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Evolving Legends: Exploring the Timeless Appeal of Gaming’s Greatest Titles

By Gaming

Here’s an overview of some games that have left a significant mark on the gaming industry and continue to be celebrated across different eras and genres. Video games have evolved from simple pixels to immersive experiences that transcend mere entertainment. They’ve become cultural touchstones, shaping the way we interact, tell stories, and express creativity. While opinions on the best games of all time might differ, certain titles undeniably stand out for their innovation, impact, and enduring legacy.

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Released in 1998, it revolutionized the gaming landscape, setting new standards for 3D action-adventure games. Its meticulously crafted world, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics continue to captivate gamers even decades after its release.
  1. Super Mario Bros. This 1985 classic not only revived a crumbling video game industry but also set a precedent for platformers. Its iconic design, precise controls, and level structure have influenced countless games that followed, cementing its status as a cornerstone of gaming history.
  1. The Last of Us stands tall. Naughty Dog’s masterpiece, released in 2013, delivered a gripping narrative, emotionally resonant characters, and unparalleled cinematic storytelling. It showcased the potential for games to evoke deep emotional connections, blurring the lines between gaming and other narrative mediums.
  1. Minecraft. Launched in 2009, its seemingly simple blocky graphics belie the limitless creativity it offers. It’s not just a game but a platform for boundless exploration, creativity, and community building, embodying the true essence of sandbox gaming.
  1. World of Warcraft redefined the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) genre. Its vast, immersive world and addictive gameplay have kept millions of players enchanted for nearly two decades, setting a benchmark for social interaction and online gaming experiences.
  1. Dark Souls, known for its challenging gameplay and rich lore, transformed the action RPG genre. Its unforgiving difficulty, combined with deep, interconnected level design and cryptic storytelling, established a devoted fanbase and inspired a new wave of challenging games.
  1. Undertale, a 2015 indie RPG, subverted traditional gaming tropes, offering players a unique, emotionally engaging experience with choices that genuinely impact the narrative. Its charming retro aesthetic and thought-provoking themes left a lasting impression on players.
  1. League of Legends. This free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena game has become a global phenomenon, shaping esports and creating a dedicated community of players and spectators worldwide.
  1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018): Rockstar Games’ sprawling open-world western masterpiece captivated players with its immersive storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and an intricately detailed world that felt alive.
  1. Half-Life 2 (2004): Valve’s groundbreaking first-person shooter not only set new standards for storytelling and gameplay but also introduced innovative physics-based mechanics that influenced game design for years to come.
  1. Final Fantasy VII (1997): This RPG epic from Square Enix is hailed for its compelling story, memorable characters, and its role in popularizing the Final Fantasy franchise globally, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
  1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015): CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece RPG redefined open-world gaming with its rich narrative, morally complex choices, and a meticulously crafted world that captivated players for hundreds of hours.
  1. Metal Gear Solid (1998): Hideo Kojima’s stealth-action game set a new standard for cinematic storytelling in games, blending intricate plots, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
  1. BioShock (2007): This atmospheric first-person shooter combined thought-provoking narrative themes with an immersive underwater world, creating an unforgettable experience that challenged players’ perceptions of choice and morality.
  1. Mass Effect 2 (2010): BioWare’s space opera RPG is celebrated for its deep character development, branching narrative, and impactful player choices that influenced the course of the game and subsequent sequels.
  1. Persona 5 (2016): Atlus’ stylish and engaging Japanese RPG captivated players with its unique blend of social simulation, dungeon crawling, and a compelling story that explores themes of rebellion and identity.
  1. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): Bungie’s iconic first-person shooter not only solidified the success of the Xbox console but also introduced gamers to an epic sci-fi universe with innovative gameplay mechanics and gripping multiplayer.

Each of these games has contributed in its own unique way to the gaming industry, leaving an indelible mark on players and influencing game design, storytelling, and player experiences for years to come. These games represent a mere fraction of the vast and diverse gaming landscape. Their impact extends beyond entertainment, influencing culture, technology, and even art. While preferences vary, their contributions to gaming are indisputable, earning them a place among the best video games of all time. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations of gamers, ensuring their status as timeless classics in the ever-evolving world of gaming. Now let’s skip to three games which have been a special part of my own youth!

18. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Released in 2002, Morrowind is revered for its deep lore, complex narrative, and immersive world-building. It transported players to the island of Vvardenfell in the province of Morrowind, a land filled with diverse cultures, political intrigue, and a rich history.

Setting and Gameplay:

  • Vvardenfell: The game’s setting is a diverse and visually striking island with varied landscapes, from volcanic ashlands to lush forests and mushroom-filled swamps.
  • Freedom and Exploration: Players had unparalleled freedom to explore the world, discover hidden ruins, undertake quests, and shape their character’s destiny.

Unique Aspects:

  • Deep Lore and Story: The game delved into the complex lore of the Elder Scrolls universe, featuring a deep main questline involving prophecies, ancient gods, and moral ambiguity.
  • Character Customization: Players could create highly customizable characters, choosing from various races, classes, and skills, allowing for diverse playstyles.

Impact:

  • Cultural Impact: Morrowind gained a dedicated fanbase due to its depth, complexity, and open-ended gameplay, becoming a benchmark for immersive RPG experiences.
  • Influence on the Series: It set the stage for the series’ reputation for vast open worlds, intricate storytelling, and player agency.

19. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion, released in 2006, built upon the success of Morrowind, offering a visually stunning and expansive RPG experience set in the province of Cyrodiil.

Setting and Gameplay:

  • Cyrodiil: Known for its diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and imposing fortresses, Cyrodiil provided a different but equally immersive setting compared to Morrowind.
  • Dynamic AI and Radiant AI: The game introduced a more dynamic NPC behavior system, known as Radiant AI, creating a more living, breathing world where NPCs had schedules and reacted to the player’s actions.

Unique Aspects:

  • Main Quest and Oblivion Gates: The game’s main quest revolved around closing Oblivion Gates, portals to the hellish realm of Oblivion, which added urgency and epic battles to the storyline.
  • Improved Graphics and Presentation: Oblivion showcased enhanced graphics for its time, allowing for more detailed environments and character models.

Impact:

  • Critical Acclaim: The game received critical acclaim for its vast world, improved graphics, and immersive gameplay.
  • Expanded Player Base: Oblivion attracted a wider audience to the Elder Scrolls series, becoming a staple RPG experience for many gamers.

Both Morrowind and Oblivion played pivotal roles in shaping the Elder Scrolls franchise, setting benchmarks for open-world RPGs, and captivating players with their immersive worlds and intricate storytelling.

20. The Elder Scrolls IV: Skyrim

Skyrim is a monumental RPG released by Bethesda Game Studios in 2011. It took the already beloved Elder Scrolls series to new heights, captivating players with its vast open world, compelling storytelling, and immersive gameplay.

Setting and Gameplay:

  • Province of Skyrim: The game is set in the northern province of Skyrim, a rugged and breathtaking land filled with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and ancient ruins. The environment feels alive, with dynamic weather and wildlife.
  • Dragonborn Protagonist: Players take on the role of the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero with the power to absorb the souls of dragons and learn their abilities called shouts.
  • Open-World Exploration: Skyrim offers unparalleled freedom to explore its vast and diverse landscape, discover hidden caves, dungeons, and encounter various factions, each with its own storyline and quests.
  • Improved Combat and Skills: The game introduced refined combat mechanics, allowing for dual-wielding weapons and magic, enhancing the overall combat experience. The skill system allowed players to specialize in various abilities, from archery and stealth to magic and melee combat.
  • Radiant Quest System: Skyrim featured a dynamic quest system called Radiant AI, generating an almost endless supply of procedurally generated quests, ensuring that players always had something to do.

Unique Aspects:

  • Main Storyline and Factions: The main questline revolves around the return of dragons to Skyrim and the Dragonborn’s role in stopping this impending apocalypse. Additionally, factions like the Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, and the Companions offered diverse questlines, allowing players to choose their path.
  • Modding Community: Skyrim’s vibrant modding community contributed to its enduring popularity, allowing players to modify and enhance their gameplay experiences with new content, graphics, and gameplay mechanics.

Impact:

  • Critical and Commercial Success: Skyrim received widespread critical acclaim for its immersive world, compelling narrative, and engaging gameplay. It became a commercial juggernaut, selling millions of copies across various platforms.
  • Cultural Impact: The game’s iconic “Fus Ro Dah” shout, among other elements, became a pop culture phenomenon, further solidifying its place in gaming history.
  • Continued Relevance: Even years after its release, Skyrim remains relevant due to its active modding community, re-releases on newer platforms, and its influence on subsequent open-world RPGs.

Skyrim stands as a pinnacle of open-world RPGs, renowned for its depth, exploration, and player agency, continuing to captivate new and seasoned players alike as a timeless classic in the realm of video games.

Simply put, I love these three games, they gave me a place to explore, grow and learn whenever I wanted to. By far my favorite part of all of these games is always some little side quest you stumble upon and often revisit. Not because of the item at the end of the quest but because of the storytelling. These games clearly hire teams of writers to create unique human experiences in a world of fantasy, and that personal touch in quests is what makes these games great. It feels like a real world, it has real world tragedy and comedy, the entire spectrum of humanity is visible in Tamriel. These games are great works of art and storytelling and technology combined, no man could tell me otherwise. I hope you enjoy playing them as much as I do!

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X

By Gaming
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X

Comparing the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the Xbox Series X involves analyzing various aspects of both consoles, including hardware, performance, gaming experience, ecosystem, exclusive titles, and additional features.

 

Hardware Comparison:

PlayStation 5 (PS5):

 

    • CPU: Custom AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores/16 threads, clocked at 3.5 GHz.
    • GPU: Custom AMD Radeon RDNA 2, 36 CUs at 2.23 GHz, capable of 10.28 TFLOPs.
    • Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 RAM.
    • Storage: 825 GB NVMe SSD.
    • Ray Tracing Support.
    • Dedicated audio hardware for 3D audio effects.

 

Xbox Series X:

 

    • CPU: Custom AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores/16 threads, clocked at 3.8 GHz.
    • GPU: Custom AMD Radeon RDNA 2, 52 CUs at 1.825 GHz, capable of 12 TFLOPs.
    • Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 RAM.
    • Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD.
    • Ray Tracing Support.
    • Variable Rate Shading (VRS) and hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing.

 

 

Performance and Gaming Experience:

PS5:

 

    • Pros:
        • Exclusive titles and a dedicated gaming environment.
        • Custom SSD leading to faster loading times and better performance in certain games.
        • Innovative DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
    • Cons:
        • Limited backward compatibility compared to the Xbox Series X.
        • Less raw GPU power compared to the Series X.

 

Xbox Series X:

 

    • Pros:
        • Backward compatibility with a wide range of Xbox games.
        • More raw GPU power compared to the PS5.
        • Game Pass subscription service offering a vast library of games.
    • Cons:
        • Less emphasis on exclusive titles compared to PlayStation.
        • Slightly larger physical size than the PS5.

 

 

User Experience and Ecosystem:

PS5:

 

    • Offers a user-friendly interface focused on gaming.
    • Access to PlayStation Network for online gaming, subscriptions, and exclusive content.
    • PlayStation Now service for streaming games.

 

Xbox Series X:

 

    • Xbox ecosystem with Xbox Live for online gaming and Xbox Game Pass for access to a vast library of games.
    • Backward compatibility with previous generations of Xbox games.
    • Integration with Microsoft services like Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud).

 

 

Exclusive Titles and Game Libraries:

PS5:

 

    • Known for exclusive titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Demon’s Souls Remake.
    • Growing library of exclusive games developed by Sony’s first-party studios.

1. Demon’s Souls:

  • A remake of the critically acclaimed Demon’s Souls from the PS3 era. This action RPG is known for its challenging gameplay, stunning visuals, and atmospheric world design, making it a showcase title for the PS5’s capabilities.

2. Spider-Man: Miles Morales:

  • A spin-off of the popular Marvel’s Spider-Man game, focusing on Miles Morales as the protagonist. This action-adventure game features an engaging storyline, fluid combat, and impressive visuals, taking advantage of the PS5’s hardware.

3. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart:

  • A visually stunning and fast-paced action-adventure game that utilizes the PS5’s SSD to seamlessly transition between different dimensions. It showcases impressive graphics, creative gameplay mechanics, and a charming storyline.

4. Returnal:

  • A rogue-like third-person shooter that combines intense action with a mysterious narrative. Its dynamic and challenging gameplay mechanics, along with impressive visuals, make it a standout title for the PS5.

5. Astro’s Playroom:

  • Pre-installed on every PS5, this delightful platformer serves as a showcase for the console’s DualSense controller features. It explores the capabilities of the controller with various haptic feedback and adaptive trigger mechanics.

6. Deathloop:

  • Although also available on PC, Deathloop was a timed exclusive for the PS5. Developed by Arkane Studios, it’s an inventive first-person shooter with a time-loop mechanic, offering a unique blend of action and strategy.

7. Horizon Forbidden West :

  • A highly anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, this action RPG promises stunning visuals, an expansive open world, and engaging combat. It’s expected to leverage the power of the PS5 for an immersive gaming experience.

8. Gran Turismo 7:

  • Another highly anticipated title, Gran Turismo 7, promises to deliver a visually impressive and realistic racing simulation experience, utilizing the capabilities of the PS5 for enhanced graphics and performance.

These exclusives, along with other titles available through PlayStation Studios and the PlayStation Plus Collection, contribute to the PlayStation 5’s strong library of games, catering to various gaming preferences. 

 

Xbox Series X:

 

    • Backward compatibility allows access to a wide range of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.
    • Features titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 among upcoming exclusives.

1. Halo Infinite:

  • The flagship exclusive title for the Xbox Series X, continuing the iconic Halo franchise. This first-person shooter game brings back Master Chief for a new adventure and features a vast open world for exploration and combat.

2. Forza Horizon 5:

  • A stunning racing game that showcases the power of the Xbox Series X. It offers beautiful environments, detailed car models, and an open-world racing experience set in Mexico. With improved visuals and performance, it’s a showcase for the console’s capabilities.

3. Psychonauts 2:

  • This platformer-adventure game combines unique art style, quirky humor, and engaging storytelling. It’s a sequel to the cult classic, offering diverse gameplay mechanics and imaginative level designs.

4. The Medium:

  • A psychological horror game that takes advantage of the Xbox Series X’s hardware capabilities, particularly its SSD. The game features a dual-reality gameplay mechanic, allowing players to explore two worlds simultaneously.

5. Microsoft Flight Simulator:

  • While not exclusively for Xbox Series X initially (it’s available on PC), the optimized console version is exclusive to Xbox consoles. This visually stunning flight simulation game showcases real-world landscapes and offers an immersive flying experience.

6. Gears 5:

  • Although it was initially released for Xbox One, Gears 5 received optimizations for the Xbox Series X, providing enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and improved performance.

7. Fable 4:

  • A new entry in the Fable series is highly anticipated as an Xbox Series X exclusive. Developed by Playground Games, it promises a fresh take on the beloved fantasy RPG franchise.

These exclusives, along with other titles available through Xbox Game Pass, contribute to the Xbox Series X’s library, offering a range of gaming experiences tailored to different tastes.  

Additional Features:

PS5:

 

    • DualSense controller with innovative features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
    • Fast loading times and enhanced performance due to the custom SSD.

 

Xbox Series X:

 

    • Quick Resume feature allowing seamless and rapid switching between multiple games.
    • Xbox Game Pass subscription service offering a vast library of games.

 

 

Conclusion:

Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer powerful hardware, robust gaming experiences, and unique features. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preferences and priorities:

 

    • Exclusive Titles: If exclusive games are a priority, the PS5 might be preferred for its strong lineup of exclusive titles.
    • Backward Compatibility: Xbox Series X excels in this aspect, allowing access to a vast library of older games.
    • Gaming Ecosystem: Xbox’s Game Pass and Microsoft integration provide a comprehensive gaming experience, while PlayStation offers a more focused gaming environment.
    • Hardware: While the Xbox Series X boasts slightly more raw power, the PS5’s custom SSD and innovative controller offer unique gaming experiences.

 

Ultimately, your decision might depend on factors such as preferred exclusive titles, backward compatibility, additional features, and the overall ecosystem each console offers. Both consoles are impressive and cater to different gaming preferences, ensuring a rich gaming experience for their respective user bases.

 

Which GPU to Buy for AI? How I Learned to Love/Hate the CUDA Monopoly

By AI, Tech Tips

Nightmares! I’ve regularly experienced nightmares that are far from normal or healthy, all revolving around AI and GPU benchmarking. However, these nightmares don’t involve benchmarking the speed of an AI model or the GPUs performance in superposition. Instead, they center around benchmarking the AI performance of standard consumer-grade GPUs. Unfortunately, there’s only one benchmark out there that offers a reasonable level of accuracy and modernity, which is the Tom’s Benchmark linked below.

Most other articles and benchmarks conclude with a hodgepodge of older GPUs, such as a 2080 Ti, a 3080 Max-Q, and occasionally, if we’ve been good little gamers or college data scientists, a 3090. However, these cards are now outdated, their warranties have expired, and AI generation is constantly improving on newer hardware. So, where can we find more benchmarks and opinions on today’s hardware? They’re right…

Here. This chart is a python/conda made benchmark by AIBenchmark.com. It cycles through various, different AI tests. Link down below. If these results appear unusual, it’s because this is a synthetic benchmark—a benchmark crafted around unconventional conditions. Think of it as the classic TimeSpy tests for standard gaming computing. This artificial test reveals an intriguing twist in AI benchmarking. Surprisingly, this benchmark strongly favors AMD, significantly so. 

Why is this the case? Perhaps this test was designed with AMD GPUs in mind. Synthetic benchmarks have the flexibility to focus on specific GPUs and their unique architectures. Maybe this older test isn’t optimized for 4000 series cards. However, the actual reason behind the benchmark’s bias isn’t crucial. The key point to remember is that AI strength cannot be accurately determined through synthetic tests alone. While it’s intriguing that AMD outperformed NVIDIA in this particular test, it doesn’t hold much significance in the broader context.

AI is a finicky field, prone to bugs and often requiring a range of esoteric steps to function correctly. It’s like the wild west, and the sheriff of this small, unpredictable town is NVIDIA. AI simply works with NVIDIA, flat out. On the other hand, with AMD, it doesn’t, at least not on the consumer level. It’s akin to comparing gaming on a modern Windows PC to a Mac or Linux machine from 2008.

Not only does real-world AI performance suffer on AMD or Intel hardware, but the support isn’t there either. Why spend three days troubleshooting an AMD-specific issue when NVIDIA products work right from the start? Let’s say you want to use Shark AI, an AMD-compatible offshoot of Stable Diffusion. Oops! There seems to be an issue with this particular PC configuration, making it seemingly impossible to use. Do you want to spend a week trying to fix it? Even if you do, the program might launch and still not function properly.

So, why is this the case? It’s quite simple. NVIDIA has made a deliberate focus on AI and has maintained a generation-leading position over its competitors, almost like a monopoly. CUDA serves as the bridge between productivity/AI and NVIDIA GPUs. It’s NVIDIA GPUs general computing and programming model. With CUDA, developers are able to dramatically speed up computing applications by harnessing the power of GPUs. When CUDA initially launched, it had its share of issues, being buggy and unreliable. However, it’s been ten years since its launch, and it’s now polished to perfection.

AMD has its equivalent of CUDA, called ROCm. While ROCm launched on Linux shortly after NVIDIA’s CUDA, it didn’t have Windows support until the summer of 2023. Which means it’s buggy. Terribly so. Well, big deal. It’ll soon catch up to NVIDIA. AMD simply needs a little time. Wrong. AMD’s gonna need a LOT of time. NVIDIA entered the CUDA AI market as the sole option. They settled the land and made it work for them and them alone. Programs are designed around CUDA. It works and runs great. So why would companies and developers spend the dev time trying to make ROCm working, when CUDA is a gen ahead with regular support.

Here’s a real-world example of CUDA working great with Stable Diffusion. Below are the testing specs I’ve lifted/aped off of the Tom’s Hardware AI Benchmarks:

Resolution:  2048×1152

Positive Prompt: postapocalyptic steampunk city, exploration, cinematic, realistic, hyper detailed, photorealistic maximum detail, volumetric light, (((focus))), wide-angle, (((brightly lit))), (((vegetation))), lightning, vines, destruction, devastation, wartorn, ruins

Negative Prompt: (((blurry))), ((foggy)), (((dark))), ((monochrome)), sun, (((depth of field)))

Steps: 100

Classifier Free Guidance: 15.0

Sampling Algorithm: Euler on NVIDIA, Shark Euler Discrete on AMD

I, at Cutting Edge Gamer, don’t have access to many older gen cards, but it’s clear to see NVIDIA has obviously, generationally improved their AI. The 4080 is 20% faster than the 3080ti. Other than a lengthy install process, stable diffusion worked wonderfully on NVIDIA GPUs. AMD’s results? I have no idea. That example from earlier utilizing the Shark AI, it wasn’t a random test. That was half a month of august wasted. I did my damnedest to wrangle together some AMD tests. After two weeks of troubleshooting, I gave up.

If you, the reader, are interested in AI on a consumer level…let me end with some final teachings. AI nowadays wants three things: VRAM, Tensor Cores, and a general computation/programming model.

AI’s are hungry for GPU memory a.k.a. VRAM. Why, because AI’s need training. They need to be taught to perform tasks. This teaching comes in the form of datasets/batches. The larger the batch, the faster an ai learns and processes. VRAM increases the batch size, thus speeds up AI learning. If a classroom only has 6 textbooks, It’ll take some time to teach 24 kids. If a GPU only has 6 GB of VRAM, AI’s won’t have much learning room.

Tensor Cores are ai specific cores separate from CUDA cores. Instead of doing graphical work, Tensor Cores specialize in multi-dimensional, mathematical, AI computation. AI’s function by doing extremely fast/huge mathematical equations. Thus, doing faster, bigger math allows for faster, bigger AI’s. This doesn’t mean Tensor Cores will replace CUDA Cores. Tensor’s are faster, but not as accurate/reliable as CUDA. It’s the difference between generalized and specialized cores. Here’s a visual to help with understanding the difference between CUDA and Tensor.

 

The first set of boxes, pascal, are the 1000 series GPUs. They don’t have access to tensor cores. Only CUDA. Since CUDA isn’t geared towards processing heavy sets of large numbers instantly, their AI performance is limited. When tensor cores were added with the 2000 series, the GPUs mathematical capabilities octupled. Then doubled and doubled again. Newer is faster. Newer is better.

I’ve already spoken of how general computation/programming models work. CUDA and ROCm. So what GPUs would I recommend nowadays? If you wanna try out any sort of AI work, then you’ll need an NVIDIA GPU with tensor cores. That mean 2000 series and above. Though gen 1 tensor cores are much slower than 3000 and 4000 series GPUs. 8 GB’s will function, but will need workarounds for models to properly function. 12 GB is fine, 16 GB is better, and 24 GB is the beginning of professional AI work.

Try it out AI use (Trying out Stable Diffusion once or twice for fun)

2060 (Super), 2070 (Super), 2080 (Super), 3050, 3060 8 GB, 3070, 4060 8 GB

Actual AI use (Utilizing AI in a workflow or chatting with a model)

2080ti, 3080 (10/12 GB), 4060 ti, 4060 16 GB, 4070, 4070 ti

Professional AI use (AI college students/professionals or those unable to access multi-thousand dollar server GPU’s)

3080 ti, 3090, 4080, 4090

Exploring the Pinnacle of Immersion: Today’s Best VR Headsets

By Gaming
Check Out Today's Best VR Headsets Below!

Virtual reality (VR) has come a long way since its inception, offering users an unparalleled level of immersion and engagement in digital worlds. With the rapid advancements in technology, today’s VR headsets push the boundaries of what was once considered science fiction. From gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare, VR is making a significant impact on various industries. In this article, we’ll delve into the top VR headsets available today, examining their features, capabilities, and how they are transforming the way we experience virtual reality.

Oculus Quest 2

The Oculus Quest 2, released in 2020, has quickly risen to prominence as one of the best standalone VR headsets on the market. Its key selling points are its affordability, ease of use, and impressive performance. With a high-resolution display, powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor, and 6GB of RAM, the Quest 2 delivers stunning graphics and fluid gameplay.

One of the standout features of the Quest 2 is its wireless nature. It doesn’t require a PC or external sensors, making it a truly portable VR experience. Users can enjoy a vast library of VR games and experiences available on the Oculus Store, and the headset supports hand tracking for an even more immersive feel.

The Quest 2 also allows for PC VR gaming via Oculus Link, a feature that enables users to connect their headset to a compatible PC for access to a broader range of high-end VR experiences. This versatility makes the Oculus Quest 2 an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced VR enthusiasts.

Valve Index

For those seeking the highest fidelity VR experience, the Valve Index is a top contender. Developed by Valve, the company behind popular gaming titles like Half-Life and Portal, the Index is designed with gamers in mind.

The Valve Index boasts impressive features, including a dual-element lens system for sharper visuals, a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth motion, and precise tracking with the help of external base stations. Its finger-tracking controllers allow for natural hand movements in VR, enhancing immersion significantly.

One of the standout features of the Valve Index is its compatibility with SteamVR, providing access to a vast library of VR games and experiences. While it’s a bit pricier than some other options on the market, the Valve Index offers a premium VR experience that’s worth the investment for dedicated gamers.

HTC Vive Pro 2

The HTC Vive Pro 2 is another premium VR headset designed for the discerning VR enthusiast. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Vive Pro, this headset delivers an exceptional VR experience with a 5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and a wide field of view.

The Vive Pro 2 is known for its comfort, thanks to its ergonomic design and adjustable head strap. It also features precise tracking with external base stations and supports a wide range of accessories, such as full-body tracking sensors and wireless adapters.

The headset is compatible with SteamVR, ensuring access to a vast library of high-quality VR content. While it’s more expensive than some other options, the HTC Vive Pro 2’s exceptional visual quality and comfort make it a top choice for serious VR enthusiasts and professionals.

Meta Quest Pro (formerly Oculus Quest Pro)

Meta (formerly Facebook) has been a major player in the VR industry, and they continue to innovate with the Meta Quest Pro. Building on the success of the Quest 2, this headset is expected to offer even more power and capabilities.

The Meta Quest Pro is rumored to feature enhanced processing, improved optics, and more comfortable design. Like its predecessor, it will likely support both standalone VR experiences and PC VR via Oculus Link. With Meta’s commitment to social VR and its expansive ecosystem, the Quest Pro is expected to be a compelling choice for those interested in social and multiplayer VR experiences.

PlayStation VR (PSVR) 2

PlayStation VR, Sony’s first foray into the world of virtual reality, was a significant success, and the upcoming PSVR 2 is poised to take the experience to new heights. Expected to release soon, the PSVR 2 aims to leverage the power of the PlayStation 5 to deliver a cutting-edge VR experience.

Sony has remained tight-lipped about specific details, but some leaked information suggests the headset will feature 4K resolution, eye-tracking technology, and haptic feedback controllers. With the strong backing of Sony’s gaming ecosystem, the PSVR 2 is expected to offer a wide range of exclusive VR titles.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the PSVR 2 is its integration with the PlayStation 5, promising seamless gameplay transitions between traditional gaming and VR. This feature could be a game-changer, making VR more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.

Apple Vision Pro

Apple is reportedly developing a high-end VR headset aimed at providing an immersive and premium virtual reality experience. This headset was expected to feature advanced technology and specifications to compete with other VR devices.

Unlike some other VR headsets that require a connection to a powerful computer, Apple’s VR headset is rumored to have onboard processing capabilities, making it more self-contained and user-friendly.

The headset is expected to feature high-resolution displays to provide sharp and clear visuals. Apple typically places a strong emphasis on display quality in its products.

Apple is said to be developing custom silicon for the headset, similar to its approach with the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This custom silicon is expected to enable advanced performance and features.

There is speculations that the Apple VR headset might also include some augmented reality (AR) features, which would allow for a mix of virtual and real-world experiences.

Given Apple’s reputation for premium pricing, the VR headset is expected to be relatively expensive compared to other VR devices on the market.

Conclusion

Today’s VR headsets offer a range of options to cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for an affordable and portable experience with the Oculus Quest 2 or a hardcore gamer seeking the utmost in fidelity with the Valve Index or HTC Vive Pro 2, there’s a VR headset for you. Additionally, the imminent release of the PSVR 2 and Meta Quest Pro promises to expand the possibilities of virtual reality, making it an exciting time for VR enthusiasts. As technology continues to advance, the future of VR looks brighter than ever, and these headsets are just the beginning of what’s to come in the world of immersive virtual experiences.

AMD RX 7800 XT vs AMD RX 6800 XT & NVIDIA RTX 4070 Comparison

By Gaming
RX 6800 XT vs RX 7800 XT

The highly anticipated 7800 XT has finally been released and we’re eager to share its specs with you! In order to give you a better understanding of its performance, we’ll be comparing it to it’s predecessor, the RX 6800 XT, and its NVIDIA equivalent, the RTX 4070. How will it compare? Follow along in our article and find out if it stacks up against its predecessor and competition!

RX 6800 XT
Specifications and Performance

The RX 6800 XT was launched on October 28th, 2020 with a price tag of $650. It was a strong competitor to NVIDIA’s high-end GPUs, particularity in the mid-range and high-end gaming market and received generally positive reviews. The 6800 XT is known for excellent performance, capable of delivering high frame rates at 1440p and 4K resolutions, as well as significant ray tracing performance improvement over AMD’s previous generation. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to experience smooth, high-quality graphics and lightning-fast performance while gaming on their computers. There’s a reason why the RX 6800 XT is known to provide the bang for your buck!

Clock Speeds

Base Clock: 1825 MHz

Game Clock: 2015 MHz

Boost Clock: 2250 MHz

Memory Clock: 2000 MHz

Memory

Memory Size: 16 GB

Memory Type: GDDR6

Memory Bus: 256 bit

Bandwidth: 512.0 GB/s

Board Design

Slot Width: Dual-slot

Dimensions: 10.5in L x 4.7in W x 2in H

TDP: 300 W

Suggested PSU: 700 W

Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4a, & 1x USB Type-C

Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin

Specifications and Perfomance

The RX 7800 XT is one of AMD’s two newest graphics cards on the market. Released on August 6th, 2023 with a starting price of $500, this GPU is a great option for those looking for a high-performance graphics card without breaking the bank. According to AMD, this 1440p GPU is capable of delivering over 60 FPS in the latest games, with the highest settings enabled. However, it may struggle with ray tracing-heavy games, and reaching triple FPS digits may be challenging. To summarize, the RX 7800 XT is a powerful mid-range budget graphics card that can handle most modern games on the highest settings. It offers a solid gaming experience without spending a fortune.

Clock Speeds

Base Clock: 1295 MHz

Game Clock: 2124 MHz

Boost Clock: 2430 MHz

Memory Clock: 2425 MHz

Memory

Memory Size: 16 GB

Memory Type: GDDR6

Memory Bus: 256 bit

Bandwidth: 620.8 GB/s

Board Design

Slot Width: Dual-slot

Dimensions: 10.5in L x 4.4in W x 2in H

TDP: 263 W

Suggested PSU: 600 W

Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1a & 3x DisplayPort 2.1

Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin

RX 7800 XT
RTX 4070
Specifications and Perfomance

The RTX 4070 was released on April 23rd, 2023 with a launch price of $600. Although the pricing of the 40 series as a whole disappointed many, the RTX 4070 stands out as a mid-performance card at a reasonable price, particularly for 1440p gaming. It performs similarly to the 10 GB RTX 3080, with frame rates of about 100fps at 1440p gaming and 60fps at 4k gaming. This card has solid ray tracing abilities at 1440p, but it may struggle to maintain a high frame rate for ray tracing-heavy games at 4k, such as Cyberpunk 2077. In addition, the RTX 4070 boasts NVIDIA’s latest features, including RTX Video Super Resolution, DLSS 3 Frame Generation, and NVIDIA Reflex.

Clock Speeds

Base Clock: 1920 MHz

Boost Clock: 2475 MHz

Memory Clock: 1313 MHz

Memory

Memory Size: 12 GB

Memory Type: GDDR6X

Memory Bus: 192 bit

Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s

Board Design

Slot Width: Dual-slot

Dimensions: 9.4in L x 4.3in W x 1.6in H

TDP: 200 W

Suggested PSU: 550 W

Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1 & 3x DisplayPort 1.4a

Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin

Conclusion:

When looking over the specs, you can see that the RX 7800 XT is not that much of an improvement over the RX 6800 XT. While the 7800 XT has a higher boost clock speed and increased memory bandwidth, it has 768 less cores than the RX 6800. The 6800 XT also has a higher base clock speed, although the difference between these two cards is marginal. In terms of performance, both cards are pretty similar. Likewise, the RTX 4070 also performs similarly to the RX 7800 XT. Where the RTX 4070 excels at ray tracing, the RX 7800 XT shines in its rasterization performance.  Therefore, if you’re currently using a GPU from the previous RTX 30 series or RX 6000 series and considering an upgrade, it might be best to skip the RX 7000 generation.

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The Top Ten Most Graphically Demanding Games of All Time vs The RTX 4000 Series

By Gaming
Introduction

As technology has advanced, the gaming industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution in graphics, enabling developers to create stunning and immersive gaming experiences. Over the years, several games have pushed the boundaries of graphical fidelity, demanding powerful hardware to run at their full potential. This essay will delve into the ten most graphically demanding games of all time, highlighting their significance and impact on the gaming world.

1. Crysis (2007)

Released in 2007, Crysis took the gaming community by storm with its breathtaking visuals and cutting-edge graphics. Developed by Crytek, the game showcased lush environments, realistic lighting, and impressive physics, setting new benchmarks for gaming graphics. Crysis was infamous for its high hardware requirements, and even the most powerful PCs at the time struggled to run the game at maximum settings. The “Can it run Crysis?” became a popular phrase among gamers to test their rigs’ capabilities.

2. Metro Exodus (2019)

The third installment in the Metro series, Metro Exodus, brought the desolate post-apocalyptic world of Russia to life with its exceptional graphics. Developed by 4A Games, the game featured stunning landscapes, detailed character models, and dynamic weather effects. The game’s combination of survival horror and open-world elements created an immersive experience, demanding significant graphical prowess to render its atmospheric environments and lifelike lighting.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Developed by Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is renowned for its attention to detail and massive open world. The game pushed the boundaries of realism in gaming with its lifelike character animations, vast landscapes, and intricate weather systems. Capturing the essence of the Wild West, RDR2’s graphical demands challenged even high-end gaming systems, but the payoff was an unparalleled visual experience.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, brought the fantasy world of Geralt of Rivia to life with its jaw-dropping graphics. The game featured a vast and visually stunning open world, filled with lush forests, sprawling cities, and detailed character designs. The complex lighting and weather systems, along with the dynamic day-night cycle, contributed to the game’s intense graphical demands.

5. Battlefield 5 (2018)

Battlefield 5, developed by DICE, is known for its visually impressive depiction of large-scale battles during World War II. The game’s realistic environments, destructible structures, and high-quality textures pushed gaming hardware to its limits. Battlefield 5’s emphasis on realism and authenticity made it one of the most graphically demanding multiplayer games of its time.

6. Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020)

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla combined historical accuracy with mythical elements, offering players a visually captivating experience. Set in the Viking age, the game showcased lush landscapes, detailed character models, and intricate architecture. The combination of the game’s massive open world and stunning graphics created a demanding title for gaming rigs.

7. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

Grand Theft Auto V, developed by Rockstar North, redefined open-world gaming with its vast and dynamic portrayal of Los Santos. The game featured highly detailed cityscapes, diverse environments, and impressive weather effects. GTA V’s demanding graphics, especially at higher settings, required powerful hardware to explore the criminal underworld of Los Santos seamlessly.

8. Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)

Developed by Guerrilla Games, Horizon Zero Dawn introduced players to a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures. The game’s stunning visuals and art design brought the wilderness to life with vibrant landscapes and futuristic technology. The combination of detailed environments, intricate character models, and advanced particle effects made Horizon Zero Dawn a graphically demanding title.

9. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)

Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order immersed players in the Star Wars universe with its realistic graphics and attention to detail. The game featured visually stunning planets, intricate lightsaber combat, and lifelike character animations. To render the authentic Star Wars experience, the game required considerable graphical power.

10. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

Developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 garnered much attention for its ambitious open-world design and futuristic aesthetics. The game’s sprawling Night City, filled with neon lights and high-tech visuals, demanded a top-tier gaming rig to experience the game in its full graphical glory. Despite the initial technical issues, Cyberpunk 2077 remains one of the most visually demanding titles.

RTX 4000 Series is the Perfect Platform to Experience these Titles

The high-end graphics cards available at Cutting Edge Gamer have great benefits for graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Battlefield 5:

Improved Performance: High-end graphics cards are designed to deliver superior performance in rendering complex graphics, high-resolution textures, and advanced visual effects. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Battlefield 5, which feature detailed open-world environments, realistic lighting, and particle effects, can benefit from the extra horsepower provided by a high-end GPU. An RTX 4090 offers significant improvements over previous generations, and can enhance the performance and visual fidelity of these games.

Ray Tracing: Games like Cyberpunk 2077 leverage ray tracing technology to achieve more realistic lighting and reflections, adding depth and immersion to the game world. High-end RTX GPUs are equipped with specialized hardware for real-time ray tracing, which can significantly improve the visual quality of supported games. With the RTX 4090 featuring even more advanced ray tracing capabilities, it further enhances the visual experience in ray-traced games

High Resolution and Refresh Rates: Gamers who play at high resolutions (4K or higher) or aim for high refresh rates (such as 144Hz or 240Hz) require substantial GPU power to maintain smooth gameplay. A high-end GPU like the RTX 4090 handles these demanding scenarios more efficiently, delivering better frame rates and overall gameplay experience.

Conclusion

The gaming industry has witnessed a continuous evolution of graphics, with developers striving to create ever more immersive and visually stunning experiences. The ten games discussed in this essay represent the pinnacle of graphical demands in gaming history. Each title challenged gaming hardware and set new standards for graphical fidelity, solidifying their place in the gaming world as some of the most graphically demanding games of all time.

The RTX 40 Series Master Guide

By Gaming

The RTX 40 series has now been out for 8 months – oh how time flies! Starting with the first released card, the RTX 4090, we’ve now got a variety of cards to choose from this series. In this article, we’ll be looking at the cards in this series and what specs they have in store.

Nvidia RTX 4090

Real quick, before we get into the RTX 4090, I’d like to share an article we did a few months back on RTX 4090 Ti rumors so if you’re curious, take a look!

The NVIDIA RTX 4090 Ti Rumors and Expected Release Date

The RTX 4090 was launched on September 20th 2022 with a starting price of $1,599. It’s currently the highest performing card on the market, show a large increase of performance compared to the 3090ti. If you’re looking for the best of the best, this card is for you.

Clock Speeds
Base Clock: 2235 MHz
Boost Clock: 2520 MHz
Memory Clock: 1313 MHz, 21 Gbps effective

Memory
Memory Size: 24 GB
Memory Type: GDDR6X
Memory Bus: 384 bit
Bandwidth: 1008 GB/s

Board Design
Slot Width: Triple-slot
Dimensions: 12″ L x 5.4″ W x 2.4″ H
TDP: 450 W
Suggested PSU: 850 W
Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin

Render Config
Shading Units: 16384
TMUs: 512
ROPs: 176
SM Count: 128
L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache: 72 MB

Nvidia RTX 4080

The RTX 4080 was also released on September 20, 2022 with a launch price of $1,199. The RTX 4080 performs outstandingly, often coming in a few FPS short of the RX 4090. The gap in performance does widen when Ray Tracing is taken into account. It provides the best value for higher end cards.

Clock Speeds
Base Clock: 2205 MHz
Boost Clock: 2505 MHz
Memory Clock: 1400 MHz, 22.4 Gbps effective

Memory
Memory Size: 164 GB
Memory Type: GDDR6X
Memory Bus: 256 bit
Bandwidth: 716.8 GB/s

Board Design
Slot Width: Triple-slot
Dimensions: 12.2″ L x 5.5″ W x 2.4″ H
TDP: 320 W
Suggested PSU: 700 W
Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin

Render Config
Shading Units: 9728
TMUs: 304
ROPs: 112
SM Count: 76
L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache: 64 MB

Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti

Released on January 3rd  2023 with a launch price of $799, the RTX 4070 Ti is probably the best bang for your buck. Its FPS often hit triple digits and never dip below 60FPS.

Clock Speeds
Base Clock: 2310 MHz
Boost Clock: 2610 MHz
Memory Clock: 1313 MHz, 21 Gbps effective

Memory
Memory Size: 12 GB
Memory Type: GDDR6X
Memory Bus: 192 bit
Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s

Board Design
Slot Width: Dual-slot
Dimensions: 11.2″ L x 4.4″ W x 1.7″ H
TDP: 285 W
Suggested PSU: 600 W
Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin

Render Config
Shading Units: 7680
TMUs: 240
ROPs: 80
SM Count: 60
L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache: 78 MB

Nvidia RTX 4070

The RTX 4070 launched on April 12 2023 with a price tag of $599. Advertised as reaching 100+ FPS at 1440p, this card does exactly that. The RTX 4070 does perform on average about 20% less than the RTX 4070 Ti, but it is a solid graphics card for those who don’t need the highest performing card on the market.

Clock Speeds
Base Clock: 1920 MHz
Boost Clock: 2475 MHz
Memory Clock: 1313 MHz, 21 Gbps effective

Memory
Memory Size: 12 GB
Memory Type: GDDR6X
Memory Bus: 192 bit
Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s

Board Design
Slot Width: Dual-slot
Dimensions: 9.4″ L x 4.3″ W x 1.6″ H
TDP: 200 W
Suggested PSU: 550 W
Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin

Render Config
Shading Units: 5888
TMUs: 184
ROPs: 64
SM Count: 46
L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache: 36 MB

Nvidia RTX 4060

The RTX 4060 is not yet released so not all information is known and this information is subject to change in the future. It’s rumored to be set for release in early June with a price tag of $299.

Clock Speeds
Base Clock: 1830 MHz
Boost Clock: 2535 MHz
Memory Clock: 2250 MHz, 18 Gbps effective

Memory
Memory Size: 8 GB
Memory Type: GDDR6X
Memory Bus: 128 bit
Bandwidth: 288 GB/s

Board Design
Slot Width: Dual-slot
Dimensions: Unknown
TDP: 200 W
Suggested PSU: 550 W
Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Power Connectors: 1x 12-pin

Render Config
Shading Units: 3840
TMUs: 120
ROPs: 48
SM Count: 30
L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache: 24 MB

The RTX 40 series boasts a large increase in performance from the 30 series and is perfect for consumers who want top of the line performance. However, these cards, especially the RTX 4090, are not only physically large but consume a lot of power and are pricey. Many people have decided to skip the 40 series generation due to these issues, but there are also a lot of gamers who appreciate what the 40 series has to offer.

Battle of the Titans: MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X vs. ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC

By Gaming
Introduction:

In the realm of high-performance graphics cards, two giants stand tall: the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X and the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC. These flagship offerings from leading manufacturers are the epitome of cutting-edge technology, delivering unprecedented power and capabilities. As gamers and professionals eagerly await the arrival of these behemoths, let’s dive deep into the features and specifications of each card to see how they stack up against each other. From raw performance to cooling solutions and overclocking potential, this comparison aims to provide insights into which card reigns supreme.

ASUS GeForce RTX 4090 STRIX OC

Available for lease here!

MSI GeForce RTX 4090 Suprim X

Available for lease here!

Performance:

When it comes to performance, both the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X and the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC are powerhouses designed to push the boundaries of gaming and professional workloads. Built on the latest Ampere architecture, these cards offer an impressive number of CUDA cores, tensor cores, and ray-tracing cores to handle even the most demanding tasks.

The ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC has a slightly higher base clock speed than the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X, which can provide a marginal advantage in certain scenarios. . The ASUS card also has a slightly higher boost clock speed of 2010 MHz, with the same number of CUDA cores, Tensor Cores, and RT Cores as the MSI card. It also features 24GB of GDDR6X memory running at a slightly higher clock speed of 19.9 Gbps.

Meanwhile the MSI card features a boost clock speed of 1920 MHz, with 8192 CUDA cores, 328 Tensor Cores, and 112 RT Cores. It also comes with 24GB of GDDR6X memory running at a clock speed of 19.5 Gbps

In terms of real-world performance, both cards are capable of delivering exceptional frame rates in games and high-performance applications. However, the ASUS card seems to perform slightly better in benchmarks, particularly in games with ray tracing enabled. This can be attributed to the higher clock speed of the ASUS card, which gives it a slight edge over the MSI card. However, the difference in performance between the two cards is relatively minor, and both cards are more than capable of handling the most demanding games and applications with ease.

Cooling and Design:

The cooling systems of the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X and the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC are both engineered for exceptional thermal management. The MSI card utilizes the Tri Frozr 2S cooling solution, which features three fans and an innovative heat pipe design to efficiently dissipate heat. It also incorporates a graphene backplate for additional heat dissipation.

On the other hand, ASUS equips the RTX 4090 STRIX OC with its renowned DirectCU cooling technology, featuring three Axial-tech fans and a massive heatsink array with copper heat pipes. The card also boasts a reinforced metal backplate for added structural rigidity.

Both cards employ intelligent fan control mechanisms and offer customizable RGB lighting to enhance the aesthetics of your build. While both cooling systems are top-tier, ASUS’s DirectCU cooling solution is known for its exceptional performance and whisper-quiet operation, giving it a slight edge in this category.

The MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X and the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC have similar designs, with three large fans and a metal shroud covering the heatsink. However, the MSI card has a more aggressive and angular look, while the ASUS card has a more streamlined and modern design. Both cards are very well-built and feel sturdy, with high-quality materials used throughout.

The MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X is slightly larger than the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC, measuring 336mm in length compared to the latter’s 319mm. This means that the MSI card may not fit into some smaller PC cases, whereas the ASUS card is more likely to fit into most builds.

Overclocking and Power Efficiency:

For enthusiasts seeking to squeeze every ounce of performance from their graphics card, overclocking capabilities are crucial. The MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X and the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC come equipped with robust power delivery systems and comprehensive overclocking utilities.

The MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X boasts an advanced 24-phase power design, offering impressive stability and headroom for overclocking. It also includes MSI’s Afterburner software, allowing users to fine-tune clock speeds, voltage, and fan settings with ease.

The ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC, on the other hand, features a 22+2 phase power delivery system and ASUS’s GPU Tweak II software for overclocking. The software provides an intuitive interface and advanced options to optimize performance.

Power efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially with flagship graphics cards. Although power consumption is expected to be high due to the immense performance capabilities, both MSI and ASUS have implemented power-saving technologies to mitigate excessive power draw.

Features and Software:

MSI and ASUS both offer feature-rich software suites to complement their graphics cards. MSI’s Dragon Center provides users with comprehensive control over various aspects of the GPU, including overclocking, fan profiles, and RGB lighting customization. It also includes a system monitoring tool and allows for firmware updates.

ASUS’s GPU Tweak software, on the other hand, offers similar functionality, enabling users to monitor and fine-tune their graphics card settings. Additionally, ASUS integrates its Aura Sync software, which allows for seamless synchronization of RGB lighting across compatible devices.

Both manufacturers prioritize software support and regularly release updates to address bugs and improve performance. The choice between these software suites ultimately comes down to personal preference, as they offer similar functionalities.

Price and Availability:

It is important to note that high-end graphics cards like these are generally quite expensive due to their advanced features and cutting-edge technology.

Graphics card prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as availability, market demand, and any additional features or enhancements offered by the manufacturer. It is always recommended to check the current prices from reliable sources such as official manufacturer websites, authorized retailers, or reputable online marketplaces to get accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that graphics card prices can be subject to fluctuations in the market, especially due to supply and demand dynamics, cryptocurrency mining trends, and other external factors. So, it’s essential to stay updated with the current market conditions to make an informed purchasing decision.

Conclusion:

In the battle between the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X and the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC, it is evident that both cards offer exceptional performance and cutting-edge features. The decision between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities. Personally I prefer the streamlined and modern look of the ASUS card which, when matched with top of the line performance, makes the ASUS RTX 4090 STRIX OC our favorite RTX 4090 card available at the moment.

#TornadoNation: CEG Interviews CTX Austin Esports Director and Athletes

By Gaming

As a proud sponsor of Concordia University Texas’s esports team, we’re excited to have the chance to interview their director, Marc Valdoria, as well as some of the student athletes about their experiences.

 

Team updates can be viewed on their Twitter and streams can be watched on their Twitch channel.

Interview with Concordia Esports Coordinator/Director Marc Valdoria

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us on your collegiate esports program. How long has your university had a varsity esports program and how long have you been the director of the program?

I have been Concordia’s esports coordinator/director since the program started.Concordia launched the esports program in Fall 2019, and we were the first varsity esports program in Central Texas.

 

Is it fair to say you are also the program’s coach? Or do you have paid coaches at your school too?

That is fair to say that I’m the program’s “head coach.” In the future, as we expand, the goal is to have paid coaches per team. As of now, I can coach/manage some of the teams. However, I rely a lot on our players, who have a lot of knowledge of the game and have exemplified leadership characteristics. It has been working for the past couple of years as it helps me manage my workload by giving our students opportunities to earn experience in a leadership position within their teams.

 

How did you get involved with the esports program? Were you already at the university in a different role when you became the director and helped develop the program?

I got involved with the esports program while working in the marketing department at Concordia. Our Athletic Director looked for help starting the program within our university, and I stepped up to the plate because I love esports and I am extremely passionate about it.

 

Which games do you compete in, about how many athletes do you have per team and how many athletes do you have overall?

We compete in Apex, League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Ultimate, and Chess. Overall, we have over 40+ student athletes in the program.

 

How’s the season going by the way?

Our Spring season has come to a wrap, and I couldn’t have been more proud of how hard our athletes played this year. We got back from our SCAC Conference Showdown in San Antonio last week where our program took 2nd overall.

 

As director, I’m sure recruiting is a big part of what you do as you have so many different games you compete in. I’m sure our audience would want to know what is involved in recruiting. How do you find your athletes and about how many do you recruit per year?

We find our athletes in various ways, such as social media, online/LAN high school esports tournaments, Discord, Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), and in-person events.

 

Is there a good high school esports ecosystem that you can draw from? Or do the athletes actively reach out to you with their game play portfolio or do you reach out to them?

Some student-athletes reach out to me directly, which is typically a rare case. However, there are some ecosystems that I can think of, such as the Discord servers like High School Esports League (HSEL), eFuse, SPIN Collegiate, etc., which are great because they have a lot of high school students who are looking for collegiate teams. At the same time, there are organizations such as Texas Scholastic Esports Federation (TexSEF) that put on recruiting events, which there is one that is about to happen at the end of the month (April 28-29th) at the Esports Stadium Arlington.

 

Is there anything in particular that you look for in their game play?

When we recruit students, we look at a variety of things, such as their rank and history of the game. However, we also gauge their approach to the game and their attitude. We want players who are motivated to improve, willing to listen, and ready to adapt to the team. If they have those qualities, they have a high potential to be a high-impact player in our program. A player could be a highly skilled/ranked player, but if they have a bad attitude and are toxic, they would not fit in well with our program.

 

Another aspect that I’m sure our audience will be interested to know: Do your athletes receive partial or full scholarships or any other benefits from the university?

We currently have partial scholarships for our program. Our esports student-athletes could qualify for the esports scholarship ($2,000/year). This scholarship can also stack with our other scholarship offerings at Concordia. The additional benefit they have is exclusive access to our esports facility, which only esports players and members can use.

 

What are some of the bigger challenges confronting your esports program today? What about esports in general?

One of the biggest challenges confronting our esports program (and a lot of esports programs across the nation) is that budget is limited. We would love to be able to send teams across the state/country to compete with other collegiate teams, but we simply do not have the budget to do so. At the same time, having a constraint on budget means that upgrades and arena expansion would also be affected, which in turn can affect recruitment down the line.

 

That’s about it for our questions and thank you for your time. Final thoughts: Do you have anything else to add that you would like for our gaming audience to know about your program and or collegiate esports?

Esports is a lot more accessible than people think! Collegiate esports has gained significant popularity, with more colleges and universities offering programs and scholarships for athletes. This is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about gaming to pursue their interests while also earning a degree.

Interview with Rocket League Captain Bradley Wadas

Hi there and thank you for taking the time out of your busy school and esports schedule to talk to us about your collegiate esports experience. What year are you and in which games do you compete?

I am a junior and I play Rocket League.

 

How has the esports athletic experience been so far?

The experience has been great, I like winning and we win a lot so it’s enjoyable.

 

Be honest: How many hours a week do you say you practice and compete?

3-5 hours, mostly solo training because I am weird like that.

 

What are your training methods and how do you get ready for tournaments? Do you study streams of your competition?

I play a few casual or comp games or sit in solo training, whatever I feel like. No I don’t like to review footage because I review the game in my head.

 

When’s the competition season, is it in the spring or fall or both?

For SCAC (“Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference”), spring, but NACE (“National Association of Collegiate Esports“) Starleague is both fall and spring.

 

How are you doing so far this year?

We finished 2nd in SCAC and went to playoffs in NACE.

 

Let’s go back to before you started your collegiate athletic career. When did you first start gaming?

I started gaming when I was as young as I can remember, but I didn’t start playing Rocket League until 2015, when it came out of course.

 

At what point did you realize “hey I can do this in college”?

After playing a few matches with the team during tryouts.

 

What was the recruiting process like at your university? Did the director reach out to you or did you actively approach them?

I saw a flyer in my school email and I decided to give it a shot.

 

Has doing esports changed the way you play games in your free time?

Esports has made me play rocket league more, but that’s about the only change.

 

That’s about it and let’s wrap it up with one final question: Think back to when you were gaming before college and compare that to what you know now after being a college esports athlete. What words of advice or tips would you give high schoolers to help them land a spot on a collegiate esports team?

I would say to just keep playing your game in the highest rank possible so you can get better every game you play, and research + practice just as much time as you play

Interview with Valorant Captain Kevin Early

Hi there and thank you for taking the time out of your busy school and esports schedule to talk to us about your collegiate esports experience. What year are you and in which games do you compete?

I am a Junior at Concordia (TX) and compete in Valorant. The Valorant team is new as it was created and started to compete this semester.

 

How has the esports athletic experience been so far?

The start of the season was unpredictable with a rotating starting lineup. However, it felt great when the team was solidified and we melded together.

 

Be honest: How many hours a week do you say you practice and compete?

Valorant practices twice a week for a total of eight hours. With games, the time committed is about 10 hours a week. On top of this, I play outside of practice and stack competitive queues with my teammates. I usually play Valorant in my free time when I finish everything else I have on my schedule.

 

What are your training methods and how do you get ready for tournaments? Do you study streams of your competition?

I play the tournaments the same as I would during practice. I take it seriously and compete to the best of my abilities. I do not scout the competition; however, a vital aspect of improving video games is VOD reviews. Instead of going over the competition and finding mistakes, I focus on self-improvement.

 

When’s the competition season, is it in the spring or fall or both?

Concordia’s main Valorant competition is an in-person tournament held every spring. There are other tournaments we take part in but competing in SCAC is our main goal as a team.

 

How are you doing so far this year?

I am doing great so far! I started playing Valorant 9 months ago and I am currently ascendant three, just 2 games away from immortal.

 

Let’s go back to before you started your collegiate athletic career. When did you first start gaming?

I first started playing competitive fps after I graduated from middle school. The first game I started playing was Overwatch. I have hit top 500 on support, dps, and tank.

 

At what point did you realize “hey I can do this in college”?

I realized I could play esports in college when I came to Concordia. I found out that the esports college scene was bigger than I imagine. There are multiple schools around the U.S. that offer huge scholarships for esports.

 

What was the recruiting process like at your university? Did the director reach out to you or did you actively approach them?

I did not go through the traditional recruiting process at my university. I was already admitted and found out that Concordia had an esports team when I was on a campus tour. After the tour, I reached out to the program director and was offered a scholarship to play esports.

 

Has doing esports changed the way you play games in your free time?

Esports has changed the way I play games in my free time. Before joining the esports program I used to play video games when I had free time. Now, I have to plan my schedule with dedicated time slots to practice Valorant

That’s about it and let’s wrap it up with one final question: Think back to when you were gaming before college and compare that to what you know now after being a college esports athlete. What words of advice or tips would you give high schoolers to help them land a spot on a collegiate esports team?

My advice to high school students would be not to just mindlessly play video games because that leads to burnout. Play for a few hours with a strong mental with a focus on improvement. Joining a team is also something I would recommend experiencing. Team gameplay is very different from ladder. In team gameplay, it is important to work together. In ladder, it is more about punishing mistakes. VOD reviews are important and vital for improvement.

Interview with League of Legends Captain Nick Reak

Hi there and thank you for taking the time out of your busy school and esports schedule to talk to us about your collegiate esports experience. What year are you and in which games do you compete

My name is Nick Reak, I compete in League of Legends and Valorant and I am a Junior.

 

How has the esports athletic experience been so far?

I have been playing collegiate for about 3 years now, but this was my first semester at a school where we were able to field a full roster for either of the games I play. I would say the experience was fun, but my hope is that there will be more support from schools in the future as it still feels like we are outcasts rather than athletes.

 

Be honest: How many hours a week do you say you practice and compete?

For team practice and competition it is usually about 15-20 hours with both teams combined, and for individual practice I spend another 15-20 hours a week.

 

What are your training methods and how do you get ready for tournaments? Do you study streams of your competition?

Currently, I don’t spend a lot of time VOD reviewing, most of my preparation comes from watching professional play and videos. Otherwise, I study the drafts of our opponents and attempt to learn their general draft identity to know how to counter or nullify it.

 

When’s the competition season, is it in the spring or fall or both?

Mainly spring, though we do practice in fall and work on group dynamics and practice.

 

How are you doing so far this year?

Alright, wish we could have finished higher in the standings, but I am motivated to keep competing. Financially I am struggling because I want to focus on practice and improving and between the long grind hours and school work, actual work becomes hard to fit in.

 

Let’s go back to before you started your collegiate athletic career. When did you first start gaming?

I started gaming when I was about 5-6, it was casually on PlayStation 1, and over the years I started competing in high school back around 2009 in Halo.

 

At what point did you realize “hey I can do this in college”?

I realized I could compete in college and go back to school when the coach from NMU reached out to recruit me in 2020.

 

What was the recruiting process like at your university? Did the director reach out to you or did you actively approach them?

I reached out to Marc our director, I was already at another school in Kentucky at the time, and I really wanted a school that would compete. After talking to Marc I decided on CTX.

 

Has doing esports changed the way you play games in your free time?

Not really, I am hyper competitive and all it has done is reinforce the drive to compete and win.

 

That’s about it and let’s wrap it up with one final question: Think back to when you were gaming before college and compare that to what you know now after being a college esports athlete. What words of advice or tips would you give high schoolers to help them land a spot on a collegiate esports team?

Start playing team sports, you need to be able to play with others. I was already someone who had a traditional sports background, but the number of players that stunt the competitive nature of a program due to not knowing how to be teammates is massive. So learn to play with teams, and learn to be a active member who strives to improve with those around them.

Mean & Green Esports: CEG Sits Down and Talks with UNT’s Esports Director and Athletes

By Gaming

Cutting Edge Gamer is proud to announce that we are sponsoring UNT esports. Go Mean Green! To kick off our sponsorship, we’ve interviewed Dylan, the UNT esports coach, along with some of the players about their experience in college esports.

You can keep up to date with the team via their Twitter and view their streams on the UNTEsports Twitch channel.

Interview with UNT Athletic Director, Dylan Wray

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us on your collegiate esports program. How long has your university had a varsity esports program and how long have you been the director of the program?

UNT esports has had a varsity program for 5 years. Just about as long as I’ve been working there!

 

Is it fair to say you are also the program’s coach? Or do you have paid coaches at your school too?

I typically explain my role as an athletic director and that is often the easiest way sum it up given the scope of what we have going on our campus with our competitive side as well as our broadcast and marking side of our operations. UNT has three paid coaches that oversee our competitive teams.

 

How did you get involved with the esports program? Were you already at the university in a different role when you became the director and helped develop the program?

A bit of luck, a vision, and an odd collection of skill sets allowed me to walk into this world when UNT posted a job opening to design and then implement a competitive esport program. I had just moved from Colorado after grad school following my now spouse after she got a job down in DFW and was looking for opportunities when this dream job showed up on my radar. Been here ever since.

Which games do you compete in?

UNT esports competes in Rocket League, Overwatch, League of Legends, and soon Women’s Valorant!

 

How’s the season going by the way?

It’s been going swell! Our Rocket League team has qualified for CRL for 5 years in a row, and while we didn’t make playoffs we have been participating in quite a few leagues this spring to keep us busy. Our League team qualified for playoffs for two years in a row. Most of our teams are now in the trial phase as we scout out new students coming to UNT to prep for Fall 2023. Our marketing team has launched a new twitch podcast called the CHØ Show that goes over the weekly matches, replays, and gets a community leader at UNT to talk about what they do in the campus gaming community!

 

As director, I’m sure recruiting is a big part of what you do as you have so many different games you compete in. I’m sure our audience would want to know what is involved in recruiting. How do you find your athletes and about how many do you recruit per year?

Oh gosh that is the question isn’t it? Our recruits come from a wide verity of sources. Some students are just go getters and email or directly message me on Discord. Others we find from social media like twitter LFT’s (“Looking for Teams”) or Instagram. What’s been really interesting is several recruitment platforms that operate similar to traditional athletics that bring top recruit players to us! I generally have 5-10 openings per year depending on if students are graduating or not.

 

Is there a good high school esports ecosystem that you can draw from? Or do the athletes actively reach out to you with their game play portfolio or do you reach out to them?

Texas esports has grown significantly over the years, it’s been awesome to see various orgs and schools pop up and do cool things in the space. I’d say it’s a mix of us finding students we want to reach out too and students and coaches/recruiters reaching out to us.

 

Is there anything in particular that you look for in their game play?

Our coaches look for several primary factors including mechanics, team communication, and your ability to handle pressure. I look at your GPA, your socials, and how you handle yourself professionally in an interview. It’s one thing to be good at the game, but it’s another thing to be a representative for our institution and what it stands for.

 

Another aspect that I’m sure our audience will be interested to know: Do your athletes receive partial or full scholarships or any other benefits from the university?

Our students receive partial scholarships but keep whatever they win from events and tournaments as a scholarship payout.

 

What are some of the bigger challenges confronting your esports program today? What about esports in general?

It’s a double-edged sword, but the space is developing rapidly and the benchmark for what cut it for a supported program keeps getting pushed by very talented and dedicated people in this industry. It means it keeps folks like me on their toes to make sure I’m still competitive and provide the right amount of support for my students. At the end of the day though, so long as we’re providing opportunities for students to compete and push themselves to learn we’re on the right track.

I also think there’s still a bit of growing pains that separate us from traditional sports. There’s still a fair number of teams that are managed by club programs and that forces developer’s hand in making league structures that don’t often benefit established programs. Advanced scheduling is a rallying cry phrase I’ve heard often in my time with other directors, that’s very needed in this space.

 

That’s about it for our questions and thank you for your time. Final thoughts: Do you have anything else to add that you would like to add?

We really appreciate the support Cutting Edge Gamer has provided UNT Esports and the students in the program! #GMG!

Interview with League of Legends Captain, Sammy (PuertoJew)

Hi there and thank you for taking the time out of your busy school and Esports schedule to talk to us about your collegiate esports experience. What year are you and in which games do you compete?

I am a senior and I compete in league of legends

 

How has the esports athletic experience been so far?

The esports experience is over for me and I can say I had a good time playing competitive esports and found new friends, however would say I am not happy with the results.

 

Be honest: How many hours a week do you say you practice and compete?

When I was still competing I would have team practice 9 hours a week then a match at the end of the week, Solo practice is hard to gauge but I would usually play around 4-6 games of solo q (“solo queue”) every weekday and watch most pro matches so if I had to be honest I would say I would spend roughly 10-12 hours a day looking and refining my league of legends skills and knowledge while I was playing.

 

What are your training methods and how do you get ready for tournaments? Do you study streams of your competition?

My training methods are play a lot of soloq of every champ I think my team will want me to play, when it comes to game days I always listen to a few specific songs to get me into a good mood for the games, and before the games I go in a custom game and don’t leave till I farm 50 cs in a row without missing one. Then the other aspect of my training is watching pro-matches and pro-players to see what they do and what new things they are coming up with through pro builds and stuff like that.

 

When’s the competition season, is it in the spring or fall or both?

The competition season is truly year round for league of legends there is always amateur stuff to play in, however for CLOL in fall there is a pre-season tournament called the fall warm-up and in the spring is where the season takes place from around February-March till you are knocked out.

 

How are you doing so far this year?

The team this year had great growth, we had a top laner who improved tremendously and a mid laner swap to support and learn the role, we had many ups and downs but I am happy with how we grew through the year.

 

Let’s go back to before you started your collegiate athletic career. When did you first start gaming?

I first started gaming from as far back as I can remember, i was told by my parents back when I lived in Puerto Rico I would play on my uncle Nintendo 64 I think, I’m not sure which one it was I must’ve been like 1 or 2.

 

At what point did you realize “hey I can do this in college”?

I realized I could do this in college when I found out they had a team, I had no idea college esports was really an option at UNT.

 

What was the recruiting process like at your university? Did the director reach out to you or did you actively approach them?

The recruiting process for me was I googled UNT esports league of legends and found a reddit post, and I cant remember her name but I asked a mod on the subreddit if I could get a tryout and she said to fill out the form she sent me and I would hear back in march. I then tried out and made the team.

 

Has doing esports changed the way you play games in your free time?

Playing esports only changed how I play league of legends, it made me better at the game and I learned a lot to improve myself in the game. However I still play other games and it never impacted how I played those.

 

That’s about it and let’s wrap it up with one final question: Think back to when you were gaming before college and compare that to what you know now after being a college esports athlete. What words of advice or tips would you give high schoolers to help them land a spot on a collegiate esports team?

I think that every aspiring collegiate esport athlete should have an open mind to learn more about the game and not assume they are the best nor do they know everything. This can apply to life as well but it helps a lot when trying to make it onto a team and to understand why teammates do what they do in game, instead of getting angry with them.

Interview with Rocket League Player, Darryn Salinas

Hi there and thank you for taking the time out of your busy school and esports schedule  to talk to us about your collegiate esports experience. What year are you and in which games do you compete?

Junior and Rocket League

 

How has the esports athletic experience been so far?

Love it. Being able to compete with good friends is so much fun

 

Be honest: How many hours a week do you say you practice and compete?

We have 4 hours of scheduled practice but we also play randomly throughout the week. Competing varies but the weeks that we have tournaments can have days that last multiple hours.

 

What are your training methods and how do you get ready for tournaments? Do you study streams of your competition?

Training involves playing the game on your own and with your team to stay consistent in the game. Tournament preparation is mostly studying our own gameplay rather than our opponent’s gameplay.

 

When’s the competition season, is it in the spring or fall or both?

We compete in both fall and spring.

 

How are you doing so far this year?

Pretty well, we’ve dropped out early in some tournaments but overall we have improved a lot.

 

Let’s go back to before you started your collegiate athletic career. When did you first start gaming?

My dad put me on Halo 1 when I was 2 and I’ve been playing games ever since.

 

At what point did you realize “hey I can do this in college”?

My freshman year of college I found the untrl discord server and the more I played the game the more I realized that I can do this as in school.

 

What was the recruiting process like at your university? Did the director reach out to you or did you actively approach them?

I tried out through the discord server and then met everyone.

 

Has doing esports changed the way you play games in your free time?

Yes, it can sometimes be less fun when you’re playing for improvement instead of for fun but its still really enjoyable.

 

That’s about it and let’s wrap it up with one final question: Think back to when you were gaming before college and compare that to what you know now after being a college esports athlete. What words of advice or tips would you give high schoolers to help them land a spot on a collegiate esports team?

Enjoy the grind or else it becomes a chore and don’t have an ego.

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