AMD Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

There’s Not Much Room For Improvement In Halo: Campaign Evolved’s PC Settings

Microsoft is delivering a second remake of Halo: Combat Evolved using Unreal Engine 5, which offers stunning visuals but poses challenges for players with older or lower-end hardware. The game performs well on high-end systems, such as an RTX 3090 running smoothly at 60 fps in 4K with the High preset. However, it lacks flexibility for performance adjustments, making it more efficient to use higher presets rather than fine-tuning settings. Key settings include: - Effects Quality: Keep high unless performance issues arise. - Geometric Quality: Maintain high until VRAM limitations are a concern. - Global Illumination Quality: Can be kept high without significant performance impact. - Lighting Quality: Adjust for substantial performance gains if frame rates dip below 60 fps. - Texture Quality: Adjust based on available VRAM. - Reflections: Dial down to medium or low to enhance frame rates. - Atmospheric Quality: Based on personal preference. - Post-Processing Quality: Can be adjusted down with minimal performance impact. - Screen Shake: Toggle based on personal preference. - Motion Blur: Consider turning off due to intensity. - Upscaling Technique: Choose based on GPU brand. - Async Compute: Keep off unless using a high-end graphics card and CPU. - Low Latency Mode: Select based on GPU for optimal responsiveness. - Frame Generation: Can enhance frame rates but may introduce latency.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition gets a PC system requirement update 17 years after launch

Mojang Studios has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition, necessitating more memory, faster processors, and enhanced graphics capabilities. The new minimum requirements are: - Target: 1080p @ 30 FPS, Fast preset - OS: Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit - Architecture: x64, ARM64 - Memory: 8 GB (with discrete GPU) or 12 GB (with integrated GPU) - Processor: Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X, or Apple M1 (minimum of 4 physical cores) - Graphics: Vulkan 1.3-capable GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM (e.g., NVIDIA GTX 950 or newer, AMD Radeon RX 460 or newer) The recommended requirements are: - Target: 1080p @ 60 FPS, Fancy preset - OS: Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit - Architecture: x64, ARM64 - Memory: 16 GB - Processor: Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600, or Apple M2 Pro - Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580, or Apple M2 Pro with 6 GB VRAM If a computer does not meet the minimum requirements, it may still run Minecraft but with potential issues such as lower frame rates and visual glitches. Mojang has indicated that support for older hardware may be phased out in the future.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

CachyOS Outperforming Windows 11, Ubuntu & Fedora On AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

The BOSGAME VTA-439 mini PC features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 Gorgon Point SoC with a 12-core and 24-thread architecture, Radeon 890M integrated RDNA 3.5 graphics, 32GB of dual 16GB DDR5-5600 memory, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. It ships with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro and has been benchmarked against Windows 11, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Fedora Workstation 44, and CachyOS to evaluate performance.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

FreeBSD Developing New NTSYNC Driver For Accelerating Windows NT Sync Primitives

The FreeBSD project released its Q2-2026 status report, highlighting several advancements, including the introduction of an AMD ROCm port and the development of a new NTSYNC driver. Enhancements for desktop and laptop users included porting the latest graphics driver code, transferring WiFi driver code from Linux, improving suspend and resume functionalities, enhancing support for the Framework Laptop, implementing suspend-to-disk capabilities, and refining the audio stack. An intern from the FreeBSD Foundation worked on porting AMD ROCm, and the NTSYNC driver is designed to be compatible with the Linux 7.0 interface. The unified system management platform, Sylve, received new features, and improvements were made in the scheduler, IPv6 support, and various software updates.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Minecraft system requirements raised for the first time in 17 years — Microsoft now recommends 16GB of RAM and a 2020s or newer CPU to run the Java Edition

Microsoft has updated the minimum and recommended system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition for the first time in 17 years. The new minimum requirements are as follows: - OS: Windows 10 64-Bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit (previously Windows 7, macOS 10.14.5 Mojave, or later) - CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100 / Qualcomm Snapdragon X / Apple M1 (previously Intel Core i3-3210 / AMD A8-8600 / Apple M1) - GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 / AMD Radeon RX 460 / Intel Arc A310 / Intel i5-6400 (iGPU) (previously Intel HD Graphics 4000 / AMD Radeon R5) - Memory: 8GB (discrete GPU) / 12GB (iGPU) (previously 2GB) The new recommended requirements are: - OS: Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit (previously Windows 10, macOS 10.14.5 Mojave, or later) - CPU: Intel Core i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600 / Apple M2 Pro (previously Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD A10-7800 / Apple M1) - GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT / Intel Arc A580 (previously Nvidia GeForce 700 series / AMD Radeon RX 200 series) - Memory: 16GB (previously 4GB) Players whose systems do not meet the new minimum requirements can switch to the Bedrock Edition to continue gameplay, though this may result in the loss of certain mods.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition system requirements want 8/16 GB RAM for the first time, but it isn’t more demanding now, Microsoft just hadn’t updated the specs in a while

Minecraft's updated recommended system requirements for the Java version now include a minimum of 16 GB of RAM and an RTX 2060 or equivalent GPU. This is a significant increase from last year's recommendations of 4 GB and 8 GB of RAM. The GPU requirements have shifted from older 700-series Nvidia graphics cards to more modern options. Microsoft states that these updates aim to clarify the hardware needed for smooth gameplay, although older devices may still run the game but with potential performance issues. Despite these changes, Minecraft remains relatively accessible compared to many contemporary titles, as even budget gaming rigs are expected to meet the new requirements.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

How Valve’s desperation to escape Windows 8 turned it into a Linux powerhouse

In 2012, Valve's CEO Gabe Newell expressed concerns about Microsoft's control over the PC market due to Windows 8, prompting the company to explore Linux and develop SteamOS. Valve addressed the "chicken and egg" issue of game compatibility on Linux by introducing Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux without separate versions. The company also began contributing to the Linux ecosystem by upstreaming improvements in graphical rendering and developing the RADV open-source Vulkan driver for AMD GPUs. Valve has made SteamOS available for free download and installation on personal computers, aiming to compete with Windows in the gaming sector and promote broader Linux adoption. As a result, Valve has become a significant player in the Linux landscape, enhancing the gaming experience and benefiting the open-source community.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

7 Retro-Themed PC Gaming Gadgets Inspired By Iconic Consoles

Retro gaming enthusiasts can enhance their gaming experiences with modern gadgets that merge nostalgia with contemporary technology. The 8BitDo Retro R8 mouse, priced at .99, is designed to resemble the Nintendo Entertainment System and offers Bluetooth, RF Wireless, or wired USB connectivity with a polling rate of 8,000 hertz and a maximum sensor resolution of 26,000 DPI. It comes in three designs: NES, Commodore 64, and original Xbox, and includes a charging dock. The PromoType KeyBoy Advance keyboard, priced at , replicates the Game Boy Advance and requires DIY assembly. It features L and R buttons that are configurable extras and includes a power indicator and speaker grille. The 8BitDo M30 controller, priced at .99, is designed for the Sega Genesis with a six-button layout and compatibility with various devices including PC and Nintendo Switch. The Retro-Bit V2 Wireless Tribute 64 controller, retailing at .99, is optimized for Nintendo 64 games and features improved latency and a classic button layout, compatible with multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch. The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, available for .99, features a design reminiscent of the NES, customizable A and B buttons, and supports both wired and wireless connectivity with key remapping options. The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM02, priced at 9, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7840HS processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD, suitable for retro and contemporary gaming, ideally paired with a CRT display. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick, priced at .99, features a design inspired by the NES, customizable macro options, and supports USB-C wired and wireless connections, allowing easy switching between PC and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Xbox backwards compatibility now available on PC, starting with four original Xbox games

Microsoft has launched a pilot program allowing select original Xbox titles to be played on Windows 11, with four classic games now available: BliNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fusion Frenzy. Players can access these games via a Game Pass Essential subscription or purchase them individually, and those with previous digital copies on Xbox consoles can download them at no extra cost. The games can be played at resolutions up to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels, maintaining their original aspect ratios and framerates, with options for enhanced graphics settings. The system requirements include at least an Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, with recommended specifications for optimal performance. There are uncertainties regarding the expansion of the game library due to recent organizational changes within Microsoft, including layoffs in the backward compatibility program.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

A Game About Penguins Arrives on PC on August 10. Free Prologue Available Now

A Game About Penguins, developed by CO's Entertainment, will be released on PC on August 10, 2026, with later availability on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game features a sandbox environment where players can engage in activities like fishing, snowball fights, and ice skating, with online co-op support for up to 12 players. A free prologue titled A Game About Penguins: First Catch has been available on Steam since July 22, allowing players to experience core mechanics and customization options. The game supports multiple languages and requires a minimum of Windows 10 64-bit, a quad-core processor, 8 GB RAM, and 2 GB of storage space.