motherboards Archives

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft is using TPM chips to crack down on pirated Windows activations

Microsoft has mandated the inclusion of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as a standard feature in all new motherboards and CPUs to enhance the Windows activation process. The company has introduced an enhancement to its Key Management Service (KMS) that leverages TPM's security capabilities to authenticate the legitimacy of KMS servers. This new "TPM-based attestation" aims to mitigate exploitation risks associated with KMS by validating the cryptographic integrity of KMS servers. Starting in August 2026, TPM-based attestation will be required for KMS activation with the next release of Windows Server. Microsoft has also closed off the "KMS38" activation method in 2025, while traditional KMS activation remains functional. The Massgrave collective has developed an Online KMS method that may be impacted by the new TPM-based attestation.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot is a messy ride on older PCs, and even Microsoft can’t fix it

Microsoft held an OEM Secure Boot Office Hours event with manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, and HP to discuss issues related to the Windows 11 Secure Boot 2023 certificate rollout. Many IT administrators left with unresolved concerns, particularly regarding Secure Boot certificate errors. Participants reported persistent problems, including failures of suggested solutions from official documentation to apply to their hardware configurations. Ed Tittel shared his experience with compliance issues related to CA-2023 certificates, noting that ASUS motherboards sometimes required Secure Boot to be disabled temporarily, while MSI models exhibited erratic behavior. ASRock systems needed manual key resets, and documentation was lacking. Devices from Dell, HP, and Lenovo performed better but still faced staggered rollouts and required multiple reboots for BIOS updates. Specific issues raised included HP's BitLocker recovery loop persisting even with the latest BIOS, challenges with legacy device support from HP, devices showing Secure Boot Status as Unknown, and failures in updating the KEK on HP EliteBooks. Some questions from IT administrators regarding Dell and HP went unanswered during the session. The experiences highlighted a trend of Secure Boot issues across multiple OEMs, not limited to a single vendor. IT administrators are advised to pilot updates on representative hardware, back up BitLocker recovery keys, and consult OEM-specific advisories. The unresolved issues reflect common challenges faced by users, indicating that problems with Secure Boot certificate deployments are widespread across various manufacturers.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

FinalWire releases AIDA64 8.30 with FPS tracking and next-gen CPU support, but drops 32-bit Windows support

FinalWire has released AIDA64 version 8.30, featuring the AIDA FPS module for real-time FPS data capture in DirectX 11 and 12 games, available exclusively in the Extreme edition. The update includes an optimized performance test for APX SHA3 for Intel Diamond Rapids and Nova Lake processors, support for Turing 4.6 and 12.3-inch LCD displays, compatibility with Intel Core Ultra 250K Plus and 270K Plus, enhanced support for Intel Wildcat Lake and Nova Lake processors, preliminary support for AMD Zen 6 architecture APUs, support for Aqua Computer Ampinel and Thermal Grizzly WireView Pro II sensors, extended support for Adaptec RAID controllers, USB-NVMe pass-through support for Realtek RTL9220 controllers, support for EXPO 1.2 memory profiles, and detailed GPU information for Intel Arc Pro B65 and B70 as well as NVIDIA RTX Pro 4500 Blackwell Server Edition. The update enhances support for Intel's Nova Lake CPUs and introduces a new SHA3 benchmark optimized for APX architectures. It also lays groundwork for support of AMD's upcoming Zen 6 Medusa Point mobile processors and introduces support for AMD's EXPO 1.2 technology. AIDA64 version 8.30 discontinues support for 32-bit Windows and Windows XP x64, requiring users on those platforms to revert to an earlier version. The new web-based AIDA64 SensorPanel Tools allows users to create image sets for SensorPanel Manager. The update is available across the Extreme, Engineer, Business, and Network Audit editions.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

FAT32 breaks free from its outdated limitation in latest Windows update

The FAT32 file system, historically limited to a 32GB partition size due to a design choice by Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer, can inherently support volumes up to 2TB with a 512-byte sector size and theoretically up to 16TB with 4KB sectors. While Windows maintained this 32GB limit, motherboard manufacturers had already developed firmware to utilize larger FAT32 drives. Tools like Rufus and GUIFormat were used to format high-capacity media, as Windows did not allow direct FAT32 formatting for drives larger than 32GB. However, with the introduction of Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 26220.8165 and 26300.8170, users can now format large flash drives and external volumes as FAT32 directly from the Command Prompt without third-party software.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

Meet the new fastest gaming CPU in the world, so far

The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D has been officially launched as a new gaming CPU, featuring an eight-core, 16-thread configuration and a peak clock speed of 5.6GHz, up from 5.2GHz of its predecessor, the 9800X3D. It utilizes the AMD Zen 5 architecture and 3D V-Cache technology, with a TDP of 120W. The CPU is compatible with existing AMD AM5 motherboards, requiring a BIOS update for recognition. Internal testing indicates a 27% average frame rate improvement over the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, while performance compared to the 9800X3D shows an estimated increase of around 8%. The launch is scheduled for Q1 2026, with expected pricing above the 9 MSRP of the 9800X3D.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Riot Games found a motherboard security flaw that helps PC cheaters

Riot Games has identified a significant security vulnerability in recent motherboards that could be exploited by cheaters, allowing cheats to operate undetected and undermining competitive gaming integrity. Major motherboard manufacturers, including Asrock, Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI, have released BIOS updates to mitigate this issue. If unaddressed, the vulnerability would have rendered existing direct memory access (DMA) detection and prevention technologies ineffective. The vulnerability involves DMA hardware devices connecting via PCIe slots, which could bypass input-output memory management unit (IOMMU) protections. Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat software may soon require players to update their BIOS to continue playing Valorant, and other anti-cheat systems are likely to implement similar checks.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

This Trick WIll Let ‘Incompatible’ Windows 10 PCs Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft officially ceased support for Windows 10 as of October, although users can still receive security updates for an additional year. Many computers do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, but some may still be compatible with adjustments to settings. Users can check compatibility using Microsoft's PC Health Check app and may need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in the BIOS. UEFI should be enabled instead of legacy BIOS mode for compatibility. If compatibility issues persist, adding a TPM module may enhance compatibility for certain motherboards. Upgrading to Windows 11 is advisable for computers six years old or newer due to security vulnerabilities in unsupported systems.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Gaming PC power supply cables could be a thing of the past, thanks to this brilliant new idea

The back-connect motherboard design allows users to connect cables from the back, reducing clutter. The proposed BTF 3.0 standard, supported by Asus, aims to eliminate power supply cables by introducing a PCIe slot-like edge connector for power connections. This connector can handle over 2000W, accommodating a 200W CPU and a 600W GPU. BTF graphics cards will include an additional edge connector for power, and a riser card will ensure compatibility with existing graphics cards. DIY-APE has also proposed a new standard for headers connecting USB-C and other front panel features to the motherboard. A prototype has been developed in collaboration with Colorful and Sego, showcasing a design that enhances airflow and aesthetics.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Best Steam Deck games under $10 in Scream Fest

The Scream Fest has launched on Steam, offering discounts up to 95% on various games, particularly older titles. The sale is a good opportunity for Steam Deck owners to enhance their gaming library affordably. The event features a curated list of the best Steam Deck games priced under a certain amount, with details on original and discounted prices. The sale ends on November 3, and only Verified games, which work seamlessly on the Steam Deck, are included. Additionally, game bundles like the Frightmare bundle are available, providing significant savings on multiple titles.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Last chance to grab this month’s Humble Choice with 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for $15

Humble's October 2025 Humble Choice bundle includes eight games: Atomic Heart, V Rising, System Shock, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, Cryptmaster Anniversary Update, Shogun Showdown, Hotel Renovator, and Caravan SandWitch. Many of these games are Verified or Playable on the Steam Deck. The subscription costs .99 per month, allowing members to keep the games permanently even if they cancel. The bundle is available until the end of October, and members receive up to 20% off in the Humble store. Additionally, 5% of the membership fee goes to charity. Steam keys must be redeemed by November 11 to avoid expiration.