Category: Computers

July 23, 2024
Minisforum MS-A1 Mini PC: AMD Ryzen 9000, OCULink, 96GB Memory
The latest release from Minisforum is the MS-A1 mini PC. This device supports up to AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors and up to 96GB of storage. The unveiling of the MS-A1 follows closely after the introduction of another AMD-based mini PC by the same company. Unlike the Intel-based MS-01, the MS-A1 is designed to support socketed desktop CPUs and includes an OCULink connection for eGPU functionality.
Specifications and Features
The previous Minisforum MS-01 model featured Intel’s H-series laptop CPUs, while the new MS-A1 boasts desktop-class CPUs from the AMD Ryzen 9000 series. The MS-A1 includes models such as the Ryzen 7 8700G and Ryzen 5 8600G Phoenix APUs. According to Minisforum, a BIOS update will be necessary for the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs. The Ryzen APUs have a maximum TDP of 65W, but dual-CCD variants like the Ryzen 9 7900X or Ryzen 9 7950X can support up to 100W TDP. This is notably lower than the official TDP specifications, which may result in reduced performance.
The AMD Ryzen APUs supported by the MS-A1 come with RDNA 3-based integrated graphics, but there is no internal discrete GPU support. The available GPUs include the Radeon 780M and Radeon 760M, which are suitable for less demanding graphical tasks. For more intensive graphical operations, external graphics are necessary. The MS-A1 features an OCULink port that allows for eGPU connections with transfer speeds reaching up to 8Gbps, surpassing the Thunderbolt 4’s maximum speed of 5Gbps.
Connectivity and Ports
The Minisforum MS-A1 is equipped with four M.2 2280 memory slots, supporting up to 96GB of storage. It offers a variety of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, an HDMI 2.1 connection, and one DP 2.0 port. Additionally, it includes two USB 2.1 ports, one Type-C port, and an audio jack. However, it lacks 10G Ethernet connectivity, providing only a single 2.5G Ethernet port.
Pricing & Availability
The barebones version of the Minisforum MS-A1 mini PC is available for $259. The 32GB+1TB Ryzen 7 8700G version is priced at $729. Minisforum is currently offering an introductory discount of up to $180 on the MS-A1. For more information, visit the Minisforum website.
Tags: AMD Ryzen 9000, Minisforum MS-A1
July 23, 2024
Lenovo YOGA Portal: AI-Powered Mini PC for Creators Debuts
Lenovo is gearing up to unveil the YOGA Portal, a powerful mini PC tailored for professional AI creation, at the ChinaJoy event in Shanghai on July 27th.
This petite device, with a volume of 3.7L, boasts an Intel Core i7-14700 processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. One of its most remarkable features is the built-in AI camera, which allows users to generate virtual content merely by standing in front of it. The system supports both AIGC and UGC functionalities, making it perfect for virtual bloggers and video creators.
Advanced Cooling and Camera Features
To manage heat, the YOGA Portal is equipped with a three-fan cooling system. Additionally, it includes an 8-megapixel AI-optimized camera and a built-in 350W power supply.
Compact and Lightweight Design
In terms of size, the YOGA Portal is similar to the ThinkCentre Neo Ultra, with dimensions of 107 x 195 x 196 mm and a weight of approximately 3.25 kg. Pricing for this upcoming mini PC has not yet been disclosed.
Tags: Lenovo YOGA Portal
July 23, 2024
ONEXPLAYER M1 Mini-PC Launches with Intel Core Ultra 9
One-Netbook has unveiled the ONEXPLAYER M1, a compact mini-PC tailored for both gaming and everyday use. Combining robust gaming capabilities with a sleek design, the ONEXPLAYER M1 shares a resemblance with the ONEXGPU eGPU but is notably lighter at 599 grams.
Performance
Equipped with a 45-watt Intel Core Ultra 9 185H "Meteor Lake" processor, the ONEXPLAYER M1 features 16 CPU cores, 22 threads, and Intel Arc integrated graphics. This configuration ensures it can adeptly manage gaming along with routine computing tasks.
The device supports up to 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and offers storage options up to 2 TB of PCIe 4.0. For connectivity, it includes Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E for swift wireless connections. Additionally, the OCuLink port enables external GPU connections to enhance graphical performance further.
Connectivity
The ONEXPLAYER M1 is equipped with a wide array of ports:
- 1x 3.5 mm audio jack
- 1x DisplayPort
- 2x HDMI
- 1x MicroSD card slot
- 1x OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4)
- 1x RJ45 LAN
- 1x USB 2.0 Type-A
- 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
- 2x USB 4 Type-C
These ports ensure compatibility with a variety of devices and accessories, enhancing its versatility.
Design and Availability
Currently available in Japan, the ONEXPLAYER M1 starts at approximately $900 for the model featuring 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. A global launch is planned via an Indiegogo campaign, which will offer early bird discounts.
Tags: Gaming Mini PC, Intel Core Ultra 9-185H
July 23, 2024
ASUS Launches ROG Zephyrus 16 Air Ryzen AI Edition with Top Specs
ASUS has unveiled the pricing and release details for their ROG Zephyrus 16 Air Ryzen AI Edition gaming laptop. Set to launch on July 28th, the laptop features a robust processor and advanced graphics options for high-performance gaming.
Graphics and Processor
The heart of this laptop is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 mobile processor, boasting 12 Zen 5 cores, integrated RDNA 3 graphics, and an XDNA 2 NPU specifically for AI tasks. It includes 32GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory and dual M.2 2280 SSD slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 speeds.
For graphics, users have the choice between NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 options, both equipped with 105W TGP and capable of utilizing the NPU for enhanced AI processing power.
Cooling and Design
To handle the heat during intense gaming, ASUS has fitted the Zephyrus 16 Air Ryzen AI Edition with their ROG Glacier Cooling 3.0 system. Despite its high performance, the laptop remains portable with a 14.9mm thin aviation aluminum chassis, weighing in at just 1.85kg. The A-side of the laptop features a customizable light strip with preset effects and a configurable LED matrix.
Display and Additional Features
The laptop sports a 16-inch 2.5K OLED panel, offering a 240Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and a 0.2ms response time. It also supports color gamut switching to cater to different viewing preferences.
Additional features include a 240Hz glass touchpad, an RGB backlit keyboard with 1.7mm key travel, a 1080p camera with Windows Hello support, and a 6-speaker sound system.
Battery and Connectivity
Equipped with a 90Wh battery, the laptop also includes a variety of ports such as USB4 and HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless connectivity, and support for 100W PD fast charging.
Tags: ASUS, Gaming Laptops
July 23, 2024
MSI Unveils MS-C907 Mini PC with Versatile I/O for Kiosks & Displays
MSI’s new MS-C907 mini PC delivers impressive performance for industrial applications, all within a compact design (200 x 150 x 55 mm). This space-efficient form factor fits seamlessly into constrained spaces.
Durability remains a priority. The MS-C907 features a wide DC power input range (9~36V) to accommodate various power sources, along with DisplayPort and HDMI outputs for flexible display setups. Another significant feature is its extensive connectivity, including 4 USB 3.2 ports, 6 USB 2.0 ports, 2 COM ports, and 8 GPIO ports, facilitating smooth integration with industrial equipment.
Advanced Processing Power
latest Intel Core i3/N series processors
Powered by the latest Intel Core i3 and N Series processors (code name: Alder Lake N), it delivers exceptional performance and energy efficiency. This robust processing power is ideal for tackling complex data processing and management tasks in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and retail.
Versatile Industrial Applications
With its sturdy design and multiple I/O interfaces, the MS-C907 is perfect for monitoring and controlling production lines. A German client used it as an IoT Gateway to enhance chemical process efficiency and safety.
This mini PC excels in public transport systems, fleet management, and logistics, thanks to its wide DC-in range, durable build, and multiple COM ports for onboard communication. It meets vibration and shock resistance standards and supports 4K displays via DP and HDMI, making it suitable for high-resolution screens and interactive kiosks.
Enhanced Connectivity
Its extensive connectivity supports integration with touch screens, card readers, and printers, making it ideal for kiosks and self-checkout stations. You can easily manage transactions, inventory, and customer interactions. Dual LAN ports ensure network reliability, while the I/O interfaces connect to barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers.
The MS-C907 demonstrates that powerful capabilities can come in small packages. Its compact size, strong processing power, and versatile connectivity options make it a valuable solution for a broad range of industrial requirements.
Tags: Connectivity and Features, Industrial Mini PC
July 22, 2024
ASUS M3702 AIO PC with Ryzen 5, 27-Inch Display Launched in India
ASUS has introduced a new all-in-one desktop PC in India. The ASUS M3702 AIO comes with robust specifications and a premium price point. It is suitable for both home and office environments. The device also features a minimalist design for those who prefer a tidy workspace. Let’s delve into what the M3702 AiO offers.
ASUS M3702 AIO Specifications
The ASUS M3702 AIO PC boasts a sleek design with a 27-inch IPS screen that has an FHD+ resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate. The display is framed by thin bezels on three sides, providing a 91 percent screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, it supports a 100 percent sRGB color gamut and a 178-degree wide-view. The package includes a wireless keyboard and mouse.
The ASUS M3702 features dual speakers and Dolby Atmos technology, delivering a sound output of 3W. It also has AI noise-cancellation technology and a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter.
Performance and Connectivity
Inside, the ASUS M3702 AIO PC is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7520 processor and AMD Radeon graphics. It includes 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD storage, along with a 90W power adapter. The device runs on Windows 11 OS and comes with a Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 subscription.
For connectivity, the ASUS M3702 offers three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, WiFi-6E, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, and an SD card reader. It also includes a built-in Kensington lock slot.
The ASUS M3702 AIO PC is priced at Rs 60,990 and is available for purchase starting today through ASUS online and offline stores, Amazon, Flipkart, and other retail outlets.
Tags: All-in-one desktop
July 21, 2024
Snapdragon X Seizes 6.5% Geekbench Share in First Month
Qualcomm’s entry into the Windows on Arm (WoA) laptop arena with its Snapdragon X series has gained considerable attention since its debut on June 18th.
Data from the performance testing site Geekbench indicates that over 81,000 tests were conducted worldwide in the past month, with 6.5% involving Snapdragon X devices. Although this percentage is lower compared to entrenched competitors like Intel and AMD, it’s a commendable performance for a new entrant.
Energy Efficiency and Battery Life
The Snapdragon X is notable for its energy efficiency, a key selling point emphasized by both Microsoft and leading PC manufacturers. Benchmark results consistently demonstrate that laptops powered by the Snapdragon X can achieve over 15 hours of battery life, which is quite remarkable.
Moreover, Snapdragon X laptops are the first to receive certification for Microsoft’s Copilot+ productivity suite, potentially enhancing workflow efficiency.
Initial Challenges and Hiccups
Nevertheless, the Snapdragon X launch has encountered several issues. The eagerly awaited Windows Recall feature was canceled prior to release due to privacy and security concerns.
Additionally, Snapdragon X Elite notebooks have faced compatibility problems with certain applications due to their ARM-based architecture. Their integrated graphics performance also falls short when compared to Intel’s Arc offerings. Moreover, software developer support for the processor’s on-device AI processing is still in its early stages, limiting the AI capabilities of the Snapdragon X.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
Despite these obstacles, the introduction of the Snapdragon X is a positive development for consumers. Much like how Apple’s M-series chips shook up the laptop market, the Snapdragon X is pushing established players like Intel and AMD to innovate and produce more powerful notebooks.
Although the Snapdragon X currently may not cater to the needs of power users, there is optimism that Qualcomm will continue to advance its technology. Should the platform address its current issues, the future of the notebook processor market could witness a compelling three-way competition for supremacy.
Tags: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series
July 20, 2024
ASUS Unveils ROG Magic 16 Air: Ryzen 9 HX 370 & RTX 4060
Laptops featuring the Ryzen AI processor have finally made their debut! The Asus ROG Magic 16 Air has been introduced in China, equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and RTX 4060 GPU. Despite being a part of Asus’s ROG gaming series, this laptop is impressively lightweight at just 1.85 kg.
Specifications and Pricing
The laptop is available in two models: one with the RTX 4060, priced at approximately $2,200, and another with the RTX 4070, priced around $2,475 in China. The Asus ROG Magic 16 Air Ryzen AI Edition is equipped with a robust 90Wh battery and supports 100W PD charging. It maintains a slim profile with a thickness of only 14.9mm (0.59 inches).
Display and Performance
The ROG Magic 16 Air comes with a 2.5K resolution display that boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness, which is consistent with other models in the ROG laptop series. The OLED panel of the display is a contributing factor to the higher price point.
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor can achieve speeds up to 5.1GHz with turbo boost. The laptop is also equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. For connectivity, it includes USB 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, although it does not feature an Ethernet port.
Tags: RTX 4060, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
July 20, 2024
New Mid-Tower PC Case: Gigabyte C500 Panoramic Stealth Unveiled
Gigabyte has introduced a new mid-tower PC case designed for enthusiasts: the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH. This case emphasizes both aesthetics and practicality, featuring a contemporary right-angled design with panoramic views of your internal components.
Gigabyte can accommodate CPU coolers up to 176mm and PSUs up to 200mm in length
The C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH comes in two color choices: classic black and a white version labeled with the “ICE” suffix. It boasts large, 4mm thick tempered glass panels on the front and side, allowing you to display your carefully selected PC components in full view. Gigabyte has enhanced the sleek design with perforated sections on the top, bottom, and right front panel to not only boost the case’s appearance but also to improve airflow and cooling performance within the chassis.
Compatibility and Storage
The C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH supports standard ATX motherboards with back panel connections. It can house CPU coolers up to 176mm tall and power supplies up to 200mm long. Traditional graphics card installations are supported for cards up to 410mm in length, and for those who prefer a vertical orientation, the case can fit graphics cards up to 5 slots thick.
In terms of storage, the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH offers flexible options. Users can install one 3.5-inch hard drive under the front panel and another 2.5-inch drive in front of the power supply compartment. Additionally, behind the motherboard, you have the option to install either two 2.5-inch drives or a single 3.5-inch drive, catering to various storage requirements.
Cooling Options
Cooling is a key feature of the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH. The case includes seven fan mounting points, strategically placed to optimize airflow. The top section accommodates three 120mm or two 140mm fans and is compatible with 360mm radiators. The right front panel supports a similar configuration, also allowing for three 120mm fans and 360mm radiators. The rear panel can fit a single 120mm or 140mm fan, compatible with 140mm radiators. To kick-start your build, Gigabyte has pre-installed four 120mm ARGB fans – three in the front and one on the right front panel – providing both cooling and customizable lighting.
Front I/O Panel
For easy accessibility, the front I/O panel is conveniently positioned on the top-right side of the case. It features two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port, and a combo 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack.
The Gigabyte C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH is an attractive option for PC builders looking for a stylish and well-ventilated mid-tower case. With its panoramic views, pre-installed ARGB fans, and a plethora of storage and cooling options, it appeals to users who value both aesthetics and functionality in their computer case.
July 19, 2024
ASUS AIO M3702 PC with 27″ FHD & Ryzen 5 7520U Launches in India
ASUS India is set to introduce the M3702, an all-in-one PC tailored for both home and office environments, on July 19. This upcoming device will come equipped with an AMD Ryzen mobile processor featuring an integrated GPU.
ASUS M3702 AIO PC specs:
The M3702 will sport a 27-inch Full HD anti-glare screen, delivering wide viewing angles and a 91% screen-to-body ratio. The display fully covers the sRGB color gamut and has received TÜV Rheinland certification to minimize eye strain. For audio, it includes built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos and microphones with two-way AI-powered noise cancellation.
Under the hood, the PC is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U mobile processor, which offers four Zen 2-based cores and 8 threads, achieving a maximum clock speed of 4.1GHz. It also features an integrated AMD Radeon 610M GPU based on the RDNA2 architecture, capable of handling light gaming. The AIO is available with up to 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD storage and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM. It operates on Windows 11.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The connectivity options include a 2-in-1 card reader for SD and MMC cards, a DC-in port, an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI out 1.4 port, an HDMI in 1.4 port, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port. Additionally, the PC is equipped with a built-in camera featuring a privacy shutter.
Pricing & Availability
Details on the Indian pricing and availability of the M3702 will be revealed on July 17. This all-in-one PC is already available in several markets outside of India.
Tags: All-in-One PC, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor