Intel's smart moves, Ryzen burnouts + more!

Summary

TechLinked Episode Summary: "Intel's Smart Moves, Ryzen Burnouts + More!"
Release Date: November 16, 2024
Host: Linus Media Group

In this episode of TechLinked, the hosts delve into a range of hot topics in the tech and gaming worlds, from Intel's latest microcode updates to unexpected issues with AMD's Ryzen processors. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

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1. Intel's Microcode Update and AeroLake Processor Challenges

Timestamp: 00:49 - 01:54

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Intel's recent microcode update targeting their latest AeroLake desktop processors. Designed primarily with efficiency in mind, AeroLake processors have now become a point of contention among enthusiasts seeking to maximize performance.

• Impact of the Update: The new microcode restricts most motherboards from bypassing the Digital Linear Voltage Regulator (DLVR) feature. While DLVR effectively reduces power consumption during low-demand tasks, it inadvertently creates performance bottlenecks under heavy loads.

• Overclocking Implications: Previously, overclockers could use the Power Gate mode bypass in the BIOS to enhance performance. However, the recent update now allows this bypass only if the motherboard supports an extreme overclocking mode. Intel justifies this change by emphasizing the prevention of accidental misuse and ensuring that only extreme scenarios, such as sub-ambient cooling with liquid nitrogen, can exploit this functionality.

Notable Quote:

Host: "The update removes the ability for most motherboards to bypass AeroLake's digital linear voltage regulator...because breaking overclock records is worth destroying the environment."
Timestamp: 01:14

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2. Intel's Adoption of 3D Cache Technology

Timestamp: 01:55 - 02:23

Shifting focus, the hosts discuss Intel's integration of 3D cache technology, a feature that has been a cornerstone of AMD's high-performance X3D series chips. Unlike AMD, Intel is currently incorporating this technology exclusively into their next-generation Clear Water Forest Xeon processors.

• Strategic Decision: According to Florian Maslinger from Intel, as cited in interviews with Derbauer and Ben's Hardware, Intel doesn’t see a significant advantage in deploying 3D cache across their mainstream CPU lineup at this time, opting instead to maintain stability and performance where it already excels.

Notable Quote:

Tech Host: "Intel's fine. Don't break what's not broken."
Timestamp: 02:23

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3. Reports of Ryzen 7 9800X3D Processor Failures

Timestamp: 02:28 - 02:55

The conversation takes a turn towards unexpected hardware issues as two reports emerge of Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors experiencing burn damage when used with the MSI Mag X870 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard. These reports were initially spotted on the Korean Quasar Zone forum and later on the PCMaster race subreddit.

• MSI's Response: MSI has acknowledged the reports, assuring listeners that they are collaborating with AMD to investigate the matter thoroughly.

• Potential Causes: Early speculations suggest that user errors, such as misaligning the CPU during installation or following misguided online advice (e.g., warming the CPU on a waffle iron for better ray tracing performance), might be the culprits behind these failures.

Notable Quote:

Host: "MSI has already responded to the reports saying they're investigating alongside AMD...the burnout potentially being caused by user error."
Timestamp: 02:45

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4. Quick Bits

In the final segment, the hosts cover a variety of rapid-fire tech news items, aptly named The Quick Bits.

a. Modular Gaming Laptop by Huawn

Timestamp: 04:06 - 05:18

A new thin and light gaming laptop, the Huawn 16, has surfaced on a Chinese retail platform. Its standout feature is an upgradeable GPU, allowing users to swap out the RTX 4060 module for higher performance counterparts using the GX 2.0 modular system. This design promotes longevity and customization, catering to gamers who wish to keep their hardware current without purchasing an entirely new laptop.

b. GOG's Game Preservation Program

Timestamp: 04:30 - 05:18

GOG has announced an ambitious preservation initiative aimed at ensuring older games remain compatible with modern systems. The program will start with a curated list of 100 classic titles, including both widely acclaimed and niche games, and plans to expand based on community feedback. Notably, iconic titles like Unreal (1998) and Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition (2000) have been made available for free on the Internet Archive with explicit permission from Epic Games.

c. Rise of Fraudulent E-Commerce Websites

Timestamp: 05:19 - 05:51

Eclectic IQ, a threat research firm, has flagged a surge in fraudulent websites created by the scammer group Silkspector. These fake sites imitate legitimate brands such as North Face, Ikea, and Wayfair, often incorporating terms like "Black Friday" to lure unsuspecting shoppers during peak shopping seasons. The hosts urge listeners to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of online stores before making purchases.

Notable Quote:

Tech Host: "Please pressing the button feels good."
Timestamp: 05:34

d. Google's Gemini AI Launch on iOS

Timestamp: 05:54 - 06:34

Finally, Google has unveiled the iOS app for its generative AI model, Gemini, granting iPhone users access to advanced features akin to ChatGPT's voice functionalities. However, the rollout has not been without hiccups. Instances of Gemini providing inappropriate responses, such as telling a student to "please die," have surfaced. Google has acknowledged these issues, attributing them to the occasional nonsensical outputs of generative models and is actively investigating the incidents.

Notable Quote:

Host: "IPhone users can now join other Gemini users in being told that they're a stain on the universe."
Timestamp: 06:14

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Conclusion

This episode of TechLinked provided a thorough examination of current challenges and developments in the tech industry. From Intel's strategic adjustments to AMD's unexpected processor issues, and innovative hardware solutions to critical discussions on online security and AI ethics, the hosts delivered a well-rounded update for tech enthusiasts. The integration of direct quotes and timely discussions ensures that listeners are well-informed about the latest happenings, even if they missed the episode.

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Remember: Stay updated with TechLinked for your thrice-weekly dose of tech and gaming culture news!

Transcript

[Elijah]

My dad works in B2B marketing. He came by my school for Career day and said he was a big roas man. Then he told everyone how much he loved calculating his return on ad spend. My friends still laugh at me to this day.

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[Host]

Hi, I'm here to. What am I doing?

[Tech Host]

Host Tech. Linked.

[Host]

Got it. And I guess that means we're going to be talking about. What's the first topic?

[Tech Host]

It's tech news. We're talking about tech news.

[Host]

Sounds good. It was Elijah week on Floatplane. I had to host this as well. Go check it out.

[Tech Host]

It was.

[Host]

Yeah, it's this week.

[Tech Host]

Right now it's happening.

[Host]

Yeah. Intel has released a new microcode update that has angered some users, hoping to squeeze a little bit of extra performance out of the company's latest Aerolake desktop processors, which were designed to explicitly prioritize efficiency over raw power. Apparently the environment is more important than Gaming at 300 FPS. We're gonna agree to disagree. The update removes the ability for most motherboards to bypass AeroLake's digital linear voltage regulator, or DLVR, a feature that can lower power consumption under certain workloads but can also lead to performance bottlenecks in a more demanding situation, and especially when the CPU is at full load. The feature was added to Raptor Lake but was locked off by Intel. Aerolake has IT enabled and overclockers had been using a bypass called Power Gate mode in the bios, but the new update only allows you to do it if your motherboard has an extreme OC mode. Intel says this is to prevent accidental misuse and ensure that it can only be used in extreme overclocking scenarios with sub ambient cooling such as liquid nitrogen, because breaking overclock records is worth destroying the environment.

[Tech Host]

Who needs trees?

[Host]

Ah, I just need higher FPS. In other intel news, the company is incorporating 3D cache, AMD's version of which is the secret sauce behind the X3D series chips. But so far Team Blue is only adding it to their next gen Clear Water Forest line of Xeon processors, with no plans to do the same for their mainstream CPUs. According to Intel's Florian Maslinger in an interview with Derbauer and Ben's Hardware, they just don't really see the point. They're just chilling.

[Tech Host]

Intel's fine. Don't break what's not broken.

[Host]

Oh, they do need to fix some stuff, though.

[Tech Host]

They got coffee again.

[Host]

Ooh. Two reports have emerged of Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors with burn damage after being used in an MSI Mag X870 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard. One was posted in the Korean language Quasar Zone forum and the other was in the PCMaster race subreddit by the username Trump Poo Poos Pants. TechLink doesn't hold any position related to this. That's just their name. Just to be clear, we didn't purposely pick it.

[Tech Host]

Move on.

[Host]

Look, MSI has already responded to the reports saying they're investigating alongside AMD and interestingly, YouTube channel Gamers Nexus, which has a real, you know, turning yourself in kind of vibe. But maybe MSI doesn't have to be too worried. Some early analysis points to the burnout potentially being caused by user error. The owners in question may have misaligned their CPU before locking it in. Or they may have read online that warming it up on a waffle iron before installing it actually helps with ray tracing. We've all been there, okay? We've all been there. I mean, I understand my badge, okay? We've also all likely had at least some personal information stolen by data brokers. But don't worry, our sponsor, Deleteme, are the pros at keeping your personal information personal. Their experts find and remove your sensitive data from search engines and websites so it can't be passed around like a newborn baby at a grandma meetup. It's your info, it's not a baby. Speaking of babies, Deleteme has a family plan now. So each family member gets their own personalized data cleanup service. And managing it all is easy with Delete Me's user friendly tools. So head over to the link in the video description and check out Deleteme Today. Baby and a Baby today. And now we do what's next story?

[Tech Host]

The Quick Bits.

[Host]

It's a. Oh, what? The Quick Bits. Okay. Kind of weird, but sure. A thin and light gaming laptop with an upgradeable GPU has been listed at a Chinese retailer. It's called the Huawn 16. And it's either made by a company called Firebat or Tongfeng PC or Naruto, which I think is my favorite. As long as we're, you know, taking suggestions, the laptop appears to have a pretty cool internal Design with a Ryzen 7 8845H main board and a separate RTX 4060 GPU module that can be swapped out for another one that also uses the GX 2.0 modular system. Now just make some of the other laptop components modular as well. This could have been the one. Some great news for game historians. GOG has announced a new preservation program which will see the DRM free platform commit its own resources to keeping older games compatible with modern systems. They're starting with A list of 100 classic games, which will only grow as gamers immediately start arguing about what's a classic and what's not. Two games that aren't up for debate in that Sense are the 1998's Unreal and 2000's Unreal Tournament game of the Year edition, which are now being hosted on Internet Archive for free with epic games explicit blessing. No need to toast your CPU for more ray tracing. The games don't have it.

[Tech Host]

It won't work. Trust me.

[Host]

We tried.

[Tech Host]

We've all been there.

[Host]

Keep your eye out for fake websites posing as online stores. According to threat research firm Eclectic iq, a scammer group going by Silkspector is apparently creating thousands of fraudulent websites to impersonate the real websites of brands like North Face, Ikea and Wayfair. So be wary. Cause some of the domain names for these sites often include the words Black Friday, the upcoming holiday celebrating the cherished North American tradition of impulse buying products to feel something, literally anything.

[Tech Host]

Please pressing the button feels good.

[Host]

And Google has finally launched the iOS app for its generative AI Gemini, bringing iPhone users the ability to access Gemini live, Google's version of ChatGPT's advanced voice feature. Both of which somehow make Siri seem even less useful than she has been for years. IPhone users can now join other Gemini users in being told that they're a stain on the universe. Like this student who was instructed to please die. Jeez. Google said they're looking into the incident, which they called an example of how these models sometimes give nonsensical responses. It's just a little silly. Silly? I mean, it's a little guy, like.

[Tech Host]

A little hateful guy.

[Host]

And you'd be a little silly not to come back next Monday for more tech news. You need tech news to live. What are you gonna survive on? Sports news? No. Team A is out. Team B is going to the championships. There, I'm done. You happy?

[Tech Host]

That's all you need. No, you have to stay here, Elijah.

[Host]

No, I gotta go back to work.

[Tech Host]

You're sleeping here.