Category: Gaming

  • iQOO 13 Tops AnTuTu Scores for Snapdragon 8 Elite Devices

    iQOO 13 Tops AnTuTu Scores for Snapdragon 8 Elite Devices

    iQOO is all set to unveil its new gaming flagship, the iQOO 13, on October 30 in China. This smartphone boasts Qualcomm’s new 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset along with iQOO’s exclusive Q2 chip, promising to offer high-end gaming performance.

    AnTuTu Benchmark Performance

    Before the official launch, iQOO disclosed that the iQOO 13 achieved an impressive score of 3,159,448 points on the AnTuTu benchmark. This positions it as the highest-scoring device featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip to date. The OnePlus 13, which also uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, closely follows with a score of 3,094,447 points. It’s important to note that AnTuTu evaluates the overall performance of a smartphone, taking into account its CPU, GPU, memory, and user experience (UX).

    Specifications and Features of iQOO 13

    The iQOO 13 is expected to come equipped with a 2K Q10 Everest display created in collaboration with BOE, which promises outstanding brightness and color precision while optimizing power efficiency. Though not confirmed yet, rumors suggest that the device will feature a 6.82-inch flat OLED screen with a 2K resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. Additionally, it will be the first OLED phone to include circularly polarized light eye protection, aimed at minimizing eye fatigue during prolonged usage.

    Under the hood, the smartphone will include a robust 6150mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging. It will operate on OriginOS 5, based on Android 15, and will come with dual speakers and a 1016H motor to enhance haptic feedback.

    Pricing Insights

    A popular tech tipster on Weibo, known as Digital Chat Station, may have leaked the price for the smartphone, suggesting it could be around 3,999 yuan (approximately $565). If this information is accurate, the iQOO 13 might be one of the rare Android flagships that features the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip without a price increase from its predecessor.


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  • iQoo 13 with Snapdragon 8 Elite Beats iPhone 16 Pro Max in AnTuTu

    iQoo 13 with Snapdragon 8 Elite Beats iPhone 16 Pro Max in AnTuTu

    iQoo has unveiled many details about its new gaming smartphone, the iQoo 13. This device will be one of the first to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest 3 nm chipset that includes Oryon cores. The Chinese smartphone maker claims that this SoC can achieve an impressive score in AnTuTu benchmarks.

    Benchmark Performance

    A recent teaser from iQoo states that the new flagship device has a benchmark score of 3,159,448 points. This score is almost double that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which uses the Apple A18 Pro. For context, in the official AnTuTu database, the top Apple phone scores 1,669,791 points.

    Gaming Features

    Along with the benchmark score, iQoo has also highlighted the gaming capabilities of the iQoo 13. The device combines the Snapdragon 8 Elite with a proprietary Q2 chip. This SoC is designed to provide PC-level resolution scaling and can achieve native 144 FPS performance.

    To further boost gaming efficiency, the iQoo 13 includes "VAA Anti-Flicker" technology, which aims to reduce flickering for a smoother gaming experience. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a sizable VC chamber, which is expected to ensure stable performance even under heavy loads.

    Display and Other Specifications

    The iQoo 13 features a gaming-optimized display. Specifically, it has a 6.82-inch LTPO screen with a resolution of 3168×1440 pixels and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The company mentions that this display is designed to consume less power and provide lower latency compared to its predecessor.

    Other confirmed specifications for the iQoo 13 include UFS 4.0 storage, LPDDR5X Ultra memory, a triple-camera setup on the back with a halo RGB light, and a 6,150 mAh battery. It also supports 120W fast charging (140W Anker 737 power bank curr. $109.99 on Amazon). While pricing information is still not disclosed, the launch is scheduled for October 30 in China, which is just around the corner.

    iQoo shared these updates on Weibo.


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  • Epic Games Offers $80 in Free Halloween Games

    Epic Games Offers $80 in Free Halloween Games

    You can now grab Moving Out at no cost on the Epic Games Store, an indie title from Team17 that typically sells for $24.99. This offer will last until October 31 at 14:59 UTC. After that, the store will update its game giveaway options, and next week, two new games will be available for free.

    Upcoming Free Titles

    One of the upcoming free games is Ghostwire: Tokyo, a major title that usually retails for $59.99 when not on sale. This game comes from the creators of The Evil Within series and boasts a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, along with 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Epic Games Store.

    Game Overview

    Ghostwire: Tokyo is a first-person action-adventure game with some horror elements. You assume the role of Akito, who finds himself possessed by a spirit and must fight against supernatural beings in a Tokyo where everyone has mysteriously disappeared. While some gameplay aspects might feel a bit repetitive and unbalanced, the stunning visuals definitely make it worth your time.

    More Free Games

    The second free title available next week is Witch It, which usually has a price tag of $19.99 when not on sale. Developed by Barrel Roll Games, this is a multiplayer hide-and-seek game where you can either be a hunter or a witch, set in a colorful, magic-infused world.

    When you play as a witch, you can disguise yourself as props in the environment, while the hunters must find and eliminate the witches. The game features a cartoon-like art style and allows for map and character customization. It also has a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, making it a fun option for fans of prop hunt-style games.

    Both of these upcoming free games fit perfectly with the Halloween theme and will be available from October 31 at 15:00 UTC until November 7 at 14:59 UTC. You can find out more about them by watching the trailer videos linked below.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not liable for any price changes made by retailers. The prices or deals mentioned were correct at the time of writing and may have time limits or limited stock availability.

    Epic Games Store | Teaser image: Vertex Designs on Unsplash


  • Ayaneo AG01 Starship Graphics Dock Launches with USB4 and OCuLink

    Ayaneo AG01 Starship Graphics Dock Launches with USB4 and OCuLink

    A few months ago, Ayaneo, which is stylised as AYANEO, announced its plans to launch its first external graphics processing unit (eGPU) on Indiegogo. In a surprising twist, the company decided to bypass the crowdfunding platform entirely and is instead selling the AG01 Starship Graphics Dock directly from its own website.

    Specifications Overview

    To summarize, Ayaneo’s eGPU resembles the GPD G1 and OneXPlayer OneXGPU (priced at $699.95 on Amazon) as it features an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT laptop GPU that is non-upgradable. The AG01 is equipped with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, 32 Compute Units based on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture and boasts a total graphics power (TGP) of up to 120 W.

    Performance Comparison

    In other terms, the AG01 won’t match the performance of the OneXGPU 2, which comes with the newer Radeon RX 7800M. The specification sheet provided indicates that the AG01 includes modern connectivity options, such as DisplayPort 2.0, HDMI 2.1, USB4, and OCuLink. Furthermore, the eGPU features an M.2 2280 slot that supports PCIe 3.0 transfer speeds along with a Gigabit Ethernet connection.

    Pricing and Availability

    According to the product listing, orders made during this ‘pre-sale’ will start shipping at the end of November 2024. It is important to mention that while the eGPU is priced at $599 currently, Ayaneo suggests that the AG01 Starship Graphics Dock could increase to $699 once the pre-sale period, which is yet to be defined, concludes. It remains unclear if Ayaneo will eventually sell the eGPU on Indiegogo in the future as well.

    Ayaneo via VideoCardz


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  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Debuts on Geekbench with Strong Performance

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Debuts on Geekbench with Strong Performance

    Supposed marketing material from AMD suggests that the Ryzen 9 9800X3D will provide only a small 8% performance increase over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, especially in gaming scenarios. In synthetic benchmarks, the X3D version will likely fall short when compared to its regular counterpart, the Ryzen 7 9700X, due to lower boost clock speeds. This information is supported by two separate Geekbench listings for the Ryzen 9 9800X3D.

    Geekbench Performance

    In its first test, the CPU achieved scores of 3,295 and 18,560 in Geekbench 6.2’s single-core and multi-core assessments. During its second test, it recorded 3,305 and 18,221 points. Although these scores are close enough to be within the margin of error, they were obtained from different platforms. The first test was conducted on a Biostar X870E motherboard with 48 GB of DDR5-8000 RAM, while the second utilized an Asus ROG Crosshair X870E motherboard with the same memory configuration.

    Boost and Comparisons

    For the second test, the Ryzen 9 9800X3D reached a boost speed of 5.3 GHz. It’s unclear if these results were achieved at stock settings, but it probably represents the maximum performance one could expect right out of the box. Not surprisingly, it lags behind the Ryzen 7 9700X, which scores around 3,400 in single-core performance, but performs slightly better in multi-core tests. When compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which has scores of about 2,700 for single-core and 14,000 for multi-core, the Zen 5 model displays a notable 22% improvement in single-core and a 30% boost in multi-core performance. Naturally, X3D chips may not excel in synthetic benchmarks, so it would be wise to wait for more gaming benchmarks to make a fair evaluation.

    via @Olrak29_ on X’


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  • BenQ EX271U 27″ 4K Gaming Monitor: 165Hz, FreeSync, USB-C

    BenQ EX271U 27″ 4K Gaming Monitor: 165Hz, FreeSync, USB-C

    The details about the BenQ EX271U monitor have been revealed. This 27-inch gaming display is set to join the MOBIUZ gaming series. It features a stunning 4K resolution and a high refresh rate of 165Hz. Additionally, it is equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which ensures smoother gameplay, and boasts a rapid 1ms GTG response time. The display achieves a peak brightness of 400 nits and carries a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, while also providing an impressive 95% DCI-P3 color accuracy and a 10-bit color depth.

    Enhanced Audio and Connectivity

    The EX271U marks a milestone as the first BenQ monitor to include eARC support, allowing for immersive 7.1-channel audio through its three HDMI 2.1 HDR ports. For other connectivity needs, it comes with a DisplayPort 1.4 and various USB ports, including a USB Type-C port that offers 65W power delivery for both data transfer and charging devices. The monitor is designed ergonomically, allowing users to make adjustments in height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. Like the new AOC AG276QKD, the BenQ EX271U has received TÜV Rheinland certification, ensuring eye safety during extended use.

    Proprietary Features for Gamers

    BenQ has incorporated its unique features into the EX271U, such as Gamer-Experienced Color, which enhances color output and Shadow Phage, an AI-based tool that dynamically adjusts contrast levels in real-time. Users can further personalize their viewing experience with options like Color Vibrance and Light Tuner. The monitor’s AI-driven Smart Visual Refinement, powered by the PixSoul Engine, optimizes picture quality based on the content being displayed.

    Release Information

    Regarding its release, the EX271U is anticipated to launch first in China and Australia, with plans to expand to other international markets soon after.


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  • RTX 5080 Laptop vs Desktop: Core Count vs VRAM Comparison

    RTX 5080 Laptop vs Desktop: Core Count vs VRAM Comparison

    We shared some news back in May through Moore’s Law Is Dead, suggesting that Nvidia might equip the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 laptop versions with more memory than the RTX 40 series. Rumors indicated that the RTX 5080 laptop could feature 16 GB of VRAM, while the RTX 5070 laptop was expected to have 12 GB.

    Updated VRAM Information

    MLID has reinforced his previous leak about the RTX 5080 laptop’s VRAM and has disclosed potential CUDA core counts for the anticipated GB203 GPU that is set to drive the device. The RTX 5080 laptop is said to use a GB203 GPU, which also powers the RTX 5090 laptop and the RTX 5080 desktop variants. It’s likely that the laptop’s GB203 will be a less powerful version, featuring fewer CUDA cores compared to the desktop variant. MLID suggests a possible configuration for the RTX 5080 laptop could include 8,192 CUDA cores along with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory. This marks a notable decrease in the number of cores available on the GB203.

    Comparison with Desktop Variants

    Earlier leaks have indicated that the desktop RTX 5080, using the GB203-400-A1, consists of a total of 10,752 CUDA cores and has 16 GB of memory operating at 28 Gbps over a 256-bit bus. This means the RTX 5080 laptop is experiencing a significant drop of 24% in the CUDA core count.

    Despite this substantial reduction in specs, MLID has put forward some ambitious predictions regarding the performance of the RTX 5080 laptop. He estimates that, with 16 GB of 28 Gbps VRAM and the corresponding bandwidth, the RTX 5080 laptop may be 45 to 65% faster than the RTX 4080 laptop. This advantage could enable the mobile GPU to compete with the desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super and even the RTX 4080 (available on Amazon).

    Performance Predictions and Future Outlook

    However, it’s important to note that these performance estimates are merely the result of the leaker’s “napkin math.” Therefore, they should be viewed as educated guesses rather than confirmed leaks.

    All in all, the RTX 5080 laptop appears to be shaping up as a powerful 1440p/4K gaming machine, representing a substantial upgrade over the RTX 4080 laptop GPU. Hopefully, we’ll get a glimpse of this powerful board at CES 2025.

    Moore’s Law Is Dead, Teaser image: Gigabyte, Sean Sinclair on Unsplash, edited.


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  • Anbernic RG ArcXX Leaks Reveal Potential Specs and Features

    Anbernic RG ArcXX Leaks Reveal Potential Specs and Features

    Almost a year has gone since Anbernic launched the RG Arc in both D and S versions (curr. $68.99 on Amazon). But the company hasn’t just sat back and done nothing regarding new hardware.

    Instead, Anbernic has been rolling out new devices every month since January, with the latest being the RG CubeXX released earlier this week. Recently, there have been whispers on Bilibili suggesting that Anbernic might be gearing up to replace the RG Arc with a new model called the RG ArcXX.

    Expectations for the RG ArcXX

    Right now, the buzz around Anbernic’s upcoming gaming handheld seems to be pretty low. It appears that the main change would be swapping the Rockchip RK3566 found in the RG Arc-S and RG Arc-D for the Allwinner H700.

    If this is true, the RG ArcXX would likely deliver similar performance as the previous model, while keeping the same 4-inch screen and 480p resolution. At this point, it’s still unclear whether Anbernic plans to offer both single and dual-boot options this time, or if they have any other improvements in mind. Also, a release date is still not known at this time.

    Bilibili via @RetroHandhelds & @JoeysRetroHH


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  • Optoma UHZ35 4K Laser Projector: 3500 Lumens, 240Hz for Gamers

    Optoma UHZ35 4K Laser Projector: 3500 Lumens, 240Hz for Gamers

    Last year, Optoma introduced the UHZ35ST, a UHD laser projector designed for short distances and gaming, capable of reaching refresh rates of up to 240 Hz. Now, the Optoma UHZ35 has come out as its counterpart, which needs a bit more space from the projection surface, but still packs a punch with its features.

    Compact Yet Powerful

    Unlike the short-throw model, the Optoma UHZ35 is a compact 4K UHD DuraCore laser projector. While the UHZ35ST can project a 100-inch image from less than one meter, the UHZ35 requires at least 1.3 meters to deliver its visuals. It boasts a projection ratio ranging from 1.4:1 to 2.24:1, allowing for an impressive image size of up to 303 inches. Additionally, it has a 1.6x zoom capability and can project images in both 360-degree and portrait formats.

    Bright and Rich Visuals

    The projector supports HDR and HLG and is capable of producing bright visuals with a maximum output of 3,500 lumens thanks to its DLP technology and laser light source. The contrast ratio is specified by the manufacturer at an astounding 500,000:1, and it supports refresh rates of up to 240 Hz. This makes the Optoma UHZ35 a good choice for gaming enthusiasts, especially since its input latency in gaming mode at 1080p and 240 Hz is impressively low at just 4.4 ms. There’s even a specific picture mode designed for golf simulations.

    Connectivity and Eco-Friendly Design

    The Optoma UHZ35 is equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports (one featuring eARC), a USB-A port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, as well as RJ45 and RS232 connections. Optoma claims efficient energy use, with a maximum power consumption of 185 W. All of these features are housed in a compact design made from up to 50 percent PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic, which also includes a built-in 15W speaker.


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  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Tops A18 Pro in GPU Performance vs. Dimensity 9400

    Snapdragon 8 Elite Tops A18 Pro in GPU Performance vs. Dimensity 9400

    Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which is the new successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship SoC designed for smartphones and tablets. Early benchmarks indicate that the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a strong contender against MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 and Apple’s A18 Pro.

    CPU Performance Insights

    When it comes to CPU performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite seems to have surpassed Apple’s A18 Pro in multi-core tests. Geekerwan’s review shows that the Snapdragon 8 Elite achieved an impressive score of 10,521 points in Geekbench 6, breaking the 10,000-point mark. However, in single-core performance, the 8 Elite still trails behind Apple’s latest chip, even though it has seen a significant generational improvement.

    GPU Capabilities

    On the GPU front, the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Adreno GPU shows strong performance. It scored an impressive 18,007 points in Geekbench 6’s OpenCL test, which is notably higher than the approximately 16,000 points achieved by the Dimensity 9400. It’s worth noting that the GPU’s performance can vary based on the thermal characteristics of the smartphone it’s in, so that should be considered.

    Geekerwan’s analysis indicates that the Adreno GPU of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is very close in performance to the Immortalis-G925 found in the Dimensity 9400, with both exhibiting a similar efficiency curve. The Snapdragon’s GPU scored around 2,600 points, putting it well ahead of the A18 Pro, which managed only about 2,100 points while using slightly more power.

    Real-World Gaming Tests

    In practical gaming tests using Honkai Impact 3, the results were consistent. Both the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400 maintained around 60 FPS at ‘very high’ settings during a 30-minute session, with power use of 6.2 and 6.0 watts respectively. Meanwhile, the A18 Pro achieved only 51.2 FPS while using about 5.5 watts.

    Clearly, Qualcomm’s choice to customize the Snapdragon 8 Elite has proven to be a smart move. The SoC is now not only more powerful but also more efficient than before, having outperformed Apple’s A18 Pro in both GPU and multi-core CPU benchmarks. Nevertheless, Apple still leads in single-core performance and overall CPU efficiency, though the gap has narrowed significantly.

    Geekerwan’s analysis showcases the advancements in mobile processing power.


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