Why I Believe It’s A Good Time To Switch To PC Instead Of PS5?

July 5, 2024

Story Highlights

PS5 currently does not have enough exclusives to make it worth buying.
Almost all the PlayStation games are available on PC with occasional discounts.
The increased rates of PS Plus subscriptions are also a downside, as there’s no paywall for online modes on PCs.

PlayStation has been the go-to console for gamers for a very long time. Throughout the years, PlayStation has served the fans with some fantastic titles, which have also been the highlights of the gaming industry. These exclusives have also helped the consoles increase their worth.

The case, however, seems to be different for the latest PlayStation console, the PS5. Since its release, the console hasn’t been able to shine as much as the other PlayStation consoles in the past. The hype is still up for it, but I believe it’s better to upgrade to a PC instead of a PS5 now.

Lack Of Exclusives

One of the biggest reasons PC is a better option is the lack of exclusives on PS5. All of the PlayStation has made their presence felt by providing players with one-of-a-kind exclusive games like Uncharted, Last Of Us, and God Of War series.

Sure, PS5 also has Marvel’s Spiderman 2 as an exclusive game, which makes the console worth buying to some extent. However, other than Spiderman 2, there aren’t any more exclusive titles currently.

The upcoming Wolverine game from Insomniac is another PlayStation exclusive, but it is far from being released. Even soon, there seems to be no exclusives planned for PS5. I wouldn’t say I like games being exclusive to a console, but there’s no doubt that when they are, the console’s value increases by a high margin.

So when your favorite games are on a console you don’t plan on buying, you will still buy that console even if the price for the console and the games is higher than the other gaming platform options available. And as the PS5 doesn’t have enough exclusives, I believe there’s no point in buying it now.

Same Games Are Available On PC With Occasional Discounts

Most of the games available on PS5 are also available on PC, which makes PC way more worth buying than PS5. There’s also a considerable difference in the pricing of the games, as you get occasional discounts on Steam and Epic Games. The PS store also provides occasional discounts, but the ones on PC are much more considerable.

Discounts On Epic Games (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Also, most PlayStation exclusives have been moved to PC, and more of them (God Of War: Ragnarok and The Last Of Us Part II) will soon be available on PC. Therefore, you no longer need to worry about abandoning your favorite PlayStation games.

Extra PS Plus Subscription Charges

Additionally, when you buy a game on a PC, you can play it online without extra charges. However, Sony doesn’t go that easy on your wallet as you have to pay PS plus subscription charges to play the online modes of the games you already own.

One of my biggest problems with Sony is charging for something we already own. Moreover, since September 2023, the prices for this subscription have increased significantly. Sure, the subscription provides some additional games, but if I want to play Tekken 8 online with my friends, I must pay 10$ per month.

On PC, I can enjoy my games online for a lifetime. The Xbox game pass, which is much cheaper than the PS Plus subscription, also gives you access to the Xbox games catalog.

The only problem that may occur when switching to a PC is the price of PC components. It’s a universal fact that a high-end PC costs more than consoles, but you can still go with some wallet-friendly builds to get decent game performance.

Latest Updates

Final Words

PS5 is undoubtedly the beast of a console, and demanding games have yet to meet its technological limits. However, purchasing one now would not be worth it as there isn’t much on the console.

If you are a GTA fan, the best time to buy it would be before the release of GTA 6. Until then, switching to a PC can be a better option as almost all games are available there and can be much cheaper.

Why Genshin’s Hypercarries Are So Lacklustre

July 5, 2024

Story Highlights

A hypercarry in Genshin Impact is the main damage dealer supported by the rest of the team.
A successful hypercarry must consistently deal high damage, scale well with investment, be versatile in various scenarios, and offer a unique and engaging playstyle.
Genshin’s hypercarries often lack distinctiveness in their mechanics, but future characters may show hope.

Hypercarries exist in any game. It’s the role made for players who want to show off their quick thinking and game sense with flashy skills that deal the most damage in their team. The role’s an RPG staple, more than any other role. Even in a game as casual as Genshin Impact, hypercarries exist. For one reason or another, though, the community rarely recommends you to pull for them.

What Is A Hypercarry?

Raiden burst animation (Ingame screenshot by Tech4Gamers)

Wotpack describes a hypercarry as, “Hypercarry is the main damage dealer, which is played by the whole team, consisting mainly of supports. For each support, those artifacts and weapons are selected that will help to buff the main character of the group as much as possible.”

ayato team — Ayato seems like a hypercarry, but he doesn’t deal enough damage (Captured by Tech4Gamers)

Furthermore, hypercarries are traditionally characters that hog most of your field time. As an example, Xiao is a hypercarry that deals most of the team’s damage and stays on the field as long as his burst lasts, whereas Bennet, Faruzan, and anyone else functions as damage-buffing supports that do not provide any damage.

It’s technically a common misconception that hypercarries have to stay on the field to deal their damage; Xiangling, despite only staying on the field for 2-3 seconds, deals the most damage in her team and qualifies as a hypercarry. Still, as the community thinks of the former definition, I’ll be using that one throughout this article.

What Makes A Good Hypercarry?

A good hypercarry has certain boxes to fill. First, they have to deal the highest amount of damage in their team. They also have to deal this damage continuously, over a large period of time. They also have to scale well with investment. Furthermore, they need to have supports that can increase their personal damage (exceptions such as Neuvilette exist). So far, most newer hypercarries released by Hoyoverse check most if not all boxes. However, things are a bit more nuances.

Hutao charged attack damage — Hutao has the biggest hypercarrry scalings currently (Captured by Tech4Gamers)

A hypercarry in Genshin also needs to have a way to deal their damage in a number of scenarios. They have to deal their damage in a way that doesn’t make them more vulnerable, as, unlike MMOs, you can’t have another person tanking the damage. Lastly, a hypercarry needs to be fun to play and different from other carries. This last part, unfortunately, is where Genshin’s hypercarries fail miserably.

Same Kit, Different Textures

Genshin has a diverse cast of characters. Their designs are all distinct, their lore and backgrounds are different, and even their kits differ from one another. That’s how it looks at the surface, at least. Every Genshin hypercarry functions the same way, there’s no uniqueness to their kits. Hutao and Xiao may seem like characters that have no overlap in their playstyles, but all you end up doing is spamming a single button to deal damage.

raiden national — Raiden provides extremely good support while also being a hypercarry (Captured by Tech4Gamers)

Even the slight differences that come are exploits found by players, not something fully intentional i.e. Hutao’s charged attack ICD cancels. The fact that Hoyo’s scared of making complicated characters doesn’t help the cause. Every character has so much potential, but they’re reduced to an empty shell of what they could be. Xiao could be a character that uses his leaps to dodge attacks and weave in combos, but nope, just smash the spacebar and go boom. Hutao could use her HP drain mechanics to intentionally get hit in order to hit back, but she as well just became a smash button, go boom type of character.

Sethos & Clorinde: The Future Of Genshin’s Hypercarries

Upcoming kits seem hopeful (Screencap from the 4.7 Livestream

Clorinde and Sethos, upcoming characters revealed in the 4.7 Livestream, both show some improvement in this staleness in playstyle. Clorinde gives you another way to dodge attacks and has a more dynamic playstyle than prior characters. Sethos, on the other hand, comes with a freedom in skill expression by allowing you two very separate ways of dealing damage based on your decisions. Hoyo still isn’t fully onboard with the idea, putting a hard cap on Sethos being played a certain way so he doesn’t become too strong or complicated, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Latest Updates

AMD FSR: All You Need to Know

July 5, 2024

With the growing popularity of frame generation technologies to boost performance in single-player gamers, it is hard to ignore to words: FSR and DLSS.

Let’s focus on FSR for a moment; AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) increases FPS while maintaining visual quality. What is it, how does it work, and why is it becoming popular? Let’s get to know.

Key Takeaways

AMD FSR renders images at a lower resolution and upgrades them to a higher resolution, giving a smoother gameplay.
AMD FSR technology uses a dedicated algorithm to analyze, predict, and reconstruct low-resolution images.
FSR is more accessible than NVIDIA’s DLSS technology. DLSS requires tensor cores, which are available in NVIDIA’s GPU.

What Is AMD FSR?

AMD FSR is a technology developed by AMD that renders the frames at a lower resolution and then upscales the image to a higher resolution.^[1]

FSR is part of AMD’s FidelityFX suite, is open-source, and provides smoother gameplay even in demanding scenarios.^[1] This super cool technology is compatible with various GPUs, including AMD and NVIDIA.

How Does It Work?

FSR technology uses a dedicated algorithm that analyzes and reconstructs the low-resolution image at a high resolution.^[2] The reconstruction process involves edge detection, sharpening, and temporal stability, reducing the GPU load.

The FSR offers multiple quality modes, including Ultra Quality, Quality, Balanced, and Performance.^[3] In performance mode, you get higher frame rates, while in ultra-quality mode, you get the highest image fidelity.

FSR Vs DLSS

FSR is a widely compatible upscaling technology, but it is often compared with its competitor, NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). The main difference between the working of these technologies is as follows:

NVIDIA DLSS: DLSS uses a neural network trained on high-resolution images to generate higher-quality frames. The AI approach of DLSS requires dedicated hardware, which is present in RTX GPUs as Tensor Cores.^[4] DLSS provides highly accurate and detailed image quality.
AMD FSR: FSR also provides a smoother gaming experience but doesn’t need dedicated hardware. FSR offers a good balance of performance and accessibility as it can also run on a wide range of GPUs from other companies and older models.

Evolution Of FSR

AMD has continuously improved FSR technology since its initial release. They addressed user feedback and refined the technology for better image generation and quality. AMD’s adaptability has made FSR remain at the top of the gaming experience battle.

FSR Versions	Improvement
FSR 1.0	✅Initial Release ✅Spatial Upscaling ✅Four Quality Modes
FSR 2.0	✅Temporal Upscaling Introduced ✅Reduced Ghosting ✅Anti-aliasing Introduced
FSR 2.1	✅Image Quality Improved ✅Handling & Upscaling ✅Reduced Shimmering
FSR 3.0	✅Frame Generation Technology Introduced ✅Improved Latency ✅Improved Visual Quality

GPUs That Support AMD FSR

The latest version of FSR is FSR 3.0, which was recently released and iterated from previous versions. According to AMD, FSR 3.0 supports AMD Radeon RX 590 and above from the AMD lineup and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series and above with upscaling only.

However, AMD recommends using their latest FSR 3.0 with upscaling and frame generation on AMD Radeon 6000 series and above from AMD and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series and above from NVIDIA.

Helpful Resources by Tech4Gamers:

References:

AMD FidelityFX^TM Super Resolution. (n.d.). AMD. https://www.amd.com/en/products/graphics/technologies/fidelityfx/super-resolution.html
AMD FidelityFX^TM Super Resolution 1 (FSR 1) – AMD GPUOpen. (2024, March 11). AMD GPUOpen. https://gpuopen.com/fidelityfx-superresolution/
AMD FidelityFX^TM Super Resolution for PRO. (n.d.). AMD. https://www.amd.com/en/products/graphics/technologies/fidelityfx/super-resolution-pro.html
NVIDIA DLSS Technology. (n.d.). NVIDIA. https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/technologies/dlss/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSR better for FPS?

Yes, AMD FSR can improve FPS by rendering games at a lower resolution, reducing the GPU load.

Is AMD FSR the same as DLSS?

No, FSR upscales the images without requiring Tensor Cores like NVIDIA’s DLSS.

What does FSR mean?

FSR stands for FidelityFX Super Resolution.

Does FSR use CPU or GPU?

The FSR primarily uses a graphics processing unit.

What Is The 12VHPWR Cable?

July 5, 2024

The demand for high-performance PC components like GPUs is constantly increasing, which, in turn, increases the demand for powerful PSUs. The 12VHPWR cable is a cable of new standards specially designed for power-hungry components. But what is it and whether you need it or not? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

The 12VHPWR cable is a new standard cable with a 16-pin connector, used to power the more power-hungry GPUs, delivering up to 600W.
If you have a high-end graphics unit, such as the NVIDIA RTX 40 series, and are considering buying a PSU, you can buy a 12V cable.
If you are not experiencing any issues with the older cables, you don’t need to upgrade to a 12VHPWR cable.

What Is The 12VHPWR Cable?

The 12VHPWR (12 Volts High Power) cable is a 16-pin power connector that can deliver up to 600W of power.^[1] In the older days, users widely used 6-pin connectors with a max power of 75W and 8-pin connectors with 150W.^[2]

This newer standard cable takes up less space for graphics units than multiple cables and offers better power transfer efficiency.

Do I Need A 12VHPWR Cable?

Whether you need a 12V high-power cable depends on your hardware configuration.

GPU Requirements: Most high-end GPUs since late 2022, like the RTX 40 series, require a 12VHPWR connector^[3]. If you have older or less demanding graphics cards, they can often be 6-pin or 8-pin connectors.
PSU Configuration: To get the most out of your ATX 3.0 power supply, you’ll need a native 12VHPWR connector.^[4] Additionally, you can use adapters to use the cable with older PSUs.

However, if your current build is sufficient and you’re considering upgrading to this cable, there’s no immediate need to switch.

Helpful Resources by Tech4Gamers:

References:

Gaming, C. (2024, May 3). 12VHPWR and 12V-2×6 Compared. https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/diy-builder/power-supply-units/evolving-standards-12vhpwr-and-12v-2×6/
AMD Technical Information Portal. (n.d.). https://docs.amd.com/r/en-US/ds978-u55c/Operating-System-Compatibility
Article, R. (2024, January 9). ROG – Republic of Gamers – The Choice of Champions. @ROG. https://rog.asus.com/articles/gaming-graphics-cards/new-geforce-rtx-40-super-series-graphics-cards-boost-performance-from-rog-and-tuf-gaming/
Aorus. (2024b, June 27). ATX 3.0 explained: Is a PSU upgrade necessary for RTX 40 series graphics cards? AORUS. https://global.aorus.com/blog-detail.php?i=1187

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cards use 12VHPWR?

The NVIDIA RTX 40 series models and their future releases use 12VHPWR cable

What is the maximum wattage for 12VHPWR?

The maximum supported wattage for this cable is 600 Watts, which means the max wattage it can give is up to 600 W.

What is an ATX12V power supply?

A standard power supply that delivers power through the 12V rail is called an ATX12V power supply. ATX and ATX12V are used interchangebly.

PSU Voltage Regulation [What, Why & How]

July 5, 2024

Power is not the only thing that keeps things on. Maintaining stability and efficiency is also crucial. The secret lies in PSU voltage regulation, so let’s understand how to optimize the regulation in your power supply.

Key Takeaways

Voltage regulation is the ability of a PSU to maintain a stable output voltage regardless of any spikes and dips in the AC voltage.
Regulating voltage at a stable rate is essential for the PC build’s stability, performance, and longevity.
A good PSU must keep the regulation under 3%, which means the actual voltage must fluctuate by no more than 3%.

What Is PSU Voltage Regulation?

PSU voltage regulation is the ability of the power supply to maintain a stable output voltage regardless of changes in load or input voltage.

Stable regulation is achieved through optimal circuitry inside the power supply, which monitors and adjusts the output voltage as needed.^[1] This regulation is the PSU’s capacity to supply voltage within a tight range.

Why Does PSU Voltage Regulation Matter?

The importance of this regulation can’t be overstated. Some of the reasons why it matters are as follows:

Stability: Poor voltage regulation leads to an unstable power supply, which can cause many issues, such as system crashes.^[2] Maintaining a stable voltage saves crucial CPU, GPU, and memory components.
Longevity: High voltage spikes and drops can cause undue stress on PC components, which can cause system failure. Proper voltage levels are unavoidable to prevent damage to the rig.
Performance: Power-hungry components like the CPU and GPU require stable power to function fully. Voltage fluctuations can cause throttling, which lowers their efficiency and prevents the system from overheating.

The differences in 12V rail regulation of different PSUs that we tested are given below:

12V Rail Regulation Difference (Image by Tech4Gamers)

What Is Good PSU Voltage Regulation?

The ideal difference between the input AC power and the output DC power should be 0% to get the most efficient and good performance. However, in the real-world scenario, the 3% or less voltage regulation is good for high-quality power supplies even under heavy loads.^[3] This voltage regulation means the fluctuations will be 3% or less from a typical voltage range.

So, buy a PSU with the lowest voltage regulation percentage for the best performance and to keep your PC from unwanted circumstances like short circuits or overheating.

Helpful Resources by Tech4Gamers:

References:

GeeksforGeeks. (2024, January 24). Voltage Regulation. GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/voltage-regulation/
Voltage regulation in the Douglas area using shunt capacitor banks and controllable shunt reactors. (2013, November 1). IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6737888
Introduction – 2.11 – ID:613768 | ATX12VO (12V Only) Desktop Power Supply. (n.d.). https://edc.intel.com/content/www/us/en/design/products-and-solutions/processors-and-chipsets/alder-lake-s/atx12vo-12v-only-desktop-power-supply-design-guide/2.11/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the voltage regulator in a PSU?

A voltage regulator within a PSU is a circuit that maintains a stable output voltage regardless of input fluctuations or load changes.

What is 3.3 V for on PSU?

The 3.3V rail is less common in modern systems and powers components like M.2 SSDs, some PCIe devices, and specific motherboard chips.

Which voltage regulation is best?

The ideal regulation is 0%, but try to get a PSU with the lowest voltage regulation percentage.

PSU Form Factor [Explained]

July 5, 2024

A PSU comes in different form factors that ensure compatibility and physical fitness within your build. Choosing the correct PSU form factor is crucial for better airflow and proper installation.

Key Takeaways

The PSU form factor is the physical dimensions and the layout of a power supply.
There are many form factors, but ATX, SFX, and TFX are the popular ones.
All these form factors have different dimensions and wattage capacities since they are made for different PC cases.

What Are PSU Form Factors?

PSU form factor defines the physical dimension^[1], mounting hole positions, and connector layouts of a power supply. The most common form factors are as follows:

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)

Power Output Specifications (Image By Tech4Gamers) — MSI MPG A850G ATX (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The most widely used form factor is ATX^[1]. ATX is suitable for the majority of PCs and provides excellent space for components, cooling technologies, and cable management. There are two sub-types of ATX:

ATX PS/2 (Standard)
ATX PS/3 (Slightly shorter)

SFX (Small Form Factor Extended)

Corsair SF1000L Spec Side — Corsair SF1000L SFX (Image by Tech4Gamers)

SFX is designed for small form factor builds or Mini-ITX cases^[2]. It is significantly smaller than the ATX and provides ample power for the smaller builds. Also, there are two sub-types of SFX:

SFX (Standard)
SFX-L (Slightly longer)

TFX (Thin Form Factor Extended)

TFX is primarily used in AIO PCS. Its power output is limited compared to the other form factors, but it has a low-fi design that fits in confined spaces^[3].

Comparison Table of PSU Form Factors

Form Factor	Dimensions (W x D x H)	Wattage Capacity
ATX	150mm x 86mm x 140mm	300W - 1600W+
SFX	125mm x 63.5mm x 100mm	300W - 750W
TFX	85mm x 65mm x 175mm	200W - 400W

Helpful Resources by Tech4Gamers:

References:

Unlock Your Creativity with “Escape Sequence” | Lenovo US. (n.d.). https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/form-factor/
Gaming, C. (2024, May 1). Difference between SFX and SFX-L PSUs. https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/diy-builder/power-supply-units/whats-the-difference-between-sfx-and-sfx-l-power-supplies/
ATX OR SFX: WHICH PSU IS RIGHT FOR YOU? | Cooler Master. (n.d.). https://www.coolermaster.com/en-global/guide-and-resources/atx-or-sfx/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the form factor in a power supply?

The Form factor of a power supply defines its dimensions, connector type, and overall design.

What is the difference between SFX and ATX?

SFX units are smaller and designed for compact build, while ATX units are larger and fit standard desktop PCs.

Can I use SFX PSU in ATX?

Yes, you can use an SFX PSU in an ATX case with an SFX-to-ATX adapter.

What Is PSU Wattage Capacity? And How Much You Need

July 5, 2024

Your PSU is the crucial component of your PC, and it supplies power to every other component. The wattage capacity of any PSU is an essential specification to consider. Let’s know what it is and how much you need to get an efficient and stable rig.

Key Takeaways

The maximum amount of power in watts a power supply can safely supply to the PC components is known as PSU wattage capacity.
You can always measure the wattage needed for your PSU using a PSU calculator to determine the required wattage for your PSU.
Also, consider headroom and overclocking buffer while calculating to get the accurate wattage.

What IS PSU Wattage Capacity?

The PSU wattage capacity is the maximum amount of power the unit can safely supply the components of your PC, measured in watts.

Each part of your PC, including the CPU, GPU, coolers, and drives, draws a certain amount of power to function. The total power draw of all these components should ideally be within the PSU wattage capacity. ^[1]

How Much Should Wattage Capacity Do I Need?

The required wattage capacity depends on your hardware configuration and the total power draw of all the components. A high-end gaming PC with a powerful CPU and GPU will need a higher PSU wattage capacity^[2]. But there’s more:

Use a PSU calculator: We designed a PSU calculator to help you estimate the required wattage based on your components. You can enter the details of your components and get the recommended wattage. Additionally, it suggests some of the tested PSU recommendations specially tailored for you right away.
Include Headroom: Always add a 20% – 30% buffer to the calculated wattage for headroom^[3]. This is essential for peak power demands, future upgrades, and ensuring your PSU runs efficiently.
Check for Certifications: You should also consider checking the certifications of your PSU. The 80 Plus and Cybenetics are the top PSU certifications, which help indicate the efficiency of converting AC into DC power^[4]. A higher rating represents a highly efficient PSU.
Overclocking: If you are interested in overclocking your system, you’ll need an extra amount of wattage to handle the increased power draw. Consider another 10-15% of the recommended wattage.

Helpful Resources By Tech4Gamers:

References:

Edmonds, R. (2024, March 7). How to check what power supply (PSU) is inside your PC. XDA Developers. https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-check-what-power-supply-psu-is-inside-your-pc/
PC Power Supply: How to Choose the Right One for You. (n.d.-b). Intel. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/power-supply.html
CHOOSING A PSU. (n.d.). CORSAIR.https://www.corsair.com/us/en/s/psu-family-choosing-a-psu#
Cybenetics Labs – PSU Efficiency & Noise Level Certifications – About Us. (n.d.). https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=about-us

Frequently Asked Questions

How much wattage for PSU?

[Answer # 01]

How do I check my PSU wattage?

The most straightforward way is to check your PSU label. If you can’t find it, check the model number on the official website. You can also use the PSU calculator to check the wattage.

Is higher PSU wattage better?

A higher wattage PSU can be pretty cool and have room for upgrades. But it is not always cost-effective, so it depends on your budget and needs.

AMD Expected To Debut Curve Shaper For More Efficient Overclocking

July 5, 2024

Story Highlight

AMD is expected to debut Curve Shaper with the Ryzen 9000 series soon.
Curve Shaper will serve as an extension of Curve Optimizer, allowing settings for low, medium, and high temperatures.
AMD has yet to unveil the technology officially.

AMD has been on a roll since introducing Zen architecture in 2017. Since then, multiple generations of processors have been released, and each new generation continues to introduce various useful features.

According to a new report, the company is set to introduce Curve Optimizer alongside the Ryzen 9000 chips.

Why it matters: This tool will further enhance AMD Ryzen’s already impressive slate of overclocking features.

The release of Zen 5 is still a month away, but today I'll be bringing the curtain down on one incredible new overclocking feature for enthusiasts 😎

Curve Shaper, an add-on for AMD Curve Optimizer. pic.twitter.com/L2n6rRaNGH

— 1usmus 🇺🇦 (@1usmus) July 2, 2024

1usmus, a third-party Ryzen tuning software developer has leaked this information ahead of the official announcement. He states that Curve Shaper will improve frequency and power consumption.

As the name implies, Curve Optimizer enables us to optimize the frequency/voltage curve, meaning we can reach the maximum frequency and lowest voltage at each point along the curve.

The community embraced this method when it first arose because of its efficiency and simplicity. The Clocktuner and Hydra developer tweeted a method for determining the Curve Optimizer settings all the way up to -30.

We will be able to set up this frequency curve under low, medium, and high-temperature scenarios with Curve Shaper. This is crucial because we can prevent a CPU from operating at high frequencies when there is little to no strain on it.

On the other hand, even though achieving higher frequencies may result in higher temperatures, we want to do this if using all processing capabilities is necessary.

Latest Updates

If you want to use Curve Shaper, it will be included in Curve Optimizer. It will also include other features like Precision Boost Overdrive.

You don’t have to download third-party programs, as they will all be available in software like AMD’s Ryzen Master. However, if you want further options, it will also be included in Hydra with version 1.7 when Zen 5 CPUs launch.

iPhone 16 Reportedly Comes In Four Variants That Use A18 SoC

July 5, 2024

Story Highlight

It seems Apple will rely on the same SoC for all iPhone 16 models.
A leak shows the naming scheme for four iPhone 16 variants, hinting at the A18 SoC for all models.
It is also being speculated that this SoC will be found in the next iPhone SE.

Since the initial iPhone model was introduced by Apple in 2007, the company’s phones have grown to be the most liked product. Millions of consumers eagerly await Apple’s annual launch event, where a new generation of phones is revealed each year.

Interestingly, Apple may have a pleasant surprise for iPhone buyers in 2024. A new leak tells us that there will be four iPhone 16 variants that will share the same A18 SoC.

Why it matters: This decision will make the entry-level iPhone 16 more appealing for tech-centric users. It will also help Apple gain more popularity among the masses.

Apple iPhone 16 SOC — Apple Makes Class-Leading SoCs For Its Phones

Previously, models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro came with different SoCs. Similarly, the iPhone 15 came with Apple A16 Bionic, while the A17 Bionic was limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Apple is seemingly gearing up for multiple changes with the iPhone 16. The tech giant is also said to fix the high-temperature issues, allowing the A18 SoC to reach its full potential.

According to the leak, the four models include the iPhone 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, and 17.5. As the number indicates, these models will be quite similar, sharing the same SoC across the board.

Further evidence comes from the fact that Apple previously used a similar naming scheme for phones that shared a common SoC. The iPhone 15.4 and iPhone 15.5, for instance, were the names given to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, respectively.

Conversely, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max were dubbed 16.1 and 16.2, respectively. In this instance, all evidence points to the A18 because we have a new number that suggests a new SoC.

Latest Updates

Still, it is odd that five different iPhone models end up using it. The A18 SoC will likely be used by the iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, assuming the theory regarding the identifier and the same chip is correct.

Note that the fifth model is unknown. It could end up being the long-anticipated iPhone SE refresh, but not much information is available on this budget device for now.

Avowed’s Combat Went Through Massive Overhaul After Fan Feedback

July 5, 2024

Story Highlight

Audiences initially found Obsidian’s combat systems in Avowed quite disappointing.
Since January, the team has polished various elements of the combat, including the hit feedback, sound design, and more.
Many of these changes were made as a direct result of fan feedback.

It’s no secret that Obsidian didn’t immediately impress audiences with Avowed. The first gameplay trailers were far from stellar, though fans have warmed up to the RPG since then.

This has been partly thanks to the various changes made by the studio as a direct result of all the feedback. One major area that improved greatly due to fan feedback was the combat, with Obsidian taking careful steps to make it ‘more juicy.’

Why it matters: Avowed has received frequent criticism for its gameplay and visuals. However, Obsidian has used the feedback to push itself further and improve the RPG.

Speaking to Windows Central, gameplay director Gabe Paramo described how Obsidian thought Avowed looked good enough before its gameplay showcase in January. Following the reactions, the team quickly realized that players were not satisfied and tweaked various elements.

This is a big deal, people are noticing this, we should polish this sooner.

-Gabe Paramo

One major change made was to add a greater sense of weight and impact to the melee combat.

The team wanted to drive home the feeling of each swing and impact, and this also involved cutting out delays that may have given the whole gameplay a clunky feeling.

Other changes were made to the audio and VFX. This led to a more visceral outlook, with Obsidian tweaking the blood impacts for the same reason. The gameplay director described this version of the combat as being more juicy than before.

He also stated that the enemies were made more reactive, and various animations were reassessed to ensure combat flowed better than before.

Avowed Featured — Avowed Was First Revealed In 2020

The gameplay changes highlight how Obsidian is still polishing Avowed. This is quite fitting since this RPG marks the team’s most lengthy development cycle. Perhaps this is also why the game does not have a proper release date yet.

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The RPG is currently on track to launch in 2024, but Xbox has yet to confirm a date. Similarly, Indiana Jones is yet to receive a release date. However, the good news is that both titles will launch on day one as part of Game Pass.

Arena Breakout: Infinite Interview – PC Release Was Planned From Day One

July 5, 2024

Story Highlight

Arena Breakout: Infinite is set to break new ground in the extraction shooter genre.
Following its mobile release, the game has made a huge name for itself on PC so far.
We recently spoke with the studio behind this extraction shooter, discussing various elements that the team has carefully crafted for players worldwide.

Arena Breakout: Infinite is the latest talk of the town for PC gamers. Said to rival established IPs like Escape From Tarkov, this extraction shooter has come at the right time.

Following the recent closed beta test, excitement for this launch is even higher. Morefun Studios has also been listening to the community and making key changes as the team continues to address player feedback.

Serving as a more accessible take on extraction shooters, Arena Breakout: Infinite is instantly more appealing for the average player. To discuss this player-friendly approach and more, we recently spoke with Yiming Sun, the producer behind this project.

Arena Breakout Infinite has found a lot of success during its beta. Are you able to share how many players have played the game so far?

Yiming Sun: Thank you for your kind words. The overwhelming anticipation from players worldwide has exceeded our expectations. In less than a month, total beta signups on our official website and Steam wishlists have both surpassed 1 million.

Additionally, our Discord community has grown to over 400,000 members. We are thrilled by this response, but it also brings a certain level of pressure. As this is a closed beta, I regretfully cannot provide specific player numbers at this time.

However, as you may have seen from our recent news, we have extended the beta period due to player enthusiasm. This extension allows us to continue optimizing and improving the game through player feedback.

From the visuals to the gameplay, the current beta is quite polished and high-quality. How difficult was the transition from mobile to PC for you?

Yiming Sun: I’m glad to hear that. We do hope that Arena Breakout: Infinite will provide players with a gameplay experience that stays true to the expectations of PC shooters, encompassing both graphics and gameplay.

We understand mobile and PC games offer distinct experiences and require separate design considerations. ABI was designed and optimized for PC from the very beginning, incorporating elements tailored to suit the preferences of PC FPS players. It wasn’t simply a matter of porting AB on mobile to a different platform, as some might assume

How long did you spend working on the PC version?

Yiming Sun: We started development on Arena Breakout: Infinite before the global release of AB on mobile – it’s been three years now.

It’s no secret that the Arena Breakout: Infinite has benefited from the recent controversy surrounding Escape From Tarkov. Has that situation given you some insight into how you plan to move forward with your title? Do you think this move from BattleState Games has opened up a path for titles like Arena Breakout: Infinite to find even more success within the genre?

Yiming Sun: While we were not directly influenced by the event you mentioned, we will be focusing on the following aspects of Arena Breakout: Infinite:

Maintaining positive and effective two-way communication with players worldwide.
Creating a diverse range of maps, weapons, game modes, and additional content to ensure a healthy and engaging cycle of game content.
Providing players with long-term, sustainable services.

When it comes to the extraction shooter genre, there is a limited number of high-quality games in the market that consistently provide excellent service and memorable experiences for players.

I firmly believe that the extraction shooter genre is spacious enough to accommodate both existing products and new challengers. Healthy competition will continue to drive the development of the genre, meeting the needs of a broader player base.

Speaking of Escape From Tarkov, MoreFun Studios has been accused of copying the popular tactical FPS on multiple occasions. Could you tell us how your game differs from the rest and how you plan to make it more unique for the fans?

Yiming Sun: Arena Breakout: Infinite is the first free-to-play GaaS (Games as a Service) extraction shooter on the market, and we are committed to providing players with sustainable content and services. This is one of our strong competitive advantages.

Unlike many other extraction shooters, where players need to play daily to obtain loot and avoid falling behind, Arena Breakout takes a different approach. Players can join at any time during the season and have a unique experience.

Our focus is on providing a repeatable and sustainable single-match-based experience rather than emphasizing RPG-style accumulation. The gameplay of ABI is straightforward: equip, fight, and extract. Every aspect of the game is designed with this core gameplay loop in mind.

We hope to lower the barrier of entry to extraction shooters, allowing more people to enjoy the genre. Our current motto is “easy come, easy play, easy go, easy return.”

Compared to a game like Escape From Tarkov, Arena Breakout Infinite has the advantage of being free. How confident do you feel as a newcomer to the extraction shooter genre?

Yiming Sun: As a matter of fact, including Arena Breakout on mobile, we have accumulated several years of R&D and operational experience in the extraction shooter genre. Therefore, we are not exactly a newcomer to the scene. At MoreFun Studios, we often describe ourselves as “genre development drivers.”

As mentioned earlier regarding Arena Breakout: Infinite’s competitive edge and uniqueness, our exploration and validation efforts on both PC and mobile platforms over the past few years have allowed us to establish our own path within the extraction shooter genre.

We have provided players with a distinct gameplay experience that sets us apart from other extraction shooters. Combined with the invaluable feedback received from players and creators worldwide during our first closed beta test, I am confident about the future of Arena Breakout: Infinite.

How is the anti-cheat working so far? Any major cheating problems in the beta?

Yiming Sun: Cheating has always been an issue we take very seriously. Arena Breakout: Infinite uses advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring systems to detect and fight against cheating behavior, ensuring a fair gaming environment. Based on current anti-cheat measures and data, ABI’s anti-cheat system is now operating more effectively and smoothly compared to the initial test phase.

Unfortunately, no technology can guarantee a 100% anti-cheat rate. There’s also the risk of false banning. We will continuously refine and optimize our anti-cheat algorithms and methods based on extensive testing and feedback from the community.

With this in mind, we will be introducing a “Kill Cam” feature in an upcoming version, which will enable players to better assess whether or not they were defeated by cheaters.

Some players have claimed that matches can sometimes feel too empty. Do you intend to experiment with matches with higher player counts later on?

Yiming Sun: Thanks for the feedback. We believe this is due to the limited number of players involved during the current beta phase. We’ll keep an eye on this situation and make adjustments and optimizations as necessary.

The beta features two maps. How many maps can fans expect for the full launch?

Yiming Sun: We are currently focusing on the development and optimization of Arena Breakout: Infinite. Similar to Arena Breakout on mobile, we will continuously enrich the game by introducing new maps, weapons, gameplay modes, and more in the upcoming version and post-launch. Please stay tuned for upcoming official announcements.

Can you tell us about your monetization model? Will the game rely on purely cosmetic microtransactions to keep a level playing field for all players?

Yiming Sun: Thanks for bringing up this question. I know this is something that many players are concerned about. First of all, I want to emphasize and assure you that the paid content options in ABI have no impact on gameplay or fairness.

Instead, they offer convenience and personalization features. Players have the option to pay for certain conveniences, such as safes, extra warehouse space, battle passes, as well as personalized appearances and melee weapons. However, it’s important to note that players who pay gain no direct advantage in combat.

In Arena Breakout: Infinite, paying does not guarantee victory. Even if you are fully equipped, there is still a high chance of defeat – you could still lose everything. Victory or defeat is determined by factors such as shooting skill, tactical ability, and a deep understanding of the game, all of which cannot be bought.

Would you like to comment on anything we haven’t discussed in the interview so far?

Yiming Sun: I think we’ve covered most of the questions players care about. Thanks for the interview!

Arena Breakout: Infinite does not have a release date yet, but the game has made rapid progress in recent months. The current beta recently ended, so fans should expect more news very soon.

With the extraction shooter genre dominated by a few big names, Arena Breakout: Infinite has the potential to shake things up. From everything shown so far, the game seems full of potential, and we hope to see it turn out even better once the actual release rolls around.

To conclude, we would like to thank Producer Yiming Sun for conducting this interview and wish him and Morefun Studios the best of luck in the future.

Honor Of Kings’s Global Release Is Extremely Petty

July 5, 2024

Story Highlights

Honor of Kings just had its global release, and it’s posted ads targeting Mobile Legends.
This not only puts off potential players but also makes the game seem cheaper than it is.
The game’s diverse cast and interesting kit are overshadowed by people making fun of its ads.

The MOBA market has been stale for the last decade or so. League and DOTA have held complete domination over the genre. In the mobile world, Mobile Legends has held a similar spot. Honor of Kings’s global release has fans claiming it’lll give ML a run for its money.

Regardless of whether that’s true or not, the ads for the game have chosen a route that I dislike greatly. As a huge MOBA fan, these petty ads are making me not want to try it.

The Mobile Ads Curse

Okay, maybe the HOK team isn’t the only culprit for this. Mobile game ads are sucky in general. Even Mobile Legends has always had very questionable ads. However, HOK has several problems.

Most other games such as Mobile Legends learned from their mistakes and opted away from those cheesy, cringe ads. You wouldn’t find any mainstream game with ads like that in 2024, except Honor of Kings.

Insulting Potential Market

Honor of Kings wouldn’t just summon an audience out of thin air. The marketing team needs to realize that their goal is to convince the MOBA market, consisting mainly of ML players to join their game.

While at first, it may seem like they’re doing this, pointing out the faults of Mobile Legends to promote their own game, the truth is slightly different. What HOK is insulting is the Mobile Legends fandom, not the game itself.

This makes the already established audience not want to give the game a try. Why would you want to play a game that insults you?

The Ads Aren’t Honest

Even if we put aside just how cringe the ads are, they’re not honest either. The ads claim that HOK has features that other games don’t have, such as in-game pings and voice communication. The thing is, every multiplayer game nowadays already has these.

The game also claims that there isn’t any toxicity in the fandom, which is also just dishonest. The game’s just had its global release. It doesn’t even have a global fandom large enough to be toxic yet.

The game also says it has a super good reporting system, which isn’t true either. Even reporting players that were fully AFK doesn’t do much, nor does the support team help you much with it.

Is The Game Any Good?

Loong - HOK — Loong’s in-game model in Honor of Kings (Captured by Tech4Gamers)

The ironic and perhaps tragic thing about all of this is that the game isn’t bad at all. There are certainly issues such as a bad UI and balance problems, but the game brings a lot of new things to the table.

I’ll go on to say a number of the champion designs are so good that other titles should take inspiration from the game. Champions like Loong and Mayene have kits unlike any other MOBA I’ve seen.

I currently main Agudo, which is how Ivern could’ve been in League of Legends if the devs knew what to do with him.

Loong’s Ultimate in Honor of Kings (Captured by Tech4Gamers)

All of this makes the pettiness of the ads hurt so much more. It makes me almost embarrassed to play the game. The ads certainly gave the game traction, though. Let’s see where the game goes from such a weird start.

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