Anyone looking for a powerful computer for gaming usually has chunky tower PCs or expensive gaming laptops in mind. Mini PCs, on the other hand, are less often considered, although these small computers have developed rapidly in recent years. Today’s models pack an astonishing amount of power into very small spaces, creating an exciting alternative for anyone who is short on space but doesn’t want to compromise on performance. What you may not realize is that mini PCs are not only ideal for office tasks or as streaming stations in the living room, but now also offer enough power for demanding gaming. Provided the equipment is right. In this article, we show you which mini PCs are particularly suitable for gaming and which gaming hardware you need. GMKtec NucBox K8 Plus Mini-PC Amazon View on Amazon Price: $559.99 The GMKtec NucBox K8 Plus Mini-PC is not a hardcore gaming powerhouse, but with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1 gigahertz) and integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit, it provides a solid foundation for modern gaming in Full HD. The Radeon 780M is based on AMD’s latest RDNA3 architecture and, in combination with fast DDR5 RAM, delivers noticeably more performance than older integrated GPUs. Even if particularly graphically demanding AAA titles require a reduction in resolution or details, many popular games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, or Rocket League can be played smoothly in 1080p. With 64 gigabytes of DDR5 RAM and a one terabyte PCIe SSD, the mini PC comes generously equipped from the factory, but can be upgraded even further—up to 96 gigabytes of RAM and eight terabytes of storage are possible. Two 2.5 gigabit LAN ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB4, and Oculink offer modern connection options, including for external GPUs or fast data storage devices. Up to four monitors can be controlled simultaneously in 4K or even 8K. The K8 Plus is interesting for anyone looking for a gaming PC that is as compact and quiet as possible with good energy efficiency. The three adjustable performance profiles (Silent, Balanced, Performance) make it easy to flexibly adapt the device to different scenarios. Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT Mini-PC Amazon View on Amazon Price: $1,055.90 The Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT is one of the more powerful representatives among the Mini PCs. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX (16 cores, 32 threads) and a dedicated AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT graphics card, the system is aimed at creative professionals and ambitious gamers. The combination of a powerful CPU and solid mid-range graphics enables smooth work in applications such as video editing, 3D design, or software development — as well as gaming in Full HD or QHD at high settings. However, the GPU is not designed for 4K gaming with maximum details. The system reaches its limits not only here but also with very graphics-intensive games that have high VRAM requirements, as the Radeon RX 7600M XT is only equipped with eight gigabytes of graphics memory. Nevertheless, the performance is very decent for the device class, especially in view of the efficient cooling architecture with three fans and heat pipe system, which boosts the processor up to 154 watts TDP if required. In customer reviews, the performance is often described as impressive, fast, and reliable. Many praise the quiet operation; even under load, the system remains pleasantly unobtrusive. The compact size, simple set-up, and overall stable functionality also meet with a positive response. There are no dropouts, no installation hurdles, and no heat problems. The AtomMan G7 PT does offer several USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 2.5G LAN, but some users miss options such as Thunderbolt or USB4, which could be expected in this price range. Nevertheless, two fast M.2 SSD slots and up to 96 gigabytes of DDR5 RAM are possible, making it upgradeable and future-proof in the long term. Kinupute Gaming Mini-PC Amazon View on Amazon Price: $2,162 If you’re looking for uncompromising gaming performance in the smallest of spaces, the Kinupute Mini Gaming PC is the perfect choice. Equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900F — a 24-core processor with 32 threads and up to 5.8 gigahertz clock speed — this mini PC brings high-end computing power to desktop level. Together with the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 with 12 gigabytes of GDDR6X, the compact computer becomes a real powerhouse for demanding gaming in 1440p and even 4K. The system masters ray tracing, AI-supported effects and high-resolution texture rendering as well as streaming or creative applications. There is also no reason to criticize the memory configuration: 64 gigabytes of DDR5 RAM and a four terabyte PCIe 4.0 SSD ensure lightning-fast loading times and plenty of space for large game libraries. If you want, you can expand the system with two additional 2.5-inch SSDs. Dual LAN with Gigabit speed, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and a variety of interfaces, including four display outputs with up to 8K at 60 Hertz, ensure optimum connectivity. Despite the compact design, the system remains pleasantly cool even under load. This is ensured by four copper fans and eight heat pipes, which work efficiently and at the same time ensure a tolerable noise level. Users particularly praise the strong performance, the solid workmanship and the wide range of connections. The computer can be set up quickly and runs stably and reliably in everyday use. Essential hardware tips for choosing a gaming mini PC The mini PCs presented here impressively demonstrate how versatile gaming can be in a small space. However, before you decide on a model, we summarize the most important hardware tips that make a difference when gaming. Graphics card (GPU): A dedicated graphics unit is essential for graphically demanding games. While integrated GPUs such as the Radeon 780M already perform amazingly well, especially for casual gaming in 1080p, they quickly reach their limits with current AAA titles. If you want smooth gaming in 1440p or 4K with high details, you should opt for a model with a dedicated graphics card such as the GeForce RTX 4060 or RTX 4070. Processor (CPU): The choice of processor is also crucial. Models with mobile processors such as the Ryzen 7 8845HS offer a good balance between performance and efficiency (ideal for quiet and compact systems). However, if you’re looking for maximum power for gaming, streaming, and creative tasks, it’s better to spring for a desktop processor such as the Intel Core i9-14900F with up to 24 cores. RAM: At least 16 gigabytes of RAM are recommended for the latest games. Most of the models presented come with 64 gigabytes of DDR5 RAM, allowing smooth multitasking during gaming, streaming, or working. Storage (SSD): Games require a lot of space. A fast PCIe 4.0 SSD with one terabyte or more is ideal to ensure quick game loading and smooth system starts. Models that offer expansion options for additional SSDs or hard drives are especially practical. Connections and expandability: Depending on your needs, multiple monitor connections, USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, or even Oculink for external GPUs can be important. Dual LAN and Wi-Fi 6E also ensure stable connections, especially for online gaming or streaming. Cooling and volume: Compact cases require efficient cooling solutions. Some devices use multiple fans and heat pipes, while others even offer adjustable performance profiles for quieter operation. If you are looking for a whisper-quiet setup, pay attention to the TDP values and the cooling design. Read...

It took a long time for Windows 11 and Wi-Fi 7 to finally come together. Devices with the new Wi-Fi standard have been available since the beginning of 2023, but Windows didn’t support it until the latest 24H2 update. That said, the timing might be intentional. On one hand, Wi-Fi 7 becomes another reason to switch to Windows 11, especially since Windows 10, which will no longer receive updates after October, doesn’t officially support the new standard. In addition, suitable hardware is now widely available: almost every current notebook and smartphone supports Wi-Fi 7, and routers with the standard exist in every price and equipment class. The new Wi-Fi standard improves connection speed and data transfer. This is reflected in Windows, where you will find new settings and information for Wi-Fi 7. We explain what you to look out for when making the switch and how you can better optimize your computer with Windows 11. Wi-Fi 7 support arrives with Windows 11 24H2 According to Microsoft, only Windows 11 from 24H2 onward officially supports the new Wi-Fi standard. If you want to use Wi-Fi 7 on a Windows PC, you should install the latest version of the system. Current notebooks with Wi-Fi 7 usually use a Wi-Fi card from Intel such as the BE200 or BE201. IDG The manufacturers of Wi-Fi adapters and modules also point this out. Intel, for example, mentions in the driver download for its BE200, BE201, and BE202 Wi-Fi 7 modules that Wi-Fi 7 features are only available starting with Windows 11 24H2. Prior to this Windows update, the manufacturer only guaranteed support for Wi-Fi 6E in the driver documentation for its Wi-Fi 7 hardware. In addition to the Windows 11 update, you’ll need an up-to-date driver for the Wi-Fi hardware in your computer. If you have a PC with an integrated Wi-Fi adapter on the motherboard, it’s best to obtain the driver from the motherboard manufacturer. If you have a notebook, the manufacturer’s website is the best place to go. If your notebook has an Intel Wi-Fi 7 module such as BE200, the quickest way to get the latest drivers is to visit the Intel support page for this product. This is because Windows 11 only supports basic Wi-Fi 7 functions after the update: the driver, on the other hand, tells the operating system which special features the built-in Wi-Fi hardware offers — for example, which frequencies and channels it uses or in which form it supports the Wi-Fi 7 function Multi-Link Operation (MLO). For this reason, a built-in Wi-Fi card is only functional once the appropriate driver has been installed – even if you have already installed the 24H2 update for Windows 11. Using Wi-Fi 7 on older Windows versions Provided you install the correct driver, Wi-Fi adapters for Wi-Fi 7 can also be used with older versions of Windows 11. In many cases, the operating system recognizes the hardware. However, it cannot utilize certain Wi-Fi 7 advantages without the appropriate Windows substructure. For example, notebooks with an Intel adapter can only establish a connection to a suitable Wi-Fi 7 router via the 6 GHz frequency with a 160 MHz channel, not with the 320 MHz channel, which is twice as fast. This corresponds to a Wi-Fi connection with the Wi-Fi 6E standard. The same applies to MLO: The notebook cannot establish several simultaneous connections to the router, although its Wi-Fi hardware is capable of this. You’ll encounter the same restrictions if you want to use Wi-Fi 7 hardware under Windows 10 — if the manufacturer driver can be installed at all. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 does not support Wi-Fi 7 and will no longer do so. You also shouldn’t rely on the Wi-Fi connection information in the settings under Windows 10. The older operating system shows Wi-Fi 6 as the Wi-Fi protocol used even when connected via the 6 GHz frequency, although the standard does not support this frequency. The specification of the network channel used is also incorrect. The displayed connection speed (link rate) is correct, but corresponds to a connection with Wi-Fi 6E. Hardware for Wi-Fi 7 can also be installed and used under Windows 10, but only with the functions of the older Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi standard, as you can see in the Windows settings. IDG However, the incorrect information only reflects the view of the Windows client. In the router, you can check whether there is still a connection via Wi-Fi 7, at what link rate and on which channels it takes place. In a Fritzbox, use the overview under Home Network > Mesh, click on the pencil icon next to the Windows computer entry, and select Wi-Fi: There you’ll see all relevant information about this connection. However, even Windows 10 does not ensure optimum Wi-Fi security. From update 1903, the operating system supports WPA3, which is currently the best method. Can I use Wi-Fi 7? With just a few commands in Windows 11, you can check whether your system fulfills the requirements for Wi-Fi 7. First, you should determine which Windows version and update you have installed. To do this, enter the following command in the Windows search bar: winver The “About Windows” window will open, showing you the installed version and build number. For you to be able to use Wi-Fi 7, it must say Version 24H2. With the appropriate commands, the Windows command line reveals important information about the built-in Wi-Fi hardware: If you see “802.11be” there, you know that your computer is capable of Wi-Fi 7. IDG You can use the command line to find out what the Wi-Fi hardware in your computer can do. To do this, open the command prompt and type the command: netsh wlan show drivers It provides an overview of the capabilities of the built-in Wi-Fi module. At the top is the product name and the manufacturer, under Version, you’ll find the version number of the installed driver. In the Supported Radio Types line, the entry 802.11be must appear on the far right. This is the official name for Wi-Fi 7. If you see this entry, you know that your Wi-Fi hardware can use the current standard. Therefore, the entry WPA3-Personal should also appear in the list of supported encryption methods, you’ll also see WPA3-Enterprise. WPA3 encryption is mandatory for a Wi-Fi connection via Wi-Fi 7 over 6 GHz. Unlike 2.4 and 5 GHz, the older WPA2 encryption method is no longer sufficient here. As Wi-Fi 7 is backwards compatible with older Wi-Fi standards, your computer still supports WPA2-Personal and possibly WPA2-Enterprise, both should appear in the list. Most Copilot Plus PCs with ARM Windows are also capable of Wi-Fi 7 and support MLO: they use Qualcomm Wi-Fi hardware such as the Fast Connect 7800 module.IDG Under Number of Supported Bands, you can see which Wi-Fi 7 frequencies your Wi-Fi hardware can use to transmit data. For the Wi-Fi module of a current notebook or PC, all three frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) should appear here. However, which frequencies you can actually use for a Wi-Fi 7 connection depends on the router to which your computer connects. Some Wi-Fi 7 routers, for example, do not use 6 GHz, which means 6 GHz transmission isn’t possible, even if the computer’s Wi-Fi is capable of this frequency. Wi-Fi 7 details in Windows settings The Wi-Fi information in the Windows 11 settings is less detailed than in the command prompt, but it’s easier to access. To do this, you must first establish a Wi-Fi 7 connection to a suitable router on the computer. You can do this with the new Wi-Fi standard: Click on the circle icon to the left of the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar on the right. At the top left of the new window, the Wi-Fi icon should be highlighted in blue and the word Available should appear underneath it. If you click on the icon with the arrow pointing to the right, all Wi-Fi networks within the computer’s reception range will appear. Now select your network and click on Connect. Next, enter the Wi-Fi password. If it’s entered correctly, Connected, Secured will appear under the Wi-Fi name. To view the properties of this Wi-Fi connection, click on the small i in the circle at the top right. This will take you directly to the Network and Internet — Wi-Fi menu in the Windows settings. Here you will recognize the entry Wi-Fi 7 in the Protocol line and know that you have established the connection via the new Wi-Fi standard. You already know most of the other details from the prompt. For example, the Security Type, which specifies the active encryption of the Wi-Fi connection, should say WPA3-Personal. Under Description, you’ll find the name of the Wi-Fi hardware in the computer and the installed Driver Version underneath. TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 7 PCIe network cardTP-Link New for Wi-Fi 7 are the details in the following lines Network band (channel) and Aggregated connection speed (receive/transmit). The Wi-Fi frequency via which the Windows computer is connected to the router usually appears in the top line. In Windows 11 24H2, there are two frequencies here. For example, 5 GHz and 6 GHz plus the corresponding radio channels via which the router and Wi-Fi client are connected. This means that the router and Windows computer can handle multi-link operation (MLO), one of the most important new functions of Wi-Fi 7. If this looks different in your Windows settings, even though the operating system and drivers fulfill the requirements for Wi-Fi 7, check whether the router is set up correctly. For MLO to be active, it must use the same SSID and password for each frequency. If you see different settings for the different frequencies in the router menu, you should look for an option such as Enable MLO network. If you find it and switch it on, the router should automatically use one SSID and password for all frequencies. On some routers, MLO is missing from the installed firmware: updating to a current version may fix the problem. The Aggregated Connection Speed line in the Windows settings shows the link rate, which is the current connection speed between the router and client. It does not correspond with the actual Wi-Fi speed. This is because it includes not only the transfer rate of the usable data packets (net data rate), for example, video data when streaming, but also the management and backup data required for the connection (gross data rate). In addition, interference and errors occur during the transfer, meaning that the actual data rate is around 70 to 80 percent of the link rate, even under optimum conditions. The term aggregated connection speed suggests that the data only applies to Wi-Fi 7 and MLO because the router and client are connected via several frequencies and Windows therefore adds up the possible data rate. In Windows 11 24H2, however, this information is used for all network connections, including Ethernet. WLAN / Wi-Fi am Smartphone / Handy ausschalten Camilo Concha/Shutterstock With Wi-Fi 7, it depends on the MLO variant to which the router and Wi-Fi client are connected as to whether the link rate value is actually the sum of the two connections. In most cases, devices with MLO use the so-called multi-link single radio (MLSR). This involves parallel connections via two frequencies. However, data is only exchanged via one. Here’s the advantage. In the event of transmission or range problems, the devices can very quickly switch to the more interference-free frequency and continue the transfer without interruption. Without MLO, the router must first de-register the client from one frequency using band steering and then connect it via the better one. The aggregated connection speed therefore only shows the link rate of the currently active connection, not the sum of the two frequencies. The situation can be different with the MLO variant Multi-Link Multi-Radio (MLMR). Here, the router and client can exchange data via both frequencies simultaneously. The actual data rate can then be higher than with one connection. In this case, you’ll see a higher link rate in the Windows settings, which adds together the values of the two connections. Many routers with Wi-Fi 7 support both MLO variants, but the Wi-Fi hardware in Windows computers usually only supports MLSR such as the BE200 and BE201 Wi-Fi modules from Intel that are often installed in notebooks. In order to use Wi-Fi 7 with MLO, the router and Wi-Fi client must use the new standard on all supported frequencies. However, this is not always the case. The Fritzbox 5690 Pro from AVM, for example, can only establish an MLO connection via 5 GHz and 6 GHz, as it uses the older Wi-Fi 6 standard via 2.4 GHz. Despite Wi-Fi 7, the Fritzbox 4690 does not support MLO at all. It only transmits via 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz and only uses Wi-Fi 6 via this frequency. Checking your router for Wi-Fi 7 and MLO support You can also check whether a connection with Wi-Fi 7 exists in the router menu. The easiest way to do this is with a Fritzbox with the new standard. Under Home Network > Mesh, you can recognize an MLO connection by the two dashed green lines that run between the router and client. In the Home Network Devices section, you will see MLO in the Properties column. Your router also shows Wi-Fi 7 connection details—for example, a Fritzbox displays the standard used and the MLO variant.IDG You can obtain additional information by clicking on the pencil icon next to a Wi-Fi client and selecting Wi-Fi. Under Wi-Fi connection, the entry Wi-Fi 7?should appear after the Wi-Fi standard. Further down is the line MLO, where active should be entered, followed by the MLO variant in brackets. You’ll usually see eMLSR for Enhanced Multi-Link Single-Radio. As this is MLO, the Fritzbox shows information on both active connections. You can choose between them at the top by clicking the button for 5 GHz or 6 GHz, for example. Under Data Rate, you will notice that a value is entered in the Current window for one frequency that corresponds approximately to the link rate that you see on the Windows client to which the router is connected via MLO. The other frequency, on the other hand, has a significantly lower value, such as 6 MBit/s. The band with the high data rate is currently being used for transmission. There’s also a connection on the other frequency, but only the small amount of administrative data required to maintain it is currently being transmitted. Read...

It’s possible to eject a graphics card while you’re using your computer, if it’s an external model or some other non-standard setup. But if you’re using a desktop with a GPU installed on the motherboard, or a laptop with discrete graphics within the case, it’s generally a bad idea. Which is why some Windows 11 users were alarmed when their computers asked if they wanted to eject their graphics cards. This appears to be a Windows bug that adds graphics cards to a list of devices that can be ejected in the “Safely remove hardware and media” tool in the notification center. It’s that thing you’re supposed to use every time you unplug a flash drive, which I’ve never seen anyone use in the real world, ever. Some Reddit users, seeing the option to “eject” the very powerful, very expensive graphics card soldered into the guts of their laptop, were understandably confused. This bug has been showing up for years, apparently as an unintended UI expression of the option to disable some discrete laptop graphics and switch to integrated graphics to save power. (Note that “disabling” and “ejecting” are very different terms, and probably shouldn’t be conflated for regular PC users.) Windows Central notes that there are registry hacks available to turn off this alarming and apparently unintentional message. While hardly the worst user-facing bug for Windows, I can see how this would be concerning even if you’re fairly tech-savvy. “I’m afraid I might accidentally eject it one day and god knows what’s gonna happen to my laptop,” says one Reddit user on the Windows 11 sub. If you’re seeing something similar, and you don’t want to dive into a registry hack (which I think is very admirable caution), maybe just leave it alone. Further reading: I finally decided to reset my Windows PC. Here are 6 signs you should, too Read...

Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardcore hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the hot topics on our YouTube show or latest buzz from across the web? I’ve got you covered. Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website! This past week, Adam published a look back at the past few decades of PC component history, through the lens of my colleague Gordon Mah Ung’s career. The memories stretch from the mid-1990s (including Gordon in a full suit and tie) to the present day of contests for the slowest benchmark results. And by the end, I could see other people latching on to “change” as the biggest theme throughout. The visual evidence is there: the move from beige boxes to bright, even obnoxiously colored chassis; shifting case configurations and attitudes toward cable management (oh, for the days when we could shove everything inside and just slap the side panel back on); even the leap to ferocious high core-count processors and screaming-fast graphics cards. Vintage Alienware.Willis Lai / Foundry But while others could argue that change has been the constant in computer hardware, I’d instead champion ATX as one of the truest mainstays—and all the evidence of its steady, reliable presence over the past 30 years is right in the video. In build after build, ATX is there. An over-the-top, ludicrously decked out Dream Machine built by the crew at Maximum PC? ATX. The machine that won the ongoing competition between Gordon and others (including our friend Dr. Ian Cuttress) for the slowest benchmark results in Cinebench R15? Also ATX. And even Gordon’s signature troll build, the “reverse sleeper build” that sported a shiny new case on the outside, and old-as-heck parts on the inside? Yeah, ATX. Gordon had his bones to pick with ATX—he complained often that ATX was holding back the PC industry. (And I mean often, not just on The Full Nerd when the cameras were rolling.) But in the very next breath, he would then rail against companies like Apple, which has zero issue with (in Gordon’s words) throwing older tech overboard. ATX’s longevity is why you can put parts that look like this in a brand-new, sparkling clean case. Willis Lai / Foundry I’ve always had a different outlook, largely along the lines of Gordon’s follow-up rant. I’m open to a newer standard that evolves the layout of motherboards, sure. But I view the jump from the AT form factor to ATX more as a practical response, as opposed to just the insatiable hunger for innovation. ATX followed AT after a decade, bringing further improvements to standardization and swappability of parts. But when BTX launched nine years later, arguably “on schedule,” it failed to take. Not enough innovation, you could argue. But I view it as a sign of what truly motivates leaps in technology, whether the advent of the printing press or desktop-sized personal computers. I also think ATX’s ongoing relevance tells us a lot about the future of the PC. Innovation is a response to a need. As the PC industry has become increasingly more personal, with a far wider spectrum of options to address specific needs, what innovation looks like may continue to become smaller and more subtle. And possibly, it may even become less constant. In this episode of The Full Nerd… Willis Lai / Foundry In this episode of The Full Nerd, Adam Patrick Murray, Brad Chacos, Alaina Yee, and Will Smith talk about Intel being on the ropes, Zen 6’s emergence in the wild, and AI in Windows. To me, I found a lot of commonalities between these topics—they made me extremely contemplative about what innovation in the PC space will look like, because things feel a little…confused. Also, we got a glimpse into the remarkable details of the decor in Will’s home office. All I can say is: That potato has a butt. Missed our live show? Subscribe now to The Full Nerd YouTube channel, and activate notifications. We also answer viewer questions in real time!  And if you need more hardware talk during the rest of the week, come join our Discord community—it’s full of cool, laid-back nerds. This week’s intriguing nerd news I’m facing a second week in recent months where I’m questioning my deal-hunting skills, but a few technology wins are keeping my spirits up. What currently has me a bit starry-eyed: insanely fast internet. So fast that I’m a little giddy at the thought, even though I may never see it in my neck of the woods. What’s old will become what’s new.Wikimedia Commons I can’t top this data hoarder’s deal-hunting skills: Estate sales can be a good way to pick up useful, interesting, or downright quirky stuff for pretty cheap. But so far, I haven’t encountered any finds on the level of 11 Western Digital 8TB external hard drives for just $360. Man. What a score. Turns out you can put a price on nostalgia: $349 bucks is the cost of reliving your best childhood memories—aka getting your hands on a remade Commodore 64, compatible with over 10,000 C64 games and modernized to support HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi. I hope this works out better than the Analogue 3D. (Not gonna lie, I’m a little worried Analogue won’t survive the tariffs, as they’re absorbing the higher costs.) Self-destructing SSDs? Pass. Don’t get me wrong—TeamGroup’s reveal of an SSD that destroys itself with the push of a button got my attention. But look, I’m cheap. Taking a hammer to my drives seems way simpler and costs a lot less. (As does taking them over to a company that has a proper shredder.) Also, if I’m handling data sensitive enough to require instant obliteration…why is it in my home? The internet is built on duct tape and string: For systems engineers, DNS probably gives y’all a lot of headaches. I certainly would have one, knowing just how fragile the system is. Or when seeing proof that malware can be casually slipped into DNS records. Fun. Linux is winning: Just kidding, it’s still barely a fraction of users on desktop PCs. But it is gaining a little bit of headway in the U.S.—we’ve now reached a milestone of over 5 percent market share. You may need to finally upgrade your Gigabyte motherboard if it’s vulnerable to a new security exploit.Gigabyte When will 6-cores become default? Well, not just yet: Brad floated the idea during this week’s episode that Zen 6 could shift to six-core CPUs as the baseline. But we’ve also commented multiple times on the show that the budget end isn’t getting much attention. I guess those laments won out, as the hottest chip news this week is AMD’s Ryzen AI 5 330, a four-core, eight-threaded Copilot+ laptop chip. Update your Gigabyte motherboard ASAP…if you can: Running an Intel processor? Perhaps one within the range of 8th gen to 11th gen? Is it sitting in a Gigabyte motherboard? Better check pronto if an update is available for it, because a vulnerability that lets attackers bypass Secure Boot was just disclosed. But if yours is too old, you may actually have to upgrade your hardware all together to avoid this security hole. ð?? Why not just buy actual gold instead? Look, I know the RTX 4090 has largely held its value. And maybe that’ll extend to the RTX 5090, too. But when I first saw Asus’s RTX 5090 ROG Astral Real Gold Edition (aka the RTX 5090 made with 11 pounds of 24-carat gold), I thought, “Surely investing in actual 24-carat gold bars would be the better call.” I’m a product of my upbringing, which includes very immigrant grandparents. I want Japan’s fiber optic internet tech: The land of the fax machine is claiming a record-breaking transmission rate of 127,500GB/s (yes, the big B, so really fast) over a distance of roughly 1,100 miles. Sure, I’d only use such speed to load cat videos instantaneously, but I still want it. Catch you all next week, when hopefully the hot parts of the world are cooler, and the cold parts are warmer. It’s 62 degrees right now in San Francisco. Also supposed to rain next week. Yup. Alaina This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld. Read...

Retro emulation gadgets, the ones that look like an alternate universe version of a Game Boy Advance, are enormously popular. They’re cheap, portable, and capable of running pretty much any console game made before 2000 or so (and sometimes beyond). But the companies running them sometimes have a less-than-legal approach to ROMs themselves, and that’s creating problems. Italian YouTube gamer Francesco Salicini, AKA Once Were Nerd, documents and reviews these gadgets professionally. And for that, he’s been investigated by the police, and his home and computers have been searched. At issue is the fact that some of these gadgets come pre-loaded with hundreds or even thousands of old game ROM files, which is technically piracy and copyright infringement pretty much everywhere. Salicini is currently under investigation for breaking copyright with a maximum penalty of 15,000 euro and up to three years in prison, and his YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook accounts could be shut down. Under Italian law, these shutdowns can apparently happen even before he’s charged with a crime, if he’s ever charged at all. As part of the investigation, Salicini’s home has been searched and “more than 30” consoles seized, with Tom’s Hardware reporting well-known brands in this small space like Anbernic, TrimUI, and PowKiddy. The presence of pirated ROMs on those consoles could be evidence against Salicini, though whether he obtained the ROMs himself (and whether he did so legally) or they were pre-loaded onto the consoles before purchase will probably be relevant. Some of these companies have been known to pre-load ROMs onto their consoles and the MicroSD cards that often come with them, which again, is textbook piracy. And a lot of them aren’t shy about it. Here’s a StackSocial ad on Yahoo for a set-top box that proudly proclaims it’s “preloaded with over 70,000 retro titles from more than 40 consoles.” That amount of games would be essentially impossible to obtain without piracy. The gadget’s store listing says it flat-out: it’s pre-loaded with Dark Souls, The Last of Us, Counter-Strike, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Final Fantasy VII, among “thousands” of others. A “retro gaming emulator” sold to US buyers on StackSocial brazenly boasts of popular, copyrighted games pre-loaded on the system.Stacksocial Normally I’d tiptoe around accusations of actual criminal activity. But c’mon, you’re not getting famous, in-demand games from companies like Nintendo, Sega, Square-Enix, and Naughty Dog together on one gadget, essentially thrown in for free, without resorting to piracy. Either that ad is fully lying about the games included in the device, or the company loaded up stolen game files illegally. There’s just no other way around it, and anyone who’s even vaguely familiar with how video game distribution works knows this. After completing this story, and in the knowledge that StackSocial is a partner of PCWorld, I quickly searched our own site and found the same console available. I’ve alerted my editors, who are having the listing removed, but agreed that documenting it here as part of this story was important. There are plenty of well-documented similar examples, up to and including a sort of “app store” for pirated ROMs pre-loaded onto devices for easy browsing and downloading. Well-known company Anbernic raised eyebrows earlier this year by pre-loading devices with said app, brazenly enabling copyright violation and inviting its gadget users to actively choose and download said ROMs, before apparently backtracking out of self-preservation. So, if you buy one of these gadgets in the reasonable knowledge that you’re engaging in secondhand piracy, are you legally culpable for the manufacturer’s actions? And does reviewing the gadget on YouTube qualify as “advertising” it, as Italian authorities apparently indicate, and thus also count as evidence of your crime? It seems unlikely that the average Joe buying these gadgets is going to get their door kicked down by police. Salicini’s YouTube channel has a modest 50,000 subscribers at the time of writing, but that’s enough to possibly attract the ire of litigious companies like Nintendo, and its army of lawyers that salivate at the mention of emulators and ROMs. A more likely outcome is that companies will simply sue these manufacturers out of existence (or at least out of major markets beyond China), as is Nintendo’s approach to the software side of emulation. But that’s hardly a balm to a YouTube gamer who’s caught in the crossfire. Read...

Even though Microsoft has pushed back the end of Windows 10 support by another year, at some point there will be no more security updates for the popular Windows operating system. When that time comes, you’ll have few options on how to proceed. What can you do if you want to move up to Windows 11 but your current Windows 10 PC is so old that it isn’t eligible? One thing you can try is to use a free app called Flyby11, which was recently updated to version 3.0 and is available for download on GitHub. From the version 3.0 changelog: Flyby11 now supports the Media Creation Tool as a download source. […] If the Fido downloader doesnt work for you or the ISO language doesnt match your system, it’s recommended to use the Media Creation Tool instead. It always downloads the ISO in your system language and “gives you the best chance of keeping files, settings, and apps.” With Flyby11 version 3.0, you should be able to install Windows 11 on computers that don’t meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements for the operating system. In other words, a lack of TPM and/or Secure Boot or an old processor shouldn’t stop you from installing Windows 11. That said, even though you can use Flyby11 to install Windows 11 on an older Windows 10 PC, our security expert Mike Danseglio doesn’t recommend it. Not only is Flyby11 not supported by Microsoft, but Mike’s take on forcing Windows 11 onto incompatible hardware or using third-party Windows 10 security patches is simple: “Hard no.” Further reading: Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try KDE Plasma Read...

Key decisions will be made this year about how the internet will operate in the future. Read...

You can easily find laptops and desktop PCs packing USB-C port certified for Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4. But now the next generation of the standard is picking up speed with Thunderbolt 5 (TB 5) and USB 4 version 2 (USB 4 v2). These catapult the data transfer speed from the 40 GBit/s of the previous generation all the way up to 80 GBit/s. And in asymmetric mode, which is optional with USB 4 v2, data transfer is even possible at 120 GBit/s from the host to connected peripheral devices (downstream) to let you run multiple high-resolution monitors at once. (In the opposite direction, 40 GBit/s are still possible.) Phew! That’s a lot of information. My head is spinning. And that’s why Microsoft is rolling out new requirements to end USB-C chaos on Windows 11 laptops: The state of USB-C and Thunderbolt is absolutely befuddling even for experts. At least TB 5 and USB 4 v2 remain backwards compatible. This means that you can continue to connect legacy peripherals via adapters — even older devices with USB 2.0 ports. But there are still plenty of practical questions about USB-C, and especially about the current TB 5 and USB 4 v2 versions. You’ll find answers to the most pressing questions here — for example, how to find out whether your devices are already based on the current standards, what specifications and features to look for when buying, and how to read the new-look USB logos. Further reading: Tested! These are the best USB-C cables for charging and data transfers Find out USB 4 information via Windows If you have a Windows 11 computer with USB-C ports and are not sure whether the Type-C ports support USB 4, you can find out via the Windows settings app. Windows 11 now includes a “USB4 hubs and devices” feature, located under “Bluetooth and devices > USB.” You can also get there by typing “USB4” or “Thunderbolt” into the search bar. There, you can find out which version of USB 4 is supported by your system. This is because the “USB4 version” line contains precise information. If you see “1.0” there, the USB host controller provides a maximum bandwidth of 40 GBit/s. With “2.0” listed, you already have a system that supports USB 4 version 2 (USB 4 v2) at twice the speed — possibly even with the optional asymmetric mode. At the same time, Windows 11 also provides information about connected devices at the moment. For example, if you plug an external USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4/5 SSD into the Type-C port and then click on “Refresh” next to “USB4 domain information,” the name of the connected device will appear under “USB4 host router information.” Windows 11 PCs provide information about connected USB 4/Thunderbolt 4/5 devices. If they are connected via Type-C, you will find information about the connection and the device under “USB4 hubs and devices”. IDG If you click on this or on the plus sign at the end of the line, you will receive additional information: “Current bandwidth (down/up)” shows what speed is currently possible on your USB-C port with the device. Somewhat confusingly, the information does not have to correspond to the maximum speed that the device can generally handle. The combination of interface and connected device is displayed. Please note: This Windows 11 feature is only available for USB4-compatible computers. It isn’t available for PCs with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. New USB logos provide an easier overview The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which is responsible for the standard, adapted the USB labels again at the beginning of 2025 to make it easier to see what a USB-C device or cable supports before you buy it. New logos should show at a glance what speed and performance can be expected from USB Type-C products. In doing so, the USB-IF wants to counteract the frequently voiced criticism that the endless variations create more confusion than clarity regarding Type-C. Instead of technical terms, the new logos focus on the connector’s key capabilities. Data transfer speed and charging performance must be immediately recognizable. Ideally, you will see the speed information next to “USB” on the product packaging – for example “80 Gbps.” This lets you know that the device is certified for data transfers of up to 80 GBit per second. The USB-IF committee has once again updated the logos and structured them more clearly. The maximum possible data transfer rate and charging power can now be seen at a glance. IDG Under this new scheme, the USB-C connections directly on a device (such as a notebook or desktop PC) should make the maximum transfer rate clear via a written number. The reform of the logos also affects the USB-C cables; the data speed and the power rating must be indicated on the plugs – both clearly recognizable, one below the other. For example, a USB-C cable labeled “80 Gbps 240 W” means that the cord can transmit data at up to 80 Gbps and charge devices with a maximum of 240 watts. If you can only charge with a cable, the information on the transfer speed is omitted. That makes it immediately clear that no data can be transferred via the cable in question, or that only very slow transfers at USB 2.0 speed are possible. The commendable initiative has one drawback: The USB committee leaves it up to the manufacturers to decide whether or not to use the new logos. In any case, you can be sure that a product with the logo is more trustworthy than a device or accessory without the logo. Further reading: 9 nifty USB-C gadgets you didn’t know you needed The right cables and power supply units for charging via USB-C More and more devices are using USB-C plugs for charging. It’s no surprise; a European Union regulation now stipulates that new devices must be able to be charged via USB-C. There is a transition period for notebooks that ends on April 28, 2026. After this date, proprietary plug/power supply combinations will also be a thing of the past. All notebook batteries must be able to be charged via USB-C. Although the USB-C connector is used for the power supply, the charging processes are regulated in a separate specification: USB Power Delivery (USB PD). It provides for different charging profiles (power profiles). In the extended version (USB PD EPR, Extended Power Range), the charging power goes up to 240 watts. This means that even power-hungry gaming notebooks can be supplied with sufficient energy. Further reading: The bewildering world of USB-C charging, explained But this requires the charging cable to be able to keep up. To do this, it must be equipped with a special chip called an e-marker, from a current of 5 amps. This stores the capabilities of the cable, such as the charging profiles or the maximum power supply capacity. If you don’t want to work your way through the PD specifications, you should at least opt for a power supply unit from 45 watts or 60 watts when looking for an all-round power supplier. With this charging power, you can power a compact notebook and charge the majority of smaller devices such as smartphones or tablets. More powerful mobile computers require a 100 watt power supply unit (20 volts at 5 amps). An overview of PD charging profiles and suitable example devices can be found in the table. Overview: Charging performance via USB Power Delivery (PD) Charging modeVoltage (volts)Maximum current (amperes)Maximum power (watts)Compatible end devicesStandard Power Range (SPR)5 V3 A15 WSmall mobile devices: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, small cameras9 V3 A27 WDevices with low power requirements: portable speakers, gaming consoles, external hard drives (HDD, SSD)15 V3 A45 WMedium power consumption: Ultrabooks, mobile USB monitors20 V3 A60 WHigh energy demand: Notebooks, docking stations, electrical tools20 V3 A100 WVery high energy requirement: large laptops, external graphics cardsExtended Power Range (EPR)28 V5 A140 WVery high energy requirement: gaming mobile computers36 V5 A180 WVery high power consumption: Gaming mobile computers, workstations48 V5 A240 WVery high energy requirements: gaming mobile computers, workstations Even 5 volts at 48 amps for up to 240 watts via a USB-C cable, which was unattainable until recently, is now possible. One of the first power supply units for this can be found in the Delta ADP-240KB BA. The Delta ADP-240KB BA is one of the first power supply models to handle 240 watts of charging power and complies with the USB PD EPR specification. This allows you to charge all consumers from notebooks to mice via Type-C. IDG You can call up all USB EPR-certified charging profiles. But Delta’s 240W USB-C charging brick is obviously bulky and less than ideal when travelling. Nevertheless, there is no doubt as to whether its charging cable is designed for the power. It’s firmly attached to the power supply unit! The only thing beefier than this do-it-all USB-C charger is its price: $150. USB 4 v2 and TB 5 rare so far If you’re thinking about buying a new computer, you also want to be up to date with the latest external interfaces. At the moment, the wish is still proving to be a challenge. For example, current notebooks with Intel CPU generation of the Core Ultra 200 series (codename: Arrow Lake H and HX) are labelled “Thunderbolt 5 ready.” This means that the processors are basically prepared for TB 5 — in other words, they support enough PCI Express lanes to provide the bandwidth. However, they require an additional chip in order to fulfil the TB 5/USB 4 v2 specifications. One possibility is Intel’s controller JHL9580 (codename: Barlow Ridge), but it is up to the PC manufacturers to decide whether to install it. Because of that, we have so far only found a few notebook models with Thunderbolt 5 Type-C interfaces, such as the new Razer Blade 18 and the MSI Vector 16 HX. These are both powerful gaming laptops with expensive price tags. With prices starting around $3,000, the additional costs for installing the TB5 controller chip do not play such a large role in the overall calculation. This also applies in a similar way to the Apple MacBook series with M4 processors, which also support TB 5. At the same time, the high requirements of TB 5 and USB 4 v2 in terms of data rates, loading speed, and video signals mean that sufficient cooling must be provided. An additional fan may even have to dissipate the waste heat outside the PC’s case. This is an important point, especially for very slim and lightweight laptops, which has a direct impact on weight and noise. Because of that, we’re seeing laptop makers continue to make do with the older TB 4/USB 4 standard and maximum data rates of 40 GBit/s for ultra-mobile computers. Retrofitting USB-C sockets for TB 5/USB 4 v2 In contrast to notebooks, new desktop PCs are more likely to have a USB-C interface that already supports TB 5/USB 4 v2. This means that it can possibly be retrofitted with a PCIe expansion card. Again, the motherboard must always be qualified as “Thunderbolt 5 ready.” This ensures that the necessary Thunderbolt header is available. At the moment, this is most likely to be the case with high-end PCs, such as systems with Intel Z890 mainboards. For desktop PCs, TB 5 and therefore also USB 4 v2 can possibly be retrofitted using a PCIe expansion card. With this Asus model, you also get three mini DP 2.1 ports in addition to the two Type-C sockets. IDG You also need a free PCIe 4.0 slot with four lanes (x4). If these requirements are met, you can purchase a corresponding PCI-e add-in card, like the $140 Asus Thunderboltex 5. The JHL9580 “Barlow Ridge” controller chip already mentioned is used here. In addition to the full Thunderbolt 5 data transfer speed, the two TB-5 type C sockets also provide a fast charging up to 130 watts and a power supply of up to 96 watts for a connected device. There are also three Mini-Displayport 2.1 ports, which you can use to connect up to three monitors with 8K resolution and a refresh rate of 60 hertz. Further reading: Tested! These are the best USB-C cables for charging and data transfers Read...

It’s possible to eject a graphics card while you’re using your computer, if it’s an external model or some other non-standard setup. But if you’re using a desktop with a GPU installed on the motherboard, or a laptop with discrete graphics within the case, it’s generally a bad idea. Which is why some Windows 11 users were alarmed when their computers asked if they wanted to eject their graphics cards. This appears to be a Windows bug that adds graphics cards to a list of devices that can be ejected in the “Safely remove hardware and media” tool in the notification center. It’s that thing you’re supposed to use every time you unplug a flash drive, which I’ve never seen anyone use in the real world, ever. Some Reddit users, seeing the option to “eject” the very powerful, very expensive graphics card soldered into the guts of their laptop, were understandably confused. This bug has been showing up for years, apparently as an unintended UI expression of the option to disable some discrete laptop graphics and switch to integrated graphics to save power. (Note that “disabling” and “ejecting” are very different terms, and probably shouldn’t be conflated for regular PC users.) Windows Central notes that there are registry hacks available to turn off this alarming and apparently unintentional message. While hardly the worst user-facing bug for Windows, I can see how this would be concerning even if you’re fairly tech-savvy. “I’m afraid I might accidentally eject it one day and god knows what’s gonna happen to my laptop,” says one Reddit user on the Windows 11 sub. If you’re seeing something similar, and you don’t want to dive into a registry hack (which I think is very admirable caution), maybe just leave it alone. Read...

Cars are computers too, especially any car made in the last decade or so. And that means that they’re vulnerable to some of the same kind of hacking issues that affect computers, if not so frequently targeted. A newly discovered flaw in their Bluetooth system means vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Skoda are vulnerable to a “one-click” attack, including remote code execution. So sayeth PCA CyberSecurity, which has dubbed the vulnerability PerfektBlue. It’s an issue with vehicles that use OpenSynergy’s BlueSDK system, which include major infotainment and vehicle management systems in Volkswagen and Mercedes cars, with Czech manufacturer Skoda also confirmed vulnerable. A fourth manufacturer has been confirmed, but not named. Remote code execution on these systems is possible, i.e. installing a malware payload or other program, plus GPS location tracking and microphone recording with Bluetooth-connected hardware, among other issues. Alarmingly, software vendor OpenSynergy and its vehicle manufacturer partners have known about this issue for over a year, according to BleepingComputer. OpenSynergy confirmed that it had received PCA CyberSecurity’s report in May of 2024 and had issued security patches for BlueSDK by September, but many of the manufacturers using the system still haven’t issued software updates patching the vulnerabilities. Millions of cars on the road could be affected, though due to proprietary systems, it’s hard to nail down exactly which car brands and models have BlueSDK, and which version. While it is remarkably easy for an attacker to use the “one-click” PerfektBlue exploit, it still requires access via Bluetooth. That limits the effective range to about 30 feet, and it’s only possible while the car is operating. Read...