Processor Archives

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

Minecraft Mod Adds Realistic Graphics And It’ll Probably Melt Your PC

A new texture pack for Minecraft introduces highly realistic graphics that enhance the game's visual experience. Developed by Digital Dreams, known for creating visual mods for various video games, this texture pack features detailed ground textures with individual blades of grass and realistic cobblestone surfaces. The mod requires advanced hardware, including 64 GB of RAM, a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, and an RTX 5090 graphics card. A modlist is available in the video description for players interested in exploring this enhancement.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes is a standalone entry in the Little Nightmares franchise, featuring a new cast of characters, immersive environments, and distinct chapters. The game has an independent narrative that enhances the overarching lore with references to previous installments. Developed by Iconik, a French studio specializing in virtual reality, the game is designed to be accessible for new players while still appealing to long-time fans. It includes innovative VR gameplay mechanics tailored for virtual reality, with puzzles and interactions that involve climbing, crouching, and object manipulation. The game will be available on PS5 with PSVR2, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and SteamVR for PC VR, optimized for various headsets. It aims for a minimum target of 72 FPS on PC via SteamVR. Dark Six returns as the main protagonist, and the game is set to launch on April 24, 2026. Recommended PC system requirements include Windows 11, Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce 2060 SUPER or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. The game takes place in The Pale City, featuring dark and mysterious locations.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11 reaches new milestone as Microsoft comes closer to finally killing off Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 10 global share has decreased to 26.27% as of February, down from 35.77% in January, while Windows 11's adoption rate has risen to 72.77%. Windows 11 is now used by 1 billion individuals worldwide. Official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft is phasing out the Security Boot feature, and users must upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing protection and updates. Windows 11 offers features like default encryption and improved virtual desktop support. Users with eligible Windows 10 systems can upgrade for free, but the minimum hardware requirements include a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. As many as 240 million functioning laptops may be unable to upgrade due to these requirements. New hardware is available with Windows 11 pre-installed, and Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs with unique AI functionalities.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

I’ve finally completed my quest to transform my Samsung Galaxy XR into a bona fide Steam Frame, and it only took one free app to do it

GameHub app allows Samsung Galaxy XR users to play Steam games natively without the need for cloud streaming or subscriptions. The app is user-friendly and does not require excessive permissions. Users can easily connect their Steam account to the app and access their entire library on the Galaxy XR. Compatibility and performance checks are available, and additional options for performance adjustments can be configured. The app also supports VR games with the use of Bluetooth controllers and the Virtual Desktop app.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Microsoft is fundamentally redesigning NVMe drivers for Windows; initial tests show significant performance shifts

Microsoft is developing a new NVMe storage driver for Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025, moving away from the existing storNVMe.sys driver to better align with modern I/O mechanisms. This new driver utilizes the IoRing framework to enhance efficiency by allowing the processor to manage multiple storage requests simultaneously, reducing latency and administrative overhead. Initial tests show significant performance improvements in random read accesses, particularly benefiting applications like databases and virtualization systems. However, sequential access performance may be lower due to ongoing optimizations. The new driver is currently in preview and not activated by default, with practical use limited until further refinements are made.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

You Can Get Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$18 Right Now

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a reduced price of A, down from A4, until March 8 at 11:59 PM PT. This version includes features such as Windows Copilot, remote desktop access, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, biometric login support, BitLocker encryption, Azure Active Directory integration, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. The offer is valid for updating a single PC, and the minimum requirements are a processor speed of at least 1GHz, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of hard disk space. No coupon is needed to access this offer.

Winsage

March 2, 2026

Still on Windows 10? That’s a security risk now

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, until March 8 at 11:59 P.M. Pacific. Windows 11 Pro includes enhanced security features such as TPM 2.0 support, BitLocker device encryption, Smart App Control, and Windows Sandbox. It also offers productivity tools like Hyper-V, Azure AD support, Snap layouts, and AI-assisted Copilot integration. Minimum system requirements for the upgrade include a 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 compatible graphics.

BetaBeacon

March 1, 2026

Android Steam Deck : Lenovo Legion Y9 Turns into Android PC Gaming Handheld

The Lenovo Legion Y9 (2025 model) combines high-end hardware, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB of RAM, with the Lenovo G9 controller to deliver a versatile Android-based handheld gaming experience.

BetaBeacon

February 28, 2026

Don’t buy a new phone just for gaming, last-gen flagships still perform just as well

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor perform similarly to the last year's Xiaomi 15 Ultra and its Snapdragon 8 Elite in popular Android games and emulators. The newer processor offers slightly lower power consumption and potential future-proofing for upcoming games, but overall, there is not a significant performance difference between the two models.