Category: Computers

June 1, 2025

Asus ProArt P16 Laptop: Why Only RTX 5070 is a Mistake

Key Takeaways

1. The Asus ProArt P16 is designed for creatives, featuring a black metal design and a touchscreen with stylus support, unlike its gaming counterpart, the ROG Zephyrus G16.
2. It uses standard heat-pipe cooling, limiting GPU options to the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, which may hinder performance in demanding tasks.
3. The laptop’s VRAM is limited, potentially impacting tasks like photo and video editing.
4. The display has been upgraded to a 120 Hz OLED with a resolution of 2880 x 1800, but the brightness levels are lower than competitors, at 360 nits in SDR and 430 nits in HDR.
5. Overall, while the ProArt P16 is a solid multimedia laptop, it could be more competitive with better display brightness and GPU options.

The Asus ProArt P16 stands as the creative counterpart to the gaming laptop ROG Zephyrus G16. While the outer design is almost the same, the ProArt P16 does away with the illuminated lid, and it features black metal surfaces. The most significant distinction, however, lies within. Unlike the Zephyrus G16, which can be outfitted with advanced vapor chamber cooling for higher-end GPUs up to the RTX 5090 Laptop, the ProArt P16 relies on standard heat-pipe cooling. As a result, the most powerful GPU available is the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, which still boasts 8 GB of VRAM and offers a performance edge over the older RTX 4070 Laptop.

Performance Drawbacks

Along with the modest performance improvements, the limited VRAM can quickly become a hindrance, especially during photo or video editing tasks. It’s puzzling why Asus does not provide the ProArt with more powerful GPU choices, given that the cooling setup from the Zephyrus G16 is accessible. Switching to the Zephyrus G16 isn’t feasible for everyone, as the ProArt uniquely features a touchscreen that supports stylus input.

Display Quality

Next, let’s discuss the screen. The 2024 version came with a high-res 4K OLED display, but it was capped at just 60 Hz. Now, Asus has upgraded to a 120 Hz OLED, but the resolution is lower at 2880 x 1800. The display still shows a slightly grainy image when viewing bright content, likely due to the touch layer. Asus still provides precise color profiles for sRGB and P3, but the brightness leaves much to be desired. In SDR mode, we only recorded 360 nits and just 430 nits in HDR mode. Many competitors with OLED technology surpass this performance, not to mention those utilizing Mini-LED displays.

Overall, the ProArt P16 remains a commendable multimedia laptop, yet Asus could have significantly improved its competitiveness with the MacBook Pro 16 by incorporating a brighter OLED display and a GPU with increased VRAM.

Tags: 4K OLED, Asus ProArt P16
May 31, 2025

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite: 64 GB RAM Options Revealed Early

Key Takeaways

1. Qualcomm has not announced the official launch date for its next-gen laptop chipsets but will reveal details at the Snapdragon Summit from September 23 to 25 in Hawaii.
2. The Snapdragon X Elite 2, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, and other options are expected to be unveiled during the summit.
3. The laptop chipset model SC8480XP is still under development and has been noted to support testing with up to 48 GB of RAM.
4. Qualcomm is also testing configurations with 64 GB of RAM for the Snapdragon X2 Elite, which is unusual for standard Windows laptops.
5. The Snapdragon X2 Elite is expected to feature an 18-core SoC, representing a 50% increase in CPU core count compared to the previous Snapdragon X Elite.

Qualcomm has yet to announce when it will officially launch its next-gen laptop chipsets. However, the company has disclosed the dates for this year’s Snapdragon Summit, scheduled to take place over two days from September 23 to September 25 in Hawaii. It appears likely that during this event, Qualcomm will unveil not only the Snapdragon X Elite 2 but also the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and some less powerful options.

Latest Developments

Meanwhile, leaker Roland Quandt has provided fresh insights regarding Qualcomm’s leading laptop chipset. He mentioned that the chipset, known by the model number SC8480XP, is still being developed, with this model number first appearing in September of the previous year. Recently, Quandt has indicated that he has come across information suggesting that the SC8480XP is being tested with 48 GB of RAM, an improvement from the current maximum of 32 GB available for Snapdragon X Elite laptops like the Surface Laptop 7, which is priced at $659 on Amazon (refurbished).

Potential Upgrades

However, it’s possible that 48 GB of RAM might not be the highest configuration available for the so-called SD X2 Elite or Snapdragon X2 Elite. Quandt has now reported that Qualcomm is in the process of testing configurations with 64 GB of RAM, which is still quite uncommon for Windows laptops, aside from workstations and gaming models. As of now, Quandt believes that the Snapdragon X2 Elite is increasingly resembling an 18-core SoC, indicating a significant 50% increase in CPU core count compared to the Snapdragon X Elite.

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Tags: Snapdragon X Elite 2, Snapdragon X2 Elite
May 31, 2025

PocketBeagle 2: New Developer Board with Enhanced Performance

Key Takeaways

1. The new PocketBeagle 2 features the AM6254 chip, offering improved performance over the AM6232 without a price increase.
2. The board has a compact size of 55 x 35 millimeters and includes a USB-C port, buttons, LEDs, and debug ports.
3. It lacks a standard HDMI output, making it unsuitable for media playback.
4. The PocketBeagle 2 includes a microSD slot, UART connection, and pin headers for connecting to external sensors and actuators.
5. The board is priced at $29.99 and can be purchased from DigiKey, with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 as a potential alternative.

A fresh version of the PocketBeagle 2 has just hit the market. We previously mentioned the original model back in February, and now this updated system is running a different SoC. The newly installed AM6254 chip from Texas Instruments is claimed to deliver better performance than the older AM6232. However, the transition to this new SoC doesn’t seem to have resulted in a price increase. It remains a developer board with limited capabilities, and it lacks a standard HDMI output that you would find on the Raspberry Pi 5, making it not ideal for media playback.

Compact Design

This board is really small, measuring only 55 x 35 millimeters, and has a low profile. On the front side, you’ll find a 512 MB LPDDR4 module along with a USB-C port, two buttons, and user-configurable LEDs and debug ports. On the back, there’s a microSD slot and a UART connection for debugging, plus two pin headers. These pin headers allow for connections to external sensors and actuators, which means you could potentially use the PocketBeagle to control robotic systems based on various sensor inputs.

Pricing and Alternatives

You can grab this developer board online at Digikey for $29.99. If you are considering other options, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 is worth checking out.

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Tags: PocketBeagle 2
May 31, 2025

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Sale: 66% Off 4K Display, 800 Nits, RTX GPU

Key Takeaways

1. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is currently available at a 66% discount, priced at $1,566.
2. It features an Intel Core i7-14700HX CPU, an Nvidia RTX 2000 GPU with 8GB VRAM, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
3. The laptop has a 16-inch 4K IPS display that is HDR-compatible and reaches brightness levels of up to 800 nits.
4. The display supports all DCI-P3 colors, making it ideal for 4K video and photo editing.
5. Potential buyers are encouraged to read a detailed review of the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 before purchasing.

While there’s an interesting offer for the new ThinkPad X9 OLED, many laptop shoppers might be interested in a larger 16-inch option that provides more screen space and even includes a dedicated graphics card. This is exactly what the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 offers, and it’s currently available at a discount.

Discounted Pricing

Specifically, Lenovo has slashed the price of the ThinkPad P16 Gen 2, which comes with an Intel Core i7-14700HX Raptor Lake CPU and an Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada Generation Laptop GPU featuring 8GB of VRAM and a total graphics power (TGP) of 80 watts, by an impressive 66 percent from the original price tag. Now, this well-equipped mobile workstation can be purchased for $1,566 directly from Lenovo’s official eBay store.

Specifications and Features

This model is also outfitted with 32GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 1TB SSD, both of which can be upgraded later. Additionally, the ThinkPad P16 boasts a stunning 4K IPS display that is HDR-compatible and can reach brightness levels of up to 800 nits according to the official specs. Importantly, the 16-inch screen is capable of showcasing all DCI-P3 colors, which is incredibly beneficial for those engaged in editing 4K videos or photos.

Review Reminder

Before making a purchase, we recommend checking out our detailed review of the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2. Our test model was equipped with the same Intel CPU, but our observations about the display and GPU performance may not apply to the version on sale at this moment. That being said, the P16 is a robust yet hefty business laptop with a gorgeous and bright 4K display, which might be preferable to OLED for users sensitive to PWM or those who often work with high-resolution materials.

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Tags: 4K IPS Display, Lenovo ThinkPad P16
May 31, 2025

Lenovo Launches Legion 245 W Slim Charger with Built-In Cable

Key Takeaways

1. Lenovo has launched the C245 charging brick in China, which is 30% smaller than standard laptop chargers with the same power output.

2. The charger supports fast charging up to 245 W and is designed specifically for Lenovo laptops, featuring a built-in cable with a special Slim connector.

3. The Slim connector includes a display that shows the power output, ensuring laptops can operate in performance mode.

4. The C245 charger uses Legion GaN 5.0 technology for stable charging and includes a cable management strap for portability.

5. Priced at CNY 359 (approximately $50), there is no current information on its international availability, but previous models were available on AliExpress soon after the China release.

Lenovo has introduced a new charging brick in China, known as the C245. This device is essentially an improved version of the Legion C170 that the company offers. It boasts a sleek design, with Lenovo claiming it is 30% smaller than standard laptop chargers that have the same power output.

Fast Charging Capabilities

This new Lenovo Legion GaN charger supports fast charging up to 245 W. However, since it comes with a built-in cable that features a special Slim connector, it’s clear that this charging brick is intended solely for Lenovo laptops. This differentiates it from previous C-series charging bricks.

Innovative Features

Regarding the Slim connector, it includes a display that shows the precise power output from the GaN charger. Lenovo emphasizes that the maximum power rating is sufficient to enable compatible laptops to operate in performance mode. The new Legion C245 charger also incorporates Legion GaN 5.0 technology, which guarantees stable charging. The built-in cable is crafted from high-quality materials and includes shielding for safe charging. Additionally, there’s a cable management strap that enhances the portability of the charging accessory.

Pricing Information

In terms of pricing, the Lenovo Legion C245 charger is launched at CNY 359, which translates to roughly $50. There is currently no information on when it will be available in international markets. However, it is important to note that the earlier C-series chargers appeared on AliExpress shortly after their release in China.

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Tags: GaN charger, Lenovo
May 31, 2025

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6: Why Lunar Lake Excels for Business Laptops

Key Takeaways

1. Performance is crucial for desktop computers, as they handle demanding tasks better.
2. Laptops prioritize efficiency over sheer performance due to issues like heat, noise, and battery life.
3. The main CPU competitors for Windows laptops are Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, each offering different strengths.
4. Intel’s Lunar Lake struggles with performance but excels in cooling, noise, and battery life compared to rivals.
5. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel is recommended for corporate users due to its balanced performance and efficiency.

Faster, faster, faster – performance is key when it comes to choosing a computer. A quicker PC can handle more demanding tasks. Thus, performance should always take the top spot, especially for desktop computers, where it is crucial.

The Laptop Dilemma

However, laptops tell a different story. Boosting performance might lead to issues like increased heat, louder fans, and shorter battery life. This is particularly important since many users only run basic applications such as email, office tasks, and web browsing. This is often the case for business laptops, where efficiency is frequently more valuable than sheer performance.

CPU Competition

In the world of Windows laptops, three main CPU makers compete: Intel, the long-standing leader, AMD, the constant contender, and Qualcomm, a newcomer with ARM technology. This raises the question: which platform is best for business users? We can tackle this after examining the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel, since Lenovo provides this model with all three CPU choices, and we have tested each one.

Surprisingly, the trends from previous generations have flipped: Intel previously offered great performance but lacked efficiency, while Qualcomm’s CPUs were not powerful but were energy efficient. This year, Intel’s Lunar Lake struggles to match the competition’s performance, but the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel operates cooler and quieter than its rivals, with battery life on par with the Snapdragon variant.

The Final Verdict

That’s why we see the Intel version as the top choice: for corporate customers, Intel’s Lunar Lake is the best overall solution. If higher performance is a must, the other options may be better, but they come with trade-offs in other areas.

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Tags: CPU Performance, Intel, Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
May 31, 2025

Starship Mars Landing in 2027: Optimus Robots to Colonize

Key Takeaways

1. SpaceX plans to build the Mars-ready Starship 3 rocket by 2025, with five rockets set for launch to Mars in late 2026, aiming for a landing in 2027.

2. The 2026 mission will not include humans but will deploy Optimus robots to demonstrate key technologies for Mars travel and landing.

3. In 2028, SpaceX aims to launch up to 20 Starship rockets to establish infrastructure for future crewed missions to Mars, with missions planned every two years.

4. Elon Musk envisions a fleet of Mars rockets operating like commercial airliners, with projections of up to 500 Starships landing by 2033 to support a Martian colony.

5. Successful implementation of the new Raptor 3 engine is crucial for the Starship 3 rocket, but no specific timeline for human landings on Mars has been provided.

SpaceX is gearing up to build a Mars-ready Starship 3 rocket in 2025, with plans to dispatch five of these rockets to the Red Planet in late 2026, aiming for a landing in 2027.

Timelines and Launch Windows

This aligns with the earlier schedule of 2026-2028 for Mars missions, which Elon Musk shared last year. The “transfer window,” which provides the best conditions for launching rockets to Mars, opens every two years.

The 2026 mission will not carry humans but will include Optimus robots. SpaceX has stated that these robots will “showcase important technologies for Mars travel and landing.”

Future Missions and Payloads

In 2028, when conditions allow for another Mars mission, SpaceX intends to launch as many as 20 Starship rockets, each with a significantly larger payload. These rockets will establish the foundational infrastructure and equipment needed for the first crewed flight to Mars.

After that, missions will occur every two years, with projections of up to 500 Starships landing by 2033. This is aimed at increasing “independence from Earth” by extracting and using Martian resources to support a colony.

According to Elon Musk’s keynote, “The Road to Making Life Multiplanetary,” there is a vision for a fleet of Mars rockets that would operate like commercial airliners, comparable to Boeing and Airbus.

Challenges Ahead

However, this remains largely aspirational, as SpaceX must first successfully implement the new Raptor 3 engine, which is designed to save over a ton in vehicle mass. Musk indicated that the Starship 3 rocket will be equipped with 42 engines, emphasizing that this design is unavoidable.

Interestingly, the presentation lacked a specific timeline for when humans might actually land on Mars, which had been mentioned in previous announcements.

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Tags: Mars mission, SpaceX, Starship 3
May 31, 2025

Huawei Developing Two New 3nm Chips for Future Devices

Key Takeaways

1. SMIC has successfully produced its first 5 nm chip, the Kirin X90 for Huawei, using DUV machines due to trade restrictions on EUV technology.
2. Huawei is researching a 3 nm chip using GAA FET technology, aiming for tape-out by 2026 and mass production by 2027.
3. Yield rates for the 5 nm chip are low at 20%, and the 3 nm chips are expected to have even lower rates due to complex DUV multi-patterning.
4. China is investing in developing its own EUV machines, with reports suggesting Huawei is testing EUV technology for potential mass production by 2026.
5. Advancements in EUV technology are likely to be kept secret, with significant funding of $37 billion allocated for its development.

If the whispers from China are true, SMIC has made a significant breakthrough by producing its first 5 nm chip for Huawei, named the Kirin X90. This accomplishment was achieved without the advanced EUV machines from ASML. Instead, they relied on less powerful DUV machines due to trade limitations. A recent article from UDN sheds light on Huawei’s upcoming strategies regarding its semiconductor sector.

Future Semiconductor Developments

Huawei is now delving into research for a 3 nm node based on GAA FET technology, which they expect to have ready for tape-out around 2026. If everything goes as planned, they aim to kick off mass production by 2027. In addition, there are also investigations into carbon nanotube-based 3 nm chips, though there’s no update on their development status.

Challenges Ahead

Yet, yield rates will remain a concern. The aforementioned 5 nm node reportedly has a low yield rate of just 20%, and this number is expected to decline even further for the 3 nm chips due to the increased complexity of DUV multi-patterning. However, this situation could improve if China manages to transition to EUV technology like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel Foundry.

China is already putting effort into creating its own EUV machines. An X user, @zephyr_z9, who has insights into the Chinese semiconductor industry, notes that Huawei is testing EUV technology, which is anticipated to be ready for mass production by 2026. On the other hand, former ASML engineer @lithos_graphein argues that this is improbable, stating, “ASML’s moat is massive and uncontested.”

Secrecy in Progress

Still, even if China had EUV tools available, they likely wouldn’t make this information public. Reports indicate that $37 billion has been designated for the development of EUV technology, and any advancements will likely be kept secret, similar to what occurred with the Kirin 9010 and its later versions.

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Tags: Kirin X90, SMIC
May 31, 2025

Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless: Dual Design & Fewer Cables

Key Takeaways

1. Lian Li has launched the UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless, featuring dual design and wireless connectivity to reduce cable clutter.
2. The fans are 120mm in size, reach speeds of up to 2,300 RPM, and produce airflow of 67 CFM with a noise level of 29.2 dBA.
3. Unique design includes two sides with different aesthetics and three lighting zones with 58 addressable LEDs, managed via a wireless 2.4GHz USB dongle.
4. Pre-orders are available for $105 (pack of three) and $32 (single fan) in black and white; larger options like the SL-Infinity are available for $90.
5. The fans can be daisy-chained together and are designed for both standard and reversed blade configurations for customizable airflow and noise levels.

Lian Li has been leading the way in designing PC case fans. The company first launched its UNI Fan series in 2020 and has since added newer models to the collection. Recently, they have unveiled the UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless, featuring a dual design and wireless connectivity, which reduces cable clutter. Available in both black and white, these fans can also be daisy-chained together.

Performance Specs

Currently, the UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless series includes only 120mm fans that can reach speeds of up to 2,300 RPM, producing an airflow of 67 CFM with a noise level of 29.2 dBA. What sets these fans apart is their unique design. Each fan has two sides: one that faces the user and another that faces away (depending on the mounting position). Each side has a different look, with both displaying the infinity mirror effect. One side features a rectangular shape, while the other presents a tapered design, giving users the option to select their preferred visual style.

Design Features

The fans employ FDB bearings and are available in both standard and reversed blade designs. The reversed blade variant can achieve a speed of 2,200 RPM but offers a higher airflow of 69.7 CFM. However, these are slightly noisier, operating at 32.2 dBA.

In total, there are three lighting zones that feature 58 addressable LEDs. In addition to the fan lights, there are two LED strips on the front and infinity mirror lighting on the sides. All lighting options can be managed via a wireless 2.4GHz USB dongle, which can control fan speeds and lighting for up to 10 Lian Li device groups. The receiver is equipped with a 4-pin PWM cable for 12V power and includes an extra PWM cable to ensure stable power delivery.

Availability and Pricing

The fans are currently open for pre-orders in black and white variations. A pack of three is priced at $105, while a single fan is available for $32. As of now, they have not been listed online. For those who do not need the wireless features or dual design, or are looking for larger fans, the Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity can be purchased for $90 (available in a 120-Triple pack on Amazon).

Lian Li’s innovation continues to shine in the world of PC cooling solutions!

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May 30, 2025

ViewDock: Versatile Docking Station Now Live on Kickstarter

Key Takeaways

1. The ViewDock is seeking funding on Kickstarter, with early supporters able to purchase it for about $89 after a discount.
2. Potential buyers should carefully review shipping conditions and understand the financial risks of crowdfunding.
3. The device dimensions are 13.7 x 6.2 x 9.6 cm (5.4 x 2.4 x 3.8 in) and features a 1,280 x 720 resolution screen.
4. It connects via USB-C and is compatible with macOS, Windows, and possibly Linux, supporting USB Power Delivery up to 100 watts.
5. The ViewDock has two USB 3.0 ports and microSD/SD card readers located on the back for a cleaner appearance, but this may make access more difficult.

The ViewDock is currently seeking funds through a campaign on Kickstarter. At this moment, early supporters can grab a unit for about $89 after applying a discount. However, those interested should thoroughly examine the shipping conditions and be mindful of the financial risks that come with crowdfunding initiatives. Even though the ViewDock likely doesn’t involve much risk related to technology, it’s important to consider that this project is run by a company that is not widely recognized.

Dimensions and Display

With dimensions of 13.7 x 6.2 x 9.6 cm (5.4 x 2.4 x 3.8 in), the ViewDock includes a built-in screen that has a resolution of 1,280 x 720 and a display size of 10 x 8 cm (3.9 x 3.1 in). It operates similarly to an external monitor, giving users the ability to choose what appears on the display. For example, applications such as system resource monitors, chat interfaces, or media players can easily be dragged to this secondary screen.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The ViewDock connects to a main device through USB-C and works with macOS, Windows, and possibly Linux systems. It also allows for USB Power Delivery up to 100 watts. On its rear side, the device is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, in addition to microSD and SD card readers. While placing the I/O ports on the back helps maintain a tidy look, it also means that accessing the ports can be a bit more challenging.

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Tags: Kickstarter, USB-C