Category: Hi-end PC

Unreal Engine 5.8 Feature Highlights | State of Unreal 2026 – YouTube

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It’s probably fair to say that Unreal Engine is probably the most comprehensive tool around for creating games, animations, and video effects. And, with the launch of UE 5.8, it’s becoming even more extensive and even a little bit more AI-friendly. Whether you’re just an Unreal Engine hobbyist like me, or a full-time game developer, you can download version 5.8 right now via the Epic Games Launcher.

Even if you don’t plan on using any of the new features (of which there are a lot), it’s always worth trying out the latest release just for bug and performance fixes. But what’s actually new? The headline acts in UE5.8 are the introduction of Mesh Terrain and Procedural Vegetation Editor (PVE). Both are experimental features at the moment, but the former should be of great interest to anyone creating big, open-world terrains, as the tool basically generates full 3D meshes for you.

Your laptop is one of the most important tools you use every day, whether you’re working remotely, managing a business, attending classes, or staying connected with family. At PC Geeks, we help Frisco residents and businesses keep their devices running smoothly with professional diagnostics, repairs, and expert technical support. One of the most common issues we see is battery failure, often after customers have struggled with poor performance for weeks or even months before seeking help.

Laptop batteries naturally wear out over time. Most modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to last between 300 and 1,000 charge cycles, depending on the manufacturer and usage habits. As batteries age, they lose their ability to hold a charge efficiently, leading to frustrating interruptions and reduced productivity.

If you live in Frisco, TX, where many professionals work from home, students rely on laptops daily, and businesses depend on mobile technology, recognizing the early warning signs of battery failure can save you time, money, and stress. Here are five signs that it may be time to replace your laptop battery.

Rapid Battery Drain Despite a Full Charge

One of the clearest signs of battery deterioration is a significant drop in battery life. If your laptop used to last six to eight hours but now struggles to stay powered for two or three, the battery may be reaching the end of its lifespan.

Battery degradation occurs naturally as cells lose their ability to store energy. You may notice that even after charging to 100%, the battery percentage drops quickly during normal use.

Some common symptoms include a battery percentage that drops unexpectedly, frequent low-battery warnings, the need to recharge multiple times throughout the day, and noticeably reduced performance when operating on battery power. If these issues persist after adjusting your power settings and closing unnecessary applications, a battery replacement may be the most effective solution.

If these issues persist after adjusting power settings and closing unnecessary applications, a battery replacement may be the most effective solution.

Unexpected Shutdowns and Power Loss

Does your laptop suddenly shut off even when the battery indicator shows plenty of charge remaining? This is another common warning sign.

As batteries age, they can struggle to deliver consistent power. The operating system may estimate remaining battery life incorrectly because the battery’s actual capacity no longer matches its original specifications.

Unexpected shutdowns can be particularly disruptive for:

• Remote workers attending virtual meetings
• Students completing assignments
• Business owners managing customer data
• Travelers working away from power outlets

In a growing city like Frisco, where professionals often work from coffee shops, coworking spaces, and community hubs near areas like The Star and Frisco Square, reliable battery performance is essential.

The Battery Is Swollen or Physically Distorted

A swollen battery is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Lithium-ion batteries can occasionally develop internal gas buildup as they age or experience excessive heat exposure. This can cause the battery to expand, creating visible physical changes to your laptop.

Watch for signs such as:

• A bulging keyboard
• A lifted trackpad
• Gaps appearing between laptop components
• Difficulty closing the laptop properly

Texas summers can bring prolonged periods of high temperatures, and laptops left in vehicles or poorly ventilated areas may experience accelerated battery degradation. If you notice swelling, stop using the device and seek professional assistance immediately. Continuing to use a swollen battery can increase the risk of further damage to internal components.

Your Laptop Only Works When Plugged In

If your laptop shuts down the moment you disconnect the charger, the battery may no longer be functioning at all.

Many users initially assume the charging cable or power adapter is faulty. While those components can fail, a completely depleted battery is often the culprit.

This issue typically develops gradually. You may first notice shorter battery life, followed by frequent charging requirements, before eventually reaching the point where the battery cannot hold any charge.

Professional diagnostics can determine whether the issue lies with:

• The battery
• The charging port
• The power adapter
• Internal power management systems

At PC Geeks, we help identify the root cause so you can avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.

Battery Health Warnings and System Alerts

Modern operating systems often provide built-in battery health monitoring tools. If your laptop displays messages such as:

• “Consider replacing your battery”
• “Battery service recommended”
• “Battery health significantly degraded”
• “Battery capacity reduced”

Do not ignore these notifications.

These alerts are generated based on performance data collected over time and often indicate that the battery has fallen well below its original capacity.

You can check battery health through system settings on many Windows and Mac devices. However, interpreting these reports can sometimes be confusing. Professional testing can provide a more accurate assessment and help determine whether replacement is the best option.

Why Timely Battery Replacement Matters

Many people continue using failing batteries longer than they should. Unfortunately, delaying replacement can lead to additional issues.

A failing battery can:

• Reduce overall laptop performance
• Cause data loss from unexpected shutdowns
• Place strain on internal components
• Create safety concerns if swelling occurs
• Interrupt productivity and daily tasks

Replacing a battery before complete failure helps extend the useful life of your laptop and can often postpone the need for a costly device replacement.

For Frisco residents and businesses, maintaining reliable technology is increasingly important as remote work, online learning, and digital services continue to play a larger role in everyday life.

How PC Geeks Helps Frisco Laptop Users

At PC Geeks, we understand how disruptive computer problems can be. Our experienced technicians provide comprehensive laptop diagnostics, battery testing, and replacement services designed to restore performance and reliability.

When you bring your laptop to PC Geeks, our technicians perform a complete battery health assessment and verify whether the battery is truly the source of the problem. We also inspect related components, such as the charging port and power management systems, to rule out other issues. Once we identify the cause, we provide honest, cost-effective recommendations and can install a high-quality replacement battery when needed.

Our goal is always to provide honest recommendations and solutions that help customers get the most value from their technology investments.

Ready to Restore Your Laptop’s Performance?

If you’ve noticed rapid battery drain, unexpected shutdowns, swelling, or other warning signs, don’t wait until your laptop fails completely. The team at PC Geeks is here to help Frisco residents and businesses diagnose battery problems and restore dependable performance.

Contact PC Geeks today through our contact page to schedule a professional laptop battery evaluation and find out whether a replacement is the right solution for your device.

Basketball was one sport I loved playing as a kid—not only to compete or spectate, but just for fun. I was not good at it. So I stopped playing, partially because I hated feeling like my teammates were stuck with me. When I got benched, that bummed me out. But when I got put in, the responsibility to not let my friends down made my heart race, even if it supposedly didn’t matter if we won. Now I realize I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself.

NBA The Run saddled me with the same existential questions I had back in those days. It’s a 3-on-3 throwback to arcadey classics like NBA Jam, Street, and my personal favorite, the one where you can play as a horse. These games trade the simmy mechanical depth of more buttoned-up ball ’em ups for easily executed moon jump dunks, gaudy tricks, turbo buttons, and commentary from guys yelling stuff like “Boom shaka-laka!” It’s basketball as only videogames could envision it.

Sony’s surprise decision to reverse its strategy of porting singleplayer PlayStation games to PC has been scrutinized plenty. Bluepoint Games’ head of technology suggested it was likely because Sony’s more worried about Valve than about Xbox, while our own Morgan Park pointed out that Sony is only robbing us of maybe four half-decent games.

Alinea Insights has been analyzing sales of PlayStation games more generally, but with some interesting info about the PC side of things for us to dig out. Like the fact a full 42% of Death Stranding 2’s PC sales came from China, which was its “biggest Steam market”. Alinea notes that “China is a top market for Stellar Blade on Steam as well.”

Artificial Extinction 2 Direct Download

Artificial Extinction 2 is a tower defense hybrid that blends first-person shooter action with real-time strategy control. Survive on a hostile Earth against relentless AI overlords by building powerful defenses, managing resources, and fighting on the front lines. Fears to Fathom – Scratch Creek

Play as a sentient AI commander, switching seamlessly between RTS command view to construct and upgrade your base, and FPS mode to engage enemies directly in brutal combat. Only by mastering both perspectives can you withstand the onslaught.

Your mission: defend your base until critical data decrypts, then call in your mothership for extraction. But the enemy is unrelenting — survival demands smart planning, quick thinking, and precise aim.

Core Gameplay Features:

• Tower Defense Hybrid – Switch instantly between tactical RTS control and FPS combat.
• Base Building & Upgrades – Construct power generators, miners, and 8 turret types with unique upgrade paths.
• Resource Management – Mine metal, uranium, and thorium while balancing energy and ammunition in real time.
• Tech Tree Progression – Unlock new turrets and FPS weapons with a Quantum Computer.
• Varied AI Enemies – Battle 8 mech classes, drones, robotic soldiers, and airborne threats.
• Support Firepower – Call in a military drone and long-range artillery strikes.
• Replayability – Procedural enemy attack paths, resource nodes, and base locations change each playthrough.
• Leaderboards & Modes – Compete globally and unlock challenges like:
• Nightmare Mode
• FPS-Only Mode
• RTS-Only Mode

Campaign & Replayability:

Experience 10 handcrafted levels, each with unique terrain and tactical challenges. Replay to face new enemy attack patterns, resource layouts, and survival challenges. Every victory unlocks new ways to play.

Whether you’re into strategic planning, intense FPS battles, or tower defense survival, Artificial Extinction 2 delivers a fresh, high-stakes fight every time you play.

I was never able to get a feel for Funselektor’s top-down driving game Art of Rally, or its predecessor Absolute Drift: I like rally in real life, but sliding cars around corners at screaming speeds from a weird perspective and with no tactile feedback just didn’t work for me. I had higher hopes for the slower pace of the studio’s upcoming Over the Hill, and after trying the demo that dropped today with the start of the Steam Next Fest, I am very happy to say that yeah, this is the one.

Over the Hill is a very stylized take on off-roading: You’re not going to find high-fidelity mud here, or detailed first-person views from behind the wheel. It’s really more about the broader experience of being ‘out there,’ going slow, taking your time, and thinking about how you’re going to get where you want rather than just hammering on it. You can hammer on it if you want, and it’ll carry you for a while, and also likely put you over onto your roof when you’re not expecting it.

over the hill – Steam Next Fest Demo Trailer – YouTube

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Intel Core Ultra vs. Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus

Intel recently released a new batch of processors, Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series. Previously codenamed “Arrow Lake Refresh,” these new chips are…well…a refresh of previous gen Arrow Lake Intel Core Ultra 200 series. But with this being a simple refresh of a previously released architecture, would the 200S Plus possibly be worth the upgrade? Let’s discuss.

Intel Core Ultra Series 200

Built on Intel’s newest Arrow Lake architecture, Core Ultra 200 Series processors are the follow up to 14th Gen desktop and mobile processors, making them essentially 15th Gen Intel Core. Intel Core Ultra is a new naming scheme that completely tosses aside the i9/i7/15 nomenclature we’ve all become accustomed to as well as the model numbers that indicate the generation. But despite the confusing nomenclature, Intel Core Ultra was always intended to be the successor to Intel Core i9. And like their predecessors, all Core Ultra chips feature a hybrid architecture, combining high-performance cores for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with efficient cores for everyday computing.

The mobile versions of these processors run on that same architecture, but with reduced power delivery and increased efficiency in order to walk that tight rope between performance and battery life. The mobile models are usually marked with an H or HX, delineating them from their desktop versions (for example, the Core Ultra 9 290HX in our Raptor S77).

Notable models: Core Ultra 285K, Core Ultra 5 245K, Core Ultra 9 290HX

Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus: 16th Gen Intel Core?

Now, enter Arrow Lake Refresh aka Intel Core Ultra 200S, the newest iteration of the Core Ultra series. As the similar name would suggest, these new processors have a lot in common with Series 200. Both feature the same core architecture and utilize the same LGA 1851 socket found on Z890 and B860 motherboards. But that’s not to say that there are no performance or value advantages. In fact, Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus offers all of the following:

• An additional 4 E-Cores compared to comparable Series 200 parts
• Memory support – Native DDR5 support increases from 6400 MHz to 7200 MHz
• Better Fabric Speed – Die to Die communications are increased by 900MHz, reducing overall latency
• Better Gaming Performance – the end result is about 15% better gaming performance compared to previous gen, although this varies widely depending on the specific game

For some additional visual clarity, here’s a grid comparing them:

One thing you’ll notice is there’s no Ultra 9 290K Plus. Allegedly, Intel did test this part ahead of release, but canned it for an unspecified reason. But, given how well the 270K Plus lines up with the 285k Plus (and at a much lower MSRP), there may not be too much room in the market for another Ultra 9 option. It’s also possible that Intel will release a 290K Plus (or the same die renamed) at some point in the future.

Notable models: Core Ultra 5 250K, Core Ultra 7 270K

Which Processor is Right for You?

So when choosing between Core Ultra 200 vs. Core Ultra 200S Plus for your next PC, which is the best choice?

Well, given the performance improvements and agressive pricing, it’s hard to recommend anything but the new Core 200S Plus for a new build. It’s really only pro CAD users who will utilize the extra MHz that the Ultra 9 285K offers that should even consider that series of processors, and even then, the value may not be there.

But, if you already have a solid Series 200 build that you’re happy with, an approximate +15% performance boost is likely not enough to justify the hassle and expense of upgrading.

Check out the Z95U to learn more and get your Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus PC now.

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Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in various Marketing, PR, and Sales related roles. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, he is responsible for all Direct and Retail sales as well as Marketing activities. He enjoys Seinfeld reruns, the Atlanta Braves, and Beatles songs written by John, Paul, or George. Sorry, Ringo.