Day: May 19, 2025

Gaudi 3: Intel’s AI Accelerator

Posted on by Technocrat

The Intel Gaudi 3 AI accelerator is a high-performance AI accelerator designed for large-scale data center deployments. It features 64 programmable Tensor Processor Cores (TPCs), eight Matrix Multiplication Engines (MMEs), 128GB of HBM2E memory, and 96MB of SRAM, all built on a 5nm process technology. Intel Gaudi 3 is available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the second quarter of 2024, according to Intel’s announcement. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • High Performance:Gaudi 3 offers up to four times the AI compute power of its predecessor for BF16 workloads, and a 1.5x increase in memory bandwidth. 
  • Scalability:Designed for scalable deployments from single nodes to mega-clusters with thousands of nodes, says Intel. 
  • Open and Flexible:Utilizes open, community-based software and industry-standard Ethernet networking, allowing for a wider range of integration and development options, according to Intel. 
  • Competitive Pricing:Gaudi 3 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to solutions like Nvidia’s H100, offering similar performance at a lower price, says Tom’s Hardware. 
  • Optimized for GenAI:Designed to accelerate generative AI workloads, including large language models and multi-modal models. 
  • Availability:Available through IBM Cloud Virtual Servers for VPC cloud instances and also in partnership with OEMs like Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lenovo, and Supermicro. 

ASUS Unveils ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 DOOM Edition for $1,999

Posted on by Technocrat

ASUS has launched the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 DOOM Edition, a limited-edition graphics card celebrating the 30th anniversary of ASUS graphics cards and the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages. This exclusive GPU features a distinctive green and gold color scheme, DOOM Slayer artwork on the backplate, and Shield Saw-inspired fans, making it a collector’s item for fans of the franchise. 

Under the hood, the ROG Astral RTX 5080 is powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and comes equipped with 16GB of GDDR7 memory. It boasts a boost clock of up to 2730 MHz in OC mode and features 10,752 CUDA cores. The card utilizes a patented vapor chamber, phase-change thermal pad, and four Axial-tech fans to ensure efficient cooling during intense gaming sessions. 

The DOOM Edition bundle is limited to just 666 units worldwide and is priced at $1,999.99, or $1,899.99 without a copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages. While the card offers the same performance as the standard RTX 5080, its unique design and bundled DOOM merchandise make it a premium offering for enthusiasts. 

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, ASUS also offers the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5080 OC Edition, which features a boost clock of up to 2730 MHz, 16GB of GDDR7 memory, and a robust cooling system with triple Axial-tech fans. This model provides the same core performance as the DOOM Edition without the premium aesthetics. 

Both versions of the RTX 5080 are available through various retailers, including Best Buy Canada, Memory Express, and Canada Computers. Gamers looking to experience the latest in graphics performance can choose between the exclusive DOOM Edition or the more accessible TUF Gaming model, depending on their preferences and budget. 

Crucial T705 NVMe SSD Pushes 14,500MB/s in PCIe 5.0 Tests

Posted on by Technocrat

Crucial’s T705 NVMe SSD has recently shattered performance expectations by reaching 14,500MB/s in sequential read speeds during PCIe 5.0 benchmark testing. This places it among the fastest consumer SSDs currently available, clearly targeting high-end desktop and workstation users who demand extreme throughput for gaming, 3D rendering, and massive file transfers. The T705 leverages the latest Phison E26 controller and Micron’s 232-layer TLC NAND, offering not just raw speed but also impressive consistency under sustained workloads.

During internal testing, CrystalDiskMark results showed sequential reads of up to 14,495MB/s and writes peaking at 12,700MB/s. In mixed workloads, the T705 maintained over 1.5M IOPS in random read operations, significantly outperforming older PCIe 4.0 models by nearly 60%. However, sustained write performance begins to taper off without active cooling, with thermal throttling kicking in around 75°C. Crucial bundles the T705 with optional heatsinks and recommends proper airflow for peak performance.

This surge in PCIe 5.0 SSD speed reflects a broader trend in storage evolution. While average users may not yet feel the difference in day-to-day tasks, creators and professionals with demanding workflows will benefit immediately. With motherboard manufacturers like ASUS and Gigabyte now offering Gen5 M.2 slots across most Z790 and X670 boards, drives like the T705 are becoming viable for mainstream adoption. However, power draw and thermal management remain challenges for PCIe 5.0 SSDs. As controller firmware matures and DRAM-less designs improve, it’s likely we’ll see more efficient models by the end of the year. For now, the T705 represents a new ceiling in consumer storage speed—and a clear signal that SSD performance is still accelerating rapidly.

Kingston Fury Renegade PCIe 5.0 SSD Shows Mixed Results

Posted on by Technocrat

Kingston’s Fury Renegade PCIe 5.0 SSD shows mixed results in early benchmarks. The drive uses a Phison E26 controller and 3D TLC NAND, targeting high-end desktops. Reviewers have noted inconsistent write speeds during sustained transfers.

CrystalDiskMark results show peak read speeds of 11GB/s, but write speeds drop to 6GB/s after 100GB of continuous writes. Thermal throttling is observed at 75°C, impacting performance in long-duration tasks. Random IOPS remain competitive with other PCIe 5.0 drives.

The Fury Renegade’s performance may vary depending on workload and system cooling. Kingston may address these issues with firmware updates or improved heatsinks. Users seeking consistent performance should monitor drive temperatures closely.

AMD Ryzen 7 8700G APU Delivers Surprising Gaming Performance

Posted on by Technocrat

AMD’s Ryzen 7 8700G APU delivers surprising gaming performance in recent reviews. The chip features 8 Zen 4 cores and integrated RDNA3 graphics, targeting budget gaming builds. Reviewers have tested the APU in a variety of modern titles.

Benchmark results show 60fps at 1080p in games like Fortnite and Valorant, with power consumption under 65W. Synthetic benchmarks indicate strong performance in productivity tasks as well. Thermal performance is solid, with temperatures peaking at 75°C on stock cooling.

The 8700G’s integrated graphics make it a compelling choice for entry-level systems. AMD’s focus on balancing CPU and GPU performance may attract budget-conscious gamers. Discrete GPU upgrades remain an option for future expansion.

RTX 4070 Mobile Variant Spotted in Gaming Laptop

Posted on by Technocrat

NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 mobile variant has been spotted in a new gaming laptop model. The GPU features 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a 128-bit bus, targeting high-performance portable systems. The leak comes from a retailer’s early product listing.

3DMark Time Spy results show the mobile RTX 4070 achieving a graphics score of 11,500, outperforming the previous generation by 20%. Power consumption is capped at 115W, with temperatures staying below 80°C under load. Gaming benchmarks in Shadow of the Tomb Raider show 90fps at 1440p.

The RTX 4070 mobile’s performance brings desktop-class gaming to laptops. NVIDIA’s efficiency improvements may appeal to gamers seeking portability without sacrificing frame rates. Competing AMD and Intel GPUs are expected to follow.