Tech & Hardware 24 Hours

Last updated: August 24, 2026, 10:53 PM ET

Chip Market Shifts

Intel's x86 dominance continues to erode, with the company's market share dropping below 70 percent for the first time in three decades. Mercury Research data shows Intel holding 69.3 percent share in Q2 2026, a 6.5-point decline year over year, while AMD picked up the slack to reach a record 30.7 percent. This marks the first time since 1995 that Intel has fallen beneath the 70 percent threshold. However, Intel is seeing a resurgence on Amazon, where two of its processors have broken into the retailer's top 10 best-selling CPUs in the United States for the first time in months, suggesting consumer sentiment may be shifting back toward Team Blue.

Hot Chips 2026 Unveilings

Intel offered deep insight into its Crescent Island graphics architecture, which targets data centers and workstations. The chipmaker revealed at Hot Chips 2026 that the platform features 32 Xe3P cores and supports up to 480 GB of LPDDR5X memory, positioning it as a serious compute alternative. In the same session, Intel documented the package design for its next-generation Xeon 7 Diamond Rapids server processors, showcasing that the upcoming silicon is engineered for highly versatile serial processing workloads rather than narrowly specialized accelerations.

IBM also used the Hot Chips stage to announce its dual-architecture mainframe processor for IBM Z and Linux ONE systems. The chip, which the company claims is a first, will let enterprises run operating systems and applications across two distinct architecture modes on a single mainframe platform.

Samsung used the conference to confirm HBM4E memory specifications, revealing that the next-generation high-bandwidth memory will run at 16 Gbps per pin. The disclosure, made by Samsung's Sangwook Han, signals increasing confidence in the production ramp of the advanced memory stack. Meanwhile, AMD's RDNA 4m firmware hit the Linux Firmware repository, per Phoronix, an early indication that the company's next GPU architecture is approaching its long-rumored launch.

GPUs, Power and Overclocking

The overclocking community has discovered that NVIDIA's Blackwell GPUs have significantly relaxed power restrictions. The latest mVolt+ update allows RTX 5090 cards to hit 700 W OCs with a power limit bypass and RTX 5080s to reach 680 W, all without physical shunt mods. In software news, NVIDIA's DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction still remains officially unreleased, yet a leaked DLL from the beta of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has surfaced, and gamers are already testing out the new ray tracing tech.

PC Corner: Power, Cooling, and Connectivity

The pursuit of x86 performance demands robust power delivery and thermals. ASUS Republic of Gamers debuted the ROG Flux Charger Dock, a 260‑watt hub that merges charging and connectivity for creators and enthusiasts. For CPU cooling, a wave of new AIOs arrived. Cougar's LQX PRO and Elite series feature a tall pump‑block design with a 3.95‑inch IPS LCD. ASRock's new Rock Series AIOs target premium builds, and Gamdias added the Chione P5-360 Pro and M4 to its liquid cooling lineup.

On the board side, Colorful unveiled the iGame X870E VULCAN W OC, an all-white flagship overclocking motherboard. In mini PCs, Minisforum continues its market flood with the M2 Pro, now listed at $1,800, boasting an Intel Arc B390 iGPU and 32 GB of RAM. Similarly, ACEMAGIC announced the F2A mini PC with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor.

Monitors, Peripherals, and Reviews

LG has set a new benchmark in the gaming monitor space, beginning U.S. availability for its UltraGear 25G590B at $999.99. The display claims to be the world's first native 1000Hz Full HD gaming monitor.

Meanwhile, hardware reviews stirred up serious issues. Lenovo has had to address a BIOS update for the Legion Go that was bricking the gaming handhelds, following broad user complaints. In a positive spin for repairability, the ASUS NUC 16 Pro has been reviewed, with the tiny PC combining strong Core Ultra X7 358H performance and fast Arc B390 graphics in an easy-to-service chassis.

Peripheral and Gear Roundup

Hyper X unveiled a sizable new gear drop at its Level Awakening event. The company launched its Cloud Alpha Air headset, Pulsefire Haste 4 Pro mouse, and SoloCast 2 Pro mic, all designed to pair as a cohesive desktop set. On the comfort side, the Auto Full M6 Ultra 2.0 review takes a look at the official IEM 2026 chair, a gaming throne that works in cooling, heating, and massage for long sessions.

Software, OS, and Gaming

Microsoft is continuing on its Windows 11 Zen, but this upcoming 27H2 update looks to increase speed, adding Unified Memory Control options per build 29848. This update is likely a precursor to the RTX Spark launch. However, a bigger change for sysadmins is the Windows 11 26H2 update, which focuses on extended servicing rather than new features, though details on the exact timeline remain sparse.

On the gaming side, Valve celebrated its 30th anniversary since its founding on August 24, 1996. The company has evolved from a small studio into a platform dynasty, starting with Half‑Life and growing into Steam, and the Steam Deck.

AI and the Labor Market

A Stanford study found that AI is replacing entry-level workers at an alarming rate. According to the research, employment for young people in AI-adjacent fields has dropped by 19 percent compared to occupations that are resistant to automation, the clearest sign yet that the AI wave is shaping a diminishing entry pathway.

Transportation and Security

GM is under federal scrutiny for its new brake system. The eBoost brake-by-wire system in GM trucks and SUVs is under probe after hundreds of reports and at least 22 crashes linked to performance problems. F1 racing returned post-summer with the Dutch Grand Prix. The team-mate rivalry at the Dutch is unpacked from the driver's perspective, and the new cost caps are influencing how teams manage on track.

Hardware Security and Oddities

Browser fingerprinting takes a contradictory but sound-new approach, using inaudible audio to identify unique hardware. AliExpress was caught red-handed using browser fingerprinting via audio hardware IDs. The technique may be dated, but the implications send a warning for users and for defenders.

On the unusual side, mummified remains sold online can carry toxic spores even after death. Sellers of these specimens offer no safety guidance, and even the dead can be a hazard, so buyer beware.

But the digital isn't the only concern. The Nvidia senior manager indictment tied to a Supermicro scheme is a new import/export scandal, with the manager accused of smuggling AI servers to China, and it has reached the courthouse.

Health, Science, and Industry

Vaccine policy is up in the air, with RFK Jr. mulling changes to how recommendations are categorized. Without clear explanation of why, these changes are causing uncertainty ahead of approval.

The gaming world is also shifting. After years within the Xbox division, Double Fine has split from Microsoft, and now it must raise funds and vote for its first post-Xbox game through Amnesia Fortnight, a crowd-sourced funding and voting event.

Data Centers & Storage

Micron has opened a 60,000-square-foot training center in Boise, Idaho, part of its ongoing investment in the only U.S.-based memory and storage manufacturer, aimed at skill-building for internal staff and vendors.

Power delivery is ready for the modern data center with new solid-state transformers described as the "killer application" for the data-center, with future benefits to EV charging and households. This tech is set to proliferate in a big way.

OS, Software, and Lifetime Offers

Windows and mac OS, com/tech/techpowerup-news/visual-studio-pro-2026-lang-lifetime-license-30-cb231963), a budget-friendly offer while AI coding agents and major vendors are all trying to upsell you on subscriptions.

The Laptop Alternative

Chuwi's Unibook costs $449 and is a "funhouse-mirror MacBook Neo," targeted at budget-conscious users who have the patience for it. It's a weird entry-level laptop for those willing to tinker.

Security & Policy

The hardware ad serving: LG monitors pushing McAfee ads via Windows Update is a sign of what's coming to monitors. After ads infiltrated TVs, monitor vendors are now turning to pushing ads through the systems.