high-end gaming Archives

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Coming to PC On April 3, 2025

“The Last of Us Part II Remastered” will be released on PC on April 3, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. This marks the first time Windows users can access the game, which previously received over 300 Game of the Year awards on PlayStation. The remastered edition includes enhancements such as improved graphics, performance, and new content, including a roguelike mode called “No Return.” Pre-orders are currently available. The PC version will support customizable graphics settings, ultrawide monitor support, and full DualSense controller features. New playable characters Bill and Marlene will be introduced in the “No Return” mode, alongside a Guitar Free Play mode and restored cut content. The game will require a minimum of an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x processor and 16GB RAM.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Microsoft’s DirectX update could double ray tracing performance in PC games

DirectX Raytracing 1.2 is a rendering API developed by Microsoft that aims to improve ray tracing efficiency in gaming. It introduces enhancements such as opacity micromaps, which can increase performance by up to 2.3 times in path-based gaming, and shader execution reordering, which could double performance in certain scenarios. Nvidia has committed to providing driver support for this API across its GeForce RTX GPU lineup, and Microsoft is also working with AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm for compatibility. Additionally, techniques like neural block texture compression and neural supersampling are being explored to enhance real-time path tracing. A preview software development kit for DirectX Raytracing 1.2 is set to be released in April.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Hidden FAQ Could Tell You Why Your PC Is So Slow

Microsoft is testing a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) feature in Windows 11 that aims to analyze system specifications and provide tailored advice on performance issues. This feature is located within the System tab of Settings and addresses common queries related to device specifications and performance. Examples of questions include the sufficiency of a GPU for high-end gaming and the impact of RAM on PC performance. The FAQ section aims to offer personalized information based on each user's specific system, making it a more accessible resource compared to the current basic list of system specs. However, the responses are currently somewhat generic, and Microsoft must ensure accuracy to avoid misleading users regarding potential performance improvements from upgrades.

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.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Leaked Windows 11 feature explains why your PC hardware struggles

Windows 11 is developing a new FAQ section in the Settings app that provides advice on optimizing system performance. This section, currently hidden and accessible via command line, includes guidance on whether a GPU is sufficient for high-end gaming, recommending a discrete graphics card with more than 4GB of RAM. It also states that 4-8GB of RAM is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing. Microsoft has not officially commented on this feature, and it remains unclear if it will be included in the next major update or only appear when hardware limitations are detected.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Cyberpunk 2077 meets Blade Runner in jaw-dropping new free download

A tech demo titled Cyber Streets has been released for free download, showcasing futuristic aesthetics similar to Cyberpunk 2077. Developed by Sciontidesign using Unreal Engine 5.5, it serves as a proof of concept with limited interactive elements. John Papadopoulos from Dark Side of Gaming has promoted the demo through gameplay footage on YouTube. The demo is designed to be accessible, as it does not require advanced features like Lumen, Path Tracing, RTX, DLSS, or baked lighting, making it compatible with computers from the 2020s.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

9 reasons why Windows is still better than macOS for most people

Windows OS offers extensive customization and upgradability, allowing users to personalize their systems and easily replace components like RAM and storage. It has vast software compatibility, supporting a wide range of applications not available on macOS. Windows is the preferred platform for gaming, with extensive support for games and hardware compatibility. It supports a variety of hardware components, making it more accessible and affordable compared to macOS, which is limited to Apple devices. Windows devices are easier to repair and maintain, with widely available and affordable replacement parts. Additionally, Windows provides better support for power users, allowing advanced control and flexibility in system settings and applications.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

5 PC gaming myths you might still believe (and shouldn’t)

PC gaming does not have to be expensive; entry-level options are accessible and can handle many popular titles. Many modern games run on lower-tier hardware, allowing players to enjoy them without needing powerful systems. Assembling a gaming rig is no longer overly complicated due to the availability of prebuilt PCs and simplified software management. It is rare for gamers to upgrade their PCs every year; many maintain their systems for several years with incremental upgrades. PC gaming is not limited to hardcore gamers; it offers a wide range of titles for all types of players, with support for controllers and frequent discounts available.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 10’s updated Settings sneak in a Windows 11 reminder, add colours

Microsoft is redesigning the "About" page within the Windows 10 Settings app to align with its strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. The new design features a visually appealing layout that includes bubble-like boxes displaying key system specifications such as installed RAM, processor details, graphics card specifications, and storage breakdown. A "Frequently Asked Questions" section has been added, addressing basic queries and subtly promoting the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11. Additionally, the Settings homepage will feature colorful icons that reflect the user's accent color, although there are inconsistencies in the application of these colors across different icons.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Use This Trick To Optimize Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Your PC

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been released, developed by MachineGames. The game has high system requirements, particularly for ray tracing. Troy Baker voices Indiana Jones. Performance testing on a high-end rig with a Geforce RTX 4080 indicates that VRAM significantly affects performance. For optimal settings at various resolutions, 8GB, 10GB, and 12GB of VRAM are recommended for different quality settings. Using DLSS frame generation requires additional VRAM. The game utilizes path tracing for lighting calculations, impacting visual effects like sun shadows and reflections. Benchmarks show performance results at 1440p and 4K with various settings. Players may experience pop-in issues, which can be temporarily mitigated by entering a command. The game is available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with a PS5 release planned for spring 2025 and accessible via Xbox Game Pass.