Hardware Tips                                                   

As a gamer, you may have come across recommendations online for AMD’s X3D series processors. Thanks to the use of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, these processors offer exceptional gaming performance. But what exactly is 3D V-Cache technology, and how can the X3D series benefit gamers?

3D V-Cache is an advanced 3D packaging technique that stacks cache memory directly on top of the CPU. This innovation helps alleviate cache memory bottlenecks. The main advantage is the increased cache capacity, which reduces performance losses caused by cache misses.

| Advantages of the X3D Series Processors |

The X3D processors feature larger cache memory, optimizing memory access during gaming and resulting in higher frame rates.

To balance heat dissipation, the base frequency of X3D processors is slightly lower than that of their standard counterparts in the same generation.

↑ The X3D series CPUs can deliver higher gaming frame rates.(From 

| Who Should Consider Purchasing X3D Series Processors? |

Given the larger cache memory capacity of the X3D processors, they are primarily beneficial for gamers. However, they don’t offer significant advantages for productivity tasks or content creators. If your PC needs are focused on productivity or content creation, the X3D series may not be the best choice.

| The New Ryzen 7 9800X3D Improves on the Zen3 and Zen4 Weaknesses |

Earlier Zen3 and Zen4 X3D processors stacked the cache memory on top of the CPU core, leading to inefficient heat dissipation. This design prevented the CPU core from directly contacting the top cover, which caused cooling issues. The new Ryzen 7 9800X3D has swapped the positions of the CPU core and cache memory, allowing the core to directly contact the top cover. This change not only solves the heat buildup problem but also allows the X3D series to achieve higher processor clock speeds.

Check out the Ryzen 7 9800X3D Introduction Video





As a gamer, you may have come across recommendations online for AMD’s X3D series processors. Thanks to the use of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, these processors offer exceptional gaming performance. But what exactly is 3D V-Cache technology, and how can the X3D series benefit gamers?



| What is 3D V-Cache Technology? |

3D V-Cache is an advanced 3D packaging technique that stacks cache memory directly on top of the CPU. This innovation helps alleviate cache memory bottlenecks. The main advantage is the increased cache capacity, which reduces performance losses caused by cache misses.





↑ Image Credit: Geek Bay



| Advantages of the X3D Series Processors |

1.Gaming Performance: 

The X3D processors feature larger cache memory, optimizing memory access during gaming and resulting in higher frame rates.



2.Lower Power Consumption: 

To balance heat dissipation, the base frequency of X3D processors is slightly lower than that of their standard counterparts in the same generation.





↑ The X3D series CPUs can deliver higher gaming frame rates.(From Geek Bay YT)



| Who Should Consider Purchasing X3D Series Processors? |

Given the larger cache memory capacity of the X3D processors, they are primarily beneficial for gamers. However, they don’t offer significant advantages for productivity tasks or content creators. If your PC needs are focused on productivity or content creation, the X3D series may not be the best choice.



| X3D vs. Non-X3D Series Processors |





| The New Ryzen 7 9800X3D Improves on the Zen3 and Zen4 Weaknesses |

Earlier Zen3 and Zen4 X3D processors stacked the cache memory on top of the CPU core, leading to inefficient heat dissipation. This design prevented the CPU core from directly contacting the top cover, which caused cooling issues. The new Ryzen 7 9800X3D has swapped the positions of the CPU core and cache memory, allowing the core to directly contact the top cover. This change not only solves the heat buildup problem but also allows the X3D series to achieve higher processor clock speeds.



Check out the Ryzen 7 9800X3D Introduction Video



The AMD X3D series processors use advanced packaging technology to stack cache memory, improving CPU performance, especially in gaming scenarios.

What Sets AMD X3D Processors Apart from Regular CPUs?

하드웨어 팁

AMD X3D 시리즈 프로세서는 고급 패키징 기술을 사용하여 캐시 메모리를 적층함으로써 CPU 성능, 특히 게임 환경에서의 성능을 향상시킵니다.

AMD X3D 프로세서가 일반 CPU와 다른 점은 무엇일까요?

"24 Cores," "32 Threads"—CPU marketing is confusing. Do you really need a server-grade processor just to play 

? Or is a mid-range chip enough? In this guide, we strip away the jargon to explain the difference between 

, and reveal the one hidden factor that actually determines your FPS: 

What is the Difference Between Cores and Threads? 

To understand your computer, imagine your CPU is a 

Logical Threads = The Hands (Hyper-Threading)

Single-Core vs. Multi-Core Performance: Gaming vs. Streaming

Should you prioritize frequency (speed) or core count? It depends entirely on how you use your PC.

AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PROCESSOR REVIEW, Vmodtech

For Pure Gaming: Priority on Single-Core Speed

Most modern games still rely heavily on one "Main Thread." They prefer 

For Streaming & Content Creation: Priority on Thread Count

If you stream on Twitch via OBS, edit 4K videos, or have 50 Chrome tabs open while gaming, your "Kitchen" is crowded.

The Hidden Problem: Why High Core Counts Cause Overheating

Here is the fine print that spec sheets don't tell you: 

Modern CPUs use "Thermal Velocity Boost." They will automatically run faster, but only if they are cool enough. If you buy a high-end i9 or Ryzen 9 but pair it with a weak cooler, the CPU will hit 90°C instantly and Thermal Throttle (slow down). You paid for a Ferrari, but you're driving it in traffic.

darkFlash EXPLORE DE360 CPU Liquid Cooler

How to Prevent Thermal Throttling with darkFlash

Don't let heat waste your money. You must match your cooling solution to your core count:

 It absorbs the sudden heat spikes from multi-core workloads instantly, keeping your CPU boosting at max frequency for longer gaming sessions.





"24 Cores," "32 Threads"—CPU marketing is confusing. Do you really need a server-grade processor just to play Call of Duty? Or is a mid-range chip enough? In this guide, we strip away the jargon to explain the difference between Physical Cores and Logical Threads, and reveal the one hidden factor that actually determines your FPS: Cooling.



What is the Difference Between Cores and Threads? 

To understand your computer, imagine your CPU is a Restaurant Kitchen.







Physical Cores = The Chefs





A physical core is like a Chef. If you have 6 cores, you have 6 chefs. They can each handle a completely separate order independently.



Logical Threads = The Hands (Hyper-Threading)





Thanks to technology like Hyper-Threading (Intel) or SMT (AMD), each Chef can use both hands effectively. A thread isn't a new chef; it's just the ability to multitask better. It helps organize background tasks so the Chef never stops working.





Simple Rule: Cores do the heavy lifting (Gaming); Threads handle the background chaos (Discord, Chrome, Windows updates).



Single-Core vs. Multi-Core Performance: Gaming vs. Streaming

Should you prioritize frequency (speed) or core count? It depends entirely on how you use your PC.





(AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PROCESSOR REVIEW, Vmodtech)



For Pure Gaming: Priority on Single-Core Speed

Most modern games still rely heavily on one "Main Thread." They prefer Fast Cores over Many Cores.





The Sweet Spot: A high-speed 6-core or 8-core CPU is usually the perfect configuration for gaming.



The Reality: A 6-core chip running at 5.0GHz will often beat a 20-core chip running at 3.0GHz in pure FPS.



For Streaming & Content Creation: Priority on Thread Count

If you stream on Twitch via OBS, edit 4K videos, or have 50 Chrome tabs open while gaming, your "Kitchen" is crowded.





Here, extra cores and threads are vital. They handle the video encoding in the background so your game doesn't stutter.



The Hidden Problem: Why High Core Counts Cause Overheating

Here is the fine print that spec sheets don't tell you: High core counts generate massive heat.

Modern CPUs use "Thermal Velocity Boost." They will automatically run faster, but only if they are cool enough. If you buy a high-end i9 or Ryzen 9 but pair it with a weak cooler, the CPU will hit 90°C instantly and Thermal Throttle (slow down). You paid for a Ferrari, but you're driving it in traffic.





(darkFlash EXPLORE DE360 CPU Liquid Cooler)



How to Prevent Thermal Throttling with darkFlash

Don't let heat waste your money. You must match your cooling solution to your core count:





6 Cores (i5 / Ryzen 5): A high-quality Air Cooler is sufficient.



8+ Cores (i7 / i9 / Ryzen 7/9): You are entering the "Heat Zone." We strongly recommend a 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler, like the darkFlash EXPLORE DE360 CPU Liquid Cooler.



Why Liquid Cooling? It absorbs the sudden heat spikes from multi-core workloads instantly, keeping your CPU boosting at max frequency for longer gaming sessions.

More cores ≠ More FPS. Discover the one hidden factor that actually controls your gaming performance.

CPU Cores vs. Threads: What Do You Actually Need for Gaming?

코어 수가 많다고 해서 FPS가 높아지는 것은 아닙니다. 게임 성능을 좌우하는 숨겨진 한 가지 요소를 알아보세요.

CPU 코어 vs. 스레드: 게임에 실제로 필요한 것은 무엇일까요?

Build Guides                                                    

Your PC is running louder than usual, and your frame rates are dropping. You’ve cleaned the dust filters, checked your fans, but the temperatures are still creeping up. The culprit might be the most overlooked component in your build: 

Many users install their CPU cooler once and forget about it for years. However, thermal compound is not permanent. It degrades, dries out, and loses its effectiveness over time.

The Golden Rule: How Long Does Thermal Paste Actually Last?

There is no single expiration date for thermal paste, but there is a general consensus among hardware experts and manufacturers.

Cheaper silicon-based compounds tend to dry out ("cure") faster, leading to cracks and air gaps. Premium compounds often use higher-quality suspensions that stay liquid longer.

However, if you are a heavy user who pushes your PC to its limits (video editing, 4K gaming, AI rendering) daily, the heat cycles will degrade the paste faster than a PC used only for web browsing.

5 Signs Your PC Needs New Thermal Paste Immediately

Your PC will tell you when it’s suffering. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to grab a tube of paste:

If your CPU sits at 50°C+ while doing nothing (and it used to be 35°C), the heat transfer is failing.

Are your fans ramping up to 100% speed just by opening a web browser? This suggests the cooler is struggling to pull heat away from the chip.

If your game suddenly lags or stutters after 30 minutes of play, your CPU/GPU might be slowing itself down to prevent damage.

Sudden shutdowns during intensive tasks are a major red flag.

If you remove your cooler for any reason, 

 replace the paste. Never reuse old paste.

CPU vs. GPU: Why Repasting a Graphics Card is Different

 is a standard maintenance task. It's low risk and easy to do.

In many regions, unscrewing your graphics card backplate may void the manufacturer's warranty.

GPUs often require dealing with delicate thermal pads for VRAM and VRMs in addition to the paste for the core.

Unlike CPUs, which have an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), GPU dies are exposed. One mistake in mounting pressure can crack the chip.

Repaste your CPU as regular maintenance. Only repaste your GPU if temperatures are critically high and the warranty has expired.

Why Does Thermal Paste Degrade? (The Pump-Out Effect)

Why doesn't it last forever? Two main reasons:

The solvents in the paste evaporate over time, turning the smooth liquid into a chalky, cracked solid that cannot transfer heat efficiently.

As your CPU/GPU heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. Over thousands of these heating/cooling cycles, the thermal paste is physically "pumped out" from the center of the chip towards the edges, leaving the hottest part of the processor with little coverage.

(Dried out thermal paste on CPU. Resource: 

Quick Guide: How to Remove and Apply Thermal Paste Correctly

Ready to refresh your PC? Follow these simple steps for the best results:

Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) to completely wipe away the old, crusty paste from both the CPU and the cooler cold plate.

 in the center of the CPU is the most foolproof method for most standard processors.

Tighten your cooler screws in a cross pattern (X pattern) to ensure the paste spreads evenly.

Thermal paste is cheap, but it plays a critical role in the longevity of your expensive hardware. By replacing it every 

, you ensure your PC runs quieter, cooler, and faster. Don't let a $5 dried-up paste ruin your $500 CPU!





Your PC is running louder than usual, and your frame rates are dropping. You’ve cleaned the dust filters, checked your fans, but the temperatures are still creeping up. The culprit might be the most overlooked component in your build: Thermal Paste. 



Many users install their CPU cooler once and forget about it for years. However, thermal compound is not permanent. It degrades, dries out, and loses its effectiveness over time.



The Golden Rule: How Long Does Thermal Paste Actually Last?

There is no single expiration date for thermal paste, but there is a general consensus among hardware experts and manufacturers.





Standard Thermal Paste: Every 2 to 3 years.



High-Performance / Premium Paste: Every 3 to 5 years.



Factory-Applied Paste (Pre-built PCs/Laptops): Often lower quality, recommended to replace after 2 years.

Why the difference? 

Cheaper silicon-based compounds tend to dry out ("cure") faster, leading to cracks and air gaps. Premium compounds often use higher-quality suspensions that stay liquid longer.

However, if you are a heavy user who pushes your PC to its limits (video editing, 4K gaming, AI rendering) daily, the heat cycles will degrade the paste faster than a PC used only for web browsing.







5 Signs Your PC Needs New Thermal Paste Immediately

Your PC will tell you when it’s suffering. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to grab a tube of paste:



Rising Idle Temperatures

If your CPU sits at 50°C+ while doing nothing (and it used to be 35°C), the heat transfer is failing.



Sudden Fan Noise

Are your fans ramping up to 100% speed just by opening a web browser? This suggests the cooler is struggling to pull heat away from the chip.



Thermal Throttling

If your game suddenly lags or stutters after 30 minutes of play, your CPU/GPU might be slowing itself down to prevent damage.



System Crashes

Sudden shutdowns during intensive tasks are a major red flag.



Visual Inspection

If you remove your cooler for any reason, always replace the paste. Never reuse old paste.







CPU vs. GPU: Why Repasting a Graphics Card is Different

Replacing thermal paste on a CPU is a standard maintenance task. It's low risk and easy to do.

However, repasting a GPU is a different beast:



Warranty Risks

In many regions, unscrewing your graphics card backplate may void the manufacturer's warranty.



Complexity

GPUs often require dealing with delicate thermal pads for VRAM and VRMs in addition to the paste for the core.



Direct Die Contact

Unlike CPUs, which have an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), GPU dies are exposed. One mistake in mounting pressure can crack the chip.



Our Advice

Repaste your CPU as regular maintenance. Only repaste your GPU if temperatures are critically high and the warranty has expired.







Why Does Thermal Paste Degrade? (The Pump-Out Effect)

Why doesn't it last forever? Two main reasons:



Drying Out

The solvents in the paste evaporate over time, turning the smooth liquid into a chalky, cracked solid that cannot transfer heat efficiently.



The Pump-Out Effect

As your CPU/GPU heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. Over thousands of these heating/cooling cycles, the thermal paste is physically "pumped out" from the center of the chip towards the edges, leaving the hottest part of the processor with little coverage.





(Dried out thermal paste on CPU. Resource: CPU Ninja)



Quick Guide: How to Remove and Apply Thermal Paste Correctly

Ready to refresh your PC? Follow these simple steps for the best results:



Clean the Old Paste

Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) to completely wipe away the old, crusty paste from both the CPU and the cooler cold plate.







Apply the Right Amount

You don't need much. A pea-sized dot in the center of the CPU is the most foolproof method for most standard processors.







Mount Pressure

Tighten your cooler screws in a cross pattern (X pattern) to ensure the paste spreads evenly.





(darkFlash DN360D Liquid CPU Cooler)



Pro Tip: 

Even the best CPU Cooler or AIO Liquid Cooler cannot perform well if the thermal paste is dry.



Conclusion

Thermal paste is cheap, but it plays a critical role in the longevity of your expensive hardware. By replacing it every 2 to 3 years, you ensure your PC runs quieter, cooler, and faster. Don't let a $5 dried-up paste ruin your $500 CPU!





(darkFlash DN360D Liquid CPU Cooler)

If your PC is running hotter or louder than usual, it might be time to replace your thermal paste.

How Often Should You Replace Thermal Paste? The Ultimate Guide for CPUs and GPUs

빌드 가이드

PC의 온도가 평소보다 높거나 소음이 심하다면 써멀 페이스트를 교체해야 할 때일 수 있습니다.

써멀 페이스트는 얼마나 자주 교체해야 할까요? CPU와 GPU를 위한 완벽 가이드

Tech News                                                       

Over the past year, the memory market has seen an unexpected twist: DDR4, once considered an “outdated” standard, has experienced a dramatic price surge and regained attention from both consumers and industry players. 

While DDR5 was expected to completely dominate by now, DDR4 is proving to be far from obsolete. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind DDR4’s surprising comeback and what it means for PC users and the industry.

Leading memory manufacturers like Samsung, Micron, and SK hynix have gradually reduced DDR4 production capacity, shifting resources toward DDR5 and advanced technologies like HBM. As supply tightens, DDR4 modules have become scarcer, driving prices upward.

ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), which once pushed DDR4 prices down by adding extra supply, has also shifted focus to DDR5 in 2025. With fewer manufacturers supporting DDR4, the market balance has swung from oversupply to shortage.

When buyers fear future shortages, they tend to stock up early. PC builders, distributors, and even end-users have been buying DDR4 aggressively, adding further pressure on limited supply.

In a rare twist, DDR4 has in some cases become more expensive than DDR5. Reports have shown DDR4 chips trading at higher prices per gigabyte compared to DDR5, a clear sign of supply-demand imbalance rather than technical merit.

Millions of systems worldwide still rely on DDR4 platforms. For many users, replacing an entire CPU and motherboard just to switch to DDR5 isn’t cost-effective, making DDR4 upgrades the logical choice.

While DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and future scalability, DDR4 remains more than capable for everyday workloads, gaming, and office use. For many, the performance difference isn’t worth the cost of a full platform upgrade.

Upgrading to DDR5 means investing in a new motherboard and often a new CPU. Sticking with DDR4 is a simpler, cheaper upgrade path.

Many DDR4 kits still come with advanced heat spreaders, RGB lighting, and sleek designs, offering strong appeal to gamers and PC builders focused on aesthetics as much as performance.

The DDR4 revival is not simply nostalgia — it’s the result of shrinking supply, platform compatibility, and short-term market behavior. While DDR5 remains the future of memory, DDR4 continues to prove its relevance in 2025.

For PC users, this moment highlights the importance of timing upgrades carefully. DDR4 still offers strong value and compatibility today, but its long-term availability is uncertain. In the fast-moving world of PC hardware, sometimes yesterday’s standard still has a surprising role to play.





Over the past year, the memory market has seen an unexpected twist: DDR4, once considered an “outdated” standard, has experienced a dramatic price surge and regained attention from both consumers and industry players. 

While DDR5 was expected to completely dominate by now, DDR4 is proving to be far from obsolete. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind DDR4’s surprising comeback and what it means for PC users and the industry.



Why Are DDR4 Prices Rising?



(DRAM Avg. Spot Price – Chart credit: TrendForce on X)



Shrinking Supply

Leading memory manufacturers like Samsung, Micron, and SK hynix have gradually reduced DDR4 production capacity, shifting resources toward DDR5 and advanced technologies like HBM. As supply tightens, DDR4 modules have become scarcer, driving prices upward.



Chinese Manufacturer Transition

ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), which once pushed DDR4 prices down by adding extra supply, has also shifted focus to DDR5 in 2025. With fewer manufacturers supporting DDR4, the market balance has swung from oversupply to shortage.



Stockpiling and Panic Buying

When buyers fear future shortages, they tend to stock up early. PC builders, distributors, and even end-users have been buying DDR4 aggressively, adding further pressure on limited supply.



Price Inversion

In a rare twist, DDR4 has in some cases become more expensive than DDR5. Reports have shown DDR4 chips trading at higher prices per gigabyte compared to DDR5, a clear sign of supply-demand imbalance rather than technical merit.



Why Is DDR4 Still Popular?





Massive Installed Base

Millions of systems worldwide still rely on DDR4 platforms. For many users, replacing an entire CPU and motherboard just to switch to DDR5 isn’t cost-effective, making DDR4 upgrades the logical choice.



Good Enough Performance

While DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and future scalability, DDR4 remains more than capable for everyday workloads, gaming, and office use. For many, the performance difference isn’t worth the cost of a full platform upgrade.



Compatibility and Cost Barriers

Upgrading to DDR5 means investing in a new motherboard and often a new CPU. Sticking with DDR4 is a simpler, cheaper upgrade path.



Market Perception and Aesthetics

Many DDR4 kits still come with advanced heat spreaders, RGB lighting, and sleek designs, offering strong appeal to gamers and PC builders focused on aesthetics as much as performance.



Risks and Future Outlook









Uncertain Longevity: If DDR5 production continues to ramp up and prices fall, DDR4 could quickly lose its renewed momentum.



Volatile Prices: With fewer manufacturers producing DDR4, supply fluctuations could lead to unstable pricing.



Short-Term Popularity: The current surge may be temporary, driven by stockpiling and panic buying rather than sustainable long-term demand.



Conclusion

The DDR4 revival is not simply nostalgia — it’s the result of shrinking supply, platform compatibility, and short-term market behavior. While DDR5 remains the future of memory, DDR4 continues to prove its relevance in 2025.



For PC users, this moment highlights the importance of timing upgrades carefully. DDR4 still offers strong value and compatibility today, but its long-term availability is uncertain. In the fast-moving world of PC hardware, sometimes yesterday’s standard still has a surprising role to play.

This article explores the supply cuts, market shifts, and user demand that fueled DDR4's comeback.

DDR4's Comeback: Why Prices Are Surging and Popularity Is Rising Again

기술 뉴스

이 글에서는 DDR4의 부활을 이끈 공급 감소, 시장 변화 및 사용자 수요에 대해 살펴봅니다.

DDR4의 부활: 가격 급등과 인기 재상승의 이유

현대 게임과 컴퓨터 DIY에 열정을 가진 다크플래시는 PC 케이스, CPU 쿨러, 케이스 팬, 심지어 게이밍 의자와 테이블까지 직접 조립하고 사용하며 최고급 사양의 뛰어난 제품을 개발하는 데 끊임없이 노력해 온 것을 자랑스럽게 생각합니다.

저희의 목표는 모든 사용자가 만족할 수 있는 최고의 제품을 만드는 것입니다.

다크플래시

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.