Category: Computers

  • Intel Nova Lake Desktop CPUs Rumored to Feature Up to 52 Cores

    Intel Nova Lake Desktop CPUs Rumored to Feature Up to 52 Cores

    Intel is planning to launch its next series of desktop CPUs, known as ‘Nova Lake’, in 2026, though there are many speculations regarding their specifications. Recent leaks suggest that one configuration could feature a whopping 52 cores, which is more than twice that of the previous models. Right now, not much is known about the Nova Lake CPUs or the Arrow Lake Refresh, which might not follow the expected trends.

    Configuration Insights

    A popular leaker, using the handle @Jaykihn, responded to an earlier leak on X that outlined potential configurations for the four anticipated Nova Lake CPUs. The initial report mentioned 48 cores, consisting of 16 Performance cores (P cores) and 32 Efficient cores (E cores) for the Nova Lake S CPU. However, Jaykihn revealed that there are also 4 Low-power Efficiency cores (LP E cores) included in this setup, bringing the total to 52 cores. Likewise, the Nova Lake HX CPU is rumored to have 28 cores rather than the previously thought 24, and the Nova Lake H CPU might come with 16 cores instead of only 12.

    Core Specifications

    In addition, the leaker has confirmed that these CPUs will include Coyote Cove P cores and Arctic Wolf E/LP E cores. It is anticipated that the Nova Lake series will be part of Intel’s Core Ultra 400 series, while the Arrow Lake Refresh will likely offer Core Ultra 300 series processors.

    Earlier, it was thought that Intel would increase the number of E cores to 32 for an Arrow Lake Refresh SKU, which, along with 8 Lion Cove P cores, would mean a total of 40 cores. However, another well-known leaker recently dismissed this rumor on the Chinese platform Weibo, suggesting that Intel may only enhance the NPU aspect of the chip.

    Unofficial Speculations

    As highlighted before, these are merely speculations, and there is no confirmed information about the configurations or how many SKUs will be available for Nova Lake or Arrow Lake Refresh processors.

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  • Minix NGC-NR660 Mini PC with AMD Hexa-Core CPU Launches Discount

    Minix NGC-NR660 Mini PC with AMD Hexa-Core CPU Launches Discount

    The Minix NGC-NR660 is a fresh mini PC that’s now up for grabs on Amazon. You can buy this computer for $399, and right now, Minix is offering a $30 discount through a coupon, which you will need to activate yourself.

    Ideal for Everyday Tasks

    The NGC-NR660 is designed for everyday activities that don’t require heavy computing power, like web browsing or working on documents. The heart of this mini PC is the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H APU. While it may not be the latest technology, it still packs a punch with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a clock speed that can reach 4.5 GHz. The manufacturer claims that its fans operate at a quiet 32 dB, even quieter than the sound of typing on standard keyboards.

    Upgradable and Efficient

    This mini PC comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM that runs at 4800 MHz, which can be upgraded to 64GB using the two available SODIMM slots. It also has a 512GB SSD and an extra M.2 slot for more storage options. However, unlike some similar products, it does not support traditional 2.5-inch drives.

    Connectivity Options

    The Minix NGC-NR660 can handle 4K monitors at 60 Hz, and it also supports external 8K displays. In terms of connectivity, it has HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, and USB 4 ports. The USB 4 port is versatile, allowing for video output as well as connections to external storage.

    With USB Power Delivery capable of delivering up to 100 watts, you might not need a separate power cord. The device offers three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, along with older USB 2.0 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. To top it off, the mini PC is equipped with two 2.5GBe ports for enhanced networking capabilities.

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    Minix NGC-NR660 Mini PC with AMD Hexa-Core CPU Launches DiscountMinix NGC-NR660 Mini PC with AMD Hexa-Core CPU Launches Discount

     

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  • Gigabyte Launches Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra & Dual SSDs

    Gigabyte Launches Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra & Dual SSDs

    Gigabyte has a really diverse selection of products, ranging from gaming gears to mini-PCs. The firm has recently revealed the quite powerful GB-BRU5-225H mini-PC. The last four digits in the model name point to the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H that powers the device. This processor is certainly very proficient, suggesting that the GB-BRU5-225H should manage more than just basic tasks. With two RAM slots, it can support up to 96 GB of SODIMM DDR5 memory running at 6,400 MHz.

    Storage and Connectivity Options

    This mini-PC comes with three M.2 slots in total, where two are in the 2280 format, capable of SATA or NVMe communication, and are meant for SSD installation. The third slot is a M.2 2230, which has an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 network adapter, providing both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The device measures 112.6 x 119.4 x 34.4 mm (4.4 x 4.7 x 1.4 in) and includes Ethernet connectivity that can reach transfer speeds of up to 2.5 Gbit/s, although this speed is only useful if the network infrastructure is sufficient.

    Additional Features and Pricing

    The Gigabyte GB-BRU5-225H is fitted with one Thunderbolt 4 port, which is useful for connecting docking stations or monitors. Additionally, the device provides two HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB 3.2 Type C port that can also output video. This USB-C port can also be used to power the mini-PC. On the front, there are several more USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The mini-PC supports VESA mounting, allowing it to be attached to the back of a monitor if desired. It can also be secured with a Kensington lock. Pricing and availability details are yet to be disclosed.

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  • Framework Laptop 13 Shell for AMD, Intel, RISC-V Now $399

    Framework Laptop 13 Shell for AMD, Intel, RISC-V Now $399

    Earlier this week, Framework kicked off the sales of its much-anticipated RISC-V Mainboard featuring a StarFive JH7100 processor. To put it in perspective, the RISC-V Mainboard from Framework is significantly more affordable compared to its AMD or Intel alternatives, though Waveshare offers a similar RISC-V platform at nearly half the cost.

    New Framework Laptop 13 Shell Available

    In addition, Framework has introduced the Framework Laptop 13 Shell, which it defines in this way:

    This product is a full Framework Laptop 13 chassis that comes without the Mainboard, memory, storage, and Wi-Fi.

    More specifically, the shell isn’t just the outer casing; it includes a 55 Wh battery, a display, a keyboard, and several other essential components. The current price for this bundle is $399, which is roughly double the cost of the RISC-V Mainboard.

    Competitive Pricing in the Market

    Comparatively, the latest AMD and Intel Mainboards are priced starting from $400. Because of this, Framework mainly markets the shell kit to customers who might already own a spare mainboard. Nonetheless, the Framework Laptop 13 shell presents a viable option for those who can find a second-hand Mainboard at a lower price. For further information, check out Framework’s official website.

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  • ASUS Launches New Vivobook, Zenbook & V16 Laptops on Feb 13

    ASUS Launches New Vivobook, Zenbook & V16 Laptops on Feb 13

    ASUS is set to unveil three new laptops in India on February 13 at 12 PM. The lineup includes the ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip, ASUS Zenbook 14, and ASUS V16, all equipped with dedicated AI chips, ASUS AI apps, and gaming features enhanced by AI technology.

    Powerful Performance

    These devices, part of the Copilot+PC series, will be driven by Intel Core Ultra 9 processors (Series 2), delivering impressive performance of up to 47 TOPS for NPU and up to 12 cores and threads. They will also showcase ASUS Lumina OLED screens that can reach up to 3K resolution, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and peak brightness of 600 nits. Specifically for gaming, the ASUS V16 will be fitted with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.

    ASUS V16 Details

    While information on the other models is scarce, the ASUS V16 might be the same device that was revealed back in December 2024. This laptop is expected to sport a 16-inch FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1920 x 1080 resolution, and a 16:10 aspect ratio, all housed in a military-grade durable chassis. Internally, it is anticipated to feature either an Intel Core i5-13420H or an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, combined with 8GB or 16GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, along with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU.

    Recent Releases

    This announcement follows the recent debut of the ROG Phone 9 FE smartphone and the Zenfone 12 Ultra. The ROG Phone 9 FE comes equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, supported by a 5,500mAh battery and 65W wired charging (15W wireless). In contrast, the Zenfone 12 Ultra features a Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite chip, with the same battery and quick charging, plus an IP68 rating.

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    ASUS Launches New Vivobook, Zenbook & V16 Laptops on Feb 13
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  • Apple M2 MacBook Air Now Only $800 – Limited Time Offer

    Apple M2 MacBook Air Now Only $800 – Limited Time Offer

    Apple’s M2 MacBook is currently available at a discounted price of $800 in the US. This recent price reduction is quite significant, considering the M2 MacBook Air 256GB typically sells for $1000. This means there is a $150 savings, although this offer does not apply to the midnight black version.

    Performance and Efficiency

    The Apple MacBook M2 Air, equipped with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, is capable of managing most everyday activities. Its battery life is impressive, allowing it to run for up to 18 hours on a single charge. The CPU performance is also strong enough to tackle demanding tasks, making it a reliable choice for users. The overall performance is enhanced further by well-optimized software.

    Specifications Overview

    Notably, the base model of the MacBook M2 Air starts with 8GB of RAM, while many newer models now come with 16GB as standard. The M2 chip inside the Apple M2 MacBook Air features an 8-core CPU and can be configured with up to a 10-core GPU. Users can choose between 256GB and 512GB SSD storage options, and the device also has 8GB of unified memory, which can be expanded to a maximum of 24GB.

    Display and Color Options

    The MacBook M2 Air boasts a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that produces vibrant visuals, thanks to features like True Tone technology, a P3 wide color gamut, and brightness that can reach up to 500 nits. Customers can pick from four color choices: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver.

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  • Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    When Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X ARM APUs, there was a lot of buzz since it seemed like Windows devices would finally match MacBooks in energy efficiency. However, it’s clear now that the Snapdragon X SoCs didn’t live up to the expectations many had.

    Performance Comparison

    To start with, Qualcomm’s APUs aren’t giving any significant performance boost compared to the latest Intel and AMD processors. While the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are indeed efficient, many laptops featuring Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Strix Point APUs offer similar or even better battery lives.

    App Compatibility Issues

    Another concern is the app compatibility with the Snapdragon X SoCs, along with the absence of affordable Snapdragon X Windows laptops. All these factors led us to conclude that “there are no real arguments for a Windows laptop with an ARM processor” in our review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

    Despite these clear drawbacks, Qualcomm has managed to secure a solid market presence as of December 2024.

    Market Share Insights

    In late November 2024, we reported that Snapdragon X-based Windows laptops held a meager 0.8% market share in Q3 2024. This finding was quite harsh, indicating that Qualcomm had a significant challenge ahead to meet its target of 30-50% market share by 2029.

    However, times seem to be improving for Qualcomm. CEO Cristiano Amon stated that “Snapdragon X Series had more than 10% share of the greater than $800 Windows laptops in U.S. retail.” If these numbers are correct, December 2024 shipments show a notable improvement from previous reports.

    Limited Claims on Global Market

    Nevertheless, observant readers may have realized that Cristiano Amon is referring to a >10% share only for laptops above a certain price point. Therefore, Qualcomm hasn’t made any statements about global shipments or laptops priced under $800. This is logical as there’s a shortage of budget-friendly Snapdragon X Windows devices available. Yet, this news is encouraging for Qualcomm and fans of Snapdragon who want to see better performance from Windows ARM laptops.

    That being said, Qualcomm still has considerable work ahead to ensure that Snapdragon laptops can compete evenly with Intel and AMD machines throughout the Windows ecosystem.

    Challenges Ahead

    A major challenge for laptops using the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs is the inconsistent app compatibility. This has been a concern since Microsoft first promoted ARM-based Windows laptops as a genuine alternative. Although the situation has improved, both Microsoft and Qualcomm still have quite a bit of work left to address these issues.

    Moreover, the absence of budget Snapdragon laptops will certainly limit the company’s ability to reach a broader customer base. This is especially true internationally and in regions where consumer spending habits are much lower than in the U.S. Qualcomm aims to tackle this issue with the introduction of the 8-core Snapdragon X SoC.

    Finally, to truly excel beyond the current x86 competition, Qualcomm must deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

    Regardless of the outcome, it’s encouraging to see Qualcomm making strides in the market. Increased competition is always beneficial for consumers.

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  • AMD Ryzen 5 7400F Reaches Thermal Limit Due to Poor IHS Paste

    AMD Ryzen 5 7400F Reaches Thermal Limit Due to Poor IHS Paste

    AMD recently unveiled the Ryzen 5 7400F, a six-core Zen 4 processor, in late January. This CPU serves as a more affordable option compared to the latest Zen 5, Ryzen 9000 series. So far, its release has been restricted to China. A recent review on Bilibili suggests that AMD might have made some compromises to keep the price low.

    Price and Performance Insights

    According to the review from Bilibili, it appears that AMD has made some adjustments that could affect performance. The Ryzen 5 7400F aims to attract budget-conscious consumers, but the trade-offs might be noticeable for some users. The launch strategy seems to focus on making this CPU as accessible as possible in a competitive market.

    Conclusion on Market Position

    In summary, the Ryzen 5 7400F provides an option for those looking for a cost-effective CPU. However, potential buyers should consider the implications of AMD’s choices in order to maintain a lower price. Though its availability is limited currently to China, it will be interesting to see how the market responds to this new offering.

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    AMD Ryzen 5 7400F Reaches Thermal Limit Due to Poor IHS Paste

     

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  • Snapdragon X Chips Power 10% of High-End US Windows PCs

    Snapdragon X Chips Power 10% of High-End US Windows PCs

    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series chips are now said to be in 10% of high-end Windows PCs in the U.S. that cost $800 or more—a significant rise from just 0.8% in Q3 of last year. This achievement was shared during Qualcomm’s Q1 2025 earnings call. While the 10% statistic might sound impressive, it’s crucial to understand that it pertains solely to the high-end Windows PC market, which is a specific segment.

    Growing Popularity

    The Snapdragon X chips are designed for devices that are always on and connected, gaining popularity for their excellent balance of performance and efficiency. Qualcomm has additionally announced an octa-core Snapdragon X chip aimed at lowering the entry price for these devices to about $600. This price reduction may attract a larger audience to consider this new platform, potentially boosting its market share even further. Furthermore, the increasing number of apps that are getting native support for this platform enhances its attractiveness.

    Future Prospects

    Looking ahead, Qualcomm is eyeing substantial growth. The company has set a goal of securing over 50% of the Windows PC market in the next five years. To achieve this, Qualcomm is introducing a variety of mini PCs and laptops powered by its Snapdragon X chips. ITHome reports that over 80 different PC models featuring these chips are set to launch this year, with an additional 100 models expected next year. This means that consumers in this price bracket will have a wide range of lightweight options boasting impressive battery life and possibly various on-device AI capabilities.

    Microsoft’s Contributions

    In a related context, Microsoft is working on integrating more on-device AI features into its PCs, starting with those powered by Snapdragon X chips. However, consumer awareness of ARM-based Windows PCs remains somewhat limited, and Qualcomm faces the challenge of persuading users of the advantages of its chips, like extended battery life and native app support.

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  • Portronics Adapto 100: 100W GaN Charger for Laptops Launched in India

    Portronics Adapto 100: 100W GaN Charger for Laptops Launched in India

    Portronics has recently introduced a new tech gadget for the Indian audience. The latest addition is the Adapto 100, a GaN charger that can charge several devices simultaneously. Its capabilities aren’t just limited to smartphones; it can also charge laptops. Let’s dive into the details.

    Specifications of the Portronics Adapto 100

    Before we get into the specifications, one striking feature of the Portronics Adapto 100 is its look. The charger has a design similar to the OnePlus charging adapter, featuring the well-known white brick and a red cable. Regarding its construction, the brand claims that the Adapto 100 offers better heat management, quicker charging, improved efficiency, and a compact size.

    Versatile Charging Options

    Even with its lightweight nature, this charger is compatible with a range of devices, including tablets and laptops, making it a versatile option for charging. The Adapto 100 includes two USB Type-C power delivery ports along with one USB Type-A quick charge port. Interestingly, it can automatically detect the power needs of each connected device. So, you won’t have to stress about varying charging speeds when powering up your laptops or smartphones.

    Safety Features and Pricing

    There are also several safety features integrated to guard against overcharging, overheating, and other issues, ensuring a safer charging experience. The Adapto 100 is available at an introductory price of 2,999 INR, though the regular price is set at 4,999 INR. Customers will also receive a 6-month warranty and can purchase this product through Amazon, Flipkart, and physical stores. This launch comes just days after the company revealed the Iron Beats III 200W party speakers and the Power Plate 23 and 22 extension boards.

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