This week’s Hardware News discusses the ongoing controversy over missing ROPs in Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs, along with updates on supply and the rapid adoption of DLSS 4 technology. Additionally, EA has positively engaged the community by releasing the source code for Command and Conquer titles, while Thermal Grizzly has introduced a delidding service for the Ryzen 9 9800X3D to enhance thermal performance.
In this week’s Hardware News recap, the discussion revolves around several key topics, primarily focusing on Nvidia’s RTX 50 series and the ongoing controversy regarding missing ROPs (Raster Operations Pipelines) in both desktop and laptop GPUs. Despite Nvidia’s claims that there are no missing ROPs, conflicting reports from various sources suggest otherwise. A utility has been developed to help users detect these missing components on desktop GPUs, highlighting the potential performance losses associated with such issues. The situation has led to a broader conversation about Nvidia’s quality assurance processes and how they address these problems.
Nvidia also provided updates on the supply situation for the RTX 50 series, asserting that they have shipped twice as many GPUs compared to the previous generation within the same timeframe. However, the company acknowledged that demand has been a significant factor in the perceived shortages. Additionally, Nvidia is preparing for the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and announced that over 100 games will support their DLSS 4 technology, which has seen rapid adoption compared to previous iterations. The company continues to develop its RTX Remix tool for game modding, aiming to enhance compatibility and rendering capabilities for older games.
In a surprising turn of events, EA Games has made headlines for a positive reason by releasing the source code for several Command and Conquer titles, including Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert. This move allows fans and developers to modify and redistribute the games under the GPL license, fostering a renewed interest in the beloved RTS series. EA has also updated mission editor and world-building tools, enabling players to create and share custom maps through platforms like Steam Workshop, marking a significant step towards community engagement and creativity.
On the hardware front, Thermal Grizzly has introduced a delidding service for the Ryzen 9 9800X3D, allowing customers to enhance thermal performance while providing a two-year warranty. This service aims to mitigate the risks associated with delidding, which typically voids warranties when done independently. The company has plans to expand this service to other CPUs if there is sufficient demand, showcasing a growing trend of companies addressing consumer needs for better thermal management solutions.
Lastly, the video touches upon Meta’s legal troubles regarding the alleged illegal downloading of copyrighted materials for AI training. In their defense, Meta claims they took precautions not to distribute the downloaded files, which raises ethical questions about the legality of their actions. Additionally, Nvidia is reportedly addressing issues related to black screen problems in the RTX 50 series with driver updates and BIOS fixes, as users continue to experience instability with their graphics cards. Overall, the recap highlights a mix of hardware developments, corporate accountability, and community engagement in the gaming industry.