Processor Archives

Winsage

June 1, 2025

Microsoft has been working on CorePC for years, but what is it?

CorePC is an initiative by Microsoft aimed at overhauling the existing monolithic NT architecture of Windows, which has been in use since the 1990s. It seeks to implement a modular framework that allows for customized builds tailored to specific user needs, moving away from the "one size fits all" model. CorePC will introduce state separation of OS components on distinct partitions, enhancing security and streamlining updates. The initiative is expected to reduce system bloat and may lead to the revival of Windows-powered smartphones and tablets with better ARM processor integration. An official launch date for CorePC is not yet available, but it is anticipated to be part of the successor to Windows 11.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Microsoft is ruining Notepad with pointless formatting in Windows 11

Microsoft has released an update for Notepad, version 11.2504.50.0, to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, introducing formatting features such as bold text, italics, hyperlinks, lists, and headers. The update includes a formatting toolbar and Markdown support, allowing users to switch between styled content and raw Markdown syntax. Users can disable formatting or revert to plain text, but the changes suggest a shift towards a more complex word processor. The update is free as part of Windows 11, but concerns exist regarding the potential loss of Notepad's simplicity.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

The Kingmakers system requirements show that the hardest part of running the game may be finding 80 GB free for the install

The system requirements for Kingmakers, developed using Unreal Engine 5, are as follows: Minimum Requirements: - OS: Windows 10 x 64 - CPU: 10th gen Intel i5 - GPU: RTX 2060 - Memory: 8 GB - Storage: 80 GB Recommended Requirements: - OS: Windows 10 x 64 - CPU: 10th gen Intel i7 - GPU: RTX 3070 - Memory: 16 GB - Storage: 80 GB The specifications are currently listed only on the Epic Games Store, and there are no AMD components mentioned. The game combines action and real-time strategy elements set in a medieval warfare context. An early access launch is scheduled for October 8.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Rematch: All the key details on the 5v5 football game from the masterminds behind Sifu

Sloclap, known for the game Absolver, is developing a new sports game titled Rematch, which is a five-a-side football game. It will be released on Steam, with the release date to be announced. The game features dynamic online multiplayer gameplay where players control a single character, and there are no fixed positions or complex statistics. The base game will cost £21, while the Pro Edition and Elite Edition will cost £30 and £39, respectively, offering early access and additional cosmetic items. The Captain Pass will function as a battle pass with seasonal content, focusing on cosmetics and in-game currency. Rematch does not include fighting elements, as it aims to be a football simulator. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10/11, an AMD Ryzen 5 3400G or Intel Core i5-9400 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a graphics card like the AMD Radeon RX 5500 or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 1060. Recommended specs include an AMD Ryzen 3700x or Intel Core 11600k processor, 8 GB RAM, and a graphics card like the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

F1 25 – Ray Tracing & Path Tracing Benchmarks

EA has made F1 25 available to players who purchased its Iconic Version, utilizing the EGO Engine with Ray Tracing and Path Tracing support. The game was benchmarked on a system with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090. In benchmarks on the Singapore track, F1 25 achieved a minimum of 173FPS and an average of 189FPS at Native 4K without Ray Tracing. With Ray Tracing enabled, it maintained over 70FPS at Native 4K. Activating DLSS 4 Quality Mode increased frame rates to 90-100FPS, and Multi-Frame Generation X4 reached up to 300FPS. Path Tracing resulted in a minimum of 29FPS and an average of 35FPS at Native 4K, with DLSS 4 Performance Mode recommended for better performance. Visual comparisons show significant differences between Ray Tracing and Path Tracing, with some visual issues reported, including problems with rain effects and flickering during motion. The recommended optimal experience is using Ray Tracing effects without Ray Reconstruction.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Did Microsoft Change Windows 11 Requirements? – Here’s the Truth

Microsoft has not changed the official requirements for Windows 11 since its launch. Users need a compatible 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster with at least two cores), a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Essential features include UEFI firmware that supports Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and displays of at least 9 inches with a resolution of 720p. Microsoft allows experienced users to manually install Windows 11 on unsupported devices at their own risk, but this is not advisable due to potential issues. The strict requirements are intended to enhance security and performance. Users can check compatibility with the PC Health Check Tool. Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, after which there will be no official support. For those whose systems do not meet the specifications, upgrading hardware or purchasing a new PC may be necessary.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Three ways to run Windows apps on a Linux box

If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Sorry, Windows. Lenovo’s Legion Go S runs better with SteamOS

Lenovo's Legion Go S gaming handheld is the first device from the manufacturer to support both Windows and SteamOS. The SteamOS Edition has been recently released, allowing for performance comparisons with the Windows version. Both versions have identical specifications, including an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and an 8-inch 1200p display. The SteamOS version performs 5-15 percent faster in running games and has superior battery life, outperforming the Windows edition significantly in both low-power and demanding games. The base launch price of the SteamOS Edition is 9, influenced by import taxes, while the Windows version retails for 9. More powerful configurations are available for 9 and 9 for SteamOS and Windows versions, respectively, but the SteamOS variant is labeled as “Coming Soon” at Best Buy.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

REDMAGIC 10S Pro gaming phone supports PC games (thanks to emulation and an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite processor)

The REDMAGIC 10S Pro is a gaming phone available in China for 4,999 CNY, set to launch globally on June 5, 2025. It features a pre-installed PC emulator for playing select Windows games, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Edition processor with speeds up to 4.47 GHz and a RedCore R3 Pro chip for enhanced haptic feedback and audio quality. The phone includes an ICE-X cooling system, RGB lighting, and various configurations ranging from 12GB of RAM with 256GB storage to 24GB of RAM with 1TB storage. It has a 6.85-inch display with a resolution of 2688 x 1216 pixels, an adaptive refresh rate of 44 Hz, and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The device is equipped with a 7500 mAh battery supporting 120W rapid charging, stereo speakers, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Specialized gaming features include a 2500 Hz touch sampling rate and shoulder triggers with a polling rate of 520 Hz. The camera setup consists of dual 50MP rear cameras and a 16MP front camera. There are two versions: the standard model with 12GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB and 80W charging, and the REDMAGIC 10S Pro+ with 120W charging, available in 16GB/512GB or 24GB/1TB configurations. Both models have dimensions of 163.4 x 76.1 x 8.9mm and weigh 229 grams.