With wearable technology becoming more and more affordable as well as available, would it be long before the possibility of a full-fledged suit is more than a mere thought? #VR
A phone case like this seems great. I like the function that it can help cooling your phone. Though it also means that your phone requires a phone case to cool it down, which kind of making you wonder if the phone design itself could be done better.
I do think a wider screen is usually preferable. But I wonder if it’s necessary to be that wide. Seems like that we have to constantly move our head around when it is that wide. I don’t know. But I’m interested in knowing how you all feel about it.
Intel has, for the longest time, been the obvious choice for the best overall CPU choice in desktop gaming computers. But, the 2017 introduction of AMD’s Ryzen series put the world of computing on its head. Now, the choice between the two CPUs is no longer so clear cut.
Ryzen is now outpacing Intel in terms of growth. Overall sales is also on AMD’s side. Considering that it was only in 2017 that the first generation came out, it’s difficult to imagine how meteoric the rise was.
So, what's fueling this sudden success?
Core Count
Intel has always been stringent with the core count of their hardware. This is because they’ve perfected hyperthreading even on their low-end CPUs. This means that a single physical core can do the task of two different cores. This results in two logical cores that you can utilize when multitasking.
AMD Ryzen, however, started with quad-core CPUs at the very bottom of their product offering. They got even more generous in terms of core count as they moved up the price range. This may be speculation, but this might have forced Intel’s hand with their 8th Gen CPUs that also started with 4 cores at the very base of their offerings.
However, once you go to the mid and high tier CPUs, the Ryzen outclasses Intel in terms of core count. The fact that the i5 wasn't capable of Hyper-Threading also gives Ryzen the edge.
Clock Speed & Simultaneous Multi-Threading
What made Intel Core CPUs such beasts against AMD back in the day was due to Hyper-Threading. Intel basically made cores capable of working on two different tasks at the same time. This enabled it to perform the job of two different AMD cores. This essentially made one of Intel’s cores just as capable as two of AMD’s. This resulted in what the company calls logical cores in the hyper-threading process.
The Ryzen line, however, made it possible for AMD to introduce what they call the Simultaneous Multi-Threading. For all intents and purposes, it’s the same as Hyper-Threading. But, since the core count on the Ryzen a few years ago doubled that of Intel, Ryzen naturally had the advantage, especially in multitasking jobs. Since modern games, including AAA games, are mostly multi-tasking programs, Ryzen has become the favoured chipset for gaming enthusiasts.
The new architecture also helped both the budget and mid-range Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 become a more powerful single-core performer. Although they're still not on par with their Intel counterparts, they're a lot closer than they were just a few years ago.
Overclocking
Much has been said in the debate between overclocking and keeping base speeds for CPUs. Some say that Intel's reluctance to open up their hardware for overclockers is a benefit because it ensures the longevity of the chip. To this end, Intel has the benefit.
This argument, however, is perhaps best contextualized. This may be true for productivity machines such as video editing rigs that require computers to be hyper-focused on a singular task. For gaming purposes, however, overclocking your CPU might literally mean in-game life and death. Current-generation games are naturally multitasking programs. Overclocking helps a lot in keeping the system stable while running programs such as these.
Future-Proofing
Ryzen CPUs are compatible with the new AM4 chipsets specifically designed for AMD's Ryzen CPUs. These mobos are designed to be compatible for next-gen CPUs for the coming years ensuring seamless upgradeability. This means you just have to get the CPU if you want to upgrade.
On the other hand, Intel used the LGA 1151 for the 9th generation. Just a couple of months ago, they released both their 10th generation CPUs together with a new motherboard. The problem here is that the new CPU is no longer compatible with the LGA 1151. If you're going to upgrade your rig to the newest CPU, you're going to have to buy both the mobo and the CPU at the same time if you want to have functioning PC.
Cost
Whether it be the low-end, mid-range, or the high-end segments, Ryzen CPUs are always priced significantly lower than their counterparts.
To cut to the meat of the argument, the Ryzen is a capable performer than can keep up with the heavy hitters of the Intel. What makes it so good is that does this at a fraction of the cost. This leaves PC builders free to invest in other important aspects of the gaming build such as the graphics card.
However, if you’re building a PC for anything else other than gaming, there are just too few productivity apps that designed to take advantage of the high core-count, and Simultaneous Multi-Threading that Ryzen is designed to do. The single-core performance of the low core-count but high-performance Intel CPU would make Ryzen eat its dust in terms of video editing, 3D rendering, and other productivity tasks.
It is important to note, however, that the productivity market is still dominated by Intel. Core processors just have the stability that Ryzen just could not equal. But since the gaming scene is the fastest-growing segment in the PC business, we'll likely see continued success for the brand for years to come.
Intel has already shown that they’re ready to play by raising their core count with their 8th generation CPUs. What else are they be willing to do to get back their place at the top?
All of this makes for an interesting time for PC builders.
Have you ever gotten stabbed by a melee weapon while sniping because you didn’t hear your opponent’s footsteps coming? That’s arguably the most frustrating way to die at an FPS game.
The problem in this scenario is that even if you had the best mouse and keyboard combo, you wouldn’t have been able to stop it from happening.
Why? Because your headset was just not good enough.
This is why you should never neglect your gaming headset. A high-quality headset could help you pinpoint your would-be attacker accurately and efficiently so you wouldn't have to suffer such an embarrassing death.
So, if you’re tired of getting stabbed to death at your favourite FPS, here are some of the best pieces of ear gear you can buy right now.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
If money is no object, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is tough to beat. The $329 headphones can just flat out smoke everyone else in contention for the top spot because it’s got all the boxes ticked.
Build Quality
The build quality is superb. It's got a steel headband that makes it durable and flexible at the same time. The hangers, on the other hand, are made of aluminium. Even the speaker plates have been coated with soft-touch texture. All of these make it feel premium to the touch no matter where you touch it.
The sound that comes from the Hi-Res, 40,000 Hz speakers are also premium. The high-density neodymium magnets make for ultra-realistic sounds. From footsteps lurking behind you or the zing of bullets from afar, the sound quality should be superb on these drivers.
King of Wireless Audio Gaming Experience
When it comes to connectivity, the Acrtis Pro Wireless is also king. The lossless 2.4G connection is one of the best in the business. Latency is a thing of the past for this piece of hardware. You can also use the Bluetooth connectivity if the 2.4G isn't your cup of tea. Although it cannot technically be certified as "lossless", to the human ears, there's virtually no lag between pulling the trigger on your favourite FPS game and hearing the bullet leave the nozzle.
All of this you can experience for up to 40 ft from your system.
To top these off, both the connectivity channels can be used simultaneously so you can be flexible with how you use it. If, on the other hand, you prefer to plug it into your system, there’s that option available to you too via USB, Optical, or a 3.5mm audio jack.
Dual Batteries
The package comes with an extra battery. This means you can cycle through two batteries for a truly wireless experience. Keep one plugged into the transmitter station while you keep one inside the headset and enjoy your game wirelessly virtually endlessly.
DTS Headphone: X v2.0
Having the DTS Headphone: X v2.0 certification also makes any game a truly immersive experience. You’d be able to hear bullet casings dropping on the floor even as you lay down cover fire for your mates.
The headset gives a truly 3D sound performance because of this amazing tech.
Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X
Audio Technica first became popular in the professional music scene. Now, they're trying to get into the gaming market with some really good entries.
The brand brings its industry-leading sound reproduction to their gaming headsets which makes everything just sound a lot more real. Sometimes perhaps too real. The $215 ATH-ADG1X is one of the best that they make.
Large Powerful Drivers
The large 53 mm sound drivers ensure that you get powerful audio no matter what the sounds are. They're extremely accurate, especially when playing first-person shooters. This is because the large drivers enable a 5 – 35,000 Hz frequency response.
Comfort Guaranteed
It’s an open-backed pair of cans with a honeycomb design. This means airflow through your ears is not impeded making sure that you won’t be a sweaty mess even after a few hours of gaming. This also ensures that the weight is kept low.
Comfortability is also helped by the uber-soft earpads around the sound drivers. The clamping force on the 3D Wing Support system also makes sure that the clamping force is just right on your head. The weight also makes sure that there is no undue pressure being put on the wearer.
Best Mic in the Business
As a brand that made its name in the music industry, sound capture is an aspect that Audio Technica has perfected. That expertise is fully displayed in the ATH-ADG1X's mic. Its directional mic is covered with a good windscreen which helps a lot in keeping unwanted ambient noise out of the picture when you’re talking to your team.
SteelSeries Arctis 1
SteelSeries proves that it is truly a gaming juggernaut with the Arctis 1. This budget headset is something that other companies might charge you double the rate that SteelSeries is. The $49 price tag seems like a disconnect from the value that it offers.
Innovative AirWeave Cushions
While it’s not quite the same as an open-back headset, the proprietary AirWeave fabric that the cushions are wrapped is incredibly wind friendly. They keep the ears cool even during intense matches.
Arctis Sound Signature
You can’t, of course, expect a DTS Headphone: X v2.0 type of sound to come from a $50 pair of cans but the Arctis Sound is damn near close.
You can’t get as much detail, but at least you’ll be able to quickly tell where your opponents are.
