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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Gears of War: E-Day showed substantial CPU use and meaningful CPU scaling in Tom’s Hardware’s test of 25 processors—but that result applies to a specific benchmark setup, not to Unreal Engine 5 games as a whole. The FPS Review’s October 3, 2026 Weekender also surveys ten other hardware and game-performance reviews, from an RTX 5070 and a new Ryzen X3D CPU to OLED monitors, coolers, storage, and The Witcher 3.
Does Gears of War: E-Day use more CPU cores?
In Tom’s Hardware’s test, it made substantial use of the CPU and showed a large performance gap between some processors. Tom’s Hardware tested 25 processors with an RTX 5090 Founders Edition at 1080p on the High preset, and reported CPU utilization of roughly 80–90% during gameplay. Its Ryzen 7 9800X3D averaged 168.7 frames per second, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D averaged 153.8 FPS. The 9800X3D was 42% ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X in that comparison.
Those numbers are evidence of CPU sensitivity in that configuration—not proof that every game built on Unreal Engine 5 needs a high-core-count processor. Nor do they isolate core count as the only cause: the processors differ in more than core count, and the test does not establish a universal buying threshold. The independent summary from Hardware Busters also attributes the result to Tom’s Hardware rather than reporting a separate benchmark.
Why the CPU gap changes with settings
Most non-X3D chips in Tom’s Hardware’s 1080p High comparison clustered near 150 FPS. The spread narrowed when the graphics load became more demanding: on the Ludicrous preset, the 9800X3D led the Ryzen 5 9600X by 6.8%. At 1440p, the RTX 5090 itself constrained results to around 130 FPS, reducing the headroom for CPU differences to show up.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
This is why a CPU result cannot be separated from resolution, graphics preset, GPU, game build, and upscaling settings. A fast graphics card at 1080p can expose processor differences that may matter less at a higher resolution or more demanding preset. The available results do not establish how often other Unreal Engine 5 games behave this way.
What the result means for choosing a CPU
If you are comparing processors for E-Day, treat the 9800X3D result as a strong result in Tom’s Hardware’s stated test, not as a recommendation that everyone should upgrade to that model. Compare CPUs using the same GPU, resolution, preset, game build, and upscaler; look at average FPS and 1% lows alongside CPU price and power. A CPU that is close to the top in one 1080p test may offer less visible benefit in a GPU-limited setup.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Should you turn on Low Core Mode?
Not as a general performance tweak on a typical desktop. Tom’s Hardware found that Low Core Mode reduced performance on tested processors with more than two cores, by as much as nearly 32% in its test set.
The exception was a deliberately constrained setup: Tom’s Hardware disabled two of the four cores in an Intel Core i3-14100 test. In that case, Low Core Mode helped with texture streaming and long pauses, but the restricted system remained much slower overall. The explanation that the mode offers a lighter asset-streaming path is a proposed interpretation, not a confirmed statement from the game’s developers.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a normal multi-core system, judge the mode by measured results on your own setup rather than assuming that fewer active cores improve performance. The special low-core result addresses streaming behavior under severe restrictions; it does not support recommending the option to six-core-or-better desktops generally.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else is in The FPS Review Weekender?
The October 3 roundup spans graphics cards, processors, displays, storage, cooling, cases, peripherals, and game performance. These are summaries of work by the named reviewers, not tests independently rerun by The FPS Review for the roundup. Their findings are useful starting points, but comparisons should stay tied to each outlet’s methods and tested configurations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
| Review | What the roundup highlights | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS T1 GeForce RTX 5070 OC Edition | A limited-edition League of Legends-themed card with a factory overclock and reported cooling advantage over a reference RTX 5070. | Price and Radeon alternatives; compare average FPS and 1% lows in the games and settings you use. |
| AMD Ryzen 7 7700X3D | The FPS Review and HotHardware report roughly 8% higher average gaming performance than the 7700X, a small gap behind the 7800X3D, and substantially lower power in the cited comparison. The roundup also notes weaker non-gaming results than the plain 7700. | Whether the gaming gain and power trade-off suit your workload; do not assume gaming results predict productivity performance. |
| Budget 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED monitors | Monitors Unboxed tested 11 models, comparing coating, subpixel layout, SDR and HDR brightness, calibration, motion, ports, and design. | Panel behavior and connectivity, not just resolution and refresh rate. The roundup does not name a single best monitor for every use. |
| TeamGroup NV10000 PCIe 5.0 SSD | The Overclocking Page’s review, as summarized in the Weekender, emphasizes efficiency, heat, and power draw. It reports a 67°C peak without a heatsink against an 80°C throttle limit. | Price, cooling, and the sustained workload you expect; that temperature is specific to the cited review’s test. |
| MSI MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 | KitGuru’s review summary describes strong, though not class-leading, cooling and a curved AMOLED display as the main differentiator; the price approaches $400. | Whether the display is worth the premium compared with cooling-focused alternatives. |
| Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and ARGB | Igor’s Lab tested both versions. The Weekender reports essentially matched results: about 28 K above ambient at 100 W and about 69 K at 200 W, at 40 dB(A). | Compare temperature at matched noise and price. The roundup presents these as substantially cheaper alternatives to a screen-equipped AIO. |
| SilverStone FLP03 | A retro-styled micro-ATX/Mini-ITX case with included fans, top-mounted 360 mm radiator support, and a removable or movable front dashboard. | Check motherboard, radiator, and component clearances against your build before choosing a case. |
| Pulsar Feinmann F01 Noctua Edition | A mouse with an integrated fan; the summary considers its cooling, materials, and polling features alongside weight, comfort, battery, and price. | Hand fit and comfort as well as specifications. The roundup does not establish that the fan suits every player. |
| The Witcher 3 Remastered PC performance | The Weekender summarizes TechSpot, DSOGaming, and Hardware Unboxed coverage of unusual scaling, path-tracing trade-offs, driver issues, and pressure on 8 GB graphics cards. | Performance may hinge on drivers, ray tracing, and VRAM capacity; retain the original outlet’s settings and test context when comparing results. |
| noblechairs HERO Black | Hardware Asylum’s tested model is discussed for build quality, firm and flat seating, fit for taller users, and its stated weight rating. | Chair dimensions and firmness are personal fit questions; check the tested model’s rating and dimensions before purchase. |
How to use this roundup when comparing hardware
- For a CPU: Match the game settings and GPU first, then compare average FPS, 1% lows, power, and the cost of the processor. The E-Day result is most revealing at 1080p High with an RTX 5090, and less predictive when the GPU is the bottleneck.
- For a graphics card: Compare frame rates and 1% lows at your resolution and settings, then weigh price. In the Weekender’s summary of coverage testing 43 cards at Tom’s Hardware and 35 at TechPowerUp, RTX 50-series cards slightly led average FPS while Radeon RX 9000 cards delivered better 1% lows.
- For a monitor: Look beyond QD-OLED branding to brightness, coating, subpixel layout, motion handling, calibration, and ports—the dimensions covered in Monitors Unboxed’ 11-model comparison.
- For storage or cooling: Consider heat and power alongside peak performance, and compare coolers at similar noise levels. A peak temperature or a result at a specific sound level should not be treated as a universal outcome.
- For a case, mouse, or chair: Prioritize fit: clearances for a case, comfort and battery for a mouse, and dimensions and firmness for a chair.
- For a demanding game: Treat driver behavior, ray tracing, and VRAM as separate variables. The Witcher 3 coverage summarized here shows why a single FPS number can conceal important trade-offs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
