GPU Market Heats Up With Windows K2, RTX 5070 12GB, and Lewante

The way people play PC games is about to change again. Microsoft is getting ready to make Windows better, Nvidia releases a new RTX 5070 with more VRAM, and a new graphics card maker is making progress in its goal to become a big player. The GPU market, games, and laptop users could all be affected by these changes in big ways. 

Windows will soon be a lot better for gaming. Many users have been left underwhelmed by the last few years of bloat, artificial intelligence that many ignored, and the migration of many users to Linux, but Microsoft is now putting speed first. Windows Central recently reported that Microsoft is working on a large project, Windows K2. This is not Windows 12. It is a major initiative to make Windows as fast as possible.

One of the key targets is gaming. Microsoft is reportedly making its gaming platform as fast as SteamOS. We've previously written that SteamOS posed a big threat to Windows gaming, and Microsoft evidently feels the same. Microsoft is taking steps to ensure that games run as fast on Windows as they do on SteamOS.

Windows Updates and File Explorer Are Getting Better

Windows K2 isn't just for games. Big changes are afoot for File Explorer. The main objective is allegedly instant search for file names, with third-party software such as File Pilot as a benchmark.

Windows Update is also getting a makeover. Microsoft's aim is to minimize the need for restarts, ideally to once a month or less. The process will be quicker and less intrusive. Microsoft is also working on reducing bloatware, memory consumption, and the overall size of the operating system.

A Speedy Start Menu and Improved Taskbar Options

Microsoft is also introducing several user interface changes. Customizable taskbar placement and sizing is set to return, which is a common user request. The Start menu will be completely overhauled using WinUI 3. It is rumored to be 60% faster than the existing one. The overall responsiveness of the Windows UI should also increase.

Microsoft has known about the problems for years, and it seems it is finally doing something about them. NVIDIA has just released a new laptop GPU model with increased VRAM. GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU is now available in a 12GB variant, in addition to the original 8GB model.

NVIDIA stated that demand for GeForce RTX GPUs remains strong, but memory is tight. To increase memory capacity, NVIDIA is now offering this configuration with 3GB of memory. The new GPU maintains the 128-bit memory bus. It replaces the four 2GB modules with four 3GB modules, enabling Nvidia to bump the VRAM while maintaining the memory bus.

The Price Premium Is Significant

With all the extra VRAM comes a price. Modular laptop maker Framework has already put the new RTX 5070 graphics module on pre-sale. The 8GB module costs $699, while the new 12GB module costs $1199.

That is a 72% increase over the same GPU with an additional VRAM. You might like more memory, but the cost is hard to swallow. But it's good to have more VRAM choices. A new GPU company, Lewante, is gearing up to release gaming GPUs. It has already announced that its products will be launched on June 18.

The company will release the Lewan Extreme LX7G106 gaming GPU, which includes 12GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus. It features PCIe 4.0 x6, 192 TMUs, 96 ROPs, and a 225W TDP with a single 8-pin power connector. Lewante claims it's on par with the NVIDIA RTX 4060. That could mean it's a good option for gaming.

WHQL Certification Changes Everything

Lewante has just hit a big milestone. It has officially been certified by Microsoft as WHQL, making it the first Chinese GPU maker to achieve this certification. This certification matters. Microsoft rigorously tests manufacturers' hardware and drivers for compatibility, security, and stability to earn WHQL certification. And it enables drivers to be downloaded via Windows Update. In turn, this means more stable and convenient drivers for gamers.

More significantly, WHQL certification could mean Lewante will be able to market its GPUs outside of China, such as in the US. There may be some regulatory barriers to overcome, but it's now a possibility.

NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel are the big players in the GPU space.

But now we have a new player with certified drivers and a working gaming product. We have already witnessed Chinese companies develop quality hardware, but driver support has been lacking. Lewante's WHQL certification goes a long way to overcoming that issue. If Lewante can offer competitive prices, reliable drivers, and widespread distribution, you may have a new, real alternative when buying a graphics card.

NVIDIA is bringing out new products, Microsoft is working on Windows, and new graphics card makers are on the scene. There's more competition across the entire PC industry. That is exactly what gamers need. Competition is good for innovation, performance, and price. The coming months may mean big changes for anyone building, upgrading, or gaming on PC.