Category: Computers

  • AMD Rebrands Upcoming Ryzen CPUs as “Ryzen AI 300” to Surpass Intel

    AMD Rebrands Upcoming Ryzen CPUs as “Ryzen AI 300” to Surpass Intel

    A recent leak suggests that AMD might be revamping its mobile processor branding strategy.

    A well-known leaker, Golden Pig, on the Bilibili forums, reports that AMD is potentially abandoning its current Ryzen naming convention for its upcoming Zen 5 mobile processors. The new branding is rumored to be "Ryzen AI" accompanied by a 300-series number.

    New Branding Strategy

    This information follows an earlier Asus leak that hinted at a 100-series numbering scheme for the initial Ryzen AI processors. However, Golden Pig's report indicates that AMD has decided to jump to the 300-series to outdo Intel's rumored "inferior" 200-series numbering for their next-generation Lunar Lake/Arrow Lake processors.

    Emphasizing Neural Processing

    AMD might also be aiming to emphasize the inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in these chips, a crucial component for Microsoft's new Copilot+ AI PCs.

    AMD’s history of adopting competitor branding strategies, especially in the motherboard market, supports this rumor. The company's alleged use of the B650 chipset name reportedly led Intel to adopt B660 for their competing chipset to avoid confusion.

    If accurate, the "Ryzen AI" branding would likely encompass AMD’s entire mobile processor lineup featuring their XDNA NPU technology. This includes Strix Point, the codename for AMD’s next-generation mainstream Ryzen mobile processors that will succeed the Ryzen 8040 series.

    Strix Point and Strix Halo

    Strix Point is anticipated to boast Zen 5 CPU architecture, RDNA 3.5 graphics, and an XDNA2 NPU with approximately 30 TOPS of performance. Strix Halo, the codename for AMD’s high-performance mobile APU designed to compete with Apple’s M3/M4 processors, might also be included under the "Ryzen AI" branding.

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  • Snapdragon X Elite Outperforms Apple M2 in Multi-Core

    Snapdragon X Elite Outperforms Apple M2 in Multi-Core

    Microsoft has recently introduced its latest Surface Laptop that comes equipped with ARM-based Snapdragon SoCs. These laptops are now available for pre-order, with shipments expected to begin in July. Therefore, it will be a while before we can evaluate the actual performance of the new chipset.

    Benchmarking Insights

    Hardware enthusiast HXL has shared some benchmarks for the new Surface Laptop, which is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor. The data suggests that this processor could potentially rival Apple’s M2 chip. The benchmark was conducted using CPU-Z on a Surface Laptop 7 featuring the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 SoC. Since CPU-Z is not available for MacBooks, HXL utilized a virtual Windows 11 environment to run the benchmark.

    It is important to note that virtual machines can introduce performance overhead, which might affect the M2’s score. Hence, this data should be considered with caution.

    Performance Comparison

    The Surface Laptop 7 achieved a significantly higher multi-threaded score (7,923.5 points) compared to the M2 running in the virtual machine (3,822.3 points). However, the M2 demonstrated a slight advantage in single-threaded performance (749.5 points vs. 686.0 points).

    Future Prospects

    The Snapdragon X Elite is reported to outperform current offerings from Intel and AMD. This benchmark provides the first real-world comparison with Apple silicon, indicating that Snapdragon X Elite laptops may be a viable option for those who prioritize thin-and-light designs and extended battery life, along with the flexibility of choosing between Windows and macOS.

    Qualcomm also plans to offer official Linux support for the Snapdragon X processors, which will likely attract users who prefer open-source operating systems.

    Overall, the benchmark suggests that the X Elite could be a formidable competitor to Apple’s renowned M-series chipset. However, more data is needed to fully assess its performance.

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  • Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery

    Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery

    Keychron has introduced the B1 Pro, an extremely thin wireless keyboard that offers an astounding 1200-hour battery life, tailored for both productivity and portability. It is available for purchase at $39.99.

    Keychron B1 Pro Keyboard Specifications

    The B1 Pro showcases a 75% layout comprising 77 keys, including 12 multimedia keys. Unlike Keychron’s traditional mechanical keyboards, this model uses scissor-switch keys akin to those found on laptops.

    This design maintains an exceptionally slim profile, with a front height of merely 5.2mm and a maximum height of 14.5mm. Weighing just 425g, it’s perfect for those requiring a travel-friendly keyboard.

    Performance and Connectivity

    Despite its sleek design, the B1 Pro does not compromise on performance. It features a 1000Hz polling rate on the 2.4GHz wireless connection, ensuring smooth and responsive typing. Additionally, it offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for easy multi-device pairing.

    Keychron emphasizes the B1 Pro’s remarkable battery life, which is rated for up to 1200 hours on a single charge. This equates to approximately 8 months of usage with 5 hours of daily typing, reducing the necessity for frequent recharging.

    Compatibility and Customization

    The B1 Pro supports a variety of platforms, offering a Mac layout while being compatible with Windows and Linux. It retains the same multimedia and function key functions as Apple keyboards, delivering a familiar experience for Mac users, enhanced by the tactile feedback from the scissor-switch keys.

    Regarding customization, the keyboard supports ZMK firmware, enabling users to program keys, macros, and shortcuts via a web interface. This user-friendly approach negates the need for complex software installations, allowing you to customize the keyboard to your preferences.

    The B1 Pro features concave keycaps designed for better typing accuracy and comfort, a dedicated emoji shortcut key, and a protective silicone keycap cover for increased durability. For those who value ergonomics, its 3.2-degree tilt angle and ultra-thin profile provide a comfortable typing experience, minimizing wrist strain during prolonged use.

    Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery
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  • Apple’s Foldable MacBook Plans for 2026: Insights from Analysts

    Apple’s Foldable MacBook Plans for 2026: Insights from Analysts

    Are you a MacBook enthusiast? If so, you might find this news quite exciting. Industry analysts are speculating that a foldable Apple MacBook could hit the market in 2026. The current favorite is an 18.8-inch screen, although a slightly larger 20.2-inch option might still be considered. Analyst Ross Young suggests the final size could be around 18.76 inches due to cost factors.

    Rumored Full-Screen Design with Virtual Keyboard

    This innovative MacBook is anticipated to fold into a device roughly the size of a traditional 13-inch or 14-inch MacBook, offering portability without compromising on screen space when unfolded. While specific design details are still under wraps, rumors suggest a full-screen design with a virtual keyboard, promising a sleek and modern user experience.

    Next-Generation M5 Series Chip

    Under the hood, the foldable MacBook is expected to feature a next-generation M5 series chip, in line with the anticipated rollout of the M4 chip across the Mac lineup by the end of 2025. One of Apple's main challenges appears to be minimizing the crease on the foldable screen. This could result in high costs for the display and hinge, with estimates around US$800-900. However, advancements in mass production could eventually bring these costs down. While there's no official word from Apple yet, these rumors offer an intriguing look into a future where a foldable MacBook could redefine portability and productivity for Apple users.

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  • XMG Pro 16 Studio M24: Core i9-14900HX & RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop

    XMG Pro 16 Studio M24: Core i9-14900HX & RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop

    Schenker's gaming brand, XMG, has renewed the XMG PRO 16 Studio M24 laptop by integrating the 14th gen Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU. This new processor is matched with swifter DDR5-5600 RAM, available in 16GB and 32GB variants, while the vapor chamber cooling system remains intact.

    Enhanced Specifications and Lighter Build

    Despite the hardware upgrade, the M24 model has become lighter by 260 grams. The laptop retains its 16-inch 240Hz IPS display, which offers approximately 95% sRGB color accuracy and X-Rite calibration. Customers can select between RTX 4060 and 4070 mobile GPUs, each capped at a 140W TGP limit.

    Comprehensive Connectivity Options

    Storage needs are met by dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. The laptop's connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a microSD reader, HDMI 3.2, DP 1.4, a 2.5GbE port, and audio jacks. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and is powered by a 73Wh battery.

    Pricing & Availability

    The base model, which includes an RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB DDR5-5600 RAM, and a 500GB SSD, starts at €1,699. Various configuration options are available to tailor the laptop to individual needs. Notably, opting for an RTX 4070 GPU will add €295 to the cost. Pre-orders are now being accepted on Bestware, with deliveries anticipated in early June.

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  • Beelink SER8 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, eGPU Support Launched

    Beelink SER8 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, eGPU Support Launched

    The Beelink SER8 mini PC has now expanded to the global market following its initial release in China. This mini PC is equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor from the Hawk Point series. The high-end AMD Ryzen 7 processor provides superior performance and efficiency compared to other mini PCs.

    Advanced Specifications

    The Beelink SER8 mini PC supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM in a dual-channel configuration. It includes two PCIe 4.0 slots for storage, allowing up to 8TB of space. The base model of the mini PC comes with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. If you already have storage and memory, a barebone version of the Beelink SER8 mini PC is also available. The AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS is complemented by the AMD Radeon 780M iGPU, which delivers decent frame rates for various high-intensity games.

    Efficient Performance and Cooling

    The SER8 mini PC is designed to offer a 65W power output, but this is reduced to 54W in balance mode, which also lowers fan noise. The system features an integrated cooling architecture that minimizes noise levels to as low as 32dB. Additionally, the device includes dust protection through a high-density metal filter, ensuring minimal dust accumulation and optimal airflow.

    The Beelink SER8 includes a USB4 interface for eGPU integration. Other ports include USB 2.0 Type-A, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 2.5G Ethernet connection. The eGPU capability enhances the mini PC’s gaming performance by enabling the use of an external GPU. The mini host supports triple display output and WiFi 6 connectivity. The Beelink SER8 mini PC’s price begins at $749 for the 32GB/1TB model.

    Pricing & Availability

    The barebone version is priced at $499.99. The mini PC is available in several color options, including black and white. The Beelink SER8 can be purchased from mini-PC.

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  • ASUS ROG NUC Mini Gaming PC with Core Ultra 9 & RTX 4070 Launches

    ASUS ROG NUC Mini Gaming PC with Core Ultra 9 & RTX 4070 Launches

    Earlier this year, Asus introduced its 2024 lineup of ROG NUC mini gaming PCs to the global market. The company has now revealed the China-specific versions of these devices, which are available for purchase starting today.

    Like their global counterparts, the Chinese models feature a compact 2.5-liter chassis packed with powerful hardware. There are two variants with the following specifications:

    Hardware Configurations

    • Core Ultra 7 155H + RTX 4060
    • Core Ultra 9 185H + RTX 4070

    Both configurations come equipped with DDR5 memory (up to 32GB) and PCIe Gen4 storage (up to 1TB). They are capable of supporting 8K or quad-4K displays and feature ROG’s advanced cooling system for efficient heat dissipation.

    Design and Connectivity

    The design is tool-free, allowing for straightforward upgrades. Networking capabilities are robust, with 2.5G wired and Killer Wi-Fi 6E support. The ROG NUC also offers a comprehensive range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A/C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an SD card reader.

    Pricing & Availability

    Available for purchase from May 24th in China, the ROG NUC models come with the following price tags:

    • Core Ultra 7 155H + RTX 4060 – 11,999 yuan ($1,691)
    • Core Ultra 9 185H + RTX 4070 – 14,999 yuan ($2,114)
    ASUS ROG NUC Mini Gaming PC with Core Ultra 9 & RTX 4070 Launches
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  • HP OmniBook X: 14″ Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite, Weighs 1.35kg

    HP OmniBook X: 14″ Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite, Weighs 1.35kg

    HP has introduced two new Arm-based AI PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite – the OmniBook X and the EliteBook Ultra G1q. In this article, we’ll explore the HP OmniBook X, which features a 14″ screen and weighs just 1.35kg.

    HP OmniBook X: 14″ Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite, Weighs 1.35kg

    HP OmniBook X AI PC Specs and Features

    The HP OmniBook X is available in two colors: Ceramic White and Meteor Silver. It offers storage options of 512GB or 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, combined with either 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X 8448MHz memory.

    The laptop is driven by the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 chipset, capable of reaching up to 3.4GHz clock speed. Notably, there are two additional variants (X1E-80-100 and X1E-84-100) that can achieve even higher clock speeds. This chipset is touted to be more efficient than the latest Intel and AMD offerings.

    Upon opening the lid, you’ll be greeted by a 14″ 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS touchscreen that reaches up to 300 nits of brightness and is certified for low blue light emission, ensuring comfort for your eyes. The screen boasts an 87.8% screen-to-body ratio, as illustrated by the image above.

    Webcam and Keyboard

    The device includes a 5MP webcam for video calls and a full-size backlit keyboard that matches the laptop’s color. For added security, it features a microphone mute key and a camera privacy shutter.

    Weighing in at 1.35kg, the OmniBook X is equipped with a 59Whr battery and comes with a USB Type-C power adapter. According to HP, it can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes.

    Ports and Connectivity

    The laptop includes the following ports:

    • 1 x USB Type-A (10Gbps)
    • 3.5mm jack
    • 1 x USB Type-C (10Gbps, supports USB PD, DisplayPort 1.4a)
    • 1 x USB Type-C (40Gbps, and the above)

    For wireless connectivity, different versions of the OmniBook X offer options between WiFi 6E/7 and Bluetooth 5.3/5.4.

    Pricing and Availability

    The HP OmniBook X with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is listed at $1,149 (~8319 Yuan) on the company’s website.

    While the chipset is capable and efficient, the overall user experience will also hinge on the native support and optimization of apps on the Windows on Arm platform. It’s advisable to check whether the specific apps you commonly use have native support on the WoA platform.

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  • HP Unveils Snapdragon X Elite-Powered EliteBook Ultra G1 AI PC

    HP Unveils Snapdragon X Elite-Powered EliteBook Ultra G1 AI PC

    HP has rolled out another AI-powered PC, the EliteBook Ultra, featuring the Snapdragon X Elite chipset. This article delves into the specs and features of the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q. For details on the OmniBook X, click here.

    HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Specifications and Features:
    The laptop sports an "atmospheric blue" hue, measuring 14.22mm in thickness and weighing 1.349kg. It includes a 14" 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS touchscreen with an anti-glare finish. The display reaches a brightness of 300 nits, offers 100% sRGB coverage, and has Low Blue Light certification. It also features a backlit full-size keyboard with HP Imagepad, color-coordinated with the laptop.

    Performance-wise, this model is driven by the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 chipset. It integrates 12-Qualcomm Oryon CPU cores that can achieve speeds up to 3.4GHz, an Adreno GPU (3.8 TFLOPS), and Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU for AI functionalities. The energy-efficient chipset allows for lightweight designs with minimal heat dissipation requirements.

    AI Capabilities and Memory

    Thanks to its AI abilities, the laptop offers features like background blur and virtual backgrounds for video calls, along with temporal noise reduction. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X-8400MHz soldered memory and options for either 512GB or 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD storage.

    Audio and Battery

    The EliteBook Ultra G1q is equipped with four stereo speakers and dual microphones supported by Poly Studio. It also includes a 5MP webcam for video conferencing. The laptop is powered by a 59 Whr battery and includes a 65W Type-C fast charger.

    Connectivity Ports

    For wired connectivity, the laptop includes:

    • 1 x USB Type-C (40Gbps)
    • 1 x USB Type-C (10Gbps)
    • 1 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen1
    • 3.5mm audio port (headphone/mic combo)

    Pricing and Availability

    The 512GB storage variant of the EliteBook Ultra G1q is now available for pre-order on HP’s website, priced at $1699 (roughly 12,300 Yuan).

    HP Unveils Snapdragon X Elite-Powered EliteBook Ultra G1 AI PC
    HP Unveils Snapdragon X Elite-Powered EliteBook Ultra G1 AI PC
    HP Unveils Snapdragon X Elite-Powered EliteBook Ultra G1 AI PC
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  • Galax Launches RTX 4070 Super Classic Single-Fan Dual Slot GPU

    Galax Launches RTX 4070 Super Classic Single-Fan Dual Slot GPU

    Gamers in search of an efficient and powerful cooling solution for their next graphics card upgrade will find the new RTX 4070 Super Classic and RTX 4070 Ti Super Classic from GALAX intriguing. These graphics cards are equipped with a unique VCU turbine cooler, ensuring smooth operation without occupying additional space in your PC case.

    Specifications and Power Requirements

    The RTX 4070 Super requires a recommended power supply of 650W, while the RTX 4070 Ti Super needs 750W. Both cards are compact, measuring just 28cm in length, and feature a dual-slot design.

    Here’s a quick overview of the specs:

    • RTX 4070 Super: Equipped with 7168 CUDA cores, a boost clock of 2475MHz, and 12GB of GDDR6X memory.
    • RTX 4070 Ti Super: Comes with 8448 CUDA cores, a boost clock of 2610MHz, and 16GB of GDDR6X memory.

    Connectivity and Power Delivery

    For display connections, both cards provide a combination of 3x DisplayPort 1.4a and 1x HDMI 2.1 ports. Power is delivered through the latest 12VHPWR connector, with the RTX 4070 Super requiring a 650W power supply and the RTX 4070 Ti Super needing 750W.

    Pricing and Availability

    Although GALAX has not yet announced the pricing and availability of these new RTX 4070 Super Classic and Ti Super Classic cards, they present a compelling option for those looking for top-tier performance paired with efficient VCU cooling technology.

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