PC Games Hardware’s Sept 2026 Issue #311: Radeon History, Lab Tests, Steam Key

PC Games Hardware has announced its September 2026 issue (issue #311 / 09/2026), packed with large-scale hardware testing, a first part of a Radeon history series, multiple lab comparisons, and a DVD bonus that includes a Steam key for Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All 2. The publication date is set for a digital release on July 31, with the print edition arriving at retail on August 7.

Issue #311 highlights: what to expect

• GPU power draw, massively compared: an XXL comparison of roughly 800 measurements across 500 graphics cards, covering the change in consumption since 2009.
• Radeon/ATI history (Part 1): a timeline focused on ATI from 1985 to 2010, including notable GPU eras and the origin of the ATI name, plus when the ATI brand ended.
• Six CPU liquid coolers tested: a head-to-head comparison for AM5 using a Ryzen 9 9950X test platform with 200W PPT.
• DDR5 EXPO ULL performance check: testing AMD EXPO Ultra Low Latency kits to see real-world gains and whether the price premium is justified.
• Ryzen 7 5800X3D upgrade guide: a practical look at when an AM4 jump still makes sense and how it compares against older Ryzen chips and select Intel options.
• Projector versus monitor: six beamer models compared for image quality, setup demands, gaming performance, and noise levels.
• Gaming chair ergonomics: three chairs tested, with special focus on synchronized mechanism features and long-session adjustability.
• Valve’s Steam Machine tested: a performance and usability evaluation across multiple resolutions, including a comparison against a self-built Linux PC.
• TMR keyboard investigation: four keyboards evaluated to see how TMR sensing stacks up against Hall-effect and mechanical designs.
• Asus UEFI guide (2026 update): a refreshed walkthrough of key firmware settings for the 2026 motherboard generation, including the Essential Mode.
• Extra topics: RadeonTuner features (including Multi Frame Generation-related experiments), RTX 5000 hotspot temperature reading, Core Ultra 400 scheduling up to 52 cores, early PS5 emulator activity, commentary about the Samsung SSD 990, and Proton-related notes involving CachyOS and FSR 4.1.1.

Release dates and pricing

• Digital availability: July 31, 2026.
• Print availability at kiosks: August 7, 2026 (subscribers receive access earlier).
• Digital version price: 6.50 euros.
• Print magazine price: 7.50 euros (from August 7).
• DVD-version price: 8.99 euros (from August 7).

GPU power “from 20 to 600 watts”: the Stromverbrauch special

The issue includes a large-scale power consumption study tracing how GPU energy use has evolved since 2009. The comparison is based on around 800 measurements covering 500 graphics card models, spanning from entry-level efficiency to a high-power reference above 600 watts. The coverage also explains TGP and TBP concepts, the measurement approach, and the resulting electricity cost considerations.

Radeon history, Part 1: ATI from 1985 to 2010

As the first entry in a Radeon history series, the issue walks through ATI’s development from 1985 to 2010. The focus includes landmark GPU product lines such as Wonder and Rage-era cards, Radeon 9700 Pro, HD 4870, and HD 5870, along with how the ATI name originated and how the ATI brand ultimately ended.

How the AM5 liquid cooler test is set up (and what’s included)

For its cooler comparison, PC Games Hardware uses a Ryzen 9 9950X platform with 200W PPT. The evaluation covers cooling performance, flow characteristics, mounting, and included features—ranging from mainstream options to the significantly more expensive Delta Mate MPII.

• Test platform: Ryzen 9 9950X, 200W PPT
• Coolers compared (six total):
  • Alphacool Apex 1 CPU Block
  • Asus ROG Ryujin III WB
  • Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos Next
  • Thermal Grizzly Delta Mate MPII
  • Watercool Heatkiller IV Pro
  • Watercool Heatkiller V Ultra

EXPO Ultra Low Latency: what gets tested

AMD’s EXPO Ultra Low Latency (ULL) is presented as a way to improve memory performance on Ryzen 7000 and 9000. The issue tests new DDR5 kits using a Ryzen 5 9600X and an RTX 5090 across twelve games to determine what the ULL profile actually delivers—and whether the added cost is worthwhile.

Ryzen 7 5800X3D: when the AM4 upgrade still pays off

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is described as being back, priced around 360 euros, and the issue’s comparison uses 16 games to evaluate it against both older Ryzen chips and select Intel Core i5 configurations. The goal is to identify when the extra L3 cache continues to matter and to map which AM4 users benefit most from upgrading now.

• Upgrade CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (around 360 euros)
• Games tested: 16
• Direct comparison chips:
  • AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7500F
  • Intel Core i5-14400F

Projectors for gaming and co-op couch sessions: six-beamer comparison

Instead of a typical monitor round-up, the issue compares six projectors ranging from a portable mini-beamer up to a bright 4K model claiming 240 Hz. The comparison looks at picture quality, placement requirements, gaming performance, and noise levels, and also considers which models make more sense for large-screen gaming, movie nights, and local co-op.

• Projectors tested (six total):
  • Dangbei Freedo
  • Dangbei DBOX02 Mars Pro 2
  • Dangbei N3 Max
  • LG Cinebeam S
  • LG Cinebeam Q
  • Soundcore Nebula P1

Gaming chairs: synchronized mechanisms put to the test

The chair evaluation pairs three ergonomic office chairs with different seating concepts. The focus is on synchronized mechanisms, adjustable seat depth, and moving lumbar support intended to improve comfort during long sessions. The test also considers whether pricing from just under 500 euros to roughly 1,000 euros matches what the features actually deliver.

• Chairs tested (three total):
  • Flexispot Apollo
  • Noblechairs Aura TX
  • Secretlab Atlas Black3 L

Steam Machine tested: Phoenix 2 + Navi 33 with SteamOS

The Steam Machine review centers on a compact living-room PC concept built around SteamOS, with a Phoenix-2 CPU and a Navi-33 GPU paired with 8 GiB of graphics memory. The review checks performance in Full HD, WQHD, and Ultra HD, along with noise and handling. It also measures how the Steam Machine stacks up against a custom-built Linux PC.

TMR keyboards: how they compare to Hall-effect and mechanical

TMR sensing is positioned as a way to capture key travel precisely and efficiently. Four keyboards priced between 120 and 220 euros are tested, with the comparison weighing sensing technology alongside software behavior, layout, feel, and overall features. The goal is to determine whether TMR’s strengths translate into better real-world results than Hall-effect or mechanical switches.

• Keyboards tested (four total):
  • Cherry XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless
  • Gamakay TK75 TMR
  • Keychron K10 HE
  • Logitech G512 X 98 TMR

Asus UEFI 2026 guide: Essential Mode and key tuning options

The updated Asus UEFI guide covers motherboard firmware for the 2026 generation and introduces Essential Mode, designed to make important tuning settings easier to access. It walks through configurations including DOCP, FCLK, PBO, Rebar, Secure Boot, fan control, and RAM timing—highlighting which options are considered useful and which settings you should avoid.

DVD bonus: Steam key for Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All 2

The DVD content for the 09/2026 issue includes a Steam key for Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All 2. The game is described as a classic 2D beat ’em up featuring the two Gallic heroes fighting Roman groups and other enemies. The story is based on the stolen Eagle of Lutetia and includes locations such as forest ruins, a large Roman camp, and the streets of Lutetia.

How to redeem the Steam key (code card to Steam)

1. Enter the game magazine code found on the code card (pages 66/67) into the code conversion page at www.pcgh.de/codes.
2. Use the resulting discount code at Gamesplanet.
3. Receive the Steam code from Gamesplanet and redeem it on Steam.

• Steam key expiry: the code is stated to expire after roughly 6–7 months due to legal and/or technical reasons.
• Provided end date for this version: 31.12.2026.
• Reason no key is printed in the magazine: legal constraints prevent printing the installation key directly in the issue.

Game info included with the DVD offer

• Genre: Action
• Publisher: Microids
• Release date: November 17, 2023
• USK rating: age 6 and up
• Modes: single-player character switching; local co-op campaign for two players

Where to get PC Games Hardware #311

• App: PCGH offers an app version for iOS and Android, with the ability to download single issues, subscribe, and view reading samples.
• Other retail formats: the issue is also listed as available via Amazon.de, and it can be ordered directly as a print edition or E-paper.
• Scheduling: the digital early access follows the last Friday of the month pattern, with the print edition arriving about a week later on the first Friday of the next month (excluding holidays).