Month: March 2018

amd-radeon-software-adrenalin-editionSource: TechPowerUp!

AMD has released Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.3.2 Beta, its second significant driver release for this month. These drivers include heavier optimization for “Final Fantasy XV.” This includes up to 4 percent higher frame-rates at 1080p compared to the older 18.3.1 drivers, when tested with a Radeon RX Vega 64; and up to 7 percent higher frame-rates at the same resolution, when tested with the RX 580 8 GB. It also fixes a stuttering issue noticed in the game, when rendering scenes with heavy particle effects.

The new Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.3.2 Beta drivers are available online at the AMD driver download page.

Hardware Video Cards | Donster | |

amd-ryzenfall-masterkey-fallout-chimeraSource: The Hacker News

Security researchers have discovered 13 critical Spectre/Meltdown-like vulnerabilities throughout AMD’s Ryzen and EPYC lines of processors that could allow attackers to access sensitive data, install persistent malware inside the chip, and gain full access to the compromised systems.

All these vulnerabilities lie in the secure part of the AMD’s Zen architecture processors and chipsets—typically where device stores sensitive information such as passwords and encryption keys and makes sure nothing malicious is running when you start your PC.

The unpatched vulnerabilities are categorized into four classes—RYZENFALL, FALLOUT, CHIMERA, and MASTERKEY—and threaten wide-range of servers, workstations, and laptops running vulnerable AMD Ryzen, Ryzen Pro, Ryzen Mobile or EPYC processors.

Discovered by the team of researchers at Israel-based CTS-Labs, newly disclosed vulnerabilities defeat AMD’s Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) technology and could allow attackers to bypass Microsoft Windows Credential Guard to steal network credentials.

Read on…

Security | Donster | |

newhardware-iconCheck out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

Hardware | Donster | |

arma-3-tanksDeveloper diary video reveals new armored vehicles and more

Bohemia Interactive today announced the release date for the upcoming Arma 3 Tanks DLC and revealed the DLC’s content and features. Available on April 11, Tanks DLC will conclude Arma 3′s current development roadmap by introducing a brand new Main Battle Tank, Armored Weapons Carrier, Tank Destroyer, a short singleplayer mini-campaign, and a singleplayer Showcase scenario.

The Tanks DLC will be accompanied by a major platform update. This update will be free for everyone who owns Arma 3, and implements a range of new gameplay features and bonus content related to armored vehicles, such as fully-modeled 3D interiors, more targeting options, new launchers and additional vehicle variants, decorative objects for scenario creators, a competitive multiplayer mode, and more. The complete package is explored in-depth in a new developer diary video.

Arma 3 Tanks DLC Key Features:

  • T-140 Angara – The T-140 Angara is a Main Battle Tank (MBT) of Russian design and is used by the CSAT faction. This vehicle is built to deliver maximum destruction, while providing the best kind of protection to its crew. The Angara’s primary weapon is a new 125 mm cannon, which can fire three different kinds of ammunition, and has a longer effective range than the cannons on most Western tanks. Its secondary weapons are a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Aside from the regular T-140, the Angara also comes in the T-140K ‘Commander’ variant, which replaces the heavy machine gun for a 30 mm autocannon, and is equipped with sensors to share target data via the Data Link with other units.
  • AWC Nyx – The Nyx Armored Weapons Carrier (AWC) is of German engineering descent, but was licensed and modified by the AAF faction. Its smaller size makes it relatively fast and mobile, and even allows for it to be slingloaded by the CH-49 Mohawk helicopter. The Nyx comes in four variants: Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Recon, and the Autocannon variant. All of these variants wear an armor jacket that is able to withstand 7.62 ammunition, but each vehicle variant carries different types of weapons or equipment to serve specific needs on the battlefield. Just like the other new vehicles in this DLC, the Nyx is available in multiple liveries.
  • Rhino MGS – The Rhino is a wheeled Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) that is purpose-built to fight against tanks. For this reason, it’s also referred to as a ‘Tank Destroyer’. The Rhino MGS has a 120 mm cannon, which can fire all kinds of standard rounds, but also the new MARUK ATGM. It has a secondary weapon in the form of a coaxial .338 magnum machine gun. The Rhino also comes in the UP variant. This variant features an additional remote 12.7 mm heavy machine gun turret, and improved protection in the form of cage and ERA armor. It makes the UP more suitable for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), but does add weight and limits options for transport. Both variants of the Rhino are connected to the Data Link, which enables them to lock onto targets picked up or painted by friendly armed forces.
  • “Altis Requiem” Mini-Campaign – Over the course of three singleplayer scenarios, you assume the role of an AAF tank commander, and you get to experience the opposite perspective of the NATO offensive featured in Arma 3′s vanilla “The East Wind” campaign. Here, you’re placed in command of the new AWC Nyx in the fight against the FIA. Later you’re also presented with the opportunity to operate the new T-140 Angara Main Battle Tank. This short mini-campaign leads to different possible endings based on your playstyle and performance.
  • Showcase Tank Destroyers – In this singleplayer Showcase scenario, you play as a NATO crewman on board the new Rhino MGS UP. This Tank Destroyer has similar firepower to a Main Battle Tank, but is much more vulnerable in terms of armor protection. As such, you will need to make good use of the Rhino’s speed and maneuverability to complete your objectives.

Arma 3 Platform Update 

Tanks DLC will be complemented by a major free platform update (version 1.82). This update introduces free new features and bonus content for all owners of Arma 3:

  • One of the highlight of this update is the addition of fully-modeled 3D interiors for all armored vehicles in Arma 3. On top of that, the overall experience of operating armored vehicles will be enhanced in the form of improved handling, an extended damage model, vehicle customization options, and upgraded audio.
  • Moreover, players will be able to make use of various new targeting options while fighting with or against armored vehicles; the Fire-Control System (FCS) automatically measures the range and speed of a target, adjusts a weapon’s zeroing, and calculates the lead to increase the chances of a first-round hit, whereas new missile flight profiles and capabilities enable players to fire missiles in either a direct or top-down attack mode. The update will also add support for terrain-following munitions, plus a few weapons will now also have the ability to lock-on after launch.
  • Aside from new features, the free platform update will also introduce a new team-vs-team multiplayer mode called “Vanguard”, 3 new Time Trial Challenges for the new DLC vehicles, as well as free bonus content such as 2 new anti-tank launchers, and new vehicle variants of the Offroad pickup and Light Strike Vehicles that carry a mounted launcher.
  • Lastly, Arma 3 content creators will be able to make use of a variety of free new decorative objects via the in-game Scenario Editor.

Arma 3 Tanks DLC is now available for pre-order with a 10% pre-order discount on the Bohemia Store and Steam (original price: € 9.99 / $ 11.99 / £ 8.99). People can also pick up the Arma 3 DLC Bundle 2 (includes Jets, Laws of War, Tac-Ops Mission Pack, and Tanks DLC) at € 22.99 / $ 24.99 / £ 19.99, which saves them more than 25% over purchasing each DLC separately.

A complete overview of the content and features in Arma 3 Tanks DLC (and its associated free 1.82 platform update) is available at www.arma3.com/dlc/tanks.

Arma 3 First-Person Shooters | Donster | |

tom-clancys-the-division-2Source: Blue’s News

Ubisoft officially announces  Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 following the inadvertant revelation of plans for the shooter sequel. The post there is the English version of the statement that leaked early. They have also posted a roadmap for the franchise, which they note is celebrating its second birthday. The roadmap includes plans to support the first The Division, which is covered in more detail in this State-of-the-Game update which discusses the next two patches. Here’s word on the road ahead:

The Division’s second birthday is finally here! We have been hard at work since the launch of the game and have some news to share with our community. Yes, there is a Division 2 that is currently under development by Massive! The supporting studios that continue to make The Division possible – Red Storm, Reflections, Annecy – will also play roles in The Division 2’s development. More information will be revealed at E3 this year, and we cannot wait to show the world what we have in store!

This does not mean that work on The Division 1 is coming to a halt. We are going to continue supporting the game as players look forward to the following timeline of content:

  • April – Update 1.8.1, which includes the Xbox One X patch and the implementation of Classified drop rate changes discussed on a previous State of the Game. We are also introducing two new Legendary modes alongside a new Global Event: Blackout.
  • May – New Global Event: Onslaught.
  • June – Update 1.8.2, which will introduce two more Legendary mission modes and bring back Global Event: Outbreak. This update also marks the beginning of the brand new Shields monthly feature, in which achievements earned playing The Division will grant special rewards in The Division 2.
  • July – Global Event: Assault, with the continuation of Shields.
  • August – Global Event: Strike, with the continuation of Shields.
  • September – Global Event: Ambush, with the continuation of Shields.

It has been quite the journey so far, and we are just getting started. A huge thank you to our community for the support over the years. Here is to the future of The Division!

call-of-duty-black-ops-4-boxTop-Selling Series in Call of Duty History Makes its Return 12th October

Black Ops is back! In what represents a game-changing experience, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will revolutionise the top-selling series in Call of Duty history when it launches worldwide on Friday, 12th October for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Call of Duty fans can tune in Thursday, 17th May, when publisher Activision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, and award-winning developer Treyarch host the community reveal to a worldwide audience.

View the official Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 teaser trailer HERE.

insurgency-sandstormEvolving the original Insurgency formula, the multi-million selling FPS comes enhanced and expanded. Insurgency: Sandstorm is built in Unreal Engine 4 with upgraded graphics, taking the series into a new era. Coming to PC and, for the first time, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; Insurgency: Sandstorm brings extended gameplay possibilities, improved immersion, as well as new co-op and versus objective-based game modes. All this while retaining the lethal tactical action that made Insurgency the worldwide phenomenon it is today. Six new screenshots are available direct from the ongoing Closed Alpha.

Experience kinetic, gritty, and immersive combat on a modern battlefield that strikes a balance between action and simulation gameplay. Both you and your enemies can die in as few as one or two shots; there is no health bar, kill feed, crosshair, or regenerating health. Teams must move with speed and fluidity as they weave through dense urban environments, capturing and destroying vital enemy objectives.

Each weapon has unique ballistic calculations that take into account bullet drop, travel time, and penetration power. Bullets are tracked realistically in each magazine container, and magazines do not automatically merge together. Choose to drop magazines for faster reloads in dangerous situations, carefully open doors to keep quiet, or bash them down with a shoulder charge. Returning players will experience new features like fire support mechanics, driveable light vehicles, character customization, weapon customization, and competitive matchmaking.

View the new screenshots on this Insurgency: Sandstorm forum page.

Insurgency: Sandstorm is coming out later this year on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

intel-optane-ssd-800pBy Nathan Kirsch @ Legit Reviews

Intel has finally launched an Optane SSD for the mainstream market, the Intel Optane SSD 800P. The Intel Optane SSD 800P series is available as M.2 2280 single-sided ‘gumsticks’ that use the PCIe 3.0 x2 interface. Only two capacities are available, so you get your choice of a 58GB drive for $99 or a 118GB for $199. These won’t be large enough to be the sole storage drive in an enthusiast or gamers PC, but they’ll make for an ideal boot drive for a Windows 10-base system.

Read the Review Here

Hardware Storage | Donster | |

deepcool-quadstellar-chassisBy Hilbert Hagedoorn @ Guru3D

We review one of the most fascinating chassis of the year 2018, yes DeepCool send us their all new QuadStellar. A chassis that will follow up the TriStellar, this round with four compartments and a WIFI controllable FAN/RGB LED system. When you unpack this puppy, it almost feels like you have something alien in your house.

Read the Review Here

 

Cases Hardware | Donster | |
Hardware | Donster | |