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Xbox Game Pass Has Not Been Degraded, Says Microsoft

Story Highlight
  • Xbox recently announced a price hike for its subscription service.
  • The FTC then accused Microsoft of downgrading its service.
  • Microsoft has offered its own response, stating that the FTC’s letter was misleading.

Microsoft recently increased the prices of all Xbox Game Pass tiers and introduced a new tier. The fandom didn’t like this change, but even more price hikes are expected soon, in addition to a potential ad-based tier.

The FTC also commented on the price hike. It said that Xbox has made the subscription service worse, but Microsoft disagrees with this sentiment in its latest reply.

Why it matters: Game Pass prices are going up. This was already expected after Call of Duty was announced for the service, so the FTC has valid concerns.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6
Xbox Has Justified The Price Hike By Giving Various Reasons

In a new filing report spotted by The Verge, Microsoft stated that the FTC’s statement on the subscription service is misleading and gives an extra-record account for the facts. The gaming giant believes that calling the new tier a downgrade is wrong.

“It is wrong to call this [Xbox Game Pass Standard] a “degraded” version of the discontinued Game Pass for Console offering.”

-Microsoft

Microsoft has gone to an extra length, calling out the FTC for making such harsh claims.

It justified the price hike by saying that the discontinued product didn’t offer multiplayer functionality. As such, users would have to buy multiplayer access for an extra $9.99 per month, which would have cost them $20.98 per month.

Microsoft also justifies the Game Pass Ultimate price hike by saying that this tier will have many more day-one releases, and it marks the first time Call of Duty has ever come to a subscription service. Therefore, as per the giant, these price hikes are justified.

Xbox Game Pass
The Price Hike of Xbox Game Pass Was Inevitable

Microsoft mentions that the focus of the previous trial was that Microsoft could keep the Call of Duty games off of PlayStation consoles.

The giant has also highlighted that FTC has now shifted its focus toward the price hike, but it failed to understand that it is a common practice for businesses to change service offerings over time, given their worth.

Microsoft argues that Call of Duty isn’t being withheld from anyone who wants it, and there is no proper evidence from FTC that Microsoft is harming the competition.

It seems like Microsoft has made its point well. While fans may still find the price hike questionable, Microsoft seems content with the current status of Game Pass and its many tiers.

AC Shadows: Yasuke Controversy Becoming National Issue In Japan

Story Highlight
  • Concerns were recently raised over Yasuke’s depiction as the black samurai by historian Thomas Lockley.
  • Following evidence of false reports, a political aide has contacted various Japanese government departments.
  • He warns that the matter could escalate into a diplomatic problem.

Ubisoft has found itself in hot water over Assassin’s Creed Shadows again. As expected, Yasuke remains at the center of this controversy. Previously, the Japanese audience criticized Ubisoft’s portrayal of the era.

Now, evidence has been found that Thomas Lockley, the author responsible for Yasuke’s popularity, fabricated much of the information about this figure. This has led to further tensions, with the matter now turning into a diplomatic incident in Japan.

Why it matters: Thomas Lockley has reportedly made up information about Yasuke as the first black samurai. Japanese politicians have become involved in the situation, with Assassin’s Creed Shadows being at the center of this controversy.

 

As per Grummz, the false portrayal of Yasuke as a Japanese samurai depicts an inaccurate interpretation of Japanese history and culture, potentially resulting in a diplomatic issue.

There is a possibility that it could escalate into a diplomatic issue.

-Political Aide

This whole issue has been raised by a Japanese political aide, who confirms that letters are being sent to multiple ministers of Japan to address the issue of Ubisoft depicting false narratives about Japanese history to people around the world.

Although the government has yet to take any action until now, it looks like Ubisoft could get into big trouble here. According to the political aide, he contacted ministries of Education, Technology, Foreign Affairs, and more.

The video also outlines a few initial responses to the concerns from various Japanese ministries. According to the first response, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is undergoing ethical reviews right now.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that a game has nothing to do with diplomacy. However, the political aide highlights that a later response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the problem could escalate into a diplomatic issue since things are quickly getting out of hand.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
The Image Above Highlights A Few Of The Questions Sent To Japanese Ministries

The political aide also confirms that he is investigating Yasuke’s history through the Japanese National Diet Library to reach an even more accurate conclusion.

Needless to say, the situation is quite tense. Ubisoft has yet to say anything on the matter, though the publisher might not be able to stay silent for too long. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently scheduled to launch in November.

Black Samurai Yasuke’s Story Reportedly All Fabricated By Thomas Lockley

Story Highlight
  • Following the controversy over Yasuke, historian Thomas Lockley has been spotted fabricating information.
  • Reports indicate that the author was responsible for editing Wikipedia entries and making up information in his book.
  • He has also disappeared from social media after this issue was brought up.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows and its many controversies know no bounds. From petitions calling to cancel the game to dislike bombings from the fans, Ubisoft has seen it all for its latest release.

However, it seems there’s no stopping the controversies. Following the confirmation of LGBTQ relationships, it seems Yasuke’s identity as a samurai has become a point of contention again.

In fact, reports indicate his whole story was fabricated by historian Thomas Lockley.

Why it matters: Yasuke’s status as a samurai has been a major point of contention from the very beginning. This is also one of the major reasons Assassin’s Creed Shadows became so controversial.

Nippon Journal Is Reporting On Thomas Lockley’s Book About Yasuke

 

According to reports, Thomas Lockley was found to be making up information on Yasuke from his imagination.

It is important to note that much of the information on this character comes directly from his book. Dubbed African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, this book was first published in 2019.

Thomas Lockley is known as an associate professor at Nihon University, but recent evidence has been found that suggests he was involved in editing various Wikipedia pages about Yasuke before the book was published.

Prior to his coverage, Yasuke was relatively unknown to the world of Japanese history. This situation has escalated so far that it has even reached Japanese channels like Nippon Journal, who claim there is no evidence of Yasuke being a samurai.

Other reports show that there is evidence of Thomas Lockley editing various Wikipedia entries to slowly change the perception around Yasuke. The author has also deactivated his social media accounts after these allegations were brought up.

Thomas Lockley Has Said That He Wasn’t Involved In Assassin’s Creed Shadows

 

According to Thomas Lockley, he is not connected to the game. However, sources claim that he was previously featured on a podcast with Ubisoft, suggesting that the team consulted with him for Yasuke’s portrayal.

While the situation is still developing, the most interesting aspect of this story is the fact that there aren’t more legitimate sources of Yasuke’s story in Japanese history.

For a character who would naturally stand out in the region for his appearance, it seems his stature in history has gone mostly unnoticed. This has led to further suspicion regarding Thomas Lockley.

According to the latest information, the author’s controversy could even end up becoming a diplomatic incident.

The Elder Scrolls 6 Leaked Art Points To Hammerfell Setting

Story Highlight
  • Bethesda is currently working on The Elder Scrolls 6, but the team hasn’t shared any details yet.
  • The Pinterest account of one of the developers has teased Hammerfall as the official setting.
  • Previous leaks have also suggested the same settings.

The Elder Scrolls 6 is one of gaming’s most anticipated releases. Following its reveal several years ago, Bethesda has very recently begun full development on the title. At the same time, the team is supporting Starfield.

As such, very little is officially known about this project. Todd Howard has previously talked about goals of making his ultimate fantasy simulator, but no official details are currently known. However, a developer’s profile has suggested that the game will be set in Hammerfell.

Why it matters: Fans have been so desperate to learn more about The Elder Scrolls 6 that the smallest piece of information is enough to capture their attention.

The Elder Scrolls 6
Bethesda Announced The Elder Scrolls 6 Way Before Starfield Was Ready

On the Elder Scrolls 6 subreddit, a fan shared a screenshot of an active developer’s artwork. The developer in question was running an active Pinterest account with what appears to be concept art for Bethesda’s next projects.

Looking at the pins, it seems Hammerfell will be the setting for the team’s next major RPG. Not too long ago, another reliable leaker suggested the same thing, so this information certainly has credibility.

Moreover, the developer seems to have set the profile to private now, suggesting that Hammerfell will indeed be the main focus. For the unaware, this is a province to the west of Tamriel.

It comprises massive jungles, deserts, and mountain ranges. 

Elder Scrolls 5
The Elder Scrolls 5 Was A Huge Release For Bethesda

The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently moving swiftly ahead. Bethesda is said to have a playable build on its hands already, though official information is not expected for a while. Similarly, the team is unlikely to release the game anytime soon.

Meanwhile, the studio has released updates for Starfield that added 60FPS and mod support.

Therefore, the team is simultaneously working on both games to ensure gamers have one Bethesda RPG to keep themselves occupied with while they wait for the next big launch.

Xbox 360 Physical Games Prices Rose By Up To 34% Amid Digital Store Closure

Story Highlight
  • The Xbox 360 digital marketplace is set to be shut down on July 29.
  • Ahead of this date, physical Xbox 360 games have seen a price hike.
  • These titles also include those that are already available on Game Pass.

The Xbox 360 has yet to be topped by Microsoft. Nearly two decades later, this console stands at the top of Microsoft’s gaming efforts, shining as an example of brilliant hardware that offers an incredible library of games.

Unfortunately, Microsoft is set to shut down the Xbox 360 digital marketplace later this month. Following this closure, retail discs will be the only option for those looking to experience nostalgic gameplay on the console.

However, since many games will soon be unavailable to purchase, the prices for physical games are now going up.

Why it matters: This trend has been seen in the past for various consoles. Once digital storefronts are shut down, physical discs are considered collectible items. This typically causes price hikes.

The Image Above Shows Prices Of Various Xbox 360 Games. Image via TheGamer

With many now resorting to physical purchases for Xbox 360 games, current owners have begun to take advantage of the situation.

A report from TheGamer estimates that prices have risen by about 10% across the board. Some games have seen price hikes as high as 34%, while a few others have gone down in price.

However, prices are up on average. The research was conducted with eBay’s Product research tool to analyze the UK prices of these games over the last 90 days, six months, and one year.

A total of 35 games were analyzed, with 30 of them seeing price hikes over the last 12 months. Games like Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Red Dead Redemption, Saints Row 2, and Soulcalibur 4 saw their prices decrease over that period.

On the other hand, games like Fallout 3 and Dragon Age Origins saw price hikes despite their inclusion in Game Pass as backward-compatible titles.

Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 Lasted A Solid 18 Years

Overall, this price hike will impact collectors and those who prefer playing games on original hardware the most. Thanks to Xbox’s commendable backward compatibility efforts, much of the Xbox 360’s library is available on the Xbox Series S|X.

Fans want to see these efforts continuing, and Microsoft has even made a dedicated team to ensure backward compatibility is included for the next generation.

Anyhow, this may be the best time to stack up on Xbox 360 games. We expect these prices to rise quite fast once the store is officially shut down. Rumors suggest the PS3 will follow suit later this year, marking the end of the seventh generation of consoles as we know it.

G.Skill WigiDash Review: A Gamer’s Best Friend

G.Skill has introduced a device that is made specifically for enthusiast PC users and provides a variety of features to cater to the requirements of a wide range. The purpose of this 7-inch touch control panel is to improve the productivity of gamers, content creators, and enthusiast users through the ability to give them more flexibility and customization. I have been testing this device for well over a week now. So, let’s find out if it is even worth the price. 

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Abdul Hannan is our peripherals expert who has been testing different mice, keyboards, headphones, microphones, and more for years.
  • 130+ peripherals tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 500+ hours spent testing different peripherals for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test peripherals).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.


Key Takeaways

  • The G.Skill WigiDash control panel is a highly customizable 7-inch touchscreen device designed for a wide range of users. It offers various customizable widgets and hotkeys, powered by a single USB Type-C connection, to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
  • You should buy the G.Skill WigiDash if you need a customizable control panel, prefer a USB connection over HDMI, and appreciate a user-friendly setup.
  • You should not buy the G.Skill WigiDash if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, prefer physical buttons over a touchscreen, or have limited desk space.

Here are the specifications:

Part Number GD-A7PCCSK-WGD
Screen Type 7-inch IPS
Screen Resolution 1024 x 600px
Screen Brightness (Max) 300 nits
Touch Panel Type Capacitive
Connection Type USB
Dimension 176 x 116 x 24mm
Weight 334g
Warranty 1 Year Limited
[toc]

How Is The G.Skill WigiDash Different?

One of The WigiDash’s most notable advantages is that, unlike the majority of control panels that are now available on the market, it connects through a USB connector, instead of a HDMI. In addition, it has a touch screen, which is a feature that is becoming more popular in the face of stiff competition. WigiDash makes use of a single unified display, in contrast to Elgato’s Stream Deck, which makes use of different LCD buttons. As a result of the touch feature, which, of course, also activates hotkeys and macros, you can slide between different displays.

Packaging & Unboxing

The WigiDash control panel came in a cardboard box that provides a brief overview of its measurements. On the front of the box is a picture of the control panel, and on the back thereof is information that explains how to use it. Furthermore, when you open the box, you are going to find a very small manual guide that provides little guidance on how the WigiDash works. Nevertheless, it will link you to the online introductory guide as well as to videos that explain how to use the device.

I strongly suggest that you should have a look at them to familiarize yourself with the process of creating and using widgets. Since it is encased in a foam block, my WigiDash was very well protected while it was being transported. Last but not least, below the WigiDash is where you will find the cord that provides power as well as act as a communication cable to your PC. 

 Box Contents
Box Contents (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  1. WigiDash
  2. 1.8m USB Cable (Type-A to Type-C)
  3. Quick Start Guide

Design

Design
Front Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The WigiDash PC control panel is built with a grid pattern of 5×4, and it can accommodate a maximum of twenty buttons or widgets within its 7-inch IPS touch panel display. The display has a resolution of 1024×600, and is 24 mm wide, and weighs 334 grams. Its purpose is to provide users with a dedicated hotkey pad, which will improve their ability to do routine tasks quickly.

It is possible to personalize these virtual buttons for a variety of activities, including interaction with different software, handling of media, and monitoring of system performance. Through the use of hotkeys and widgets, this control panel assists with the optimization of workflows. By allowing users to rapidly start apps, view files, access links, and carry out other tasks inside the Windows.

Stand

Stand
Stand (Image By Tech4Gamers)

A non-slip area along with a stand that can be removed and placed on your desk are both included on the rear of the device. As you can see, WigiDash provides you with a great deal of flexibility in terms of the location where you choose to place it. One thing that I do not like about the stand is the fact that it is unable to be locked in several settings. By this, I mean that the angle of its inclination cannot be locked. If you do not unfold the foot through to its stop, it may not remain in its current position.

Widgets

Widgets
Widgets (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The ability of WigiDash to include specific widgets, including those supporting Spotify, Twitch chat, and AIDA64 SensorPanel, is one of the most important features of this device. Inside the WigiDash Manager software, the process of personalizing WigiDash can be done through the use of a drag-and-drop interface.

There is support for importing and exporting page layout profiles inside the UI, which makes it simple to back up and share specific layouts. Programmable widgets provide functionality that is comparable to that of hotkeys as well as in-app shortcuts. Henceforth, improving the user’s control over navigation inside the application.

Moreover, these widgets assist in having a more simplified user experience by delivering specialized functionalities that add value to the way users interact. The shortcuts are adaptive and can be adjusted to correspond with the application that is currently being used. Additionally, it has clocks, weather updates, timers, and audio visualizers, all of which are helpful in a variety of gaming as well as in professional environments.

Connectivity

Connectivity
Connectivity (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The device can be powered through a USB cable. It is easy to set up and use since it just requires a single braided USB Type-C connection to connect to a PC. This cable can be used to send and receive data as well as provide power. In contrast to the majority of displays of this kind, this control panel arrives with a USB connection rather than an HDMI cable.

Setup & Installation

Setting Up
Setting Up (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The installation process is simple, as you would anticipate since all that is required of you is to download the most recent version of the WigiDash Manager Software from their website. To proceed, just connect the USB connector to both your WigiDash and your computer. It is important to keep in mind that the software needs to be open before you can begin using it.

Otherwise, it is going to remain in sleep mode. As per the software’s compatibility requirements, to install and make use of it, you will need to have at least Windows 10. Since, it does not need an extra HDMI connection, which allows you to position it anywhere you choose without contributing to the clutter of cables that might have been already there on your desk.

Software

WigiDash Manager Software
WigiDash Manager Software (Image By Tech4Gamers)

After you start the device and launch the WigiDash Manager software, you can begin configuring it to your liking. Users can customize it to their preference by arranging widgets within the panel’s grid, making numerous pages according to their requirements, and changing the fonts, colors, and icons.

There are three pages available to you in this external control panel by default. However, you can create as many pages as you like, and shifting them about is as easy as sweeping the screen. You can make one to monitor your PC metrics, one to play music from Spotify, one to show your Twitch chat during streams, and so on.

Functionality

Adding New Page
Adding New Page (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Several widgets come with the default profile that you could find useful. Furthermore, you can customize this basic profile to fit your requirements. This requires selecting an icon or picture from the accessible library, selecting its size, placement, and text (size, font, color), and, assigning it something to do. To learn how a widget works, you should check out the editing mode. Additionally, the edit section has several pre-installed widgets, including AIDA64, an audio visualizer, a clock and date, Hotkey, HWinfo, and a stopwatch/timer. 

Customization

Elmor Labs Discord
Elmor Labs Discord (Image By Tech4Gamers)

You will then be given the option to either use the default profile or upload your own. Take Elmor Labs Discord as an example. They’ve made AIDA64 profiles available for download so you can get a head start. Then you can customize it to whatever you like. There are a lot of customization options available to you.

For instance, picking a backdrop color, deciding which information or probes to show, and placement on the screen. So, to sum up, I’m constantly learning new things even after weeks of using it. Getting the hang of it is a breeze, but if you want to take it to the next level, you’ll need to put your abilities to the test, experiment, and sometimes search for a solution on the Discord server.

Ultimately, I appreciate this software since it has a very user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that makes arranging widgets in the grid a breeze.

Additionally, for the device to show anything, the Wigidash manager must be running in the background.

Setting Up WigiDash With AIDA64

1. Open up Wigidash and create a new blank WigiDash.
2. Select 5×4 and drag the “AIDA64” box into the main screen area
3. Launch AIDA64 software.
4. In AIDA64, open “Preferences”.
5. Under “LCD”, find the “Gskill” tab and check “Enable Gskill LCD support”
6. Go to LCD item, and import the profile you want to use

Should You Buy it?

Buy it if

You need a customizable control panel: The WigiDash PC Command Panel offers extensive customization options with its drag-and-drop widget interface, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs and workflows.

You prefer a USB connection over HDMI: Unlike many other command panels, the WigiDash uses a USB Type-C connection, reducing cable clutter and making it easier to set up.

You appreciate a user-friendly setup: With its simple installation process and intuitive software, the WigiDash is easy to configure and start using right away.

Don’t Buy it if

You require extensive physical button customization: If you prefer physical buttons over a touchscreen interface, you might find the WigiDash lacking compared to alternatives like the Elgato Stream Deck.

You have limited space for additional devices: While the WigiDash offers a compact design, it still requires desk space, which might be a constraint if your setup is already crowded.

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 Review

With so much competition in the RAM department, G.SKILL has truly stepped up their game. They have come up with products to cater to all types of consumers in the market. From Premium to Budget range, they boast a versatile inventory.

This time, I am reviewing the mid-range G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30. The RAM kit comes to the market with support for the AMD Ryzen Processors and hence comes with EXPO. 

When AMD chose to launch newer processors and provide support for the newer DDR5 platform, there weren’t many options to choose from regarding RAM kits. Now there are more and this Memory kit is here to give a tough time to the competition.

So without waiting further, let’s dive straight into the review!

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Mussab Ali is our PC expert who has a decade-long experience in building, testing, and troubleshooting PCs.
  • 70+ RAM tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 200+ hours spent testing different RAM kits for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test RAM).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

We have also tested and reviewed the G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB 32GB DDR5-6600 CL34 Kit – it is very similar to the Neo variant except that it supports XMP profiles instead of EXPO.


Key Takeaways

  • The G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 is a well-rounded RAM that not only performs great but also doesn’t lag in the aesthetics department. 
  • You should buy the G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 if you are looking for a price-performance product and don’t want to break the bank either. 
  • The only reason to skip the Trident Z5 Neo RGB is if your current DDR5 kit works great with AMD builds.

[toc]

Here are the key specifications

Tested Frequency 6000MHz
Tested Latency CL30
RGB Yes
Color Black
Memory Voltage 1.350V
Rated Frequency 4800MHz
XMP Yes
EXPO Yes
Warranty Limited Lifetime

I will be testing the 2×16 GB 6000 MHz kit as AMD claims that 6000 MHz is the sweet spot for its 7000 series processors. It comes with the 30-38-38-96 timings at 1.35 V.

How Is The G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 Different?

It’s a tough competition with so many DDR5 RAM options right now. However, there aren’t more well-rounded Memory kits than G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30. It has the juice under the hood to push your PC to the limit and dishes performance at a high level. While doing all that, it doesn’t disappoint in the aesthetics department either. If you want the best of both worlds, then this RAM should be considered.

Packing Box

G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB Box
G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB Box (Image By Tech4Gamers)

G.SKILL ships out the RAM kit in a black and red card box. You can see the G.SKILL logo on the top left and the name of the product on the bottom left. Just like the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL32, the back of the box contains the info about the actual memory on a sticker.

The following contents are provided:

  • 2x DIMM Modules

Design

G.SKILL ships this Memory Kit in black as well, just like the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000, However, the difference is that it comes with an RGB diffuser covering the whole length of the RAM making sure that it looks good once you install it in your PC.

They are available in capacities as follows:

  • 2x16GB
  • 2x24GB
  • 2x32GB
  • 2x48GB
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5 2x 16GB @6000 C30 (AMD EXPO) Front And Back Kits
Front And Back Kits (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This RAM kit also comes with a sticker at the back containing info about the product. Something G.SKILL likes to do with all its RAM products.

Test Build

Below you can check the RGB lighting of the Trident Z5 Neo RGB in action:

We are using the mentioned configuration for RAM testing:

The following software has been used for the testing:

You can see the CPU-Z Screenshot below. The data that we can see is that the kits appear to be in a dual-channel configuration. CPU-Z confirms that the memory kit is operating at 4800 MHz, at 36-40-42-30, timings. Nonetheless, the rest of the tests we did were with EXPO mode at 6000 MHz. 

CPU-Z (Image By Tech4Gamers)
CPU-Z

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB DDR5 Test Results

We always test our RAMs with synthetic and gaming benchmarks so that our audience becomes aware and can make an informed decision when they’re looking to buy a Memory kit. These are the RAMs that we tested:

Let’s start with the AIDA64 benchmark results. It performs pretty decently, lagging only behind the much more expensive Corsair Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 2x 16GB @6000 CL30. But it comes out ahead of the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5 2x 16GB @6000 CL32.

In the Cinebench R23 CPU benchmark, it lags behind the other two and is beaten by 3 points by the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5 2x 16GB @6000 CL30. It might perform a bit differently in other PC configurations, but it will return a similar score.

Cinebench R23
Cinebench R23 (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Gaming Benchmarks

Next up are the Gaming Benchmarks that we tested on the G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB DDR5 kit. We ran and tested the RAM in Cyberpunk 2077, Apex Legends, and Black Myth Wukong. The RAM gave decent FPS and it performed quite close as compared to the rest of the competition you can find the results below: 

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅  You want an overall well-rounded RAM: If you are a bit on the lower side in terms of budget but still want to buy an overall well-rounded RAM, that not only performs well but looks good too, then this RAM is for you!

✅ An RGB lover: If you like your memory kits to come with RGB and you want performance and as well as aesthetics in your build, then make sure you buy this RAM. 

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You’re already using an AMD DDR5 kit: Given how flawlessly the Trident Z5 Neo RGB performs – the only people I wouldn’t recommend this kit to are those who are already rocking an EXPO-supported DDR5 kit.

My Thoughts

If you want a RAM that has RGB and also doesn’t compromise on the performance, there isn’t a better choice than this one.

It’s a pure price-to-performance product and it does look good when it’s up and running on your PC. If you want more performance, then make sure you have deep pockets, because they will cost more.

What Other Readers Think

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G.SKILL Flare X5 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 Review: Budget Dream

G.SKILL has gained a lot of traction in recent years. Starting as a Memory manufacturer, the Taipei-based company has dabbled and ventured into developing PC accessories. It produces gaming headsets, mice, mechanical keyboards, SSDs, AIO coolers, and peripherals. 

Today, I will review the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30. The Flare X product lineup is for people who are a bit budget-conscious and don’t want to sacrifice performance either. It has undergone a name change and is currently known as Flare X5 to showcase its compatibility with the DDR5 platform. This Memory Kit has been specifically designed for the first Gen of Ryzen 7000 processors, which support DDR5. 

We have also tested the G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30, which is the Intel-only variant of the kit.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Mussab Ali is our PC expert who has a decade-long experience in building, testing, and troubleshooting PCs.
  • 70+ RAM tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 200+ hours spent testing different RAM kits for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test RAM).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.


Key Takeaways

  • The G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 is a budget RAM that will attract entry and Range PC builders.
  • You should buy the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 if you are looking to build an entry-level DDR5 and don’t want to break the bank either. 
  • Don’t buy the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 if you’re looking for a high-end premium RAM that has a lot of aesthetic appeal. 

[toc]

Here are the key specifications

Tested Frequency 6000MHz
Tested Latency CL30
RGB No
Color Black
Memory Voltage 1.350V
Rated Frequency 4800MHz
EXPO Yes
Warranty Limited Lifetime

I will be testing the 2×16 GB 6000 MHz kit which is the fastest offering by G.SKILL in this product lineup. It comes with the 30-38-38-96 timings at 1.35 V. 

How Is The G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 Different?

The G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 is the top-end offering of its budget Flare X5 product lineup. While the aesthetic vibe of the RAM isn’t great, it doesn’t lag in performance. If you want a RAM that comes cheap and gives you decent performance as well, then this RAM is the option that you should choose. 

Packing Box

G.Skill Flare X5 Box
G.Skill Flare X5 Box (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The Memory Kit ships out in the same color cardboard box as its color. The package has the company logo on the left and the product lineup on the right. The back of the box contains the info about the actual memory on a sticker. 

The following contents are provided:

  • 2x DIMM Modules

Design

G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5 2x 16GB @6000 CL30 (AMD EXPO) Front and Back Design
Front and Back Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

G.SKILL ships out the Memory kit in Black with a large heatsink. Since these are for budget gamers, there is no RGB diffuser on top and the heatsink just covers the whole length of the RAM, making sure that it performs well. 

The kits are available in these capacities:

  • 2x16GB
  • 2x24GB
  • 2x32GB

The back of the RAM contains the sticker which contains the information about the memory module as I mentioned above. 

Test Build

I have tested the kit on the MSI MEG X670E ACE motherboard.

Installed Kits (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Installed Kits (Image By Tech4Gamers)

We are using the mentioned configuration for RAM testing:

The following software has been used for the testing:

You can see the CPU-Z Screenshot below. The data that we can see is that the kits appear to be in a dual-channel configuration. CPU-Z confirms that the memory kit is operating at 6000 MHz, at 30-38-38, timings.

CPU-Z (Image By Tech4Gamers)
CPU-Z (Image By Tech4Gamers)
PRO TIP: Used AMD EXPO in your BIOS settings to easily achieve the rated 6000 MHz speed and optimal timings without manual adjustments.

G.SKILL Flare X5 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 Test Results

We will be providing Synthetic and Gaming benchmarks on various RAMs that we have tested so far. Based on the Data we provide you can make an informed decision. Here are the RAMs that we tested:

Will be comparing the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 with these Memory Kits.

Let’s start with the AIDA64 results.

As you can see, it performs decently in all benchmarks. However, it lags behind the other Memory Kits, but then again they cost more too. If you compare the cost of the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 it performs okay.

Cinebench R23 Score
Cinebench R23 Score (Image By Tech4Gamers)

In the Cinebench R23 CPU benchmark, it performs considerably better, scoring 3 more points than the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5 2x 16GB @6000 CL30. Although that falls under the margin of error.

Gaming Benchmarks

Now that we are done with the Synthetic benchmarks. Let’s move on to the Gaming benchmarks. We tested the RAM in these titles; Apex Legends, Black Myth Wukong, and Cyberpunk 2077. Here are the test results: 

Despite the Memory kit belonging to the budget category, it held its own among high-end RAMs. The performance is decent which makes it an attractive option for people who want performance but don’t want to spend too much on their Memory kit.

Nonetheless, just goes to show that despite its cheap price tag it doesn’t lag that far behind.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅ You are low on budget and don’t want to compromise on performance: Well this pretty much explains it. However, the kit performs decently in all the benchmarks that we performed.

✅ Not an RGB lover: If you care more about the performance of your components and not about their aesthetic value, then make sure you buy this RAM. 

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You have more budget that you can allocate for your RAM: If you want a more premium and high-performing RAM, then there are better options available in the market. 

My Thoughts

If you are in the market with a limited budget then the G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5-6000 CL30 is a very good option that you can buy and utilize in your PC build. It’s on the cheaper side and it doesn’t disappoint at all. If you want entry-level DDR5 RAM then go for this and it will serve your needs pretty well.

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G.Skill Debuts DDR5-8000 Trident Z5 Royal Neo Memory For AMD CPUs

[Press Release] G.Skill is introducing several new memory kits designed for AMD’s AM5 platform.

The Trident Z5 Royal Neo series boasts speeds up to DDR5-8000 CL38-48-48-128 with up to 48GB of capacity, making for the ideal memory for those looking to build high-performance AMD PCs.

G.Skill Trident Z5 Royal Neo DDR5
G.Skill Will Offer Silver And Gold Variants For The Memory Kits

The luxury-class Trident Z5 Royal design is back with a crystalline light bar for an elegant look with customizable RGB. The gold and silver mirrored finish also adds an exquisite look to the memory, making it worthy of the Trident Z5 Royal name.

Boasting AMD Expo support and carefully crafted internals, the new memory kits are a perfect match for the upcoming Ryzen 9000 CPUs. PC gamers can achieve speeds up to DDR5-8000 when using the 1:2 clock divider mode in BIOS.

All of these features are headed your way with the Trident Z5 Royal Neo in August. AMD’s new chips will also be out by then, making the memory a great combo for any new Ryzen 9000 buyers.

Xbox Lacks Funds For Marketing In Regions Like Europe, Says Exec

Story Highlight
  • Microsoft reportedly dialed down the marketing of consoles in regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
  • The head of marketing in these regions suggests Microsoft’s lack of marketing funds for these regions led to this decision.
  • He also admitted that PlayStation enjoys a much bigger marketing budget in these parts of the world.

Xbox has constantly struggled to measure up to Sony’s PS5 this generation. In terms of market share, the PS5 has a clear lead, and this lead is much bigger in parts of the world, like Europe.

Despite low sales of Xbox consoles in these regions, the company is reportedly cutting down marketing in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Explaining the situation, Xbox’s head of EMEA marketing has confirmed that Microosft offers limited funding when it comes to marketing in these parts of the world.

Why it matters: Marketing is one of the key components of any console hardware’s success. However, it also requires a major investment, so companies spend millions of dollars on extensive marketing campaigns.

xbox series s image
Xbox Series S/X marketing seems to have been cut down in certain regions.

Xbox has always struggled to sell well in many regions, particularly in Europe. According to Michael Flatt, Xbox has to face stiff competition from PlayStation here.

He says that PlayStation is blessed with big marketing budgets for marketing from Sony, and this is something Microsoft does not do for Xbox. Michael Flatt describes the situation as being scrappy and fighting for funds.

We’re not blessed with huge media budgets, so we have to be quite scrappy to fight for funds that would probably go somewhere else.

-Michael Flatt

While Flatt did not address the recent reports, his statement makes them more believable. With such limited marketing budgets, perhaps Xbox decided to cut down marketing efforts in these regions altogether.

PS5 And Xbox Series X
PS5 Is Outselling The Xbox Series S|X

Xbox has recently driven home the point that a console is no longer needed to play Xbox. This has been done through two separate Amazon advertisements, further highlighting Microsoft’s dwindling focus on consoles.

Moving forward, Xbox might find its position in EMEA regions growing weaker and weaker. Currently, the gaming giant performs best in the US, while other regions like Japan have shown slight promise compared to the last generation.

However, it seems a bit odd to see the gaming giant ignoring a market as big as Europe, even if PlayStation is known to dominate this region.

New Reports Now Point To Intel CPUs Crashing In Laptops

Story Highlight
  • Intel’s 14th and 13th generation processors are facing instability problems, initially seen in high-end desktops.
  • These problems have also started to show up in laptops.
  • Developers, including Alderon Games, have criticized Intel for high failure rates. There are suggestions for Intel to recall affected chips due to ongoing issues.

At first, reports of the instability problems with the Intel 14th and 13th generation lineup were limited to high-end desktop computers. Recent data, however, indicates that the instability issues may also be causing crashing in other devices, like laptops.

According to the latest comment by Alderon Games, the instability issues have now spread over to laptops powered by Raptor Lake chips. Developers have previously criticized Intel for its high failure rate with its latest-generation processors.

Why it matters: Millions of users across the globe rely on Intel chips, so this is a major problem.

Most of the crashing is limited to Intel’s desktop chips.

Some CPU-intensive operations like Handbrake or Cinebench are also affected.

However, the majority of reported failures happened while playing games, many of which used Unreal Engine 5. Alderon founder Mathew Cassells recently recommended that Intel should recall the chips that are impacted.

Intel made its most recent announcement in late June when the company suggested BIOS adjustments to restrict voltages. However, reports of failures persist even after Intel’s recommended settings.

Alderon Games stated the issue isn’t limited to desktop CPUs after previous allegations. Regretfully, the company founder failed to identify the specific Intel CPUs with a high crash rate.

Cassells’ comments are probably putting more pressure on Intel as it gets ready to release new CPU generations later this year.

September is anticipated to see the release of Lunar Lake laptop processors, followed by Arrow Lake in October. Since Arrow Lake will be using a brand-new LGA 1851 socket, it may be a safer option than the platform that relies on the LGA 1700 socket.

Elden Ring Fans Demand Another DLC After Shadow of The Erdtree

Story Highlights
  • Fans on Reddit have begun to demand another Elden Ring DLC.
  • Shadow of The Erdtree only dived into the backstory of Queen Marika.
  • Fans believe that the story has a lot more to offer, especially for Godskins and Gloam-Eyed Queen.

FromSoftware released the first DLC for Elden Ring, Shadow of The Erdtree, last month. To no one’s surprise, the DLC ended up being every bit as good as the base game. Following its success, fans are craving another journey in the Elden Ring universe.

While FromSoftware might not have plans to create more DLCs, most fans seem to agree that the game deserves more content.

Why it matters: Fans believe that there is a lot more to discuss with Elden Ring’s story. So, a second expansion could take a deeper dive into the lore, just like the fans want.

Elden Ring
Shadow of the Erdtree tells the story of Queen Marika.

Shadow of The Erdtree is FromSoftware’s biggest DLC to date. However, there was more room to explore the overall lore. The story of the expansion mainly focuses on Queen Marika, but a lot of the questions are still unanswered.

There is a lot more lore to explore since we have hardly delved into the story of the Gloam-Eyed Queen. Then there are also the Godskin Apostles, who are more of a mystery and can be better explained with another DLC.

Miyazaki has to make another DLC.

-LightCrimson1

However, at this time, the possibility of another DLC looks to be quite thin. Miyazaki confirmed that Shadow of The Erdtree would be the only expansion Elden Ring would get, but he did leave room for more content in the future if there were any new ideas.

Fans want a second DLC focused on Gloam-Eyed Queen and The Godskin Apostles.

Unfortunately, fans seem to agree that there won’t be another DLC for Elden Ring. This is a bit disappointing since FromSoftware would be moving on without realizing this IP’s full potential.

Even with the current demand, FromSoftware might not necessarily return for another DLC. The studio has always been one to follow its vision, so another DLC will only happen if the team feels like it has a genuinely great story to tell again.

However, if the team decides to change course, Elden Ring fans would be in for a treat.