Latest news with #Gorden
Tom's Guide
14-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
The RTX 5090 is the best graphics card I've ever owned — but there's a catch for living room PC gamers
Just as Terminator 2: Judgment Day predicted back in ye olden days of 1991, the future belongs to AI. That could be a problem for Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs, even when it comes to the best consumer graphics card money can buy. I was 'fortunate' enough to pick up an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 a couple of months ago. I use those semi-joking apostrophes because I merely had to pay $650 over MSRP for the new overlord of GPUs. Lucky me. Before you factor in the 5090's frame-generating AI voodoo (which I'll get to), it's important to give credit to Team Green for assembling an utter beastly piece of silicon. Around 30% more powerful than the RTX 4090 — the previous graphics card champ — there's no denying it's an astonishing piece of kit. Whether you're gaming on one of the best TVs at 120 FPS or one of the best gaming monitors at 240 fps and above, the RTX 5090 has been designed for the most ludicrously committed hardcore gamers. And wouldn't you know it? I just happen to fall into this aforementioned, horribly clichéd category. So I have a PC similar to the build our lab tester Matt Murray constructed (he even posted a handy how-to on building a PC) — packing the 5090, AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and 64GB DDR5 RAM on a Gigabyte X870 Aorus motherboard. In terms of the screens I play on, I have two. For the desk, I've got an Samsung Odyssey G9 OLED with a max 240Hz refresh rate, but most of the time, I'll be in living room mode with my LG G3 OLED's max 120Hz refresh rate. The main selling point of Nvidia's latest flagship product is DLSS 4's Multi Frame Generation tech. Taking advantage of sophisticated AI features, Nvidia's RTX 50 cards are capable of serving up blistering frame rates that simply can't be achieved through brute force hardware horsepower. Multi Frame Generation — and I promise that's the last time I capitalize Team Green's latest buzz phrase — feels like the biggest (and most contentious) development to hit the PC gaming scene in ages. The tech has only been out for a few months and there are already over 100 titles that support Nvidia's ambitious AI wizardry. How does it work? Depending on the setting you choose, an additional 1-3 AI-driven frames of gameplay will be rendered for every native frame your GPU draws. This can lead to colossal onscreen FPS counts, even in the most demanding games. Doom: The Dark Ages, Cyberpunk 2077, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Half-Life 2 RTX — some of the most graphically intense titles around can now be played at incredibly high frame rates with full ray tracing engaged. That's mainly thanks to multi frame generation. So I got into the games (turn off Vsync for the best results). For more specific context, these figures were taken from Doom's Forsaken Plain level, Indy's Marshall College section during a particularly challenging path traced scene, driving around downtown Night City in Cyberpunk, and Gorden's mesmerizing new take on Ravenholm. All games tested at 4K (Max settings, DLSS Balanced) Cyberpunk 2077 Doom: The Dark Ages Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Half-Life 2 RTX demo Frame gen off (Average frame rate / latency) 58 FPS / 36-47 ms 95 FPS / 37-48 ms 85 FPS / 33-40 ms 75 FPS / 26-3 ms Frame gen x2 (Average frame rate / latency) 130 FPS / 29-42 ms 160 FPS / 51-58 ms 140 FPS / 35-46 ms 130 FPS / 29-42 ms Frame gen x3 (Average frame rate / latency) 195 FPS / 37-52 ms 225 FPS / 54-78 ms 197 FPS / 43-53 ms 195 FPS / 37-52 ms Frame gen x4 (Average frame rate / latency) 240 FPS / 41-60 ms 270 FPS / 56-92 ms 243 FPS / 44-57 ms 240 FPS / 41-60 ms These are ludicrous frame rates — limited only by either my LG G3 OLED's max 120Hz refresh rate, or even the sky high 240Hz on my Samsung Odyssey G9 OLED in a couple circumstances. There is a catch, though, which goes back to the ways that I play. Despite my frame rate counter showing seriously impressive numbers, the in-game experiences often don't feel as smooth as I expected. As much as I've tried to resist, I've become increasingly obsessed with the excellent Nvidia app (and more specifically) its statistics overlay while messing around with multi frame gen of late. These stats let you monitor FPS, GPU and CPU usage, and most crucially for me, latency. Also known as input lag, latency measures the time it takes a game to register the press of a button on one of the best PC game controllers or the click of a key/mouse in milliseconds. If your latency is high, movement is going to feel sluggish, regardless of how lofty your frame rate is. And that situation is compounded on my TV. The high frame rate is glorious on my monitor, but when locked to 120Hz, you don't get the perceived smoother motion of those additional frames — creating a disconnect that makes that latency a bit more noticeable. If you own one of the best gaming PCs and want to enjoy a rich ray traced experience with acceptable input lag at responsive frame rates on your TV, my advice would be to aim for the frame gen level that is as close to your maximum refresh rate as possible. For all the games I tested, that would be 2x. At this level, I find latency hovers around the mid 30s but never exceeds 60 ms, which feels as snappy in that kind of living room gaming setup. Crank up the multi frame gen set to either x4 or x3 setting, and there's a depreciation of what you get here, as the latency becomes more visibly prevalent at the restricted refresh rate using one of the best gaming mice. Flip to a 240Hz monitor, however, and the difference is night and day, as the latency remains at a responsive level alongside those AI-injected frames for a buttery smooth experience. And now, we've got to talk about path tracing — it's already blowing minds in Doom: The Dark Ages, and it's prevalent in the likes of Cyberpunk and Doctor Jones' enjoyable romp. It's essentially the 'pro level' form of ray tracing, this lighting algorithm can produce in-game scenes that look staggeringly authentic. Given the demands of this tech on your GPU, the most graphically exciting development in PC gaming for years will most likely demand you use DLSS 4's x4 or x3 AI frame-generating settings to maintain high frame rates in future implementations. I wasn't surprised that path tracing floored me in CD Projekt Red's seedy yet sensational open-world — I was messing with its path traced photo mode long before DLSS 4 arrived. The quality of the effect cranked to the max in The Great Circle knocked my socks off, though. That stunning screenshot a few paragraphs above is from the game's second level, set in Indy's Marshall College. During a segment where Jones and his vexed buddy Marcus search for clues following a robbery, path tracing gets to really flex its muscles in a sun-dappled room full of antiquities. Dropping down to the highest form of more traditional ray tracing, I was genuinely shocked at just how much more convincing the path traced equivalent looked. So while the technology matures, I hope Nvidia continues to work to reduce latency at these middle-of-the-road frame rates too, so that this AI trickery really hits the spot when maxed out. To be clear to those on the ropes about buying an RTX 5090 — just as we've said in our reviews of the RTX 5060 Ti, 5070 and 5070 Ti, if you own a 40 series-equivalent GPU, you should stick with your current card. You may not get that multi-frame gen goodness, but with DLSS 4 running through its veins, you still get the benefits of Nvidia's latest form of supersampling and its new Transformer model — delivering considerably better anti-aliasing while being less power-hungry than the existing Legacy edition. I don't want to end on a total downer though, so I'll give credit where its due. If you're on a monitor with a blisteringly refresh rate though, I'll admit multi frame generation might be a good suit for your setup. My fondness for the RTX 5090 is only matched by Hannibal Lecter's delight in chowing down on human livers. But for those who hot switch between the desk and the couch like I do, make sure you tweak those settings reflective of your refresh rate.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Army Draws Strength from Diversity
NEXT WEEK, I'LL TRAVEL BACK to my alma mater, West Point. My class, the Class of 1975, serves as what is called the fifty-year affiliate class to the graduating Class of 2025. Our class has walked the last four years with this newest class of graduates, mentoring them, helping them face the rigors of cadet life, and offering advice as they prepare for their eventual commitment to our Army. It's a great program, and it will culminate on May 24 when several of us will hand the gold bars representing their achieved rank to all those new second lieutenants after they receive their diplomas. I've also been asked to administer the oath of office to several young cadets I've come to know over the past four years. It's always an honor to swear in new officers, to hear them pledge to 'support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' But this year, the moment carries a particular poignancy. Just days ago, I learned of the passing of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Fred A. Gorden—a friend, a mentor, and a trailblazer whose legacy looms large within the Long Gray Line, though far too few know his name. To get the best coverage of politics, policy, and culture available anywhere, become a Bulwark+ member today. Maj. Gen. Gorden was a pioneer. He was the only black cadet to graduate in the Class of 1962, the first black commandant of cadets at West Point in the late 1980s, and commander of the 25th Infantry Division 'Tropic Lightning.' A soldier's soldier, he was revered by those who served under his command. In his quiet, dignified way, he embodied the best of what we strive to be as soldiers who wear the cloth of our country: disciplined, humble, and relentlessly competent, with an unwavering focus on character, people, and mission. But beyond all this, Maj. Gen. Gorden had a deep passion for telling the story of those who came before him—the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments. His wife's relatives served in those units, and he wanted to ensure they were forever honored. The Buffalo Soldiers were the all-black cavalry units created after the Civil War, when the military was still segregated. According to the National Park Service, 'American Plains Indians who fought against these soldiers referred to the black cavalry troops as 'buffalo soldiers' because of their dark, curly hair, which resembled a buffalo's coat.' They were so renowned for their discipline, experience, and excellence that in 1907 a small number of soldiers from their regiment were assigned to train West Point cadets in equitation and tactics, a responsibility they held until 1947. These black soldiers trained generations of officers, including those who would lead American forces in both world wars—Hap Arnold, George Patton, Omar Bradley, Dwight Eisenhower, and Mark Clark, among many more. After his retirement, Maj. Gen. Gorden led an effort to ensure the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers would not be forgotten. He spearheaded a campaign to raise millions of dollars for the Buffalo Soldier Monument that now stands proudly at West Point. Share To help him in that effort, Maj. Gen. Gorden called me a year after my retirement. 'Mark,' he said, 'I want you to join the committee.' I hesitated. 'Sir, why are you asking a retired white guy who never served in the 9th or 10th Cavalry to help?' His answer was simple and true to his gracious and professional nature: 'You know how important a legacy can be to the next generation.' That was all it took. I was in. That statue was dedicated a few years ago, and now it holds a position of honor near one of the entry gates to the Military Academy. Every year at commissioning, newly minted officers—especially black officers—gather with family and friends at the Buffalo Soldier monument to take their oaths and reflect on the legacy of those who came before them. They know the regimental history. The bravery of the units. The contributions to an Army during a time of segregation. But most won't know Fred Gorden's name or story. Next week, when I visit, I'll make sure at least some of them do. I expect they'll stand a little taller when they hear about who he was and what he did. Share The Bulwark MAJ. GEN. GORDEN'S LIFE REMINDS US that diversity is not a favor granted nor a checkbox ticked. It is part of the very fabric of our Army's strength. Leaders come in every color and from every background. The Army, after all, reflects the nation we serve. Through quiet perseverance, insistence on excellence, and steadfast service, leaders like Fred Gorden leave legacies that endure far beyond their time in uniform. In an era when some question the value of diversity, Maj. Gen. Gorden's story serves as a clear and necessary reminder: Diversity contributes to and strengthens our readiness. It enriches our profession. The Buffalo Soldiers trained the officers who led American forces to victory. Maj. Gen. Gorden broke barriers and built bridges, ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations. As I stand with the Class of 2025, I'll think of many things. My own time in the Army. My relationship with those who will lead the force in the future. But this year, I'll also think of Maj. Gen. Gorden. And I'll think of Mrs. Gorden, whose grace and strength shone through when I called to offer condolences. And I'll think of every soldier—past, present, and future—whose service makes us better, even when history takes too long to recognize their contributions. Fred Gorden's life was a testament to leadership forged in quiet dignity, shaped by fierce dedication, and lived in faithful service to the nation and its people. His legacy is represented by the Buffalo Soldier now cast in bronze at West Point, but more importantly, it lives on in the cadets who will pass by that monument, take their oath, and carry forward the ideals he exemplified. Rest well, Fred. You made us all better. Because of you, we all stand taller. Share
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Los Angeles sees continuing decline in film and television production
Los Angeles has seen a decline in local film and TV production, causing some to worry the city could face the same fate as Detroit did with the auto industry several decades ago. "As the auto industry left Detroit, it really hollowed out that city, and now there's some concern that the same thing could be happening here in Los Angeles and in Hollywood as movie productions move out of town," FOX Business correspondent Max Gorden reported Tuesday. In a report released last week, FilmLA said the greater Los Angeles area's on-location production for movies, TV, commercials and other projects amounted to just shy of 5,300 shoot days in the first quarter of the year, marking a 22.4% drop from the same three-month period in 2024. That came amid a "global decline in production and intensifying competition for film projects and jobs" from other places, the not-for-profit organization said. Los Angeles faced massive wildfires in January but, according to FilmLA, they had a "small effect on L.A. area filming" during the quarter. On-location production in Los Angeles during 2025's first quarter was also lower than that seen in the first quarter of 2021, when the local industry notched over 7,000 shoot days, Gorden reported, citing FilmLA data. Read On The Fox Business App The head of a Los Angeles location agency told Gorden that small companies were having trouble. "A lot of the smaller companies I know are unfortunately struggling to the point where they're having to call it a day in this industry, and especially for the people that work here, I've hired countless people over the years, and it's getting harder and harder for below-the-line crew to find work," Real to Reel Location Agency CEO Gary Onyshko said. Industry experts want fewer regulations and more incentives from the California government to encourage productions to return and film in the Golden State, according to Gorden. Mel Gibson Embraces Las Vegas Movie Production As Hollywood Struggles "People feel like, 'Well, why does Hollywood need handouts from the government? Like they're rich, they're all a bunch of rich people.' It's like, that's not true at all," location scout Dale Dreher told Gorden. "This is my backyard. I live in South LA. I've lived here for 21 years, and I'm worried about my next house payment just like anybody else." In late October, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed upping California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million per year, representing a $420 million increase from the $330 million currently allocated. His office said at the time that it would "allow California to outpace other states offering tax credits, luring more entertainment industry projects back to the Golden State." More recently, in February, state lawmakers introduced legislation to revamp California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program. On top of raising the overall program amount to $750 million, the bills would make more productions eligible for tax credits and up the size of the tax credits each project could receive, among other things, according to a press release. The entertainment industry in Los Angeles "brings over $30 billion to California and supports over 200,000 local jobs," according to the City of Los Angeles' Economic And Workforce Development Department. It is also a major driver of tourism for the city. Click Here To Read More On Fox BusinessOriginal article source: Los Angeles sees continuing decline in film and television production
