Intel is reportedly planning to release its “Arrow Lake Refresh” CPU family in the second half of 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by ZDNet Korea. While a precise release timeline has not been provided, further details are anticipated in the coming weeks.

The “Arrow Lake Refresh” generation is expected to feature frequency adjustments, including increased base and maximum boost clocks. These clock speed increases are projected to offer a performance advantage, particularly in gaming. The new processors are also anticipated to maintain compatibility with the existing LGA1851 socket, extending platform support for an additional generation before the rumored “Nova Lake-S” arrives.

Additionally, Intel is expected to integrate an upgraded NPU (Neural Processing Unit) onto the IO tile of the “Arrow Lake Refresh” processors. The previous NPU3 on the base “Arrow Lake” did not meet the 40 TOPS (tera operations per second) requirement for Copilot+ AI PCs. The new NPU4 is expected to meet this requirement, allowing these processors to be branded as AI PC ready.

ZDNet Korea also indicated that Intel is preparing “Nova Lake-S” for release in the second half of next year. Details regarding the “Nova Lake-S” platform are currently limited, but it is rumored to feature up to 52 cores and will be compatible with an LGA1954 socket, incorporating a mix of P, E, and LPE cores.

CORSAIR has announced the release of its new RS-R Series of ARGB cooling fans. These fans feature a unique reverse rotor design that provides an unobstructed view of their vibrant RGB lighting, particularly when used as intake fans. The RS-R Series is designed for PC builders utilizing “fishbowl-style” cases, such as the CORSAIR 3500X and 6500X.

The new fans offer powerful cooling performance and are designed for hassle-free setup with simple daisy-chained connections. Each fan includes eight individually addressable RGB LEDs.

Installation of RS-R Series fans is streamlined, featuring cable management that allows fans to connect in sequence, reducing cable clutter. The chain culminates in a single 4-pin PWM connector and one +5V ARGB header. This setup enables dynamic lighting control and fan speed adjustments through the motherboard’s software, eliminating the need for an additional controller.

Engineered for flexibility, RS-R fans provide precise PWM control from 0 to 2,100 RPM. They deliver up to 65.8 CFM of airflow and up to 2.81 mm-H₂O of static pressure, making them suitable for both radiator and case cooling applications. CORSAIR Magnetic Dome bearings are incorporated for quiet and reliable long-term operation, and a Zero RPM mode allows for silent performance during low-load conditions.

The RS-R Series is available in both black and white, offering a versatile cooling solution for modern PC builds.

Acer has unveiled an expansion of its graphics card lineup with the introduction of new Acer Nitro Intel Arc A and B Series models alongside high-performance Acer Nitro Radeon RX 9060 XT OC graphics cards. Designed specifically for gamers and creators building custom PCs, these new offerings deliver exceptional gameplay performance, seamless content creation capabilities, and stunning visual fidelity to help enthusiasts maximize their systems.

The new Nitro graphics cards combine durability and smart features in their design. All models feature sturdy aluminum backplates and rigid construction to withstand intensive use. They incorporate Acer Intelligence Space, an AI-powered hub that automatically detects system hardware, recommends optimization tools, and suggests compatible applications. For gamers, Acer Game Assistance provides competitive advantages through adaptive aim technology, while Acer ProCam automatically captures and saves gameplay highlights.

The product lineup includes two Intel Arc-based models. The Acer Nitro Intel Arc B580 OC 12GB, now available in both white and black variants, boasts clock speeds up to 2,740 MHz and supports high-FPS 1440p gaming up to 8K resolution. Its Intel Xe2 architecture with DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing, mesh shaders, and variable rate shading. The card also incorporates Intel XeSS Frame Generation for higher framerates and Xe Low Latency technology to reduce input lag. Cooling is handled by the efficient FrostBlade system which operates 8% quieter than conventional plastic fans.

For compact builds, the Acer Nitro Intel Arc A380 LP 6GB offers a game clock up to 2,000 MHz in a low-profile design. It features the same Xe-core architecture with AI acceleration capabilities, supporting demanding workloads including 8K HDR video processing and AV1 encoding. The blower-style cooling system ensures effective thermal management in smaller cases.

The AMD-powered options include two Acer Nitro Radeon RX 9060 XT OC models launching in June – a 16GB version and an 8GB variant. Both deliver boost clocks up to 3,320 MHz and game clocks up to 2,780 MHz using AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture with dedicated ray tracing and AI accelerators. These cards support 8K gaming and content creation, featuring AMD HYPR-RX for reduced latency and FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 for enhanced image quality and framerates. The dual axial fan cooling system maintains optimal temperatures during intensive sessions.

Pricing starts at $329 for the Acer Nitro Intel Arc B580 OC 12GB, currently available in EMEA markets. The Acer Nitro Radeon RX 9060 XT OC 16GB will debut at $649.99, with the 8GB model priced at $599.99, both arriving in June 2025.