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 Highlight
Larian CEO confirms that Larian won’t use gen AI for Divinity’s concept art.
However, he hasn’t ruled out using the tech during game development.
He says it can help complete tasks quickly that would otherwise take too long.
Generative AI is all the talk these days, and fans have mixed thoughts on the tech. Recently, Larian Entertainment’s CEO came under fire for saying they could be exploring gen AI for its upcoming game’s concept art.
Larian took so much heat for the comment that they had to retract their statement, and the CEO has now officially revealed that they won’t be using gen AI for the Divinity concept art, but they could still use it in development.
Why it matters: Everyone has their own opinion on gen AI, while some are quite extreme and totally disapprove of it, others don’t care that much if the end product turns out to be good.
Divinity artwork won’t be generated by AI
In Larian’s subreddit, Swen Vincke clarified that Divinity won’t use gen AI for its concept art. This means that all the art released for their upcoming flagship title will be completely unique and made by a dedicated team.
We think GenAI can help with this and so we’re trying things out across departments. Our hope is that it can aid us to refine ideas faster, leading to a more focused development cycle.
– Swen Vincke
However, he still hasn’t ruled out using the tech for game development. Vincke says that Larian aims to try new things as quickly as possible, and that takes a lot of time, so they could explore gen AI tools to reduce that.
Larian will explore the tech for development
He says they’ll have strict guidelines for using the tech. For starters, they won’t add any AI-generated creative assets they aren’t sure about. If they do use gen AI tools, they’ll properly train the models themselves.
So, this is clearly a sign that the gaming industry is gradually adopting the tech. Whether people approve of it or not, using gen AI to automate tasks that normally would take too long is fine, as it can expedite development time.
What are your thoughts on Larian exploring gen AI for Divinity game development? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
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.
Story Highlight
ASRock recently revealed the H610M Combo motherboard, which includes slots for both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM.
The board, based on the LGA 1700 socket for Intel’s 12th-14th gen CPUs, has 4 DDR5 and 2 DDR4 RAM slots, offering upgradeability.
Don’t expect the same adoption for newer boards, since Ryzen 7000/9000 and Arrow Lake-S are only DDR5-specific.
The worldwide memory fiasco is only getting worse by the moment, and building a PC has become increasingly tough as DDR5 memory prices have soared beyond comprehension. Just to get an idea, a 64GB DDR5 kit is around $700, and prices are expected to rise further as we move into 2026.
Amidst this debacle, ASRock has unveiled its latest motherboard offerings, including the H610M Combo, which features 6 DIMM slots, 4 for DDR5, and 2 for DDR4, providing a unique configuration for users and a choice between expensive and affordable RAM.
Why it matters: RAM has become one of the most expensive parts of building a computer. Still, DDR4 kits are relatively affordable in this climate, and ASRock’s configuration provides users with room for future upgrades on a DDR5 platform.
ASRock H610M Combo is The First Consumer Board To Offer DDR4/DDR5 Combo With Dual Channel Support
The H610M Combo board is designed for the LGA1700 socket, supporting Intel CPU generations from 12th to 14th, DDR5-4800 and DDR4-2666 MT/s memory speed.
Our previous report also revealed that ASUS is ramping up production of LGA1700 and AM4 boards as DDR4 is making a comeback, but for those boards, there isn’t room for future upgradeability, unlike ASRock’s H610M Combo.
Samsung Has Delayed Its Plan To End DDR4 RAM Production
As for the CPUs, older generations like AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series and Intel’s 12th-14th generation are still going strong, with the latter even seeing a price increase recently. In fact, they’re even more popular than the current Ryzen 7000/9000 and Arrow Lake-S.
Moreover, these newer CPU generations are only DDR5-specific, so don’t expect to see widespread adoption of DDR4/DDR5 combos on other motherboards.
At Tech4Gamers, I proudly hold the role of a Hardware Reviewer. Here, I leverage my expertise to provide readers with in-depth insights into PC hardware, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions.
Hayyan Serwer
As the CPU Cooler and RAM Expert, I test the latest hardware to provide tips for smart purchases. I cover everything from busting myths about CPU coolers to looking into the newest RAM designs, examining various parts of PC hardware.
It’s been quite a while since the Ryzen 7 7800X3D was released, and it still manages to leave every other flagship processor in the dust. In fact, even AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 9950X is nowhere near the level of the mighty 7800X3D in gaming. Plus, when one of our CPU experts, Usman Saleem, reviewed the 7800X3D, he not only called it the best gaming processor but also appreciated its power efficiency. Well, if you’re planning to treat yourself to such a beast, you’ve to make sure your cooling is on point.
This is where we come in, my team and I have been hard at work testing and comparing dozens of AIOs and air coolers to round up the best options for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and we have finally narrowed down our search to the top 5.
AMD’s 3D-V Cache-based Ryzen 7000 series of CPUs offer substantial performance improvements over their standard counterparts. As we observed in our testing and review of the 7800X3D, out of all the X3D CPUs, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers amazing gaming performance but also requires a decent cooler. Therefore, through our dedicated testing, we have put together the top CPU coolers for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers 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.
Take a look at our recommendations compared with each other:
Cooler
EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
be quiet! Light Loop 360 White
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360mm A-RGB
Looks
Award
Best Overall CPU Cooler
Best White CPU Cooler
Best Air Cooler
Best Value CPU Cooler
What We Liked
Exceptional cooling performance and a fantastic build quality
Performance, Design, Refillable design, Included fan hub
29 March, 2025: After reviewing the be quiet! Light Loop 360 White, we replaced the Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD with it. This is because it offers similar performance for a better price and its aesthetics also hold up.
The EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB is jam-packed with top-notch features, and that showed during our initial review of the cooler. It achieves impeccable cooling performance through the combination of the EK Loop FPT fans, which ramp up to a whopping 2300 RPM, as well as the capable pump. Build quality has also been kept in check, with EK providing sleeved tubings, and brushed aluminum side panels.
I am also a huge fan of the cable management system EK has employed, which includes daisy-chained fans, well-positioned fittings, and a rotatable pump head. Additionally, EK has provided a compartment near the end of the radiator to hide the tube connections for a better overall look. Topping all of that is the A-RGB on the fans and the pump, a great addition for people like me who need the RGB flair in their builds.
Our reviewer Awais Khan found EK’s performance to be remarkable, stating:
“It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.”
Buy It If
✅You want a well-packaged cooler: If top-charting thermal performance and exceptional build quality are what you are looking for in a cooler, then the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB is going to be your best bet.
✅You don’t want to rely on additional software: Thankfully, you won’t have to rely on any extra software to control the cooler’s RGB.
Don't Buy It If
❌You want a silent experience: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB’s sound output is a bit higher than other AIOs, which might not be ideal for everyone.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB does not miss the mark on any aspect, providing an excellent combination of performance and aesthetics, making it the Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
If you are looking for a 240mm cooler to cool the 7800X3D, then I simply have no better recommendation than the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB. It packs Arctic’s powerful P12 fans that come rated for an airflow of 56.3 CFM and a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. On the other hand, you get a 38mm radiator, which benefits from its increased surface area, and an optimized in-house pump capable of reaching speeds of up to 2800 RPM.
Even with the addition of the 60mm fan, the noise output is fairly reasonable, coming in at 39.4 dBA in our tests. Apart from that, I love how Arctic has made the VRM fan on the pump removable while also providing the option to control the fan separately, a feature that was missing in the previous iteration of the cooler. Arctic has bundled the cooler with a 6-year warranty, which I appreciate on most liquid cooling units.
During my hands-on review, I was very impressed with the pump design; this is what I said:
“I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.
Buy It If
✅You want a high-value cooler: Arctic has maintained the price-to-performance with this iteration of the Liquid Freezer series, making it a great value option.
✅You want additional VRM cooling: The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB benefits from a 60mm VRM fan, which might be a great addition for those lacking adequate VRM cooling.
Don't Buy It If
❌You prefer easier installation: While not a deal-breaker, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB’s larger radiator might make installation a bit more difficult.
What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB deserves a spot as the best 240mm AIO cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D thanks to its phenomenal cooling potential, well-built design, and additional VRM cooling.
PRO TIP: Depending on your fan config and PC case size, you can install the 240mm radiator at the bottom, front, or top of the case for optimum performance.
The be quiet! Light Loop has the same average characteristics as most AIOs regarding radiator thickness and FPI. It does, however, use be quiet’s Light Wings LX fans with 9x blades, rated for 61.8 CFM. The cold plate uses an enhanced design with densely packed fins. In our testing, the cooler had the Ryzen 7 7800X3D maxing out at just 66°C during a Cinebench 2024 multi-core run. At the same time, at 100% RPM, the noise output from the cooler was a decent 54 dBA, but while gaming, it was one of the quietest!
Besides its stellar performance, the cooler looks beautiful in white and features 64 LEDs across the water block and fans. It also has some handy features, including a refillable design and extra coolant that can extend its lifespan. A hub’s also included, which can control up to 6x fans and other RGB components.
Here’s some of the praise on the cooler I had during my review:
The be quiet! Light Loop 360 is a high-performance AIO cooler with impressive features, including fully illuminated A-RGB fans and a revamped cooling system designed to handle flagship CPUs.
Buy It If
✅ You want a refillable design: The cooler supports refilling of the coolant and even comes with extra coolant for when needed.
✅An included fan/RGB hub is a preference: The be quiet! Light Loop comes with a hub that can power your fans and RGB devices.
Don't Buy It If
❌ Cable management is a priority: The included hub and the lack of daisy-chainable fans mean there’s quite a bit of clutter when managing the cables with this cooler.
❌ The warranty isn’t satisfactory: The cooler’s 3-year warranty is a bit less than what we’re used to seeing in AIOs.
What Makes It The Best White Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
The Light Loop 360 is another excellent addition to be quiet’s arsenal, offering excellent performance paired with pleasing aesthetics. There’s plenty of RGB for those who prefer it, and the included fan and RGB hub powers easy control for the fans and any other RGB you may have. We especially like the refillable design; the cooler can easily outlast any cooler that doesn’t support refilling.
PRO TIP: Configure the fan curves for the cooler to optimize noise output.
Performance: 9/10
Value: 8.5/10
Features: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 Pictures From Our Review
1 of 4
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 Base (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 Back (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Specifications : Type: Dual-Tower Air Cooler | Fan: 2 x Silent Wing | Fan Speed: 1,500RPM | Noise: 24.3dB(A) | RGB: None | Dimensions: 121 x 136 x 163mm |Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011-3 AMD: AM5, AM4
The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 air cooler consists of six heat pipes offering premium cooling even for air coolers. In fact, during our performance test, the cooler did not thermal throttle the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and we saw average temperatures around 60°C. While it boasts a premium build quality, the Dark Rock Pro 4 has a dual-tower design, a brushed black aluminum top cover, and a diamond-cut finish. Furthermore, the copper baseplate helps with heat absorption and the heat pipes are directly connected to the baseplate, improving thermal performance.
As far as design is concerned, the Dark Rock Pro 4, like other coolers in the Dark Rock family, focuses mainly on performance, keeping aesthetics aside. Still, the modest deep-black aesthetics aren’t too bad, and the cooler looks stunningly handsome despite the lack of the RGB most other coolers have.
After reviewing the product, Awais Khan commented on the cooler’s performance and value, stating:
“The be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is a fantastic CPU cooler built for pure performance, with impressive silent fans even at full load, the cooler marks every checkbox.”
Buy It If
✅You want exceptional air cooling performance: The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 offers exceptional air cooling performance, enough to keep the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at bay without thermal throttling the CPU. If that entices you, we recommend buying the cooler.
Don't Buy It If
❌You’re using taller RAM kits: If you’re using tall RAM, we recommend looking for another cooler because the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 doesn’t offer lots of RAM clearance. With taller RAM kits, you’re likely to face installation issues.
What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
The Dark Rock Pro 4 is one of the best air-cooling solutions. Be quiet! has included most of the features that one expects from a high-end CPU cooler. Overall, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is the best air cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
When it comes to value options that don’t compromise too much on performance, the ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360mm A-RGB has been my top pick, and for a good number of reasons. In our tests, the cooler not only matches other higher-end coolers way above its price category, but it also provides uncompromised build quality thanks to the addition of a 38mm radiator and dual-chamber pump design.
Speaking of which, I found that the pump cover is magnetic and can be detached, which is always nice to see. Enermax has also decided to include a VRM fan, which operates at a maximum speed of 3000 RPM while creating minimal noise. I’m also a fan of the inclusion of a coolant refill port on the radiator, allowing you to replace your existing coolant with the removal of a single screw.
The Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm amazed our hardware expert, Nauman Siddique, as well, and he stated in his review:
“The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.
Buy It If
✅You want adequate cooling under a tighter budget: The Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm has exceeded my expectations when it comes to delivery on the value-for-money mark.
✅You want an easy-to-maintain AIO: The Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm comes with a refill port on the radiator as well as extra coolant, allowing for easier maintenance.
Don't Buy It If
❌You want more fan control: Unfortunately, the VRM fan speed is tied to that of the pump and can’t be controlled separately.
What Makes It The Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
The Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm A-RGB offers fantastic cooling performance, an additional fan for VRM cooling, as well as an impeccable build quality that matches the standard of other higher-end options, which is why I have crowned it the Best Budget CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
PRO TIP: The infinity mirror offers decent customization, and you can even place your own images or GIFs for better effects.
To help you with your purchase decision as to which cooler for Ryzen 7 7800X3D is good for you, we tested all of them, and here are our results:
How We Tested & Picked These CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Ryzen 7 7800X3D (Image By Tech4Gamers)
After testing over 100 AIOs and air coolers, we selected our top picks for the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 7 7800X3D based on these factors:
Performance: It comes as no surprise that performance takes priority over anything else, especially when it comes to CPU coolers. Not only does a great-performing cooler help avoid issues such as thermal throttling, but it also provides users with enough thermal headroom to overclock their processor to their liking.
Budget: Budget is something many consider to be an important factor for a cooler. Pairing a beefy processor with a lower-end cooler not only restricts its performance but also results in throttling issues. Of course, your budget will mostly depend on the workloads and usage, which is why we have included CPU coolers from various different price categories.
Noise Level: Although a lot of people might be indifferent to the noise levels of the CPU, it can be equally as important to others. A silent cooler allows you to work in quieter environments without disrupting the flow of your work with any unneeded noise.
Build Quality: It is crucial to ensure that the selected cooler comes with a rigid build quality that does not hinder its cooling performance. With coolers being an intricate part of the system, subpar build quality simply cannot be accepted. Of course, the build quality of your cooler also impacts its performance, noise output, and cooling efficiency.
Community Poll
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ryzen 7 7800X3D come with a CPU cooler?
No. Much like the rest of the 7000 lineups, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D does not come with a stock cooler.
Does the Ryzen 7 7800X3D run hot?
Yes. Coming with a TDP of 120W, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is bound to run hot during intense gaming sessions.
Recent Updates
August 20, 2024: I tested several more coolers, and the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB, Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 ARGB, and the Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD turned out to be great options for 7800X3D.
June 1, 2024: I have made some formatting changes to improve readability.
February 21, 2024: Added thermal performance benchmarks from our in-house tested reviews.
October 25, 2023: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. Added image galleries. No products were changed.
September 10, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
Want more options? You can read our other tested round-ups:
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 Highlight
Xbox is set to host its Developer Direct showcase event on January 22 later this month.
They have announced showcases for Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation.
A reliable insider has suggested that there will be a 4th unannounced game as well.
Xbox is gearing up to announce its upcoming lineup of games at its Developer Direct happening on Januray 22. Team Green has had an underwhelming 2025 in terms of both hardware and software, and it’s looking to change that with new releases.
The Developer Direct will mainly be focused on 3 announced games, including Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation. However, a reliable insider has revealed that there will be another 4th unannounced game at the event.
Why it matters: We can only speculate about what the unannounced title could be, but considering that Xbox is keeping it a secret, it must be a flagship title or something that will likely generate a lot of hype.
Shinobi has revealed that there will be 4th unannounced game at Developer Direct
Shinobi responded to a thread on ResetEra, claiming that the Developer Direct will, in fact, feature a 4th announcement/reveal. He said that it’s a game that will excite many people, but he isn’t personally much into it.
Xbox has a lot of rumored projects in the works, so we can kind of guess as to what the title will be. First of all are the Fallout remakes, New Vegas and Fallout 3, are reportedly getting remakes, so there’s that.
The 4th reveal could be the rumored MachineGames multiplayer title
However, Fallout is a universally loved franchise, and considering Shinobi’s remarks, that might not be it. There’s also the rumored Rainbow Six Siege-like multiplayer MachineGames title, which could show up.
Anyhow, Xbox has had decent showcases in the last years, and this could be one to look forward to as well. Even if the 4th game doesn’t turn out to be a crowd-pleaser, there’s already Forza 6 and Fable to look forward to.
What are your thoughts on Xbox Developer Direct featuring a 4th unannounced game? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
Crimson Desert’s open world will be twice as large as Skyrim, with a map even bigger than Red Dead Redemption 2.
The game won’t have RPG elements, but players can have radically different playthroughs thanks to the number of quests.
Sky Islands are a part of the open world, and players can also ride dragons.
Five years on from its reveal at The Game Awards, Crimson Desert is finally set to hit stores this March. Developer Pearl Abyss has crafted a massive open world for the action-adventure title, with a bizarre amount of details and complexity.
Interestingly, players have the choice to traverse the landscape in multiple ways, whether by riding a dragon, a bear, or piloting a mecha, and if developer Will Powers is right about the size of the map, fans will definitely need to choose the dragon.
Why It Matters: From the looks of it, the open world of Crimson Desert is not only big but also engaging, and players will have a variety of choices in the game world.
In a developer interview with New Game+ Showcase, Pearl Abyss developer Will Powers revealed that Crimson Desert’s open world will be twice as big as Skyrim’s and will be larger than Red Dead Redemption 2’s map.
The World is at least twice as big as the open world of Skyrim . Its larger than the map of Red Dead Redemption 2.
The developer further explained that the game’s world will be very interactive, with many activities and distractions for fans. However, Powers disclosed a disappointing fact that there won’t be much emphasis on RPG elements in the Crimson Desert open world.
Players won’t be able to romance characters, but thanks to the sheer size and depth of the map, playthroughs will be radically different depending on what quests you choose. The developer further emphasised that Crimson Desert will empower the player’s own choice rather than guiding them in a certain direction.
Crimson Desert will give you many options to traverse the massive map.
From the looks of it, fans will have a lot to pick from as the single-player title will even have Sky Islands to explore. With a main story ranging between 50-80 hours, players will have plenty of time to explore the massive open world of Crimson Desert and ride dragons or pilot mechas.
Do you think Crimson Desert will offer an engaging open world when it launches? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
Epic Games Store users have increased by 173% over the last 6 years, going from 108 million to 295 million by the end of 2024.
However, third-party revenue doesn’t show a similar trend, as revenue from games has only grown by 1.6%
Epic’s CEO has also criticised the launcher previously, calling it clunky and slower than Steam.
Despite giving away free games worth thousands of Dollars, Epic Games Store has failed to overtake Steam, with Valve’s platform continuing to break records every year. Players on PC have consistently chosen Steam over EGS in the past few years, thanks to the former’s tendency to prioritize players above all else.
As it turns out, the Epic Games Store has seen a sharp increase in players since the start of this decade; however, this hasn’t led to substantial revenue growth.
Why it matters: Many think Steam has a monopoly over PC players, but that is only because competitors made mistakes and Valve offers brilliant fan service.
According to data compiled by a Reddit user, the Epic Games Store has seen its user base grow by 173% since 2019. The launcher had about 108 million players in 2019, as per Epic’s report, and this number has grown to 295 million as of December 2024.
However, third-party revenue has failed to increase by a similar margin, as the chart shows that overall gross from third-party titles has risen only 1.6%.
The company generated $255 million in third-party revenue in 2024, only $4 million more than its gross in 2019, despite having 190 million more players. Hence, it feels like users are just grabbing the free titles and heading back to Steam.
Epic Games Store’s free offerings do bring in new users to the platform.
Do you think Epic Games Store will ever be able to challenge Steam’s monopoly? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
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
Intel admits that stuttering can be a real immersion breaker for PC games.
The team is currently focused on dealing with the prevalent stutters across PC gaming, highlighting initiatives like Precompiled Shader Distribution.
Other studios like CDPR are also attempting to deal with stutters.
Intel, like AMD and Nvidia, has entered the GPU market in recent years. While Intel’s graphics cards are still very much a work in progress, the company has covered a lot of ground, especially considering how new it is to the discrete graphics market.
Much of the credit for Intel’s progress goes to executives like Tom Peterson, who are constantly monitoring the PC gaming space to identify ongoing problems. In a recent interview, Tom Peterson also discussed the current state of stuttering in PC games and how it ruins immersion.
Why it matters: Stuttering, particularly in games using Unreal Engine 5, has become all too common lately, with very few titles being immune to this issue.
Speaking to Digital Foundry, Tom Peterson acknowledged that realism isn’t his primary concern when it comes to the future of gaming.
He argues that a lack of immersion isn’t the primary factor breaking immersion in games today, since stuttering has yet to be addressed. As Tom Peterson puts it, Intel and its discrete graphics department are focused on making games run and look like ‘butter.’
The executive also pointed to Google’s project Butter, which aimed to make scrolling on Android phones as smooth as possible. This is effectively what Intel hopes to achieve for games, leveraging AI, better rendering techniques, and more in the process.
I don’t think that’s the primary thing that’s breaking immersion right now. It’s this whole stutter thing.
-Tom Peterson
Team Blue Believes Stuttering Is A Huge Problem For Gaming
To that end, Team Blue previously announced Precompiled Shader Distribution for reduced stuttering and improved shader caching. Although shader downloads will be limited to a select few games initially, the idea shows quite a lot of promise.
Elsewhere, studios like CDPR are also working on finding a solution to Unreal Engine 5’s stuttering. Clearly, then, the industry is aware of the gaming industry’s gripes with stuttering and is actively working on various solutions.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
Insider Jason Schreier has revealed that GTA 6 is still not content complete and could be delayed further.
Schreier said that no one inside Rockstar is 100% sure about the November release date, but considers it more realistic than before.
Take-Two will delay the game if it isn’t perfect instead of delivering a subpar product.
After numerous delays and over a decade of waiting, GTA 6 is finally set to release in November this year. The game has been rumored to be content complete for a while now, according to insiders, but Take-Two is letting Rockstar take its sweet time to avoid a Cyberpunk 2077 situationat launch.
Now, according to a new leak, GTA 6 could require more time to polish, meaning another delay into 2027 is not entirely impossible for the Rockstar title.
Why This Matters: GTA 6 is expected to give the entire gaming industry a major push, so another delay is not ideal for any party involved.
GTA 6 developers are still finalizing the game’s content.
While talking on the Ringer-Verse Button Mash Podcast, insider Jason Schreier stated that he wouldn’t be surprised if GTA 6 gets delayed again, as the game is still unfinished. According to his sources, developers are still adding content to the game and deciding which missions and levels will make the final cut.
The last I heard it was still not content complete. That is to say that people were still finishing things up, still finalising levels and missions.
Schreier also stated that this isn’t unusual for Rockstar, as the studio had a similar release cycle for Red Dead Redemption 2, announcing it for Fall 2017 but then releasing it a year later. However, the insider claimed that no one at Rockstar is 100% sure about meeting the November release date.
Stakes are especially high for Take-Two as a broken and buggy GTA 6 can tank the company; hence, letting the release date slip a little to deliver a perfect game is a risk the company is willing to take, according to Schreier.
GTA 6 will be like a PS5 exclusive at launch, per Jason Schreier.
The insider also highlighted the importance of GTA 6 for PlayStation 5, saying that Sony is planning its entire calendar year around the game thanks to the lack of a PC release. Even though Jason Schreier thinks sales on Xbox will be a “non-factor,” the American company is also increasing console production in anticipation of GTA 6.
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.
[Press Release] BIOSTAR is showcasing its latest edge AI technology at CES 2026 in partnership with MemryX. The showcase is running from January 6 to January 9 at the Palazzo Tower, Floor 48, Suite 903. This year, we are focusing on efficient, low-power AI systems for real-time edge processing.
The EdgeComp MU-N150 industrial system is powered by the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor and built for compact, reliable deployment. Its fanless design and low thermal output make it suitable for continuous operation in industrial environments.
The system includes dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, dual HDMI outputs, USB 3.2 connectivity, and an M.2 Key-M 2280 slot for expansion, supporting use cases such as automation control, HMI terminals, smart retail, and digital signage.
Paired with the system is the MemryX MX3 M.2 AI accelerator, which enables efficient AI inference in a compact form factor. Built on MemryX’s scalable architecture, the module delivers high throughput with low latency while keeping power consumption low.
With onboard memory and support for TensorFlow, PyTorch, and ONNX, deployment is streamlined across Linux, Windows, and Android using MemryX’s development tools.
Together, the EdgeComp MU-N150 and MemryX MX3 provide a dependable edge AI platform focused on real-time performance and efficiency. The solution supports applications such as machine vision, robotics, safety monitoring, and real-time analytics, helping bring AI processing closer to where data is generated.
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.
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The analyst who previously predicted The Witcher 3 DLC has reiterated their statement.
CDPR needs to meet a certain incentive goal, and it will release new content for that.
The DLC is more likely, but the studio could also release a small-scale title instead.
The Witcher 3 base game is certainly one of the best RPGs ever developed. Its expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, are exceptional DLCs that feel like two separate games on their own, and we could be getting more.
Previously, a Polish analyst stated that CDPR is working on another The Witcher 3 DLC. Now, they have reiterated the previous report, claiming that they are 100% sure that the expansion is real and will indeed be released in 2026.
Why it matters: All reports point out that the new content could be a new paid add-on expansion, and if it’s anything remotely close to the previous DLCs scope, fans of the franchise are in for a massive treat.
The Witcher 3’s new DLC seems inevitable now
Eurogamer reached out to the analyst, Mateusz Chrzanowski, to confirm the authenticity of their recent report. They stated that their information comes from a mix of publicly available sources and conversations with CDPR.
I’m 100 percent certain CDPR will release significant new content this year, as the incentive program is still 700 million PLN short.
– Mateusz Chrzanowski
Chrzanowski says that CDPR has an incentive program that it needs to meet. To meet the requirement the the studio has to make PLN 2bn (£412m) cumulative net profit between 2023 and 2026, and is still short of it.
The game’s older DLCs are some of the best ones ever released
To meet the first threshold of this program, the studio needs to each a certain goal, and it needs to release new content for that, and therefore it has planned to release a new DLC for its critically acclaimed The Witcher 3.
While the expansion is more likely, Chrzanowski says there could be a smaller-scale game instead. Nonetheless, we are definitely getting something from CDPR soon before the Witcher 4’s 2027 expected release.
What are your thoughts on The Witcher 3 DLC being inevitable? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
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.
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Testing shows DLSS 4.5 provides better quality than native in Cyberpunk and RDR 2.
The image quality is much sharper and better, providing a huge upgrade over DLSS 4.
However, the performance does take a hit, as DLSS 4 provides better FPS.
When the upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR were first introduced, they were treated more like a liability because, yes, they did improve performance, but at a severe cost to picture quality. That has now significantly changed.
Years later, we are at a point where upscaling tech has become so much better that the quality is indistinguishable from the native resolution. In fact, testing shows that DLSS 4.5 delivers better quality than native in some titles.
Why it matters: Since upscaling is now a basic demand for almost every AAA title, it needed to be significantly improved. Nvidia seems to have just done that with the latest iteration of its DLSS technology.
MxBenchmarks tested Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 on RTX 5080 at different resolutions and settings, and surprisingly, in certain cases, DLSS 4.5 provided much better quality than native resolution.
In Cyberpunk 2077, the image quality between DLSS 4 and DLSS 4.5 is a night-and-day difference. There were cases of blurred textures and smearing during motion that have been fixed with DLSS 4.5.
The lighting and sharpness even feel better than native resolution in most cases. The difference is even more noticeable in Red Dead Redemption 2, where everything looks much sharper, brighter, and overall better than native.
The image quality is certainly improved, but that does come at a cost of performance. In both titles, we can see that DLSS 4 clearly has higher FPS in almost every scenario. So, it ultimately depends on the user.
What are your thoughts on DLSS 4.5 providing better quality than native resolution? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
As Tech4Gamers’ Wiki Editor, I dissect gaming products, offering detailed perspectives on a variety of PCMR hardware ranging from the Best Motherboards and CPUs to the Best GPUs, RAM, and PSUs.
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Modding your keyboard doesn’t always need to be expensive; the most noticeable typing improvements can be achieved with a couple of dollars and a few hours of your time.
Tape and foam mods come first after which seasoned gamers can then think about lubricating their keyboard’s stabilizers and switches.
The most complex mods involve investing heavily in specialized gasket mounts or expensive casings crafted from sound dampening material like aluminum or brass in addition to custom PCBs; the refinements are pronounced, but there is a diminishing law of return.
Let’s be honest: it’s incredibly easy to fall down the keyboard enthusiast rabbit hole.
One minute you’re typing happily on your good ol’ mechanical board, the next you’re staring at a shopping cart filled with the Best $200 Custom Gaming Keyboards and their relevant prized accessories like limited-edition keycaps. I’ve been there.
We crowned the Lucky65 V2 as the Best Overall Custom Gaming Keyboard of 2025, but it doesn’t come cheap; it’s $100 for just the barebone keyboard, i.e., it doesn’t come with any switches or keycaps. (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
That said, what if I told you that the single biggest upgrade to your typing experience doesn’t come from your wallet, but from a roll of masking tape and an afternoon of tinkering?
After modding more keyboards than I can count, I’ve learned that the soul of a great typing experience isn’t its price tag. It’s the meticulous, personal touches you add yourself.
Best of all, the most impactful modifications cost literal pennies.
Forget saving for a new board; here’s how I transform any keyboard from clunky to glorious (no pun intended) on a shoestring budget.
The Foundation Of Sound: Tape And Foam Modding
We must begin with the absolute cornerstone of budget modding: the Tape Mod.
This is my number one recommendation for anyone, regardless of their keyboard. The process is hilariously simple.
You open up your keyboard case, flip the printed circuit board (PCB) over, and apply one to three layers of painter’s tape or masking tape directly onto the back. Then, you simply reassemble everything.
Why does this work? The tape absorbs the harsh, high-frequency vibrations that travel through the PCB when you type.
The result is a dramatically deeper, softer, and more consistent sound profile. That cheap, hollow plastic echo vanishes, replaced by a satisfying, muted thock.
Cherry on top, the entire process takes five minutes and the tape might cost you thirty cents. The acoustic transformation, however, is priceless.
Next, we tackle Case Foam.
Why? Well, the empty space inside your keyboard case is an echo chamber.
By cutting a piece of packing foam, shelf liner, or even an old sponge to size and placing it inside the case, you eliminate that hollow reverb.
The Corsair K70 Core TKL sports a foamed-up spacebar to maximise sound dampening. (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
Combined with the tape mod, these two changes will make your $50 keyboard sound and feel like a premium instrument. I promise you, the difference is not subtle.
The Magic Of Lubrication
If your keyboard has a rattly spacebar or scratchy switches, lubrication is your salvation.
This is the step that elevates the feel from good to buttery smooth.
You don’t need a $40 lube station; a small vial of Krytox 205g0 or a cheaper dielectric grease will last for years.
The primary target is always the stabilizers, i.e., the mechanisms under your larger keys like the spacebar, Enter, and Shift keys.
An example of what stabilizers look like on the Epomaker Shadow X, i.e., a premium gaming keyboard. (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
A dab of dielectric grease on the wire ends and a light coating on the plastic stems will murder that awful rattle instantly.
It’s a fifteen-minute job that yields a professional-level result.
For the truly adventurous, lubing the switches themselves is the final frontier.
This involves carefully opening each switch and applying a microscopic amount of grease to the sliding parts.
It’s a meditative, time-consuming process, but the reward is an impossibly smooth and quiet keystroke. The feeling is addictive; every press feels premium and intentional.
Hot-Swap Freedom vs. Soldered Permanence
Perhaps the most fun upgrade is swapping your switches.
Maybe you want a heavier spring for gaming or a tactile bump for typing.
Thankfully, the rise of hot-swappable PCBs has made this easier than ever.
If your keyboard is hot-swap, you can just pull the old switches out and push new ones in; no tools required. It’s like giving your keyboard a new personality in minutes.
If your board has a soldered PCB, the process is more involved, requiring a soldering iron to desolder each switch.
It’s a skill worth learning, but it certainly has a higher barrier to entry.
Nevertheless, the payoff of being able to choose from thousands of different switches is a game-changer for your typing feel and sound.
The Verdict: Your Perfect Keyboard Is Already In Your Hands
Ultimately, the journey to typing bliss isn’t about how much you spend, but how much time you invest.
The most satisfying keyboard I own isn’t my most expensive one; it’s an old board I brought back to life with fifty cents of tape and a few hours of devotion.
I picked up this prebuilt wireless mechanical 60% keyboard along with a wired RGB gaming mouse for less than $40 from Havit and swapped out the stock ABS keycaps for Redragon’s Double-shot PBT Scarab A130 Pudding Keycaps. Ain’t she a beauty? (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
These mods provide an instant impact on acoustic feedback, typing feel, and even your speed, as a smoother, more pleasant board invites you to type more.
So before you click “checkout” on that expensive new kit, open up your current keyboard first.
I can almost guarantee that with a little time and even less money, you can build the typing experience you’ve been dreaming of.
