They Will Unite Intel, AMD & Nvidia

UFD Tech
25 Mar 202414:43

TLDRIn this tech news update, the focus is on AMD's latest driver update for the 7900 gr GPU, which addresses a significant bug and improves performance by up to 15%. Microsoft is rumored to be prototyping a gaming handheld, potentially running a simplified version of Windows 11. Additionally, Micron showcases high-speed server RAM with massive capacity, and Microsoft is working on Direct Sr to unify various super resolution technologies for a smoother gaming experience across platforms.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿš€ AMD has released a driver update for the 7900 series GPU, addressing a bug that prevented proper overclocking, leading to significant performance improvements.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Microsoft is reportedly prototyping a handheld gaming device, possibly running a simplified version of Windows 11 to optimize the handheld gaming experience.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ The gaming industry is abuzz with the potential of Microsoft's Direct Sr (Direct Super Resolution) technology, which aims to unify and streamline various super resolution technologies across different GPU brands.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Micron is showcasing high-speed DDR5 server RAM with a transfer rate of 8800 MT/s, capable of supporting up to 3 terabytes of RAM in a single server setup, albeit with high power consumption.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก NVIDIA is expected to release mid-tier GPU refreshes, including the 4070, 4060 Ti, and 4060, with under-the-hood changes but no significant performance differences.
  • ๐Ÿ›’ Hot deals include discounts on an Arctic liquid cooler, an ACA Nitro gaming monitor, and the Meta Quest 2 VR headset, all available through the provided video description link.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Apple's silicon chips (M1, M2, M3 Max) have an unpatchable hardware vulnerability that could allow hackers to steal cryptographic keys, though the risk is considered low due to multiple layers of protection.
  • ๐Ÿค Microsoft's GDC announcement highlights their efforts to improve the PC gaming experience through innovations like Direct Sr and potential improvements to Ray tracing technology.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ The discussion around Apple's legal issues emphasizes the importance of fair competition and consumer choice in the software development ecosystem.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The pronunciation of 'GIF' is a contentious topic, with various arguments supporting different pronunciations, highlighting the fluidity and evolving nature of language.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue with the AMD 7900 gr GPU that was discovered after its launch in the US?

    -The main issue with the AMD 7900 gr GPU was that it had a bug preventing it from being properly overclocked. The memory was locked down in a way it shouldn't have been, which limited its performance potential.

  • How did AMD address the issue with the 7900 gr GPU?

    -AMD released a driver update to fix the issue with the 7900 gr GPU. This update unlocked the memory and allowed for proper overclocking, resulting in a significant performance improvement.

  • What was the performance increase observed after the driver update for the 7900 gr GPU?

    -After the driver update, the 7900 gr GPU showed an increase of about 15% in performance in Time Spy Extreme benchmark, bringing it much closer to the performance of the 7900 XT.

  • What is Microsoft reportedly working on to improve the handheld gaming experience?

    -Microsoft is reportedly prototyping a gaming handheld, following reports of a new dev kit being issued for testing games on a potential gaming handheld device.

  • What is the main challenge with running Windows on handheld gaming devices?

    -Running Windows on handheld gaming devices is considered suboptimal because it is too complicated and has many quirks, bugs, and frustrations that hinder an impeccable handheld gaming experience.

  • What is Micron showcasing in terms of server RAM?

    -Micron is showcasing DDR 5 8800 megat transfer per second RAM in a tall form factor, with 256 GB per DIMM. These are designed for servers and could potentially be part of a 12-channel memory setup, allowing for up to 3 terabytes of RAM in a single server configuration.

  • What is NVIDIA planning in terms of mid-tier GPU refreshes?

    -NVIDIA plans to release new versions of their mid-tier GPUs, the 4070, 4060 Ti, and 4060, with under-the-hood changes. These will be cut-down versions of already existing GPUs and are not expected to have significant performance differences from their predecessors.

  • What is the significance of the new Apple silicon vulnerability?

    -The new Apple silicon vulnerability is significant because it is unpatchable at the hardware level, allowing hackers to potentially steal cryptographic keys from M1, M2, and M3 Max chips. However, exploiting this vulnerability requires bypassing Apple's gatekeeper protections, and the process can take up to 10 hours.

  • How does Microsoft aim to unite different GPU companies with its Direct Sr technology?

    -Microsoft's Direct Sr technology aims to provide a straightforward pipeline for game developers to implement super resolution technologies like DLSS, XCS, and FSR. This would allow developers to integrate these features without relying on specific hardware from companies like NVIDIA or AMD, simplifying the process and potentially improving performance across different platforms.

  • What is the main criticism against Apple's practices in the lawsuit filed by the United States?

    -The lawsuit against Apple by the United States criticizes the company's monopolistic and anti-competitive practices, particularly in software development for their ecosystem. Apple's control over APIs and restrictions on third-party access is seen as limiting choice and hindering the development of software that best serves the end user.

  • What is the proposed solution by Microsoft to improve Ray tracing efficiency?

    -Microsoft has filed a patent for a method to improve Ray tracing efficiency. The proposed solution involves using level of detail setups within the rendering pipeline to mitigate the high consumption of VRAM by Ray tracing. The idea is to offload some processing to the SSD, reducing the burden on the graphics card and allowing for more efficient use of existing hardware.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿš€ AMD 7900 GPU Driver Update & Performance Boost

The video begins with a discussion on the latest driver update for AMD's 7900 GPU, which has been a popular graphics card since its launch. However, a bug was discovered post-launch in the US market that prevented proper overclocking of the memory. AMD has addressed this issue, and preliminary benchmarks show a significant upgrade, with a 15% increase in performance in Time Spy Extreme tests. This brings the 7900 closer to the performance of the 7900 XT. The host also mentions the video's sponsor, Velstorm and Newegg, who offer custom PC building services and lifetime support for their products.

05:02

๐ŸŽฎ Microsoft's Foray into Handheld Gaming & Software Development

The host teases news about Microsoft potentially prototyping a gaming handheld, based on insider reports. This follows rumors of a new dev kit being tested for game compatibility. The discussion highlights the challenges of handheld gaming, particularly with Windows OS, which is considered suboptimal for gaming on-the-go due to its complexity and bugs. The host expresses concerns about Microsoft releasing an Xbox-branded handheld with a simplified version of Windows 11, and suggests that a better approach would be to integrate it with Xbox Cloud gaming for a seamless experience.

10:02

๐Ÿ’ป Apple Silicon Security Vulnerability & GPU Updates

The video continues with a segment on a hardware vulnerability in Apple's silicon chips, which allows hackers to steal cryptographic keys from M1, M2, and M3 Max chips. While the vulnerability is challenging to exploit, it raises concerns about security. The host also discusses the possibility of NVIDIA refreshing their mid-tier GPUs, with the 4070, 4060 Ti, and 4060 expected to have under-the-hood changes but no significant performance differences. The segment concludes with a mention of deals on various tech products, including a liquid cooler, a gaming monitor, and a VR headset.

๐Ÿค– Microsoft's Unified Gaming Strategy & Ray Tracing Innovations

The host praises Microsoft's efforts to unify gaming technologies with Direct Sr (Direct Super Resolution), which aims to streamline the implementation of upscaling technologies like DLSS, XCS, and FSR. This development could potentially benefit game developers and players alike. Additionally, Microsoft is reportedly working on innovations to improve Ray tracing efficiency, reducing the load on VRAM and utilizing SSD storage for better performance. The segment ends with a discussion on the host's comments from a previous episode, focusing on the impact of monopolistic practices on the tech industry and the potential for regulatory scrutiny.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Pronunciation Preferences & Language Controversy

In the final paragraph, the host shares community feedback on various tech topics, including Adobe's practices, Apple's legal issues, and the potential for similar scrutiny of Nvidia. The host also addresses a common question about transferring Epic Games folders to a different computer and expresses a desire for better support for this feature from game platforms. The video concludes with a humorous dive into the pronunciation of 'GIF,' with the host advocating for personal preference over standardized pronunciation, citing a PBS Idea Channel video that challenges linguistic conventions.

Mindmap

Overclocking Bug
Preliminary Benchmarks
Initial Issues
Performance Comparison
Global Reception
AMD 7900 GPU Driver Update
Handheld Prototype
Operating System Concerns
Xbox Cloud Streaming
Microsoft's Gaming Initiatives
Micron's DDR5 Server RAM
Server RAM Configuration
Memory and Storage Advancements
NVIDIA's Mid-Tier GPU Refresh
Arctic Liquid Freezer 2420
ACA Nitro 27 Gaming Monitor
Meta Quest 2 VR Headset
Deals and Offers
Apple Silicon Security Vulnerability
DirectStorage and DirectSuper Resolution
Ray Tracing Improvements
Industry Collaboration
Monopolistic Practices
Epic Games Transfer Issues
Pronunciation of 'GIF'
Community Feedback
Tech News and Updates
Alert

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กAMD 7900 gr

The AMD 7900 gr is a graphics processing unit (GPU) recently launched by AMD, which is a company specializing in computer graphics and microprocessors. The GPU is noted for its impressive performance and sales worldwide. However, upon its US launch, a bug was discovered that prevented proper overclocking of the memory, which was initially locked down in a manner not intended. AMD has since released a driver update to address this issue, significantly improving the GPU's performance in benchmark tests like Time Spy Extreme.

๐Ÿ’กOverclocking

Overclocking is the practice of increasing the clock rate of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) or GPU beyond the manufacturer's specifications to achieve higher performance. In the context of the video, the AMD 7900 gr's memory was initially unable to be overclocked due to a bug, but the driver update from AMD has resolved this issue, allowing users to push the GPU's performance beyond its stock settings.

๐Ÿ’กBenchmarks

Benchmarks are standardized tests or tasks used to evaluate the performance of a product, in this case, a GPU. They provide measurable comparisons between different hardware or software configurations. In the video, benchmarks like Time Spy Extreme are used to demonstrate the before-and-after performance of the AMD 7900 gr after the driver update.

๐Ÿ’กMicrosoft Insider

A Microsoft Insider refers to a person with inside access or knowledge about the company Microsoft, often used to describe employees or those with leaked information about the company's unreleased products or strategies. In the context of the video, a Microsoft Insider is the source of information about the potential development of a gaming handheld by Microsoft.

๐Ÿ’กHandheld Gaming

Handheld gaming refers to the use of portable devices, like gaming consoles or smartphones, for playing video games on the go. These devices are designed for convenience and mobility, allowing users to enjoy gaming experiences without being tied to a stationary console or PC. The video mentions Microsoft's potential entry into this market with a new gaming handheld device.

๐Ÿ’กXbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a part of Microsoft's cloud gaming service, formerly known as Project xCloud, which allows users to play games on various devices without the need for powerful hardware. The service streams games from Microsoft's servers, enabling players to enjoy AAA titles on less powerful devices like smartphones or handheld consoles.

๐Ÿ’กDDR 5 8800 megat transfer per second RAM

DDR 5 8800 megat transfer per second RAM refers to a type of high-speed memory used in servers and high-performance computers. DDR stands for Double Data Rate, and the '5' indicates it's the fifth generation of this memory technology. The '8800 megat transfer per second' refers to the speed at which data can be transferred, which is a measure of the memory's performance. These types of RAM are designed for high-speed data processing and are particularly useful in servers where large amounts of data need to be handled quickly.

๐Ÿ’กDirect Sr

Direct Sr, or Direct Super Resolution, is a term that seems to refer to a technology similar to NVIDIA's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) or AMD's FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). These technologies use AI and rendering techniques to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, improving performance in games without a significant loss in visual quality. The video suggests that Microsoft is working on its own version of such technology, which could be integrated into games more straightforwardly.

๐Ÿ’กRay Tracing

Ray tracing is a rendering technique used in computer graphics to produce realistic lighting effects by simulating the physical behavior of light. It traces the path of light rays as they interact with virtual objects in a scene. This technology is computationally intensive and can consume a significant amount of VRAM (Video RAM), as mentioned in the script. Microsoft has filed a patent to improve ray tracing efficiency by offloading some processing to the SSD and using level of detail setups, potentially reducing the VRAM consumption.

๐Ÿ’กGDC

GDC stands for the Game Developers Conference, which is an annual event where professionals in the video game industry gather to share knowledge, showcase new products, and discuss the latest trends and technologies in game development. Microsoft's announcement about Direct Sr was made at this conference, indicating its significance in the gaming industry.

๐Ÿ’กApple Silicon

Apple Silicon refers to the family of ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) designs developed by Apple for use in their own devices, such as Macintosh computers, iPhones, and iPads. These chips are known for their high performance and energy efficiency. However, the script mentions an unpatchable hardware vulnerability in Apple Silicon chips that could potentially allow hackers to steal cryptographic keys.

๐Ÿ’กNvidia

Nvidia is a multinational technology company known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence computing systems. The company is a major player in the GPU market and has developed technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) for improved gaming performance. The video mentions Nvidia in the context of Microsoft's efforts to create a unified gaming experience across different GPU brands, including Nvidia's own technologies.

Highlights

AMD has released a driver update for the 7900 gr, their latest GPU, which addresses a bug that prevented proper overclocking of the memory.

The driver update has led to a significant performance increase, with preliminary benchmarks showing roughly a 15% improvement in Time Spy Extreme performance.

The 7900 gr has been selling well globally, but the memory overclocking issue was only discovered recently in the US market.

With the memory unlocked, the 7900 gr's performance is now much closer to that of the 7900 XT, particularly in certain gaming benchmarks.

Microsoft is reportedly prototyping a handheld gaming device, following the distribution of new dev kits for game testing.

There is speculation that the handheld could be an Xbox-branded device running a simplified version of Windows 11.

Micron is showcasing DDR5 8800 megat transfer per second RAM, which could potentially be used in high-capacity server setups.

Microsoft's Direct Sr (Direct Super Resolution) aims to unify various upscaling technologies like DLSS, XCS, and FSR for a streamlined development process.

Microsoft has no set timeline for the release of Direct Sr, but its development is seen as a positive step for the gaming industry.

An unpatchable hardware vulnerability in Apple's silicon chips could allow hackers to steal cryptographic keys from M1, M2, and M3 Max chips.

Despite the vulnerability, the complexity of exploiting it means the risk to users is relatively low.

Microsoft has filed a patent for a method to improve Ray tracing efficiency, potentially reducing the load on VRAM.

The proposed Ray tracing method offloads some processing to the SSD, optimizing the use of existing hardware.

Microsoft's initiatives signal a commitment to enhancing the PC gaming experience, despite challenges in Xbox hardware sales.

NVIDIA is expected to release new mid-tier GPUs with under-the-hood changes, but without significant performance differences.

Deals of the day include discounts on an Arctic liquid cooler, an ACA Nitro gaming monitor, and the Meta Quest 2 VR headset.

A discussion on the pronunciation of 'GIF' explores the flexibility and evolving nature of language.

Community feedback highlights concerns about monopolistic practices and the impact on software development and consumer choice.