This week in Gaming CPUs · updated Fri Oct 23 2026
Intel's desktop platform continues evolving with dual developments reshaping the CPU and motherboard landscape. MSI released an updated Z890 Tomahawk WiFi II motherboard targeting mainstream builders with contemporary connectivity options including Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4, priced competitively at $229 despite some reviewers' reservations about feature justification and cooling design. Meanwhile, evidence of Intel's architectural roadmap emerged through spotted LGA1954 socket hardware, indicating the company plans to transition beyond the current LGA1851 standard for its upcoming Nova Lake-S generation. These shifts suggest significant platform changes ahead for enthusiasts planning next-generation system builds.
AI-written weekly briefing drawn from this topic's recent stories.
Newegg is offering early discounts on high-performance AMD Ryzen bundles, including the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 5 9600X, paired with DDR5 RAM, SSDs, and compatible motherboards. The deals, available until October 31, 2…
CD Projekt Red has reportedly reconsidered multiplayer for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion, based on a new job posting seeking a Lead Quest Programmer with experience in multiplayer network architectur…
Meta has become the lead customer for AMD's 6th Gen EPYC 'Venice' CPUs, deploying millions of chips to power its AI infrastructure. The companies are deepening their partnership through the use of AMD's Helios rack-scale…
MSI's MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi II is a mid-range LGA 1851 motherboard priced at $229. It includes a 16+2+1-phase VRM, 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4, and out-of-box support for Arrow Lake Refresh processors. The review fin…
A bracket for Intel's LGA1954 socket has been listed by an AliExpress supplier, providing physical evidence of the socket change. This suggests Nova Lake-S will use a new socket beyond the current LGA1851. The listing ad…
A hardware leaker claims that early silicon for Sony's PlayStation 6 and Microsoft's next Xbox, codenamed Helix, has reached the tape-out stage. The leaker also cited compute targets of around 40 TFLOPS for the PS6 GPU a…
Aftershock has crafted a unique gaming PC called the Cherry Bloom, priced at $14,200. It includes 70 hand-made titanium alloy petals that open and close based on internal temperature using shape-memory alloy. The petals …
The Lian Li RBO750B is a non-modular 750W power supply with an 80 PLUS Bronze rating, but it achieves efficiency close to Silver. It includes native 12V-2x6 support and a quiet 135mm fan, all for $69.99. The review gives…
The ASRock X870E Challenger Wi-Fi White offers a premium feature set at a budget price, including Wi-Fi 7, USB4, and four M.2 slots. It delivers strong VRM and SSD cooling, and its minimalist design appeals to users who …
Noctua and Forced Physics DCT have announced a research collaboration to evaluate whether JouleForce micro-channel array cooling technology can be applied to desktop PCs and workstations. The partnership aims to determin…
TSMC has reportedly started pilot production of its 1.4nm process at facilities in Hsinchu and Taichung. The company aims for volume production in 2028, with the node expected to deliver 10-15% speed gains or 25-30% powe…
Thermal Grizzly has introduced the Mycro Pro Stainless Steel CPU water block, which supports Intel's upcoming LGA 1954 socket for Nova Lake-S processors along with LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. The block features an unp…