Tag: Core Ultra 7 356H

  • GPD Box mini PC launches with MCIO eGPU port

    GPD Box mini PC launches with MCIO eGPU port

    Key Takeaway

    – GPD Box mini PC available on Indiegogo, starting at $1,452 for Intel Core Ultra 7 356H with MCIO 8i eGPU port (512Gbps bandwidth)
    – Second config has Core Ultra X7 358H with Intel Arc B390 iGPU but no MCIO 8i port (starts at $1,534)
    – Both have 160W GaN power supply, 15-80W TDP, dual M.2 slots (one PCIe Gen 5 x4), and up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM
    – MCIO 8i port offers near-native desktop eGPU performance, far exceeding OCuLink 4.0 (64Gbps)
    – GPD G2 eGPU dock bundle with MCIO port available from $1,837

    Pricing and Specifications

    GPD has made the Box mini PC available to purchase through the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. Backers can get this Intel Panther Lake system at a discounted price, and the starting price is $1,452. That starting price is for the configuration with the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, which doesn’t have the Arc B390 iGPU. Instead, it features the less capable 4-core Xe3 iGPU, but this config features the OCuLink-beating MCIO 8i eGPU port.

    MCIO 8i Port Advantages

    For reference, the MCIO 8i port is based on PCIe Gen 5 x8, and it promises 512Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth. The OCuLink 4.0 port that’s found on most mini PCs is rated for 64Gbps. This jump means that with a capable eGPU setup, it’s possible to get near-native desktop performance through this port. This is a significant uplift for users who need external graphics power.

    Alternative Configuration Details

    There’s another configuration of the GPD Box available, and it comes with the Core Ultra X7 358H. It has the more capable Intel Arc B390 iGPU but misses out on the MCIO 8i port. Beyond these, the other aspects of the two configurations are the same. Both come with a built-in 160W GaN power supply, and they can be adjusted from anywhere between 15W and 80W TDP.

    Storage and Memory Options

    GPD further highlights that this Intel Panther Lake mini PC has dual M.2 slots, and one of them can hold a PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD (2TB Samsung SSD 9100 Pro curr. $423.91 on Amazon). There’s also a rich set of connectivity ports for easy expansion, including:

    • Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
    • USB4 Type-C
    • HDMI 2.1
    • Dual 2.5GbE LAN
    • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
    • 3.5mm audio jack

    Pricing Tiers and Bundles

    The company is offering the mini PC with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and on Indiegogo, it’s possible to purchase the Core Ultra 7 356H config bundled with the GPD G2 eGPU dock, which also features the MCIO port. This bundle starts at $1,837, while the config with the Core Ultra X7 358H starts at $1,534. GPD on Indiegogo provides these early bird options for backers.

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  • Lenovo unveils 16-inch laptop: 1100-nit OLED, 105W GPU

    Lenovo unveils 16-inch laptop: 1100-nit OLED, 105W GPU

    Key Takeaway

    – Global release of IdeaPad Pro 5i 16IPH11 is now live in UK and Eurozone after delays.
    – Only available with Core Ultra 7 356H in Europe; US also gets the more powerful Core Ultra 9 386H.
    – Fixed specs: 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 84Wh battery, RTX 5050 (105W TGP), and 1800p 120Hz OLED display.
    – Pricing starts at £2,500 in UK and €2,569–€2,900 in Eurozone.
    – Connectivity options vary: Wi-Fi 6/BT 5.3 or Wi-Fi 7/BT 5.4 depending on configuration.

    The IdeaPad Pro 5i 16IPH11 has finally received a global release

    Replacing the older IdeaPad Pro 5i 16IAH10 in the process. To recap, Lenovo announced its new 16-inch laptop in January during CES 2026. Then in March, Lenovo began selling the laptop in certain markets, despite claiming there would be no availability before April.

    Fast forward to June and the IdeaPad Pro 5i 16IPH11 has finally reached the UK and the Eurozone

    Configuration options are rather limited for the time being, though. Currently, the laptop is only available with the Core Ultra 7 356H, a 16-core processor featuring a 4-core Xe3 iGPU from Intel’s Panther Lake family. By contrast, the US and other markets have also received the more powerful Core Ultra 9 386H.

    Likewise, the IdeaPad Pro 5i 16IPH11 is only available in Europe with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM

    A 1 TB M.2 2242 SSD and an 84 Wh battery. Moreover, the 16-inch laptop comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 laptop GPU with a 105 W TGP at its disposal. Also, Lenovo includes a 1800p and 120 Hz VRR OLED display with 500 nits SDR and 1,100 nits HDR peak brightness values.

    As it stands, Lenovo offers the IdeaPad Pro 5i 16IPH11 with a choice between Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 or Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity in Europe

    Pricing starts at £2,500 in the UK with a Windows 11 Home licence. Meanwhile, the 16-inch laptop starts at €2,569-€2,900 in the Eurozone, depending on from where you order it.


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  • HP unveils 15-inch compact gaming laptop with 180 Hz display

    HP unveils 15-inch compact gaming laptop with 180 Hz display

    Key Takeaway

    – Omen 15 launch is limited to North America with three SKUs and shippingStarting July 3 for Core Ultra 7 356H/Ryzen 7 8745HX; Core Ultra 9 386H stock expected May 27–June 1.
    – Configurations center on RTX 5070 (8 GB) GPU, 15.3″ 2.5K 1600p IPS 16:10 display, 70 Wh battery; OLED 2.8K option at 120 Hz with higher brightness.
    – CPU options include Ryzen 7 8745HX (Zen 4) and Core Ultra 7 356H; Core Ultra 9 386H expected later but currently unclear beyond initial claim.

    HP’s New 15-Inch Gaming Laptop Has Arrived In Limited Markets

    HP has finally started selling its latest 15-inch gaming laptop in some capacity. To recap, the company announced the HyperX Omen 15 over four months ago during CES 2026 in Las Vegas. A smaller alternative to the Omen 16 (curr. $1,679 on Amazon), the Omen 15 appears to be exclusive to North America for now.

    Processor Options And Clarifications

    In January, HP claimed that the Omen 15 would be available with the Core Ultra 9 386H alongside other ‘next-gen’ AMD Ryzen and Intel processors. Now, the company has clarified that these are the Ryzen 7 8745HX with Zen 4 cores and the Core Ultra 7 356H featuring Cougar Cove and Darkmont cores. According to our benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 8745HX sits at the bottom of the pile. Whether newer AMD options will be available remains to be seen at this stage.

    Display, Battery, And Graphics Details

    Setting that aside, the Omen 15 currently features a GeForce RTX 5070 (8 GB) laptop GPU and a 70 Wh battery. Also, includes a 15.3-inch IPS display that outputs at 1600p (2.5K) with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits peak brightness and a 180 Hz refresh rate. However, a 1800p (2.8K) OLED alternative will be available with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits SDR/1,100 nits HDR peak brightness.

    Launch Timeline And Availability

    HyperX Omen 15 orders with the Core Ultra 7 356H and Ryzen 7 8745HX should start shipping on July 3. Meanwhile, HP anticipates having stock of Core Ultra 9 386H variants between May 27 and June 1. Please see the company’s website and our launch article for more details.


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  • HP launches 15-inch compact gaming laptop with 180 Hz display

    HP launches 15-inch compact gaming laptop with 180 Hz display

    Key Takeaway

    – HP’s HyperX Omen 15 is now starting to ship in North America with Ryzen 7 8745HX (Zen 4) and Core Ultra 7 356H options; Core Ultra 9 386H stock to arrive later (late May–early June).
    – GPU race-cat: RTX 5070 (8 GB) laptop GPU with a 70 Wh battery, plus a 15.3″ 2.5K (1600p) 16:10 IPS display at 180 Hz; OLED 2.8K option at 120 Hz with higher brightness.
    – Availability timeline: Core Ultra 7 356H and Ryzen 7 8745HX shipments begin July 3; Core Ultra 9 386H variants expected in stock May 27–June 1.

    HP’s Omen 15 launch and availability

    HP has finally started selling its latest 15-inch gaming laptop in some capacity. To recap, the company announced the HyperX Omen 15 over four months ago during CES 2026 in Las Vegas. A smaller alternative to the Omen 16 (curr. $1,679 on Amazon), the Omen 15 appears to be exclusive to North America for now.

    Processor variants and specs

    In January, HP claimed that the Omen 15 would be available with the Core Ultra 9 386H alongside other ‘next-gen’ AMD Ryzen and Intel processors. Now, the company has clarified that these are the Ryzen 7 8745HX with Zen 4 cores and the Core Ultra 7 356H featuring Cougar Cove and Darkmont cores. According to our benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 8745HX sits at the bottom of the pile. Whether newer AMD options will be available remains to be seen at this stage.

    Graphics, battery, and display details

    Setting that aside, the Omen 15 currently features a GeForce RTX 5070 (8 GB) laptop GPU and a 70 Wh battery. Also, includes a 15.3-inch IPS display that outputs at 1600p (2.5K) with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits peak brightness and a 180 Hz refresh rate. However, a 1800p (2.8K) OLED alternative will be available with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits SDR/1,100 nits HDR peak brightness.

    Launch timing and stock expectations

    HyperX Omen 15 orders with the Core Ultra 7 356H and Ryzen 7 8745HX should start shipping on July 3. Meanwhile, HP anticipates having stock of Core Ultra 9 386H variants between May 27 and June 1. Please see the company’s website and our launch article for more details.


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  • Lenovo Launches 14-Inch Laptop with Intel Panther Lake and OLED Display

    Lenovo Launches 14-Inch Laptop with Intel Panther Lake and OLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo introduced the IdeaPad Pro 5i with Gen 11 processors, switching from Intel’s Arrow Lake to Panther Lake successors.
    2. The laptop is available in a 14-inch model with a Core Ultra 7 356H processor, but initial specifications were incorrect.
    3. The IdeaPad Pro 5i features 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM, 1 TB storage, and a 92.5 Wh battery.
    4. It has a 2.8K OLED non-touch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness.
    5. Pricing for the IdeaPad Pro 5i starts at AUD 2,829, €1,699, and £1,500 (~$1,666), with deliveries beginning on March 31.

    A few months ago, Lenovo introduced the new IdeaPad Pro 5i. This laptop was revealed in January at CES 2026, and it features the Gen 11 generation. Instead of using Intel’s Arrow Lake platform, it now uses the Panther Lake successors. Additionally, Lenovo has rolled out similar IdeaPad Pro 5a Gen 11 laptops that utilize AMD’s Gorgon Point platform.

    Specifications and Configurations

    At CES 2026, Lenovo announced that the IdeaPad Pro 5i Gen 11 would offer configurations that go up to the Core Ultra X9 388H and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU. The company also mentioned that the line would include both 14-inch and 16-inch models. Sadly, this information turned out to be incorrect as the initial offering of the IdeaPad Pro 5i does not match those claims.

    Availability and Features

    Currently, only the 14-inch model is available in regions like Australia, the Eurozone, and the UK. Lenovo has equipped the IdeaPad Pro 5i with a Core Ultra 7 356H processor. While this chip has the same number of cores as the Core Ultra X9 388H—four P-cores, eight E-cores, and four LP E-Cores—the clock speeds are notably lower. Furthermore, it is limited to Intel’s relatively underpowered 4-core Xe3 iGPU instead of the Arc B390.

    Pricing and Display

    The IdeaPad Pro 5i comes with 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM, 1 TB of M.2 2242 storage, and a 92.5 Wh battery. Lenovo has provided a 2.8K OLED non-touch display as the sole display choice, which offers a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits SDR brightness. This is similar to the screen found in last year’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, which received positive feedback in our review (currently priced at $1,849 on Amazon). The pricing for this configuration is set at AUD 2,829, €1,699, and £1,500 (~$1,666), with deliveries expected to begin on March 31.

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  • Minisforum Launches New Intel Panther Lake Mini-PC with 70W TDP

    Minisforum Launches New Intel Panther Lake Mini-PC with 70W TDP

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum is developing a new mini-PC, the MS-03, powered by Intel’s Panther Lake architecture.
    2. The MS-03 will replace the MS-01, skipping the MS-02 model to avoid competition with the MS-02 Ultra.
    3. The dimensions of the MS-03 are 195 x 195 x 43.5 mm, maintaining a similar sleek black design as its predecessor.
    4. It will feature a Core Ultra 7 356H processor with a TDP of 70 W, promising improved efficiency and performance.
    5. Pricing and availability for the MS-03 have not yet been announced by Minisforum.

    Minisforum has announced that it is working on a new mini-PC powered by Intel’s Panther Lake architecture. To summarize, they are close to launching the M2 Pro featuring Intel’s Core Ultra X9 388H chip. Now, the MS-03 joins the growing lineup of upcoming mini-PCs from Minisforum.

    A New Replacement

    The MS-03 will take the place of the MS-01, as Minisforum has chosen not to introduce an MS-02 to compete with the MS-02 Ultra (currently priced at $1,159.99 on Amazon). The MS-01 was first released in December 2023 and saw an update about six months later. It appears that the MS-03 will keep the same general style as its predecessor, showcasing a sleek black exterior highlighted by a large fan grille.

    Dimensions and Specs

    The dimensions of the MS-03 are 195 x 195 x 43.5 mm. Additionally, Minisforum has disclosed that the new mini-PC will come equipped with a Core Ultra 7 356H processor, which has a thermal design power (TDP) of 70 W. Although our tests on this processor were only conducted at 25 W, its 16 cores and 1.8 nm fabrication process should allow the MS-03 to operate more efficiently and with greater performance compared to the Core i5-12600H, Core i9-12900H, or Core i9-13900H that were options for the MS-01. Pricing and availability details are still unconfirmed by Minisforum.

    Minisforum via Lonely City Hardware

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