hardware capabilities Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

GTA 5 is coming to Xbox Game Pass on both PC and console

Xbox Game Pass will add Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) to its lineup on April 15, 2025. The game will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and for the first time on PC, featuring an Enhanced edition with graphical upgrades and faster loading times. Subscribers will have access to both the single-player campaign and GTA Online. This is the third time GTA 5 will be available on Game Pass, but the first for PC Game Pass subscribers, who can access the Enhanced edition at no extra cost. Existing owners of GTA 5 can upgrade for free. Additionally, new titles like South of Midnight, Borderlands 3, and Diablo 3 will also launch in April for subscribers.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

5 reasons I stopped dual-booting Windows and Linux on my PC

The author currently uses Windows 11 on most devices due to the lack of Linux alternatives for certain creative applications. They previously engaged in dual-booting Linux and Windows but have shifted away from this practice due to time and data management concerns. Storage issues were a significant challenge, particularly with drive partitioning on laptops. The author finds virtual machines (VMs) and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to be more accessible and practical solutions for their needs. They also mention that Windows 11's Secure Boot complicates dual-boot setups and that Windows updates often overwrite the GRUB bootloader, risking data integrity. Additionally, using BitLocker with GRUB can lead to complications. Ultimately, the author prefers a single operating system per device for a simpler and more efficient experience.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11 Pro for Just $15 Before It’s Too Late

Windows 11 Pro is priced at 9 when purchased directly from Microsoft. StackSocial is currently offering it for a limited time at a price of , representing a 92% discount. This deal includes a lifetime license for the software, which features DirectX 12 Ultimate, BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD, and Hyper-V. Users must ensure their computer meets the minimum system requirements for installation, and the download code must be redeemed within 30 days.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 has a hidden FAQ page in testing that tells you why your PC is slow

Windows 11 will introduce a new FAQ page in its Settings app to help users identify potential limitations of their PCs. This feature, currently hidden in Dev Channel builds, will answer questions about the OS version and evaluate GPU adequacy for gaming and video tasks. It will also analyze the impact of having 4-8GB of RAM on performance. The feature can be activated using the third-party utility ViVeTool with ID “5530588,” but its effectiveness may vary across systems. Microsoft has faced criticism for Windows 11's strict minimum hardware requirements, which may prevent many PCs from upgrading from Windows 10. This situation may force users to upgrade hardware or consider alternatives like ChromeOS. Microsoft aims to enhance user experience with Windows 11, which may lead to increased hardware sales and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Major performance issues aside, over half of Monster Hunter Wilds’ sales are from Steam alone

Monster Hunter Wilds has attracted over 400,000 daily players on Steam and was the top-selling game across all platforms in February, with more than half of its sales coming from Steam. It has doubled the launch performance of Monster Hunter Rise, making it the best-selling game of 2025 so far. Capcom's 2024 report states that nearly 50% of their software sales now come from PC, reflecting a strategic shift towards the PC market. Despite some performance issues, the game's overall quality has been praised, and ongoing updates are expected to maintain its momentum.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Overclocked Nintendo Switch Modded With 8GB RAM Can Run Kingdom Hearts III, Resident Evil 2 Remake and Other PC Games Surprisingly Well

The Nintendo Switch, eight years after its launch, continues to demonstrate impressive capabilities. A YouTube user tested an overclocked version of the Switch with 8 GB of RAM running 20 PC games, including titles like Dead Space and Kingdom Hearts III. The performance results varied, with demanding games like Rise of the Tomb Raider struggling, while others like Kingdom Hearts III performed well at lower resolutions. The challenges in porting games to the Switch stem from its limited specifications and RAM. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, expected to launch later this year, aims to address these challenges, although it may not match the power of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. An upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2nd will provide more information about the new system's capabilities.