A free tool with a bit of a strange name will let you know what's using the GPU on your PC. Microsoft engineer Scott Hanselman created gputaskman to show more details than Windows 11's built-in tools.Task Manager can show per-process GPU usage and memory consumption, but it provides limited insight into exactly how applications are using GPU resources. You can see more information in the Details tab, but that still fails to paint a full picture.The gputaskman ap
A free tool with a bit of a strange name will let you know what's using the GPU on your PC. Microsoft engineer Scott Hanselman created gputaskman to show more details than Windows 11's built-in tools.
Task Manager can show per-process GPU usage and memory consumption, but it provides limited insight into exactly how applications are using GPU resources. You can see more information in the Details tab, but that still fails to paint a full picture.
The gputaskman app shows information for individual processes, such as GPU usage and VRAM consumption. Rather than simply showing that GPU memory is in use, gputaskman can help pinpoint whether that memory is being consumed by an AI model, a web browser, desktop rendering, or another process.
It can also identify local AI workloads and display details about running LLMs, including information about model memory usage and related GPU resources. The app displays GPU temperature as well.
Scott Hanselman's gputaskman utility shows per-process GPU activity, VRAM usage, and local AI model information. (Image credit: Scott Hanselman)
Hanselman explained the app's purpose on the gputaskman GitHub page:
"Task Manager says '15 GB used.' This tries to answer: by what? Model weights? KV cache? Your browser? The desktop compositor? And why is so much GPU memory in system RAM?"
The app is still in the early stages of development. Hanselman has invited people on X to create pull requests. Right now, gputaskman supports Windows PCs with AMD or NVIDIA GPUs. Hanselman said in a follow-up post that the goal is to work on the Surface Laptop Ultra and other RTX Spark and Windows on Arm devices.
Microsoft's recently announced Hybrid intelligence initiative combines on-device AI processing with cloud-based AI services. As more AI tasks run locally on PCs, users may want better visibility into how those workloads affect GPU memory and performance. Tools such as gputaskman provide a detailed look at which processes, models, and applications are consuming GPU resources.
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With AI continuing to jack up the prices of crucial motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and other components for PC gamers, many are left hoping Black Friday's price cuts can offer them a much-needed reprieve.However, some retailers aren't waiting for that. Newegg is offering PC users massive discounts on PC bundles that feature high-end AMD processors, DDR5 RAM, and compatible motherboards to help satisfy your high-end gaming needs at lower prices.Ryzen 5 9600X, GIGABYTE B
With AI continuing to jack up the prices of crucial motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and other components for PC gamers, many are left hoping Black Friday's price cuts can offer them a much-needed reprieve.
However, some retailers aren't waiting for that. Newegg is offering PC users massive discounts on PC bundles that feature high-end AMD processors, DDR5 RAM, and compatible motherboards to help satisfy your high-end gaming needs at lower prices.
"If you're running older AM4 or LGA1200 hardware, the 9600X offers some of the best performance-per-watt value on a budget, especially if your favorite software suite and games are better optimized for single-core processing." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
This bundle with the entry-level, gaming-focused Ryzen 5 9600X CPU includes 32GB of DDR5 6000 RAM, and a compatible GIGABYTE B850M EAGLE WIFI6E M-ATX Motherboard to fit them all in.View Deal
"Make no mistake: the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best gaming CPU, politely dethroning its predecessor as the new king of the hill as a cache-heavy monster."— Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
These discount deals will run until October 31, 2026, or while stocks last.
Why are these bundles good for gaming?
They're great for gaming, as AMD Ryzen CPUs paired with 32GB DDR5 RAM boost most modern AAA titles while keeping performance stable. Plus, these bundles include future-proof AM5 motherboards, all while saving you money, as many of these components are sold for higher prices when bought separately.
Should I wait until Black Friday for a better deal?
It depends on your wants and needs. Are you looking to upgrade your PC gaming rig to play next-gen AAA PC games at higher performance rates, and you don't want to wait until Black Friday for a better deal? Then use Newegg's discounted bundles.
If you can hold out for bigger discounts and aren't in any hurry to play any intense PC games at the moment, waiting for Black Friday's discounts on November 27, 2026, is also a valid option.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event has officially kicked off, and as usual for these types of events, I've been scouring the web for the best deals on PC components.I'm not talking about fake deals where the original price is inflated just to make it seem like a discount is larger than reality. I've been using CamelCamelCamel to verify pricing history and axing any deals that are only designed to steal your dough.Shop all Amazon Prime Big Deal Days discountsWith
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event has officially kicked off, and as usual for these types of events, I've been scouring the web for the best deals on PC components.
I'm not talking about fake deals where the original price is inflated just to make it seem like a discount is larger than reality. I've been using CamelCamelCamel to verify pricing history and axing any deals that are only designed to steal your dough.
With all that in mind, I've collected 9 great PC component deals ranging from processors and graphics cards to SSD storage, motherboards, and power supplies. If you're building or upgrading a PC in the near future, you don't want to miss these discounts.
Storage doesn't come cheap these days, so a huge 27% off a 1TB Kingston drive shouldn't be ignored. It's not the fastest, but it'll do a great job in a gaming PC.
No. Although Amazon is spearheading the week's deals with its Prime Big Deal Days event, other major retailers like Best Buy and Newegg are also hosting simultaneous sales events.
I've been sure to check all competing retailers for better prices, and I've included price checks to ensure you're not spending more at the store I'm highlighting.
When does Amazon Prime Big Deal Days end?
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days runs from October 6 until October 7, 2026.
How do I avoid fake deals where the retail price is jacked up before the event?
I recommend using CamelCamelCamel to verify Amazon pricing history. This free tool provides a clear look at how pricing for the item in question has changed, providing pertinent information immediately. It's the tool I used to check all of the highlighted deals above.
Do I need a Prime membership for Big Deal Days?
If you're shopping at Amazon this week, you will need a Prime membership in order to access most of the Big Deal Days promotions.
If you haven't registered before, you can grab a 30-day free trial and just cancel after you've shopped for deals.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
I've generally leaned towards all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling for my own custom PC builds for the past decade or so, but air cooling is practically forcing its way back into my habits because it keeps proving its worth via reviews like these. The Cooler Master V8 ACE 3DHP caught my eye mostly because of its "V8 engine" throwback gimmick, but there's a clever secret hiding inside its fins — something that Hyper 212 3DHP cooler owners will recognize.Cooler Master p
I've generally leaned towards all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling for my own custom PC builds for the past decade or so, but air cooling is practically forcing its way back into my habits because it keeps proving its worth via reviews like these. The Cooler Master V8 ACE 3DHP caught my eye mostly because of its "V8 engine" throwback gimmick, but there's a clever secret hiding inside its fins — something that Hyper 212 3DHP cooler owners will recognize.
Cooler Master provided a sample but did not see, nor did it have any input on, the contents of my article before publishing.
How much does the V8 ACE 3DHP cost?
Built separately for AMD and Intel, each base plate has a specific design, but brackets are included for both. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
At the time of writing, the best place to buy the Cooler Master V8 ACE 3DHP designed for AMD (AM4/AM5) processors is Newegg at $119.99, or Amazon for the same price via Newegg Business. I also found it sold above MSRP by third parties at Best Buy, which could be a last resort.
Otherwise, the Intel (LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X) variant isn't listed on the official Cooler Master US store, Newegg, or other third-party stores. For now, availability is skewed towards the AMD side, and though you do get an Intel bracket inside the box, it isn't perfectly optimized for those chips.
Cooler Master V8 ACE 3DHP (AMD) specifications
Component
Spec
Socket support
AMD AM4/AM5 Intel LGA LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X (with included bracket)
Dimensions
138.95 x 136.47 x 167.3mm
Weight
2.57 lbs (1.17 kg)
Fans
120 x 120 x 30mm, 89.6 CFM (front) 120 x 120 x 30mm, 61.0 CFM (rear)
Those aren't the heatpipes on top; it's just a plastic cover, but I dig it.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralIt's tall, wide, and heavy, but surprisingly easy to install.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralA glimpse through the dense fins reveals the extra "3D" heatpipes.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralDespite its AMD-first design, this variant still comes with an Intel bracket.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralI'll never turn my nose up at a free tube of thermal paste.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Before I ever installed this cooler onto a motherboard, I loved the way it looked. It isn't quite as extreme as Cooler Master's V8 GTS from 2013 — which almost resembled an alien motorbike engine — opting for a single-tower setup this time with incredibly dense fins on the heatsink. It's still a chunky air cooler, just like its ancestor, but now it actually looks more like a V8 car engine.
The V8 ACE 3DHP offers separate fine-tuned versions for AMD and Intel, though you still get mounting brackets for both.
Aesthetics aside, the hype centers on the setup of 4x traditional heatpipes plus 2x "3D heatpipes" (3DHP) that run vertically from the base plate through the heatsink. It's all about pulling as much heat away from your chosen CPU as possible, which is why the V8 ACE 3DHP offers separate fine-tuned versions for AMD and Intel, though you still get mounting brackets for both.
Even on an open-air test bench, this is an imposing air cooler.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralNevertheless, I didn't experience any RAM clearance issues.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralThere's no RGB, and I don't see any reason to raise the cost further by including it.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralThis is the part you'll want to show off, so make sure your PC case has a clear side panel.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Installation was a breeze. The V8 ACE 3DHP attaches to the standard AM5 backplate with four thumbscrews, two plates, and four more screws to hold it in place. The fans slide off the heatsink, so I can attach the two threads and tighten everything up. Finally, the fans are reattached and daisy-chained together, connecting to the CPU_FAN header.
Clearance is slim, but it fits cleanly over my RAM and the Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master X3D ICE SSD heatsink, with a slight amount of breathing space over G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB modules. Running an AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on my open-air test bench at around 5.2GHz for 15 minutes kept an average temperature of 81.5°C, peaking at 83.5°C.
They won't slip off without a firm pull, but the heatsink's weight alone can dislodge the fans.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralIt isn't the loudest cooler in the world, but remember, my open setup had plenty of space to breathe.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Being such a chunky cooler with a performance focus, the V8 ACE 3DHP is heavy — around 2.57 lbs (1.17 kg) — and it'll need plenty of cool, strong intake airflow to feed its thick, 30mm PWM fans, which generate at least 55 dBA of noise under load. PC builders tempted by this cooler will surely take its dimensions and clearance considerations into account, but it's still surprisingly big.
The V8 ACE 3DHP is heavy — around 2.57 lbs (1.17 kg) by my estimate — and it'll need plenty of cool, strong intake airflow to feed its thick, 30mm PWM fans.
Because those fans slide into place on rails, you'll also want to be careful when handling this cooler. Although I'd mostly held it by the center section, I had once shifted my grip to one of its fans, which slipped down before I quickly caught it. I think my heart fell further than the cooler physically did, but it was a lesson learned. Nice feature, but be safe handling those detachable fans.
Should you buy the V8 ACE 3DHP?
If you're going all out on a high-end CPU, then the V8 ACE 3DHP could replace the usual AIO liquid setup. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
You should buy this if ...
✅ You want to cool a powerful, high-performance CPU
✅ You're building in a PC case with plenty of airflow
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You're planning a compact gaming PC
The V8 Ace 3DHP is an impressive feat, but it demands a constant source of cool air moving through its thick heatsink. As long as you're planning ahead with a PC case that supports healthy airflow with a proper setup of intake and exhaust fans, then this'll be a great pairing for a higher-end, high-TDP processor.
Push it close to a demanding GPU, and there's a chance you'll see less-than-optimal CPU performance if the ambient temperature inside grows unchecked. However, if you're certain you know what you're doing, it wouldn't be impossible to keep this cooler happy in a miniature case with the right airflow setup.
Cooler Master
V8 Ace 3DHP CPU Air Cooler
Built for AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, Cooler Master includes thermal paste and optional mounting brackets for Intel LGA.
Close‑up of the Cooler Master V8 ACE 3DHP CPU cooler installed inside a test bench, showing its engine‑inspired shroud, curved heat pipes, and fin stack.
Cooler Master's V8 ACE 3DHP CPU is expensive, but I'm impressed nonetheless.
AI continues to wreak havoc on the tech industry, driving up the prices of processors, RAM, motherboards, and more PC hardware so companies can keep up with its hunger for more power (and RAM).Fortunately, Newegg is offering a limited sale on several discounted bundles containing AMD processors we've tested and rated highly for their solid performance, alongside compatible motherboards and 16GB RAM modules to help these CPUs reach their full potential.So, if you'
AI continues to wreak havoc on the tech industry, driving up the prices of processors, RAM, motherboards, and more PC hardware so companies can keep up with its hunger for more power (and RAM).
Fortunately, Newegg is offering a limited sale on several discounted bundles containing AMD processors we've tested and rated highly for their solid performance, alongside compatible motherboards and 16GB RAM modules to help these CPUs reach their full potential.
So, if you're looking to upgrade your PC with some of the best CPUs for gaming or productivity content creation, along with the best motherboards and precious RAM to maintain their stability, this round-up could be your next best solution.
"True to its word, AMD has specifically targeted gamers with this affordable powerhouse, and I expect my upcoming tests only to cement its place in your next rig." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
"In a masterclass of performance-per-watt efficiency, AMD offers incredible single-core performance scores that beat its intended 14600K rival and even challenge the 14700K." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
This bundle contains an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X processor along with a compatible MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E motherboard with fast WiFi 7 wireless connectivity and two 8GB RAM sticks.View Deal
This gaming-focused bundle contains an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, a GIGABYTE B650E EAGLE WF6E motherboard that offers PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E, and two 8GB RAM sticksView Deal
This bundle contains an AMD Ryzen 9 9900X processor with an ASUS TUF GAMING X870E-PLUS WIFI7 motherboard that features two onboard PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots with fast Wi-Fi 7 and two 8GB DDR5 RAM sticks.View Deal
FAQ
How long will these discounts last?
These discount deals will last from July 14, 2026 to July 31, 2026.
Are these AMD processors good for gaming?
Indeed, they are. AMD's Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and Ryzen 5 9600X processors all offer good to exceptional performance for boosting frame rates and smoothness, particularly the -X3D chips.
Which of these processors is good for productivity?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D productivity performance is somewhat underwhelming, while the Ryzen 9600X fares much better with creative apps and solid single-core performance.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D in socket
AI-generated image of an AMD processor with an MSI motherboard and Team Group RAM.
We have found a limited-time sale on the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU, giving keyboard warriors and gamers a chance to significantly improve their PCs' performance for much less.Close-up of an AMD Ryzen 7900X processor in clear packaging, showcasing its metallic surface and circuitry details. The tone is high-tech and sleek.Close-up of an AMD Ryzen 7900X processor in clear packaging, showcasing its metallic surface and circuitry details. The tone is high-tech and sleek.
We have found a limited-time sale on the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU, giving keyboard warriors and gamers a chance to significantly improve their PCs' performance for much less.
Close-up of an AMD Ryzen 7900X processor in clear packaging, showcasing its metallic surface and circuitry details. The tone is high-tech and sleek.
Close-up of an AMD Ryzen 7900X processor in clear packaging, showcasing its metallic surface and circuitry details. The tone is high-tech and sleek.
RAM prices remain out of control, and bad actors are taking advantage of honest buyers with a wide range of scams. Here's how they work and how you can protect yourself next time you buy memory.Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM package stands before vibrant flames, exuding intensity and power. Crucial RAM sticks lie in front, emphasizing tech prowess.Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM package stands before vibrant flames, exuding intensity and power. Crucial RAM sticks lie in front, emphasizing
RAM prices remain out of control, and bad actors are taking advantage of honest buyers with a wide range of scams. Here's how they work and how you can protect yourself next time you buy memory.
Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM package stands before vibrant flames, exuding intensity and power. Crucial RAM sticks lie in front, emphasizing tech prowess.
Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM package stands before vibrant flames, exuding intensity and power. Crucial RAM sticks lie in front, emphasizing tech prowess.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is one of the best gaming processors you can currently upgrade your rig with to optimize your favorite game's performance, and it's enjoying its lowest discount yet for a limited time.AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor held in front of a blue cloudy skyThe AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor in hand.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is one of the best gaming processors you can currently upgrade your rig with to optimize your favorite game's performance, and it's enjoying its lowest discount yet for a limited time.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor held in front of a blue cloudy sky
Intel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs come as a duo of Arrow Lake Refresh processors, and they're refreshingly cheap for creators, with gaming benefits to boot.Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and 270K Plus desktop processors on Intel boxIntel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs come as a duo of Arrow Lake Refresh processors.
Intel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs come as a duo of Arrow Lake Refresh processors, and they're refreshingly cheap for creators, with gaming benefits to boot.
Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and 270K Plus desktop processors on Intel box
Intel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs come as a duo of Arrow Lake Refresh processors.
PC building is in a bad place right now with extortionate price increases and all-around shortages, so when a deal like this pops up on an RTX 5060 Ti it is not to be missed.AI-Generated image of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 60 Ti visuallizedThe RTX 5060 Ti is hard to find without paying a premium, so this isn't a deal to miss.
PC building is in a bad place right now with extortionate price increases and all-around shortages, so when a deal like this pops up on an RTX 5060 Ti it is not to be missed.
AI-Generated image of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 60 Ti visuallized
The RTX 5060 Ti is hard to find without paying a premium, so this isn't a deal to miss.
Western Digital has confirmed it is sold out of hard drives for 2026, with firm purchase orders and long-term agreements driven by AI infrastructure demand. With cloud accounting for 89% of revenue, consumer supply is tightening and HDD prices have surged more than 45% since September 2025.CHINA - 2021/04/24: In this photo illustration the American computer hard disk drive and data storage manufacturer Western Digital (WD) logo is seen on an Android mobile device with the word cancelled on a com
Western Digital has confirmed it is sold out of hard drives for 2026, with firm purchase orders and long-term agreements driven by AI infrastructure demand. With cloud accounting for 89% of revenue, consumer supply is tightening and HDD prices have surged more than 45% since September 2025.
CHINA - 2021/04/24: In this photo illustration the American computer hard disk drive and data storage manufacturer Western Digital (WD) logo is seen on an Android mobile device with the word cancelled on a computer screen. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
CHINA - 2021/04/24: In this photo illustration the American computer hard disk drive and data storage manufacturer Western Digital (WD) logo is seen on an Android mobile device with the word cancelled on a computer screen. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Amazon has acquired a special 34% discount for the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, making one of the most affordable and power-efficient CPUs for PCs with RTX 4080 graphics cheaper than ever.AMD Ryzen 5 9600X processor held in hand
Amazon has acquired a special 34% discount for the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, making one of the most affordable and power-efficient CPUs for PCs with RTX 4080 graphics cheaper than ever.
Amazon is hosting a special 14% discount for the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a mighty mid-range CPU that will castly your PC gaming experience with 8 cores, 16 threads, a max clock boost of 5GHz, and more.AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D close up
Amazon is hosting a special 14% discount for the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a mighty mid-range CPU that will castly your PC gaming experience with 8 cores, 16 threads, a max clock boost of 5GHz, and more.
8BitDo’s Retro 87 Xbox mechanical keyboard is down to $84 on Amazon, offering nostalgic design, wireless flexibility, and matching accessories for fans of the classic 2001 Xbox era.Windows Central deals 8bitdo xbox keyboard
8BitDo’s Retro 87 Xbox mechanical keyboard is down to $84 on Amazon, offering nostalgic design, wireless flexibility, and matching accessories for fans of the classic 2001 Xbox era.
AMD has listed a Ryzen 5 9600X3D CPU in official documentation for the first time, suggesting that it could have a new budget champion headed our way in 2025.In-hand view of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
AMD has listed a Ryzen 5 9600X3D CPU in official documentation for the first time, suggesting that it could have a new budget champion headed our way in 2025.
Qualcomm's next-gen Snapdragon X chips are on the way. However, it doesn't look like we'll get an unveil until October 2025, pointing to a 2026 launch.Qualcomm 'Snapdragon X2'
Qualcomm's next-gen Snapdragon X chips are on the way. However, it doesn't look like we'll get an unveil until October 2025, pointing to a 2026 launch.
AMD's Ryzen 9 7900X is one of Team Red's most powerful CPUs for gaming and work, and it's now down to $325 today only. A 1TB SSD is included for free.AMD Ryzen 9 7900X Memorial Day deal
A new leak points to an RTX 5060 launch on May 19, but the leak also points to the review embargo lifting the same day. Does that raise alarms for anyone else?NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti GPUs
A new leak points to an RTX 5060 launch on May 19, but the leak also points to the review embargo lifting the same day. Does that raise alarms for anyone else?
AMD could be prepping an RX 9060 XT announcement at Computex, with launch to follow in early June. Here's what you need to know about leaks and rumors so far.View of an AMD Radeon graphics card.
AMD could be prepping an RX 9060 XT announcement at Computex, with launch to follow in early June. Here's what you need to know about leaks and rumors so far.
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