Best Early Memorial Day Tech Deals for PC Gamers and Power Users


Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and that means two things: grilling and grabbing great tech on sale. If you’ve been putting off buying new gear or upgrading that poor rig that’s been running hot and sounding like a jet engine, this is your shot. We’re seeing early markdowns on everything from souped-up gaming laptops to the core parts that actually matter, like SSDs, GPUs, CPUs, and more. No better time to level up than when the prices are cooling down. Just don’t sleep on it, some of these deals are already moving fast and might not last through the weekend.

The Hottest Early Memorial Day Tech Deals

Intel Core i7 13th Gen processor packaging with unlocked label on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Intel Core i7 13th Gen processor
Credit: Amazon

Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor

Specs: 16 cores (8 performance, 8 efficiency), up to 5.4GHz, unlocked, LGA 1700 socket, supports Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets

Your PC might not be old, but if it sounds like it’s filing taxes every time you open a game, it might be time. This 13th Gen Intel chip packs 16 cores and a boost clock up to 5.4GHz, giving you smooth gameplay, better streaming, and multitasking without the drama. It’s unlocked too, so if overclocking’s your thing, you’re covered. An easy win for gamers and power users who want to keep things fast without going full Core Ultra.

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Gaming OC 12G Graphics Card on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Gaming OC 12G Graphics Card
Credit: Amazon

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Gaming OC 12G Graphics Card

Specs: 12GB GDDR7, 192-bit, PCIe 5.0, WINDFORCE triple-fan cooling, factory overclocked, model GV-N5070GAMING OC-12GD

If your current GPU wheezes the moment you launch anything more demanding than Stardew Valley, this one’s calling your name. This RTX 5070 gives you next-gen performance with 12GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory and support for PCIe 5.0, so it’s ready for both current and future games. The triple-fan WINDFORCE cooling keeps temps in check without sounding like a leaf blower. A solid buy if you want big performance gains without full 5090 pricing.

Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G50D Series Gaming Monitor on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G50D Series Gaming Monitor
Credit: Amazon

Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G50D Series Gaming Monitor

Specs: 2,560 by 1,440 QHD resolution, Fast IPS, 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, G-Sync and FreeSync support, HDR 400, adjustable stand, Eye Saver Mode (2024 model)

Bigger screen, faster refresh, sharper visuals—this one checks all the gamer boxes without the premium price tag. The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make everything from shooters to racing games feel ultra-smooth, and QHD resolution keeps things crisp. Throw in G-Sync and FreeSync support, and you’re getting a seriously versatile display. A great upgrade if you want size and speed in one clean package.

Microsoft Surface Pro tablet with kickstand on a white background

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet (2024)
Credit: Amazon

Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet (2024)

Specs: 13-inch OLED touch screen, Snapdragon X Elite (12-core), 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 Copilot+, Black, Amazon Exclusive

This new Surface Pro is basically the tech equivalent of showing up overdressed in the best way. With a stunning OLED display and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip, it handles work, multitasking, and streaming without breaking a sweat. The 2-in-1 design flips between laptop and tablet mode so smoothly you’ll start using both. Great pick if you want something light, powerful, and ready for everything from spreadsheets to sketching.

Acer Nitro 50 N50-656-UR12 Gaming Desktop on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Acer Nitro 50 N50-656-UR12 Gaming Desktop
Credit: Amazon

Acer Nitro 50 N50-656-UR12 Gaming Desktop

Specs: Intel Core i5-14400F (10-core), Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, 16GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11 Home

Prebuilt desktops don’t have to be boring boxes—and this one proves it. With a 10-core Intel CPU and RTX 3050 graphics, it’s ready for esports titles, casual AAA gaming, and multitasking without lag. The fast DDR5 RAM and Gen 4 SSD keep everything snappy, whether you’re gaming, editing, or running a million Chrome tabs. Solid starter rig if you want plug-and-play performance at a good price.

Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
Credit: Amazon

Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD

Specs: SATA interface, 3D NAND, up to 540MB/s read speed, 2.5-inch form factor, model CT1000BX500SSD1

Still waiting for your PC to boot like it’s warming up for a marathon? This SSD is the cheapest way to inject some life into a slow machine. It doesn’t brag, but it’ll quietly speed up everything from startups to file transfers without begging for attention. A painless upgrade that feels like giving your old laptop a double espresso. I wouldn’t miss this one for sure.

Western Digital 8TB Internal Hard Drive (WD8002FZBX) on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Western Digital Internal Hard Drive (WD8002FZBX)
Credit: Amazon

Western Digital 8TB WD_Black Performance Internal Hard Drive (WD8002FZBX)

Specs: 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 256MB cache, 3.5-inch form factor

Running out of storage is basically the modern version of losing your keys—frustrating and somehow always happening at the worst time. This WD_Black drive gives you a massive 8TB to play with, whether you’re archiving years of game installs, media files, or backups. It’s fast for an HDD, reliable, and roomy enough that you’ll stop picking what to delete every time Steam wants an update.

Asus TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi ATX Motherboard (LGA 1700) on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Asus TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi ATX Motherboard (LGA 1700)
Credit: Amazon

Asus TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi ATX Motherboard (LGA 1700)

Specs: ATX form factor, supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs, PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, four M.2 slots, 16 plus 1 DrMOS power stages, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, Thunderbolt 4 support, Aura RGB lighting

Some boards make you hunt for ports, get creative with cooling, and still manage to throw a fit when you try to boot. This one doesn’t. It has space for fast RAM, plenty of room for storage, and enough built-in connectivity that you’re not digging through drawers for adapters. No flash, no fuss, no surprises.

NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 Power Supply on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 Power Supply
Credit: Amazon

NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 Power Supply

Specs: 850 watts, fully modular, 80 Plus Gold certified, ATX 3.1 standard, 12V 2×6 connector, Zero Fan Mode, 100% Japanese capacitors, black

Kind of wild how the most boring part of your PC is the one that can quietly take everything down with it. This one’s fully modular to keep your build clean, runs near-silent thanks to zero fan mode, and delivers stable power with 80 Plus Gold efficiency. You also get native support for the latest GPUs with the 12V 2×6 connector baked in. If you’re upgrading anything else, this makes sure your power supply isn’t the weakest link.

Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse
Credit: Amazon

Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse

Specs: LIGHTSPEED wireless, LIGHTFORCE hybrid optical-mechanical switches, HERO 25K sensor, LIGHTSYNC RGB, compatible with PC and Mac

Every gamer has that one mouse that’s been clicked to death and still pretends it’s fine. This one’s a serious step up. It’s got Logitech’s LIGHTFORCE switches for faster clicks, a HERO 25K sensor for ridiculous precision, and customizable RGB that finally makes your setup match your vibe. Worth it if you want fewer misclicks and a mouse that actually keeps up.

Lenovo Legion KM310 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: Lenovo Legion KM310 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Credit: Amazon

Lenovo Legion KM310 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Specs: K310 keyboard with silent membrane switches, compact and water-resistant design, M300S mouse with 8000 DPI, 220 IPS tracking, six programmable buttons, RGB lighting

Typing shouldn’t sound like you’re hammering out a novel in 1998. This low-key combo gets the job done without the noise, the flash, or the weird gamer font. The keyboard is compact and spill-resistant, while the mouse gives you just enough DPI and button mapping to stay sharp in-game or at work. Great if you want an affordable upgrade that feels noticeably better.

JBL Quantum 400 USB Over-Ear Gaming Headset on a white background.

ExtremeTech Memorial Day Deal: JBL Quantum 400 USB Over-Ear Gaming Headset
Credit: Amazon

JBL Quantum 400 USB Over-Ear Gaming Headset

Specs: USB wired, JBL QuantumSURROUND, DTS headphone audio, game and chat balance dial, flip-up voice focus mic, memory foam ear cushions

Not everyone wants to wear a spaceship on their head just to play Valorant. This headset keeps things simple and comfortable, with surround sound that actually helps you tell where footsteps are coming from. The flip-up mic sounds clean and the built-in dial makes it easy to balance chat and game audio on the fly. Strong pick if you want solid sound without overthinking it.

These deals are only going to get better as Memorial Day gets closer. We’ll keep updating this space with fresh picks, price drops, and stuff actually worth buying. Check back soon so you don’t miss something good.

The Hottest Memorial Day Tech Deals

Here’s my favorite smartphone deal right now: Google Pixel 9


Google Pixel 9 Peony color in hand

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

All those fancy new premium phones are exciting, but I am not that hyped up about paying a grand or more for them. Especially when there are plenty of great phones for much less, especially if you can take advantage of a deal like this one. If I were to buy a phone today, I would spend my hard-earned cash on a Google Pixel 9, which you can currently get for just $599.

Buy the Google Pixel 9 for just $599 ($200 off)

This offer is available from Amazon. The discount applies to all color versions available. These include Obsidian, Peony, Porcelain, and Wintergreen.

Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9
AA Recommended

Google Pixel 9

The vanilla Pixel 9.

The Pixel 9 rocks a 6.3-inch display, Tensor G4 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and at least 128GB of internal storage.

Many of you will argue that the Google Pixel 9a is a better deal. The thing is, Google’s budget phone is not on sale, and it is only $100 less than the standard Google Pixel 9. At $599, we would recommend upgrading to the Pixel 9.

For starters, the Google Pixel 9 is still considered a high-end phone. It is actually in our list of the best Android phones. It is just the smaller, less expensive model in the Pixel 9 series. It lacks some of the bells and whistles the bigger brothers tout, but it is still an awesome device, and many of you may not even need those added capabilities.

This handset checks most of the boxes that make a high-end smartphone. It has a really nice, sleek design, featuring an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 construction. It also keeps that IP68 rating many of you really care for, as it offers some peace of mind, knowing it is both dust and water resistant.

Google Pixel 9 in Peony in person's left hand showing Android 14 home screen

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

Pixel 9

Additionally, the Google Pixel 9 is no slouch. It packs the same Google Tensor G4 chipset found in the other Pixel 9 series smartphones. It also comes with 12GB of RAM, which is plenty to keep most users happy. You would really have to push it to its limits to see a difference, and most of you won’t.

The display is certainly smaller at 6.3 inches, but it also isn’t tiny, and some of us happen to like smaller phones. That said, it is still a quality OLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It also doesn’t get the same battery life as its bigger brothers, but we were still able to make it last about a whole day per charge. It can charge at up to 27W, which means it will get from zero to 100% in about 85 minutes.

Furthermore, it also has a pretty good camera. Pixels have long been known for being some of the best camera phones, and while this one isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 Pro models in this department, it still shoots really nice photos. It has a 50MP primary camera and a 48MP ultrawide shooter.

Google Pixel 9 in four colors all held in one person's hand in a fan shape

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

Pixel 9

If you need more convincing, the Google Pixel 9 gets among the best upgrade promises in the industry. Google has given it a seven-year update commitment, which is only matched by Samsung.

At $599, you really can’t go wrong with such a good phone. That’s a $200 discount on one of the top industry favorite smartphones! Catch this deal while you can.

For $599, it’s hard to match all the value the Google Pixel 9 offers. Again, this is a record-low price we’ve only seen once in the past, in March. We don’t see the price dropping lower anytime soon, so take advantage of this sale while you can! It’s still a record-low price, so we’ve never seen a better price on it.

Extra deal: You can upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro for $799

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google Pixel 9 Pro
AA Editor's Choice

Google Pixel 9 Pro

All Pro, in a compact package.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the Pixel device many have been begging for for a long time: Google’s very best smartphone hardware and software features, in a more compact form factor. With identical dimensions to the regular Pixel 9, it retains the same great specs as the much larger XL model, plus 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of internal storage, and the Tensor G4 chipset.

If you really want a higher-end experience, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is also $200 off, bringing the cost down to $799. It’s not a bad deal. The experience will be pretty similar, but there are some upgrades you may like.

The biggest difference is that it has 16GB of RAM, giving you better multitasking capabilities. This device also gets an extra 48MP periscope shooters, and autofocus is a bit better thanks to multi-zone laser support. The selfie camera is also upgraded to a 42MP camera, instead of the 10.5MP one found in the Pixel 9. Additionally, wireless charging is faster at 21W, instead of 15W.

Everything else will pretty much be the same.

We Build PCs in the US, and We’ll Never Stop. Here’s Why.


USA Banner

At Velocity Micro, one of our greatest points of pride is that every PC is built in the US. This isn’t just a marketing slogan, it’s a core part of who we are. We believe the best way to deliver high-performance, reliable computers is through domestic assembly. A PC built in the US provides a promise of quality, craftsmanship, and support.

PC built in the US Image : Superior Parts
CUSTOMIZATION AND QUALITY 

When it comes to customization and quality, nothing compares to a PC built in the US. That’s why at Velocity Micro, we source only the highest quality components, many from suppliers right here in the United States. This allows us to maintain complete control over the build process and ensure that each system meets our exacting standards.

Each PC is assembled by hand by highly trained professionals who are passionate about performance and precision. The result are some of the cleanest, most efficient PC builds on the market.

PC built in the US image : Customer Service
CUSTOMER SUPPORT

A PC built in the US comes with another major benefit: expert customer support that’s also based in the United States. Unlike other companies that outsource technical support to call centers overseas, we keep everything in-house. That means no frustrating transfers or language barriers – just real help from real people who know your system inside and out.

Whether you need help customizing your build or troubleshooting down the line, our award-winning support team is here for you, always based in the US, always on your side.

Why We STILL Build PCs in the USA
BESPOKE MACHINES

Imagine a PC that’s put together en-masse overseas. It’s put on an assembly line where it’s slapped together as quickly as possible, going through the bare-minimum amount of testing before being shipped off to market. The list of things that can go wrong in this process is long. Bent pins, poorly connected and routed cables, incomplete application of thermal paste – these could all spell trouble down the line.

Beyond that, any of the individual parts that make up the build could be faulty. Even one bad egg can be a failure point leading to an expensive brick in only a couple of years. Velocity Micro is the antithesis of this process. There are no assembly lines, and every single step of the process is carried out with quality in mind. Through a 200 point quality assurance test, we weed out any duds that may have slipped through the cracks. You’re left with the peace of mind that your PC is going to work as intended, out of the box and years down the line.

TAA COMPLIANT PCs

For many professionals working in government or enterprise sectors, regulations require that their tools, including computers, be domestically manufactured. That’s where we come in. Every PC built in the US by Velocity Micro is fully TAA compliant, ideal for secure environments that demand high performance and regulatory compliance.

Our systems are fully aligned with federal procurement standards. More importantly, if you’re handling massive data sets, sensitive information, or complex workflows, they’re up to the task.

We were founded in the states over 25 years ago, and we’re proud to keep the tradition going. We’re keeping the jobs here and making sure other folks can keep doing theirs. There’s no question we’ll stay based in the US in the future, and we’re looking forward to doing business with you. Give us a call or visit VelocityMicro.com if you’re interested in a PC that will perfectly meet your needs.

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Marcus is the Designer at Velocity Micro. He’s behind nearly all of the images you’ll see from us. His interest in PCs is the product of his experience in digital art and design, 3D modeling, and computer peripherals. Lives with his partner, two dogs, two cats, a little woodshop and his arcade controller collection in the greater RVA area.



How 3D Rendering Streamlines the Approval Process for Developers & Architects


Today, in competitive architectural and development industries, efficiency, clarity, and effective communication have the highest priority. One of the biggest contributors to achieving these objectives is technological advancement in 3D rendering. The new technology has radically changed the way architects, developers, and clients relate to and approve design concepts.

The power of 3D rendering services is not only in the visualization of complex structures but also in the simplification of the approval process, enhancement of collaboration, minimization of errors, and acceleration of project timelines in the long run.

Cad Crowd has years of experience as the industry leader in providing outsourced 3D rendering services to the best architectural and design firms. This article examines how 3D rendering transforms the approval process of developers and architects through better communication, easier decision-making, and preventing costly delays.


🚀 Table of contents


3d rendering of a large residential home and apartment buildinfg

RELATED: 3D real estate rendering services: What is the primary purpose of 3D real estate virtual tours?

What is 3D Rendering?

3D rendering is a process of creating a two-dimensional image or animation from a three-dimensional model. The process is widely used in architecture, interior design, and product design, among many others, to visualize designs before they are physically constructed. Representations can be photorealistic, giving almost the real visual experience that will accurately depict textures, lighting, shadows, and perspectives.

This allows 3D rendering to give a detailed look at the proposed design so that a developer or architect can get to the final outcome and try to present their idea to stakeholders like clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies. You can expect faster, cheaper, and more accessible processes through advancements in rendering technologies.

Importance of the approval process

This is an important step for developers and architectural design firms since approval guarantees that the designs and the projects meet the required standards of the local zoning law. This process will help in the early detection of some potential issues, such as safety concerns, environmental impact, or budget constraints, allowing some alteration before construction.

Approvals will allow collaboration from the architects, developers, and authorities; this aspect allows for openness, therefore reducing legal risks. It is not a factor that leads to delays in the timeline and cost of a project. It also ensures the sustainability and safety of the end product. In the end, approval ensures that a project will not go against the community’s standards and best practices.

Better visualization: bring your designs to life

Traditional blueprints and 2D drawings usually do not give a description of the scope of the project. They are necessary for the project, but sometimes they bring ambiguity or misinterpretation of the whole project. The 3D rendering, on the other hand, gives an almost real and immersive view of the final product.

To the developer and architect, this will be able to provide an honest picture of the building or structure, the materials used, the lighting, and the environmental context. With the ability to see it in 3D, stakeholders can better decide where adjustments or improvements should be made before work is undertaken. This type of clarity greatly reduces the risk of misunderstandings and costly changes further down the process. This gives 3D floor plan design services the edge over traditional 2D.

It also enables the clients to realize what they will have in three-dimensional terms. Rather than being at the mercy of their imagination or trying to make sense of abstract lines and symbols, they can look upon it as if it existed in the real world. That enhances their confidence in the design so that they would be more confident about giving approval for the project.

Better communication between all involved parties

Communication is at the heart of any successful project. However, with architectural and development projects, the technical nature of designs typically challenges the process. Sometimes, it can be really tough for architects and developers to communicate their ideas effectively to clients, contractors, or approval authorities without using technical jargon or overly complex explanations.

The void is filled by 3D rendering. With clarity and interpretability, all stakeholders clearly understand the design with this three-dimensional rendering. For instance, architects can provide their clients with different design variants to select which best captures their preferences. Similarly, in the case of contractors, this enables them to have a better comprehension of the design when making any modifications or even noting problematic areas that might face difficulties when implemented during the construction.

The added advantage of 3D models is that they allow designers to consider alternative designs using simple material substitutions, texture substitutions, or even layout changes. This freedom accelerates decision-making and ensures that everyone is on board, thereby shortening the cycle of reapprovals and revisions. 3D modeling design services take this a step further by allowing greater flexibility while at the same time having an expert who knows and understands the specifics of a modeling project and can communicate it as well as anyone.

RELATED: How emotional design in architecture enhances mood for 3D modeling & architectural services firms

3d rendering of residential homes

Rationalization of the regulatory approval process

Architectural projects normally require clearance by the local authorities or regulatory agencies before their construction can begin. Many of them consider intricate blueprints and designs that make sure the structure does not contravene zoning laws, safety measures, and environmental standards.

3D renderings streamline this process by providing clear, accurate visual representations that make it easier for regulatory bodies to assess the design. Rather than scrutinizing abstract 2D drawings, officials can view a model that demonstrates how the project will fit within the existing environment. This can be particularly important for projects in urban areas, where the design must be in harmony with the surrounding architecture. Architectural design and drafting firms focus particularly on regulation as it can affect the success of any given project.

The project also has regulatory agencies that can be visualized through 3D rendering, which affects sunlight exposure, view corridor, and traffic flow. In that case, such projects have been analyzed to avoid any confusion during construction and might not have caused delays since they occurred.

Reduction of changes during approval process

Change, which typically goes on after the submission, is definitely one of the contributing major contributors that cause delays in approval, of course. Such changes require even more cost and time, especially if they happen at the very end. With 3D rendering professionals, all of these possibilities are wiped off early because the client really sees the design to their depth and accuracy.

3D renderings of a proposed project allow clients and other stakeholders to identify potential problems before they are significant. Whether it is a stylistic issue, a functionality-related issue, or merely one of practicality related to accessibility, such issues may be identified early in the process and addressed quickly.

This proactive approach in the design approval reduces the chances for change during approval and saves from expensive changes later in construction. In addition, by paying for detailed 3D renderings early on, developers save themselves time and money in the long term.

Simplifying client presentations

This is often one of the most complex and subjective tasks when it comes to convincing clients to okay a design. The problem with utilizing a 2D-floor plan service or blueprint and its relation to the final output is where 3D renderings stand out as the shining solution.

It allows clients to see a 3D rendition of the design so they can use it as a guide before finalizing anything. They can walk around the different angles, zoom in on the specific features, and even walk through the space. This interactive experience will make clients feel more confident about the design and provide them with the power to make changes early on, thus making the approval process smoother and faster.

3D renderings allow clients to see the project in-depth, which helps them make choices with clarity and understanding since they are able to discern the design. This entails fewer revisions and quicker approval.

Virtual walkthroughs

The most innovative aspect of 3D rendering is the virtual walkthrough. This experience lets clients, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities interact with the proposed design by walking through a simulated environment in 3D space. With the help of virtual reality designers, viewers can walk through the building or space as if the building were already constructed.

Virtual walkthroughs are very often required in large, complex projects in which the visualizing of the flow and functionality may become cumbersome with a static image or even a conventional blueprint. Using this particular technique, virtual walk-through, clients and stakeholders get an idea of how a particular space might happen to feel in real life, making it much quicker to cut through approval processes.

RELATED: The role and benefits of CGI rendering in architecture: Why service providers and freelancers rely on it

3d rendering of a patio and backyard a luxury hotel

Saving in cost and time

Although 3D rendering, from 3D interior rendering services up to aerial rendering, does represent an up-front investment, in fact, it pays out along the line in reduced hours and dollars through the elimination of inefficiency in approvals. The reason is that 3D provides developers and architects with clear, realistic images on the front end, so one tends to avoid misunderstandings that create costly errors in final renderings. The direct outcome benefits include quicker approvals and rework hours, for that matter, an entire process time frame.

Moreover, 3D renderings may also prevent costly delays due to the faster decision-making power that clients and other stakeholders may have. This is important in fast-moving industries, where time equals money, and projects have to be kept on track for on-time completion and budgeted execution.

A game-changer for development and architecture

An approval process is the most time-consuming and challenging part of a project in architecture and development, but now, with 3D rendering, this phase has been made faster, more efficient, and collaborative as well. It enhances communication through clear and real visualizations of designs by reducing errors and helping the developers and architects make the right decisions.

How Cad Crowd can help

From simplifying client presentations to streamlining regulatory approvals and minimizing revisions, 3D rendering is undoubtedly a game-changer. As technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that the role of 3D rendering in architectural and development projects will only continue to grow, making the approval process smoother, faster, and more effective than ever before. Here at Cad Crowd, we are an industry leader with more than 10 years of experience helping design companies. We’re more than happy to help as an industry leader in providing freelance 3D rendering services. Request a quote today.

author avatar

MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.

Connect with me: LinkedInXCad Crowd

Sea of Thieves – Blaze a Trail of Destruction in Sea of Thieves Season 16


The Reaper’s Bones reveal new Voyages and schemes as they seek to dominate the waves!

Season 16 has arrived in Sea of Thieves! It’s been a little while since the fearsome Captain Flameheart regained his physical form, but the time has now come for him to expand the reach of his loyal followers and strengthen the standing of The Reaper’s Bones.

In this latest free Seasonal update, pirates will be able to set out on their first ever Voyages for The Reaper’s Bones and work together with the legendary skeletons of the Order of Bone and Blade to uncover Ancient secrets – and that’s just the beginning…

New Crews

First, a note on another milestone: as Season 16 dawns, the Sea of Thieves is set to welcome in a whole host of new players! As you might have heard, Sea of Thieves arrives on Battle.net® on May 22nd to enable a wave of wide-eyed explorers to start their pirate journey on a brand new platform.

Some Battle.net players have already been spied out on the seas, either as part of our Closed Beta or, more recently, during Early Access. But it’s Season 16’s launch that marks the official launch of the game on this new platform, and opens the doors for everyone who has purchased the game via Battle.net to set out on their maiden voyage.

Alongside all the permanent free content added to the game since launch, Battle.net players will have access to all the goodies included with their chosen edition of the game, including any pre-purchase bonuses. You can find out more about it all in our announce article or the video below. Be sure to give these fresh-faced freebooters a warm welcome!

Stronger Bones

With their leader Captain Flameheart returned to full strength and armed with forbidden knowledge thieved from Ancient Temples, The Reaper’s Bones are making their move on the Sea of Thieves! This Season, for the first time, they’ll be offering Voyages for pirates to undertake, beginning with the Search for Ancient Secrets.

In this Voyage, players will need to work with a lost crew of skeletons from the fabled Order of Bone and Blade to unearth long-buried Ancient Sarcophagi. Along the way, Ancient Phantoms will emerge to defend their hidden secrets. You’ll need to fight them off to finish activating the mechanisms and uncover a Skull of the Banished to take back to the Servant of the Flame.

Voyaging for The Reaper’s Bones isn’t quite so simple, however: Flameheart values strength and dominance above all else, so if you want to sail in his name, you’ll have to fly a Reaper’s Mark Flag! The flag will be raised automatically whenever you undertake a Voyage for The Reaper’s Bones, revealing the location of your ship to all other nearby crews and inviting them to come and claim your loot for themselves, if they have what it takes…

Emergent Excitements

The growing influence of The Reaper’s Bones is having an impact on emergent activities too. Their cunning weaponsmiths have devised a way of tapping the raw power of the Chest of Rage to construct a new, devastating weapon: the Cannon of Rage.

This portable armament grants pirates who find it the freedom to fire cannonballs from almost anywhere, then pack up the cannon and carry it on to a new location for redeployment. There’s a risk, however: whenever the Cannon of Rage fires or takes damage, it starts to overheat. Fail to give it time to cool down (or speed up the cooling process with water), and it’ll live up to its name with a violent explosion that’s liable to sink the ship you’re standing on!

Meanwhile, skeletal members of the long-lost Order of Bone and Blade have started clawing their way up towards the sandy surfaces of islands, waiting to be fully unearthed by curious passers-by. Rescue them and you’ll be friends for life – or at least until they fall in battle, as they’ll happily throw in their lot with the next pirate to revive them. You’ll find they’re also unable to leave the island to which their bones are bound! Until then, though, they can lend a hand with whatever needs doing, whether it’s demystifying tricky treasure maps, digging up treasure or helping to carry your haul to safety.

More to Come

The Season 16 additions don’t end with May’s update. Over the next few months, new features will be arriving as part of our staggered Season delivery, including a second Voyage for The Reaper’s Bones and the introduction of breakable seals on Reaper’s Chests! If a crew decides to take the plunge and investigate what’s actually inside these strange glowing boxes, they might just find themselves with a sturdy crew of skeletons ready to defend their new companions to the death.

The Followers of the Flame Voyage also focuses on these mysterious treasures favoured by The Reaper’s Bones. Pirates will be tasked with using an enchanted lantern known as the Follower’s Flame to search for a new kind of Reaper’s Chest in need of recovery, helped along the way by some of Flameheart’s loyal forces.

These further additions will be arriving throughout Season 16, so be sure to keep an eye on our social channels for more news on each update as it approaches!

Flaming Fashions

Any expansion to The Reaper’s Bones wouldn’t be complete without a fresh round of Commendations to work towards and the rewards unlocked by doing so. Season 16 introduces a wealth of new Reaper-inspired cosmetics to personalise your pirate, ensuring you can always show your allegiance via your wardrobe. Pirate Captains will also find that they have new Captaincy Milestones awaiting them to keep track of their contributions to Flameheart’s plans.

Beyond Commendations, Season 16 promises everything you’d expect from a new Sea of Thieves Season, including another 100 levels of Renown to climb through with daring deeds and a rich bounty of cosmetics, gold, Doubloons and Ancient Coins to earn along the way. For pirates who already have some Ancient Coins ready to spend, the Pirate Emporium is ready to light up the night with its latest array of offerings, while the Season 16 Plunder Pass includes the luxurious Oyster’s Prize ship set (including Collector’s items) and matching Oyster’s Prize Eyepatch, Jacket and Belt!

The seas will be abuzz with activity during Season 16 as the Reapers roll out their plans, so keep your eye on the horizon for everything that’s coming. For a full breakdown of the features included and improvements made in this month’s update, check out the latest release notes. More information about the features coming later in the Season will be revealed in the weeks ahead, so follow Sea of Thieves on the social media platform of your choice to get all the latest updates. Good luck out there, and may the Flame burn!

WCF changing list type to Array, I tried to change in the advanced settings as well but still getting same error which convert List<T> to array []


I have WCF service:

[OperationContract(Name = "GetAllEmployee")]
IList<Employee> GetEmployees(string UserId, string UserPassword);

In ServiceWeb.svc.cs file, I have this code:

public IList<Employee> GetEmployees(string UserId, string UserPassword)
{
    List<Employee> E = new List<Employee>();
    return E;
}

Now, when I add this WCF reference to the web project, it gets converted to using []:

public ServiceWeb.ServiceProWCFService.Employee[] GetAllEmployee(string UserId, string UserPassword) 
{
    ServicePROWeb.ServiceProWCFService.GetAllEmployeeRequest inValue 
        = new ServicePROWeb.ServiceProWCFService.GetAllEmployeeRequest();

    inValue.UserId = UserId;
    inValue.UserPassword = UserPassword;

    ServicePROWeb.ServiceProWCFService.GetAllEmployeeResponse retVal =
        ((ServicePROWeb.ServiceProWCFService.IServiceProWCFService)(this))
            .GetAllEmployee(inValue);

    return retVal.GetAllEmployeeResult;
}

This is not correct. I tried to change in the advanced settings to make it as shown in this screenshot:

enter image description here

But it still didn’t change.

I have already tried these things:

  1. Change the advanced setting of the configure reference to make System.Collection.Generic.List and reload the service again, but it didn’t work

  2. Removed all the old references to the service and tried to do a generic list instead of an IEnumerable list for the return type.

Please suggest a better solution to handle this

Lift and transform workloads with Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE)


Move your VMware workloads to Google Cloud without disruption.

Crayon, in partnership with Google Cloud, enables businesses to modernize IT operations by migrating VMware-based applications to the cloud seamlessly, securely, and without the need for re-platforming or reskilling.

Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE) offers native VMware support in the cloud, delivering enterprise-grade infrastructure, flexible pricing models, and a phased approach to transformation that preserves your current tools and processes.

Key Benefits of GCVE with Crayon:

  • Maintain operational consistency while migrating at speed
  • Reduce TCO with Google-managed infrastructure and flexible licensing
  • Improve security posture and minimize operational burden
  • Enable scalability, performance, and cloud-native innovation with services like BigQuery, Cloud SQL, and Gen AI

Crayon’s expert-led approach ensures that every phase, from evaluation to optimization, is tailored to your business and aligned with industry best practices.

OpenAI teams up with Cisco, Oracle to build UAE data center


As rumored, OpenAI is expanding its ambitious Stargate data center project to the Middle East.

On Thursday, the company announced Stargate UAE, which will bring a 1GW data center cluster to Abu Dhabi. OpenAI expects 200MW will go live in 2026, developed with partners including G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank.

In a blog post, OpenAI claims that Stargate UAE has the potential to provide AI infrastructure and compute capacity within a 2,000-mile radius.

“This is […] the first partnership under OpenAI for Countries⁠, our new global initiative to help interested governments build sovereign AI capability in coordination with the U.S. government,” writes OpenAI. “Under the partnership, the UAE will become the first country in the world to enable ChatGPT nationwide — giving people across the country the ability to access OpenAI’s technology.”

The unveiling of Stargate UAE comes the same week as billionaire Elon Musk said his AI company, xAI, would build the world’s first “gigawatt” AI training cluster.

Rainbird Technologies and Roboyo Announce Strategic Partnership to Revolutionise AI-Powered Decision Intelligence in automation


Collaboration set to transform AI-powered decision intelligence across multiple industries.

London (UK), Sep 20th, 2024 – Rainbird Technologies, the pioneer in AI-powered Decision Intelligence, and Roboyo, the world’s leading end-to-end process automation company, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at delivering unprecedented value in AI-driven decision augmentation and process automation.

This groundbreaking alliance comes at a critical time when organisations are grappling with the challenges of generative AI, including hallucinations, logical reasoning limitations, and lack of explainability. By combining Rainbird’s cutting-edge Decision Intelligence technology with Roboyo’s unparalleled expertise in automation, the partnership addresses these concerns while maximising returns on AI investment.

AI spending is under intense scrutiny and this alliance offers the market a clear path to value. By addressing the challenges of hallucinations and unexplainable decisions, organisations can at last deploy AI models with absolute confidence, significantly reducing their operational risks. The powerful combination of Rainbird’s decision intelligence technology and Roboyo’s automation expertise will lead to reduced operational costs and new revenues through the creation of new AI-powered products and services. 

As the regulatory environment for AI continues to evolve, the importance of explainability and auditability is critical. Adopters can now deliver ethical solutions that meet their compliance obligations while delivering long-term value. 

James Duez, Rainbird Co-Founder and CEO, emphasised the partnership’s transformative potential: “In an era where the shortcomings of Gen AI are becoming apparent, our collaboration with Roboyo offers a clear path to value. The market is increasingly looking for ways to remove the risks innate in generative AI and unlock models that can deliver not just efficiency but accuracy and explainability—at scale. Our partnership empowers organizations to truly capitalize on their AI investments in the context of a robust intelligent automation strategy and to future-proof their organizations with solutions that can operate at scale and be trusted.”

Derk Weinheimer, Roboyo Global CEO, commented on the partnership’s significance: “By integrating Rainbird’s Decision Intelligence into our comprehensive automation solutions, we’re not just addressing current AI challenges – we’re setting a new standard for intelligent automation. Our global expertise, combined with Rainbird’s innovative technology, enables our clients to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in their decision-making processes. The Rainbird-Roboyo partnership delivers intelligent decision intelligence capabilities that address the complex needs of modern enterprises.” 

About Rainbird Technologies

Rainbird’s award-winning Decision Intelligence platform transforms enterprise decision-making at scale with trust and explainability baked-in. For over a decade, Rainbird has led the market with its neurosymbolic AI technology that combines knowledge graphs, symbolic reasoning and Generative AI to enable the automation of complex, evidence-based decisions. Their approach is rooted in advanced logical reasoning and is particularly valued in regulated sectors, where transparency and accountability of decisions are paramount. As well as processing any source of structured or unstructured data, Rainbird can incorporate knowledge from documented sources like regulations and policy as well as capture the experience of human experts. This hybrid approach not only accelerates operational efficiency but also ensures accuracy and trust, enabling organizations to get overwhelming value for their AI spend while meeting the highest standards of ethical AI.

Stay connected with Rainbird on LinkedIn or visit rainbird.ai.

About Roboyo

Roboyo is the world’s leading end-to-end process automation company, with a presence in 24 cities across 14 countries and 4 continents. Roboyo helps clients operationalize a full spectrum of AI-powered automation technologies, creating hybrid Human+digital workforces that elevate enterprise performance gains from increments to multiples. This has earned Roboyo a reputation for successfully empowering companies to adapt to a rapidly changing operating environment and deliver Next Level business performance.

To see how this partnership can drive value in your organisation, schedule a consultation with the Roboyo team today.

Connecting to Private NuGet Feeds Just Got Easier


The Visual Studio 2022 17.14 update is here, and it brings great quality-of-life improvements—especially around NuGet authentication. From context about the authentication needs of private NuGet feeds to a simplified account selection workflow, this update helps you stay focused on your code! If you haven’t already, download the latest Visual Studio update to take advantage of this and the rest of the improvements.

Streamlining the NuGet authentication experience

Over the past year, we’ve made significant strides to improve the identity and authentication experiences across Visual Studio 2022. For instance, we introduced Web Account Manager (WAM) support to unify and simplify the sign-in experience of Entra ID accounts & we recently followed that up by adding multi-account support for GitHub, making it easier than ever to manage your GitHub identities inside Visual Studio.

Today, we’re excited to share the next step in that journey: a more intuitive and reliable NuGet authentication experience. With the latest update, Visual Studio now proactively detects when authentication is needed during package restore and presents a new dialog that provides helpful context—such as which feed you’re attempting to access—and makes it easy to select the account best suited for the job. This small but impactful change simplifies the sign-in process, reduces authentication prompts, and helps you stay focused on your coding needs.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Clearer sign-in guidance showing you the specific NuGet feed you are accessing.
  • Improved support for multi-factor authentication (MFA) allows you to efficiently manage accounts needed for NuGet restore operations, whether adding new accounts, selecting from existing ones, or re-entering credentials directly within the dialog.
  • A more predictable sign in experience, with fewer repeated prompts and less authentication guesswork.

Improved Nuget image

Try It Out and Keep the Feedback Coming

We’ll continue investing in making the Visual Studio’s identity and authentication experiences more seamless, secure, and intuitive so please, keep the feedback coming— Every suggestion, upvote, and report helps us prioritize the areas that matter most to you. And while we’ve made great progress, we’re far from done!