Category: Computers

May 31, 2025
Lenovo Launches Legion 245 W Slim Charger with Built-In Cable
Key Takeaways
1. Lenovo has launched the C245 charging brick in China, which is 30% smaller than standard laptop chargers with the same power output.
2. The charger supports fast charging up to 245 W and is designed specifically for Lenovo laptops, featuring a built-in cable with a special Slim connector.
3. The Slim connector includes a display that shows the power output, ensuring laptops can operate in performance mode.
4. The C245 charger uses Legion GaN 5.0 technology for stable charging and includes a cable management strap for portability.
5. Priced at CNY 359 (approximately $50), there is no current information on its international availability, but previous models were available on AliExpress soon after the China release.
Lenovo has introduced a new charging brick in China, known as the C245. This device is essentially an improved version of the Legion C170 that the company offers. It boasts a sleek design, with Lenovo claiming it is 30% smaller than standard laptop chargers that have the same power output.
Fast Charging Capabilities
This new Lenovo Legion GaN charger supports fast charging up to 245 W. However, since it comes with a built-in cable that features a special Slim connector, it’s clear that this charging brick is intended solely for Lenovo laptops. This differentiates it from previous C-series charging bricks.
Innovative Features
Regarding the Slim connector, it includes a display that shows the precise power output from the GaN charger. Lenovo emphasizes that the maximum power rating is sufficient to enable compatible laptops to operate in performance mode. The new Legion C245 charger also incorporates Legion GaN 5.0 technology, which guarantees stable charging. The built-in cable is crafted from high-quality materials and includes shielding for safe charging. Additionally, there’s a cable management strap that enhances the portability of the charging accessory.
Pricing Information
In terms of pricing, the Lenovo Legion C245 charger is launched at CNY 359, which translates to roughly $50. There is currently no information on when it will be available in international markets. However, it is important to note that the earlier C-series chargers appeared on AliExpress shortly after their release in China.
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Tags: GaN charger, Legion C245, Lenovo
May 31, 2025
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6: Why Lunar Lake Excels for Business Laptops
Key Takeaways
1. Performance is crucial for desktop computers, as they handle demanding tasks better.
2. Laptops prioritize efficiency over sheer performance due to issues like heat, noise, and battery life.
3. The main CPU competitors for Windows laptops are Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, each offering different strengths.
4. Intel’s Lunar Lake struggles with performance but excels in cooling, noise, and battery life compared to rivals.
5. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel is recommended for corporate users due to its balanced performance and efficiency.
Faster, faster, faster – performance is key when it comes to choosing a computer. A quicker PC can handle more demanding tasks. Thus, performance should always take the top spot, especially for desktop computers, where it is crucial.
The Laptop Dilemma
However, laptops tell a different story. Boosting performance might lead to issues like increased heat, louder fans, and shorter battery life. This is particularly important since many users only run basic applications such as email, office tasks, and web browsing. This is often the case for business laptops, where efficiency is frequently more valuable than sheer performance.
CPU Competition
In the world of Windows laptops, three main CPU makers compete: Intel, the long-standing leader, AMD, the constant contender, and Qualcomm, a newcomer with ARM technology. This raises the question: which platform is best for business users? We can tackle this after examining the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel, since Lenovo provides this model with all three CPU choices, and we have tested each one.
Surprisingly, the trends from previous generations have flipped: Intel previously offered great performance but lacked efficiency, while Qualcomm’s CPUs were not powerful but were energy efficient. This year, Intel’s Lunar Lake struggles to match the competition’s performance, but the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel operates cooler and quieter than its rivals, with battery life on par with the Snapdragon variant.
The Final Verdict
That’s why we see the Intel version as the top choice: for corporate customers, Intel’s Lunar Lake is the best overall solution. If higher performance is a must, the other options may be better, but they come with trade-offs in other areas.
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Tags: CPU Performance, Intel, Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
May 31, 2025
Starship Mars Landing in 2027: Optimus Robots to Colonize
Key Takeaways
1. SpaceX plans to build the Mars-ready Starship 3 rocket by 2025, with five rockets set for launch to Mars in late 2026, aiming for a landing in 2027.
2. The 2026 mission will not include humans but will deploy Optimus robots to demonstrate key technologies for Mars travel and landing.
3. In 2028, SpaceX aims to launch up to 20 Starship rockets to establish infrastructure for future crewed missions to Mars, with missions planned every two years.
4. Elon Musk envisions a fleet of Mars rockets operating like commercial airliners, with projections of up to 500 Starships landing by 2033 to support a Martian colony.
5. Successful implementation of the new Raptor 3 engine is crucial for the Starship 3 rocket, but no specific timeline for human landings on Mars has been provided.
SpaceX is gearing up to build a Mars-ready Starship 3 rocket in 2025, with plans to dispatch five of these rockets to the Red Planet in late 2026, aiming for a landing in 2027.
Timelines and Launch Windows
This aligns with the earlier schedule of 2026-2028 for Mars missions, which Elon Musk shared last year. The “transfer window,” which provides the best conditions for launching rockets to Mars, opens every two years.
The 2026 mission will not carry humans but will include Optimus robots. SpaceX has stated that these robots will “showcase important technologies for Mars travel and landing.”
Future Missions and Payloads
In 2028, when conditions allow for another Mars mission, SpaceX intends to launch as many as 20 Starship rockets, each with a significantly larger payload. These rockets will establish the foundational infrastructure and equipment needed for the first crewed flight to Mars.
After that, missions will occur every two years, with projections of up to 500 Starships landing by 2033. This is aimed at increasing “independence from Earth” by extracting and using Martian resources to support a colony.
According to Elon Musk’s keynote, “The Road to Making Life Multiplanetary,” there is a vision for a fleet of Mars rockets that would operate like commercial airliners, comparable to Boeing and Airbus.
Challenges Ahead
However, this remains largely aspirational, as SpaceX must first successfully implement the new Raptor 3 engine, which is designed to save over a ton in vehicle mass. Musk indicated that the Starship 3 rocket will be equipped with 42 engines, emphasizing that this design is unavoidable.
Interestingly, the presentation lacked a specific timeline for when humans might actually land on Mars, which had been mentioned in previous announcements.
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Tags: Mars mission, SpaceX, Starship 3
May 31, 2025
Huawei Developing Two New 3nm Chips for Future Devices
Key Takeaways
1. SMIC has successfully produced its first 5 nm chip, the Kirin X90 for Huawei, using DUV machines due to trade restrictions on EUV technology.
2. Huawei is researching a 3 nm chip using GAA FET technology, aiming for tape-out by 2026 and mass production by 2027.
3. Yield rates for the 5 nm chip are low at 20%, and the 3 nm chips are expected to have even lower rates due to complex DUV multi-patterning.
4. China is investing in developing its own EUV machines, with reports suggesting Huawei is testing EUV technology for potential mass production by 2026.
5. Advancements in EUV technology are likely to be kept secret, with significant funding of $37 billion allocated for its development.
If the whispers from China are true, SMIC has made a significant breakthrough by producing its first 5 nm chip for Huawei, named the Kirin X90. This accomplishment was achieved without the advanced EUV machines from ASML. Instead, they relied on less powerful DUV machines due to trade limitations. A recent article from UDN sheds light on Huawei’s upcoming strategies regarding its semiconductor sector.
Future Semiconductor Developments
Huawei is now delving into research for a 3 nm node based on GAA FET technology, which they expect to have ready for tape-out around 2026. If everything goes as planned, they aim to kick off mass production by 2027. In addition, there are also investigations into carbon nanotube-based 3 nm chips, though there’s no update on their development status.
Challenges Ahead
Yet, yield rates will remain a concern. The aforementioned 5 nm node reportedly has a low yield rate of just 20%, and this number is expected to decline even further for the 3 nm chips due to the increased complexity of DUV multi-patterning. However, this situation could improve if China manages to transition to EUV technology like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel Foundry.
China is already putting effort into creating its own EUV machines. An X user, @zephyr_z9, who has insights into the Chinese semiconductor industry, notes that Huawei is testing EUV technology, which is anticipated to be ready for mass production by 2026. On the other hand, former ASML engineer @lithos_graphein argues that this is improbable, stating, “ASML’s moat is massive and uncontested.”
Secrecy in Progress
Still, even if China had EUV tools available, they likely wouldn’t make this information public. Reports indicate that $37 billion has been designated for the development of EUV technology, and any advancements will likely be kept secret, similar to what occurred with the Kirin 9010 and its later versions.
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Tags: EUV technology, Kirin X90, SMIC
May 31, 2025
Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless: Dual Design & Fewer Cables
Key Takeaways
1. Lian Li has launched the UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless, featuring dual design and wireless connectivity to reduce cable clutter.
2. The fans are 120mm in size, reach speeds of up to 2,300 RPM, and produce airflow of 67 CFM with a noise level of 29.2 dBA.
3. Unique design includes two sides with different aesthetics and three lighting zones with 58 addressable LEDs, managed via a wireless 2.4GHz USB dongle.
4. Pre-orders are available for $105 (pack of three) and $32 (single fan) in black and white; larger options like the SL-Infinity are available for $90.
5. The fans can be daisy-chained together and are designed for both standard and reversed blade configurations for customizable airflow and noise levels.
Lian Li has been leading the way in designing PC case fans. The company first launched its UNI Fan series in 2020 and has since added newer models to the collection. Recently, they have unveiled the UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless, featuring a dual design and wireless connectivity, which reduces cable clutter. Available in both black and white, these fans can also be daisy-chained together.
Performance Specs
Currently, the UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless series includes only 120mm fans that can reach speeds of up to 2,300 RPM, producing an airflow of 67 CFM with a noise level of 29.2 dBA. What sets these fans apart is their unique design. Each fan has two sides: one that faces the user and another that faces away (depending on the mounting position). Each side has a different look, with both displaying the infinity mirror effect. One side features a rectangular shape, while the other presents a tapered design, giving users the option to select their preferred visual style.
Design Features
The fans employ FDB bearings and are available in both standard and reversed blade designs. The reversed blade variant can achieve a speed of 2,200 RPM but offers a higher airflow of 69.7 CFM. However, these are slightly noisier, operating at 32.2 dBA.
In total, there are three lighting zones that feature 58 addressable LEDs. In addition to the fan lights, there are two LED strips on the front and infinity mirror lighting on the sides. All lighting options can be managed via a wireless 2.4GHz USB dongle, which can control fan speeds and lighting for up to 10 Lian Li device groups. The receiver is equipped with a 4-pin PWM cable for 12V power and includes an extra PWM cable to ensure stable power delivery.
Availability and Pricing
The fans are currently open for pre-orders in black and white variations. A pack of three is priced at $105, while a single fan is available for $32. As of now, they have not been listed online. For those who do not need the wireless features or dual design, or are looking for larger fans, the Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity can be purchased for $90 (available in a 120-Triple pack on Amazon).
Lian Li’s innovation continues to shine in the world of PC cooling solutions!
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Tags: Lian Li, PC case fans, UNI Fan SL-INF Wireless
May 30, 2025
ViewDock: Versatile Docking Station Now Live on Kickstarter
Key Takeaways
1. The ViewDock is seeking funding on Kickstarter, with early supporters able to purchase it for about $89 after a discount.
2. Potential buyers should carefully review shipping conditions and understand the financial risks of crowdfunding.
3. The device dimensions are 13.7 x 6.2 x 9.6 cm (5.4 x 2.4 x 3.8 in) and features a 1,280 x 720 resolution screen.
4. It connects via USB-C and is compatible with macOS, Windows, and possibly Linux, supporting USB Power Delivery up to 100 watts.
5. The ViewDock has two USB 3.0 ports and microSD/SD card readers located on the back for a cleaner appearance, but this may make access more difficult.
The ViewDock is currently seeking funds through a campaign on Kickstarter. At this moment, early supporters can grab a unit for about $89 after applying a discount. However, those interested should thoroughly examine the shipping conditions and be mindful of the financial risks that come with crowdfunding initiatives. Even though the ViewDock likely doesn’t involve much risk related to technology, it’s important to consider that this project is run by a company that is not widely recognized.
Dimensions and Display
With dimensions of 13.7 x 6.2 x 9.6 cm (5.4 x 2.4 x 3.8 in), the ViewDock includes a built-in screen that has a resolution of 1,280 x 720 and a display size of 10 x 8 cm (3.9 x 3.1 in). It operates similarly to an external monitor, giving users the ability to choose what appears on the display. For example, applications such as system resource monitors, chat interfaces, or media players can easily be dragged to this secondary screen.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The ViewDock connects to a main device through USB-C and works with macOS, Windows, and possibly Linux systems. It also allows for USB Power Delivery up to 100 watts. On its rear side, the device is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, in addition to microSD and SD card readers. While placing the I/O ports on the back helps maintain a tidy look, it also means that accessing the ports can be a bit more challenging.
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Tags: Kickstarter, USB-C, ViewDock
May 30, 2025
ASRock Addresses AMD Ryzen 9000X3D Issues, Questions Remain
Key Takeaways
1. ASRock faced increasing reports of CPU malfunctions linked to their AM5 motherboards, prompting an official response during Computex 2025.
2. The company initially denied that BIOS issues caused motherboard failures, but later removed an earlier BIOS version without explanation and released a new version with limited transparency.
3. ASRock acknowledged three potential causes for failures: user mishandling, memory compatibility problems, and incorrect Precision Boost Overdrive settings.
4. The warranty policy requires customers to handle CPU replacements through AMD, while ASRock’s motherboards may still be sold with outdated firmware.
5. Despite the official statement, many concerns remain unresolved, including reports of failures with default settings and the company’s limited investigation into other potential causes.
Following several months of increasing reports from the community about CPU malfunctions tied to ASRock AM5 motherboards, Gamers Nexus took the initiative to question the company during Computex 2025. Their unexpected discussion with Chris Lee, ASRock’s VP of the motherboard division, provided the first official response from the company, which had previously given only ambiguous and unconvincing statements.
Issues with BIOS Updates
In March, ASRock stated that the returned boards with burn damage on Ryzen 9800X3D and 9950X3D CPUs did not show any fault from their end. The firm claimed that a simple cleaning of the socket could restore functionality and denied that the BIOS versions were responsible for the issues. However, shortly after this claim, BIOS version 3.20 was removed from various product pages without any explanation. A new version (3.25) was released during Computex, but again, the transparency was quite limited.
Acknowledging the Causes
During the interview, Lee recognized three potential reasons for the failures: user mishandling (like thermal paste contamination), memory compatibility problems that they say have now been fixed with BIOS 3.20, and incorrect Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) settings within ASRock’s firmware. He mentioned that the 3.25 update reduces the thermal and electrical current thresholds (TDC/EDC) for PBO, which he believes should help to avoid further failures.
Nonetheless, ASRock’s position is still troubling. The company insists that not one motherboard has been identified as defective, claiming that all failures stem from CPU issues, user mistakes, or BIOS configurations. For those customers who faced shutdowns or noticeable CPU pad damage even without activating PBO, this rationale feels unconvincing. When asked, Lee acknowledged that ASRock has not looked into other possible causes like VSOC misbehavior, nor did he offer any specific details on changes to current values for any particular board.
Warranty and Customer Responsibility
Lee stated that ASRock’s warranty policy includes round-trip shipping for motherboards but directs customers to AMD for CPU replacements. He also confirmed that boards currently available in retail may still have outdated firmware, which places the responsibility of performing BIOS updates on the customers themselves.
While it is a step forward that ASRock finally provided an official statement, many crucial concerns still remain unresolved. The communication from the company up to this point has been quite lacking, and the root causes of the failures might go beyond just aggressive PBO tuning. Reports of failures occurring even with default settings, lightly scorched sockets, and inconsistencies in CPU performance all imply that ASRock’s explanations are, at best, incomplete.
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Tags: ASRock, motherboard failures, Ryzen 9800X3D
May 30, 2025
Anker Unveils Prime Thunderbolt 5 Cable with 240W Power Delivery
Key Takeaways
1. Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 Cables support high-speed data transfer of 80Gbps and 240W charging.
2. The cables can transfer a 5 GB file in just one second and charge a MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro) to 50% in 26 minutes.
3. They support 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz resolutions, with a unidirectional bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps.
4. Available in lengths of 1.7 ft and 3.3 ft, the cables are durable, featuring a braided design and capable of withstanding 5,000 bends.
5. The pricing is $39.99 for the 1.7 ft cable and $45.99 for the 3.3 ft version in the US, with similar pricing in Europe.
The Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 Cables have recently launched in the US and Germany, offering options in lengths of 1.7 ft and 3.3 ft, both supporting 80Gbps data transfer speeds and 240W charging. Anker believes these cables are well-suited for both gamers and creatives, providing a variety of uses.
High-Speed Data Transfer
With an impressive data transfer rate of 80 Gbps, these new cables can make transferring a 5 GB file possible in just one second. They also charge gadgets at a powerful 240W; for instance, a MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro) can reach a 50% charge in just 26 minutes. Furthermore, you can connect your laptop to a monitor using the Prime Thunderbolt 5 cable, which supports resolutions of 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz, along with a remarkable unidirectional bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps.
Durable and Versatile Design
The 1.7 ft (0.5 m) and 3.3 ft (1 m) USB-C to USB-C cables are recognized for their Thunderbolt 5 certification and compatibility with daisy chaining. Designed with durability in mind, these braided cables are claimed to endure 5,000 bends and feature a “premium connector design,” adding to their appeal.
Pricing and Availability
The Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 Cable (1.7 ft, 80Gbps, 240W) is priced at $39.99, while the longer 3.3 ft version is available for $45.99 on Amazon US. Notably, the cost of the longer cable aligns with that of the comparable Anker Thunderbolt 4 cable. In Europe, particularly in Germany, the 1 m version can be purchased for €45.99.
Tags: 240W Charging, 80Gbps, Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 Cable
May 29, 2025
Tuxedo Stellaris 16: High-Performance Notebook with RTX 5090
Key Takeaways
1. High-Performance Components: Features an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and options for GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 5080, or 5090 graphics cards, with the RTX 5090 using up to 150 watts plus 25 watts from Dynamic Boost.
2. Display Options: Offers two 16-inch display types: a mini-LED screen with 1,000 cd/m² peak HDR brightness and a conventional LED display with 500 cd/m² brightness, both at 2,560 x 1,600 resolution and up to 300 Hz refresh rate.
3. Battery and Weight: Equipped with a 99 Wh battery providing up to 8.5 hours of browsing, weighs 2.65 kg for the LED model and 2.8 kg for the mini-LED model, and supports charging via USB-C.
4. Memory and Storage: Supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM and includes two M.2 2280 SSD slots, one with PCI Express 5.0 and the other with PCI Express 4.0.
5. Comprehensive Connectivity: Well-equipped with multiple ports including USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 2.1, and an SD card reader.
Tuxedo is enhancing the Stellaris 16 significantly. This laptop is designed with a strong focus on performance rather than being small and light. It comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, and users can opt for a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, GeForce RTX 5080, or GeForce RTX 5090. The RTX 5090 has a maximum TGP of 150 watts plus an additional 25 watts from Dynamic Boost, while the processor can use up to 130 watts.
Display Options
Customers can select from two display types: a mini-LED screen that can reach a peak HDR brightness of 1,000 cd/m² or a conventional LED display with a brightness of up to 500 cd/m². Both displays are 16 inches in size, featuring a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. The maximum refresh rate is identical for both, offering up to 300 Hz. The mini-LED display reportedly covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, while the LED version provides 100% coverage of the sRGB color space.
Battery and Weight
The laptop is equipped with a 99 Wh battery and comes with either a 330-watt or 420-watt power adapter depending on the model. It claims to offer up to 8.5 hours of browsing time. Users can also charge the device via USB-C with a power output of up to 140 watts. The weight of the notebook is either 2.65 kilograms for the LED variant or 2.8 kilograms for the mini-LED version. It supports two M.2 2280 SSDs, one featuring PCI Express 5.0 and the other PCI Express 4.0. Users can install up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM in two slots.
Connectivity Features
When it comes to ports and connectivity, the Stellaris 16 is well-equipped. On the left side, there is a 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet port, a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port, a USB-A 3.2 Gen1 port, and an audio jack. The right side has two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports and an SD card reader. At the back, you’ll find a connector for the TUXEDO Aquaris liquid cooling system, along with a Thunderbolt 4 port, a Mini DisplayPort 2.1, and an HDMI 2.1 port. For more information about the Stellaris 16, you can check the official product page.
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Tags: GeForce RTX 5090, Intel Core Ultra 9, Tuxedo Stellaris 16
May 29, 2025
Minix Mini PC: Silent, Dust-Free, and Anti-Static Protection
Key Takeaways
1. The Minix Neo Z350-0dB is a silent mini PC designed for continuous use, featuring cooling fins and minimal coil whine.
2. It is powered by an Intel Core i3 N350 processor with eight cores, making it suitable for diverse tasks like office work, media playback, and advertising.
3. The device comes with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD for enhanced performance.
4. Connectivity options include multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.0 for 4K output, a card reader, Ethernet with 2.5 Gbps speed, Wifi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
5. The compact dimensions (4.84 x 4.72 x 1.69 inches) and anti-static hardware protection contribute to its durability and reduce dust accumulation.
Minix has introduced a new compact PC, the Minix Neo Z350-0dB, designed to be completely silent and suitable for continuous use due to its cooling fins (aside from any potential coil whine). This model features the Intel Core i3 N350, which, while not a top-tier processor, has eight cores instead of just the four found in the N100. It can serve various purposes, including office work, educational tasks, media playback, or even advertising on billboards.
Specifications and Features
The mini PC is equipped with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD connected via PCIe, offering a performance edge over SATA, though this difference is not likely to be very noticeable in everyday tasks. For connectivity, the front panel includes a card reader, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB-C port (which doesn’t handle video output). On the rear, there are two HDMI 2.0 ports that support 4K resolution at 60 Hz, along with two USB 2.0 ports. The single Ethernet port can achieve a maximum data transfer speed of 2.5 Gbps. It also supports Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Dimensions and Protection Features
In terms of size, the device measures 4.84 x 4.72 x 1.69 inches. Moreover, Minix claims their anti-static hardware protection enhances durability and reduces the chance of electrostatic discharge. The absence of a fan in this mini PC likely helps prevent dust accumulation inside, a common issue with PCs that have fans.
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Tags: compact PC, Fanless Design, Minix Neo Z350-0dB