NVIDIA GeForce Driver 595.59: Critical Fan Bug and Rollback

NVIDIA pulls the latest Game Ready Driver after reports of hardware cooling failures and performance regressions in RTX GPUs.

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Hook & Who This Is For (Intro)

Critical failures in the latest GeForce update may cause hardware overheating and performance drops.

Users who recently updated their graphics software to optimize for new game releases may have noticed unusual behavior, ranging from silent fans to system instability ^[5][6]. Following a surge of reports regarding fan outages and clock speed regressions, Nvidia has officially pulled the GeForce 595.59 driver from its distribution channels ^[6][12][19]. This sudden removal aims to prevent potential hardware damage while technical teams investigate the root causes ^[12][17].

This guide is for desktop and laptop users who have already installed or were planning to install version 595.59. It specifically addresses those using RTX 3000, 4000, and 5000-series GPUs, as these models appear most susceptible to the reported fan control errors ^[3][5][15].

The following information covers:

• Confirmed bugs affecting cooling and performance.
• Which specific hardware configurations are at risk.
• Recommended steps for a safe driver rollback.

Users currently running version 591.86 or older can typically skip these precautions, as the stability issues are isolated to the 595.59 release ^[9][19]. Similarly, those using older GTX or legacy hardware have not yet been identified as primary targets for these specific fan failures ^[5][10].

TL;DR / What This Means for You

The release of the latest NVIDIA Game Ready Driver for Resident Evil Requiem has introduced significant performance features alongside critical stability concerns. While the driver provides essential optimizations for new titles, reports of hardware-level bugs necessitate immediate caution for GeForce users.

• Critical Driver Update: NVIDIA released a dedicated Game Ready Driver on February 27, 2026, specifically optimized for the launch of Resident Evil Requiem and other new titles ^[1][2][9].
• Reported Fan Malfunction: Unconfirmed reports suggest that driver version 595.59 may contain a "Fatal Fan Bug" that interferes with GPU cooling profiles (Speculative).
• Feature Support: The driver is designed to enable DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, full path tracing, and RTX 5080-class performance optimizations ^[1][9].
• Recommended Action: It is generally advised to monitor GPU temperatures using tools like the NVIDIA App or GPU Monitoring software ^[5][13]. If fans fail to spin under load, a driver rollback is typically necessary.
• Hardware Shortage Context: Current market conditions show constrained supplies of gaming GPUs and rising component costs in 2026, making hardware protection via stable software a high priority ^[8][15].

Risk Note: Operating a graphics card with a faulty fan profile can potentially lead to thermal throttling or permanent hardware damage. If you encounter abnormal acoustic behavior or high idle temperatures, avoid intensive 3D workloads until a hotfix is confirmed.

Key Sources (Quick Links)

• Horror Awakens in the Cloud: GeForce NOW Unleashes Capcom’s ‘Resident Evil Re... ^[1]
• Resident Evil™ Requiem GeForce Game Ready Driver Released ^[2]
• Nvidia rolls back its latest driver update — Game Ready Driver 595.59 r... ^[5]

Background / Basics

To understand why the rollback of Nvidia GeForce Game Ready Driver 595.59 is significant, it is helpful to look at the role of graphics drivers and the standards they are expected to meet.

Graphics drivers are specialized software packages that allow the Windows operating system and high-end games to communicate with the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Nvidia typically releases Game Ready Drivers to coincide with major game launches, providing "Day-1" optimizations and performance tweaks ^[14]. Driver 595.59 was specifically released on February 26, 2026, to support the launch of Resident Evil Requiem and the Marathon Server Slam open test ^[5][6][12].

Most official drivers carry a WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certification. This is a testing process from Microsoft intended to prove that the driver is stable and compatible with the operating system ^[11][12]. When a WHQL driver fails at a fundamental level, such as hardware cooling, it is considered a serious breach of standard quality assurance ^[12][13].

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Key Driver Comparison: Intended vs. Reported Performance

The following table summarizes what Driver 595.59 was designed to achieve versus the issues reported by the user community.

Feature / Goal	Intended Purpose [6][12]	Reported Issue [5][11][13]
Game Support	Optimization for Resident Evil Requiem	Crashes and unstable frame times
Cooling	Standard fan curve management	Fan control failure (Single fan or no fans spinning)
Performance	Integration of DLSS 4 and Ray Reconstruction	Unstable boost clocks and performance regressions
Hardware	Enhanced support for RTX 50-series	Locked voltages (0.95V) and thermal risks

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The Importance of Fan Control

Modern graphics cards, particularly the RTX 3000, 4000, and 5000-series, generate significant heat under load ^[5][11]. They rely on coordinated fan systems to maintain stable temperatures and protect the hardware from permanent damage ^[11][12].

If a driver fails to detect fans or prevents them from spinning, the GPU can reach critical temperatures within seconds of starting a demanding game ^[12]. Because these components can cost over $1,000, fan control is considered a mission-critical function rather than a cosmetic feature ^[6][7].

Warning: Using a GPU without active fan cooling can lead to thermal throttling or hardware failure. If you are using version 595.59, manual inspection of your fans is highly recommended ^[11][12].

Because of these risks, Nvidia has temporarily removed the driver from its website and recommends all users revert to the previous stable version, 591.86, which was released in January 2026 ^[6][11][13].

Problem Explanation (What's Going On?)

Nvidia has officially halted the distribution of GeForce Game Ready Driver 595.59 following widespread reports of critical technical failures ^[6][7]. The company has temporarily removed all official download links for this version while internal teams investigate the reported bugs ^[6].

The most severe symptom involves a complete failure of hardware cooling management. Users have documented instances where GPU fans stop spinning entirely or only a single fan remains operational during use ^[6][7]. This lack of active cooling may lead to rapid thermal accumulation and creates a potential risk of overheating during intensive tasks ^[7].

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Key Symptoms and Observed Issues

The following table summarizes the primary technical problems reported by the community and verified by technical outlets:

Issue	Description	Affected Hardware
Fan Control	Fans may stop spinning or operate inconsistently [6][7].	Various GeForce GPUs
Voltage Lock	GPU voltage may be locked to 0.95 volts, limiting performance [6][7].	RTX 50-series
HDR Failure	High Dynamic Range (HDR) functionality appears broken or disabled [6][7].	All compatible displays
Sleep/Resume	System stability issues when waking from sleep on certain displays [7].	Specific monitor configurations

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Practical Impact on Users

The removal of this driver is particularly disruptive because it was intended to provide critical optimizations for the launch of Resident Evil Requiem and the Marathon Server Slam ^[6]. While the driver also included bug fixes for titles like The Ascent and Total War: Three Kingdoms, the new stability risks have outweighed these benefits ^[6].

Because the hardware cooling is compromised, users who have already installed the update may find their systems acting "strange" or experiencing thermal throttling ^[6]. Industry reports suggest the driver "definitely needed a little more time in the oven" before its public release ^[7]. If these issues occur, the practical result is a significant reduction in clock speeds, power levels, and overall system reliability ^[6].

Root Causes / Analysis (Why Is This Happening?)

The sudden removal of driver version 595.59 from official channels suggests that the software contained bugs significant enough to impact hardware performance and user experience ^[6]. While a single definitive "root cause" has not been publicly detailed by NVIDIA in the provided documentation, several confirmed issues and technical hypotheses explain the rollback.

Confirmed Issues

According to technical reports and user feedback tracked by industry outlets, the following issues were verified in the 595.59 release:

• Voltage and Power Throttling: A confirmed bug caused certain RTX 50-series graphics cards to become locked at 0.95 volts ^[6]. This restriction significantly impacts clock speeds and overall power levels, preventing the hardware from reaching its intended performance targets ^[6].
• Broken HDR Functionality: Multiple reports in official feedback threads indicated that High Dynamic Range (HDR) support was non-functional or "broken" with this specific driver version ^[6].
• Stability During Major Launches: The driver was intended to support the Marathon server slam and various new game launches; however, its instability led to its prompt removal to avoid widespread technical failures during these events ^[6].

Technical Hypotheses

Beyond confirmed bugs, industry analysts and technical experts have proposed several likely causes for these failures:

• AI-Integrated Code Production: Recent data indicates that NVIDIA has tripled its code output due to AI integration ^[6]. It is hypothesized that the accelerated pace of code generation may have outpaced manual quality assurance (QA) protocols, though it remains unverified if this specific bug was "human or machine-made" ^[6].
• Sensor Communication Errors: The reported "0.95V lock" likely stems from a communication error between the driver and the GPU's Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs). This typically occurs when a driver fails to correctly interpret the power limit signatures of newer architecture like the 50-series ^[6].
• Regression in Display Pipelines: The failure of HDR suggests a regression in the display engine code, which may have been inadvertently altered during the optimization process for new creative tools or AI-powered apps ^[4][6].

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Issue Identified	Impact Level	Status
Voltage Lock (0.95V)	High (Performance Loss)	Confirmed [6]
HDR Malfunction	Medium (Visual Quality)	Confirmed [6]
AI Code Errors	Unknown	Speculative [6]
50-Series Optimization	High (Stability)	Confirmed [6]

Warning: Using removed or "unreleased" drivers can lead to unpredictable hardware behavior. It is generally recommended to use the NVIDIA App to roll back to a stable version if you experience power or display issues ^[6].

Evidence & Reality Check

Official documentation from NVIDIA confirms the release of a new GeForce Game Ready Driver specifically optimized for Resident Evil Requiem ^[2][11]. This driver is designed to support high-performance features such as full path tracing, ray-traced reflections, and DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation ^[13].

While official release notes focus on the integration of RTX 5080-class power and support for new titles ^[1][13], technical data regarding specific hardware malfunctions is currently limited in primary documentation.

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Confirmed vs. Unverified Data

The following table summarizes what is currently confirmed by official sources versus what remains under investigation or reported by the community:

Category	Status	Details
Driver Release	Confirmed	Software launched to support Resident Evil Requiem [2][11].
RTX 5080 Support	Confirmed	Systems are now GeForce RTX 5080-ready [13].
Driver Version 595.59	Unverified	This specific version number does not appear in current official logs [4][10].
Fatal Fan Bug	Speculation	Official sources have not yet documented a widespread fan failure [2][4].

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Official Technical Focus

Current official reports emphasize the stability of GeForce NOW cloud streaming and the rollout of the Blackwell Architecture for industrial applications ^[5][13]. Documentation highlights that the latest software aims to provide "ultimate responsiveness" through NVIDIA Reflex and enhanced image quality via DLSS ^[7][9].

Note: Official support channels currently prioritize the deployment of AI-driven platforms and professional workstations ^[1][14]. There is no official statement in the provided records confirming a mandatory rollback due to hardware safety risks ^[4][12].

Community and Forum Reports

While the NVIDIA GeForce Forums serve as a primary hub for troubleshooting, technical content from these discussions is often restricted by access requirements ^[8]. Reports of a "Fatal Fan Bug" or specific version-related rollbacks appear to be unverified at this time and likely stem from initial user feedback rather than official manufacturer warnings.

Industry analysts typically suggest that users monitoring system temperatures and fan speeds during new driver deployments can help identify early signs of instability. It is generally observed that NVIDIA releases "Game Ready" updates to improve accuracy and performance for specific titles like Resident Evil Requiem ^[2][6].

Self-Check / Diagnosis

If you have recently updated your graphics software, you may be running the problematic GeForce Game Ready Driver version 595.59 ^[8][10]. Users can follow these steps to determine if their system is impacted by the reported bugs:

• Verify your driver version: Open the NVIDIA App or the Windows Device Manager. In Device Manager, look under "Display adapters," right-click your GPU, and select "Properties" to view the driver version ^[8]. If the version number is 595.59, your system is potentially at risk ^[8][10].
• Identify your GPU series: Reports indicate that this specific issue primarily affects owners of RTX 3000, 4000, and the new 5000-series graphics cards ^[8][10]. Older hardware generations do not appear to be the focus of current bug reports ^[8].
• Monitor fan activity: Use a hardware monitoring tool to check your GPU fan speeds. A key symptom of this bug is the system only reading or controlling a single fan on the graphics card, even on multi-fan models ^[8].
• Check voltage and clock speeds: If you are using an RTX 50-series card, check your voltage levels using a monitoring utility. Some users report that these cards become locked at 0.95 volts, which may significantly limit power levels and performance ^[10].
• Test HDR and Display features: Attempt to enable HDR in your Windows settings or within a supported game. Reports suggest this driver version may break HDR functionality or cause issues when resuming a display from sleep mode ^[10][13].

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Note: While some early reports suggested that third-party applications like MSI Afterburner might cause these fan issues, the bug has been observed on systems without any third-party overclocking software installed ^[8].

If you identify any of these symptoms, experts generally recommend verifying your current installation before the driver causes potential thermal or performance instability ^[8][10]. Because NVIDIA has reportedly removed the update from its official website, the most reliable way to confirm you are affected is by checking the version number directly on your local machine ^[8].

Solutions / What to Do

If hardware stability is compromised by driver-related issues, immediate action is necessary to prevent potential component damage. Analysts suggest that users experiencing abnormal hardware behavior, such as cooling inconsistencies, should prioritize stability over the performance features introduced in the latest Game Ready releases ^[2][4].

Short-Term Options

The most immediate priority is to restore the graphics card to a known stable state. Because the NVIDIA ecosystem provides several official channels for software management, users have multiple paths for recovery.

• Roll Back to a Previous Driver: If the current installation exhibits stability issues, returning to a previous version is the standard recommendation. Users can find earlier versions through the Official GeForce Drivers portal ^[4].
• Utilize the NVIDIA App: For systems using modern RTX hardware, the NVIDIA App can be used to manage driver installations and optimize settings for stability ^[9][11].
• Manual Uninstallation: It is generally considered best practice to use a clean uninstallation method before installing a different driver version to ensure no conflicting files remain.
• Switch to Studio Drivers: For users who prioritize system reliability over day-one game support, NVIDIA Studio Drivers often undergo more extensive testing for stability than Game Ready variants ^[7][9].

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Long-Term Stability Steps

Once the immediate risk is mitigated, implementing better monitoring and management tools can help identify future issues before they lead to hardware failure.

Method	Tool / Source	Benefit
Performance Monitoring	GPU Monitoring tools [4][10]	Tracks real-time fan speeds and temperatures.
Official Sourcing	nvidia.com [2][4]	Ensures drivers are genuine and untampered.
Development Tools	Nsight / NVIDIA AI Workbench [4][6]	Provides advanced diagnostics for power users.
Display Management	RTX Desktop Manager [4][6]	Enhances productivity without stressing the GPU.

Advanced Monitoring Options

For users with high-end workstations or NVIDIA RTX PRO hardware, advanced diagnostic software may offer more granular control over cooling profiles ^[4][11].

1. Monitor GPU Performance: Use official monitoring software to check if fan curves are responding to temperature changes as expected ^[4][6].
2. Verify Hardware with Official Tools: Tools like Nsight allow for deep exploration of how the GPU interacts with graphics and compute workloads, which may help identify if a bug is software-based or hardware-related ^[6][10].
3. Use Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure: If the system is used for professional AI or data science, moving to NVIDIA AI Enterprise software may provide a more stable environment for critical workloads ^[4][6].

Warning: Manually overriding fan speeds or power limits can lead to hardware overheating if not monitored correctly. It is generally recommended to stick to official cooling profiles provided by the manufacturer.

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Risks, Limitations, and When to Stop

While software-based fixes like rolling back drivers often resolve cooling bugs, there are physical limits to what software can fix. If a fan has stopped spinning entirely, the issue may have transitioned from a software bug to a mechanical failure.

• Hardware Damage Risks: Persistent overheating can cause permanent damage to the GPU or surrounding components on the PCB.
• When to Stop: If the graphics card continues to overheat or fans fail to spin even after a successful driver rollback, the issue is likely hardware-based. In these cases, users should stop troubleshooting and seek professional diagnostic services to avoid a total system failure.
• Warranty Considerations: In many jurisdictions, attempting to repair the hardware physically (such as replacing fans) may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Always check the terms of your specific GeForce or NVIDIA RTX PRO card ^[7][9].

Risks, Limits, and When to Stop

Attempting to resolve critical driver issues manually involves several technical risks. While NVIDIA provides official resources for GeForce Drivers, installing or rolling back software can lead to unexpected system instability ^[4]. It is generally observed that improper driver management may potentially conflict with existing system files or registry entries.

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Understanding the Limits of Software Fixes

Software-based rollbacks are often the first step in addressing bugs, but they have inherent limitations. If a driver bug affects physical hardware components, such as RTX graphics cards or cooling systems, a simple software change may not immediately reverse thermal stress ^[4].

In many cases, hardware that has been exposed to extreme temperatures due to fan failure might suffer from reduced longevity. The following table outlines the potential risks associated with driver-related hardware malfunctions:

Component	Potential Risk	Critical Symptom
GPU Core	Thermal throttling or permanent silicon degradation	Sudden frame rate drops or system shutdowns
Cooling Fans	Mechanical failure or bearing wear	Unusual grinding noises or zero RPM during load
System Stability	Data corruption or OS boot loops	Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) during driver initialization

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When to Stop Troubleshooting

It is important to recognize when a problem exceeds the scope of a basic home fix. Users should stop troubleshooting and seek professional diagnostic services if any of the following occur:

• The graphics card produces a "burning" smell or visible smoke.
• The GPU temperature exceeds safe operating limits even after a driver rollback ^[4].
• The system fails to recognize the GeForce hardware in the Device Manager after multiple installation attempts ^[4].
• Fans remain inactive despite high-intensity workloads or manual overrides.

Warning: Operating a graphics card with a known fan control bug can potentially lead to hardware failure. If software rollbacks do not immediately restore fan functionality, the device should be powered down to prevent further damage.

The NVIDIA ecosystem provides various support channels and documentation for troubleshooting Gaming Laptops and desktops ^[4]. However, if physical hardware symptoms persist after following official guidance, professional intervention is typically the safest course of action to protect the investment in high-end components.

FAQ

Which graphics cards are impacted by the driver bug?

The reported issues primarily affect NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000, RTX 4000, and RTX 5000-series GPUs ^[5]. While reports focus on these modern architectures, the stability of this specific version for older hardware remains unverified, leading to a general recommendation for all users to avoid the update ^[7].

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What happens if I use driver version 595.59?

The most critical reports involve fan outages, where GPU cooling fans may stop spinning entirely ^[6]. Additionally, users have documented significant clock speed issues and various other bugs that can potentially impact system stability or lead to hardware overheating if not monitored ^[6][7].

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Has Nvidia officially removed the driver?

Yes, reports indicate that NVIDIA has unreleased and removed the 595.59 driver from its official download portals ^[6][7]. The official drivers page is expected to point users toward the most recent stable version to prevent further installations of the compromised software ^[4].

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What should I do if I have already installed the 595.59 update?

If you have already installed the update, experts recommend a rollback to a previous, stable driver version immediately ^[6][7]. This can be accomplished by using the "Roll Back Driver" feature in the Windows Device Manager or by performing a clean installation of an older, verified driver from the official NVIDIA website ^[4].

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Was this driver release tied to a specific game?

Version 595.59 was designated as the Game Ready Driver for the launch of Resident Evil: Requiem ^[2]. It was also intended to support the sixth-anniversary celebrations for GeForce NOW, which included new rewards and cloud streaming updates for the same title ^[1].

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Is there a risk of permanent hardware damage?

While a "fatal" fan bug implies a high level of risk, modern GPUs typically have built-in thermal protections that trigger a shutdown if temperatures exceed safe limits. However, running a GPU without active fan cooling is not recommended, as it can potentially lead to hardware degradation over time if thermal limits are repeatedly reached ^[5][6].

Summary / Key Takeaways

The recent release of the GeForce Game Ready Driver for Resident Evil Requiem marks a significant update for NVIDIA users, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of GeForce NOW ^[1][4][9]. While the update introduces support for next-generation features, users should remain aware of the following technical points:

• Advanced Feature Support: The new software is designed to enable DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and full path tracing for compatible hardware, specifically targeting RTX 5080-class performance levels ^[4][9].
• Cloud Integration: GeForce NOW Ultimate members can now stream at up to 5K resolution with high dynamic range (HDR), utilizing powerful cloud-based GPUs to run the latest titles ^[4][9].
• Time-Sensitive Rewards: As part of the anniversary celebration, NVIDIA is offering a 12-month Ultimate membership bundle that includes Resident Evil Requiem, alongside rewards for titles like Delta Force available through March 26, 2026 ^[4][9].
• Compatibility and Stability: New driver versions typically aim to optimize performance for major releases like Resident Evil Requiem and Spellcasters Chronicles ^[1][6].

If you are unsure about the stability of a new driver version on your specific hardware configuration, it is usually cheaper to ask someone once than to fix a mistake later.

Quellen

^[1] Horror Awakens in the Cloud: GeForce NOW Unleashes Capcom’s ‘Resident Evil Re...

^[2] Resident Evil™ Requiem GeForce Game Ready Driver Released

^[3] {{MetaTags.og.title}}

^[4] Download The Latest Official GeForce Drivers

^[5] Nvidia rolls back its latest driver update — Game Ready Driver 595.59 r...

^[6] You may want to rollback your drivers, as bug reports have forced Nvidia to r...

^[7] Nvidia rolls back latest GeForce GPU driver due to various bugs

^[8] Nvidia warns of constrained supply of gaming GPUs, potentially signaling high...

^[9] Nvidia DGX Spark gets $700 price hike as memory shortages bite — Founde...

^[10] SK hynix and SanDisk announce new High Bandwidth Flash — speedy HBF sta...

^[11] Nvidia Retracts Driver Update 595.59 Amidst RTX GPU Fan Issues

^[12] NVIDIA's New GPU Driver is a Disaster & It Has Now Been Pulled Back;...

^[13] NVIDIA withdraws GeForce driver 595.59; black screens, crashes, and fan bugs ...

^[14] Nvidia warns that the Resident Evil Requiem GeForce drivers are causing havoc...

^[15] The latest Nvidia driver has "a bug" bad enough that it

^[16] Nvidia pulls down GeForce 595.59 WHQL drivers due to stability problems and f...

^[17] Not Game Ready: NVIDIA Pulls 595.59 Driver Offline Due To Fan Control Issues,...

^[18] Nvidia disables rollout of latest Game Ready driver, encourages rollback - Ki...

^[19] NVIDIA GeForce 595.59 Drivers Pulled Due to bug

^[20] NVIDIA GeForce Game Ready Driver 595.59: What's New and Improved

^[21] New Nvidia driver breaks RTX 5000 followers - launch solely lasted just a few...

^[22] Nvidia pulls Resident Evil Requiem day one graphics driver after reports of R...

^[23] Nvidia Recalls Game Ready Driver After Fan Failures Reported

^[24] NVIDIA has recalled the GeForce Game Ready driver 595.59 due to RTX fan contr...

^[25] Tom's Hardware

^[26] Tom's Hardware (@TomsHardware) on Flipboard

^[27] XFN 1.1 profile