Notebookcheck still recorded 80W power consumption during their cinebench R23 test, 15W more than the 1360P and 7940S, 20W more than the 7940HS and almost a whopping 50W more than the 7840U, to which Intel compared their MTL chips for the most part

Also, while the Intel iGPU showed much muscle in sythetic tests, it got beaten in every real game test by the 780M, all while consuming more power due to Intel turboing up to 84W while the 7940HS stayed at around 60W. However, the gap has gotten pretty small now, so Intel definitely catched up in thart area.

Intel needs that power to win, because while at 45W the 7840 and the Ultra 7 155 were neck-at-neck in Cinebench R23, at 28W the AMD system was 16% faster. It does however beat the 13700H and 1360P at all of those power limits, though, so there's definitely some improvement - just not enough yet.

In short, while Intel made their chips very efficient in idle or very-low-power tasks with those 2 LPE CPU cores, as soon as more power is needed they start guzzling again.

Intel Meteor Lake Analysis - Core Ultra 7 155H only convinces with GPU performance - NotebookCheck.net Reviews

Intel's biggest chance with this release is that laptops with AMD 7x40 chips are still very rarely seen in the wild, as most laptop makers seem to prefer using the other 7xxx chips instead for whatever reason.

Hey, look, it's the Friday news!

SALES /PLAYER COUNT & DEALS

There's a new Humble Bundle: the Scary Games to Play in the Dark - Holiday Encore, with 7 items to get during 27 hours: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/scary-games-to-play-in-dark-holiday-encore.

Fanatical has a new Star Deal: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition will be 72% off during 48 hours: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-anniversary-edition
**Edit** It was a bit hidden and I missed it while making this post, but they have a new contest with the chance to win some games: https://gleam.io/RX5xC/win-top-10-games-of-2023

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

INTEL Arc Graphics 31.0.101.5081/5122 driver
https://videocardz.com/driver/intel-arc-iris-graphics-31-0-101-5081-5122
Highlights
Launch driver for Intel® Core™ Ultra with Intel® Arc™ Graphics and Intel® Graphics.
GAMING HIGHLIGHTS:

• Game performance improvements on Intel® Arc™ A-Series Graphics Products versus Intel® 31.0.101.5074 software driver for:
  • Battlefield 1 (DX11) Up to 30% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Ultra settings

INTEL® ARC™ CONTROL HIGHLIGHTS:

• Support for Neural style transfer webcam filters over background effects.
• Support for HDR Capture and HDR to SDR streaming on HDR compatible displays.
• Support for hotkey customization.

Fixed Issues
Intel® Arc™ A-Series Graphics Products:

• Fortnite (DX12) may exhibit line corruption during gameplay with certain Anti-Aliasing settings.

INTEL® ARC™ CONTROL FIXED ISSUES:

• Virtual camera may intermittently fail to activate on hybrid system configurations.
• May observe error pop-up after power events with Capture/Highlights/Broadcast toggle on.
• Arc Control may not retain overall application settings in Overlay mode after system reboot.
• Camera preview may intermittently fail to show preview when changing camera resolution to 1440p.
• Arc control UI window may incorrectly become cropped while minimizing and changing display resolution.
• Capture and Highlights recording file may become corrupted if Overlay mode is disabled during active recording.
• Performance Graphs may scale incorrectly with maximum reported values.
• GPU Voltage Offset may show unformatted maximum values on Intel® Arc™ A-series Graphics.
• Arc Control notifications time on-screen has been reduced.

MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

-Empty-

GAMING NEWS

New Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes trailer highlights its key features
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes-trailer-highlights-its-key-features/
505 Games just dropped a new trailer for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, giving us a sneak peek into its key features. In this trailer, you can check out the Hundred Heroes, explore the world of Allraan, meet the main characters, and enjoy the voices of some famous actors. The trailer also gives us a taste of the game’s turn-based battles, mini-games, and side activities.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Free Trial Is Now Live
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-free-trial-is-now-live/
Activision has announced that a free trial for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is now live on all platforms. This free trial will last until December 18th, and it will let you experience some of its multiplayer modes. And, in case you’re wondering, you won’t be able to play its single-player campaign.

Here are the first concept arts for Marvel’s Blade
https://www.dsogaming.com/screenshot-news/here-are-the-first-concept-arts-for-marvels-blade/
Bethesda and Arkane Lyon have shared the first official concept arts for Marvel’s Blade. These concept arts do not really reveal much, but I’m certain that some Blade fans will find them interesting. So, go ahead and view them after the jump.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Hotfix 14 Released & Detailed
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/baldurs-gate-3-hotfix-14-released-detailed/
Larian Studios has released Hotfix #14 for Baldur’s Gate 3, and shared its full patch notes. This hotfix fixes a few crashes, blockers, and bugs. So, let’s take a closer look at what Larian has improved.

Star Citizen Alpha 3.22 Wrecks to Riches Released & Detailed
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/star-citizen-alpha-3-22-wrecks-to-riches-released-detailed/
Cloud Imperium has just released Star Citizen Alpha 3.22: Wrecks to Riches Update, and shared its full patch notes. This Update brings new content to the game. Additionally, the devs shared a new trailer that you can find below.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Update 1.02 Released, Full Patch Notes
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/avatar-frontiers-of-pandora-update-1-02-released-full-patch-notes/
Ubisoft has just released Title Update 1.02 for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and shared its full patch notes. This update is 3.10GB in size on PC, so let’s dive in and see its tweaks, fixes and improvements.

Friday news, part two:

The Crew removed from sale, will become unplayable after April 1: 'We understand this may be disappointing for players still enjoying the game'
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-crew-removed-from-sale-will-become-unplayable-after-april-1-we-understand-this-may-be-disappointing-for-players-still-enjoying-the-game/
The Crew is being taken off the streets: Ubisoft announced today that sales of its online racing game have been halted on all storefronts, and it will no longer be playable on any platform after March 31, 2024.

3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks reportedly hit with layoffs as Embracer continues to cut
https://www.pcgamer.com/3d-realms-and-slipgate-ironworks-reportedly-hit-with-layoffs-as-embracer-continues-to-cut/
It looks like more Embracer studios have been hit with layoffs. 3D Realms founder Scott Miller (via GamesIndustry), who doesn't work at the current incarnation of the studio but runs reborn indie publisher Apogee Entertainment, said on Twitter that "a lot of people, including core devs" at 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks have been put out of work.

Creative Assembly apologizes for 'missteps' and says Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC will become better value and players will receive partial refunds for Total War: Pharaoh
https://www.pcgamer.com/creative-assembly-apologizes-for-missteps-and-says-total-war-warhammer-3-dlc-will-get-bigger-and-players-will-receive-partial-refunds-for-total-war-pharaoh/
The Total War: Warhammer series has a tradition of excellent DLC, whether it adds new armies like Curse of the Vampire Coast, expands existing ones like The Warden & The Paunch, or offers an entirely new campaign mode like the free Mortal Empires and Immortal Empires add-ons. The recent Shadows of Change DLC for Total War: Warhammer 3 was not so well-received, however, being sold for the same price as one of the full army-adding expansions while offering value closer to that of a faction-expanding one.
After a storm of negative user reviews, developer harassment, and the Total War subreddit becoming entirely unreadable due to the flood of complaints, Creative Assembly's vice president Roger Collum has issued an official apology on behalf of the Total War leadership team.

The Last of Us Online finally cancelled because Naughty Dog thinks it will 'severely impact development on future single-player games'
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-last-of-us-online-finally-cancelled-because-naughty-dog-thinks-it-will-severely-impact-development-on-future-single-player-games/
The Last of Us Online has been cancelled after more than three years in development. Naughty Dog made the announcement today, arguing that the ambitious project would require the studio to pivot entirely to post-launch support (read: a live service future) rather than their raison d'etre: big budget singleplayer narrative adventures.

Insomniac Games has reportedly been hacked, with details of its upcoming Wolverine game included in the stolen data
https://www.pcgamer.com/insomniac-games-has-reportedly-been-hacked-with-details-of-its-upcoming-wolverine-game-included-in-the-stolen-data/
According to a report from cyberdaily.au, Insomniac Games, the studio behind the Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank games, has been hacked by a ransomware group. The group, who call themselves Rhysida, provided proof that included a screenshot of Insomniac's upcoming Wolverine game as well as character art for various Marvel-owned characters.

Valve lures thousands of Dota cheaters into bans with fake Christmas presents as it declares 'this year is gonna be a bloodbath'
https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-lures-thousands-of-dota-cheaters-into-bans-with-fake-christmas-presents-as-it-declares-this-year-is-gonna-be-a-bloodbath/
It's ten days to Christmas, and you know what that means: It's time for the world's most famous jolly, bearded man to draw up naughty and nice lists, handing out rewards to the latter and pitiless justice to the former. That's right, Gabe Newell is sticking it to Dota 2 cheats once again.

World of Warcraft's new Night Elf capital allows Horde tourists, and boy is it ruffling some feathers
https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcrafts-new-night-elf-capital-allows-horde-tourists-and-boy-is-it-ruffling-some-feathers/
In World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, the Night Elves have ended its latest story patch with a new home: Bel'ameth. In case you've been out of the loop for a while and don't know why Teldrassil is gone: Sylvanas blew it up. Former PC Gamer writer Steven Messner documented The Burning of Teldrassil back when it happened in 2018, writing that it was "easily the most controversial moment in World of Warcraft's history."
Well, now the night elves have a new tree and a new home in the Dragon Isles, and they're even willing to let bygones be bygones. Bel'ameth is currently a neutral city on the PTR, meaning both Horde and Alliance players can visit.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney says he's open to Fortnite on Steam or 'any serious store', but that 'the end of these ridiculous 30% fees' is a requirement
https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-ceo-tim-sweeney-says-hes-open-to-fortnite-on-steam-or-any-serious-store-but-that-the-end-of-these-ridiculous-30-fees-is-a-requirement/
Fortnite (a game which by all accounts probably doesn't need the help) could come to Steam, but on one condition: the platform does away with its 30% cut.
As spotted by Gamesradar, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney laid out the conditions for bringing Fortnite to the platform in a response to a Tweet, writing: "We’ll compete, and we’ll also put Fortnite on any serious store that gives all developers an awesome deal … the end of these ridiculous 30% fees is near." Steam takes a 30% cut, so it's a pretty obvious shot across the aisle.
>> I have no f*cking idea what the OneStore he mentions is, nor why he doesn't list GOG. But anyway, his words are void of any real meaning.

Baldur's Gate 3 will never be on Game Pass, says Larian CEO: 'We made a big game, so I think there's a fair price to be paid for that'
https://www.pcgamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-will-never-be-on-game-pass-says-larian-ceo-we-made-a-big-game-so-i-think-theres-a-fair-price-to-be-paid-for-that/
If you were hoping that Baldur's Gate 3's arrival on Xbox would herald its inclusion on Game Pass for prospective console and PC players, it looks like you're out of luck. Larian's impressive RPG will continue to only be available if you're willing to shell out—but I promise you it's worth it. In my Baldur's Gate 3 review, I gave it one of our highest ever scores of 97%.
Chatting to IGN, Larian CEO Swen Vincke noted that keeping it off Game Pass was always the plan. "Oh, we always said from the get-go, it wasn't going to be on Game Pass, it's not going to be on Game Pass."

Let's check the GOG and Steam deals for the weekend:

+GOG

• You may already know this, but the Winter Sale is now live.
• There's one new Deal of the Day: Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration will be 20% off during 70 hours: https://www.gog.com/en/game/atari_50_the_anniversary_celebration

+Steam

• The Outlast Trials, still in Early Access, will be 25% off until the 21st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1304930/The_Outlast_Trials/
• The Dreamhack Beyond Awards have its own page with up to 75% discounts. Som deals will end in 26 hours while others will last until the 21st. Oh, and if you live in the US, you can wishlist one of the games and win Best Buy gist cards. Learn more here: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/dreamhackbeyondgameawards2023
• God of War is going to be half its usual price until December, 21st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1593500/God_of_War/
• Rust also has a 50% deal until the 21st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/252490/Rust/
• Curious Expedition 2, that has a demo, is going to be 60% off until... you guessed, the 21st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1040230/Curious_Expedition_2/
• Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition will be free to try during the weekend and 75% off until the 21st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1184370/Pathfinder_Wrath_of_the_Righteous__Enhanced_Edition/
• theHunter: Call of the Wild is also going to be free to try during the weekend, but it will have an 85% discount until the 21st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/518790/theHunter_Call_of_the_Wild/
• And last, but not least, Curve Games is running its Ice Breaker Sale, with up to 90% discounts until next Thursday: https://store.steampowered.com/developer/curvedigital/sale/icebreakersale2023

And that's a wrap. Until next time, I wish you a happy and gaming weekend.

Intel CEO Says Entire Industry Is Motivated To Eliminate NVIDIA’s CUDA Dominance, Also Open To Manufacturing Competitors Chips

https://wccftech.com/intel-ceo-industry-motivated-eliminate-nvidia-cuda-manufacturing-competitors-chips/

Everyone wants to topple the dominant player but whether or not they will be able to is another question entirely

AMD Ryzen 8000G “Hawk Point” Desktop APU Specs Confirmed: 8700G, 8600G, 8500G, 8300G For AM5

https://wccftech.com/amd-ryzen-8000g-hawk-point-desktop-apu-specs-confirmed-8700g-8600g-8500g-8300g-am5/

64 GB DDR5 Modules Are Coming To Desktop PCs, Enabling Up To 256 GB Memory Capacities

https://wccftech.com/64-gb-ddr5-modules-coming-to-desktop-pcs-up-to-256-gb-memory-capacities/

^64GB memory sticks? Dear God.

Well, I have to quote myself because it turns out that someone actually reviewed the Alphacool metal fans:

https://hwbusters.com/cooling/alphacool-apex-stealth-metal-power-120mm-fan-review/

In summary: they're quiet and have good pressure, but don't move a ton of air. Good for radiators and coolers, but not for case fans.

Also, I've edited the first post of the news because Fanatical has a new contest with the chance to win some 2023 games. Check it out here: https://gleam.io/RX5xC/win-top-10-games-of-2023
Do note that the contest says top 10 games but they list 9 games.

Yeah I seen a couple reviews for the metal Aphacool fan. Looks pretty neat and quite competitive at lower RPM's and has a decent noise profile. Pretty cool to see manufacturers use different materials to different effect, and getting good results.

Looks like Intel is joining the frame generation bandwagon with its own tech - 'ExtraSS'
https://wccftech.com/intel-frame-generation-technology-xess-coming-soon-extrass-frame-extrapolation-boost-game-fps/

Whats interesting is their method is extrapolation instead of intropolating. Which, while less accurate has way less latency to render a new frame. But with Intels XeSS improving image quality in combination. Sounds really great if it works well.

it's semi holding up against Noctua, which is impressive, but at the same time, I'm still likely to go with Noctua (unless priced competitively in the EU). 

I'm so hooked to the piracy/naval battles in ACIV.

Damn, I can see why some people have hundreds of hours for ACIV.

Is that why Ubisoft is making Skull and bones?

Yes. They saw that people loved that and decided to make a multiplayer game basd on that. And given that Black Flag launched in 2013, imagine how long has been the development of this game.