This Hardware archive tracks the practical side of local AI infrastructure: GPUs, NPUs, mini PCs, edge accelerators, memory bandwidth, and power efficiency tradeoffs that directly impact LLM inference quality. We prioritize benchmark-backed updates and deployment notes useful for real build decisions, from compact home labs to enterprise pilot clusters. Use this stream to compare total cost of ownership, thermal constraints, and model-fit scenarios across current devices, then deepen with our hardware pillar guide and connected LLM coverage.
Phison's aiDAPTIV+ stack enables large Mixture of Experts AI models and agentic AI workloads to run on client systems with limited memory capacity, purportedly enabling 10x faster AI inference. Nvidia, AMD, MSI, and Acer systems were demoed showcasing aiDAPTIV+ capabilities.
Seagate has launched three new 32 TB hard drives using CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology. The new models belong to the SkyHawk AI and Exos families, starting at $699. All hard drives offer data transfer speeds of up to 285 MB/s and are covered by a five-year warranty.
Chinese customs officers have allegedly been instructed to block the import of Nvidia H200 chips, effectively banning these AI processors from entering the country. Sources indicate that Beijing might allow the import of these AI GPUs only under 'special circumstances'.
SK Hynix demonstrates its 48 GB HBM4 memory, designed to accelerate the performance of artificial intelligence applications. The memory features a 2,048-bit interface and speeds up to 10 GT/s, promising a significant increase in processing the most demanding workloads. This development underscores SK Hynix's commitment to innovation in the high-performance memory sector.
Sources suggest Beijing is limiting Nvidia H200 GPU purchases to entities meeting undefined "special circumstances." University R&D labs may be prioritized. This highlights geopolitical tensions in the semiconductor industry and the strategic importance of GPUs for technological innovation.
Microsoft has announced a five-point plan for the construction of its AI data centers. The company promises to 'be a good neighbor' to local communities, covering additional energy costs, replenishing water resources, and investing in long-term skills development.
Nvidia refutes the claim from some sources that it's requiring Chinese customers to pay for their H200 orders upfront while still awaiting final approval from Beijing. The company says that it ‘would never require customers to pay for products that they do not receive.’
At CES 2026, Creality, Snapmaker, AtomForm, and Protopasta showcased the latest advancements in home fabrication, with a focus on integration with artificial intelligence. Creality's SPARKX i7 model won Tom's Hardware's Best 3D Printer award.
An Australian modder, Trashbench, has successfully run a PC inside a freezer, overcoming the challenges of condensation. The solution lies in the size of the freezer and the use of socks filled with silica gel. Overclocking gains were minimal at -28°C.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill to expand export controls. The aim is to prevent China from circumventing restrictions on access to advanced AI chips by using offshore data centers and cloud services.
We tried Amazon's new AI wearable Bee. It's not for pro users yet, but more features are expected this year. The device shows promise but is still in early stages. Amazon plans to add more functionalities by the end of the year, making it more appealing to a broader audience.
Meta has established 'Meta Compute', a new organization focused on building next-generation data centers designed to power large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The initiative includes the development of custom computing architectures and infrastructures capable of supporting power consumption in the gigawatt range.
A fully 3D-printed drone, the Peregreen V4, has reclaimed the title of world's fastest drone, surpassing the previous record of 626 km/h. The quadcopter, the result of work by a father and son, sets a new speed record for drones.
Asus has revised the liquid metal application on its $4,000 ROG Matrix RTX 5090 cards. Overclocker der8auer reports that retail versions feature a 'much more professional' spread, reducing the risk of accidental liquid metal leakage. Previous samples showed poor coverage, while the metal is now distributed more evenly and closer to the IHS.
The Japanese graphics card market is under severe strain. Multiple shops are reporting that GPUs, especially higher-end models like the RTX 5060 Ti, are selling out almost as soon as they arrive. Demand far exceeds supply, creating procurement difficulties for retailers.
According to an analyst, HP is reportedly considering purchasing DRAM memory chips from Chinese suppliers. This move is a response to the ongoing global shortage of these components, which are considered easily replaceable.
Superheat showcased at CES 2026 a water heater that integrates a Bitcoin mining system. The company promises significant savings on energy costs, with the potential to recover the initial investment through cryptocurrency earnings.
CES 2026 in Las Vegas is underway, featuring presentations from Nvidia, Sony, and AMD. The event showcases the latest technology innovations, opening to the public after press-exclusive days. Highlights include advancements in artificial intelligence and chip technology.
Sleepbuds maker, Ozlo, is gearing up for a year full of news. New products and AI-powered features are coming, with the aim of creating a comprehensive platform for analyzing sleep data. The company aims to improve the user experience and offer innovative solutions in the field of wellness.
At a press Q&A session at CES 2026, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang discussed topics ranging from Rubin's design philosophy to inference economics, power constraints, and open models. Huang emphasized Nvidia's ongoing commitment to software development and maintenance.