Category: Computers

February 1, 2025
AMD RDNA 4 GPUs Launch with Exceptional Linux Support
Support for cutting-edge hardware has often been inconsistent on Linux, but it seems that the new AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs might be an exception, possibly due to their unusual release timing.
AMD’s Commitment to Linux
As reported by Phoronix, AMD’s RADV open-source Vulkan driver for Linux has already been updated to include support for the unreleased AMD RDNA 4 GPUs. This information was shared by Samuel Ptoiset, who is the lead of Valve’s Linux graphic driver team. He assured that the support for RDNA 4 at launch would be “good enough.”
Ptoiset mentioned, “This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.”
Ongoing Developments
While there are still some features missing, such as Delta Colour Compression and Vulkan Video support, work is actively ongoing to address these gaps. Ptoiset expressed optimism that these final details could be completed ahead of the RDNA 4 launch in March. He stated, “DCC is still under active development, but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.”
Even if these features are not ready by the time the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs are released, they are still expected to be functional. This is a more favorable situation compared to what often occurs with new hardware. After the launch, efforts will likely focus on enhancing support and performance for specific features, while also fixing any bugs that may arise.
Upcoming Driver Updates
The new RADV open-source driver will be included in the Mesa 25.0 update, which is anticipated to be available by the end of February, aligning perfectly with the release of the Radeon 9070 series GPUs. These updates will probably require a relatively recent kernel version, and Phoronix estimates that the minimum requirement will be Linux 6.13 or 6.14.
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Tags: amd, Linux, Radeon RX 9070
January 31, 2025
Intel Unveils 2025-2026 Client Processor Plans, Cancels Falcon Shore
2024 hasn’t been very promising for Intel, especially with CEO Pat Gelsinger resigning. The recent quarterly earnings report clearly indicates that Team Blue still faces challenges. However, Intel is trying to reassure investors that at least the client roadmap for the upcoming years remains on schedule. This was explained by co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus during the Q4 2024 earnings call.
Panther Lake CPUs on the Horizon
The next stage in the client roadmap is the Panther Lake CPU family. According to Johnston Holthaus, this will be the first generation utilizing the 18A nodes. Both volume production and the launch are set for the second half of 2025. Similarly to Lunar Lake, Panther Lake is expected to debut on laptops first. While details about the desktop versions of Panther Lake were not officially revealed, these chips might also be launched in late 2025, perhaps under a different name, akin to how Arrow Lake followed Lunar Lake.
Future with Nova Lake
Additionally, co-CEO Johnston Holthaus discussed the Nova Lake family, which is planned for 2026. It remains uncertain if this will directly succeed Panther Lake or if it will be the desktop series stemming from Panther Lake. Johnston Holthaus emphasized that both Panther Lake and Nova Lake “will provide strong performance across the entire PC stack,” suggesting a focus on desktop CPUs.
Falcon Shore’s Shift in Plans
On a different note, Intel’s Falcon Shore XPU/GPU, aimed at data centers to compete with established Nvidia’s AI GPUs and AMD’s Instinct lineup, is no longer going to be launched as a consumer product. Johnston Holthaus clarified that Falcon Shore will instead stay as “an internal test chip” that will assist in the development of the next generation Jaguar Shores.
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Tags: Falcon Shore, Intel, Panther Lake
January 31, 2025
Rapidus to Deploy 10 EUV Machines for 2nm Chip Production in Japan
Rapidus, a chip manufacturer from Japan, is gearing up to deploy 10 advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems across its new production facilities. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Japan’s position in the advanced chip manufacturing industry. CEO Atsuyoshi Koike revealed these intentions regarding the new IIM-1 and IIM-2 plants, as reported by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.
First EUV Machine Arrives
In December 2024, the very first EUV lithography machine landed at New Chitose Airport, marking a historic moment for Japan. As per the company’s schedule, Rapidus aims to begin trial production of 2nm chips at the IIM-1 facility as soon as April 2025, with plans to deliver sample chips to the semiconductor giant Broadcom by June.
Production Capacity Insights
Considering the production potential, projections indicate that if five EUV machines operate at full capacity, IIM-1 could handle between 17,000 and 20,000 wafers per month, given that about 20 EUV layers are involved in the manufacturing process. Rapidus intends to use ASML’s Twinscan NXE:3800E scanner, which has the capability to process up to 220 wafers each hour at a dose of 30mj/cm².
Competing with Industry Giants
With a bold target to achieve mass production of 2nm chips by 2027, Rapidus is entering a competitive arena filled with established players. For instance, TSMC is set to begin its own 2nm chip production in 2025 and has secured significant clients like Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm.
On the other side, Samsung is also taking steps to adapt some of its 3nm production lines for 2nm technology, conducting tests collaboratively with companies such as NVIDIA and Qualcomm.
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Tags: 2nm chip production, ASML Twinscan NXE:3800E, Rapidus
January 31, 2025
Microsoft Launches AI-Powered Surface Business Laptops with 22-Hour Battery
Microsoft has rolled out updates to its Surface for Business Copilot+ PC series, revealing new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models that come with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). These machines are tailored for professional users, emphasizing top-notch performance, eco-friendliness, and tools powered by AI to enhance productivity.
Surface Laptop for Business: Features and Aesthetics
The latest Surface Laptop for Business is available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch variations, boasting anti-glare screens with slim bezels, Wi-Fi 7, and a variety of ports, including an optional smart card reader. It runs on Intel Core Ultra processors that can deliver up to 22 hours of battery life.
In terms of performance, these laptops see up to 26% improvements in multi-tasking over the Surface Laptop 5, double the graphics capabilities, and triple the battery endurance during Teams meetings. With built-in NPU support, the 15-inch variant achieves 48 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second), while the 13.8-inch version offers 40 TOPS. Battery longevity is notable, with the 15-inch model providing up to 22 hours of video playback and 14 hours of web browsing, while the 13.8-inch model supports 20 hours of video play and 12 hours of internet usage. Both models feature a precise haptic touchpad, backlit keyboards, and dual studio microphones paired with Dolby Atmos speakers.
These laptops are designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing 67.6% recycled materials, such as 100% recycled aluminum and rare earth elements. The battery cells are made with 100% recycled cobalt, aligning with Microsoft’s commitment to being carbon-negative.
Surface Pro for Business: Versatility and Strength
The refreshed Surface Pro for Business retains its 2-in-1 format, making it ideal for tablet and laptop functions. It is equipped with Intel Core Ultra 5 or Core Ultra 7 processors, featuring NPU capabilities of 40 TOPS and 48 TOPS, respectively.
The device showcases a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display, which comes in both OLED and LCD formats, featuring a resolution of 2880 x 1920, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and a brightness of 600 nits. It includes a 1440p front camera and a 10MP rear camera, making it perfect for video conferencing and content creation.
Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB of removable Gen 4 SSD, alongside 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. For security, it includes TPM 2.0, BitLocker encryption, Microsoft Pluton, and Windows Hello facial recognition.
Battery performance is rated at up to 14 hours for video playback and 10 hours for web activities. The device weighs 1.92 lbs (872g) without the keyboard and comes with a 165-degree kickstand for versatile use.
Surface Laptop 5G: Future Launch
Microsoft has also revealed plans for the Surface Laptop 5G, which is expected to launch in 2025. This will mark the first Surface Laptop to offer cellular connectivity, though further details are yet to be disclosed.
Security and AI Enhancements
Security remains a central focus for Copilot+ PCs. The Microsoft Pluton security processor safeguards sensitive information, while Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 provide tools to fight against phishing, malware, and ransomware. AI-powered features, including an enhanced Windows Search, are available to assist users in locating files using relevant words or phrases.
The Surface Management Portal in Microsoft Intune gives IT administrators tools to oversee and manage devices efficiently. Beginning February 24, 2025, the Security Copilot feature will be in public preview, introducing generative AI capabilities for device management.
Pricing and Availability
The starting price for the Surface Laptop for Business is US$1,499.99, which is the same for the Surface Pro for Business. Both devices will be available for purchase starting February 18, 2025.
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Tags: Microsoft Surface, Surface Laptop for Business, Surface Pro for Business
January 31, 2025
ASUS Zenbook A14: 14″ OLED, Snapdragon X & 32-Hour Battery
ASUS recently debuted the Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA-PS76) at the CES 2025 technology event earlier this month. This laptop, part of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series, combines solid performance, impressive battery life, and effortless connectivity, making it a great option for those seeking a Windows alternative to the Macbook Air. The device is now for sale in the United States.
Key Features of the Zenbook A14
Weighing in at just 2.18 lbs (998 grams), the Zenbook A14 is among the lightest 14-inch laptops on the market. This lightweight design is thanks to its Ceraluminum chassis, which is 30% lighter and three times tougher than regular aluminum. The laptop flaunts an Iceland Gray finish and has dimensions of 12.23 inches in width, 8.42 inches in depth, and a thickness ranging from 0.53 to 0.63 inches.
Performance and Battery Life
The Zenbook A14 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 processor, which is optimized for efficiency. It boasts a 70Wh battery that allows up to 32 hours of video playback on a single charge. Its dual-fan cooling system ensures high performance while keeping noise at a minimum.
The Qualcomm Hexagon NPU supports AI tasks with an impressive capability of up to 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second). Additionally, it features Snapdragon Seamless technology, which facilitates smooth file transfers, screen mirroring, and easy switching between devices that are powered by Snapdragon.
Security and Display Features
For added security, the Zenbook A14 includes Adaptive Lock to secure the screen when the user is away, along with Adaptive Dimming to adjust brightness based on your activity. It is also equipped with the Microsoft Pluton chip, providing extra protection against cyber threats. The display is a 14-inch OLED NanoEdge screen that offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200, a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
In terms of audio, the laptop features Snapdragon Sound technology that enhances voice calls and audio playback while minimizing background noise. It comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM for efficient multitasking and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for rapid file access and storage.
Connectivity Options
The Zenbook A14 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for speedy wireless connections. It is equipped with:
– 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port
– 2 x USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C ports (with DisplayPort and Power Delivery)
– 1 x HDMI 2.1 port
– 1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack
A 65W Type-C charger is included, which supports 100-240V AC input.
Price and Where to Buy
The Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA-PS76) is priced at $1,099.99 and can be purchased from the ASUS Store and Best Buy.
Tags: Asus Zenbook A14, Lightweight Laptop, Snapdragon X1
January 31, 2025
Next-Gen Snapdragon X2 Chips Expected to Launch Soon
With their Snapdragon X series of ARM chipsets aimed at laptops, Qualcomm has made a significant entry into the PC market. The company has provided impressive energy efficiency and performance, along with capabilities for AI tasks. There are indications that Qualcomm may be developing successors to these chipsets, which could be revealed in the near future.
Snapdragon X2 Elite & X2 Plus Development
To refresh your memory, last year Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. However, it appears that the Snapdragon X2 series might be on its way, potentially introducing a new flagship chip as well. The new Snapdragon X2 series could feature an additional “Ultra Premium” category. The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus have certainly made waves in the market, challenging competitors like Intel and AMD.
AI Focus and Competitive Landscape
A primary emphasis of these new chipsets was AI, which was an area that other manufacturers largely overlooked. Following the Snapdragon X announcement, both Intel and AMD quickly released their own chips equipped with dedicated NPUs, allowing them to catch up with Qualcomm. While Qualcomm has faced some challenges regarding performance, leaked shipping manifests (shared by Olrak_29 on X) indicate that the Snapdragon X2 is indeed under development.
Upcoming Features and Expectations
The Snapdragon X2 name appeared alongside the “Ultra Premium” label, suggesting a more robust processor is on the horizon. For those who might not know, these upcoming chipsets will be the next generation of ARM processors, similar to their predecessors. Right now, we only have Plus and Elite options available, but a Snapdragon X Ultra variant could be introduced soon. We can look forward to enhanced performance, upgraded NPUs, and improved graphics capabilities. These chips are expected to launch later this year, as previously reported. This is all the information currently available, so stay tuned for updates.
Tags: ARM Chipsets, Qualcomm, Snapdragon X2
January 31, 2025
Affordable Mini PC with AMD APU and Photo Frame Features
Chatreey has introduced a new mini PC named the AN3P. While it may not have the latest APU, the device is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and its integrated AMD Radeon 680M, which together deliver sufficient processing capabilities for more demanding tasks. The AN3P comes in different setups: as a barebone unit, or with options of either 16 or 32 GB of RAM and a choice between a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD. Users can install two DDR5 memory modules and two M.2 2280 SSDs.
Compact Design and Connectivity
Measuring 132 x 132 millimeters and standing 55 millimeters tall, this mini PC features a variety of modern ports. However, it lacks a somewhat common connection, OCuLink, which is needed for certain external graphics cards. At the front, it has two USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, an audio jack, and a power button. The back is equipped with four additional USB 3.0 ports, enabling the connection of three monitors at 4K resolution with 60 frames per second using USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.0.
Networking and Unique Features
Having one or more Ethernet ports that can achieve up to 2.5 GBit/s is pretty standard these days. Plus, it also supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. An interesting feature is the transparent acrylic panel on the top, which can serve as a photo frame for 11.6 x 10.33 photos, transforming the mini PC into a decorative piece.
You can buy the mini PC directly from Chatreey, starting at a price of $244 for the barebone version.
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Tags: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, Chatreey AN3P, Mini-PC
January 31, 2025
Asus Launches Snapdragon X-Powered Zenbook A14 in the US
Announced during CES 2025, Asus has introduced the Zenbook A14 laptop, marking the first in its Zenbook line to incorporate the Snapdragon X processor. This laptop is now up for purchase in the US through Asus’s official site and Best Buy.
Lightweight Design
Weighing only 2.18lb (988 grams), the Zenbook A14 (model UX3407QA-PS76) is a remarkably lightweight device. It’s notable as the first Asus laptop to utilize an all-Ceraluminum construction. This term, Ceraluminum, combines ceramic and aluminum, and Asus clarifies that it is not just aluminum coated in ceramic. Instead, the process involves submerging aluminum in a specially designed electrolytic bath of pure water and minerals, promoting the formation of an oxidized layer on the aluminum.
Unique Material Properties
The outcome is a material that possesses the lightweight and sturdy characteristics of aluminum, along with the anti-scratch features of ceramic. Initially, Asus used Ceraluminum for the Zenbook S 14 and Zenbook S 16, but for the Zenbook A14, they have applied this material to both the exterior and the chassis.
The Zenbook A14 showcases a 14-inch WUXGA Lumina OLED NanoEdge display, featuring a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. Inside, it houses the Snapdragon X (X1 26 100), which is the entry-level option in the Snapdragon X series, designed for more affordable PCs, even tho the price of the Zenbook A14 is not exactly budget-friendly.
Impressive Specifications
Equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 M2 SSD, the laptop includes a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A port, two USB 4.0 Type-C ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also comes with an FHD camera that supports infrared and Windows Hello, in addition to Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The Zenbook A14 contains a 70Whr battery, which Asus claims can deliver up to 32 hours of continuous video playback.
This specific configuration of the Zenbook A14 is priced at $1099.99 on both Best Buy and Asus’s website. It’s offered in a single color, Iceland Gray, and will be available for purchase starting January 31.
Future Variants
Later in this quarter, Asus plans to launch a second configuration. This version, identified by the model number UX3407QA-X1P512, will be available at Best Buy for $899.99. It will feature the more powerful Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) processor and is anticipated to include 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, presented in Zabriskie Beige.
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Tags: Asus Zenbook A14, Ceraluminum build, Snapdragon X processor
January 31, 2025
Microsoft Launches Compact Surface Dock with HDMI 2.1 Support
Microsoft has a wide range of docking solutions that are compatible with different devices. For example, the company has been offering the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which is currently priced at $254.99 on Amazon, for nearly two years. Although this accessory is still on the market, Microsoft has now launched a lighter alternative that is roughly 50% lighter than the Thunderbolt 4 version.
Weight and Size Differences
The new Surface USB4 Dock weighs only 206 g, while the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock weighs 410 g. In terms of dimensions, the USB4 Dock is 120 x 60 x 15 mm, making it significantly smaller compared to the Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which measures 150 x 75 x 21.3 mm. However, to achieve this smaller size, the Surface USB4 Dock has fewer ports, such as the absence of a 3.5 mm jack. Microsoft states that the new dock includes the following input/output options:
Power and Features
The Surface USB4 Dock can deliver up to 65 W of power to a connected device, but it comes with a 100 W power supply unit (PSU), which Microsoft will not sell separately. Additional features of the dock include MAC address passthrough and Wake on LAN capabilities from Modern Standby S4 or S5 sleep modes. The Surface USB4 Dock is available for purchase now at a price of $199.99, with shipping set to start on February 18.
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Tags: Microsoft, Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock, Surface USB4 Dock
January 31, 2025
System76 Meerkat: Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 7 and 96GB RAM
Hunting for a well-equipped mini PC from a trusted brand is no longer a difficult task, given the wide range of choices in the market today. For those who love Linux, though, the options are fewer but still available. A good example of this is the updated System76 Meerkat mini PC, which has received enhancements in its internal components.
Performance Upgrades
The refreshed System76 Meerkat mini PC is now available with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, which can be configured with as much as 96 GB of RAM and a whopping 16 TB of SSD storage, thanks to its M.2 slot and a 2.5-inch SATA bay. The Core Ultra 7 155H features 16 cores and 22 threads, providing solid performance that closely resembles the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U seen in the Beelink SER8 (currently priced at $499 on Amazon). Due to its small form factor, the system does not include discrete graphics and relies on the integrated Intel Arc iGPU, which should handle less demanding GPU tasks well enough.
Connectivity and Pricing
The Meerkat Linux mini PC comes with a good selection of ports, such as Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DP 1.4a), three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, dual HDMI 2.1, and an audio jack. For wireless connections, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, while dual 2.5 G Ethernet ports manage wired networking needs. In terms of cost, the Meerkat mini PC is on the higher end of the spectrum. The starting price for the base model, which includes an Intel Core Ultra 125H, 16 GB of DDR5-5600 memory, and 500 GB of storage, is $799. Prices can rise quickly as you select higher specifications.
Conclusion
Overall, the System76 Meerkat mini PC is a solid choice for Linux users who are looking for a powerful and compact system. While it may not come cheap, the performance and features it offers could make it worth the investment for those who need the power in a small package.
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Tags: Linux mini PC, Meerkat, System76