running Archives

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

PC Builder Proves You Can Game Without Touching the Usual Trio of Intel, NVIDIA and AMD

A gaming PC was built using components from lesser-known manufacturers instead of the typical Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD. The key components include a KaiXian KX-7000 processor from Zhaoxin with 8 cores, 8 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 3.6 GHz, paired with a Moore Threads MTT S80 graphics card featuring 16GB of GDDR6 memory and a clock speed of 1.8 GHz. The system booted into Windows 11 after resolving initial memory issues, utilizing a single 16GB Samsung workstation stick. The total investment in the CPU and motherboard was around 0. Performance benchmarks included a Geekbench single-core score of 789 and a multi-core score of 3,344, a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 570 and a multi-core score of 4,432, and 3DMark scores of 3,682 for graphics and 3,625 for the CPU.

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

Backstage Ditches Postgres for Databricks Lakebase

The divide between operational and analytical databases is diminishing, as evidenced by Databricks integrating Spotify's Backstage with its Lakebase, transitioning from PostgreSQL to a unified data platform. Lakebase now offers a serverless PostgreSQL interface within Databricks, allowing Backstage to operate without awareness of the underlying changes. The integration involved updating configurations and addressing authentication challenges using OAuth JWTs. The integration transforms the database development lifecycle by enabling near-instant database branching through Lakebase's copy-on-write architecture, allowing developers to focus on testing changes rather than safety. Branching creates a pointer to existing data, making the operation instantaneous. Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) allows for quick restoration of data, demonstrated by a recovery process that took less than four seconds. The goal is to integrate database branching into developer workflows seamlessly, making it automatic. This change could enhance developer productivity by allowing live data testing from the start, eliminating the need for mock objects, and resolving common issues related to staging environments. The traditional constraints of slow and costly database copies will become obsolete, prompting teams to reconsider how much time they spend on workarounds for now-nonexistent constraints.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft says 32GB of RAM is the “no-worries” upgrade for Windows 11 gaming

Microsoft has clarified that while 16GB of RAM is the baseline for gaming, 32GB is now promoted as the ideal upgrade, especially for users running applications like Discord, web browsers, or streaming tools alongside gaming. The company continues to recommend 8GB as the minimum for Windows, but emphasizes that 32GB is becoming a mainstream option due to the increasing demands of modern gaming setups. Microsoft previously described 32GB as "ideal for serious gamers" and highlights that it helps manage multitasking and background applications effectively. The growing memory requirements are attributed to the evolution of games, which feature larger assets and higher resolution textures, as well as the resource-intensive nature of many Windows applications. Additionally, consumers are facing higher costs for memory upgrades due to increased demands and a memory shortage exacerbated by AI companies. Microsoft is also working on developing more efficient native Windows 11 applications to address these challenges.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Windows 11 PC gamers: Xbox mode rolls out and ROG Xbox Ally updates include Auto SR preview

Xbox mode is launching on Windows 11 PCs in select markets, providing a console-like gaming experience for users on laptops, desktops, and tablets. It features a streamlined interface that prioritizes accessibility, allowing easy access to game libraries and recently played titles while minimizing distractions. Xbox Wire offers detailed information on the new features, including Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) for the ROG Xbox Ally, which enhances visuals to 1440p resolution when docked to an external display. Xbox Insiders can manage Auto SR settings through the Game Bar, and updates also include a default setting for docked play switching to TV displays.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2026

Inside the Architecture of an MCP Server for PostgreSQL

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) serves as a standard interface between large language models (LLMs) and external systems like PostgreSQL, emphasizing the importance of control over mere connectivity. An MCP server must act as a mediation and policy layer, enforcing security boundaries and ensuring that connections default to read-only. It should validate AI-generated SQL as untrusted input, encapsulate queries within transactions, and apply execution-time controls. The server must separate query generation from execution approval to manage operational costs and enforce guardrails on query types, such as limiting the number of rows returned. Token efficiency is crucial, with design considerations for compact data representation and schema introspection. In production, connection management is vital to prevent data leakage among multiple AI agents, and observability through logging executed queries and metadata is necessary for debugging and compliance. Long-running sessions require support for paginated responses to manage context effectively. Overall, the MCP server must integrate security, query safety, token efficiency, and observability into its design from the outset.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Minecraft Players Targeted by LofyStealer Using Node.js Loader and In-Memory Browser Injection

A new infostealer malware called LofyStealer is targeting the gaming community, particularly Minecraft players, by disguising itself as a cheat tool named “Slinky.” It employs a two-stage attack to extract sensitive information from eight major web browsers, including Chrome and Firefox, while evading detection by security software. The malware siphons off cookies, saved passwords, payment card information, and session tokens. Researchers at Zenox.ai identified LofyStealer, linking it to the Brazilian cybercrime group LofyGang, which has been active since October 2022. The malware uses social engineering tactics to appear legitimate and operates as a Malware-as-a-Service platform, offering both Free and Premium tiers to buyers. Its technical sophistication is evident in its method of in-memory browser injection, which allows it to bypass security defenses. The stolen data is compressed and sent to a command-and-control server. Users are advised to avoid downloading unofficial game mods and enable multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of credential theft. Security teams should monitor for specific behavioral indicators related to the malware's operations.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2026

Forget the Steam Machine: This hack will let you play Steam games on PS5

The ps5-linux project allows users to transform their PlayStation 5 into a Linux PC, enabling them to run Steam games and emulators using the console's powerful hardware. The project exploits a patched hypervisor vulnerability in the system and is currently only compatible with the original PS5 model running on 3.xx or 4.xx firmware.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

The Truth About PC Game Optimization: Why Your FPS Counter Is Lying About What’s Actually Broken

The term "badly optimized" in PC gaming is often used when a game does not meet players' expectations for frames per second (FPS) after release. Game performance is influenced by various factors beyond the graphics processing unit (GPU), including central processing unit (CPU) workloads, shader compilation, memory usage, and GPU driver behavior. Frame consistency is crucial; a game may have a high average FPS but still feel unsmooth due to inconsistent frame pacing. Performance is not dictated solely by the GPU; modern games require a balance across the entire system, including CPU and memory management. When a game exceeds its video RAM (VRAM) capacity, it can lead to stuttering as the system resorts to slower memory. Storage devices also impact performance, as modern games stream large amounts of data. Average FPS can be misleading; consistent frametimes are more indicative of a smooth experience. Benchmarks often include 1% and 0.1% lows to account for stuttering. Visual quality should align with performance demands, and well-optimized games allow players to achieve good visuals without significant performance loss. Shader compilation stutter can occur if shaders are compiled during gameplay, leading to interruptions. Technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR can improve performance but should not mask underlying optimization issues. The belief that older games were better optimized is a myth, as many faced significant performance issues at launch. Perceptions of optimization can vary among players, influenced by individual sensitivities to FPS and frametime fluctuations. A more nuanced approach to evaluating game optimization is needed, considering multiple criteria such as the scope of the game, performance data beyond averages, and the balance between visuals and performance demands.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Riot Games Launches VALORANT ‘PC Bang VAL Fragment Event’

The VAL Fragment event is returning as part of the Act 3 update for VALORANT, running from May 30 to June 23. Players can earn 100 VAL Fragments for visiting the event page for the first time and 10 VAL Fragments for every 10 minutes of gameplay at a PC Bang. Participating in the 'Ascension Brawl' ranked mode can yield up to 200 bonus VAL Fragments. Players can accumulate a total of 6,900 VAL Fragments, which can be exchanged for in-game items or used to enter prize draws. Riot Games is expanding PC Bang-linked events to enhance offline social gaming experiences.

TrendTechie

April 30, 2026

Nano NAS из смартфона

Evenings spent with family watching series and movies can be challenging due to the logistics of accessing content, such as reliance on multiple laptops and cumbersome connections to the television. The author repurposed an old OnePlus 5T smartphone as a media server, utilizing its 64 GB of internal storage by managing content carefully. The setup involves installing Termux and creating a Linux-like environment using PRoot, allowing the phone to retain its dual SIM functionality while deploying media-sharing services. The software selected includes Alpine Linux, sshd, dms (a lightweight DLNA server), and transmission-daemon for torrent management. A step-by-step guide details the installation process, configuration, and tips for optimizing performance. The outcome is a cost-effective solution that transforms the smartphone into a compact DLNA server, accessible over the local network, enabling effortless downloading, sharing, and streaming of films.