Tag: AI Performance

  • ASUS NUC 15 Pro Mini PC: 99 TOPS AI Performance in a Compact Design

    ASUS NUC 15 Pro Mini PC: 99 TOPS AI Performance in a Compact Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ASUS NUC 15 Pro features impressive AI capabilities, reaching up to 99 TOPS, and runs on Intel’s latest Arrow Lake-H and Raptor Lake processors.

    2. The high-end model includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H CPU and supports up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, making it suitable for multitasking and demanding AI tasks.

    3. It has an integrated Arc 140T iGPU for video editing and light gaming but may not be ideal for high-end gaming or 3D rendering.

    4. The mini PC offers extensive connectivity options, including dual HDMI 2.0, dual Thunderbolt 4, and supports Bluetooth 5.4 and WiFi 7.

    5. The NUC 15 Pro comes in two design variants (tall and slim) with no performance difference, and pricing details have not yet been announced.


    Let’s dive into ASUS’s new mini PC, the NUC 15 Pro. This compact powerhouse is making waves thanks to its impressive AI capabilities, reaching up to 99 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). It runs on Intel’s newest Arrow Lake-H and Raptor Lake-H/U processors.

    Specifications and Features

    The NUC 15 Pro packs a punch when it comes to specifications. The high-end model is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H CPU, combined with as much as 96GB of DDR5-6400 RAM. This setup provides ample power for multitasking, creating content, and even handling demanding AI tasks. For storage options, it includes an M.2 2280 slot and an M.2 2242 slot, supporting up to 4TB of SSD.

    Graphics and Gaming

    Even though it lacks a dedicated GPU, the integrated Arc 140T iGPU in the premium version should be capable of managing video editing and light gaming with ease. However, if you’re into high-end gaming or 3D rendering, you may need to explore other options.

    Connectivity and Compatibility

    ASUS really thought of everything here. This mini PC is packed with ports: dual HDMI 2.0, dual Thunderbolt 4, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, a USB 2.0 port, an audio jack, and a 2.5G Ethernet connection. On top of that, it supports Bluetooth 5.4 and WiFi 7 for all your wireless needs. This mini PC is primed to take on just about any task you can think of.

    When it comes to AI performance, things start to get intriguing. The Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite can deliver up to 45 TOPS of AI performance, which is, at least theoretically, less than half of what the NUC 15 Pro can achieve. Still, the overall experience will depend on how well the hardware is utilized.

    Design Variants

    The NUC 15 Pro is offered in two designs: tall and slim. There’s no performance difference between them, so it really comes down to which style fits better on your desk or matches your taste.

    Pricing Information

    Now, about the price—here’s the twist: ASUS hasn’t disclosed it yet. Considering the specifications and features, it’s reasonable to expect that this mini PC will be on the pricier side. However, if you’re looking for a compact yet powerful machine, the NUC 15 Pro could be a worthwhile investment.

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  • MediaTek to Launch Dimensity 9400 with AI Focus in October

    MediaTek to Launch Dimensity 9400 with AI Focus in October

    MediaTek is focusing on improving the power consumption and efficiency of its SoC (system on a chip) using advanced technology and TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process node. CEO Cai Lixing announced that the Dimensity 9400 flagship chipset will be introduced in October.

    Enhanced AI Performance

    The Dimensity 9400 is expected to deliver 40% better AI performance compared to its predecessor. The company claims that this new chipset can manage most on-device large language models available in the market. Additionally, the CEO is confident that the revenue generated from this chipset will lead to a 50% year-over-year revenue growth.

    This information was revealed during a press conference held on July 31st. The Dimensity 9400 is set to offer 40% improved AI performance over the Dimensity 9300, which has an AI performance rated at 48 TOPS. According to the CEO, MediaTek is at the forefront of NPU (neural processing unit) performance in flagship SoCs. However, he also noted that the average selling price (ASP) of phones featuring this flagship chip will be higher compared to the previous year.

    CPU Core Configuration

    Rumors suggest that the Dimensity 9400 will not include power-efficient cores, similar to its predecessor. The new chip is expected to use ARM’s BlackHawk CPU architecture and rely solely on performance cores to achieve outstanding single-core and multi-core performance. Additionally, it is rumored that the Dimensity 9400 will have the largest die ever, measuring 150mm² and consisting of 30 billion transistors. Nevertheless, real-life test data will be necessary to accurately assess the chip’s performance capabilities.

    Collaboration with Nvidia

    MediaTek and Nvidia are also working together on automotive chips, with the first product anticipated to launch in early 2025. In this collaboration, Nvidia will provide the GPU while MediaTek will contribute the CPU and ISP. CEO Cai Lixing expects significant advancements in the automotive sector from 2027 to 2028 due to this collaboration.

  • HP OmniBook Ultra 14: First AMD-Powered Next-Gen AI PC Unveiled

    HP OmniBook Ultra 14: First AMD-Powered Next-Gen AI PC Unveiled

    The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processors has been unveiled. Positioned between high-end modern Windows PCs and non-AI powered PCs, this model is a notable addition to the market.

    Revolutionizing the PC Space

    The advent of Microsoft Copilot PCs is transforming the PC industry, and HP is aligning with this trend. Unlike the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus chips powering the Microsoft Copilot PCs, the OmniBook Ultra 14 boasts superior AI performance. Despite its slim and lightweight design, the HP OmniBook Ultra 14's processor can deliver up to 55 TOPS of AI performance, surpassing the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus Hexagon NPU. This model promises several new features like accelerated AI image generation and enhanced camera effects during video calls.

    Superior Compatibility and Features

    Equipped with an integrated Radeon 980 GPU, the Ryzen AI 300 processor is based on the x86 architecture. This ensures broader app compatibility compared to ARM-based Copilot+ models. Additionally, users can play games that are currently incompatible with Snapdragon X chip laptops because of anti-cheat systems. The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 also includes a companion app with the Wolf Security system optimization tool, alongside support for Windows Studio Effects and Poly Camera Pro. HP has announced that the laptop will receive a free update enabling all current features of the Windows 11 AI suite.

    Design and Pricing

    Drawing inspiration from HP’s Spectre laptops, the OmniBook Ultra 14 sports two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a first for any AMD-based HP laptop. It also includes a USB-A port and a 3.5mm audio jack. With a 68Wh battery, it is somewhat bulkier than the OmniBook X. The exact performance metrics of the new chip compared to the OmniBook X remain unclear. The new model will be available next month, starting at a price of $1,450.

  • MediaTek Dimensity 9400: Fastest LPDDR5X RAM Chipset

    MediaTek Dimensity 9400: Fastest LPDDR5X RAM Chipset

    Samsung revealed the industry’s fastest LPDDR5X RAM in April, boasting data transfer speeds up to 10.7Gbps. Recently, the tech giant finalized the verification of this advanced memory in partnership with MediaTek.

    For testing, Samsung combined MediaTek’s upcoming flagship Dimensity 9400 processor with 16GB of the new LPDDR5X RAM. Samsung noted that the testing process spanned three months, indicating a considerable duration.

    Expected Release and Performance

    MediaTek has not yet disclosed specific details about the test or the Dimensity 9400. However, it is now anticipated that the Dimensity 9400 will be the first chip to utilize this innovative RAM technology. MediaTek has only confirmed that the SoC will be released in the second half of 2024.

    Samsung’s LPDDR5X RAM promises a 25% increase in both power efficiency and performance over the previous generation. Additionally, the new memory is designed to enhance on-device AI capabilities, such as voice-to-text generation.

    Broader Applications

    The application of LPDDR5X RAM may extend beyond smartphones, as these chips are also being utilized in the automotive sector, particularly for AI-driven features like autonomous driving.

    JC Hsu, Corporate Senior Vice President at MediaTek, commented on the development, stating, “This collaboration with Samsung Electronics has positioned MediaTek’s next-generation Dimensity chipset as the world’s first to be validated for LPDDR5X speeds. This translates to unprecedented levels of AI functionality and mobile performance. The updated architecture empowers developers and users to leverage advanced AI capabilities and enjoy a wider range of features with minimal impact on battery life.”

    The actual impact of this new hardware combination on real-world performance remains to be seen. With details on the Dimensity 9400 still under wraps, we will have to wait for the official launch to fully understand the chipset’s capabilities.


    MediaTek Dimensity 9400: Fastest LPDDR5X RAM Chipset
  • MediaTek Unveils Dimensity 7300 Series: Enhanced Gaming & AI Performance

    MediaTek Unveils Dimensity 7300 Series: Enhanced Gaming & AI Performance

    MediaTek has introduced two new mid-range chipsets – the Dimensity 7300 and Dimensity 7300X. Both chips are built on a 4nm process and claim to offer 25% lower power consumption on the performance cores compared to the Dimensity 7050.

    Technical Specifications

    The Dimensity 7300 series differs from the Dimensity 7050’s (2+6) core configuration by featuring 4 x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz and 4 x Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. Although these are the same cores used in the Dimensity 7050, there are significant improvements in performance and power efficiency.

    For graphics, the series uses the latest Arm Mali-G615 GPU, accompanied by MediaTek HyperEngine optimizations designed to enhance the gaming experience. MediaTek claims these chips offer a 20% higher FPS and 20% lower power consumption compared to competitors. The series also includes “smart resource optimization,” network optimization for games, and support for Bluetooth LE with Dual-Link True Wireless Stereo Audio.

    A notable difference between the two chips is that the Dimensity 7300X supports dual displays, making it suitable for more affordable foldable devices.

    Imaging Enhancements

    The Dimensity 7300 series also introduces imaging enhancements with the new MediaTek Imagiq 950, featuring a premium-grade 12-bit HDR-ISP. Phones equipped with this series can support a 200MP main camera. With enhanced hardware engines, it offers precise noise reduction (MCNR), face detection (HWFD), and video HDR. Live focus photo performance and photo remastering are now 1.3X and 1.5X faster respectively compared to the Dimensity 7050.

    In simpler terms, the chip enables OEMs to offer better camera systems, but it depends on the smartphone manufacturers on how they utilize these added capabilities.

    AI Performance

    The series includes the MediaTek APU 655, boasting a 2x improvement in AI performance over the Dimensity 7050.


    MediaTek Unveils Dimensity 7300 Series: Enhanced Gaming & AI Performance