It’s a sad day for fans of EVGA graphics cards, as the company announced back in September 2022 that it would no longer be producing GPUs. This marked the end of an era for EVGA, known for its high-performance and well-cooled graphics cards. One of the key figures behind EVGA’s success in creating super-tweakable designs was Vince “Kingpin” Lucido, an extreme overclocker with a penchant for all-black aesthetics. Following EVGA’s exit from the market, Lucido explored opportunities with other vendors before ultimately deciding to work with PNY on their latest designs.
Gamers Nexus’ Steve Burke had the chance to visit Lucido’s “Kingpin Studios” in Taipei, a futuristic facility that resembled a PC gaming enthusiast’s paradise. Surrounded by an impressive array of hardware and sleek electric bikes, Lucido explained his decision to collaborate with PNY over other companies. He noted that PNY was eager to delve into extreme overclocking, filling a void left by EVGA’s absence in the enthusiast market. Lucido believed that other major vendors like Asus, MSI, and Galax were already focused on overclocking, leaving PNY as a standout choice for his expertise.
Overclocking, once a popular practice among gamers, has become less mainstream in recent years. With GPUs increasingly capable of boosting themselves to high levels with standard cooling solutions, the performance gains from overclocking have diminished. This shift has made it harder for overclocked cards to justify their higher price tags for most consumers. However, Lucido’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of performance suggests that he may still be able to create cards with a tangible advantage.
As rumors swirl about upcoming GPU launches, particularly from Nvidia, Lucido hinted at the potential for new advancements in graphics card technology. Conversations with board partners suggested the possibility of a new card being released by the end of the year, potentially the Nvidia 5080. Whether Lucido is involved in developing next-generation GPUs or refining current models, his focus on testing new overclocking software demonstrates his commitment to innovation in the industry. With his preference for matte black designs and high levels of overclocking, Lucido’s collaboration with PNY may yield some exciting developments for PC enthusiasts.
In the world of PC hardware, having a dedicated laboratory for designing and testing GPUs is a dream come true for many enthusiasts. Lucido’s “Kingpin Studios” embodies this fantasy, complete with cutting-edge technology and a focus on performance. While some may prefer colorful RGB lighting on their components, Lucido’s preference for a more minimalist aesthetic aligns with his dedication to maximizing performance above all else. Whether it’s through working on upcoming GPUs or refining existing models, Lucido’s partnership with PNY promises to bring new innovations to the world of overclocking and enthusiast gaming.
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