Category: Computers

  • GPD Pocket 4 Launching Soon: 144Hz Display, Ryzen AI 9, 64GB RAM

    GPD Pocket 4 Launching Soon: 144Hz Display, Ryzen AI 9, 64GB RAM

    It looks like GPD is just about set to launch the Pocket 4, which will take the place of the Pocket 3 (currently priced at $679.95 on Amazon). The Pocket 3 has been around for more than three years now, so it’s no surprise that the new model will have some improved features.

    Powerful Upgrades

    According to the latest updates from the company, the upcoming Pocket 4 will be equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 from AMD’s latest Strix Point line. This means the Pocket 4 will benefit from a robust Radeon 890M integrated graphics processor, which will support a stunning 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolution on a 144 Hz IPS display measuring just 8.8 inches.

    Additional Options

    Interestingly, GPD is also planning to provide the Pocket 4 with the older Ryzen 7 8840U APU. This choice seems to be a strategy to keep the initial price of the Pocket 4 more affordable. Even with the Ryzen 7 8840U, users can expect much better performance compared to the Intel Pentium Silver N6000, Pentium Gold 7505, or Core i7-1195G7 that were options for the Pocket 3.

    Memory and Launch Plans

    Moreover, GPD intends to offer the Pocket 4 with a maximum of 64 GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 7,500 MT/s. However, the company notes that the availability of the 64 GB RAM models might be limited to its upcoming Indiegogo campaign and may not make it to the final retail version. While no specific launch date for the crowdfunding initiative has been shared, we believe it might happen before the year wraps up.

    GPD via Liliputing

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  • Mobile Pixels Launches Tetra Keyboard and Monitor Fundraiser

    Mobile Pixels Launches Tetra Keyboard and Monitor Fundraiser

    Mobile Pixels has started a fundraising effort on Kibidango for its innovative Tetra Keyboard and Monitor. This set features two keyboard halves that can be arranged anywhere on your desk, plus an 8-inch LCD touchscreen monitor that works with all Windows and Mac systems. Future updates will include full support for smartphones, especially with Samsung’s DEX-mode.

    Display Features

    The 8-inch LCD touchscreen boasts a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels and refreshes at 60 Hz. It has a peak brightness of 300 nits and a contrast ratio of 700:1. The Tetra Board App allows users to create on-screen shortcuts for quickly accessing apps, macros, virtual key inputs, and more, enhancing productivity. A tilting stand ensures that the display can be positioned to avoid glare. The monitor connects to any computer via USB and uses 6.2 watts of power, while it can pass through up to 65 watts to charge other devices. Its dimensions are 207 x 136 x 19 mm (8.1 x 5.4 x 0.7 in.) and it weighs in at 498 g (17.6 oz.).

    Keyboard Details

    Each half of the Tetra keyboard is powered by a 1,200 mAh battery, allowing for flexible placement. When charging, the battery draws 134 mA when docked to the monitor and 320 mA when plugged into a USB-C power source. The keyboard can connect to three Bluetooth devices simultaneously, with a latency of less than 15 msec. Both halves feature magnets on their sides, enabling them to attach to each other or the monitor easily. The dimensions of each half are 172mm×132mm×13.8mm, with the left half weighing 200 g (7.1 oz.) and the right half at 196 g (6.9 oz.).

    Key Specifications

    The keys measure 19.683 x 19.4 mm (0.77 x 0.76 in.) with a pitch of 2.4 mm (0.094 in.). The scissor switches have a travel distance of 1.3 mm +/- 0.3 mm (0.051 in. +/- 0.012 in.). Each half supports two-key rollover and all keys are backlit, with accent lighting around the edges of each half’s body.

    The Mobile Pixels Tetra Keyboard Monitor is available at an early bird price starting from 53,500 yen (~$349), which is 20% lower than the suggested retail price. The fundraising campaign on Kibidango will run until December 23, 2024. For those who don’t require the flexible setup of the Tetra but still desire a keyboard with a display, an expansion dock, and SSD plus SD slots, they might want to consider this all-in-one keyboard available on Amazon.

    Mobile Pixels can be found on Kibidango and YouTube.

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  • Vaio SX14-R: Ultra Lightweight Laptops for Work and Play

    Vaio SX14-R: Ultra Lightweight Laptops for Work and Play

    Vaio has introduced two new laptops that utilize Intel’s older Meteor Lake architecture. This means that the Vaio SX14-R and Vaio Pro PK-R might not compete well in terms of power efficiency and graphics performance with alternatives like the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo, which is currently priced at $1,399.99 on Amazon.

    Lightweight and Compact Design

    Regardless of this, the new laptops from Vaio come with a lightweight and slim design, weighing in at less than 1 kg for their basic setups. To put this into perspective, the Vaio SX14-R weighs 1.178 kg when fully loaded with features, while the Vaio Pro PK-R reaches 1.237 kg. Both laptops have dimensions of 312 x 226 x 19 mm.

    Processor and Storage Options

    While Vaio hasn’t yet disclosed the battery specifications for these laptops, it has shared information about the available processors. Both models can be configured with the following Meteor Lake chipsets:

    Moreover, customers can choose up to 64 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 2 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage, which is upgradeable. Additionally, the laptops come with a variety of ports, such as Thunderbolt 4, Gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI. They also support 4G LTE and GPS, although the Vaio SX14-R offers better wireless connectivity options than the Pro PK-R.

    Display Choices

    In terms of display, Vaio provides several options, all of which are 14-inch screens. Interestingly, while many of these screens have anti-glare features, the Vaio Pro PK-R can be outfitted with glossy touchscreen displays that allow for active pen input, even though it retains a standard laptop design. At present, both laptops are only available in Japan, and Vaio has not announced when they might be available in other countries.

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  • MGA1: Minisforum eGPU Lacks USB4 and SSD Expansion Features

    MGA1: Minisforum eGPU Lacks USB4 and SSD Expansion Features

    Minisforum has been on a roll with its product launches, and just a few days after starting orders for the EliteMini AI370, they have now rolled out the MGA1. This new device is already available in various markets.

    Overview of the MGA1

    The MGA1 is yet another external GPU (eGPU) that is built upon AMD’s Radeon RX 7600M XT GPU. It features 32 Compute Units (CUs) that use AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture. Additionally, the eGPU comes with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, which operates at 18 Gbps across a 128-bit memory bandwidth. Similar specs can be found in One-Netbook’s OneXGPU, which is currently listed at $569.99 for refurbished models on Amazon, along with several other comparable devices.

    Performance and Connectivity

    Essentially, the MGA1 will deliver performance in line with its competitors. However, it does not have a USB4 port for hooking up external gadgets. Instead, Minisforum decided to include a USB 3.1 Type-C port that supports 65 W Power Delivery. The MGA1 opts for OCuLink 4i, offering a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface instead of the more common options.

    Additional Features

    On top of that, the MGA1 is equipped with two DisplayPort 2.0 video outputs, one HDMI 2.1 port, and three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, which can achieve a peak data transfer rate of 10 Gbps. Unfortunately, the device also lacks support for M.2 2280 storage expansion. Nevertheless, Minisforum has set the price for this first eGPU at $559, positioning it similarly to its more flexible competitors, and possibly even higher in some scenarios.

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  • Black Myth Wukong Keyboard Pre-Sale: Triple-Mode & Silent Design

    Black Myth Wukong Keyboard Pre-Sale: Triple-Mode & Silent Design

    Black Myth Wukong Mechanical Keyboard is an outstanding option for anyone who enjoys a deep typing and gaming experience. Drawing inspiration from the famous Chinese story Journey to the West, this keyboard combines classic design elements with the latest technology. It features multi-mode connectivity, a gasket-mounted design to minimize noise, and a large battery, making it suitable for a range of users on various devices.

    Quiet Typing with Gasket-Mounted Design

    A key highlight of the Black Myth Wukong Mechanical Keyboard is its innovative gasket-mounted design. This setup provides a quiet and pleasant typing experience by using Poron gasket pads that dampen vibrations between the PCB plate and the outer casing. Moreover, a silicone layer is placed between the PCB and the base, which helps in further reducing noise and increasing stability while typing. The inclusion of a PC positioning plate within this design allows for consistent and accurate keystrokes, making this keyboard perfect for both professional and recreational use.

    Multiple Connectivity Options for Flexibility

    The Black Myth Wukong Keyboard is built to connect easily with different devices, supporting Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired connections. This triple-mode connectivity guarantees compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices, allowing you to switch effortlessly between your phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop. Transitioning from wired to wireless mode is quick and straightforward, giving you the flexibility to adapt depending on if you’re gaming or working.

    Durable 4000mAh Battery for Extended Use

    When it comes to wireless keyboards, battery life is vital, and the Black Myth Wukong Mechanical Keyboard excels here with its 4000mAh battery. This high-capacity battery allows for prolonged use, so you can engage in typing or gaming without the need for frequent recharging. Thanks to the triple-mode connection and smart battery management, this keyboard delivers both performance and convenience seamlessly.

    Key Specifications:

    • Mounting Structure: Gasket-mounted with Poron pads and silicone padding for less noise and improved comfort
    • Connection Modes: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, USB Type-C wired
    • Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
    • Battery: 4000mAh for extended use

    Pricing and Availability

    You can pre-order the Black Myth Wukong Mechanical Keyboard at Geekwills for $139.99. Orders made during this pre-sale will begin shipping on November 18th.

    The Black Myth Wukong Mechanical Keyboard is perfect for those who value quality, connectivity, and a remarkable typing experience. With its well-thought-out design and robust performance, it’s a versatile keyboard intended to satisfy the demands of contemporary users.

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  • Apple M4 Max Launches on Geekbench with 31% Performance Boost

    Apple M4 Max Launches on Geekbench with 31% Performance Boost

    Earlier today, we witnessed the impressive performance of the Apple M4 Pro, showcased on a premium 16-inch MacBook Pro. In terms of CPU capabilities, it significantly outperformed last year’s Apple M3 Pro and even the M3 Max. Now, we are eager to see the Apple M4 Max, which is touted as Apple’s most powerful laptop CPU, in action.

    Performance Comparison

    When looking at the Apple M4 Max compared to the Apple M3 Max, it shows a remarkable increase in speed—31% faster in single-core tasks and 25% faster in multi-core operations. This is an incredible boost in performance, which can be largely credited to an updated architecture and probably a greater power allowance.

    Graphics Performance

    On the graphics front, the Apple M4 Max achieved an impressive score of 192,532 points in Geekbench’s Metal benchmark, outperforming the Apple M3 Max’s score of 155,214 by 24%. While the benchmark doesn’t clearly state that the GPU consists of 40 cores, the other specifications, including a 16-core CPU and 128 GB of RAM, strongly suggest that it does.

    Future Competitiveness

    The Apple M4 Max is quickly becoming one of the most formidable laptop CPUs released this generation. Currently, there’s nothing from Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm that can compete with it, though this may change once AMD’s Strix Halo CPUs are released next year.

    If Apple chooses to pair two M4 Max chips together and introduce an M4 Ultra, it could really spell doom for competitors. However, the M3 Ultra never materialized, and up until now, there haven’t been many rumors suggesting such a chip is in the works.

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  • Samsung Foundry Reduces 4nm, 5nm, 7nm Production Amid Low Demand

    Samsung Foundry Reduces 4nm, 5nm, 7nm Production Amid Low Demand

    A recent report from South Korean news outlet Chosung indicates that Samsung is set to close several of its older fabrication plants in the country. It is said that 30% of Samsung Foundry’s facilities for 4 nm, 5 nm, and 7 nm chips will become inactive, with this number expected to increase to 50% by the year’s end. At present, Samsung’s 4 nm node is responsible for producing a limited range of chips, including the Exynos 2400 and certain S-branded chips from Qualcomm.

    Reasons for the Shutdown

    The decline in demand is reportedly one of the key factors leading Samsung to temporarily halt operations at its manufacturing sites. Nevertheless, the equipment might remain in a powered-down state to cut electricity costs rather than being entirely shut down. The demand for Samsung’s nodes has dropped significantly, particularly after the Snapdragon 888 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 did not perform well against competitors, prompting Qualcomm to consider TSMC for its advanced chips. Other companies, like Nvidia, have also made the switch to the Taiwanese manufacturer, leaving Samsung with very few clients.

    Bright Future Ahead

    Samsung’s advanced 3 nm (and higher) nodes appear to be unaffected, as their outlook remains bright. Earlier reports indicated that Samsung’s 3GAP technology faced challenges with low yields. However, the situation seems to be improving for Samsung’s 2 nm technology. Notably, they have secured a deal with the Japanese firm Preferred Networks for AI chips. Additionally, Qualcomm may partner with Samsung Foundry to produce its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy devices. Furthermore, Samsung has commenced work on a 2 nm Exynos chip.

    Chosung (in Korean)

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  • Topton D13: Affordable AMD Mini PC with OCuLink Port Launches

    Topton D13: Affordable AMD Mini PC with OCuLink Port Launches

    Topton has launched a new mini PC called the D13. This model stands out from other small PCs recently released, as it contains a Phoenix Point APU. Specifically, it runs on the Ryzen 7 7840HS. While it might not be the newest chip on the market, it can still manage demanding tasks quite well.

    Gaming Capabilities

    The AMD APU is equipped with the Radeon 780M integrated GPU, allowing the Topton D13 to run AAA games at decent frame rates. For those seeking a superior gaming experience, there’s an option to connect an external GPU (eGPU) to this mini PC. It comes with an OCuLink port, which allows compatibility with docks such as the Minisforum DEG1. Alternatively, users can choose eGPUs like the GPD G1, which is currently priced at $699.95 on Amazon.

    Connectivity & Design

    In addition to the OCuLink port, the Topton D13 includes four USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB4, two 2.5G Ethernet ports, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The compact design of the mini PC is also notable; it has dimensions of 108 x 108 x 60 mm and incorporates a "dual-cooling" system to ensure consistent performance during heavy use.

    Specifications & Pricing

    The mini PC also boasts 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, three M.2 PCIe 4 slots, a maximum TDP of 54W, along with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. As for its price point, the Topton D13 is one of the more affordable options for mini PCs with an OCuLink port. The basic model, which does not come with storage, is available for $397.66 on AliExpress. Additionally, there’s a bundle option that includes the Minisforum DEG1, starting at $524.19.

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  • Intel Arrow Lake Review: Core Ultra 200S CPUs’ Efficiency vs. Gaming

    Intel Arrow Lake Review: Core Ultra 200S CPUs’ Efficiency vs. Gaming

    The introduction of the Intel Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200S CPUs has stirred up quite a bit of debate. On one side, these new processors don’t really offer significant performance improvements and actually lag behind in gaming performance. On the flip side, Intel has indeed kept its word regarding a substantial boost in efficiency.

    Mixed Reviews

    With a multitude of reviews flooding in, it can be quite challenging for consumers to accurately assess the true capabilities of these products. Different publications have their own methods for testing CPUs, leading to varied results. Luckily, 3DCenter has gathered 20 reviews of the Arrow Lake launch, providing a comprehensive overview of Intel’s latest desktop processors.

    Performance Insights

    From what we can gather, the Arrow Lake CPUs show a slight but not particularly impressive increase in application performance. According to the data from 3DCenter, the top-end Core Ultra 9 285K is about 7% faster than the Core i9-14900K, but it is also 3% slower than the Ryzen 9 9950X.

    Dropping down the lineup, the Core Ultra 5 245K and Core Ultra 7 265K present performance boosts of 3.9% and 4.6% over the Core i5-14600K and Core i7-14700K, correspondingly. In addition, the Core Ultra 5 245K is 3.5% faster compared to the Ryzen 7 9700X, while the Core Ultra 7 265K matches the Ryzen 9 9900X’s performance.

    Gaming Performance Woes

    In a nutshell, Intel’s Arrow Lake chips offer a marginal enhancement over the 14th-gen models, but they lack hyperthreading. Unfortunately, the gaming performance takes a hit, with these CPUs generally underperforming compared to both their predecessors and the competing Zen 5 series.

    For example, the Core Ultra 9 285K is about 6% behind the Core i9-14900K and trails the Ryzen 9 9950X by 4.2%. It also cannot compete with the leading gaming processor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which is a staggering 16% faster. This news is a letdown for Intel enthusiasts, particularly with the recent announcement of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which claims a 20% increase in gaming performance over the Core Ultra 9 285K.

    The Core Ultra 7 265K and Core Ultra 5 245K don’t perform much better either, with the former showing a 7% drop against the Core i7-14700K and the latter lagging by 4% against the Core i5-14600K. Furthermore, both the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 9 9900X outperform their Intel counterparts by 10% and 3.3%, respectively.

    Future Considerations

    In short, Intel supporters hoping for their favorite brand to surpass AMD will likely have to be patient for upcoming architectures like Panther Lake and Nova Lake, as Intel currently lacks a competitive response.

    One area where the Core Ultra 200S CPUs excel is in power consumption. Thanks to various enhancements, such as a new process node and the removal of hyperthreading, Intel has achieved significant reductions in power usage compared to the 14th-gen Raptor Lake CPUs. This topic has been explored in depth in our review of the Core Ultra 9 285K.

    Efficiency Gains

    According to 3DCenter’s data, the Core Ultra 9 285K has an average power consumption of just 147 W during application workloads, compared to 198 W for the Core i9-14900K and 160 W for the Ryzen 9 9950X. This lower energy usage allows the flagship Arrow Lake chip to boast 44% better energy efficiency in applications compared to the Core i9-14900K and 6% better against the Ryzen 9 9950X.

    The efficiency of Arrow Lake is also clear in gaming scenarios, where the Core Ultra 9 285K consumes roughly 88 W on average, outperforming both the Core i9-14900K (140 W) and the Ryzen 9 9950X (111 W). The only CPU that is faster in gaming and uses less power is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which stands out at just 56 W.

    Conclusion

    Turning to the Core Ultra 5 245K and Core Ultra 7 265K, these Arrow Lake models show application efficiency gains of 33% and 42% compared to the Core i5-14600K and Core i7-14700K, respectively. Nevertheless, the Ryzen 7 9700X remains more efficient than the Core Ultra 5 245K by 16%, and the Ryzen 9 9900X is still slightly behind the Core Ultra 7 265K by 9%.

    In conclusion, the gaming power consumption for both the Core Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 is lower than that of their 14th-gen counterparts and AMD’s Zen 5 processors, registering at only 68 W and 80 W, respectively.

    To summarize, Intel’s Arrow Lake chips seem to be aimed at users who are either upgrading from older architectures or are in search of processors that emphasize efficiency over raw performance. For everyone else, better alternatives are readily available in the market.

    Buy the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K | Ultra 7 265K on Amazon

    3DCenter

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  • Apple M4 Pro Debuts on Geekbench with Amazing Performance Boost

    Apple M4 Pro Debuts on Geekbench with Amazing Performance Boost

    The Apple M4 Pro has just appeared on Geekbench alongside what looks to be a 16-inch MacBook Pro. This version is the high-end model, featuring a 14-core CPU, a 20-core GPU, and 48 GB of RAM. It shows a remarkable improvement from the M3 Pro, enhancing both CPU and GPU performance.

    Performance Scores

    In Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests, the M4 Pro achieved scores of 3,925 and 22,669 points, respectively. This translates to a 25% increase in single-core performance and a 46% boost in multi-core performance compared to the Apple M3 Pro’s scores of 3,138 and 15,480. While the multi-core improvement was anticipated due to the additional CPU cores, the surge in single-core performance is truly impressive, likely because the M4 Pro can reach speeds of 4.51 GHz as opposed to the 4.06 GHz of the M3 Pro. Actually, the M4 Pro’s multi-core score surpasses that of last year’s 16-core M3 Max, which scored 21,253 points in the benchmarks.

    GPU Performance

    We also get a glimpse of the M4 Pro’s 20-core GPU performance through Geekbench’s OpenCL benchmark, where it scored 69,867 points. This marks a 38% enhancement over the Apple M3 Pro’s score of 50,373. Although it falls short of the M3 Max’s impressive 40-core GPU score of 91,413, it’s only 31% slower despite having half the cores, which is quite remarkable. With the M4 Pro performing so well, it will be fascinating to see what Apple’s top-tier M4 Max has to offer for MacBook users.

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