At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Some users have revealed that Sony is giving away a free 14-day PS Plus Premium trial.
This tier of the service unlocks multiplayer access, the PS Plus games catalog, and streaming for PS3 games.
While PlayStation is offering free access, users are required to use their credit card to redeem the free service.
PS Plus has recently faced a lot of backlash. Amid price hikes, the degrading quality of monthly games, and more, fans have not been too happy with the service. Fortunately, Sony’s latest move has turned out to be more positive.
Fans without a subscription are being gifted a free PS Plus Premium code from Sony.
Why it matters:PS Plus offers many games from the PS4 and PS5 collection, so a free trial could be a great way for consumers to try them out.
Sony Used To Be Much More Generous With Such Trials In The Past
BusNo1748 on Reddit has revealed that they received a 14-day free PS Plus Premium code. The user’s PS Plus subscription expired two days ago, so it seems like Sony has given them a free 14-day subscription so they can enjoy it for longer.
Many other users have also received the code after their subscriptions expired. It seems this code is limited to users who recently ran out of their subscriptions or cancelled them for one reason or another.
Still, PlayStation requires a credit card to activate the code. Once PS Plus Premium is redeemed, auto-renewal is also turned on. The Reddit post shows that the next payment is due by July 21st.
Therefore, if the user doesn’t remove their card details or turn off auto-renewal, they will be charged $18.
PlayStation is Returning To The Tokyo Game Show After 5 Years
Therefore, for those who want to redeem the trial but don’t want to pay for the service in the future, we recommend turning off auto-renewal or removing credit card details after redeeming the code.
While this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s quite easy to forget about these things. The next thing you know, you have a monthly PS Plus payment on your credit card. Therefore, it’s best to practice caution in advance.
Nonetheless, PS Plus premium offers plenty of content, so this trial should be worth it for those looking to try out some high-quality games and even streaming.
At Tech4Gamers, I hold the role of a News Reporter, where I merge my passion for gaming with my knack for storytelling. This unique blend allows me to bring you the latest updates, reviews, previews, and features from the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Hellblade 2 was released in May, but data from Europe and US shows poor performance during the launch month.
In the US, it ended up in the 37th position for overall best-sellers and 21st on the Xbox platform.
Over in Europe, the game failed to break into the top 10 games of the month.
Xbox has had a decent start to 2024. While major games like Indiana Jones are yet to come, Hellblade 2 became the star of the show for the first half of 2024. Released in May, Ninja Theory’s latest title was praised for its visual excellence and strong story-telling.
However, many also criticized the game for its gameplay and limited content. In the aftermath, it seems Hellblade 2 failed to perform too well on the market. According to analysts, it did not break into the top 10 best-selling games of the month.
Why it matters: Looking at recent studio closures like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, this does not bode too well for Ninja Theory.
Hellblade 2 Visuals Were The Highlight
It is important to note that Xbox has not shared a player count or sales figure for Hellblade 2. Since it launched on Game Pass, the title was expected to perform below the typical AAA release. However, it seems to be doing even worse.
As Matt Piscatella reports, Hellblade 2 was the 37th best-selling game of May in the US. When considering the Xbox platform alone, it ended up becoming the 21st best-selling title.
Fortunately, it found above-average engagement in May, likely due to Game Pass. Matt Piscatella reports Hellblade 2 reaching the 12th spot overall, though it still fell behind an old title like Fallout 76.
Looking at the European market, the situation is similar since Ninja Theory’s latest release failed to make it into the top 10 best-sellers of May.
Stellar Blade Has Been A Major Win For Shift Up
On the other hand, a game like Stellar Blade was quite high on the same lists shortly after release. Despite its status as a new IP, it sold at least 1 million copies in total.
Considering 90% of Xbox players couldn’t finish Hellblade 2, this result isn’t the most shocking. However, it raises red flags for the franchise since Ninja Theory reportedly wants to continue Senua’s story with another entry.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
[Press Release] After an exciting time at Computex 2024, Phanteks has more information to share on the NV5 MKII.
The Phanteks NV5 MKII Comes In Two Different Colors
Previously renowned for its aesthetic and small form factor, the NV5 series remains highly sought after among PC gamers. The NV5 MKII continues the same legacy with a seamless glass panel that puts the graphics card and motherboard front and center.
The defining features of the MKII include increased chassis width for bigger modern GPUs, BTF/Project Zero mainboard compatibility, a GPU support bracket, and more. The case can also be upgraded with a premium DRGB kit and additional lighting strips.
Phanteks is committed to bringing new enhancements with each PC case and the NV5 MKII is no different. PC gamers can expect similar innovations moving forward, with this particular chassis launching from today in the US.
Asian and European customers can look forward to the case launching in mid-July, with prices starting at $109.99 and $119.99 for the black and white editions, respectively. To learn more, follow this link to Phanteks’ official website.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Fans want to see the Elden Ring DLC being nominated for Game of The Year.
Shadow of the Erdtree is 2024’s highest-rated release so far.
Many have also argued it ends up being close to a full game because of the amount of content in the DLC.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree has exceeded everyone’s expectations since it is so massive that it puts many single-player games to shame. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki initially said that the DLC would be only 30 hours long, but it ended up being much longer.
Combining the playtime with the large map, Shadow of the Erdtree is more of a standalone game disguised as a DLC. This is precisely why fans believe it should qualify for the Game of The Year award.
Why it matters: DLCs are not eligible to qualify for Game of The Year. Last year’s Phantom Liberty was also highly rated but did not qualify for this award.
Shadow of the Erdtree Has Nearly 40 Bosses | Image Credits: Tech4Gamers
The official Game Awards account on Twitter asked fans about their favorite release of the year so far, as the first half is over.
To this, many fans bombarded the comments section with the Elden Ring DLC. Fans are claiming that it should qualify for the award and win. If it did qualify, then it would not be too difficult for the DLC to win.
The expansion is massive and a steal at $40. This DLC can easily match many AAA games when it comes to content, gameplay, lore, and soundtracks. However, it is nearly impossible for it to be nominated for this prestigious award.
Elden Ring has already won Game of The Year before, and it doesn’t need another one to prove its worth. Sure, the DLC is great, but it doesn’t qualify for the Game of The Year award.
Even if an exception was made, the same should have been done for Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty. Therefore, The Game Awards is unlikely to bend the rules since this would set a bad precedent for the future.
Currently, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth stands as the year’s highest-rated game. Many big releases, including Black Myth: Wukong, Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and more, are still yet to come, so the race for Game of The Year will be quite interesting, even without Shadow of the Erdtree.
That said, maybe The Game Awards should create a separate category for the best DLC.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlights
Forza Horizon 4 has a special dynamic weather system consisting of four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each lasts one week in the real world.
Seasonal changes foster community among players, promote collaboration and competition and enhance the multiplayer experience through shared experiences.
The game offers seasonal events and challenges, keeping it exciting and engaging. Players can also earn exclusive rewards for their participation.
For quite some time now, the Forza Horizon series has been lying on my gaming bookshelf inactive. Sure, the franchise is widely loved by racing fans, and I have never felt like getting deeply into it.
When I finally picked up Forza Horizon 4, I discovered a groundbreaking feature that set it apart from other racing games: the dynamic that characterizes each season of the year.
This fresh approach visually engages me from the beginning to the end of the game and revolutionizes my approach. In this article, I will explain how Forza Horizon 4 shifted the perspective on seasonality in racing games.
Forza Horizon 4 In Winter Season – Image By MotoGames
Visual Transformation
The first aspect that players can identify regarding the changes in the season in FH4 is the visual changes accompanying it. The game environment also has each season, giving it its feel to add to the game.
Spring is a time of flowering and fresh green colors in different parts of the world. Specifically, summer can be characterized by the absence of cloud cover and rain and the presence of light that emphasizes British geography. Summer takes the world into a new phase, with the leaves changing color to orange and foggy mornings. Then comes winter, with a snowy landscape that gives the view of the snowy world.
These changes to visuals are not just for the sake of visuals; they also introduce more of the world. Players have an impression of a fully interactive environment where time is key. The uniqueness of every season is well-drawn, ensuring that the atmosphere and environment of the video game are more alive.
Dynamic World Events
In another approach, Forza Horizon 4 alters its climate by producing dynamic world events necessary for the game’s setting. The seasons also bring new activities, lessons, and opportunities that we have not encountered before.
There are new seasons where players can join and participate in the championships, take up new missions, and get in for the free goodies. This makes any particular moment in time not as important to the overall game, so players are motivated to come back every week to see what is new.
Forza Horizon 4 Stats 2021-24 – Image By steamcharts
For instance, a certain car may be available for a limited time during a definite season, thus requiring the players to complete specific seasonal missions to obtain it. This certainly ensures the players are engaged more in the game and also helps extend the duration of the relevant game.
A Shared Experience
Seasonal changes in Forza Horizon 4 also help the players form a more connected community. Since the time change of seasons applies to all the players simultaneously, it is also a shared event.
Not only can players talk about the game and exchange hints and tips, but they can also join teams to devise solutions for seasonal problems. This feeling that people are in the same world and progress together can greatly enhance multiplayer and make it more social.
What I appreciate the most is how these changes foster a sense of community among players. Everyone experiencing the same seasonal shifts creates shared excitement, which leads to more collaboration between people and competition against each other. In addition, these alterations seamlessly demonstrate ‘Playground Games’ developers’ technical skills; they made world-building realistic yet still had fantasy elements.
To wrap it up, Forza Horizon 4 has blown my mind with its fresh take on seasons, completely changing the racing game scene. This game is awesome, with stunning visuals and non-stop excitement to keep you hooked.
I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you’re a casual player or a die-hard racing fan. If you haven’t tried racing through the dynamic seasons of Forza Horizon 4 yet, you’re in for a real treat. Get ready to be wowed!
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
Dr. Usman Saleem
At Tech4Gamers, I’m the PC Hardware Specialist, primarily contributing to the “Best-Ofs” section. I provide thoughtful buying advice based on thorough testing and personal expertise. I also review hardware products and games to keep things fresh.
I am taking a look at the ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi motherboard. This is our third B650 series motherboard. Recently I took a spin on MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi. ASRock has provided a good feature set at a competitive price, particularly the Gen5 connections, which are absent on the MSI motherboard.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
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
ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi is a good combination of black, white, and silver with an augmented aura of A-RGB lighting effects. It also has a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port and Gen5 connectivity.
You should buy the ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi if you want an affordable motherboard that offers good performance and plenty of connectivity.
Given that it only has 3x M.2 ports and 2x SATA 6G ports, you should not buy it if you need extensive storage.
The salient features include:
This motherboard supports AMD Ryzen™ 9000 and 7000 Series Processors
It has a 16+2+1 Phase Power Design
Memory support is DDR5 up to 7600+MHz (OC)
The board comes with a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot
The audio solution is 7.1 CH HD using Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec
1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4)
2 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)
1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
Realtek 2.5G LAN
11ax Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2
This motherboard is listed at USD 199.99 on NewEgg. If NewEgg is reading it, then the power phases are 16+2+1, not 16+12+1.
[toc]
Here are the key specifications:
CPU Support
AMD Ryzen 9000 and 7000 series desktop CPUs
Memory Support
4xDIMM Slots for DDR5 up to 7600MHz+ (OC)
Display Interface
Support 4K@120Hz as specified in HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 – Requires Processor Graphics
Total 17x USB Ports (Front and Rear), including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C
Size
ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
How Is ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi Different?
This motherboard has a strong game since it comes with Gen5 connectivity which is lacking in MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi. To make this happen, ASRock has cut down the SATA ports and used average audio codec. This motherboard comes with a GPU Support Bracket as well though it may not be necessary requirement.
Packaging And Unboxing
Unboxing and Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The motherboard is shipped inside a standard cardboard packing box. ASRock has kept its particular packaging style, ensuring the safe shipping of the motherboard. The following are included in the box:
1x ATX Motherboard
1 x User Manual
2 x SATA Data Cables
1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna
3 x Screws for M.2 Sockets
1 x Standoff for M.2 Socket
1 x Graphics Card Holder
Design
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Given it is an AMD platform, it is obvious that the socket on this motherboard is LGA1718, aka AMD AM5. This socket supports AMD Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series of desktop CPUs. This motherboard uses an AMD AM5 socket that supports AMD Ryzen 9000 and 7000 CPUs. Since different SKUs have different levels of support for PCIe, refer to the user manual for more details. It has 4x DIMM slots. The motherboard has 8 PCB layers using Server-grade Low-Loss PCB for stable signal traces.
The on-board display coming from socket includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 capable of 4K@120Hz. In addition this socket provides 20x PCIe lanes.
The motherboard has one PCIe Gen5 x16 and one Gen5 M.2 port. Both are wired to the CPU socket. The second PCIe slot and the Hyper M.2 ports are wired to the chipset. ASRock has cut SATA ports as this motherboard only has two ports. I can take this trade in favor of Gen5 connections.
Power Delivery To Socket
CPU Socket
VRM Heatsink
The above picture shows the LGA1718 socket (AM5). As mentioned earlier, it can house 7000 and 9000 (with BIOS update) CPUs.
VRM Heatsink Covers
VRM PWM Controller
ASRock has used two aluminum heatsink covers over the power delivery circuit. However, there is no interconnected heat pipe between them. I am not sure about the thermal conductivity rating of the thermal pads. From my testing, the cooling is adequate.
This motherboard has a simple layout with a black, white, and silver theme. There is a backlit ASRock logo on the heatsink cover, which gives a good vibe when it shines.
ASRock has employed Dr. MOS SPS VRM PWM Controller which is RAA22968 from Renesas.
VRM (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The power phases are 16+2+1 for VCore, SoC, and MISC, respectively. These are ISL99360.
DIMM Slots
ASRock has used 4x DDR5 UDIMM slots. The reinforced DIMM slot is surfaced mounted onto the motherboard to give better physical strength as well as a more stable memory signal. ASRock has implemented a trouble free protection circuit on every DDR5 motherboard which lowers the risk of damaging your memory module.
DIMM Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)
A total of 192GB capacity is supported along with support for binary and non-binary memory kits. The maximum supported DDR5 frequency is 7600+(OC) MHz.
This motherboard supports AMD EXPO as well as Intel XMP with dual-channel and dual-controller modes. The supported memory is non-ECC and unbuffered.
Storage Options
This motherboard has 3x M.2 slots, and 2x SATA ports.
M.2 Ports
M.2 Ports
The top M.2 port is labeled as Blazing. It is Gen5x4 rated and wired to the CPU socket. It can support up to 2280 form factor SSD. The other two M.2 ports are labeled Hyper and can house a Gen4x4-rated SSD. I am showing the M.2 ports without their covers. There are no thermal pads on the base of these ports.
M.2 Ports Heatsink
SATA Ports
Both heatsink covers have thermal pads. All three ports are Key M type. Speaking of SATA ports, this motherboard has a total of 2x ports wired to the chipset.
WARNING: With only two SATA ports, this motherboard may not be suitable for users with high storage demands.
PCIe Connectivity
PCIe Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This motherboard has a total of 2x PCIe slots. The top slot is steel-reinforced and is Gen5x16 rated. It is wired to the CPU socket. The other slot is Gen3 x16 rated and is also wired to the CPU socket. The PCI-E1 has 15µ Gold Contact in the port.
USB Connectivity
USB (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This motherboard has mediocre USB ports compared to the competition. It has:
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (Rear)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
6 x USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)
This motherboard has one USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps port on the rear panel (wise decision).
ASRock has used multiple controllers on this motherboard including ASM1074, NUC121ZC2, PI3EQX10, DEC3908X, and GL9905.
Networking Solution
Lan Controller (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This motherboard has a 2.5GbE LAN port on the rear panel driven by RealTek RTL8125BG LAN controller. The wireless connectivity comprises WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 driven by nuvoTon NUC121ZC2. The module is installed in the M.2 Key-E slot on the rear panel.
The antenna is magnetic making its placement convenient. The WiFi 6E supports MU-MIMO TX/RX and 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, and 160MHz bandwidth in 2.4GHz/5GHz. It supports 802.11 a/b/n/g/ac/ax.
Audio Solution
The audio solution is implemented on two separate layers of the PCB. They have used RealTek ALC897 codec which is nothing fancy. You can see which areas have a cut on to provide other features. ASRock has used high-performance Nichicon 12K capacitors.
Audio (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This is a 7.1 Channel audio solution that has S/PDIF output as well. It supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback on front panel. The audio is augmented by Nahimic.
Chipset
Chipset (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I am showing the B650E chipset after removing its heatsink cover.
Chipset Cover
Chipset Heatsink
The above pictures show the chipset covers from both sides.
Internal Connectors
Internal Connectors
1 of 4
Connectors Bottom
Connectors EPS
Connectors Top Side
Connectors Top
There are:
1 x SPI TPM Header
1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
1 x RGB LED Header
3 x Addressable LED Headers
1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)
4 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)
1 x 24-pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
2 x 8-pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s) (ReDriver)
Each fan header is powered and controlled by nuvoTon 3947S. The Pump and CPU_Fan1 is rated for 1A/12W. The other headers are rated for 2A/24W.
Rear IO Panel
Rear IO Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There are:
2 x Antenna Ports
1 x HDMI Port
1 x DisplayPort 1.4
1 x Optical SPDIF OutPort
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports
2 x USB 2.0 Ports
1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
1 x BIOS Flashback Button
1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
ASRock has mentioned that they have reserved more tolerance space and allow adjustment in IO shield when installing, thus fitting in chassis without any mechanical issue.
Backside View
Naked View
The above pictures show the backside of the motherboard and the stripped board/PCB after removing all heatsink covers.
BIOS
BIOS Walkthrough
1 of 14
ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi - BIOS 1
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
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BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
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BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The BIOS interface is standard ASRock doing. The CPU and RAM settings are under the main OC Tweaker page. The PBO settings and pre-defined settings are under Performance Preset. ASRock has provided three main thermal limits under the pre-defined settings and each setting has further three options coming from different efficiency curves.
The voltages are listed at the bottom of the OC Tweaker menu. Other settings are listed under Advanced menu. AMD Overclocking settings are also listed there. The Tools menu has BIOS Flash, Secure Erase for SSD and other settings.
You can customize the fan settings in H/W Monitor menu. The Boot and Exit menus have the related settings.
Test Build
Test Build (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I have used the following configuration to test the motherboard:
The above is a picture showing a run of CPU-Z. You can see that graphics card is operating at x16 link. The RAM is operating at its tested speed of 6000MT/s after loading the XMP. This motherboard also could not read the RAM’s timings.
We have divided the overall tests into four major categories. These are:
CPU and Memory Tests
Storage Tests
Gaming Tests
Overall System Tests
Test Result
The testing was done on stock settings with XMP loaded. This motherboard has powers unlocked by default.
CPU And Memory Benchmarks
CPU And Memory Benchmarks
1 of 7
CPU Profile
Geekbench 5.4.5
Cinebench R23.2
Blender Benchmark
Blender Benchmark Score
AIDA64
7-Zip
In Cinebench R23.2 the CPU scored 19843 points in CPU Multi Core load and 2001 points in a Single Core Load. The DDR5 kit has performed well at its tested speed of 6000MHz. The single core score of 2143 from Gekbench 5.4.5 is quite well. The performance in 7-Zip benchmark is satisfactory as well with a compression result of 90546MIPS and 88211MIPS score in Decompression. The blender benchmark overall score was 282.01.
Storage Test
Storage Test
1 of 4
CrystalDiskMark - PCIe Gen4 NVMe Drive
CrystalDiskMark - USB 3.2 Gen2 Drive
Data Drive Benchmark - PCIe Gen4 NVMe Drive
Data Drive Benchmark - USB 3.2 Gen2 Drive
I have used:
Gen4x4 NVMe Drive
USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Drive [Rated for 1600MB/s]
Both drives passed their sequential speeds in the CrystalDiskMark. The performance in PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark is quite well. The Gen4x4 NVMe drive scored 3603 and USB drive scored 592 score. These scores are low compared to Intel which is a platform limitation.
Gaming Test
Gaming Test
1 of 4
Gaming Performance
3DMARK - Fire Strike Ultra
3DMARK - Speed Way
3DMARK - Time Spy Extreme
We have a good all-round performance in the gaming benchmarks. This shows that this motherboard can handle the gaming load easily.
System Performance Test
Performance Test
PCMARK10
The PCMARK10 score came to 9952, which is an excellent score, and the Performance Test overall score was 11007.
It delivers solid performance and offers a tough competition to the MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi.
Core Clocks Behavior
Core Clocks Behavior
1 of 3
1T Load
Idle
Multi Core Load
I have used the Balanced Power profile in Windows Environment. To record the idle temperatures, the system was put on idle for 10 minutes. The idle clocks were around 2395.7MHz. The cores boosted to 5.490GHz under 1T load using R23.2 whereas these cores boosted to 5.315GHz under all cores load. These figures confirm the Intel’s clock ratings for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X.
Testing was done on an ambient temperature of 28ᵒC. the CPU was idling at 40.5ᵒC and the graphics card was idling at 35ᵒC. Under load, the CPU was doing 95.5ᵒC whereas the GPU was doing 83ᵒC.
Thermal Imaging (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The VRM/MOSFET was doing 56.9ᵒC at an ambient of 28ᵒC. This is a good performance from the VRM cooling solution.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You are on a budget and looking for a good motherboard: ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi retails at USD 199.99. It has a good feature set.
✅Gen5 Connectivity is your requirement: This motherboard comes with a Gen5 PCIe slot and M.2 port. This is a good bargain in this price range.
✅You need more USB connections: This motherboard has 17 USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port.
✅You are after Effective Cooling for Power Stages: ASRock has provided an efficient cooling solution for the power delivery circuit. It has performed better than a more robust solution on MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You are into storage: This motherboard has 3 M.2 ports and only two SATA 6G ports. If you are in the storage segment, this motherboard may not cover your needs.
My Thoughts
Finally, I have taken a break from testing MSI motherboards, but I am not yet done with AMD motherboards. In this review, I have tested the ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi motherboard. This motherboard covers the upper budget and entry of mid-range segments in the market competing against the MSI B650 Tomahawk WiFi.
This motherboard packs 16+2+1 power phases with enlarged heat sinks that don’t use any heat pipe. I am not confirmed about the thermal conductivity rating of the thermal pads on these heatsinks. The BIOS interface is standard ASRock implementation. It is user friendly. You will get used to it after spending some time.
Unlike the MSI counterpart, this motherboard comes with PCIe Gen5 x16 slot and M.2 Gen5 x4 port. Both are wired to the CPU Socket. The second PCIe slot is Gen3 x16, which operates at x4 link speed. The blazing Gen5 M.2 port has a dedicated aluminum heatsink. The hyper M.2 ports are Gen4 x4 rated. They also have a large aluminium heatsink cover with thermal pads. ASRock uses an Anti-Drop Screw design on these covers.
None of these M.2 ports has support for the 22110 form factor. All three are Key M types. There are only 2x SATA 6G ports, which is a letdown, but I can see where the money is going by cutting these ports.
The board can house up to 192GB memory with up to 7600+(OC) MHz frequency. Speaking of USB connectivity, this board has a decent number of connections with a total of 17 USB ports including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps port on the rear panel.
This motherboard retails at USD 199.99 and comes with a 3-year warranty.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Silent Hill PT was made available in 2014, but Konami soon cancelled the project.
Fans have recently voted it the most hurtful game cancellation ever.
The demo for the game alone was enough to provide an extremely chilling experience, so many wanted to experience Hideo Kojima’s full vision.
The Silent Hill franchise is one of the best horror IPs ever. However, it has been dormant for so long that it’s easy to forget why the series was so special. Konami is now looking to use Silent Hill 2 Remake as a fresh start for the IP.
Still, there is one game that continues to haunt fans. During this long period of no releases, Konami had its hands on Silent Hill PT. This game was released through a playable demo in 2014 but never saw the light of day.
Nearly 10 years later, fans are still not over it, stating that the cancellation hurts all the same today.
Why it matters: Silent Hill PT had the perfect recipe to impress horror gaming fans since its demo was a short horror experience that captivated audiences.
Silent Hill PT Could Have Been A Very Strong Entry In The Franchise
Over on Reddit, fans recently discussed the industry’s saddest cancellations. While various games popped up, most agreed that Silent Hill PT was the most devastating.
If the playable teaser was THAT scary and good, the full game would’ve been nuts.
-vidgamarr
The demo was enough to instill fear into everyone’s hearts, demonstrating that the full game would have been even better. Unfortunately, we never got to experience the latter.
People discussing the demo to this day and even rating it as the most hurtful cancellation is a testament to the work done by Hideo Kojima and Guillermo Del Toro. It achieved its goal by providing an experience that left people longing for more.
While Silent Hill PT becoming a reality seems unlikely, the IP’s recent revival gives hope. Perhaps Konami can go back and finish what it started with the project. However, the studio would be missing one key element.
According to Konami, Silent Hill 2 Remake Is Very Faithful To The Original
The genius of Hideo Kojima is no longer around to help. Even though the publisher is open to collaborating with him again, Hideo Kojima has moved on to newer projects, like Death Stranding 2.
Therefore, a new take on Silent Hill PT might not hit the same highs as its demo.
All eyes are now on Silent Hill 2 Remake. The game has recently received backlash for its gameplay and character designs, but we hope to see the remake breathe new life into the IP and push it forward.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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The era of physical gaming is slowly fading, and publishers are shifting towards digital releases and consoles.
The low price of all-digital consoles is just a tactic to lure customers into a limited ecosystem.
Digital consoles are bad for consumers because they undermine basic preservation and limit choice when it comes to selling or sharing games.
The era of physical video games is fading away quickly. On the PC platform, physical discs perished more than a decade ago. Consoles are on track to meet the same fate soon, with Xbox and PlayStation slowly going all-digital.
While hardware without disc support may be advantageous for console manufacturers, it is typically terrible for consumers. I understand games are getting too big and difficult to fit on a single Blu-ray disc.
Indie developers also rely on digital sales to keep going since physical distribution takes up a lot of funding. However, this form of distribution has its own set of cons, and they often outweigh the pros.
Why it matters: Console manufacturers are rapidly shifting to digital-only consoles, and most gamers appear to be on board.
Manufacturers Are Preparing You For An All-Digital Era
The Xbox Series S Has No Physical Capabilities At All
The Xbox Series S is more than just a ‘cheaper’ console. Microsoft is experimenting with going all digital with it. Moreover, its Game Pass push further proves that the gaming giant is making digital-only a norm.
PlayStation is no different, with the all-digital PS5 serving as a transition to the eventual shift toward a disc-less future. What’s important to realize here is that abandoning discs gives these big companies complete control over your money.
Fans are going for all digital consoles just because they’re cheaper, which makes this form of distribution the only option for them. Also, studios have begun to forego physical copies altogether, with big titles like Hellblade 2 serving as examples.
According to analysts, Xbox could be the first to make the transition to an all-digital ecosystem. However, PlayStation and Nintendo won’t be too far behind.
Taking Away Options
GameStop’s Head Previously Argued That The Option of Physical Consoles Should Always Exist
In my opinion, the biggest downside to owning a digital console is the lack of options.
When you buy the most expensive PS5 model, you have the freedom to pick between physical and digital games. Most people I know mix the two, using both options to make the most out of any given situation.
However, when you have an all-digital console, you lose this luxury. At that point, you’re completely at the publisher’s mercy. Want to play a new release for cheaper? Wait for a sale, but you never know when the sale may come.
Want to resell a game after completing it? That’s just not possible. It’s easy to take such options for granted when using a physical console, but they do come in handy when you know a game will probably collect dust after the first playthrough.
Even if you’re among the millions with a disc-based console that never resells or borrows games from friends, more options are never bad. In my opinion, it’s important tokeep digital-only consoles optional for this reason.
Not Just Nostalgia
Physical Games Are Still Important
Physical games have a nostalgic factor. I still remember peeling off the plastic wrap of a new disc I would buy during the holidays or after saving up money for a long time. Most people also like to build a library to display on their shelves.
Then there’s the preservation argument. Your physical games aren’t going anywhere, unlike digital releases. You don’t even own the latter since they can be delisted if their licenses are rendered useless.
While modern physical titles often require day-one patches to function properly, they still serve as a better alternative than losing access completely. Furthermore, physical releases go on sale much quicker.
You also have the added benefit of sharing your games with your friends and family. The same can be done with a digital release, but what happens when your friend is willing to share that new game you’ve wanted to play for so long, but he bought a disc?
Sure, these are specific scenarios, but having a digital-only console locks you out of such options. On the other hand, a traditional console allows both.
The industry may not make the switch immediately, but it’s a matter of when not if. Xbox is seemingly gearing up to launch its next console in 2026, which may be its first step into an all-digital future. If this happens, the others will almost certainly follow suit.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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EA has announced two major changes to Apex Legends’ battle pass system.
Fans are upset over the fact that they won’t be able to use coins to purchase battle passes in the future.
Some are also concerned that two battle passes per season will lead to more grinding than before.
Apex Legends is already notorious for its microtransactions. In an industry known to rely too much on this practice, live service games like Respawn Entertainment’s battle royale shooter often stand out.
However, it seems EA’s latest announcement has enraged the fandom. Apex Legends is making big changes to its battle pass system, removing the ability to purchase them with coins earned in-game.
Why it matters: Apex Legends is one of the biggest live service games today, but this move has upset fans. It could lead to massive consequences moving forward.
Apart from the change to the purchase method, EA is set to introduce two battle passes per season.
These will offer 60 tiers each at a cost of $10. While $20 per season may appear like a small sum, this change makes buying the battle pass much more difficult than before for the average fan.
Previously, players could earn in-game coins by completing the battle pass, which effectively granted them access to the next battle pass at no additional cost. EA has removed this option with the new system, sparking backlash from dedicated fans.
Various users have spoken against this system on Twitter. They explain how this new system is worse for the average player, while others have expressed a desire to quit Apex Legends altogether.
Do you want to kill the game? Cuz this is how you kill the game.
-DannyonPC
Players have also pointed out that the new system will force them to play even longer per season. This is why many are against battle passes in general.
The Changes Will Go Live With Season 22
EA says the new system will allow players to get more value from their time in Apex Legends. However, most fans seem to disagree with this notion.
Anyhow, season 22 officially kicks off next month.
Apex Legends is now heading toward uncharted territory, so it will be interesting to see how audiences react to this shake-up. While audiences seem shaken for now, EA is likely betting on them moving on from the subject once the new content rolls around.
As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.
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The Ryzen 9 9950X can reportedly match its last-gen counterpart in terms of clock speeds.
It can outperform the Ryzen 9 7950X by nearly 20% in Cinebench.
The CPU also outperforms Intel’s Core i9-12900K in Junkshop while being handicapped.
Over time, the FMAX, or peak frequency, for processors has been increasing. It has now reached a point where it can reach up to 5GHz. This has helped AMD perform great, as this frequency can be hit without overclocking.
The latest information comes from Anandtech’s Forum member, igor_kavinski, who tells us that the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, which is powered by Zen 5 core architecture, can reach a maximum frequency of 5.85 GHz.
Why it matters: The Ryzen 9000 series is arriving this month, and many are anticipating this lineup. PC gamers are hoping to join the AM5 platform, making its second generation quite important.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Can Boost Close To 6GHz
Comparing the clock speed, it remains the same as the Ryzen 9 7950X CPU, which is based on Zen 4 architecture. We also have the Cinebench R23 leak, which shows that the Ryzen 9 9950X outperforms its predecessor by 18%, so the difference is not that great.
We must check into leaks to see if there are further specifics, even though these processors aren’t currently available in stores, and there aren’t any reviews that let us compare the actual differences.
One more important detail that we can see is that the Ryzen 9 9950X has been used with Blender, but unfortunately it was configured to use a PPT of only 60W, 110W less than the default.
Even though it was at a disadvantage because of this limitation, the Ryzen 9 9950X outperformed the Intel Core i9-12900K, completing 101 samples in the Junkshop benchmark as opposed to the Intel CPU’s 100 samples.
The Ryzen 9 9950X Shows Impressive Performance In Junkshop
However, this comparison is less shocking when we consider that in the same test, the Intel Core i9-13900K with 253W MTP produces 168 samples, while the Ryzen 9 5950X with 142W PPT achieves 126 samples.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
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AMD has confirmed intentions to move from a hardware-centric approach to prioritizing software, APIs, and AI experiences.
The company is tripling its software engineering resources and reorganizing internal roles to support software teams.
The aim is to focus on expanding AI PCs and AI GPUs with the Ryzen AI 300 series and MI300X accelerator.
Recently, AMD’s executive vice president shared the vision for the company’s future and outlined its plans. The company is shifting its focus from mostly making hardware to putting more emphasis on software, APIs, and AI experiences, essentially becoming a software company.
This strategic shift aims to align AMD with today’s technology landscape, where software plays an increasingly central role in computing ecosystems.
Why it matters: Nvidia used the same approach to climb the ranks of the tech industry through the widespread adoption of CUDA and AI. This dominance was proved when it became the world’s most valuable company, if only for a while.
CEO Lisa Su Is Leading This Charge
AMD is undertaking a major shift by tripling its software engineering resources and focusing heavily on software development. This transformation includes expanding its workforce and reorganizing internal roles to better support software teams.
The company is changing how it designs processors. Rather than focusing first on silicon and later on software development kits (SDKs) and toolchains, it is now beginning by engaging early with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to better grasp developer requirements right from the start.
The goal is to establish a unified architecture across its CPU and RDNA technologies, simplifying software development and improving compatibility. The plan resembles Intel’s OneAPI initiative, which aims to streamline the utilization of various computing solutions, such as CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs.
By taking these steps, AMD aims to provide cohesive solutions that deliver optimal performance and efficiency. The company is starting off by expanding its market presence in AI PCs and AI GPUs.
The Ryzen AI 300 series “Strix Point” mobile processors are set to spearhead this push into the AI PC market, with significant launches anticipated soon.
Developing a strong software ecosystem will require time.
Meanwhile, in the data center sector, AMD’s MI300X accelerator is already gaining traction, and the company intends to develop its software ecosystem further to attract substantial orders from AI cloud-computing providers.
Historically, AMD has focused on hardware development while creating software to complement its products. This resulted in notable achievements like high-performance CPUs and GPUs.
However, despite dominating the CPU market, AMD has faced challenges in gaining substantial market share.
Meanwhile, Nvidia functions primarily as a software company that designs hardware to complement its software strengths. This strategy has positioned it ahead of competitors, especially in fostering developer relationships and building a large user base.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
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The First Descendant is currently one of the most-played titles on Steam.
A new report has suggested that some of the assets in the title are copied straight from Destiny 2.
Most icons and a few gun designs look oddly similar to Bungie’s work.
The First Descendant was recently released and has received a great reception. Before its release, it became the best-selling game on Steam, beating titles like Elden Ring to secure the top position.
Also, the game is currently one of the most-played titles on Steam, played by over 150K players daily. Despite this popularity, it appears to be surrounded by controversy since various assets in the title are seemingly copied from Destiny 2.
Why it matters: Previously, a game like The Day Before was criticized for copying assets from other titles, which eventually led to it permanently going offline.
The First Descendant And Destiny 2 Icons
As seen above, a new report from Forbes has suggested that The First Descendant has copied most of Destiny 2’s icons.
It’s also been said that the third-person shooter has been built from Warframe DNA. However, it seems the team also looked at other popular games for inspiration. Moreover, it seems the copying is not limited to icons alone.
Some of the weapon models seem to be lifted directly from Destiny 2. For instance, The First Descendant’s sniper can look oddly similar to the IKELOS series snipers in Destiny 2.
A gun similar to Sleeper Simulant has also been spotted. This has raised eyebrows among audiences, leading to suspicions that the team plagiarised Bungie’s work.
Destiny 2 vs. The First Descendant
1 of 2
Sniper Rifle From Destiny 2
Sniper Rifle From The First Descendant
However, whether The First Descendant actually copied the designs is not confirmed. As unlikely as it may be, these could still be coincidences, so we await an official statement from the developers before jumping to any conclusion.
If the speculation about the plagiarism turns out to be true, Bungie will likely take legal action.
While The First Descendant doesn’t offer the most unique experience, thousands of players have enjoyed the title since its launch. Whether consoles or PCs, the free-to-play shooter has exploded everything, though it runs the best on Xbox hardware for consoles.
Looking at its current popularity, it would be a shame if it went down due to plagiarism. However, this is a serious matter and needs to be dealt with promptly.
