CPU

The Intel Core 3 304 has been spotted on Passmark, and its benchmark scores are close to those of the Apple A18 Pro in the MacBook Neo.

Once again, the partnership with Elon Musk has allowed Samsung to broaden its portfolio further. The company has been working with Neuralink to develop the next generation of brain chips, and production is expected to start early next year.

AMD’s Frank Azor has pushed back against reports that FSR 4.1 support for RDNA 3.5 APUs has been canceled, saying no final decision has been made despite earlier comments suggesting AMD was leaning against it.

Microsoft and Nvidia are positioning AI as a practical bridge for improving legacy x86 Windows app performance on emerging Arm-based PCs powered by RTX Spark and Snapdragon X hardware. While agentic AI and emulation tools may ease app conversion and compatibility, demanding legacy software, games, and security-heavy systems will still require developer intervention.

Moore's Law Is Dead has published a highly detailed AMD Zen 6 leak. The leak summarizes everything MLID has revealed about Zen 6 in the past while also providing some interesting new nuggets of information. The most interesting aspects of the entire Zen 6 family appear to be the performane potential and SKU segmentation.

AMD has re-announced the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at Computex 2026, positioning the $350 AM4 processor as a cost-conscious upgrade path for gamers still using DDR4 systems. The company says the relaunch required substantial engineering work, including requalifying the chip for a newer 3D V-Cache stacking process after the original TSMC method became unavailable.

The CPU now comes bundled with Carbice's nanotube tech-based 'Ice Pads' in addition to a $100 haircut over its original launch price in 2022.

AMD has introduced EXPO Ultra Low Latency (EXPO-ULL), a new DDR5 memory profile promising lower latency, smoother frame times, and up to 13% higher average FPS with 15% better 1% lows versus standard JEDEC memory. Certified 6000 MT/s and 6400 MT/s kits from major memory vendors are expected starting June 2026.

Nvidia's RTX Spark SoCs hope to bring new life to the Windows on ARM platform. These chips are designed for high-performance in slim and light laptops, with a long-lasting battery, to compete with Apple.

AMD has introduced two 8-core Ryzen CPUs at Computex 2026. One of the CPUs, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, is a re-release of a fan-favorite processor that kick-started AMD’s stand-out X3D gaming CPU lineup. The other chip is a brand-new Ryzen 7 7700X3D based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture.

A fresh leak has provided the clearest look yet at Nvidia's upcoming Arm processors for laptops, revealing four N1-series variants with Blackwell graphics, up to 20 CPU cores, and support for 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory.

MediaTek has announced the Dimensity 7500 and it is the first mobile processor to feature Arm's C1 CPU cores. The octa-core processor also has a new NPU and brings notable performance and efficiency improvements.

Huawei has claimed some big improvements for the next HiSilicon Kirin flagship SoC. Codenamed "Kirin2026", the next Kirin flagship reportedly utilizes Huawei's LogicFolding technology to achieve a double-digit increase in max boost frequency and more than 40% increase in power efficiency.

As leaks have stated in the past, Intel has multiple CPU architectures under development. Serial leaker has now provided an update on the Intel Razer Lake, Intel Nova Lake-AX, Intel Titan Lake, and Intel Hammer Lake CPU architectures that are set to span multiple CPU generations over the next years.

A reliable hardware leaker claims AMD is preparing a budget Ryzen 7 7700X3D, an 8-core Zen 4 gaming CPU with 3D V-Cache, 96MB of L3 cache, 120W power, and a rumored $300 price. If accurate, the chip could deliver near-Ryzen 7 7800X3D gaming performance at slightly lower clock speeds, offering cost-conscious PC gamers a more affordable route into AMD’s X3D lineup.

Overclocker "wytiwx" has set a new CPU clock speed world record by pushing an Intel Core i9-14900KF to an astonishing 9.2GHz. The achievement was made using extreme liquid helium cooling on an Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Apex motherboard.

MediaTek's upcoming Dimensity 9600 will utilize a 2nm process and a 2+3+3 all-big core CPU. With native frame interpolation and upscaling, the flagship SoC rumored to power OpenAI’s first phone aims to beat Apple’s A20 Pro and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 in GPU performance. Flagships from Vivo and Oppo are expected to debut with the new SoC this fall.

Noctua has launched the all-black NF-A12X25 G2 Chromax.Black fan, bringing the performance of its acclaimed G2 design to a matte-black finish priced at $34.90, with a twin-pack available for $64.90. The fan retains the upgraded aerodynamics, low-noise operation, 150,000-hour SSO2 bearings, accessory bundle, and six-year warranty that made the original G2 a standout for PC builders.

Intel shares surged to a record high after a Bloomberg report said Apple is in early talks with Intel and Samsung to produce key chips in the U.S., potentially reducing its reliance on TSMC. The prospect of Apple using Intel’s foundry services for future A-series and M-series processors fueled investor enthusiasm, extending a dramatic yearlong rally in the chipmaker’s stock.

AMD reported strong Q1 2026 results, but warned that rising memory and component costs driven by AI demand could weaken PC and gaming hardware sales in the second half of the year. Executives expect gaming revenue to fall more than 20% compared with the first half, even as Ryzen CPU and Radeon GPU demand continues to support year-over-year growth.

In a move that could see Apple diversify its supply chains, Apple is reportedly evaluating Intel and Samsung to manufacture its upcoming processors. So far, TSMC has been the sole producer for Apple's iPhone and MacBook chips. Apple's reliance on TSMC is so big that it is TSMC's second-largest customer, second only to Nvidia.

Valve co-founder Gabe Newell’s decade-old claim that consoles have shifted from bespoke graphics designs to PC-derived hardware has largely been validated, with modern systems relying on x86 architectures and AMD-based GPUs alongside PC-like features such as upscaling. As Valve and Microsoft move toward PC–console hybrids—via a new Steam Machine iteration and the rumored “Project Helix”—the divide between console and PC ecosystems continues to narrow, emphasizing shared hardware foundations and cross-library play.

YouTube has taken down a video from Moore's Law Is Dead detailing AMD's future Zen 7 CPU architecture. Moore's Law Is Dead, known for leaking upcoming CPU, GPU, and gaming consoles, has claimed that the video takedown doesn't seem to be AMD's doing.

Moore’s Law is Dead has revealed Nvidia plans to show off its N1X laptop CPU at Computex this year. However, one might have to wait a while before they can buy a laptop powered by the chip.

Maingear has refreshed its MG-1 desktop lineup ahead of AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2's arrival, pairing expanded CPU/GPU options with higher-end build refinements and deeper customization, including custom artwork, up to 128GB of DDR5, and as many as six M.2 NVMe SSDs. The update also emphasizes value and usability with a BYO RAM program, bloatware-free Windows image, optional warranty extension, and zero-interest financing aimed at smoothing the upgrade path for 2026 gaming and AI workloads.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is here. The CPU features 16x Zen 5 cores, two 3D V-Cache chiplets, and an up to 5.6 GHz boost clock. This is all sounds fantastic on paper. However, AMD has reportedly been very stingy with Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 review samples, as even Gamers Nexus didn't get one.

AMD launched the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 at $900, which is $200 more than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s launch price. Performance tests are now indicating that the new CPU doesn’t offer the performance gains that would be worth the price increase.

A fresh batch of slides attributed to AMD has surfaced via Moore's Law Is Dead, detailing the company's Zen 7 server platform. Codenamed Florence, the top SP7/SP8 configuration reportedly scales to 288 cores across eight Steamboat CCDs, pairs high-performance cores with a separate stacked L3 cache die, and remains compatible with existing Zen 6 IO dies.

AMD is reportedly preparing an “AM4 10th Anniversary Edition” Ryzen 7 5800X3D for a Q2 2026 launch, reviving its popular Zen 3 X3D chip with the same core specifications but updated packaging. The move is framed as a pragmatic response to surging DDR5 prices, offering gamers a cost-effective DDR4 upgrade path on the long-lived AM4 platform.

TechEpiphany has released Mindfactory's CPU sales for weeks 14 and 15 of 2026. The data shows that AMD continues to dominate the overall sales. However, Intel CPU sales seem to have improved. That said, TechEpiphany claims that the decline in CPU sales is unprecedented.

Intel has introduced its new Core Series 3 mobile processors, targeting entry-level laptops, commercial systems, and edge deployments. The lineup brings updated CPU cores, integrated AI acceleration, and modern connectivity, with systems expected from OEM partners starting April 2026.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite shows a significant leap over its predecessor, especially in graphics performance, nearly doubling its 3DMark Fire Strike score. Real-world gaming tests on an Asus Zenbook reveal playable performance in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Sales for the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 will start from April 22 but initial benchmarks have started showing up. The first set reveals 7-Zip and Cinebench scores with the stock air cooler.

Qualcomm is expected to launch two new Snapdragon 8 Elite processors this year. Now, a popular leaker has provided more details of the less-powerful variant which is expected to launch as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D needs no introduction. The powerful Zen 5 part happens to be the most worthy gaming CPU that money can buy right now, especially for folks who care more about gaming performance than anything else.

A recent product listing on Goofish has revealed an engineering sample of a laptop motherboard housing the upcoming Nvidia N1 SoC. Laptops powered by Nvidia's N1 family of SoCs have been rumored for a long time, and are expected to arrive later this year.

The increased frequencies would be possible via the N2P fabrication from TSMC. Still, even with the more efficient nodes, the Dimensity 9600 Pro chips are apparently overheating and require more complex cooling.

Intel says its 14th‑gen Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs and the LGA 1700/700‑series motherboard platform will remain in production, ensuring continued availability for desktop builders even as the company transitions to Arrow Lake. The move also keeps DDR4 support alive amid volatile memory pricing, giving users a lower‑cost entry point and a clearer upgrade path to DDR5 later.

A hardware modder on Overclock.net reports successfully booting Windows 11 on Intel’s OEM-only Core 9 273PQE “Bartlett Lake” CPU using a standard Asus Z790 LGA1700 motherboard after crafting custom BIOS microcode and patches that spoof early initialization as Raptor Lake. The proof-of-concept highlights both the platform’s latent compatibility and the limits of accessibility, since Bartlett Lake chips remain unavailable to typical consumers despite interest in an all–performance-core desktop release.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 will be available in the market starting April 22, but it looks like pricing for the CPU has already leaked. The chip touts 13% performance uplift in some tasks compared to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, but the leaked price tag seems a bit exorbitant.

A reliable leaker has compared the clock speed and IPC uplift of Intel Nova Lake and AMD Zen 6 CPU architectures. If the leaker's report is correct, Intel might finally be able to take the performance crown from AMD in all workloads, including gaming.

The Intel Core Ultra X9 378H is now official, and essentially, it's a comparable processor to the X9 388H, but with a slightly lowered Max Turbo Frequency. It even retains the capable Arc B390 iGPU but strips enterprise features.

A PC modder, “kryptonfly,” used Claude AI-assisted BIOS rewriting to inject missing microcode and get Intel’s OEM-only Core 9-273PQE Bartlett Lake CPU to reach POST on an Asus Z790 motherboard, with the BIOS correctly identifying the processor. The system still fails to boot past POST with a black screen and errors, underscoring that full Bartlett Lake support remains unofficial and could be closed off by future Intel or Asus firmware updates.

According to the latest CPU sales data out of Germany, overall CPU sales in week 13 of 2026 were the lowest ever. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D was the top-selling CPU on Mindfactory, with Intel far behind.

Intel has confirmed it will not release the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus, abandoning the planned 24-core flagship as part of its Arrow Lake Refresh lineup. Instead, the company is focusing on the more broadly positioned Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, which it considers sufficient in terms of performance and value.

Intel's new Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus "Arrow Lake Refresh" are here, and they are excellent. In fact, based on several reviews, including our own testing, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus deliver some of the best price-to-performance on the market.

Intel Core Ultra 9 290K has reportedly been canceled. So, there will be, for the time being, only two CPUs in the Core Ultra 200S Plus Arrow Lake Refresh lineup. However, the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus has now popped up on Geekbench with impressive performance.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D just dropped to its lowest-ever price of $419.95 on Amazon, down from $479. The Zen 5 gaming CPU also includes a free copy of Crimson Desert, which adds even more value to one of the fastest gaming processors available.

Intel is reportedly set to raise PC CPU prices by 10% amid rising component costs, including a sharp surge in memory prices. This move will likely increase pressure on PC makers and could lead to higher consumer device prices.