Day: May 19, 2025

Gaudi 3: Intel’s AI Accelerator

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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

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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

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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.

Qualcomm Oryon Desktop CPU Outperforms Apple M3

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Qualcomm’s Oryon desktop CPU has been benchmarked, outperforming Apple’s M3 in multi-threaded workloads. The chip, based on Nuvia’s architecture, features 12 high-performance cores and advanced AI acceleration. The leak originates from a system integrator’s pre-release testing.

Cinebench R23 multi-core scores reach 20,000, surpassing the Apple M3 by 8%. Power efficiency is a highlight, with the Oryon chip consuming just 65W under load. Single-core performance is competitive, matching Intel’s latest offerings.

Qualcomm’s entry into the desktop CPU market could disrupt the current x86 dominance. The combination of performance and efficiency may appeal to both consumers and enterprise users. Apple’s response with future M-series chips will be closely watched.

Intel Meteor Lake-H Mobile CPU Spotted in Retail Laptop

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Intel’s Meteor Lake-H mobile CPU has been spotted in a retail laptop ahead of launch. The 14-core, 20-thread processor uses a hybrid architecture with Redwood Cove and Crestmont cores. The leak comes from a European electronics retailer.

Performance testing in Cinebench R23 shows a single-core score of 2,100 and a multi-core score of 15,500. Power consumption peaks at 55W, with sustained performance under heavy workloads. Battery life tests indicate up to 10 hours of mixed use.

Meteor Lake-H’s early appearance suggests Intel is accelerating its mobile roadmap. The chip’s efficiency and performance improvements may challenge AMD’s Ryzen 8000 series in the laptop segment. OEM adoption will be key to widespread availability.

Samsung 990 Evo NVMe Drive Fails Sequential Write Tests at 80°C

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Samsung’s 990 Evo NVMe drive fails sequential write tests at 80°C. Independent reviewers have reported significant performance drops when the drive operates under sustained heavy loads. The issue appears related to thermal throttling and controller firmware.

CrystalDiskMark results show sequential write speeds dropping from 5,000MB/s to 1,200MB/s after 10 minutes at high temperatures. Read speeds remain stable, but write performance does not recover until the drive cools. SMART data logs confirm repeated thermal events during testing.

This finding raises concerns about the 990 Evo’s suitability for high-performance workloads in poorly ventilated systems. Samsung may need to address the issue with a firmware update or improved thermal solutions. Users should monitor drive temperatures to avoid performance degradation.