HW News - Afterburner Mining Virus, Cheaper AM5 CPUs, 6GHz 13900KS In this week’s episode of HW News, several significant stories from the tech world take center stage, particularly touching on security vulnerabilities and product leaks that could impact many users. MSI Afterburner Malware: A critical alert was issued regarding the popular MSI Afterburner tool, known for GPU tuning and management. Cybersecurity firm Cybel uncovered instances of fake downloads containing malware that exploits the software, running crypto mining processes in the background. Users are advised to only download Afterburner from MSI's official website (msi.com) to avoid potential identity theft and system infestations. Users who may have downloaded Afterburner from dubious sites are encouraged to check their software source immediately. AMD’s New Ryzen Processors: In related news, AMD is set to release non-X variants of the Ryzen 7000 series, specifically the 7900 and 7700 models. These CPUs boast a lower TDP, aiming to balance performance with energy efficiency. It’s interesting to note that these chips could help demystify the thermals around Ryzen products, appealing to users who prefer quieter and cooler systems without sacrificing much in terms of performance. Intel's Special Edition i9-13900KS: On the Intel front, the anticipated i9-13900KS is generating buzz, with speculation around its targeting retail at around $715 USD. This 'special edition' provides slight improvements over its predecessor, clocking in at an impressive 6GHz, thereby positioning itself as a formidable option for high-performance builds. Innovative Cooling Solutions: In the realm of cooling, companies like EK are developing water blocks for Intel’s Arc GPUs, while others like Bike Ski are unveiling innovative external cooling solutions. Bike Ski’s new external unit significantly increases cooling capabilities and promises to streamline GPU cooling aesthetics and performance, albeit at a high price point. New GDDR6W Memory from Samsung: Lastly, Samsung has announced GDDR6W memory that offers double the capacity and bandwidth via a unique stacking methodology. This development could potentially elevate graphics performance in both desktop and mobile sectors. --- These topics paint a vivid picture of the ever-evolving hardware landscape, where malware threats coexist with groundbreaking technological advancements. For enthusiasts and casual users alike, keeping abreast of these changes is vital. What’s your take on these developments? Are you concerned about the MSI Afterburner vulnerability, or are you more excited about AMD’s upcoming CPUs? Share your thoughts below!