The Best GPU News In A Long Time

Summary

In this week's tech news, Paul covers an exciting lineup of upcoming hardware launches, including Intel's Arc Battlemage GPUs and AMD's RX 8000 series. He also dives into Intel's unexpected CEO shakeup, the drama surrounding NZXT's controversial Flex rental program, and the latest developments in Nvidia's upcoming Rubin architecture. From the latest GPU specs and pricing to corporate drama and gaming PC giveaways, Paul's roundup highlights the fast-paced changes in the PC hardware world, making it an essential update for tech enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intel is launching the Arc B580 GPU this week, with pricing set at $250, competing against the RTX 4060.
• 😀 AMD's RX 8000 series GPUs are anticipated with new leaks revealing specs for the RX 8800 and RX 8600 models, suggesting aggressive pricing for PC gamers.
• 😀 Intel's CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired abruptly, with co-CEOs David Zinser and Michelle Johnston Holthaus now leading the company.
• 😀 Gamers Nexus has banned NZXT for its deceptive Flex rental program, which locks consumers into overpriced rental agreements for PC hardware.
• 😀 Intel's Arc B580 GPU shows a 10% performance improvement over the RTX 4060 at 1440p, according to the company's own benchmarks.
• 😀 NZXT issued a public apology, but their CEO's guarded statements have been criticized for lacking concrete solutions to the issues raised.
• 😀 Nvidia's next GPU architecture, Rubin, may launch as early as late 2025, bringing HBM4 memory and advanced AI capabilities.
• 😀 The Biden administration's export restrictions on high-powered AI chips have led China to retaliate by restricting the sale of key semiconductor materials to the U.S.
• 😀 AMD is working to improve the availability of the 9800X3D processor, which should become more accessible to consumers throughout the quarter.
• 😀 Inwin has unveiled a $7,000 case called the Infinite, showcasing futuristic design and unique features, though it's aimed at a niche audience with deep pockets.
• 😀 A significant portion of the gaming community has accumulated around $19 billion in unused digital game purchases on Steam, raising questions about impulse buying and game value.

Q & A

What significant hardware launches are coming in 2024?

In 2024, major hardware launches include Intel's Arc Battlemage GPUs (b580 and b570), AMD's RX 8000 series GPUs, Nvidia's RTX 50 series GPUs, and Intel's Core Ultra 200 series CPUs. Additionally, AMD is expected to release more Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs.

What is the AMD RX 8000 series and what leaks were revealed this week?

The AMD RX 8000 series, expected to include the RX 8800 and RX 8600, has seen leaks confirming its naming scheme. The RX 8800 XT is rumored to have 64 compute units, 16GB of VRAM, and 64MB of Infinity Cache. Meanwhile, the RX 8600 XT is expected to have 32 compute units and 8GB of GDDR6.

What are Intel's Arc Battlemage GPUs, and how do they compare to Nvidia's offerings?

Intel's Arc Battlemage GPUs, including the b580 and b570 models, are expected to compete with Nvidia's RTX 4060. The b580 is priced at $250 and boasts 10% better FPS at 1440p compared to the RTX 4060, according to Intel's benchmarks, though these should be viewed with skepticism.

What happened with Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger?

Pat Gelsinger retired abruptly as Intel's CEO on December 1st, 2024. The nature of his retirement and the lack of a clear transition plan suggest he may have been pushed out. His interim replacements, David Zinser and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, now handle leadership responsibilities.

What was the controversy surrounding NZXT's Flex gaming PC rental program?

NZXT's Flex gaming PC rental program was criticized for being deceptive, with customers unknowingly paying 2-4 times the cost of their rented hardware over several years. Gamers Nexus uncovered the predatory practices, leading to NZXT being banned from GN's sponsorships.

What are the specifications of Intel's Arc Battlemage b580 GPU?

The Intel Arc Battlemage b580 GPU features 12GB of VRAM and is priced at $250. It aims to deliver 10% better FPS at 1440p compared to Nvidia's RTX 4060.

What is Nvidia's upcoming Rubin architecture, and when might it launch?

Nvidia's Rubin architecture, named after astrophysicist Vera Rubin, is expected to launch as early as late 2025. It will be built on TSMC's 3nm process and may feature HBM4 memory, pushing forward Nvidia's capabilities in both gaming and AI markets.

How are trade tensions between the US and China affecting GPU production?

The US's chip export bans, particularly on high-powered AI solutions, have been met with retaliation from China, which is now restricting the sale of critical materials like gallium and germanium to the US. These tensions could impact the production of GPUs, including those from Nvidia and Intel.

What are some notable giveaways happening in the tech community?

Paul from Paul's Hardware is hosting a charity stream on December 14th, where he will give away a custom PC build featuring a 9800X3D CPU and RTX 4090 GPU. Gamers Nexus is also running giveaways, including Radeon RX 7000 GPUs and possibly a build.

Why is Inwin's $7,000 case, the Infinite, notable despite its high price?

Inwin's $7,000 Infinite case stands out due to its unique design and features, such as robotic aesthetics and special functionalities. While it may not offer tangible performance gains, it's a striking and exclusive product that appeals to a niche audience with deep pockets.