- Memory/Storage Shortage: AI and data center demands are severely limiting supply, leading to high-end storage and RAM shortages, driving up prices, and causing firms like Framework to raise desktop prices.
- Component Price Surges: Rising costs for components like power switches are increasing, impacting the overall cost of building a new rig.
- New Tech & Safety: MSI has introduced GPU Safeguard technology in new power supplies to protect against 12V-2×6 connector issues (RTX 5090 meltdowns).
- Upcoming Releases: The MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX WIFI II motherboard has been reviewed, supporting up to 256GB of memory.
Today’s Gaming News
Death Stranding 2: PC port launching in March with unlocked frame rates.
Rayman: A remake for the classic platformer is officially in development.
Bungie: Marathon server slam/open preview weekend announced for Feb 26.
Game Freak: Beasts of Reincarnation launches in August.
Business: Take-Two CEO emphasizes AI integration for efficiency, while Microsoft reached a new 3-year union contract with Blizzard QA testers.
Today’s News in Personal Tech
AI-ification of the Web: AI assistants (like Copilot and Google AI) are now standard in browsers and daily apps, with AI-mode in search engines providing personalized internet experiences.
Intelligent Health Tech: New devices, such as the YB Brush smart toothbrush, use sensors to analyze breath for health monitoring.
AI Regulation & Safety: Increased focus on AI safety and the impact of AI on social media, with, for example, Instagram implementing enhanced parental controls for AI chatbots.
Smart Home Privacy: Concerns are growing over the “dragnet era” of security cameras and how footage is managed.
Humanoid Robotics: Development continues on household robots, such as the 1X Neo, facing challenges in performing basic chores.
AI Investment: Companies like Anthropic are investing heavily in AI safety, while AI startups are expanding into robotics for agriculture.
Today’s News for PC Builders
DDR5 Price Spike: Manufacturers have increased DDR5 prices by up to 500% in some cases, causing a rush for cheaper, older DDR4 RAM, which has subsequently driven up prices for older AM4 platforms.
The “$750 Challenge”: With component prices rising, finding value is difficult, but budget-conscious builders are still targeting around $750 for 100+ FPS in modern titles.
Hardware Shortages: Major retailers are struggling with inventory, with some reports indicating that large electronics stores in Japan are pleading with customers to sell back old PC gear.
GPU Market Shift: While some GPU prices (like the RTX 5070 and Ryzen 9000 series) have shown minor drops, the overall market remains volatile. The RX 970 XT is emerging as a strong, cost-effective alternative to Nvidia options.
Component Security: Corsair is revamping packaging for its Vengeance DDR5 memory to combat increasing theft and scamming.
Today’s Gaming News
PlayStation State of Play: Sony has confirmed an hour-long State of Play for Thursday, February 12. Expect updates on PS5 and PS VR2 titles from both PlayStation Studios and third-party partners.
Blizzard’s New Shooter: Reports indicate Blizzard is partnering with Nexon (owners of Arc Raiders) for a second, unannounced StarCraft shooter.
Overwatch Hero Redesign: Following community and voice actor feedback, the Overwatch director has vowed to redesign the new hero, Anran, to better meet player expectations regarding her appearance.
Ubisoft Strikes: At least 1,200 Ubisoft workers are on strike through February 12 in response to recent company restructuring.