Is Ray Tracing Worth the FPS Hit?

[TechSpot Weekly Newsletter] Latest in tech October 30 Computer Graphics [Is Ray Tracing Worth the FPS Hit? 36 Game Performance Investigation](=._1FRvrfMOmk4LAKDZnp58-zUYj4Af8uJIKUcxylD4aw) [Ray tracing](=.ueptaf73-UDUxDhgGfu96qjdw0ygw_bs4GernUlRUmA) can enhance visuals, but it often comes at a high performance cost. We analyze its impact across 36 games, focusing on where it truly shines and comparing the performance of Nvidia and AMD GPUs. =.4W7dkwFu8cVIyAEoLilPv8W7YgP6Ne41u77OAs5CmGM =.eu-W0ljX8E0LJtXaJQtc5MpQkGk-AMDW8Re8CmLwAH0 [Ray tracing](=.Qk-PhCbn9UXRihlsgpqg52xn3TV8Peba8fttXMU-ux8) can enhance visuals, but it often comes at a high performance cost. We analyze its impact across 36 games, focusing on where it truly shines and comparing the performance of Nvidia and AMD GPUs. =.JVXKxFuFRID2oUASRrA3_ItFNRtu7M5eG0w_pPMAjYg Late 2024 Update [Which iPad Model Should You Get?](=.wpdDja-X-rD7Dk4nsKJA5EXWfQ1I2VcgdGAC6V0lVBg) Thanks to class-leading hardware and optimized software, the Apple iPad line has long been [the go-to tablet](=.H9TyctaUH8_wnK5pf1bc4i-rfWnujs5G1_n9cT_Tu7c) recommendation for most people. Now, choosing the right model for you, that's worth a closer look. =.gEb-aBTod997ta7A7Lqe6uxEpMgLbN4wtpziRhPe7zY =.LwvfWKo-jtP3CcDr_1dtHi3wv1DPK9hsEcJphYR-Xok Thanks to class-leading hardware and optimized software, the Apple iPad line has long been [the go-to tablet](=.AVoBjT__udDEMUvtHStEIa8q2ZOcDWv9JnOInF8uD9U) recommendation for most people. Now, choosing the right model for you, that's worth a closer look. =.NueKGMJK4SzboWojWJ0R0WvDuUbb0BUHPbRptlQUQZ4 AI [Most current AI tech is 90 percent marketing, says Linus Torvalds](=.RgbIdNQ6jesADjbiShQUXnQUl1FCoYdZxVszCMMrDko) Torvalds said that the current state of AI technology is 90 percent marketing and 10 percent factual reality. The developer, who won Finland's Millennium Technology Prize for... =.lLNfr1DeN7XDu7JzJEn9KBNU5KqLbBg3Ll8gdPrktTg Torvalds said that the current state of AI technology is 90 percent marketing and 10 percent factual reality. The developer, who won Finland's Millennium Technology Prize for... SFF [Apple M4 Pro chip debuts in the redesigned Mac Mini with 14 cores and Thunderbolt 5](=.r5sG-ktPMmyoYYRo7hz9xyFvWk7uWoqiYQtKJJuejTQ) Pre-orders are now open for two new Mac Mini variants featuring the M4 and M4 Pro processors, with shipments beginning on November 8. Prices start at $599... =.il2HqUGoLDZtQPfDemCrzfrQMp6jiMjUb8S7ig-0j28 Pre-orders are now open for two new Mac Mini variants featuring the M4 and M4 Pro processors, with shipments beginning on November 8. Prices start at $599... 5.2GHz Boost Clock [AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D leak reveals unlocked multiplier](=.UyE5UMt0i-R1x1JHwGTArV4BpP0ABX2MmirEEFrQTaA) According to a listing on the European price comparison website Geizhals, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D will feature eight Zen 5 cores and 16 threads. It reportedly offers... =.TXFlqzvjl88PD3sJeD6eX13jjtz6t8iVPdzy5e8swhA According to a listing on the European price comparison website Geizhals, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D will feature eight Zen 5 cores and 16 threads. It reportedly offers... Antitrust [Meet the couple who just cost Google £2.4 billion in antitrust fines](=.XJ-1z0N-zFEVTzir0gFb1eKXo2HeYYLjYmOfWe7H3-c) In 2006, a mere eight years after Larry Page and Sergey Brin released Google on the world, a UK couple launched a comparison-shopping website called "Foundem." Adam... =.94NqcpoGSpYQUUiaOApaomK5tv2HUOdQBZvmpr8rIDU In 2006, a mere eight years after Larry Page and Sergey Brin released Google on the world, a UK couple launched a comparison-shopping website called "Foundem." Adam... Breakthrough [New optical storage could make CDs relevant again](=.WrJFHgiF1lvXQ6iPb4mu0siEYzBTEIe-tg_JH3nYRl4) Researchers at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Lab have developed a new type of optical memory that stores data by transferring light from rare-earth element... =.kUa9RojcpAWZBZxaUdI93vLCKqYti8nrrkszRzNJdWA Researchers at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Lab have developed a new type of optical memory that stores data by transferring light from rare-earth element... WoW [World of Warcraft players rush to snap up Blizzard's new $90 mount](=.jkhgKGQ0gLd6btA2mWle871ORbqcCXVKLypPlT5nJ4k) Dubbed the Trader's Gilded Brutosaur, Blizzard has attempted to justify the staggering $90 price tag with a 20th-anniversary harness decorated with gems that "represent World of Warcraft's... =.6Ke66QHxVtDZXShvG8BmKbcFA2HkQAQQP7ERN-xcOXM Dubbed the Trader's Gilded Brutosaur, Blizzard has attempted to justify the staggering $90 price tag with a 20th-anniversary harness decorated with gems that "represent World of Warcraft's... Trivia [What's the biggest tech acquisition in history?](=.9NkiHxhUXW3-RU4RBW6mmJHQuORMahtY3Zm8mRsrNnA) Who spent the big bucks: Microsoft, Dell, Broadcom or was it Elon? =.ywdnoR2qwarM84j5g2sF0ktCymNHjFgbIo7i8Aewkng Who spent the big bucks: Microsoft, Dell, Broadcom or was it Elon? SSD [Samsung 990 Evo Plus SSD debuts to positive reviews](=.yP6RAwtfvLvz0dGvSm8Sqdz4KtpMRkAo0GcGR6Ao5wE) The 990 Evo Plus upgrades the 990 Evo with faster speeds while keeping the hybrid PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DRAM-less design. Pricing is too close to the more powerful 990 Pro though. =.VXVZQKTmweXSMeKQlJJcEbwZxNZPfAoXC0zfJ9JjVew The 990 Evo Plus upgrades the 990 Evo with faster speeds while keeping the hybrid PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DRAM-less design. Pricing is too close to the more powerful 990 Pro though. Pixel 9a [Google Pixel 9a leak details full specifications, price, and launch window](=.ogOZrjHlUHXI1U-6uyAQ4WTq5c9IUNVn09iH3dK2zmE) According to unnamed sources cited by Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a will feature a 6.3-inch "Actua" display with a variable refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz.... =.45LnsODpspU4s0PUUsHMRi8_RwrX6z7Kqj_ZVWu6agM According to unnamed sources cited by Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a will feature a 6.3-inch "Actua" display with a variable refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz.... Industry [Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger's missteps have strained TSMC partnership, hindered turnaround efforts](=.rhE7SGi977-hW0iXjAp9qTADT1B0LT6pm_9GSDdWHl0) When Pat Gelsinger took the helm as Intel's CEO in February 2021, hopes were high for a revival of the company. However, three years into his tenure,... =.xknChJvL6_Xr6z4hYQtevIDtJ27RZwmTKcffjuKMQeY When Pat Gelsinger took the helm as Intel's CEO in February 2021, hopes were high for a revival of the company. However, three years into his tenure,... Lisa Su [AMD confirms RDNA 4 to launch in early 2025 with improved ray tracing: the "strongest PC portfolio we've had"](=.L4NQW-A0Ih7iKLczI0Du0pleserQz4QRvG5h4y9TsJI) There have been plenty of rumors claiming that AMD will be joining Nvidia in revealing and launching its next-gen graphics cards at CES 2025. While Su never... =.Lio7f3K1Pqefe6EeY57q9oBCOcPrwO0z45wEYukmLt8 There have been plenty of rumors claiming that AMD will be joining Nvidia in revealing and launching its next-gen graphics cards at CES 2025. While Su never... Apple Intelligence [Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac](=.tdtr3fj4FdDvDs2IbhDfLIZ-8cQMCJnNCnQVbiDr3v8) New Apple Intelligence features are now available on recent iPhone models, iPads, and Macs. Users can access the generative AI suite by updating the operating systems to... =.X9a7gBus3VJ_nzodgMZ9ImkruNVFFSi5h8eMyrjOpFQ New Apple Intelligence features are now available on recent iPhone models, iPads, and Macs. Users can access the generative AI suite by updating the operating systems to... Mobile [GeForce RTX 50 gaming laptops will likely be paired with previous-gen CPUs](=.p3EOIz8bygfWRpBRsXMKvdK05BqC8hHXrFnb8660Us4) Following months of rumors and unconfirmed speculation, Nvidia is anticipated to launch its Blackwell-based gaming GPUs during CES 2025. The AI company is also expected to reveal... =.Jz5a0odVjIGpxdolOHoWKsHNuisvuRd3R8ZFqYbPaHw Following months of rumors and unconfirmed speculation, Nvidia is anticipated to launch its Blackwell-based gaming GPUs during CES 2025. The AI company is also expected to reveal... Industry [The US power grid has added over 20 gigawatts of battery storage since 2020](=.9EToZuEJTYzl_pAlTiA0OeISC3i6byVmPLsD13peUQ4) There has been an extraordinary increase in battery storage installations in the US over the past several years, a trend that's transforming the nation's power grid. Altogether,... =.2bYO0RWCJJkiDn0Hr1BZ1aopzyY-N4PUuavk_XIgPQc There has been an extraordinary increase in battery storage installations in the US over the past several years, a trend that's transforming the nation's power grid. Altogether,... Car Tech [Smart tire sensors aim to boost safety and efficiency in self-driving trucks](=.bCo74zlmODW5YQk4c-0U3DEFMv_VGuqQRVSBbohRfKg) BANF, short for 'Begin A New Feature,' has developed specialized hardware and AI software designed to track detailed data on truck tires. Using sensors embedded within the... =.-dm5yI4YoGOC7WmL6jKgoDv0uT0sIHSJpyJSlhEYDv4 BANF, short for 'Begin A New Feature,' has developed specialized hardware and AI software designed to track detailed data on truck tires. Using sensors embedded within the... [New integration lets Windows manage Android files wirelessly](=.4lNdX8tz1NtSQAQmXEsP1joggRyTN059HD9C-G9hk-Q) =.ZnJrWbsDsjP9KnQJHyKAyixiVDKCCXyCyT6ChLpbGDY Microsoft has started rolling out a new feature that allows Windows users to access their Android phone's storage directly via File Explorer. The company informed Windows Latest... [Snapdragon 8 Elite arrives with Linux support, potentially unlocking PC gaming on phones and tablets](=.HHvriqQqpZU3j6XY7YeE3vYHjDzDlAuQZW3wd2nPlzA) =.No56GHDoC00Jr7IPvhhyxN3nuJ5EBRFLcwtF2gx8Yl0 Qualcomm engineering director Trilok Soni recently confirmed that the company's Linux team published Linux kernel updates for the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Qualcomm unveiled the SoC earlier... [Radio station drops "Gen Z" AI presenters after a week following public outrage](=.uDuPsgUW7YzOUmUQXL5ea-ffejRdrIDOmpf71UqJhGc) =.seDvFQJDGSYjVa1iUJXcdL0tmM0B399FGVHlqi6HXgU On October 21, Radio Krakow announced that it was revamping its OFF station, introducing three AI-created voice hosts representing Generation Z. These avatars were 20-year-old journalism student... [Broken McDonald's ice cream machines could become a rare sight after Copyright Office ruling](=.5qRaVy-4Wzz8q_2_W00p8f5-nm-NRGWZ1MMCxXyE66k) =.QjSwpNvlLXScfFj4sZeZ9zbDpHqCeWAbgrViIgBWjhg McDonald's ice cream machines often seem to be permanently out of order due to the password protections put in place by their manufacturer, Taylor. When they break,... [Re-experience '90s internet with this new 56K dial-up modem](=.7-0fHIm6iTFgHeZW6-qTQULhcvua6hvYNbF3p3UMo_Q) =.czckthc6JVBerslb2ymf6IvaJyf9QTxISk3FyK1RLTc Planex Communications' new PL-US56K2(A) USB modem just hit the market. For around $40 on Amazon, this retro device connects to your PC via USB, allowing you to... [Russia fines Google $20.5 decillion for blocking YouTube channels](=.Xw_zK7a9Q5odknWuRQRY3DM3pgeqbjkbjCEAjsmASsE) =.Cih-lMGaazaM45LPIUYDoAccn35tDwV-u5PtTKJFKDk YouTube was banning Russian channels even before Vladimir Putin's forces invaded Ukraine. In 2020, the service banned the Tsargrad TV channel and RIA FAN due to what... [Gmail is rolling out "Help me write" AI tool](=.aFFXdFZ8vnkeLJTox5F0_VRvuKtSxf6YUTyYqqov6KU) =.loVqxhrFi1D7RfERAEYFlhtKZUMmBCXII450mWsIxxc Google introduced the Gemini-based "Help me write" feature to mobile devices in 2023, giving users an easy way to compose or enhance emails. Leveraging Gemini capabilities, Help... [Apple is turning classic video game The Oregon Trail into a comedy movie](=.miLl5gx1CWzQt5FDMPCjSom45fp29q-scbyvl9dv1cY) =.ME_r6VGS3xjqGsxhy8udzICEf6huIheMM3kYG-TZ190 The project, which is still in early development, was just pitched and approved by Apple, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter. Will Speck and Josh... [Modder runs Sonic on TI-84 CE graphing calculator, beats two levels at 2 FPS](=.dDL1wVOJVLspLpyT_XRqDkv-nQHVbmp3PL1BOCxRM7U) =.JtG9VjeoGXi2cfsG9lyi2kDCjaEJMcoMwbxlUKfF7N0 In a clip posted to YouTube by Barcade, we see Shadow the Hedgehog racing through the opening levels of the game on what looks like a fairly... [New technology can unlock previously inaccessible lithium reserves](=.Sy12Eyrdi73641W_8q8bVbeu6QNW_idyHoe64UYMcXQ) =.oGl3aEQ3mbIXT6ptZBZBTYkDd9gHIonPlKJcxpTXS80 Technology developed by Australian researchers could unlock previously inaccessible lithium reserves, potentially averting a looming supply crisis in the clean energy sector. The method, known as EDTA-aided... [Apple introduces a new iMac powered by M4 and Apple Intelligence](=.ASxj32aiI7M6St2riYHPsgcFeylWm_hasagwWLr9sVw) =.k3ya2yahwWwVnKpDTa9q64G5rZb76xPzZwPkyme7GRo The new iMac is the first desktop computer to sport Apple's M4 processor, having launched the M4 iPad Pro in May. It marks the first of multiple... [Russia skirts sanctions, acquires Nvidia and AMD chips through Dell servers from India](=.gP7UlBWNsyA80de1wf96KqStWpsyn1fJHyBnM92ps_s) =.HBwzNbtmNPz_iUOIe4qZqQMPesx3jLdHCybKYvBbjBo The US and the European Union restrict the export of dual-use goods to Russia that could be used in its military industrial complex, a ruling put in... 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