Category: Computers

  • Schenker Key 18 Pro Mobile Workstation: High-End Features & Care

    Schenker Key 18 Pro Mobile Workstation: High-End Features & Care

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Schenker Key 18 Pro features Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX and Nvidia’s RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, providing impressive performance with 24 GB of VRAM.
    2. It offers extensive maintenance options, including three additional PCIe 4.0 slots, allowing for up to 32 TB of SSD storage.
    3. The mobile workstation includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports and two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports for enhanced connectivity.
    4. It is designed for video editing on the go, with memory options up to 256 GB across four slots.
    5. The device has a loud fan in high-performance mode but offers a quieter setting with acceptable performance and reduced noise.


    If you are in the market for a substantial desktop alternative that boasts robust components, excellent maintenance options, and up-to-date features, then the Schenker Key 18 Pro might catch your eye. This mobile workstation pairs Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX with Nvidia’s latest Blackwell GPUs, albeit in their consumer forms. The unit we reviewed came outfitted with the top-of-the-line RTX 5000 variant, specifically the RTX 5090 Laptop, which includes 24 GB of VRAM. It is also the quickest version, offering a TGP of 175 Watts. Overall, its performance is quite impressive and reliable, although the processor could benefit from slightly higher power limits. In the fastest performance setting, the fans can become quite loud; however, there is a quieter mode available where performance remains satisfactory, and the fan noise drops to a mere 34 dB(A).

    Unique Features and Maintenance Options

    While there are several laptops available featuring these components, the Key 18 Pro distinguishes itself with its extensive range of features and superior maintenance options. It includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports and two Ethernet ports (2.5 Gbps), along with a PCIe 5.0 slot for SSDs, ensuring performance remains steady during prolonged workloads. Unlike many other devices that might include a second SSD slot, the Key 18 Pro provides three extra PCIe 4.0 slots. If you choose to utilize all four slots (and note that PCIe 5.0 is only available with a maximum of 4 TB), you can achieve up to 28 TB of SSD storage, and even 32 TB if you use 4x PCIe 4.0. This ample storage is especially valuable for those capturing numerous videos in 4K or even 8K resolutions.

    Ideal for Video Editing on the Move

    For those looking to edit videos while on the move, the benefits extend beyond just the RTX 5090 Laptop with 24 GB VRAM; you also have access to a significant amount of memory, with options reaching up to 256 GB across four slots. In summary, the Key 18 Pro is a highly specialized machine that remains unmatched if you are seeking such a unique combination. For more detailed insights on the device, be sure to check out our thorough review of the new Key 18 Pro.

     

  • High-Performance Raspberry Pi 5 Alternative with Intel Core Ultra 7

    High-Performance Raspberry Pi 5 Alternative with Intel Core Ultra 7

    Key Takeaways

    1. Aaeon has launched the Up Extreme ARL, a powerful single-board computer similar to the Raspberry Pi 5 but with enhanced performance.
    2. The device features an Intel Core Ultra 5/7 processor and offers AI performance of up to 97 TOPS for local AI application execution.
    3. The board includes up to 64GB of non-upgradable LPDDR5 RAM, two M.2 2280 slots for storage, and supports traditional SATA drives.
    4. Connectivity options include dual Ethernet ports (2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and expansion for wireless connectivity.
    5. The Up Extreme ARL supports multi-monitor setups with two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1, but pricing details have not yet been released.


    Aaeon has launched a new single-board computer named the Up Extreme ARL. This compact device is somewhat similar to the Raspberry Pi 5, though it offers much greater power. Interestingly, the GPIO pin header closely resembles that of the Raspberry Pi, suggesting that expansion boards created for the Raspberry Pi could work with this SBC too. Regardless, the Up Extreme ARL comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5 225H, Core Ultra 7 255H, or Ultra 7 265H. It boasts an AI performance of up to 97 TOPS, enabling local execution of AI applications.

    Memory and Storage

    The memory on this board is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded. Depending on which model you choose, Aaeon’s new single-board computer can come with as much as 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM. There are two M.2 2280 slots for additional storage, and you can connect a traditional spinning hard drive or a 2.5-inch SSD using SATA. The dimensions of the board are 4.74 x 4.82 inches, and it provides two HDMI 2.1 ports along with one DisplayPort 2.1, allowing for multi-monitor setups. It also includes MIPI CSI.

    Connectivity Features

    For wired networking, the device supports Ethernet with a speed of 2.5 Gbps, while the second Ethernet port is capped at 1 Gbps. You can enhance wireless connectivity (WiFi or cellular) on the Up Extreme ARL using the two M.2 slots designed for M.2 3052 and 2230 cards. Furthermore, the board features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and it can be powered with voltages ranging from 9 to 36 volts. Unfortunately, Aaeon has yet to announce any pricing details for this robust competitor to the Raspberry Pi 5.


     

  • Apple Mac Mini Launching with Two Variants Amid MacBook Pro Delay

    Apple Mac Mini Launching with Two Variants Amid MacBook Pro Delay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is planning to release two new versions of the Mac mini, the J783g and J783s models, featuring M5 and M5 Pro chipsets.
    2. The current Mac mini with M4 chips is priced at $499 on Amazon.
    3. The naming convention for the new models indicates a return to the ‘g’ and ‘s’ labels used for previous chip versions.
    4. There is speculation about a possible third variant with an M5 Max chipset in the new Mac mini lineup.
    5. The release schedule for the new Mac mini may be uncertain, especially in relation to the upcoming MacBook Pro models.


    AppleInsider has provided fresh details about the Mac mini after its redesign last year with the Apple M4 chips (currently priced at $499 on Amazon). To summarize, the site mentioned last month that Apple is planning to update its compact mini-PC with M5 chipsets, similar to the iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.

    New Mac mini Variants

    Recently, AppleInsider has disclosed that Apple is in the process of creating two new versions of the Mac mini. For reference, the existing M4 Mac mini carries the internal model number J773g. In contrast, the M4 Pro models are labeled with the designation J773s.

    Development of M5 Models

    As per AppleInsider’s findings, Apple has reverted to using ‘g’ and ‘s’ labels for its J783 series. This suggests that the J783g and J783s models are linked to the M5 and M5 Pro versions of the Mac mini. It can be assumed that, if Apple decides to include M5 Max chipsets in the Mac mini lineup, a third variant is likely to be available.

    Last year, the new Mac mini was launched just a day before the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 were unveiled. Given the ongoing speculation, it appears that these two laptops may not follow Apple’s usual fall release schedule. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the upcoming Mac mini models will also be affected by this delay.

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  • Beelink GTi15 Ultra Mini PC Launches with eGPU Support Worldwide

    Beelink GTi15 Ultra Mini PC Launches with eGPU Support Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. Beelink’s GTi15 Ultra, launched in July 2025, features an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H and is now available for pre-order globally.
    2. The mini PC shows significant gaming performance improvements over the GTi14, with its integrated GPU matching the AMD Radeon 890M.
    3. It supports the Beelink Ex Pro eGPU dock via PCIe 5.0×8 for enhanced gaming performance without relying on OCuLink or USB4.
    4. The GTi15 Ultra can be configured with up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM and offers two PCIe 4.0 slots for up to 8 TB of storage.
    5. Key features include WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, MSC 2.0 cooling, a built-in 145 W power supply, a fingerprint sensor, and a dust-proof design, with a price of $1,039 for the 64 GB RAM and 1 TB storage model.


    Beelink has introduced the GTi15 Ultra in China in July 2025, and this fresh Intel Arrow Lake mini PC is now open for pre-orders on the global website. The company is currently offering just one setup for the international market, which features 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

    Performance Improvements

    As highlighted in our first coverage of the launch, the GTi15 Ultra shows a significant performance increase in gaming compared to the fully equipped GTi14. This enhancement is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, which includes the Arc 140T. According to our evaluation, this Arrow Lake integrated GPU matches the AMD Radeon 890M in terms of capability.

    Connectivity and Expansion

    Another important feature of the mini PC is its compatibility with the Beelink Ex Pro eGPU dock, which does not depend on OCuLink or USB4. Instead, it connects directly to the PCIe 5.0×8 interface of the GTi15 Ultra, providing “lossless” gaming performance.

    Additionally, the Core Ultra 9 285H in the mini PC can be configured with up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM operating at 6400 MHz. There are two PCIe 4.0 slots available that can accommodate a maximum of 8 TB of storage (2 TB Samsung 990 Evo Plus currently costs $119.99 on Amazon). The Beelink GTi15 Ultra also offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options, featuring:

    For wireless connectivity, this new Intel mini PC supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Other notable features of the GTi15 Ultra include the MSC 2.0 cooling system, a built-in 145 W power supply unit, an integrated microphone, a fingerprint sensor compatible with Windows Hello, and a dust-proof design. The model with 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is presently listed on the official Beelink store at $1,039.

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  • GMKtec Unveils Affordable NucBox G10 Mini PC Configuration

    GMKtec Unveils Affordable NucBox G10 Mini PC Configuration

    Key Takeaways

    1. GMKtec’s NucBox G10 is a budget-friendly mini PC powered by a Ryzen 5 3500U processor, priced at $189.99 globally.

    2. A more budget-friendly barebone version will be available soon for approximately $111, but the release date is not yet announced.

    3. The mini PC supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and has dual M.2 slots for SSDs, allowing for a total storage capacity of 16 TB.

    4. It features an efficient cooling system with a fan and heatsink to keep temperatures low during heavy use while minimizing noise.

    5. The NucBox G10 offers extensive connectivity options, including WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort for triple-display support.


    GMKtec has introduced the NucBox G10, a budget-friendly mini PC powered by a capable Ryzen 5 processor. After its initial launch in China, it is now accessible worldwide, with the base model priced at $189.99.

    Affordable Options Available

    This base model comes equipped with a Ryzen 5 3500U APU, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. GMKtec has also hinted at a more budget-friendly version of this mini PC. This barebone option will be priced at CNY 799, which is approximately $111 in USD. However, the exact date for its release has not been announced yet.

    Impressive Specifications

    For those who missed the details from the launch, the GMK G10 is designed with two SO-DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 2400 MT/s. Additionally, it includes dual 2280 M.2 slots that can accommodate SSDs of up to 8 TB each, allowing for a total storage capacity of 16 TB (currently, a 4 TB Crucial P310 is available for $234.99 on Amazon).

    Cooling and Connectivity Features

    GMKtec emphasizes that the GMK G10 is equipped with a robust cooling fan along with a heatsink to manage temperatures effectively during intense tasks, while maintaining low noise levels. The NucBox G10 also offers a good range of connectivity options, including:

    It supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. Moreover, with USB Type-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort, this mini PC enables triple-display output. For more detailed information about the GMK G10, you can refer to our launch coverage and the detailed spec sheet provided below.

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  • Geekom A9 Max Launches Early with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and 128GB RAM

    Geekom A9 Max Launches Early with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and 128GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Geekom has unveiled the A9 Max mini-PC ahead of its official release on August 21.
    2. The A9 Max features a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, 32 GB of RAM, and 2 TB of M.2 2280 storage.
    3. The mini-PC has a compact size of 135 x 132 x 45.6 mm and includes multiple ports for connectivity.
    4. It supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM through dual SODIMM slots and has M.2 slots for PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
    5. The current price for the A9 Max is $1,199, which includes a Windows 11 Pro license.


    Geekom has unveiled the A9 Max earlier than expected. Earlier this month, the company hinted at a new mini-PC, which turns out to be the A9 Max. However, the version now displayed has a different front I/O compared to what Geekom first presented.

    Launch Date and Availability

    Geekom plans to officially release the A9 Max on August 21. Despite this, the A9 Max is already up for grabs on Amazon and through Geekom’s website. It comes equipped with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, 32 GB of RAM, and a generous 2 TB of M.2 2280 storage. The mini-PC is designed within a compact size of 135 x 132 x 45.6 mm and includes these ports:

    Specifications and Features

    Additionally, the A9 Max is equipped with dual SODIMM slots that allow for up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM. It also has both M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 slots available, which can support PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Presently, the Geekom A9 Max is priced at $1,199, which includes a Windows 11 Pro license. For further information, you can visit Geekom’s official website.

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  • Phison Addresses SSD Failures Related to New Windows 11 Update

    Phison Addresses SSD Failures Related to New Windows 11 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Windows 11 update KB5063878 is causing issues with SSDs during large file transfers, especially those with Phison controllers.
    2. File transfers larger than 50 GB may render affected SSDs unrecognized and inaccessible after a restart.
    3. Some SSDs can recover after rebooting, but those with Phison controllers may not be recoverable.
    4. Phison is aware of the issue and is reviewing the affected controllers, but has not provided specific reasons for the failures.
    5. Users are advised to avoid large file transfers and postpone updates KB5063878 and KB5062660 until a firmware update is available.


    The recent update for Windows 11, identified as KB5063878, seems to be causing problems with SSDs during large file transfers. According to tests conducted by users in Japan, SSDs that use Phison controllers are particularly affected by this issue. Microsoft has not yet responded to these reports, but Phison has released a statement addressing the problem.

    Details of the Issue

    For those who haven’t seen our previous reports, the problem arises when a file transfer larger than 50 GB is attempted on a Windows 11 device that has been updated. Based on internal tests, many of the affected SSDs become unrecognized by the system, and after a restart, the drives may become inaccessible.

    Recovery and Acknowledgment

    In tests done by user @Neoru_cat, it was found that some SSDs could recover after a reboot. However, SSDs using Phison controllers may not be recoverable at all. Phison has confirmed that they are aware of the SSD failure issue linked to the latest Windows 11 update.

    Although Phison did not provide specific reasons for the failures, they assured that the affected controllers are currently being reviewed. The non-affected 2 TB WD_Black SN7100 is priced at $129.9 on Amazon. Phison also indicated that they will share updates once their investigation yields results.

    Future Steps

    It’s possible that Phison may release a firmware update following the investigation, but they are unlikely to provide direct support to customers. This support will probably come from their partners instead. Until a firmware update is available, it’s advisable to avoid large file transfers on devices that have the latest Windows 11 update. Additionally, if the KB5063878 and KB5062660 updates have not been installed yet, it may be wise to hold off on those updates.

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  • Intel Core Ultra 7 254V Leaked in New Lunar Lake Benchmarks

    Intel Core Ultra 7 254V Leaked in New Lunar Lake Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Intel Core Ultra 7 254V processor is designed for budget gaming handhelds and laptops, potentially competing with devices like the Steam Deck.

    2. It features an eight-core design with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, offering strong single-core performance but lower multi-core performance compared to higher models.

    3. The processor includes the Intel Arc 140V GPU, which runs at 2.0 GHz, matching higher-tier Lunar Lake models.

    4. Clock speed details are unclear, but speculation suggests a base clock of 1.8–2.0 GHz, with potential limitations on RAM, possibly starting at 8GB of soldered LPDDR5X.

    5. Intel has not confirmed the leaked specifications, raising questions about the reliability of the benchmark results and whether the high single-thread performance is accurate or a result of overclocking.


    A new Intel Core Ultra 7 254V processor from the Lunar Lake series has come to light through benchmark leaks, showing off its capabilities. It appears to be a decent choice for those looking for budget gaming handhelds and laptops, which might compete with devices like the Steam Deck.

    Benchmark Insights

    The leaks were first noticed by users on X, where the chip appeared in PassMark results. It features an eight-core design with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. Additionally, the CPU includes eight threads and 12MB of L3 cache, making it somewhat similar to the Core Ultra 7 256V and 258V models.

    From the data we have, the single-core performance is rated at 4,089, while the multi-core score is 17,327. The single-core performance aligns closely with the averages of the 256V and 258V models, but the multi-core performance is lacking: the 254V is almost 10 percent behind the 258V’s average of 19,158 and about 13 percent lower than the 256V’s 19,800.

    Performance Comparison

    When comparing the leaked Core Ultra 7 254V, it appears to underperform relative to the entry-level Core Ultra 5 228V in multi-core tasks, yet it excels in single-threaded performance, being significantly faster in that area.

    Additional benchmark results from tests like FurMark and Vulkan have verified the presence of the Intel Arc 140V GPU, which runs at 2.0 GHz. This is the same as the higher-tier Lunar Lake processors like the 256V and 258V, showing that it doesn’t downgrade to the Arc 130V used in the 230-series.

    Clock Speed Speculations

    Sadly, the clock speeds for the 254V have not been revealed in the leaks. However, speculation suggests it may have a lower base clock of 1.8–2.0GHz, in contrast to the 258V’s 3.7 GHz or the 256V’s 2.2 GHz, both of which can turbo up to 4.8 GHz, while keeping up with similar models in boost clock speeds.

    The Core Ultra 7 254V is likely to come with soldered LPDDR5X RAM which won’t be upgradeable. For reference, the 258V has 32GB, and the 256V has 16GB of RAM. It’s possible the 254V could have 8GB of soldered RAM, which might limit its application in entry-level laptops and gaming devices. It’s worth noting that Microsoft’s guidelines suggest a minimum of 16GB for AI applications, which could lead to a higher RAM configuration being offered than the 8GB that some are guessing.

    Intel’s Silence

    It’s important to mention that Intel has not yet confirmed the leaked SKUs. The benchmark seen on PassMark is from just one sample, meaning the high single-thread performance might be an anomaly, or the chip could have been overclocked during testing, as we do not currently know the clock speeds the CPU was operating at during the benchmark.

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  • Microsoft UEFI Update Blocks Full Charging on Snapdragon X Devices

    Microsoft UEFI Update Blocks Full Charging on Snapdragon X Devices

    Key Takeaways

    1. A faulty UEFI update released on August 7, 2025, has caused charging issues in some Surface Pros and Surface Laptops.
    2. Affected devices, including the Snapdragon X-powered Surface Pro (11th edition) and Surface Laptop (7th edition), can only charge up to 50%.
    3. Users are reporting their charging problems on the Microsoft Q&A forum and the Microsoft Feedback app.
    4. Microsoft is investigating the charging issue but has not provided a solution yet.
    5. Users who haven’t received the update should consider pausing their Windows updates to avoid the problem.


    Microsoft has caused some Surface Pros and Surface Laptops to have problems with their charging ability due to a faulty UEFI update that was released on August 7, 2025. Laptops affected by this update are unable to charge completely, and no solution has been provided yet. Users who haven’t received the update should think about pausing their Windows updates.

    User Reports of Charging Issues

    After the UEFI update on August 7th, many users started sharing their experiences about not being able to fully charge their Surface devices on the Microsoft Q&A forum and also in the Microsoft Feedback app. The devices that have been mentioned to face this issue include the Qualcomm Snapdragon X-powered Surface Pro (11th edition) and Surface Laptop (7th edition). These devices can only charge up to 50%, which severely limits the ability of mobile workers to get through their day without access to an AC outlet.

    Ongoing Investigation by Microsoft

    Microsoft is currently investigating the charging issue, but similar to the SSD problem that came with the Windows monthly update on August 12th, there is no fix available for either situation right now.

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  • Logitech MX Master 4 Leaks: Minor Upgrades, No 1kHz Polling

    Logitech MX Master 4 Leaks: Minor Upgrades, No 1kHz Polling

    Key Takeaways

    1. Durability Improvements: The Logitech MX Master 4 aims to address some durability issues found in the previous model, the MX Master 3S, but some complaints may still persist.

    2. Packaging Changes: The MX Master 4 is expected to come without a USB Type-C cable in its packaging, according to the Amazon listing.

    3. Design Updates: The mouse features a visual upgrade and improved build quality, including a new gesture button and a forward thumb button, but the overall design remains largely similar to the MX Master 3S.

    4. Material Modifications: Logitech may have changed the materials used in the MX Master 4 for better stain resistance and easier cleaning, with a potential shift from rubber to hard plastic in some areas.

    5. Limited Internal Changes: There are no significant updates to internal specifications like polling rates or components, although new customizable Haptic Sense technology for the gesture control button has been introduced.


    The Logitech MX Master 4 has leaked again, this time through an Amazon Italy listing, giving us an early peek at what Logitech is aiming for with their latest ergonomic mouse expected to launch later this year. Although it looks like they have tackled some durability issues, the most common complaint found in the MX Master 3S appears to still be an issue with the MX Master 4. Those in search of a high-polling rate ergonomic mouse may still need to consider other options, like the Keychron M6 8K we reviewed recently.

    Changes to Packaging

    It seems that Logitech has also decided to exclude the USB Type-C cable from the MX Master 4’s packaging, if we trust the Amazon listing.

    Design Enhancements

    The new Logitech MX Master 4 appears to offer primarily a visual upgrade and improved build quality compared to the MX Master 3S (currently priced at $109.99 on Amazon), as we previously mentioned. Besides the noticeable gesture button on the thumb rest and the new forward thumb button, there doesn’t seem to be many significant visual alterations to the mouse’s overall design. This news may please some users, while others who expected a more dramatic redesign could be disappointed.

    Material Changes

    Another significant change in the MX Master 4 is that Logitech may have altered the materials used, aiming to create a mouse that is simpler to clean and potentially more durable as a result. Logitech asserts that the MX Master 4 will resist stains better and be easier to maintain compared to the MX Master 3S. Whether this claim holds true is yet to be determined, but the degradation of the TPU rubber has been a long-standing issue for the MX Master series, with common reports of yellowing on white MX Master mice found on the r/Logitech subreddit.

    While it remains uncertain if Logitech has replaced the rubber material on the back of the MX Master 4, the texture has definitely shifted, and the teaser video suggests it might now be made of a hard plastic. What is confirmed is that the main click buttons on the MX Master 4 will feature a textured clear hard plastic this time around.

    Internal Specifications

    Though the physical changes seem minimal, the internal updates appear even less significant. There’s no indication of updated polling rates or new internal components, and the battery life claim stays the same at 70 days. The Amazon listing also discloses new customizable Haptic Sense technology associated with the gesture control button and Logi Options+ software, which seems to suggest a customizable feedback option while using the gesture control button.

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