select RazerStores, the model retains the performance specifications of the existing Viper V4 Pro while adding the brand’s signature Pantone 802C green colorway. Razer’s new esports mouse combines a 52-gram design with high-speed wireless connectivity and a top-tier optical sensor.

Noctua is resisting the PC hardware industry’s push toward RGB lighting, integrated LCDs, and increasingly broad color options. In a recent interview, chief product officer Jakob Dellinger said the company would rather direct its engineering resources toward thermal efficiency, low noise, and build quality than add visual features to its fans and coolers. Noctua has no current plans for RGB lighting or LCD screens in its cooling products. White fans and coolers are also unlikely in the near term.

Lexar has introduced its Thor Ultra family of PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs, targeting desktop and laptop users who want high-end storage bandwidth in a more cost-conscious design. The M.2 2280 drives omit dedicated DRAM but combine a 6nm controller, Host Memory Buffer support, and Dynamic SLC Cache to reach sequential speeds of up to 11GB/s.

ASUS has added an automatic shutdown safeguard to GPU Tweak III for select graphics cards equipped with Power Detector+. Version 2.1.8.0 can power off a system when it detects persistently excessive current through the GPU’s 12V-2×6 connector, adding another layer of protection against overheating and possible cable or connector damage. GPU Tweak III version 2.1.8.0 adds optional automatic shutdown support. The feature monitors current across the connector’s six power-carrying pins.

PC memory pricing has entered a severe upswing, with tracked DDR5 kits costing several times more than they did a year ago. A 128GB DDR5-6400 kit has reached $3,399 in the United States, while mainstream 64GB kits now exceed $1,000. The shortage is increasingly affecting DDR4, SSDs, and hard drives as AI infrastructure absorbs memory production. A 128GB DDR5-6400 kit now costs $3,399, roughly 10 times its lowest tracked price.

Intel says its next-generation CPU core will debut in consumer desktop processors before reaching data-center Xeon products. The strategy, linked to the upcoming Nova Lake family, contrasts with AMD’s enterprise-first Zen 6 rollout and signals a renewed focus on PC enthusiasts and gamers. Intel’s new core is confirmed to launch on desktop first. The core is widely expected to be associated with Nova Lake, although Intel has not officially named it.

Chinese memory manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has reached a reported 9,000 MT/s with a DDR5 kit, marking a significant improvement over the company’s earlier frequency ceiling. Demonstrations from Colorful and ASUS also show CXMT-based modules achieving tighter timings, including CL30 and CL28 configurations at 6,000 MT/s and beyond. Colorful demonstrated a 24 GB x2 CXMT-based DDR5 kit at 9,000 MT/s. The 9,000 MT/s test used an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and CL46-58-58-126-216 timings.