Category: Computers

  • Sharge Disk Pro: Active Cooling PSSD with Hub, Up to 4TB, $139

    Sharge Disk Pro: Active Cooling PSSD with Hub, Up to 4TB, $139

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sharge has launched the first see-through portable solid-state drive, the Disk Pro, with active cooling features.
    2. The Disk Pro offers impressive transfer speeds of 10 Gbps, allowing 500 GB of 8K video to be transferred in about 18 minutes.
    3. It serves as a multi-functional hub with a built-in USB-C cable, USB-C port, HDMI, and USB-A port, supporting connections for up to four devices.
    4. The target audience includes content creators, gamers, and mobile workers, emphasizing quick file transfers and enhanced connectivity.
    5. The Kickstarter campaign has surpassed funding goals, with deliveries expected later this year.


    Sharge has introduced what it claims to be the first see-through portable solid-state drive that comes with active cooling features. Named the Disk Pro, this project is currently funded on Kickstarter, with early bird offers starting at $139. The standard prices are $199 for the 1 TB version, $299 for 2 TB, and $399 for the 4 TB model.

    Unique Design and Cooling System

    The Disk Pro is said to have a clear design that allows users to view the internal SSD functions in real time. It includes an active cooling fan, which Sharge asserts can maintain temperatures at or below 47 °C during intense data transfers. In comparison, other drives can heat up beyond 70 °C.

    Impressive Speed and Capacity

    Advertised with transfer rates of 10 Gbps, Sharge claims users can transfer 500 GB of 8K video in approximately 18 minutes. The storage capacity of the Disk Pro goes all the way up to 4 TB, providing ample space for large files.

    Multi-Functional Hub

    Moreover, Sharge states that the Disk Pro also serves as a 5-port hub, featuring a built-in USB-C cable, a USB-C port, HDMI, and a USB-A port. The company explains that this configuration can power laptops, connect displays, and enable data transfer across four devices at once.

    Target Audience and Campaign Success

    Sharge targets the Disk Pro towards content creators, gamers, mobile workers, and individuals using devices with limited ports, highlighting its quick file transfer capabilities, enhanced connectivity options, and dependable performance under pressure as significant advantages.

    The Kickstarter campaign has already exceeded its funding targets, with Sharge aiming to begin deliveries later this year. If you’re interested in checking out a review of the SSD, you can find the video link provided below.

    Sharge via Kickstarter

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  • Asus ProArt P16 Laptop Upgrade: New RTX 5080 and 64GB RAM

    Asus ProArt P16 Laptop Upgrade: New RTX 5080 and 64GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has updated the ProArt P16 laptop to include the new GeForce RTX 5090, priced at approximately $4,218 in China and $3,999.99 in the US with 2 TB SSD.
    2. The RTX 5090 model features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, 64 GB of RAM, and a 4 TB SSD in China.
    3. A more affordable version with the GeForce RTX 5080 is available for about $3,655, offering a performance drop of around 10% compared to the RTX 5090, but at a 13% lower price.
    4. Asus has not provided information on the availability of the GeForce RTX 5080 model outside of China.
    5. The previous versions of the ProArt P16 were equipped with GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 prior to the recent updates.


    The Asus ProArt P16 has gotten another update, just under a month after we reviewed it featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090. To give some background, Asus had previously refreshed this 16-inch creator laptop with the GeForce RTX 5060 and GeForce RTX 5070 in the spring (currently priced at $2,899 on Amazon).

    New Specs and Pricing

    Now, Asus has launched the GeForce RTX 5090 version in China, priced at CNY 29,999 (around $4,218). This version includes an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, 64 GB of RAM, and a 4 TB SSD. Interestingly, Asus has a similar model available in the US for $3,999.99, but it comes with only 2 TB of storage instead of the 4 TB offered in China. You can check out our video below for our first impressions of the ProArt P16’s RTX 5090 update.

    Cheaper Option Available

    Moreover, Asus is providing the same laptop with the more affordable GeForce RTX 5080. In our tests, the GeForce RTX 5080 falls short compared to the GeForce RTX 5090 by about 10%. Still, this new GeForce RTX 5080 model is over 13% cheaper, listed at CNY 25,999 (approximately $3,655), while keeping the same memory and APU setup.

    Availability Concerns

    Currently, Asus hasn’t shared any details about the GeForce RTX 5080’s availability outside China. Their latest press release also doesn’t clarify this matter. That said, we would be quite surprised if Asus decided to limit this option only to the Chinese market.

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  • New Raspberry Pi Compute Module 0: Ultra-Cheap Device Unveiled

    New Raspberry Pi Compute Module 0: Ultra-Cheap Device Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Raspberry Pi is set to announce the new Compute Module 0 (CM0) at the China International Industry Expo (CIIF) in Shanghai.
    2. The CM0 features the RP3A0 system-in-package, Broadcom BCM2710A1 chipset, and 512 MB of RAM, measuring approximately 56 x 48 mm.
    3. The module includes Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy, Wi-Fi 4, 8 GB of eMMC flash storage, and 132 castellated holes.
    4. A CM0 IO Board will also be available, featuring a 40-pin GPIO connector, microSD card slot, HDMI port, and microUSB port.
    5. The CM0 is expected to be priced between $18 and $26, but its global availability date is currently unclear.


    It looks like Raspberry Pi is about to make a big announcement regarding a new addition to its Compute Module lineup. Just to remind you, the Compute Module 5 (CM5) was launched nearly a year ago as the successor to the CM4. Now, at the China International Industry Expo (CIIF) happening in Shanghai until September 27, Raspberry Pi has showcased the Compute Module 0.

    Specifications and Features

    From the images shared, it’s clear that the CM0 is built on the Raspberry Pi RP3A0 system-in-package (SiP), which is already utilized in the Raspberry Pi CM3E and Zero 2 W (currently priced at $22 on Amazon). This new Compute Module features a Broadcom BCM2710A1 chipset along with 512 MB of RAM, all packed into a unit that roughly measures 56 x 48 mm.

    Additionally, the Raspberry Pi CM0 comes equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy, Wi-Fi 4, and 8 GB of eMMC flash storage, along with 132 castellated holes. Raspberry Pi plans to offer a CM0 IO Board as well, which can be seen in the images provided, featuring a 40-pin GPIO connector, a microSD card slot, an HDMI port, and a microUSB port.

    Pricing and Availability

    Reports from ITHome suggest that the CM0 will be priced between $18 and $26, intended to be more affordable compared to the Zero 2 W. However, the timeline for when it will be available globally is still unclear at this stage.

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  • Beelink Launches Global Mini-PC with 32GB RAM and Silent Fan

    Beelink Launches Global Mini-PC with 32GB RAM and Silent Fan

    Key Takeaways

    1. Beelink launched the EQR7 mini-PC globally, featuring AMD’s Zen 3+ technology.
    2. The EQR7 comes in two versions: Ryzen 5 7535U and Ryzen 7 7735U, both with 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage.
    3. It includes a second M.2 2280 slot for expandable storage up to 8 TB.
    4. Performance benchmarks show a 10% difference in performance, with the Ryzen 7 7735U offering a superior integrated GPU.
    5. The starting price is $329, with the Ryzen 7 version available for an additional $10, and it operates quietly at 32 dB under heavy load.


    Beelink has officially launched the EQR7 mini-PC worldwide after displaying it in China earlier this summer. As we mentioned back then, the EQR7 offers a selection between two Rembrandt Refresh APUs based on AMD’s Zen 3+ technology.

    Specifications Overview

    The EQR7 is available in two versions: the Ryzen 5 7535U and the Ryzen 7 7735U. Both models come equipped with 32 GB of LPDDR5 soldered RAM and 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage. Additionally, they both feature a second M.2 2280 slot that allows for an expandable storage capacity of up to 8 TB. Beelink has also provided several ports, enhancing connectivity options.

    Performance Insights

    In terms of performance, our benchmarks show that there is a little over a 10% difference between the Ryzen 5 7535U and the Ryzen 7 7735U. The Ryzen 7 7735U’s integrated GPU has a significant edge, boasting twice the number of Compute Units and higher boost clock speeds compared to its counterpart. The starting price for the EQR7 is set at $329, with the Ryzen 7 7735U version costing only an additional $10. All models are powered by the same 85 W internal power supply and feature a fan that operates at just 32 dB even under heavy load. For further information about this mini-PC, you can check Beelink’s website and its related Amazon listing.

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  • NASA’s VIPER Rover Set to Map Ice Reserves on the Moon

    NASA’s VIPER Rover Set to Map Ice Reserves on the Moon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Moon contains water, challenging previous beliefs about its dryness.
    2. NASA’s VIPER mission aims to locate lunar ice and resources at the South Pole.
    3. The VIPER mission faced delays and cancellations but is now back on track.
    4. Blue Origin has been contracted to deliver VIPER to the Moon’s surface.
    5. The delivery is expected by late 2027, following an initial mission later this year.


    For many years, scientists thought that the Moon was completely devoid of water. However, further research has shown that this seemingly dry celestial body actually contains some water. Understanding where this water is located could be crucial for future missions aimed at establishing a more permanent human presence on the Moon.

    VIPER Mission Overview

    NASA has initiated the VIPER mission to investigate the lunar South Pole, with the goal of identifying where lunar ice and other important resources are situated. Initially, NASA aimed to launch this mission in late 2023, but it faced delays and even a cancellation due to various factors, like rising costs.

    Mission Resumed

    Good news has emerged, as the mission is back on track. NASA has recently granted Blue Origin, based in Kent, a contract that includes an option for delivering VIPER to the Moon’s surface. This agreement is part of a task order under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, specifically labeled CS-7.

    Future Launch Plans

    This marks the second lunar mission that NASA has awarded to Blue Origin through the CLPS program. The first delivery is anticipated to occur later this year. For that mission, Blue Origin plans to utilize its Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) robotic lander to transport NASA’s Stereo Cameras for Lunar-Plume Surface Studies and Laser Retroreflective Array payloads to the South Pole of the Moon.

    Currently, Blue Origin is in the process of constructing a second Blue Moon MK1 lander, which is set to deliver VIPER by late 2027.

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  • Supply Chain Breaches Rise: Marks & Spencer and NHS England Hit

    Supply Chain Breaches Rise: Marks & Spencer and NHS England Hit

    Key Takeaways

    1. In 2024, 30% of cyber incidents were linked to third-party suppliers, doubling from 2023.
    2. Marks & Spencer’s supplier system breach in April 2025 caused significant disruptions and an estimated £300 million profit loss.
    3. Recovery from the Marks & Spencer breach was expected by August 2025, with some services resumed but ongoing product delays.
    4. A ransomware attack on Synnovis in June 2024 led to postponed NHS appointments and was linked to a patient’s death due to delay in blood test results.
    5. The EU’s NIS2 Directive and the UK’s upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aim to enhance regulations and oversight of supply chains and service providers.


    The Financial Times highlighted that in 2024, 30% of nearly 8,000 cyber incidents were traced back to third-party suppliers. This figure represents a significant increase, doubling from the previous year’s share in 2023.

    Marks & Spencer’s Supplier System Breach

    In April 2025, Marks & Spencer announced that their supplier system had been compromised. This breach caused disruptions in online orders, gift card services, and food logistics. The company estimated that the incident would lead to a profit loss of around £300 million.

    Recovery Timeline

    On July 1, Chief Executive Stuart Machin stated that the majority of the impact would likely be resolved by August. By mid-August, services like Click & Collect and returns were back in operation, although some products still faced delays.

    Ransomware Attack on Synnovis

    In June 2024, Synnovis, a pathology service provider for London NHS trusts, fell victim to a ransomware attack. NHS England reported that thousands of appointments had to be postponed due to the shutdown of diagnostic and transfusion services. The Qilin group claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Serious Consequences

    By June 2025, UK officials confirmed that this incident had a tragic consequence, contributing to a patient’s death because of delayed blood test results.

    New Regulations

    The European Union’s NIS2 Directive became effective in 2024, broadening the rules to include more service providers and mandating improved oversight of supply chains.

    Cyber Security Measures in the UK

    In the UK, a new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is being prepared to replace the NIS regulations from 2018. This proposed legislation will include managed service providers and data centers under its scope, along with stricter rules for reporting incidents.


     

  • NASA Discovers Record-Breaking Fastest Growing Black Hole

    NASA Discovers Record-Breaking Fastest Growing Black Hole

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a supermassive black hole approximately a billion times the mass of the Sun, located 12.8 billion light-years away, indicating it existed early in the universe’s history.

    2. Black holes attract matter, forming an accretion disk that heats up and emits radiation, which can create incredibly bright objects known as quasars.

    3. The black hole in question powers a quasar named RACS J0320-35 and is growing at an extraordinary rate, potentially exceeding the Eddington limit.

    4. Researchers propose two theories about the black hole’s rapid growth: it may be expanding at 2.4 times the Eddington limit or may have started with a mass of about 10,000 Suns or more.

    5. The unusual growth rate of RACS J0320-35 and its particle jets raise questions about the formation of the universe’s first black holes, with findings published in the Astrophysical Journal.


    The Chandra X-ray Observatory has spotted a supermassive black hole that weighs in at roughly a billion times the mass of the Sun. This celestial giant is positioned around 12.8 billion light-years away from our planet. Consequently, astronomers are observing it from a time just 920 million years after the universe’s inception, indicating that it existed very early in the universe’s timeline.

    Matter and Radiation

    Black holes have a tendency to attract significant amounts of matter. This matter forms a swirling disk around the black hole, known as an accretion disk, and reaches incredibly high temperatures as it spirals inward. As this matter heats up, it releases radiation.

    Quasars and Rapid Growth

    In the case of supermassive black holes, the radiation from the heated matter can outshine the entire galaxy it resides in. The bright object resulting from this phenomenon is termed a quasar. The black hole under discussion powers a quasar identified as RACS J0320-35.

    Researchers have determined that the black hole fueling RACS J0320-35 is expanding at an unprecedented speed. As black holes consume matter, there comes a moment when the gravitational pull inwards and the radiation pressure outwards reach an equilibrium, known as the Eddington limit.

    The Eddington Limit and Theories

    Considering the mass of this black hole, the researchers proposed two theories: it could either be growing at 2.4 times the Eddington limit or may have originated with a mass equivalent to about 10,000 Suns or more. Typically, black holes start out with a mass of less than a hundred Suns.

    Upon comparing the data from RACS J0320-35 with theoretical models, the evidence suggests that this quasar might indeed be expanding faster than the Eddington limit allows. Additionally, the jets of particles that shoot away from RACS J0320-35 have sparked further inquiries. The unusual growth rate of the black hole might explain the existence of these rare jets.

    The results of this research were recently shared in the Astrophysical Journal. These findings could offer valuable insights into a long-standing question: “How did the Universe form the very first black holes?”

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  • Geekom IT12 Mini PC: Core i7, 32GB RAM at Lowest Price Ever

    Geekom IT12 Mini PC: Core i7, 32GB RAM at Lowest Price Ever

    Key Takeaways

    1. Geekom is a leading brand in the mini PC market, offering good price-performance balance.
    2. The Geekom IT12 model with Intel Core i7-1280P is currently priced at $419 during the Anniversary Blowout sale.
    3. The IT12 features 32GB of upgradeable DDR4 RAM, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and additional storage upgrade options.
    4. It comes with Windows 11 Pro, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6E, and multiple USB and HDMI ports for connectivity.
    5. Customers should use the coupon code “NOTEBOOK1280” for extra savings on their purchase.


    Geekom is one of the leading brands in the mini PC market, known for their small desktop computers that provide a good balance between price and performance. The Geekom IT12 is a prime example of this value, and it has just received a significant price reduction as part of Geekom’s Anniversary Blowout sale, which will continue until October 25.

    Price and Availability

    Specifically, the IT12 model featuring the Intel Core i7-1280P processor from the Alder Lake series is now available for $419, which includes complimentary shipping. This deal can be found on both the Geekom official online store and Amazon. Shoppers in the UK will also find a similarly attractive offer at Geekom’s UK store. To ensure they get the best deal, customers should remember to use the coupon code “NOTEBOOK1280” for added savings.

    Specifications and Features

    Beyond the powerful Core i7 CPU, this Geekom IT12 version comes with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded to 64GB after purchase. It also features a quick PCIe 4.0 SSD with 1TB of storage, and upgrading the storage is simple thanks to the M.2 2242 and 2.5-inch SATA slots available.

    Equipped with Windows 11 Pro, Bluetooth 5.2, and WiFi 6E, the IT12 also includes two USB4 ports and three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Users can connect monitors via two HDMI 2.0 ports, and for those who prefer a wired connection, there’s a 2.5GbE LAN port. Overall, the Geekom IT12 provides impressive specifications that cater to most daily computing needs, making it a great option for mini PC enthusiasts looking for an alternative to the NUC 12.


     

  • Asus Mainboards Deliver 250W PCIe GPUs Without Power Cables

    Asus Mainboards Deliver 250W PCIe GPUs Without Power Cables

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has launched motherboards in its BTF line that provide up to 600 watts to compatible graphics cards without needing extra power cables.
    2. A new concept motherboard can deliver 250 watts directly through PCIe 5.0 x16, replacing the standard 75 watts, but requires an additional 8-pin connector.
    3. The new design keeps the power cable less visible, although it doesn’t eliminate the need for it entirely.
    4. The concept motherboard is backward compatible, allowing prototype GPUs to work with older motherboards using standard 8-pin cables.
    5. The release date and availability of the new PCIe connector product remain uncertain, but it indicates potential for future innovations.


    Asus has already released motherboards in its BTF (Back to the Future) line that can supply compatible graphics cards with up to 600 watts. This means there’s no need for an extra power cable. The method utilizes a special connector located next to the PCIe slot, allowing the GPU power cable to connect directly to the motherboard. However, this setup has the downside of being compatible only with a limited range of Asus products.

    New Power Transfer Method

    In response, the company has come up with a concept motherboard capable of delivering up to 250 watts of power directly through PCIe 5.0 x16, replacing the standard 75 watts. Although this motherboard does need an additional 8-pin connector for power, it doesn’t completely get rid of the need for a power cable; instead, it just relocates it to a less visible spot. For context, 250 watts is sufficient to power an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, which is currently priced at $369 on Amazon.

    Compatibility and Future Prospects

    This innovative design is backward compatible, meaning that Asus’s prototype GPUs can still function with older motherboards, although they would need the standard 8-pin power cables in that scenario. At this point, the motherboard remains just a concept, and it’s not yet known if or when a product featuring this updated PCIe connector will be available for purchase. Nevertheless, this concept shows that a feasible solution could be developed without requiring significant alterations to the PCIe connector.

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  • New 170W Solar-Charging Power Bank for Airline Safety

    New 170W Solar-Charging Power Bank for Airline Safety

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ampsos launched a Kickstarter campaign for a “5-in-1 25,000 mAh Laptop-grade Power Bank Hub with Solar Boost,” starting at $109 with shipping expected in November 2025.
    2. The power bank has a capacity of 25,000 mAh, meeting airline guidelines and featuring three USB-C outputs (up to 100 watts) and a USB-A port (33 watts).
    3. It includes a 3-watt wireless charging pad and can achieve a maximum total output of 170 watts.
    4. The compact design measures 175 x 55 x 51.6 mm and weighs 600 g, with a 1.3-inch OLED display for easy monitoring.
    5. The device can be recharged at speeds up to 100 watts and has a 36-watt solar charging capability with a built-in MPPT controller.


    Ampsos has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its innovative “5-in-1 25,000 mAh Laptop-grade Power Bank Hub with Solar Boost.” As with any crowdfunding project, it’s crucial for potential supporters to thoroughly examine the shipping details and consider the risks involved, like the chance that the product may not ship or could fall short of quality expectations. Right now, prices start at $109, with shipping expected to kick off in November 2025.

    Impressive Capacity and Features

    With a power capacity of 25,000 mAh (or 90 Wh), this device meets airline guidelines and can easily fit in your carry-on luggage. It includes three USB-C outputs, each capable of providing up to 100 watts, which is sufficient for charging laptops; two of these ports even come with built-in cables. Additionally, it has a USB-A port that supports 33-watt charging and a 3-watt wireless charging pad. This hub can achieve a maximum total output of 170 watts. Ampsos has included diagrams that show the maximum output for each port under different power distribution scenarios.

    Compact Design and Display

    Measuring 175 x 55 x 51.6 mm (6.89 x 2.17 x 2.03 in) and weighing 600 g (1.32 lb), the Ampsos power hub is quite compact considering its range of features. It comes equipped with a 1.3-inch OLED display and can be recharged at speeds up to 100 watts, along with a 36-watt solar charging capability due to its built-in MPPT controller.

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