If you are wondering why the GeForce RTX 5090, despite being one of the best graphics cards, has evaporated from retail shelves, the answer lies in China’s industrial conversion factories. A newly surfaced video reveals the staggering scale of the country’s grey-market AI operations, showing industrial workshops dismantling brand-new GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards to repurpose them for the AI boom.

So, what exactly is a GeForce RTX 5090 doing in China when the graphics card is not even officially available there? The answer is simple. They are there to be transformed into AI workhorses. The recently leaked footage offers a glimpse inside these Chinese workshops, where skilled technicians meticulously desolder the pricey flagship’s GB202 silicon and GDDR7 memory chips. They then transplant the components into a dual-slot blower design tailored for server use.

The GeForce RTX 5090 blower graphics cards will ultimately end up in high-density server racks where they will become the backbone of massive AI compute clusters. The scale and efficiency of these operations are impressive, with production lines converting shipments of brand-new GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards, from Nvidia's custom partner models to the chipmaker's highly coveted Founders Edition. After testing and validation, workers would repackage these modified GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards and ship them to clients, likely data centers or AI labs.

Many of these Chinese factories are scattered throughout the country. The conversion process is massive in scale, and probably thousands of GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards are being repurposed every day. Middlemen in these grey-market supply chains are constantly hunting for GeForce RTX 5090 stock to fuel these operations.

Nvidia has reportedly halted production of the GeForce RTX 5090 and is, in all likelihood, redirecting the valuable silicon to higher-margin professional GPUs like the RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell. At the same time, a vast network of Chinese conversion factories continues to operate at full speed. Redirected supply and aggressive grey-market recycling have nearly wiped out GeForce RTX 5090 stock from U.S. retailers.

Custom GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards now start at an eye-watering $8,500. However, a new workaround has emerged to sidestep the stock shortage and inflated prices: prebuilt gaming systems. Sometimes these GeForce RTX 5090 prebuilts cost less than a standalone GeForce RTX 5090, while offering a fully assembled system with a manufacturer's warranty.

If you had told me a few months ago that buying an entire gaming system would be cheaper than a single high-end graphics card, I would have called you insane. Yet here we are. In today’s chaotic market, prebuilt systems often offer better value than standalone graphics cards.

Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090, undeniably one of the best graphics cards of our time, vanished overnight without a trace and is now selling for $8,500 on Amazon. In a recent development, Reddit user DallasGrave showcased a custom quad 8-pin power conversion kit designed for the notorious melting 16-pin (12VHPWR) power connector and the later 12V-2x6 revision. This invention, an upgrade over a previous mod, could reduce the risk of power-related meltdowns.

Unlike the endless stream of aftermarket adapters designed solely to prevent 16-pin power meltdowns, DallasGrave's iteration is more like a power-conversion kit. The direct-mount kit sits above the graphics card and uses a custom harness soldered to the graphics card’s PCB power rails. The quad 8-pin power conversion kit bypasses the 16-pin connection and redistributes the massive power draw more evenly across four conventional 8-pin PCIe power connectors.

Each 8-pin PCIe power connector can deliver up to 150W, so all four combined in this custom configuration match the 16-pin connector’s maximum capacity of 600W. However, this configuration addresses concerns with the 16-pin power connector, which channels 50A through a small, tightly packed set of pins. The power-conversion kit instead spreads the load across four 8-pin PCIe power connectors, which are physically larger and allow a wider pin pitch.

While 8-pin PCIe power connectors are not entirely immune to melting or other power-related failures, such incidents are far less common than issues with 16-pin power connectors. The 16-pin power connector is significantly more compact than a single 8-pin power connector and carries 4X the wattage, so it is more prone to higher current density and heat buildup.

According to PCI-SIG specifications, each of the six power pins inside the 16-pin power connector is rated for a maximum current of 9.5A. This means that, in theory, the power connector's total capacity reaches up to 684W or 57A. For example, 600W (50A) requires each power pin to carry about 8.33A, which is already close to the recommended safety limits.

By contrast, a standard 8-pin PCIe power connector contains three power pins. Combining four of these connectors in tandem provides 12 power pins. When distributing a 50A load across 12 pins, each pin carries just 4.17 amps, about half the current per pin of the 16-pin power connector design. This lower current per pin dramatically reduces wire and terminal temperatures and lowers the risk of heat-related damage.

The quad 8-pin power conversion kit tricks the sense pins on the 16-pin power connection into recognizing the full 600W. However, the Redditor claims they have tested the kit for up to 800W with a shunt mod. The beauty of the kit is that users can use it as a standalone power source or alongside the native 16-pin power connector, essentially acting as a parallel load spreader.

DallasGrave is developing a custom backplate that will enhance the power conversion kit's visual appeal. Notably, it is not limited to the GeForce RTX 5090 or any specific brand. According to the Redditor, they are preparing a range of models for production that cover nearly every variant on the market, including Nvidia’s Founders Edition. However, the creator has not yet revealed key details such as the official release date, pricing, or installation logistics.

Buying a GeForce RTX 5090, widely regarded as one of the best graphics cards on the market, was already extremely difficult because of price hikes and near-zero availability. Now, it will be impossible to get one. Amid recent rumors that Nvidia is halting production of the GeForce RTX 5090, another sign of the card's disappearance from the U.S. market are emerging. Micro Center has reclassified the Blackwell flagship as "Not Carried," and many of its stores have sold out. Tom's Hardware has reached out to Micro Center for comment.

The “not carried” status on a product is different from simply being out of stock. When an item is out of stock, it just means the product is temporarily unavailable, but the retailer plans to restock once new inventory arrives from the manufacturer. In contrast, a "not carried" label implies the product is no longer part of the retailer's active catalog. Therefore, the retailer does not expect to restock the item.

Custom GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards from Nvidia partners such as Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte are still listed on Micro Center’s website for now. However, a closer look shows these models are out of stock at all of the retailer’s physical locations. This widespread unavailability lends credence to the rumors that Nvidia has reportedly stopped producing the GeForce RTX 5090.

The Asus GeForce RTX 5090 ROG Astral Edition 20 is the only GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card that remains in stock at most Micro Center stores nationwide. However, there is a catch. This particular model is only available as part of the exclusive Asus ROG 20th Anniversary Bundle priced at almost $11,000.

Adding another twist to the unfolding story, one Redditor claimed to have seen Micro Center employees remove all GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards from the shelves on October 9, just a day before rumors of a production halt began circulating online. According to the account, when the Redditor asked the store manager why, the manager refused to explain.

The Redditor wanted to buy the Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 5090; however, a Micro Center employee reportedly said the graphics card "was pulled and being sent somewhere else," offering no further explanation. Nonetheless, the Redditor noticed two GeForce RTX 5090 cards still on the shelf and allegedly begged staff to let them buy one. The Asus GeForce RTX 5090 ROG Astral Edition 20 would require selling a kidney, and no doctor or surgical equipment was nearby. Therefore, the Redditor bought the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5090 Aorus Stealth Ice, which Micro Center generously price-matched to the cheaper Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 5090.

The fairytale ending wrapped up with the Micro Center employee reportedly telling the customer, "congrats on getting the last 5090 we will probably sell..."

Nvidia has not officially commented on the GeForce RTX 5090's situation. Despite ongoing speculation, the chipmaker still lists the GeForce RTX 5090 on its website with a “starting at $1,999” price, an MSRP we have not seen in ages. The original rumor suggested that Nvidia had stopped producing the GeForce RTX 5090, but it has not been formally confirmed as a discontinuation.

It makes sense for Nvidia to reallocate the GB202 silicon that powers the GeForce RTX 5090 into its Pro lineup, where profit margins are considerably higher. Instead of focusing on the GeForce RTX 5090 for gaming, Nvidia can channel the GB202 into products like the RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell, RTX Pro 5500, and RTX Pro 5000, where the market will pay a steep premium for the same silicon.

Sadly, times are changing, and the GeForce RTX 5090 has shifted from flagship to a soon-unattainable halo product.

While Sony remains committed to phasing out physical media, Nintendo is taking the opposite approach. In a recent interview with the Brazilian YouTube channel Coelho no Japão, Bill van Zyll, Nintendo's VP and General Manager for Latin America, confirmed that the company has no plans to abandon cartridges.

"Historically, we’ve been very agnostic, right?" stated van Zyll in the interview.

The Nintendo executive firmly continued, "We go off what the consumer prefers, and take that into account very heavily. We also have a platform that was just launched. We're barely just over a year into NS2. It's got both digital and physical – that capability. There's no plans to ditch physical. We know how much the fans like it as well, so our position has been to be agnostic."

In an era where the gaming industry is rapidly shifting toward digital distribution, it is comforting to see at least some companies still supporting physical media. The core issue with digital purchases is that you do not truly own what you buy; instead, you are purchasing a license to access the game, unlike owning a cartridge or game disc. Some storefronts, such as GOG or itch.io, offer DRM-free downloads of the titles you purchase, but only a handful of them exist.

However, even cartridges cannot completely escape the march toward digitalization. With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo introduced game-key cards, physical cards that contain a license to download the full game data. Modern AAA game releases have exceeded the storage capacity of traditional cartridges or discs. For instance, Black Myth: Wukong and the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI use this code-in-a-box model.

On the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, cartridges max out at 32GB and 64GB, respectively. That is not much capacity by modern standards, so publishers turn to game-key cards as a compromise for a physical release. Compared with fully digital releases, game-key cards bind the license to the card, so owners can still trade or sell them like normal cartridges.

Owning physical copies can sometimes cost more than going digital, especially for Nintendo’s first-party titles. Effective as of May 2026, physical versions of first-party Nintendo titles sell for $10 more than their digital counterparts. The price increase was due to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution costs for cartridges. However, Nintendo frames the pricing adjustment differently, claiming it lowered digital game prices by $10 to pass the savings on to consumers.

Nintendo has announced plans for the Switch 2 to mirror its predecessor's lifespan, about six to seven years. No one anticipated Sony's decision to phase out game discs, so Nintendo's future remains uncertain, even though the company pledged to continue physical releases. With the Switch 2 launching just last year, we can at least look forward to another six good years of physical media.

Don’t throw away your PlayStation 2 games just yet. Modder Sword has released PS5SX2 for jailbroken PlayStation 5 consoles. This new software brings PlayStation 2 games to Sony’s latest console and supports physical discs, letting you relive your favorite classics in their original form.

For those active in the PlayStation emulation scene, the name PS5SX2 will immediately ring a bell, and for good reason. PS5SX2 is a native port of PCSX2, a very popular PlayStation 2 emulator for PC. Sword has successfully adapted the PCSX2 CPU recompilers to run on the PlayStation 5’s powerful custom Zen 2 chip. Unlike previous hacks that run PCSX2 on a host system and stream to the television, the PlayStation 5 does the recompiling and rendering.

PS5SX2 uses Vulkan as its backend renderer. However, since the PlayStation 5 lacks a standard operating system with official Vulkan driver support, emulation software requires a custom translation layer. Instead of developing a Vulkan driver from scratch, Sword uses a modified version of ps5vk, developed by renowned coder Mihawk-99, who has brought us projects like RetroArch.

PS5SX2 embraces virtually all popular disc image formats used for PlayStation 2 emulation, including ISO, CHD, CSO, and ZSO. More impressively, it fully supports physical PlayStation 2 game discs. It supports built-in optical drives and external USB optical drives. It reportedly works with discs from all regions. The only drawback is that the software can only read PlayStation 2 games released on DVDs, not CDs. It is more of a hardware limitation, though, since the PlayStation 5's optical drive lacks the laser needed to read standard CDs.

Beyond bringing PlayStation 2 fun to the PlayStation 5, PS5SX2 adds an impressive suite of features to enhance your retro gaming experience. One standout feature is high-resolution upscaling, enabling 6X scaling over the PlayStation 2's native resolution for up to 4K on modern displays. The emulator also supports a wide variety of upscaling and post-processing filters, including AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). Patch files (.pnach) are also compatible with PCSX2, so that games can unlock widescreen or 60 FPS support for certain titles.

Beyond graphical enhancements, PS5SX2 packs other cool features. Gamers can fine-tune graphics, audio, and gameplay settings directly from their smartphone or tablet, and changes take effect instantly. PS5SX2 also lets gamers play online by emulating the PlayStation 2's network adapter and routing traffic to community servers. It also supports keyboard and mouse, couch co-op for up to four players, and the ability to create virtual memory cards up to 64MB per game.

PlayStation 2 disc support is only the tip of the iceberg. When asked about the potential inclusion of PlayStation 3 disc support for an RPCS3 port currently under development, the developer, Sword, responded affirmatively: "Yes, it’s coming with it :)." Sony's decision to kill game discs only further spurred the homebrew community to develop methods to preserve disc usage. The irony is that community projects, such as PS5SX2, have contributed to boosting the PlayStation 5's value.

Sony implemented backward compatibility on the PlayStation 5 for both physical and digital PlayStation 4 games. It is evident that the console can play games from older generations of consoles all this time. This raises an interesting question: why has Sony been holding out on its fans?

Normally, only a madman would even attempt to buy an SSD during a storage shortage. However, the WD Black SN770M 2TB has fallen to $259.99, just 8% above its original launch price. At this price, it is worth considering if your gaming handheld is running out of internal storage.

• Check out the WD Black SN770M 2TB deal on Best Buy

The WD Black SN770M, once one of the best SSDs, is an M.2 2230 drive, making it a perfect fit for popular handhelds like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and Claw. Currently, 2TB is the highest capacity available to consumers. Micron announced a 4TB M.2 2230 SSD not long ago, but it is limited to OEM models, so gamers will have to settle for 2TB for now.

The PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers sequential read and write speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and 4,850 MB/s, respectively. It is a perfect fit for modern handhelds that take advantage of the PCIe 4.0 interface. For the Steam Deck, however, which uses PCIe 3.0, the WD Black SN770M is a bit of overkill.

The WD Black SN770M remains a good option for gaming handhelds, even after the introduction of newer models like the Optimus GX 7100M. The SSD strikes a balance between price and performance, especially for the Steam Deck, which is limited by PCIe 3.0.

The WD Black SN770M came out three years ago with an MSRP of $219.99, but it typically hovered around $239.99. During the recent storage shortage, prices surged to between $349.99 and $399.99, so Best Buy's comparison value of $531.99 is heavily exaggerated.

For $0.13 per GB, the WD Black SN770M offers very good value, being only 8% above its pre-shortage retail price. The SSD is among the best deals available if you need a high-performance M.2 2230 SSD for your gaming handheld right now.

While compressed air is affordable, it becomes less practical if you clean your system frequently. You could unknowingly spend hundreds of dollars a year on disposable cans, especially if you use compressed air outside of system maintenance. Amazon has plenty of deals on cordless air dusters during the Big Day sales, which not only helps save you money in the long run but is also better for the environment.

• Check out these air blower deals at Amazon

As with any product, air dusters come in different shapes, specifications, and features. So, choose one that meets your needs. Prices also vary, but we have curated a selection of air dusters, starting at $19, which is a few dollars more expensive than a can of compressed air, and going up to premium options.

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Also, you can join the Tom's Hardware deals Discord for up-to-the-minute hardware deals.

Finding a budget gaming chair that checks all the right boxes is rare. Our top recommendation, the Razer Iskur V2 X, is now available at a record-low price of $189.51, an $110.48 discount off its usual price.

• Check out the Razer Iskur V2 X deal on Amazon

The Iskur V2 X, one of the best gaming chairs, offers some of the best ergonomics in any budget gaming chair. Designed for long gaming sessions, it features an adjustable lumbar support system and high-density foam cushions that adapt to your body. Meanwhile, the 21.4-inch seat base evenly distributes your weight, so you stay comfortable whether you are leaning forward during gaming or lying back to relax.

The Iskur V2 X caters to a wide range of users. It can accommodate adults up to 6.2 feet tall and supports a maximum load of 299 pounds. Whether you are petite or average-sized, the Iskur V2 X's robust construction and reinforced frame are designed to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Razer backs the Iskur V2 X with a generous limited three-year warranty. That alone really sets it apart from the competition, where entry-level gaming chairs typically come with one-year warranties. The level of support demonstrates Razer's confidence in the Iskur V2 X's quality and durability, two areas that matter a lot when it comes to something that you will likely sit on every day until it breaks.

At just $189.51, you are unlikely to find another chair that matches the Iskur V2 X's blend of comfort, durability, and support. Whether you need a gaming chair or plan to use it as an office chair for long workdays, the Iskur V2 X offers outstanding value.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, Gaming Chair, Best Wi-Fi Routers, Best Motherboard, or CPU Deals pages.

Even the smallest, and sometimes the cheapest, tools can change your life, especially if you build a lot of PCs or often work in dark places. The Olight imini 2, a keychain-sized rechargeable flashlight that you can charge by plugging its built-in USB-A into any compatible port, could be the companion you did not know you needed. Right now, at 40% off, the Olight imini 2 is selling for $11.99, just $2 above its all-time low.

• Check out the Olight imini 2 deal on Amazon

The imini 2 has a footprint of just 2.17 x 0.59 inches, so it is right up the alley of a typical USB pendrive or a tube of chapstick. It weighs only 0.69 ounces, which makes the imini 2 a great addition to your keychain. Its compact size fits comfortably in even the smallest hands. The aluminum alloy body lets the imini 2 withstand drops from up to five feet, and the IPX6 rating means you will not have to worry about the flashlight getting wet from water splashes or rain.

While some may argue you can always use your smartphone's flashlight, it is not always practical to hold a bulky device while installing a CPU cooler or screwing the motherboard into the case. The imini 2 is so small that it fits in the tightest spaces, even in SFF cases, and provides adequate illumination. Additionally, the magnetic base lets it attach to metal surfaces for hands-free lighting, such as a computer case, a car hood, a fuse box, or other metal objects.

The imini 2 may be minuscule, but it packs a powerful punch. With 50 lumens, 115 candela of output, and a wide 80-degree beam angle to about 23 yards, it is more of a floodlight than a flashlight. Nonetheless, it easily lights your workspace, whether you are building a PC, searching a dark closet, or walking down a dimly lit hallway. The iMini 2 has no buttons, preventing accidental turn-ons. Instead, detach the flashlight from the magnetic cap, and it is ready to go.

Powered by a 10180 lithium battery with an 80 mAh capacity, the imini 2 delivers up to 60 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Charging is effortless, too, thanks to the built-in USB plug that connects directly to your laptop, power bank, or wall charger. This design is convenient because you do not have to carry a cable, and you can top up the battery anywhere, anytime. Plus, the USB plug is rated for 10,000 cycles, so it will not die on you.

For the price of a burrito at Chipotle, the imini 2 is one of those gadgets that you will not regret. If you have an extra $11.99 to spend on Amazon's Big Deals, it will be a good choice.

Amazon Big Deals is in full swing with big discounts on a wide range of products. Given the current SSD market, any storage deal is worth considering. If constant price hikes have kept you from upgrading your storage, now may be a good time to check out Samsung's 9100 Pro lineup. For a limited time, and while supplies last, Amazon has slashed the price of the Samsung 9100 Pro 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or massive 8TB drives.

Crucially, some of these Gen 5 drives are now actually cheaper than the Gen 4 990 Pro from Samsung, or priced so similarly that they're a no-brainer.

• Check out the Samsung 9100 Pro 1TB deal on Amazon
• Check out the Samsung 9100 Pro 2TB deal on Amazon
• Check out the Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB deal on Amazon
• Check out the Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB deal on Amazon

The Samsung 9100 Pro, one of the best SSDs, features Samsung's homegrown Presto controller and 236-layer V8 NAND, delivering maximum sequential read and write speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s and 13,400 MB/s, respectively. Speeds vary slightly by capacity. Still, at that level of performance, the Samsung 9100 Pro can handle everything from daily tasks to more specialized, intensive workloads without hiccups.

In today’s landscape with rapidly rising SSD prices, choosing a drive based solely on performance is no longer sufficient. The warranty matters just as much, and the Samsung 9100 Pro offers coverage that protects your investment. The PCIe 5.0 drive comes with a five-year limited warranty and very generous endurance ratings across the board. For example, the 2TB is rated for 1,200 TBW — for perspective, you could write one-third of the drive’s total capacity every day for the next five years and still be covered by the warranty.

The Samsung 9100 Pro is one of the top-performing drives in the PCIe 5.0 category. If you are coming from a PCIe 4.0 SSD or from the Samsung 990 Pro, its predecessor, the improvement is night and day. The Samsung 9100 Pro may not look as fast on paper because rivals have higher rated speeds. However, the Samsung 9100 Pro delivers strong real-world performance matched with good efficiency.

At $0.199 per GB, the 2TB model provides the best value. Doubling the capacity from 1TB to 2TB raises the overall cost by roughly 60%, which still makes it an attractive option for many users. Upgrading to 4TB and 8TB raises the cost per GB to $0.28 and $0.287, respectively. The jump from 2TB to 4TB results in a 2.81 times price increase for double the capacity. In contrast, the price difference between 4TB and 8TB is nearly proportional, at a 2.05 times increase for double the capacity.

If you require 4TB of storage, purchasing two 2TB drives saves you $323 compared to a single 4TB drive. Similarly, buying four 2TB drives saves you $707 versus an 8TB drive. So, if you have the luxury of extra unused M.2 slots, smaller 2TB drives can save you a lot.

Rising component costs have forced every major console maker to raise prices. However, Amazon U.K. has stepped up for Nintendo fans by slashing the Switch 2's retail price by 15%, bringing the console to an all-time low of £354.99. Other U.K. retailers, including Argos, John Lewis, and Smyths Toys, have also followed suit.

• Check out the Nintendo Switch 2 deal on Amazon
• Check out the Nintendo Switch 2 deal on Argos
• Check out the Nintendo Switch 2 deal on John Lewis
• Check out the Nintendo Switch 2 deal on Smyths Toys

The Nintendo Switch 2, which debuted a little over a year ago, originally entered the U.K. retail market at an MSRP of £395.99. Like its competitors, Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo ultimately raised the Switch 2's MSRP to £419.99 just last month due to the memory and storage shortage. This context makes the current offer of £354.99 exceptionally compelling, since you are essentially saving up to 10% off the launch price and up to 15% off the newly adjusted MSRP.

Not only is the Switch 2 available at a fantastic price, but it also opens the door to an unmatched library of franchises and upcoming blockbuster releases. Major titles, including the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Metroid Ravenous, are set to launch soon, so you can secure your Switch 2 now at an unbeatable price.

If you are a longtime Nintendo fan, you already know that Nintendo rarely offers direct price cuts or holiday discounts on its highly sought-after consoles. It is uncommon to find a Nintendo console priced below the MSRP. Being able to buy the Switch 2 at a record-low price is already a blessing given how recent the handheld console has been on the market. Having a handful of retailers to choose from, including Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, and Smyths Toys, feels like an early Christmas.

Despite being on the market for four years, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D remains one of the best CPUs for gaming on the AM4 platform. A Ryzen 9 5900X3D, if AMD had released it, would surely have given it a run for its money. Now, years later, an engineering sample of the Ryzen 9 5900X3D has emerged on the Chinese Chiphell forums, giving us a taste of what could have been an awesome 12-core chip for gaming and productivity.

What is really funny about the Ryzen 9 5900X3D is that we all knew it existed because AMD teased it at Computex 2021. The chipmaker showcased a “12-core 3D Chiplet Prototype" outperforming a regular Ryzen 9 5900X by up to 15% in average gaming performance, with both processors fixed at a 4 GHz frequency.

The Ryzen 9 5900X3D engineering sample (100-000000652-20_48/32_Y) brought to light by a Chiphell user reveals 128MB of L3 cache, double the amount found on the standard Ryzen 9 5900X. This comes from AMD integrating 64MB of 3D V-Cache onto one of the two Core Complex Dies (CCDs) inside the chip. The CPU-Z screenshot also shows a 4,649 MHz clock speed, which is likely the boost clock. If so, and rounding the boost clock speed to 4.7 GHz, the Ryzen 9 5900X3D could have launched with a boost clock just 100 MHz lower than the Ryzen 9 5900X.

Intriguingly, the 128MB configuration was just one of several experiments AMD was exploring. During a visit to AMD's labs, Gamers Nexus captured a 12-core Zen 3 chip with a staggering 192MB of L3 cache. It is the result of a Ryzen 9 5900X equipped with 64MB of 3D V-Cache on both CCDs. Another 16-core Zen 3 chip also had a similar 192MB L3 configuration, likely a Ryzen 9 5950X3D if it had come out on the retail market.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X3D Specifications*

*Specifications are unconfirmed by AMD.

These early 12-core and 16-core Zen 3 X3D prototypes paved the way for the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, a processor that reigned as the gaming king for several years. AMD's decision to ultimately pursue an asymmetric design was spot on for gaming. An eight-core chip like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance and is not burdened by cross-die latency that can arise when stacking 3D V-Cache on both CCDs.

While AMD initially skipped equipping its 12-core and 16-core Zen 3 chips with 3D V-Cache, it eventually did so on Zen 4 and beyond, leading to the introduction of the Ryzen 9 7900X3D, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, and, more recently, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D, or even the over-the-top Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.

A dual-stack configuration is very advantageous for productivity workloads, but it wouldn’t do much for gaming. Equipping both CCDs with 3D V-Cache means dealing with cross-die latency and lower clock speeds due to thermal and power constraints, which are significant trade-offs for gaming. Our CPU hierarchy shows this clearly: for example, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12 cores, 128MB L3) falls behind the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8 cores, 96MB L3) in gaming. Or, in another scenario, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores, 192MB L3) offers similar gaming performance to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

AMD knows what it is doing, and the eight-core, single-CCD design is where gaming is at. This winning formula is clearly embodied in the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and, after it, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 7 9800X3D, chips that have set the standard for high-end gaming processors.

After raising prices on some Raspberry Pi models in April, the company is back with a second round of price hikes. Citing the ongoing rise in memory prices, this time, the 2GB versions of the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 are the stars of the show, with price increases of up to 23%.

The Raspberry Pi 5 2GB and Raspberry Pi 4 2GB initially dodged the bullet when price hikes hit the other models in April. However, given the ongoing price adjustments, it was inevitable that these models would also see a price increase. The ongoing shortage of LPDDR4 and LPDDR5 memory is not improving, as global demand has remained steady and supply remains too low. The cost of producing Raspberry Pi continues to climb, and price hikes are unavoidable.

The Raspberry Pi 5 2GB launched two years ago at an attractive price of $50. The device gradually increased in price and eventually stabilized at $65 for an extended period. Despite efforts to keep costs low, Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton recently confirmed that maintaining the previous pricing for lower-capacity models is no longer feasible. The Raspberry Pi 5 2GB will now sell at $77.50, a 19% increase over the previous price. Over its lifetime, the Raspberry Pi 5 2GB has increased by 55% from its original launch MSRP.

Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 Pricing

The Raspberry Pi 4 2GB is now set to follow in the footsteps of its successor. When the Raspberry Pi 4 2GB was first introduced, it launched at a competitive price of $45, which was later reduced to $35 as memory prices fell. Before the most recent round of price hikes, the single-board computer had reached $55. Following the latest price adjustments, the cost of the Raspberry Pi 4 2GB jumps to $67.50, a 23% increase. In retrospect, users are paying 50% more than the original launch price or a staggering 93% more than the lowest adjusted price, depending on the reference point.

Logically, the highest-memory-capacity models suffered the most across 2026. Models such as the Raspberry Pi 5 16GB, Raspberry Pi 5 8GB, and Raspberry Pi 4 8GB have posted staggering price hikes up to 83%, 63%, and 53%, respectively, compared to their original MSRPs. Raspberry Pi has frozen pricing for the 1GB models at MSRP, but it remains to be seen how much longer the company can sustain this.

If memory is the most expensive component on the Raspberry Pi, one intriguing solution might be for the company to offer a barebones version of the single-board computer. A DIY variant could appeal to hardware enthusiasts with the skills to solder their own memory to the board. Offering an official barebones SKU could alleviate some pricing pressures. However, Raspberry Pi’s most recent firmware updates have effectively ruled out this path by locking devices to their official factory capacities.

After unveiling the EPYC 9006 (codenamed Venice) series in July and previewing a few impressive Zen 6 benchmarks, AMD has now released full pricing for its highly anticipated next-generation server chips. According to the list StorageReview obtained, AMD has big plans for the data center, with a wide range of SKUs from eight to 256 cores and pricing from $700 to $14,904.

As a quick refresher, AMD strategically divided the Venice lineup into two distinct segments. The SP7 platform is the flagship offering, delivering maximum memory capacity and throughput. It supports up to 16 memory channels, accommodating both RDIMMs and MDRDIMMs up to DDR5-12800. The platform offers up to 96 PCIe 6.0 lanes and supports Venice chips with TDPs between 400W and 600W.

The Venice parts designed for the SP7 socket offer scalable performance for enterprises. The lineup begins with the 64-core EPYC 9556, priced at $8,008, and extends to the flagship 256-core EPYC 9996, which commands $14,904. In retrospect, the EPYC 9996's price tag does not seem particularly shocking, especially since the previous-generation EPYC 9965 (codenamed Turin) launched at nearly the same price, around $14,800.

As is typical for server processors, the total price increases as the number of cores rises. However, the price per core actually decreases substantially as you move up the core ladder. The pricing dynamic is very notable with Venice. For example, the flagship EPYC 9996, with a massive 256 cores, comes out to just $58.21 per core, whereas the "entry-level" SP7 chip, the 64-core EPYC 9556, costs around $125.12 per core. As a result, higher core-count models are more attractive from a per-core value perspective for data centers, cloud service providers, and enterprises.

AMD EPYC 9006 SP7 Specifications and Pricing

The SP7 SKUs support both 1P and 2P socket configurations. The latter, in particular, enables up to 512 Zen 6 cores in one system by pairing two EPYC 9996 chips on a single motherboard. That level of performance logically comes with a substantial investment, since the processors alone would cost $29,808 before factoring in the significant expense of memory today.

Among the nine SP7 SKUs, two models in particular stand out: the EPYC 9686F and EPYC 9586F. The "F" suffix means these chips feature maximum boost clock speeds, in this case, 5 GHz. While both are impressive in their own right, AMD optimized these parts to hit 5 GHz. Naturally, this level of optimization carries a price premium. For example, the 64-core EPYC 9586F costs almost as much as the 96-core EPYC 9656, despite offering 33% fewer cores. The trade-off is also apparent in the thermal envelope. The EPYC 9586F has a TDP that is 100W higher than the EPYC 9656.

AMD EPYC 9006 SP8 Specifications and Pricing

The SP8 platform is a more streamlined and cost-effective counterpart to the SP7 platform for the Venice family. It supports eight-channel memory and does not embrace MRDIMMs. However, the limitation balances out by expansion possibilities, as the SP8 platform offers 128 PCIe 6.0 lanes, 33% more than the SP7 platform. Additionally, the SP8 platform has a lower thermal footprint, as these Zen 6 parts carry TDP ratings between 130W and 400W.

The SP8 platform offers an accessible entry point for organizations, with the octa-core EPYC 9106 priced at just $700. At the other end of the spectrum, the EPYC 9746, which is the top SP8 SKU, offers 128 Zen 6 cores at $11,679.

With the SP8 platform, we also see Zen 6 models with the “P” suffix, which indicates support for single-socket systems only. These variants deliver the same performance as their standard counterparts but at a significantly lower price. For example, the 128-core EPYC 9736P is 6% less expensive than the EPYC 9736. In an even more dramatic case, the 32-core EPYC 9356P retails for 26% less than the EPYC 9356.

One of the more unusual Venice chips is the 16-core EPYC 9176F. Despite its modest core count, it features a massive 192MB of L3 cache, 4X that of the 16-core EPYC 9116, while costing more than 3X as much. This translates to 12MB of L3 cache per core. With its high cache capacity and 5 GHz boost clock, AMD likely designed the EPYC 9176F for organizations seeking to minimize licensing costs for software priced per core.

AMD’s SP7 and SP8 platforms are scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of this year and the first half of 2027, respectively. However, these Venice prices are not final, as AMD has stated that the list is subject to change. AMD will extend the lineup further later in 2027 with Venice-X chips, which use the company's 3D V-Cache stacking.

GMKtec has launched the Evo-X5 Pro, its latest agentic AI mini-PC, featuring AMD's flagship Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 processor and 192GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory. The model with a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD retails at $6,799, while the 4TB model will set consumers back $7,099.

The Evo-X5 Pro launches today to go head-to-head with rivals, such as Acemagic’s F9A and Minisforum’s MS-S1 Max-P495, which use similar recipes: AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495. The processor is the most performant SKU from the Ryzen AI Max+ 400 (codenamed Gorgon Halo) family. Unlike the regular Ryzen AI 400 (codenamed Gorgon Point) series, which uses a hybrid Zen 5 and Zen 5c setup, Gorgon Halo keeps only the full-size Zen 5 cores and drops the space-efficient Zen 5c cores.

Armed with 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads, the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 stands out as a powerhouse in the mobile segment. It boasts a 3.1 GHz base clock, 5.2 GHz boost clock, and 64MB of L3 cache. The 16-core, 55W chip is essentially the mobile version of the renowned Ryzen 9 9950X (though with a far lower power budget). With abundant processing power, it is easy to see why the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 is the elected candidate for these agentic AI mini-PCs.

The Evo-X5 Pro supports three performance profiles for the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495. The silent and balanced modes keep the chip at 54W and 85W, respectively, while performance mode allows up to 120W sustained and 160W peak. The mini-PC features a vapor chamber cooling system to keep the hardware cool, along with one 80 x 80 x 15mm system fan and two other 80 x 80 x 30mm cooling fans.

GMKtec Evo-X5 Pro Specifications and Pricing

The Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 supports up to 192GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory, pushing past the 128GB available on Nvidia's GB10 chip and AMD's previous Strix Halo chips. Eight 24GB chips are soldered to the motherboard in close proximity to the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495. Gorgon Halo pairs the 192GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory with a 256-bit interface to maximize memory bandwidth for local AI. This configuration delivers up to about 273 GB/s of bandwidth. Meanwhile, the Evo-X5 Pro enables allocations of up to 160GB to serve as VRAM for large AI LLM models.

GMKtec sells the Evo-X5 Pro with a 2TB or 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The price difference is $300. It is a shame the company doesn't offer a bare-bones version of the Evo-X5 Pro, since some enthusiasts could reuse their existing drives or buy a new SSD at a lower price. The mini-PC has three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for PCIe-based drives, so users can have up to 24TB of fast storage. However, only two M.2 slots run at x4, while the third is limited to x1.

Super early bird and early bird customers are eligible for 6% and 3% off, respectively. Consumers can get the 4TB and 2TB versions for as low as $6,699 and $6,399, respectively. To further incentivize early adopters, only the first 30 units of the Evo-X5 Pro are eligible for super early-bird pricing. GMKtec includes a complimentary three-month subscription to the Z.ai coding plan and a 1.5X return in GMKtec Points.

Existing owners of the Evo-X2 and Evo-X3 models are eligible for an exclusive $50 discount on the Evo-X5 Pro when they use the X5P39550 EDM code at checkout.

In addition to its early-bird and upgrade offers, GMKtec is trying to seduce buyers with bulk-purchase discounts for the Evo-X5 Pro. However, these "offers" sound like a joke. Buying two, three, or five units nets consumers $10, $20, and $40 in discounts, respectively. If you are spending $32,995 on hardware, you would expect more than a meaningless 0.12% discount, but apparently GMKtec does not see it that way.

While gamers wait for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, whether on their consoles or gaming PCs with one of the best graphics cards, they can relive one of the franchise's most memorable titles. Modder gebdag has unveiled GTA2 RTX Remix, a mod that harnesses Nvidia’s RTX Remix technology to add full path tracing and dynamic time-of-day cycles to the 27-year-old classic, Grand Theft Auto 2.

Grand Theft Auto 2, released in 1999, used older graphics APIs such as DirectDraw and an earlier version of Direct3D. The problem is that these legacy APIs create a technical barrier to modern technologies like RTX Remix. Nvidia's platform lacks native support for DirectDraw and only plays well with Direct3D 9. It requires a wrapper to interface with previous versions of Direct3D, which is where the GTA2 RTX Remix comes in.

Modder gebdag ingeniously developed a custom Direct3D 9 renderer for Grand Theft Auto 2. It acts as a generational bridge between the original game and Nvidia’s RTX Remix. To do so, the mod relies on two DLLs (gta2dx9.dll and gta2dx9_vid.dll) that serve as translators, converting the game's legacy graphics pipeline into a modern Direct3D 9 renderer that RTX Remix can understand. As a result, RTX Remix can interpret Grand Theft Auto 2's visuals in real time and do its magic.

As you can see in the embedded video below, the mod preserves the core gameplay fans will appreciate while adding a dramatic graphic overhaul to the classic top-down action title. Anywhere City now looks like a living metropolis, with realistic lighting and shadow effects throughout. The dynamic day-night cycle is a great addition that lets you see the sun set and the moon rise. Things like explosions, vehicle fires, or neon signs now have their own light sources with glows and reflections. Press F4 to open the menu and tweak the lighting to your taste.

The graphics revamp is just one of the mod’s improvements. Beyond the eye-candy upgrade, it also adds other features to bring Grand Theft Auto 2 up to modern standards. While the original was limited to a 4:3 native aspect ratio, the mod supports widescreen 16:9 displays, giving gamers a more immersive view of Anywhere City. The mod also improves gameplay by adding support for frame rates up to 60 FPS through Frame Generation technology. It also fixes the nuisance of cars and pedestrians popping in at the screen edges.

GTA2 RTX Remix is an open-source project available on GitHub. To use the mod, you will need a copy of Grand Theft Auto 2. The modder tested it specifically with version 9.6, which Rockstar Games distributed for free in 2004. You will also need a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, along with the required RTX Remix runtime files.

RTX Remix has opened the floodgates to a plethora of mods from studios and the modding community that transform some of the most beloved games from our childhood. Now, Grand Theft Auto 2 has joined this notable list, which also includes Need For Speed Carbon, Tomb Raider, Max Payne, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, to name just a few.

There is no doubt the GeForce RTX 5090 is one of the best graphics cards and has the full potential to leverage DLSS 5. However, if you plan to hop on the DLSS 5 bandwagon, you may want to keep an eye on your graphics card's temperatures and power consumption. According to tests by Korean outlet QuasarZone, the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition peaked at nearly 650W in power draw, with the highest recorded temperature on the 16-pin (12VHPWR) power connector exceeding 90 degrees Celsius. Notably, that is higher than the standard temperatures measured for the GPU die.

While less frequent, user reports of the 16-pin power connector melting are still popping up if you look around the Internet, particularly on Reddit. Even a couple of media outlets have also encountered power connector meltdowns during their use. So, it is not an issue that affects only new users; 16-pin power connector failures extend to seasoned industry veterans, too. There is no prejudice toward Nvidia's Blackwell-powered graphics cards, either. Similar meltdowns have appeared on AMD Radeon graphics cards. Running DLSS 5 may just be adding fuel to the fire, figuratively.

QuasarZone ran Cyberpunk 2077 in a controlled environment at 27.5 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. The publication used a 4K (3840x2160) resolution with DLSS Quality and Ultra image settings and monitored the temperature of the 16-pin power connector. The media outlet tested the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition, Asus ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090, and GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition.

Nvidia DLSS 5 Impact On 16-pin Power Connector Temperatures

In the first round of testing using a GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition with DLSS 5 disabled, QuasarZone measured 77.1 degrees Celsius on the latch side of the 16-pin power connector and 80.9 degrees Celsius on the opposite side. With DLSS 5 enabled, the temperatures quickly jumped to 83.4 and 91.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Before DLSS 5, the average core and peak temperatures for the GeForce RTX 5090 were 79.4 and 82.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Afterward, they increased to 83 and 86.3 degrees Celsius. As a result, the 16-pin power connector was the hottest spot on the GeForce RTX 5090.

In contrast, the GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition ran at significantly lower, more manageable temperatures. Before activating DLSS 5, the temperature on the latch side and opposite the 16-pin power connector registered 45.8 and 47.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. With DLSS 5, the temperatures rose to 52.2 degrees Celsius on the latch side and 48.6 degrees Celsius on the opposite side. The results were not a surprise, since the GeForce RTX 5080 consumes less power than the GeForce RTX 5090.

Nvidia DLSS 5 Impact On Graphics Card Power Consumption

Using HWiNFO to measure average power consumption, the GeForce RTX 5090 showed a 13% increase in power draw with DLSS5 enabled. By contrast, the GeForce RTX 5080 showed a 17% increase in average power consumption under the same conditions. Despite these notable increases, both cards seemingly stayed within their official TDP specifications, with the RTX 5090 rated at 575W and the RTX 5080 at 360W.

HWiNFO uses a software-level API to poll power metrics from the graphics card's telemetry sensors. While it is sufficient for everyday monitoring, nothing is more accurate than measuring power directly from the circuit board. The Nvidia Power Capture Analysis Tool (PCAT) is perfect for that.

QuasarZone found that the GeForce RTX 5090's average and peak power draw increased by 13%, effectively exceeding the graphics card's power limit. The average power consumption readings differed by 3% between HWiNFO and PCAT.

Focusing primarily on the 16-pin power connector, QuasarZone's PCAT measurements showed a 582.7W power draw without DLSS 5 and 646.7W with it on, representing an 11% increase.

While 658W sounds scary, it does not compare to what we have seen on custom GeForce RTX 5090 models. On the GeForce RTX 5090 32G Lightning Z with DLSS 5, we observed the graphics card's power consumption spike to 592W at 1080p, 695W at 1440p, and 848W at 4K.

Using the Asus ROG Astral RTX 5090 as a test subject, QuasarZone recorded the current flowing through each of the six power pins from the 16-pin power connector. Before enabling DLSS 5, the power readings ranged from 6.94A to 7.47A. When activated, the power readings spiked to between 7.83A and 8.51A. While the values remained within PCI-SIG’s requirement of 9.2A per pin, headroom is extremely thin, with just 0.69A between the highest recorded current and the official threshold.

In another simulation, the Korean media outlet explored the consequences of a loose pin or improper connection in the 16-pin power connector. This is the most common scenario that leads to 16-pin power connector meltdowns, due to unbalanced power loading across the connector. With one nonfunctional power pin, the electrical load is redistributed to the remaining pins.

With DLSS 5 off, the highest current registered on a single pin reached 8.9A. This value remains uncomfortably close to PCI-SIG's standard. However, turning on DLSS 5 pushed the power pins to 10.1A, 10% above the specification. The simple test highlights just how easily and quickly things can go wrong.

QuasarZone's alarming test results may look like fuel for fearmongering. However, the publication's tests align closely with our findings that DLSS 5 substantially increases power consumption. At least one user has allegedly reported a 16-pin power connector meltdown while experimenting with DLSS 5.

Despite strong launch sales, the Lisuan Tech LX 7G100 was clearly more of a domestic win for China than a contender against the best graphics cards on the market. Recent benchmark results published by German outlet PC Games Hardware (PCGH) show that the Chinese-made LX 7G100 still has a long way to go, offering only comparable performance to the nine-year-old Radeon RX 580 — but trailing by as much as 35% behind the seven-year-old GeForce RTX 2060.

Originally touted as a competitor to the GeForce RTX 4060, the LX 7G100 hit the market with high expectations. Initial benchmarks, however, quickly dispelled much of the early hype. Now, four months after its launch and following several driver updates, we once again see the LX 7G100 in the spotlight, but despite ongoing driver refinements, the graphics card's performance looks like it has flatlined.

The LX 7G100’s current performance closely matches AMD’s Radeon RX 580 and delivers a modest 5% boost over the Polaris-based card. It also outpaces Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060 6GB by a notable 23%. In its current state, the LX 7G100 does not have what it takes to challenge more modern models in the upper echelon of the mid-range graphics card market.

The LX 7G100 lags by more than 2.2X behind current models, such as the GeForce RTX 4060 or GeForce RX 5050. When benchmarked against the latest GeForce RTX 5060, the LX 7G100 delivers only about a third of the performance. An obvious technological gap remains between Lisuan Tech and industry giants such as Nvidia, AMD, and even Intel, and it still has a lot of catching up to do.

Lisuan Tech LX 7G100 Benchmarks

In its defense, the LX 7G100 has already cleared one of the biggest hurdles that typically hinder Chinese chipmakers: driver support. Many graphics cards from emerging Chinese manufacturers have historically suffered from poor compatibility and software support. Lisuan Tech not only became the first Chinese chipmaker to obtain WHQL support for a graphics card, but the LX 7G100 launched with stable DirectX 12 gaming compatibility from the get-go. This alone has enabled the LX 7G100 to run a wide variety of modern games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Battlefield 6, to name a few.

Lisuan Tech is clearly committing to improving its drivers. In the past four months alone, the Chinese chipmaker has rolled out three WHQL-certified driver updates. Drivers take time to mature, and given that the LX 7G100 has not even been on the market for a year, it is unreasonable to expect Lisuan Tech to match decades of expertise like Nvidia and AMD.

From a hardware standpoint, the LX 7G100, which leverages TSMC’s N6 FinFET process node, is not a bad graphics card. The silicon houses 6,144 shading units and clocks up to 2,000 MHz to deliver a peak FP32 performance of 24.5 TFLOPs. The LX 7G100's 12GB of GDDR6 memory runs across a 192-bit memory interface to provide a maximum bandwidth of up to 432 GB/s. On paper, these metrics place the LX 7G100 close to the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or Radeon RX 6700 XT. Currently, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is twice as fast as the LX 7G100.

A 2X performance gap is certainly not something that's easy to close. Who knows just how much is left in the tank for the LX 7G100. Maybe Lisuan Tech has already pushed the hardware to its limits, or maybe some driver magic will put the LX 7G100 a few steps closer to the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. Only time will tell, and it will be interesting to revisit the LX 7G100 in a few months' time.

The flash shortage has driven up prices for nearly all consumer storage devices. Fortunately, for a limited time, Nintendo Switch 2 owners have a rare opportunity to secure a high-performance Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express card for just $99.99, the original MSRP before the shortage began. Amazon’s $50 checkout discount makes this deal even more enticing, since the microSD Express card typically retails for $149.99.

• Check out the Samsung P9 512GB deal on Amazon

The Samsung P9, one of the best microSD Express cards available, offers blazing-fast sequential read speeds of up to 800 MB/s. That performance is enough to ensure games on your Switch 2 load quickly, and gameplay stays smooth. Samsung does not explicitly state the sequential write speed; however, microSD Express cards in the 512GB class generally offer sustained write speeds of up to 300 MB/s.

High write speeds mean faster data transfers and game installations. Still, 300 MB/s is more than enough for most Switch 2 owners to install large games and updates with little waiting time. In normal usage, the Switch 2 reads more data than it writes, so high read speeds are always a plus.

The Samsung P9 512GB is an incredible steal at $99.99, especially since Amazon typically lists it for $149.99. In fact, $99.99 is the lowest price this card has reached in the past three months, and it's a rare event given the ongoing flash shortage. Even Samsung’s own website currently sells this exact card for a staggering $199.99, making Amazon’s current offer stand out even more.

Deals like this are few and far between, especially for a microSD Express card of this caliber and capacity. If you are running out of space on your Switch 2 or want to prepare for the wave of incoming AAA titles, the Samsung P9 512GB is a smart investment since you are paying 20 cents per GB, the lowest price available right now. Act fast before it's gone.

Powered by a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and a GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition, the $2,299 CyberPowerPC SLC8500WST is one of the best gaming prebuilt deals on the market right now. A custom GeForce RTX 5080, which starts at $1,579, and the $449 Ryzen 7 9800X3D already add up to $2,028. In today’s market, there is no way you will find 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for $271, much less put together an entire system.

• Check out the CyberPowerPC gaming PC deals at Walmart

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D needs no introduction. The octa-core Zen 5 chip with 96MB of L3 cache has been on the market for two years now and still reigns as the best CPU for gaming. Although Intel and AMD have released many processors, nothing comes close to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in terms of performance and gaming value that the Zen 5 processor offers.

Meanwhile, Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition, one of the best graphics cards, joins the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in the SLC8500WST to deliver strong 4K (3840x2160) performance and exceptional frame rates at lower resolutions. It is worth noting that it is the Founders Edition, a coveted model that is rarely available on the market anymore, even if you are willing to overpay for it. It comes with DLSS 5 support, as well, and we've found solid DLSS 5 performance on the RTX 5080 in our testing.

Sometimes prebuilt systems are a mixed bag, pairing high-end hardware with weaker components to cut corners. However, the SLC8500WST makes no compromises. The gaming system comes equipped with 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory to ensure seamless gaming and future-proofing of your system.

While the Walmart page does not list the exact specifications of the kit used in the SLC8500WST, it is worth noting that the most affordable 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 C30 memory kit on the market currently sells for $429.

On the storage side, the SLC8500WST has a spacious 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It provides ample room for your games and loads them instantly. The capacity is a good starting point given current storage prices due to the AI-induced shortage. Again, we do not know the SSD model. However, a budget 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD typically starts at $149 nowadays.

You do not see offers like the CyberPowerPC SLC8500WST every day, especially at the $2,299 price point. If you have been holding off on upgrading your gaming system or buying a new one, this SLC8500WST deal is definitely one you should consider.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, gaming chair, or CPU Deals pages.