PC components Archives

TrendTechie

May 11, 2026

Полная версия игры Forza Horizon 6 появилась на торрентах за девять дней до релиза

Unencrypted preload files for Forza Horizon 6, totaling approximately 155 GB, were discovered on Steam. Users noted the presence of the data package shortly before it appeared on piracy platforms. Some players reported successfully launching the game, which is believed to be the final version or close to it, but without the day-one patch. Users who played the leaked version have received permanent hardware bans tied to specific PC components. The official release is scheduled for May 19, 2026, on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with a PlayStation 5 version to follow later. The Premium edition offers early access starting on May 15. The game is set in Japan and features over 550 vehicles, including Japanese classics and exclusive Forza Editions.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft keeps fixing Windows and Xbox, but the community keeps complaining

Microsoft has rolled out four Windows Insider builds, introduced new hidden features, and revamped the Windows Run feature. Despite these advancements, many Windows 10 users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints. Xbox Mode has received criticism for its performance on dual monitor setups. Approximately 25% of Windows users on Steam are still using Windows 10. Windows 11 will enhance CPU frequency during high-priority tasks, and recent Insider builds have improved touchpad gestures, File Explorer descriptions, and voice-typing interface. Users can now prevent Chrome and Edge from automatically downloading local AI models. Feedback on new features like the Low Latency Profile has been predominantly negative, with users expressing concerns over CPU spikes.

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Microsoft Is Quietly Opening the Windows 11 Taskbar To Third-Party AI Agents That Can Act On Your Desktop

Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Builds 26100.8313 and 26200.8313 to the Release Preview Channel, emphasizing its focus on integrating artificial intelligence into the operating system. The company plans to introduce AI "Agents" in the taskbar, including the Microsoft 365 Researcher, which will enhance user workflows by tracking progress and providing notifications. These AI Agents will be able to act across multiple applications, summarize content, extract data, automate tasks, and manage productivity workloads autonomously. The taskbar will also support third-party AI Agents, allowing developers to create their own. The Microsoft 365 Researcher is part of the Microsoft 365 Copilot suite, which requires a subscription for access. Users who opt out of Copilot will miss out on the benefits of these AI applications.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2026

Popular Monitor Utilities, CPU-Z And HWMonitor, Have Been Infected With Malware

Recent reports indicate that the hardware monitoring tools HWMonitor and CPU-Z have been compromised, leading to users downloading malware instead of the legitimate software. Users reported receiving suspicious executable files and antivirus alerts when attempting to download the latest versions. A specific incident involved a user who downloaded HWMonitor from the official CPUID website, only to find the file was labeled incorrectly and flagged as a virus by Windows Defender. Cybersecurity experts confirmed that this is a serious issue involving a multi-stage trojanized attack from a compromised domain. The developer of CPU-Z and HWMonitor acknowledged that a secondary feature linked to the website was compromised for about six hours, causing the main website to display incorrect files. Users are advised to refrain from downloading or updating these utilities until the issue is resolved.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is collecting frame rate data from its user base to predict game performance on individual systems. This initiative started with a SteamOS beta that gathers performance metrics. A code string in a recent Steam update suggests that Valve plans to use this data to estimate game performance based on users' CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications. Users will have the option to input their hardware details or receive projections based on their existing configuration. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance estimates compared to existing offerings from other digital game stores. The current data collection is limited to the beta client, but the rollout of this feature is expected to help gamers assess their hardware's capability to run new titles.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is planning to use frame rate data from its user base to estimate game performance on individual gaming PCs. This initiative began with a beta version of SteamOS that collects performance metrics. A code string found in a recent Steam update indicates that users will soon be able to input their CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications to receive tailored performance estimates. Steam will also automatically generate projections based on users' current hardware configurations. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance insights compared to existing platforms like the Xbox app and Windows Store. The frame rate data collection is currently in beta and may take time to become widely accessible.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Game Will Actually Run on Your PC

Valve has integrated frame rate data from its user base to provide estimates on game performance tailored to individual gaming rigs, starting with a SteamOS beta that collects performance metrics. A recent code discovery suggests that users will soon be able to input their CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications for tailored performance projections. Steam will also automatically generate performance estimates based on existing hardware configurations for users accessing the platform on their gaming PCs. This feature aims to enhance the accuracy of performance estimates, particularly for the Steam Machine, which may benefit from data collected from similar configurations. The frame rate data collection is currently in beta and may take time before becoming widely accessible.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

PCs under $500 to “disappear by 2028” predicts analyst. Apparently water’s wet, too.

Gartner predicts that the sub-0 entry-level PC segment will disappear by 2028 due to a 130% increase in memory and SSD costs, contributing to a 17% rise in PC prices by 2025. This situation is expected to result in a 10.4% decline in PC shipments this year, the first contraction in over a decade. Consumers are anticipated to keep their devices longer, with business users holding onto PCs for 15% longer and consumers for 20% longer by the end of 2026. The report indicates that elevated RAM and SSD prices will persist longer than expected, influenced by broader inflation trends. Additionally, the anticipated 50% market penetration of AI PCs is now expected to be delayed until 2028.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Valve Might Finally Prove PC Gaming Doesn’t Have to Be a Pain in the Ass

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine, which aims to redefine gaming standards despite not being optimized for true 4K gaming. Its pricing is uncertain due to fluctuating RAM costs. The Steam Machine offers limited upgradability, allowing modifications to RAM and storage but featuring a fixed CPU. Games with the “Steam Deck Verified” badge will be compatible with the Steam Machine, while the “Verified” status is essential for developers to ensure visibility in the Steam store. The Steam Machine operates on Linux-based SteamOS, providing flexibility for users to customize their experience. Valve's approach focuses on making Steam more accessible rather than competing directly with console sales. The Steam Deck has sold over 4 million units, but the Steam Machine could inspire future hardware that merges gaming systems.

Winsage

January 13, 2026

CES 2026: Showcasing new Windows 11 PC innovations across the ecosystem

CES showcased significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into the Windows ecosystem, with various companies unveiling new products. Acer introduced the Copilot+ PCs, including the Swift 16 AI laptop with a haptic touchpad and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop. ASUS launched the Zenbook DUO, featuring dual OLED touchscreens, and the ROG Zephyrus Duo, a dual-screen gaming laptop. Dell refreshed its XPS brand with new laptops and monitors, while HP presented the EliteBook X G2 Series and the EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC. Lenovo revealed several new Copilot+ PCs, and Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book6 series. AMD and Intel announced new processor lines, with AMD's Ryzen AI 400 Mobile Series and Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon X2 Plus for enhanced AI experiences in PCs.