Category: Computers

  • Apple M4 Pro: Thunderbolt 5, 14-Core GPU, 20-Core CPU

    Apple M4 Pro: Thunderbolt 5, 14-Core GPU, 20-Core CPU

    Apple has quietly introduced a new chip with the release of the 2024 Mac Mini. As Mark Gurman had anticipated, the Mac Mini comes in two versions: the Apple M4 and the Apple M4 Pro. Currently, there’s limited information available, mainly found on Apple’s Mac Mini website.

    Details on the Apple M4 Pro

    The Apple M4 Pro comes in two configurations: one featuring a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, while the other includes a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU. The first version has 8 Performance cores and 8 Efficiency cores. However, the core count for the second version hasn’t been disclosed, though an 8+8 setup seems probable.

    Improvements in Performance

    The Apple M4 brings significant enhancements, such as support for up to 64 GB of unified memory, compared to the 32 GB limit on the standard M4. Furthermore, the total memory bandwidth has more than doubled, reaching 273 GB/s from 120 GB/s.

    Display and Connectivity Features

    Moreover, the GPU of the Apple M4 Pro can drive up to three 6K displays at 60 Hz or a combination of one 6K display with an 8K 60/4K 240 Hz display. Additionally, it’s among the first Apple chips to support the newly introduced Thunderbolt 5.0 standard.

    While crucial details regarding the base and boost clock speeds of the Apple M4 Pro’s CPU are still unavailable, it shouldn’t be long before this information appears in benchmarking sites like Geekbench.

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  • New Mac Mini Leaks: Fresh Design, 64GB RAM, M4 Pro Chipset

    New Mac Mini Leaks: Fresh Design, 64GB RAM, M4 Pro Chipset

    Apple introduced its new 24-inch iMac on Monday, just a few days after refreshing the iPad mini with its seventh-generation version. While the iPad mini 7 is powered by last year’s A17 Pro chip, the new 24-inch iMac is the first Mac to feature the Apple M4 chipset (curr. $1,299 on Amazon). It seems Apple still has more Mac products to unveil in the near future.

    More Devices on the Horizon

    In conjunction with the announcement yesterday, Apple suggested that additional devices will be revealed later this week. Current predictions indicate that these products will include updated versions of the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16, as well as a revamped Mac mini. Interestingly, MacRumors has found hints of the upcoming Mac mini in a comparison table on Amazon, which we have included below.

    Exciting Upgrades for the Mac Mini

    If the information is correct, the forthcoming Mac mini is set to not only include M4 and M4 Pro chipsets, but will also feature a complete redesign resembling a smaller Mac Studio. Additionally, Apple has trimmed down the front-facing ports to just a 3.5 mm jack and two USB Type-C ports. Moreover, the same comparison table seems to verify details about the yet-to-be-released M4 Pro chipset, which is said to have 14 CPU cores, 20 GPU cores, and support for up to 64 GB of unified memory. As it stands, Apple is anticipated to officially announce both the Mac mini and the M4 Pro chipset later today.

    Amazon via MacRumors, Peng Originals (Unsplash) – Image credit

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  • Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip: Compact Design and Powerful Performance

    Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip: Compact Design and Powerful Performance

    Following the announcement of the M4 iMac yesterday, Apple has shifted its focus back to the Mac lineup with a significant update to the Mac Mini. The latest version comes equipped with the new M4 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, all packed into a notably smaller design. Let’s dive into the specifics.

    Design and Specifications

    The most striking alteration is the revamped design. As anticipated, Apple has considerably minimized the already compact Mac Mini. Now measuring just five inches on each side, this model is astonishingly tiny.

    To manage heat in such a compact space, the M4 Mac Mini employs "an innovative thermal architecture" that effectively directs airflow throughout the system, with ventilation solely through the base.

    Ports and Performance

    Even with its reduced size, the Mac Mini still offers a good range of ports. On the front, there are two USB-C ports alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack. The back includes ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-C ports, all supporting Thunderbolt connections.

    Interestingly, the USB-A ports found in earlier models have been removed. However, the layout remains similar, as the base M4 Mini replaces the two USB-A ports with an additional Thunderbolt port, bringing the total to five.

    The performance of these ports varies depending on the version of the M4 processor. The standard M4 includes Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro comes with the newer Thunderbolt 5, which offers quicker read and write speeds.

    Performance and Configuration

    As expected, the M4 Pro outperforms with its 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU setup. In contrast, the base M4 chip features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.

    For the first time, the latest chip architecture supports ray tracing, and Apple provides the computer with a default RAM of 16GB, likely to enhance the Apple Intelligence features. Users have the option to upgrade RAM to 32GB with the M4 and up to 64GB with the M4 Pro.

    Storage options are impressive, reaching up to 8TB, making the small Mac Mini a surprisingly robust machine for those ready to spend. The familiar 10-gigabit ethernet is also available as an optional upgrade for users desiring faster wired connections.

    Pricing and Availability

    Despite Apple’s efforts to enhance the portability and functionality of the new Mini, the pricing remains largely unchanged. The base M4 model starts at $599, while the more powerful M4 Pro edition is priced from $1,399. Both configurations are now available for pre-order and will hit stores on November 8th.

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  • Minisforum EliteMini AI370 Mini PC Launch Promo Now Available

    Minisforum EliteMini AI370 Mini PC Launch Promo Now Available

    Minisforum has now opened pre-orders for the newly launched EliteMini AI370. This mini PC, featuring the AMD Strix Point, is currently offered in just one configuration, priced at $1,099, thanks to a special introductory discount. If you place your order before November 20, you’ll also receive a $100 gift card, and the first 150 buyers will get a mouse and keyboard combo included.

    Specifications and Features

    The EliteMini AI370 is one of the first models to come equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The single available configuration includes a Zen 5 APU, paired with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Although the memory cannot be upgraded by the user, it can support up to 4 TB of storage (like the 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD, which is currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon).

    Graphics Performance

    This Strix Point APU is also integrated with the RDNA 3.5 AMD Radeon 890M, which is the highest-end integrated GPU in this lineup. Our analysis shows that it delivers up to 15% improved performance in synthetic benchmarks and around 18% better in gaming compared to the previous generation Radeon 780M.

    Minisforum claims that the iGPU within the EliteMini AI370 can achieve over 60 FPS in many modern AAA titles. Additionally, the mini PC is built with a strong cooling system that ensures stable performance, even under heavy load.

    Connectivity Options

    In terms of connectivity, the Minisforum EliteMini AI370 includes one USB4 port, four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one DisplayPort 2.0, one HDMI 2.1, and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. It does not feature an OCuLink port like the Aoostar GEM10 370, which would have made it a more attractive option for eGPU setups. However, the USB4 port should suffice for a lot of users’ needs.

    Minisforum

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  • Apple Launches M4 iMac: 24-Inch 4.5K Display & Vibrant Colors

    Apple Launches M4 iMac: 24-Inch 4.5K Display & Vibrant Colors

    Back in April, we shared news about the anticipated launch of M4-equipped MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Studio. It was thought to arrive towards the end of 2024, and recent developments suggest this is spot on, as Apple has subtly introduced the new iMac that boasts the M4 processor and Apple Intelligence. Here’s all the essential information you need.

    New iMac Features

    The tech titan from Cupertino has unveiled the latest iMac featuring the M4 chip. This new processor is designed with AI capabilities, providing 1.7 times faster performance for daily tasks and up to 2.1 times improved performance for demanding activities like gaming or photo editing. This means it’s significantly quicker compared to the previous iMac generation that was launched with the Apple M1. The chip can be paired with a maximum of 32GB of RAM.

    AI Integration in iMac

    Apple Intelligence plays a crucial role in the new iMac, bringing the advanced AI features found in iPhones and iPads. Users can look forward to functionalities like Systemwife Writing Tools, Siri, and even ChatGPT Integration. This feature is currently accessible in macOS Sequoia 15.1.

    Stunning Display and Audio

    On the display side, the iMac showcases a 24-inch Retina Display with a stunning 4.5K resolution. It offers an optional nano-textured glass finish and a sleek design. Additionally, there is a 12-megapixel center-stage camera that provides a desk view, ideal for FaceTime calls. The M4 iMacs are also equipped with a six-speaker audio system and three high-fidelity microphones. For connectivity, users can enjoy up to four Thunderbolt ports, USB-C, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, plus Touch ID for enhanced security.

    Pricing and Availability

    The new M4 iMac from Apple is available in a variety of vibrant colors, including Orange, Pink, Purple, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Customers can also opt for a matching Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, along with an optional Magic Trackpad. The iMac starts at a price of 134,900 INR, with pre-orders beginning today (29th October 2024) on the official website. It will officially be available for purchase starting November 8.

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  • Raspberry Pi OS 2024-10-22 Launches with Default Wayland Support

    Raspberry Pi OS 2024-10-22 Launches with Default Wayland Support

    Although it may not be apparent, the transition from the old-school X Window system—originating from an MIT project back in 1984, with its latest version, 11, released in September 1987—to Wayland, which is 16 years old and recently updated at the end of May, marks a significant upgrade for any Linux and Unix-like operating system. In this instance, Raspberry Pi OS is the software receiving this enhancement. The newest version is 2024-10-22, and all relevant information can be found in Simon Long’s detailed news update published on October 28th, linked in the Source(s) section.

    Improvements in Performance and Touchscreen Support

    Along with the considerable performance boost provided by Wayland—now the default across all models using Raspberry Pi Desktop—this update also enhances touchscreen functionality. This means that the virtual keyboard is now automatically activated and hidden when necessary, plus it supports right-click and double-click actions. The latest version of the virtual keyboard included in this update is called Squeekboard, which adds to the user experience.

    New Remote Access Feature

    Raspberry Pi Connect enables users to manage their Raspberry Pi from any computer, provided both devices are connected to the internet. This update incorporates the remote access tool directly into the desktop environment. It comes pre-installed and can be easily found on the taskbar, but users have the option to uninstall it if it is not required.

    Additional Changes and Upgrades

    There are also several minor yet important updates, including a redesigned panel application for the top-screen taskbar and a new raindrop screen configuration tool, which replaces the previous arandr tool.

    Raspberry Pi OS images can be found on the official page, and those who already have an earlier version can simply upgrade using the commands sudo apt update and sudo apt full-upgrade, as is customary.

    The Raspberry Pi 5 starter kit Pro by CanaKit, which includes 128 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM, and a cooling case, is currently available on Amazon for $159.99.

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  • Machenike Intel Lunar Lake Mini PC Launches with Core Ultra 7 258V

    Machenike Intel Lunar Lake Mini PC Launches with Core Ultra 7 258V

    The Creator 14 mini PC by Machenike has been revealed as the first of its kind using the Lunar Lake technology, joining the ranks of other notable devices like the Asus NUC 14 Pro AI and the Khadas AI PC Dev Kit. This announcement hints at an increasing interest in mini PCs featuring the new Lunar Lake architecture.

    Powerful Specs in a Small Package

    This compact device has a volume of just 0.7 liters and is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, which is among the highest performing chips in the Lunar Lake series. It comes equipped with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with 32 GB of RAM. The integrated Arc 140V GPU means it can handle gaming quite well too.

    Cooling Solutions and Performance

    Machenike has integrated a dual-fan cooling system with the 258V, although they haven’t disclosed the thermal design power (TDP) for the processor within this mini PC. Intel indicates that the maximum turbo power reaches 37W. Benchmarks show that this CPU outperforms the previous generation Core Ultra 7 155H, which operates at 28W, but it still trails behind the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in some performance metrics.

    Connectivity and Market Availability

    According to the company, this Lunar Lake mini PC supports up to three displays and includes two 2.5G Ethernet ports, all within a lightweight chassis. While Machenike has yet to announce pricing or availability, their products typically remain within the Chinese market. This likely means that the Creator 14 may not be available internationally. Once it launches in China, other brands like Minisforum, Aoostar, Beelink, and GMKtec (Nucbox K6 currently priced at $483.99 on Amazon) might introduce their own mini PCs featuring the Core Ultra 200 series.

    孤城Hardware on Weibo

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  • Apple iMac with 8-Core and 10-Core M4 Variants Available Now

    Apple iMac with 8-Core and 10-Core M4 Variants Available Now

    Apple has introduced its latest iMac featuring the new Apple Silicon. The device sports a 24-inch 4.5K "Nano-Texture Display," designed to minimize glare. The standout upgrade is the new Apple M4 chip, although it seems to be a lower-tier variant with 8 CPU and GPU cores each. There is also an option for a 10-core CPU/GPU combination, available for an additional cost.

    Performance Enhancements

    According to Apple, the M4 chip is said to be up to 1.7x quicker than the Apple M1. In a positive turn, the new iMac offers at least 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Users can upgrade the RAM to a maximum of 32 GB and the storage to 2 TB. This increase in memory is crucial for the functioning of Apple’s Intelligence, which comes pre-installed with macOS Sequoia.

    Additional Features

    Among other features, the iMac is equipped with a 12 MP front camera, four Thunderbolt 4.0 ports that can support two 6K external displays, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. While the absence of Wi-Fi 7 may be seen as a letdown, it doesn’t come as a surprise. The new iMac is available in seven vibrant colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. Pre-orders start now at a price of $1,299, while the 10-core model costs $1,499. Official sales are set to begin on November 8.

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  • GMK Launches EVO X1 Mini PC with Ryzen AI HX 370 and RTX 2060 iGPU

    GMK Launches EVO X1 Mini PC with Ryzen AI HX 370 and RTX 2060 iGPU

    Multiple brands of mini PCs are hinting at new products that will use AMD’s latest Strix Point APUs. GMK is one of these brands, preparing to launch its EVO X1 mini PC that will take advantage of this new technology.

    Recently, GMK announced that the EVO X1 will feature the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with a TDP of 70 W for the APU. This is significantly higher than the usual maximum of 54 W that AMD recommends for this APU model.

    Performance Expectations

    It’s important to note, though, that just because the TDP is higher, it doesn’t mean there will automatically be a big boost in performance. Still, it could allow the Radeon 890M iGPU to perform better, giving the APU the extra room it needs to excel during heavy use.

    Graphics Comparison

    GMK also mentioned that the EVO X1’s graphics performance may be similar to a discrete RTX 2060 GPU, likely due to the increased TDP. But let’s be real; GMK is probably talking about the 65 W Max-Q version, which isn’t as powerful as a standard RTX 2060 Laptop.

    In our tests, the Radeon 890M outperformed laptops with the RTX 2050 Mobile, and the RTX 2060 Max-Q is close in power too. However, GMK’s assertion that it will surpass an RTX 2060 seems a bit of a stretch.

    Future Updates

    As for when we can expect to see pricing or availability, it’s still unclear. More details should come out in the future. We do have a good idea of what the GMK EVO X1 will look like, thanks to a lot of marketing material, and it appears to be as stylish and compact as you would expect from a mini PC.

    Buy the Lenovo Legion Go on Amazon.

    GMK via Bilibili.

    GMK Launches EVO X1 Mini PC with Ryzen AI HX 370 and RTX 2060 iGPU
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  • M4 MacBook Pro Launching with 10-Core CPU; M4 Mini Versions Available

    M4 MacBook Pro Launching with 10-Core CPU; M4 Mini Versions Available

    Last week, Apple announced that it would reveal the complete M4 range, which will include new MacBook Pros, Mac Minis, and iMacs. One significant improvement is the increase to at least 16 GB of RAM across all versions, which is double the RAM available in the previous generation models. This upgrade is essential since on-device AI tasks, such as Apple Intelligence, require a lot of memory. There is also a small enhancement in the CPU area.

    MacBook Pro Enhancements

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, each MacBook Pro model will be equipped with a 10-core M4 variant. Previously, this was exclusive to the highest-spec iPad Pro models that had at least 1 TB of storage, while the lower-end versions came with a 9-core CPU. Due to the introduction of 3 GB RAM modules, various memory configurations are now possible, including some unusual options like 28 GB.

    New Mac Mini Design

    Gurman further states that the new Mac Mini will be significantly smaller than the previous generation and will come with several new I/O options. It can be purchased with the base (9-core) M4 chip or the Apple M4 Pro. On the other hand, the 24-inch iMac will have to stick with the 9-core M4 chip as well. Interestingly, this is the only reference to the M4 Pro, and there has been no mention of the M4 Max. Ideally, the upcoming MacBook Pro models should also feature Pro and Max versions, but this has not been clearly confirmed yet.

    Performance Expectations

    In terms of performance, the Apple M4 currently outperforms all other Arm-based chips, although the Snapdragon 8 Elite can surpass it in certain benchmarks. We have seen a preview of a M4-equipped MacBook Pro’s performance through Geekbench results. Apple is expected to continue leading in single-core performance, but the multi-core performance arena is more competitive.

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