gaming performance Archives

Winsage

December 25, 2024

You’re running out of time to get Windows 11 Pro for $20

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97 during an end-of-year sale (regularly 9). Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly interface, redesigned Start Menu, centered taskbar, Snap Layouts, and Virtual Desktops for improved workflow and multitasking. It includes advanced security features such as biometric logins, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. For gaming, it offers DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR, and DirectStorage. Windows 11 Pro integrates with Azure Active Directory, supports Remote Desktop, and allows easy docking with external monitors. The sale price reflects a 90% discount.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

5 things you need to know about DirectStorage on Windows 11

DirectStorage is a technology introduced by Microsoft in 2020 to enhance loading times and optimize GPU efficiency in gaming. It has been available to developers since March 2022, but its adoption has been slow due to integration challenges. DirectStorage allows games to utilize NVMe SSDs for faster data transfer by enabling the GPU to handle decompression, reducing CPU workload. The technology has seen limited implementation in the gaming industry, with mixed results in titles like Forspoken and Horizon Forbidden West. Users need Windows 10 version 1909 or later, an NVMe SSD, and a GPU supporting DirectX 12 and Shader Model 6.0 to benefit from DirectStorage. Keeping Windows and GPU drivers updated is essential for optimal performance. While DirectStorage is supported on Windows 10, the best results are expected on Windows 11.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft lists all Windows 11 gaming features you miss if you don’t update from Windows 10

Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting the gaming features they would miss by staying on Windows 10. Benefits of Windows 11 include DirectStorage for faster load times, Auto HDR for enhanced visuals, and improved gaming performance. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support next year, which will result in a lack of security and quality updates. Many older systems are incompatible with Windows 11 due to stringent eligibility requirements, and Microsoft recommends that users with ineligible PCs invest in new hardware. Despite the advantages, the rollout of the latest feature update, version 24H2, has been temporarily halted due to issues with Ubisoft titles and Auto HDR functionality. Microsoft has also produced advertisements and articles to encourage users to upgrade and address misconceptions about the process.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft coughs up yet more Windows 11 24H2 headaches

Microsoft has identified several issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update, leading to the implementation of safeguard holds. Users have reported significant audio disruptions, particularly with integrated and Bluetooth audio devices, linked to the cridspapo.dll component in Dirac Audio technology. A compatibility safeguard hold has been placed on affected devices, preventing the update from being available until a necessary driver is released by the manufacturer. Additionally, gamers using Auto HDR technology are experiencing problems with incorrect color displays and unresponsive games, prompting Microsoft to recommend disabling Auto HDR as a temporary solution.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Nvidia’s new PC gaming app is making games run worse, but there’s a quick fix

Nvidia's newly launched desktop app can cause in-game frame rates to drop by as much as 15 percent in certain scenarios, affecting various games like Black Myth Wukong and Baldur's Gate 3. The decline in performance is attributed to AI-enhanced "game filters" that are enabled by default in the app. Nvidia has provided instructions to disable these filters to restore optimal performance: open the Nvidia app, go to Settings, navigate to Features, select Overlay, and turn off Game Filters and Photo Mode.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Best Educational PC Games for Students in Hong Kong | HP® Tech Takes

Hong Kong is increasingly integrating digital learning and gaming-based education, prompting parents and educators to seek effective educational games and hardware. Key factors that distinguish educational games include active learning engagement, scaffolded knowledge building, cognitive development support, and motivational elements. Research indicates that quality educational games can lead to a 23% improvement in test scores, 31% better retention rates, 27% increased engagement, 19% faster learning speed, and 35% higher completion rates. Recommended educational games include Minecraft: Education Edition for programming and STEM, Kerbal Space Program for physics and engineering, and DragonBox Algebra for mathematics. For optimal performance, systems should have a modern processor, dedicated graphics card, at least 16GB RAM, SSD storage, and reliable internet. Home setup should optimize space, ensure ventilation, and create dedicated learning areas, while best practices involve scheduled gaming sessions and parental involvement. Regular system maintenance is also necessary for optimal performance.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

The NVIDIA app on Windows 11 could be sapping performance out of your PC games

The NVIDIA app, which evolved from the GeForce Experience, has been criticized for not improving gaming performance as expected. Tests on games like Black Myth: Wukong and Flight Simulator 2024 at 1080p with medium settings showed concerning results, indicating performance issues that detract from the gaming experience. Gamers are advised to uninstall the NVIDIA app and reinstall the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website while awaiting a fix from the company's engineers.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Unwrap the magic of Windows 11 PCs this holiday

Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are introduced as innovative devices ideal for the holiday season, offering security features, performance for work and leisure, and AI-enabled functionalities. Notable models include: - Acer Swift Go 14 AI: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, up to 28 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Acer Swift X 14: Intel Core Ultra processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, 2.8K OLED display. Starting at ,299.99. - ASUS ProArt P16: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics. Starting at ,699.99. - ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, GeForce RTX graphics. Starting at ,099.99. - Dell Inspiron 14 Plus: Snapdragon X Plus platform, up to 15 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Dell XPS 13: Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors, up to 26 hours battery life, FHD+ display. Starting at ,159.99. - HP OmniBook X: High-resolution display, Snapdragon X Elite processor. Starting at ,089.99. - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: 15.3-inch display, 22 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 14-inch OLED screen. Starting at 9.99. - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: AMOLED display, Snapdragon X Elite processor. Starting at 9.99. - New Surface Pro (11th Edition): AI-accelerated Copilot+ experiences. Starting at 9.99. - New Surface Laptop (7th Edition): Next-generation performance and Copilot+ experiences. Starting at 9.99. Various retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, offer these devices. Prices are U.S.-only and subject to change.