Category: Computers

  • Sixunited STHT1 Mini-ITX Motherboard Launches with AMD Strix Halo

    Sixunited STHT1 Mini-ITX Motherboard Launches with AMD Strix Halo

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sixunited launched a new laptop with an OLED display powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max Strix Halo processors.
    2. The STHT1 motherboard is designed for DIY PC enthusiasts, measuring 170 mm x 170 mm and compatible with standard mini-ITX cases.
    3. The STHT1 motherboard features soldered LPDDR5X memory with a maximum capacity of 128 GB and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots.
    4. Connectivity options include various USB ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a DP/VGA/COM port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a gigabit Ethernet port.
    5. Pricing for the STHT1 motherboard has not yet been announced, and it is primarily aimed at OEMs for integration into their products.


    Chinese company Sixunited has recently launched a new laptop that features an OLED display and is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max Strix Halo processors. Prior to this, they showcased a mini-PC containing the same components. Now, they’ve introduced the STHT1 motherboard, aimed at DIY PC enthusiasts. This motherboard measures 170 mm x 170 mm and fits into any standard mini-ITX case.

    Memory and Storage Options

    Like other Strix Halo motherboards, the LPDDR5X memory on the STHT1 is soldered, meaning it cannot be upgraded. The motherboard supports a maximum of 128 GB of memory and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots. There’s also an extra M.2 slot available for adding a Wi-Fi module. It requires a 19-Volt (2×2 ATX) DC input for power.

    Connectivity Features

    For its I/O options, the Sixunited STHT1 provides two configurations: either 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, or 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (which supports data plus 15W PD) along with 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A and 2x USB 2.0 Type-A. Additionally, users can expect an HDMI 2.1 port, a DP/VGA/COM port, a 3.5 mm audio/microphone jack, and a gigabit Ethernet port.

    Pricing Information

    Sadly, Sixunited has yet to announce the pricing for the STHT1 motherboard. Although it can be utilized by individual PC builders for a mini-ITX setup, it’s mainly designed for OEMs to include in their products.

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  • Kioxia Launches First 245.76 TB NVMe SSD for AI Workloads

    Kioxia Launches First 245.76 TB NVMe SSD for AI Workloads

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kioxia has launched the LC9 Series NVMe SSD with a capacity of 245.76 TB, the highest available for both 2.5-inch and EDSFF E3.L formats.
    2. The new SSD doubles the previous maximum capacity of 122.88 TB, catering to data centers with high space efficiency needs.
    3. The drive supports demanding applications like generative AI and vector databases by reducing I/O bottlenecks during data processing.
    4. It features advanced technology with 32 BiCS FLASH QLC dies and a PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe 2.0 controller, offering fast speeds of up to 12 GB/s for reads.
    5. The drive includes reliability features like die-level recovery and power-loss protection, achieving around 1.3 million IOPS for reads and 50,000 IOPS for writes.


    Kioxia has introduced a new model with a capacity of 245.76 TB in its LC9 Series, making it the highest-capacity NVMe SSD available in both 2.5-inch and EDSFF E3.L formats. This new version doubles the previous maximum capacity of 122.88 TB in the series and is designed for data centers where space efficiency is crucial.

    Demand for High-Capacity Storage

    The needs of generative AI training, vector databases, and various retrieval-augmented generation tasks require large, efficient, and speedy storage solutions. Kioxia emphasizes that the LC9’s large scale is meant to alleviate I/O bottlenecks, which can cause costly GPUs to sit idle during data ingestion and inference processes.

    Advanced Technology and Performance

    This drive utilizes 32 of Kioxia’s 2 Tbit BiCS FLASH QLC dies, employing CMOS-direct-bonded-to-array (CBA) technology that allows for 8 TB in a single NAND package, marking another industry milestone. It features a PCIe 5.0 x4 (dual-port) NVMe 2.0 controller that offers up to 12 GB/s for sequential reads and 3 GB/s for writes, effectively balancing signal integrity with the high package density and extreme height.

    Specifications and Reliability

    In terms of random throughput, the drive achieves around 1.3 million IOPS for reads and 50,000 IOPS for writes, with an endurance rating of 0.3 DWPD suitable for typical hyperscale workloads. To ensure reliability, it includes die-level recovery, parity-based error management, and power-loss protection, in addition to Flexible Data Placement that helps minimize write amplification.

    Kioxia is currently sampling the 245 TB LC9 to selected partners, with larger volume units to be available in 2.5-inch U.2 (up to 122.88 TB), E3.S (up to 122.88 TB), and E3.L (245.76 TB) formats. A public demonstration is scheduled for the Future of Memory and Storage conference in August 2025.

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  • Minisforum Launches M1 Pro Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 and 128GB RAM

    Minisforum Launches M1 Pro Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 and 128GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum has launched the M1 Pro mini-PC, offering a choice between Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125H and Core Ultra 9 285H processors.
    2. The Core Ultra 5 125H has 14 CPU cores and a 7-core iGPU, while the Core Ultra 9 285H has 16 CPU cores and a more powerful iGPU.
    3. Benchmark tests show the Core Ultra 9 285H outperforms the Core Ultra 5 125H by approximately 25%.
    4. Both models support up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM, with the Core Ultra 9 285H supporting faster RAM speeds of 6,400 MT/s compared to 5,600 MT/s for the Core Ultra 5 125H.
    5. The M1 Pro starts at $383 for the Core Ultra 5 125H model and $695 for the Core Ultra 9 285H model, with options for pre-installed RAM and storage at additional costs.


    Minisforum has made another upgrade to its mini-PC lineup, not long after the global launch of the N5 and N5 Pro models that are powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU. This time, the focus has shifted to Intel, introducing the M1 Pro. Interestingly, Minisforum provides customers with a choice of two different processor architectures for their latest mini-PC.

    Processor Options

    The M1 Pro can be set up with either Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125H from the Meteor Lake-H series or the Core Ultra 9 285H. The Core Ultra 5 125H comes with 14 CPU cores, which includes 4 Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores. This processor also has a 7-core Arc iGPU and operates at a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 28 W. On the flip side, the Core Ultra 9 285H includes 2 extra Performance cores, a more robust iGPU, and a higher TDP, thanks to its base on the newer Alder Lake-H architecture.

    Performance Insights

    In benchmarks, the Core Ultra 5 125H lags behind the Core Ultra 9 285H by about 25%. A similar performance difference can be noted in their iGPUs as well. Both configurations of the M1 Pro come with identical ports and memory capabilities. Notably, there are two SO-DIMM slots that can accommodate up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM. However, while the Core Ultra 5 125H maxes out at RAM speeds of 5,600 MT/s, the Core Ultra 9 285H can support speeds of 6,400 MT/s.

    Storage and Pricing

    Both models include dual M.2 2280 slots, allowing for a total of 4 TB of PCIe 4.0 x4 storage. They also share the same front and rear ports as depicted in the images below. As of now, the M1 Pro starts at $383 for the base model with the Core Ultra 5 125H. In contrast, the version with the Core Ultra 9 285H is priced at $695. Alternatively, customers can opt for configurations that come with pre-installed RAM and storage, which will incur additional costs. For further information, please visit Minisforum’s official website.

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  • N-one NPC Pro+: AMD-Powered Mini PC in Mac Mini Style

    N-one NPC Pro+: AMD-Powered Mini PC in Mac Mini Style

    Key Takeaways

    1. The N-one NPC Pro+ mini PC features the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU and Radeon 780M GPU, enabling it to run modern AAA games at 1080p on low to medium settings.

    2. Its design is inspired by the Apple Mac mini, with a circular vent and side ventilation holes for effective cooling.

    3. The mini PC includes a variety of ports, supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and features a single M.2 slot for storage expansion up to 4 TB.

    4. It comes with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and the ability to connect three displays simultaneously.

    5. The current configuration available on AliExpress offers 1 TB of storage for a price of $685.


    N-one, a lesser-known brand, has launched a new mini PC called the NPC Pro+. This device runs on the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, which is a strong CPU from the Hawk Point series. Thanks to the Radeon 780M, this small PC can even handle modern AAA games at low to medium graphics settings at 1080p resolution.

    Design Inspiration

    When it comes to its look, the bottom of the NPC Pro+ draws considerable inspiration from the Apple Mac mini. In fact, it features a circular vent design underneath that closely resembles Apple’s compact PC. Additionally, there are ventilation holes on the sides, and N-one asserts that the integrated cooling system allows the Hawk Point CPU to maintain reliable performance even under demanding conditions.

    Connectivity and Specifications

    The mini PC is equipped with a good variety of ports. The chassis includes the following port layout:

    For wireless connections, it offers WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Notable features of the N-one NPC Pro+ include one M.2 slot that can support storage of up to 4 TB (with the 4 TB Crucial P310 priced at $229.99 on Amazon), 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, and the ability to connect three displays at once. Currently, there is only one configuration available on AliExpress, which includes 1 TB of storage, and it is priced at $685.

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  • RTX 5090 Laptop GPU Boosts Performance with 250W TGP

    RTX 5090 Laptop GPU Boosts Performance with 250W TGP

    Key Takeaways

    1. GizmoSlipTech enhanced the RTX 5090 laptop performance by overriding Nvidia’s 175 Watt power limit through a shunt modification.
    2. The shunt mod allows the GPU to draw up to 250 Watts, surpassing the previous 225 Watt limit used by others.
    3. A modified BIOS with the correct Voltage-Frequency curve and a minor undervolt is necessary in addition to the shunt mod.
    4. The Eluktronics Hydroc 16 G2 laptop achieved a 41% performance boost in 3DMark after the modifications, with a peak clock speed of 2.7 GHz.
    5. Gaming performance gains from the shunt-modified RTX 5090 ranged from 3.83% to 29.7%, indicating the potential for desktop-like performance in laptops.


    YouTuber GizmoSlipTech has successfully enhanced the performance of their RTX 5090 laptop by manually overriding the power restrictions imposed by Nvidia. The RTX 50 series, along with its predecessors, has traditionally been limited to 175 Watts due to thermal issues, which is a logical limit for a laptop. To bypass this power restriction, a shunt modification is needed. This process involves changing a particular resistor on the motherboard, enabling the GPU to draw additional power—up to an impressive 250 Watts.

    Bypassing Limits

    This new power draw surpasses the 225 Watt shunt mod previously utilized by another Reddit user. Shunt mods are commonly employed by overclockers to bypass power constraints on desktop graphics cards. However, merely applying a shunt mod is not enough; a modified BIOS featuring the right Voltage-Frequency (V-F) curve, along with a minor undervolt, is also necessary.

    Performance Gains

    The laptop used for this experiment was the Eluktronics Hydroc 16 G2, which comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, 48 GB of DDR5-7200 RAM, and a water cooling system to ensure optimal thermal management. Once everything was set up, the RTX 5090 laptop achieved a remarkable 41% performance boost in the 3DMark Steel Nomad test, which heavily stresses the GPU. The GPU was able to reach a peak clock speed of 2.7 GHz, which is a significant 700 MHz increase over its standard boost clock of 2.0 GHz. As anticipated, the additional power resulted in a rise in temperature.

    Gaming Performance

    In gaming benchmarks, the results were not as striking, with the shunt-modified RTX 5090 showing performance gains ranging from 3.83% to 29.7%. Even so, this demonstrates that laptop GPUs often face limitations due to insufficient power and confirms the potential for achieving desktop-like performance in a portable format.

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  • UK May Drop Apple Backdoor Demand Amid Silicon Valley Resistance

    UK May Drop Apple Backdoor Demand Amid Silicon Valley Resistance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The UK government is reconsidering its demand for backdoor access to Apple’s iCloud after pressure from the US and Silicon Valley.
    2. Apple’s refusal to create a backdoor led to the withdrawal of Advanced Data Protection services in the UK, affecting user privacy.
    3. The UK’s request aimed for global access to iCloud accounts, raising concerns about privacy and encryption.
    4. The demand has faced backlash from both Silicon Valley and the US government, with potential legal implications.
    5. Reports suggest the UK may withdraw its request, with officials indicating a need to find an alternative approach.


    The British Government is possibly reconsidering its controversial demand for backdoor access to Apple’s iCloud, following persistent pressure from both the US Government and the united front of Silicon Valley’s Big Tech.

    Secret Demands

    Earlier this year in January, the UK Home Office made a secret request for backdoor access to iCloud’s encrypted information, which would compromise the privacy of Apple’s users.

    Apple’s reaction was clear; they emphasized that they “have never built a backdoor or master key” for any of their “products or services,” and subsequently pulled their Advanced Data Protection services from the UK. This action resulted in UK users losing the benefit of end-to-end encryption for services like iCloud backups, iCloud Drive, Photos, Wallet Passes, and others.

    Global Implications

    What made the situation even more egregious was the UK government’s demand for access to iCloud accounts on a global scale, not limited to just those in the UK.

    Despite Apple’s ongoing legal battles against the order in confidential court proceedings, support for the company has emerged from Silicon Valley. Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, expressed to the BBC that the demand “could set a dangerous precedent” that might jeopardize encryption services globally.

    Rising Backlash

    In addition to this, the request has been met with significant backlash and international condemnation, particularly from the US government. Vice President JD Vance has openly opposed the request from the UK, suggesting it might breach a Cloud Act treaty established between both nations.

    Recent reports from the Financial Times indicate that the UK is now contemplating withdrawing its demand. One official mentioned to the publication, “The Home Office is basically going to have to back down,” while another source added, “They are working on a way around it now.”

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  • AMD Surges Past Intel in CPU Sales, Even Old AM4 Chips Lead

    AMD Surges Past Intel in CPU Sales, Even Old AM4 Chips Lead

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD CPUs dominate the market, capturing 90% of sales, while Intel only holds 10%.
    2. Intel’s Core Ultra 200 “Arrow Lake” series is underperforming, with previous AMD models outselling them significantly.
    3. Intel processors, like the Core Ultra 7 265K, are being sold at deep discounts, providing good value for consumers.
    4. The pricing of Intel CPUs allows for affordable gaming PC builds when combined with savings on motherboard and RAM.
    5. Ongoing struggles for Intel may lead to even greater discounts in the future.


    It has been quite a story lately: AMD processors are outselling Intel chips by a wide margin. Data from TechEpiphany regarding CPU sales on Mindfactory for the 29th week of 2025 shows that AMD CPUs captured a whopping 90% of the total CPUs sold, while Intel managed to secure only about 10% of the market.

    Intel’s Struggles

    The situation is even more grim for Intel when we examine the performance of AMD’s previous AM4 CPUs, such as the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, which outsold all Intel platforms combined. This indicates that Intel’s most recent Core Ultra 200 “Arrow Lake” and 14th-gen CPUs are not performing well in the market.

    Sales Figures

    When we analyze the numbers, the total CPUs sold per platform are reportedly as follows:

    Intel’s poor showing here is, surprisingly, beneficial for consumers.

    Since the Core Ultra 200 Arrow Lake chips are struggling to sell, they are being offered at significant discounts. For example, the Core Ultra 7 265K is currently priced just above $270 on Amazon. This 20-core processor delivers solid gaming performance and excels in multi-threaded tasks, as highlighted by RobeyTech.

    A Good Deal

    With a 39% discount compared to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and a 20% discount against the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Core Ultra 7 265K represents a very attractive offer.

    In the same vein, other models from the Arrow Lake series are also being sold for less than their official MSRP. When you factor in savings on motherboard and RAM bundles, it’s possible to put together a decent gaming PC without breaking the bank, as long as you can find a good GPU at an affordable price.

    In brief, Intel is facing a notable drop in CPU sales. However, if the company continues to struggle, we might witness even deeper discounts in the future.

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  • Quantum MagNav: FAA-Grade Positioning Without Satellites

    Quantum MagNav: FAA-Grade Positioning Without Satellites

    Key Takeaways

    1. Satellite navigation systems are increasingly vulnerable to jamming and spoofing, affecting civilian flights in conflict zones.
    2. Acubed and SandboxAQ are testing MagNav, a quantum-sensing navigator that does not rely on satellite signals.
    3. MagNav uses a laser-driven quantum magnetometer to map magnetic signatures of the ground for accurate positioning.
    4. The system has shown precision within FAA standards, achieving about 550 meters accuracy 64% of the time.
    5. MagNav has potential applications beyond aviation, including locating submarines and medical diagnostics, marking a significant advancement in navigation technology.


    Satellite navigation is becoming more and more at risk. Recent jamming and spoofing cases in regions like Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East have been causing interruptions to thousands of civilian flights, highlighting how fragile Global Positioning System signals can be. In search of a backup that is hard to hack, Acubed, a subsidiary of Airbus located in Silicon Valley, has teamed up with SandboxAQ, a company spun out from Google, to test MagNav, a quantum-sensing navigator about the size of a toaster.

    Testing the MagNav System

    During an extensive 150-hour operation across the continental U.S., Acubed’s “flight lab” aircraft was equipped with MagNav, which mapped the delicate magnetic signatures of the ground beneath. The system matched these signatures with detailed magnetic charts, providing ongoing position fixes without relying on satellite signals.

    How MagNav Works

    At the core of MagNav is a laser-driven quantum magnetometer. A photon stimulates an electron within the crystal, and as the electron returns to its original state, it emits light whose energy is influenced by the surrounding magnetic field. Every square meter of the Earth generates a distinct magnetic pattern, which allows an onboard AI, operating on a single GPU, to convert this pattern into coordinates of latitude and longitude.

    The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration requires that navigation accuracy be within two nautical miles (2.3 miles). MagNav consistently remained within this standard for every segment of the flight, achieving an impressive precision of around 550 meters (0.34 miles) 64 percent of the time. Since the sensor is entirely analog and self-sufficient, it is immune to radio jamming and cannot be spoofed.

    Future Potential of MagNav

    Jack Hidary, the CEO of SandboxAQ, describes MagNav as the first new absolute navigation system in half a century. Analysts believe its uses could extend beyond aviation: quantum sensors might help locate concealed submarines or tunnels and even detect weak magnetic fields from the human heart or brain, potentially creating new diagnostic methods. While more certification steps are necessary, the experiment demonstrates that a compact quantum device can provide aircraft with a reliable alternative when satellite signals are lost.

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  • Slowest and Fastest Laptops with GeForce RTX 5070 Graphics

    Slowest and Fastest Laptops with GeForce RTX 5070 Graphics

    Key Takeaways

    1. RTX 5070 laptops have been available for a few months, following the release of higher models like the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080.
    2. The performance difference between the slowest and fastest RTX 5070 models is smaller compared to the RTX 5090 range.
    3. The Gigabyte Aero X16 is only about 15% slower than the Razer Blade 14, showcasing closer performance among RTX 5070 laptops.
    4. Top-performing RTX 5070 laptops include the Asus ProArt P16 and Razer Blade 14.
    5. The RTX 5070 Ti, like the MSI Vector A18, offers a notable performance boost of 30-40% over standard RTX 5070 models.


    Laptops featuring GeForce RTX 5070 graphics cards have been on the market for a few months now, following the release of the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti. As is typical, the performance of the GPU can vary between different laptop models due to several factors. The charts below show a comparison of various RTX 5070 laptops, ranked from the slowest to the fastest that we’ve personally evaluated.

    Performance Comparison

    One key observation is that the performance gap between the slowest and fastest RTX 5070 models is significantly smaller than that observed with RTX 5090 graphics. This indicates that for those interested in purchasing an RTX 5070 laptop, there is less concern about encountering major performance issues or subpar models. Taking the Gigabyte Aero X16 as an example, it is only about 15 percent slower than the latest Razer Blade 14, while some RTX 5090 laptops can show differences exceeding 30 percent. For buyers seeking the top-performing RTX 5070 laptops, the Asus ProArt P16 or the previously mentioned Razer Blade should be at the top of the list.

    Alternative Options

    Another viable alternative is opting for a laptop equipped with RTX 5070 Ti graphics, such as the MSI Vector A18, which can provide a significant performance improvement of around 30 to 40 percent compared to current RTX 5070 models. This generation marks a new entry for the RTX 5070 Ti, as there were no RTX 4070 Ti laptops available during the previous Ada Lovelace generation.

  • Affordable MeLE Overclock X2 Mini PC Launches in Compact Size

    Affordable MeLE Overclock X2 Mini PC Launches in Compact Size

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upgraded CPU: The MeLE Overclock X2 features the Intel N150 CPU, an improvement over the N100 used in previous models.

    2. Compact Design with Connectivity: This mini PC is pocket-sized but includes a variety of I/O ports and supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and extensive storage options.

    3. Storage Options: Users can choose between 256 GB of eMMC storage and a 2280 M.2 slot for up to a 4 TB SSD, plus a microSD slot for an additional 2 TB, totaling over 6 TB of storage.

    4. Cooling System: The Overclock X2 has an active cooling mechanism with a quiet fan to maintain optimal system temperature.

    5. Price and Features: Priced at €299 (around $347), it includes Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi 5, and supports triple-screen output, though it is not widely available yet.


    MeLE has launched the upgraded Overclock X2, a compact mini PC that runs on a Twin Lake CPU. The new version features the Intel N150, which is a slightly better version of the N100 that is found in many of the company’s PCs.

    Compact Design with Extensive Connectivity

    This budget-friendly mini PC, although small enough to fit in your pocket, offers a comprehensive selection of I/O ports. Specifically, it includes the following connectivity options:

    The Intel N150 can be combined with a maximum of 32 GB of DDR4 RAM operating at 3200 MHz. However, it’s important to highlight that the system is equipped with only one SO-DIMM slot, meaning the memory is restricted to single-channel configuration. In terms of storage, there is a choice for 256 GB of eMMC storage, and the mini PC has a 2280 M.2 slot that can support up to a 4 TB SSD (the 4 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus is currently priced at $249.99 on Amazon). Additionally, it has a microSD slot that can handle a 2 TB card. Thus, the total storage capacity could exceed 6 TB.

    Efficient Cooling System

    In contrast to the Quieter mini PC series from the company, the Overclock X2 is equipped with an active cooling mechanism. MeLE mentions that it has a robust fan that runs quietly but effectively maintains the system’s temperature.

    Other notable features of this economical mini PC include Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi 5, and the ability to support triple-screen output. The starting price for the MeLE Overclock X2 is €299, which is approximately $347, and it has not yet been widely released in the international market.

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