Category: Computers

  • Modular Laptop with Mechanical Keyboard: MNT Reform vs. Framework

    Modular Laptop with Mechanical Keyboard: MNT Reform vs. Framework

    The new notebook from MNT Research is being marketed as a viable choice compared to modular laptops such as the Framework Laptop 13. With its hardware and firmware being fully open source, this laptop allows for extensive modifications, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts and DIY-ers.

    Features and Specifications

    The device includes a mechanical keyboard that uses Kailh Choc Brown switches and comes with RGB lighting. It features a 12.5-inch 1080p IPS display, and all parts, including the battery and motherboard, can be replaced after purchase. The left and right sides of the laptop have smaller boards for the ports, enabling users to change them without affecting the motherboard. Out of the box, the MNT Reform Next has three USB-C ports (one designated for charging), one USB-A port, an HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

    Performance Considerations

    While the modular design contributes to a weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and a thickness of 2.6 cm (1.02 in), it also comes with a downside: the built-in Rockchip RK3588 CPU, which has four Cortex-A76 and four Cortex-A55 ARM cores, lacks the power of modern Intel and AMD processors. However, this chip is efficient enough that it doesn’t need a cooling fan, allowing the MNT Reform Next to operate quietly. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, and it will come pre-installed with Debian Linux.

    Pricing and Availability

    The MNT Reform Next laptop is currently available for crowdfunding on Crowd Supply and has successfully reached its $100,000 goal. The starting model, which features 16 GB of memory and 256 GB of eMMC storage, is priced at $1,099. For $1,599, the “Hyper” version includes 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD. MNT Research provides free shipping worldwide, but purchasers should be aware of possible import taxes and duties.

    Source: Link

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  • OneXPlayer G1 Release Date Confirmed: GPD Win Mini Rival

    OneXPlayer G1 Release Date Confirmed: GPD Win Mini Rival

    One-Netbook has come back to share more information about the OneXPlayer G1, right after launching the OneXPlayer X1 Pro, which features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU and can support up to 64 GB of RAM. They also hinted at the OneXSugar, a product made in partnership with Sugar Cubes. Unlike the OneXSugar, which runs on Android, the OneXPlayer G1 uses the same Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU found in the OneXPlayer X1 Pro.

    Hardware Details

    To summarize, One-Netbook has verified that the OneXPlayer G1 will contain various other components within its 900 g casing. Additionally, the device comes with a detachable keyboard that conceals a controller along with a compact secondary touch keyboard. Essentially, the OneXPlayer G1 expands on the design of the GPD Win Mini but maintains a similar width to the Lenovo Legion Go, which is currently priced at $549 on Amazon, not including its removable controllers.

    Release Date Insights

    Interestingly, the OneXPlayer G1 is just about a week away from launch, even with the recent global release of the OneXPlayer X1 Pro. The company has privately notified us that the latter will be accessible on January 9, but it will be launched on Indiegogo instead of through its OneXPlayer retail store. Currently, the pricing is still unclear, as well as any potential launch promotions and memory options that might be available.

    Source: Link

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  • Dram Prices to Drop 13% in Q1 2025 as PC Memory Declines

    Dram Prices to Drop 13% in Q1 2025 as PC Memory Declines

    TrendForce has released a new analysis showing that DRAM prices are set to drop significantly in the first quarter of 2025. Standard DRAM products are projected to fall between 8% to 13%. When high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products are included, the overall decline in the market appears milder, ranging from 0% to 5%.

    PC DRAM Faces Major Decline

    PC DRAM will be impacted the most, with forecasts suggesting an 8-13% reduction in prices. This decline is mainly due to aggressive inventory reductions that started in late 2024, lower demand in end markets, increased DDR4 production from Chinese manufacturers, and an oversupply of inexpensive chips in the spot market.

    Server DRAM and Seasonal Trends

    Prices for server DRAM are expected to decrease by 5-10%, largely because of weak seasonal demand. Additionally, many manufacturers have transferred a significant portion of their DDR4 production to DDR5, and some HBM capacity has also switched, which increases the supply on the market.

    Mobile and Graphics Market Adjustments

    On the mobile front, smartphone manufacturers are remaining cautious with their purchasing strategies, despite inventory levels stabilizing. Contract prices for LPDDR4X and LPDDR5X are predicted to fall around 8-13% and 3-8%, respectively.

    In terms of graphics DRAM, a price drop of 5-10% is anticipated, mainly due to sluggish demand. Even with some stockpiling of GDDR7 for future GPUs, prices are not being maintained. Consumer DRAM is also experiencing significant cuts, with DDR3 expected to decrease by 3-8% and DDR4 likely to see a more substantial drop of 10-15%.

    Source: Link

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  • HubKey: 10-in-1 Docking Station & Input Device Solution

    HubKey: 10-in-1 Docking Station & Input Device Solution

    The HubKey is an innovative docking solution that enhances connectivity for laptops, while also serving as an input device. This product is currently being funded through a Kickstarter campaign. It features four separate buttons along with a knob that can also function as a button. These controls allow users to perform various quick tasks, like taking screenshots, locking the screen, toggling the screen on and off, adjusting volume levels, muting audio, and controlling lighting.

    Device Specs & Features

    Measuring 7 x 7 x 3 centimeters and weighing in at 250 grams, this dock/input device boasts a range of ports. It’s compatible with laptops, MacBooks, smartphones, Steam Decks, and mini PCs through USB-C connections. The HubKey supports 100-watt charging via USB-PD, enabling users to connect to other devices using just one cable. For video output, it has an HDMI port that allows for a refresh rate of 60 Hz and 4K resolution. Additionally, there are two USB 3.0 Type A ports and Gigabit Ethernet for wired network access. On the side, users will find slots for both microSD and SD cards.

    Pricing Considerations

    The HubKey is available during the crowdfunding campaign for a price of $69. Individuals interested in supporting this project should be aware of the potential financial risks involved in crowdfunding initiatives.

    Source: Link

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  • Huawei Launches Affordable First Consumer SSD at Low Price

    Huawei Launches Affordable First Consumer SSD at Low Price

    Huawei has taken a significant step into the consumer storage realm by introducing its eKitStore Xtreme 200E series SSDs. These drives are now up for grabs in South Korea, with a price that’s catching everyone’s attention. The 1 TB version is priced at around $32, which is a price that’s much lower than what current competitors are offering in the high-performance storage market.

    A New Direction for Huawei

    Launched in June 2024, the eKitStore Xtreme 200E series marks Huawei’s shift from server-focused storage to consumer-oriented products. These SSDs come with notable specifications, featuring read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds that hit 6,700 MB/s using the PCIe 4.0 interface. While these numbers don’t match the latest PCIe 5.0 drives that can reach about 14,000 MB/s, they still hold their ground against other PCIe 4.0 options.

    What’s Inside the Drive?

    The details about the internal parts of the eKitStore Xtreme 200E are not fully disclosed, but it is known to utilize QLC NAND and operates without DRAM. The names of the companies behind the controller and NAND remain a mystery. Due to U.S. sanctions on Huawei, it’s likely that the components are sourced from local suppliers, potentially including companies like YMTC for NAND and MaxioTech for controllers. There’s also a chance that Huawei is using its skills in server SSDs to create its own controller.

    The 1 TB model’s price is set at 47,500 South Korean won (around $32), making it a strong contender in terms of price-to-performance ratio. However, there are lingering doubts about how long this pricing strategy can last and whether it will reach markets outside of South Korea.

    Analysts Weigh In

    Experts in the industry point out that keeping such a low price while still making a profit could be difficult, even with all components sourced from within the country. The current pricing might be a temporary or promotional tactic aimed at helping Huawei gain traction in the consumer storage sector.

    This launch represents Huawei‘s ongoing strategy to broaden its consumer products lineup while dealing with international trade hurdles. This could potentially mark a new phase in the competitive arena of the global SSD market.

    Source: Link

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  • Xiaomi Redmi Book 14/16 2025 Pre-Orders Open with Specs Revealed

    Xiaomi Redmi Book 14/16 2025 Pre-Orders Open with Specs Revealed

    Xiaomi has unveiled its new Redmi Book 14/16 2025 laptops, and pre-orders are now available on JD.com in China, with a launch set for January 1st. These laptops are positioned in the mid-range category and come with the latest Intel Core processors along with ample storage options, making them ideal for users who prioritize performance and multitasking.

    Pre-orders Available Now

    According to the pre-order details, the Redmi Book 14/16 2025 is set to feature the Intel Core i5 220H processor. This CPU is part of the Raptor Lake-H Refresh family, which was announced in late 2024. It combines both power and efficiency, boasting 4 performance cores and 8 efficient cores, with speeds that can reach up to 4.9 GHz. Furthermore, it utilizes Hyper-Threading technology, enhancing performance by allowing 16 processing threads.

    Storage Options to Suit All Needs

    The pre-order information showcases three storage options: 16GB RAM with a 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM with a 1TB SSD, and the premium version that includes 32GB RAM with a 1TB SSD. This variety accommodates users with different requirements, from basic multitasking to more intensive tasks needing significant RAM and storage space.

    Stylish Design and Innovative Features

    While more specific information about the Redmi Book 14/16 is still awaited, a preview of the Redmi Book 16 2025 was shown during the recent “Lu Weibing Annual Summary” event. The laptop features an elegant silver-grey design and prominently showcases the updated letter-style logo from Redmi.

    Impressive Power and Battery Life

    Additional insights into the Redmi Book 16 2025 indicate it can sustain up to 47W of power, likely due to Xiaomi’s innovative thermal management methods. These laptops also claim to have AI-driven battery optimization, which promises to extend usage times to up to 19.05 hours on a single charge—a claim that will be intriguing to verify in practical tests.

    Enhanced Software Integration

    On the software front, Xiaomi HyperOS 2 will be included, potentially offering unique features and integrations tailored for Xiaomi devices. The laptops are also confirmed to support Xiaomi HyperOS Connect, which could facilitate smooth connectivity between smartphones and laptops within the Xiaomi ecosystem.

    The Redmi Book 14/16 2025 is anticipated to launch alongside the Redmi Turbo 4 on January 1st in China.

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  • ASML CEO: Chinese Chipmakers 10-15 Years Behind Global Leaders

    ASML CEO: Chinese Chipmakers 10-15 Years Behind Global Leaders

    ASML’s chief executive officer, Christophe Fouquet, recently stated that Chinese semiconductor firms such as Huawei and SMIC are still around 10 to 15 years behind leading companies including Intel, TSMC, and Samsung. This assertion comes amid increasing scrutiny of ASML’s relationships with Chinese clients, largely due to rising geopolitical tensions.

    Challenges with EUV Technology

    Fouquet pointed out that a major problem for Chinese manufacturers is their lack of access to cutting-edge extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. These machines are essential for keeping pace with the global industry leaders. ASML’s EUV machines, which cost about 400 million euros each, are crucial for producing advanced semiconductors. In fact, transporting the necessary components alone requires seven cargo planes.

    ASML’s Financial Performance

    In spite of these hurdles, the Dutch lithography giant reported impressive figures for the third quarter of 2024, with net sales reaching 7.5 billion euros and profits of 2.1 billion euros. However, new orders dropped to 2.6 billion euros, which is less than half of the 5.6 billion euros seen in the previous quarter. Nevertheless, China continues to represent a significant portion of ASML’s revenue, contributing 47 percent to the company’s Q3 2024 sales.

    Future Sales Predictions

    UBS analysts are forecasting that ASML might experience nearly a 25 percent decrease in its Chinese sales in the coming year, with as much as 45 percent of its total revenue from China at risk if more restrictions are implemented. While the U.S. is urging ASML to halt servicing existing equipment in China, the Netherlands has not yet followed suit with these demands.

    To provide some context, ASML and its partners have invested over twenty years in refining the commercial EUV ecosystem. Although Huawei and its partners are working on developing their own EUV systems, experts believe it could take just as long to establish a comparable ecosystem, even if they gain access to some older technologies that have already been developed.

    Source: Link

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  • Orion O6 Open Source Mainboard with Multiple Ports and Fast NPU

    Orion O6 Open Source Mainboard with Multiple Ports and Fast NPU

    We have frequently shared updates about Radxa, a company known for its single-board computers. Recently, they introduced the Orion O6, a new mainboard that operates on ARM architecture. Radxa claims this is the first open-source mainboard utilizing the ARM V9 design. It features a Cix CD8180 SoC which houses 12 CPU cores, including four Cortex A720 cores that can clock up to 2.8 GHz. Additionally, an Arm Immortals G720 MC10 graphics chip is integrated into the SoC, alongside an NPU that boasts a performance capability of up to 30 TOPS, making it suitable for AI tasks.

    RAM and Expansion Options

    The RAM is soldered directly onto the board, with LPDDR5 memory available in sizes up to 64 GB. Prospective buyers should keep in mind that since the RAM is not removable, they need to either be skilled in soldering or choose their desired maximum size when making their purchase. The board also includes a PCIe x16 slot that has 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, enabling the addition of an SSD, a dedicated graphics card, or an AI accelerator.

    Connectivity Features

    For high-speed networking, the Orion O6 comes equipped with two Ethernet ports, each offering a data transfer rate of 5 gigabits. Users can easily add a WiFi or Bluetooth module thanks to the M.2 Key E connector. It supports multiple video outputs, including HDMI, DisplayPort, eDisplayPort, and USB-C, while camera connections can be made through MIPI CSI. Similar to the Raspberry Pi 5, this board includes a GPIO header and a 4-pin CPU fan header with smart PWM control.

    The Orion 6 with 8 GB of RAM starts at a price of $199, and customers will also receive an aluminum alloy case along with a cooling solution.

    Source: Link

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  • AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU-Z Specs Leak Confirms Performance Benchmarks

    AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU-Z Specs Leak Confirms Performance Benchmarks

    We’ve been aware for some time that the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is set to launch, with CES 2025 becoming a more probable date. While the upgrades in hardware appear to be mainly generational, the architectural enhancements are expected to significantly boost performance, thanks to a slightly expanded 3D V-cache package and AMD’s innovative approach to packaging this cache.

    CPU Specifications Leak

    A recent leak from CPU-Z, shared by @94G8LA on X, confirms previous assertions that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D will not experience any reductions in clock speeds. Unlike earlier AMD Ryzen X3D models, which often had their clock speeds lowered to maintain cooler temperatures for the CPU and its 3D-stacked cache, this new model is different.

    The leaked CPU-Z image shows that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D will maintain the same base and boost clock speeds as its non-X3D version, the Ryzen 9 9950X (currently priced at $499 on Amazon), which was released earlier this year. The bus speed (BCLK) is indicated to be 99.79 MHz, with a core multiplier of 6.0 – 56.5 ×, potentially allowing the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to achieve a boost clock limit of around 5638.135 MHz (~5.6 GHz), which is just shy of 100 MHz compared to AMD’s stated Ryzen 9 5590X boost clock.

    Enhanced Performance Features

    Additionally, the screenshot reveals that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D will come equipped with 16 cores and 32 threads, along with an extra 64 MB of L3 cache, bringing the total to 96 MB. This enhancement should greatly improve gaming performance, making it a strong contender in the market.

    The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is expected to be revealed at CES 2025, with a release following soon after. However, details regarding its pricing are still uncertain.

    Source: Link

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  • Redmi Book 16 2025: Xiaomi’s New Notebook with Impressive Battery Life

    Redmi Book 16 2025: Xiaomi’s New Notebook with Impressive Battery Life

    Xiaomi is set to launch a new notebook called the Redmi Book 16 2025. As indicated by its name, this model features a screen size of around 16 inches. For those curious about its design, a comprehensive review of the previous 14-inch model is available. So far, Xiaomi has only shared a general teaser and a few specifications about this new notebook. Notably, the battery life is expected to be over 19 hours, which isn’t too shocking. The earlier model was able to last more than 22 hours during video playback with significantly lower brightness.

    Exciting Features Ahead

    The company claims that the Redmi Book 16 2025 will be powered by the newest Intel processor. It is also said to be compatible with HyperOS 2, which could offer extra features or smooth integration with other Xiaomi or Redmi gadgets for easier file sharing. The images released thus far do not reveal any significant changes from the Redmi Book 16 2024 to its upcoming successor.

    Previous Specifications

    The previous model came with options for the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processors, along with a 16-inch IPS display that boasted a resolution of 3,072 x 1,920 and a refresh rate of up to 165 Hz. The Redmi Book 16 2025 is expected to be officially announced on January 1, coinciding with the launch of the Redmi Turbo 4.

    Source: Link

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