Asus has unveiled the NUC 14 Pro AI+ mini-PC, presenting yet another version of a similar device that was first introduced at the end of December. Like the NUC 14 Pro AI, this new model is powered by Intel Lunar Lake processors, including the Core Ultra 7 258V and Core Ultra 9 288V. However, the NUC 14 Pro AI+ comes with several additional features that the standard model lacks.
Design Differences
One key difference is the NUC 14 Pro AI+’s translucent casing, which sets it apart from the solid black design of the standard NUC 14 Pro AI and its Intel Meteor Lake-based version, currently priced at $779 on Amazon. However, the bottom of the device maintains a simple black appearance, contrasting with the top.
Unique Features
In addition, Asus has incorporated an opaque top panel that houses an E-Ink display. This display allows for various customization options through a built-in app. It’s said that the content on this screen remains visible even when the device is powered off, and it does not emit harmful blue light.
Connectivity and Pricing
The mini-PC also includes modern connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.4, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and M.2 2280 NVMe storage. Sadly, Asus has yet to announce when the NUC 14 Pro AI+ will hit the market or its pricing details. For further information, check the company’s official website.
It can be said that the MSI Claw received a mix of feedback when it was released earlier this year. Both MSI and Intel have tried to enhance gaming performance since the device’s debut. Yet, it’s clear that the Intel Meteor Lake platform does not perform as well in a compact design when compared to AMD’s latest advancements.
New Architecture Update
Now, MSI has upgraded the Claw with the more capable Lunar Lake architecture. For context, the Claw 7 AI+ is being launched alongside the larger Claw 8 AI+, which we have detailed in a separate article. Visually, the changes between the original MSI Claw and the Claw 7 AI+ are minimal. One notable addition is a second Thunderbolt 4 port.
Specifications and Features
According to Amazon US and Excaliber PC, the Claw 7 AI+ features the Core Ultra 7 258V processor along with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM. The storage capacity of 512 GB remains, but it’s now an M.2 2280 SSD instead of the M.2 2230 that was in the first MSI Claw. The device still has a 53 Wh battery and retains a 7-inch IPS display that supports 1080p, 120 Hz VRR, and 500 nits brightness.
So far, the only laptop processors available from Intel are built on the Lunar Lake design. This architecture is not aimed at high-performance tasks, which means we need to wait for Arrow Lake-HX models to come out, probably during CES 2025. Nevertheless, gaming laptop makers are reportedly planning to stick with the previous generation of hardware, according to a leaker known as Golden Pig Upgrade on Weibo.
Next-Gen Pairings
It seems that many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to combine Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series laptop GPUs with either Meteor Lake or 14th-gen Raptor Lake processors instead of waiting for Arrow Lake. The leaker highlighted the Core i7-14650HX as a ‘main force,’ suggesting it could be the driving chip for numerous gaming laptops in 2025. Furthermore, there’s a chance we might also see some high-end Meteor Lake models included in this lineup.
AMD’s Confusing Situation
The situation gets even more complicated with AMD, as Strix Point has already been around for some time. A lot of laptops are already pairing a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with dedicated GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs. However, this may not apply to the new RTX 50 series, as they are likely to work with Zen 4 processors (Ryzen 7000/Ryzen 8000) instead.
In summary, it looks like we won’t see many (or perhaps any) laptops featuring ‘truly’ next-generation hardware in 2025, forcing consumers to choose between an up-to-date CPU or GPU. This isn’t necessarily a negative situation because the previous generation of laptop chips can still handle gaming tasks effectively and shouldn’t limit the performance of the more advanced GeForce RTX 50 graphics cards.
Microsoft made a big move earlier this year by choosing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chipsets exclusively for its new consumer Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models. These releases of Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite also came with fresh designs for the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro line.
Older Models Remain Unchanged
In contrast, the older Surface Laptop 6 for Business and Surface Pro 10 for Business stuck with x86 processors, missing out on the redesigns of their ARM counterparts. However, a curious Reddit user has found hints that a refresh based on Intel’s Lunar Lake might be coming for at least the Surface Laptop. This information was reported by sources like Windows Central and VideoCardz and seems to come from a brief listing on the Chinese site Goofish, where the device was available for a short time.
Potential for a New Release
We can’t completely dismiss the possibility that this might be an elaborate hoax. Still, this leak does remind us of a similar one from a few years back that was related to what became the Surface Pro 7 Plus. Moreover, the engraving saying ‘PROTOTYPE – NOT FOR SALE’ on the bottom of the device adds some credibility to the images shown below.
Details on the Surface Laptop 8
Regardless, the rumored Surface Laptop 8 appears to have the same design introduced earlier this year with the Surface Laptop 7 (currently priced at $943.95 on Amazon). The Snapdragon X platform has been replaced with Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture, which includes 32 GB of RAM as seen below. Our latest analysis of Intel’s Lunar Lake showed that the Core Ultra 7 268V sacrifices some multi-core CPU performance for better power efficiency and a significantly faster integrated GPU.
In fact, even demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 can run at 1080p, which is much better than what the Snapdragon X Elite can handle. The Lunar Lake-based Surface Laptop is anticipated to launch in 2025, but the exact timing is still uncertain. While CES 2025 in January seems like a likely time for the launch, Microsoft might choose to wait until spring, as it has done in the past.
Sources: Goofish via u/Akaza_Dorian, Windows Central & VideoCardz.
At IFA 2024, Lenovo unexpectedly revealed the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13. Traditionally, Lenovo introduces the pricier ThinkPad X1 series laptops during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held every January in Las Vegas. Besides the X1 Carbon, Lenovo also refreshes the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (previously known as ThinkPad X1 Yoga) each year. The X1 2-in-1 shares the same hardware as the X1 Carbon but includes a tablet feature and a digitizer pen. This time, however, the X1 Carbon was launched without its convertible sibling, raising questions about the future of the X1 2-in-1.
Lenovo’s Techworld Presentation
Those worries can now be calmed. During the annual Lenovo Techworld event, the company introduced the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition. The new 2-in-1 model takes cues from its more well-known clamshell counterpart. The key enhancement is the updated processor, with Lenovo incorporating Lunar Lake into this ThinkPad laptop. The Intel Core Ultra 200V platform is said to offer significantly better battery life compared to the previous ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9, which is available for $1,839 on Amazon.com. In our detailed review, the older version with Meteor Lake managed just over eight hours of battery usage. Additionally, the cooling fan was rather noisy. These are two areas where major improvements are expected with Intel’s Lunar Lake.
Design and Features
Aside from the new processors, Lenovo pretty much retains the design from the X1 2-in-1 Gen 9. This device can be transformed into a large 14-inch tablet and features a touchscreen and pen. However, the digitizer pen can no longer be stored within the chassis; it now attaches magnetically to the sleek aluminum body. Unlike most ThinkPad laptops, the X1 2-in-1 isn’t offered in black, with Lenovo choosing to present it only in a silverish-grey color. Regarding displays, customers can select between a 2.8K OLED screen or a WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) IPS panel. All display options are expected to achieve a brightness level of 500 cd/m².
Aura Edition and Availability
Since Lenovo is also launching the X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 as an “Aura Edition,” the same Aura Edition software features that were previously announced alongside the ThinkPad X1 Carbon G13 will also be included here. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is set to hit the European market in February 2025, with pricing starting from €2,389 (excluding sales tax).
Tech enthusiasts and laptop users have a whole new reason to be excited as new leaks provide a peek into Intel‘s upcoming developments. Among the highlights are the Lunar Lake processors, poised to enhance battery life in laptops, and a sneak peek at the Raptor Lake Refresh’s new powerhouse, the Core i9-14900KS.
The Lunar Lake processor revealed 8 cores split for efficiency and performance
The Lunar Lake processors, as unveiled by leaks, appear to focus on energy efficiency and performance. A glimpse at a sample processor running on Windows reveals an intriguing setup: eight cores split between performance and efficiency, aiming for a balanced power consumption without sacrificing capability. Interestingly, this early look suggests a departure from conventional designs, with an unconventional cache configuration that might hint at new optimization strategies.
Intel’s Lunar Lake Processors: Balancing Efficiency and Performance
On the other hand, the buzz around the Core i9-14900KS suggests Intel isn’t holding back on performance. Spotted with a potential 6.2GHz peak speed, this CPU could set new benchmarks for high-end computing, although the listed price – potentially higher than its predecessors – has sparked discussions about value and accessibility.
Core i9-14900KS: A Glimpse into Intel’s High-Performance Future
Both these developments signal Intel’s strategy: pushing the envelope on both ends of the spectrum, from power efficiency to peak performance. The Lunar Lake series, with its promise of extending battery life, could be a game-changer for the next generation of thin-and-light laptops, offering a blend of mobility and power. Meanwhile, the Core i9-14900KS represents the pinnacle of desktop CPU performance, catering to gamers and professionals seeking the utmost in computing power. While specifics, including pricing and final specifications, remain speculative, the direction is clear. Intel is gearing up for something big.
When it comes to processor technology, the battle lines between AMD and Intel have always been distinctly drawn. Both tech giants are in a constant scramble to outdo each other, and the upcoming AMD Ryzen 8000 series and Intel’s future CPUs—particularly the Arrow Lake-H/HX and Lunar Lake-M—indicate that the race is nowhere near slowing down. Leaks and revelations about these future chipsets provide a peek into what might be the next big things in the laptop CPU arena.
AMD Steps Up with Ryzen 8000 Series
AMD’s progression in the CPU landscape has been remarkable, and the expected arrival of the Ryzen 8000 series (codenamed Strix Point) in 2024 heralds the next chapter in their evolution. While details about clock speeds, core counts, and TDP are still under wraps, the Ryzen 8000 series is anticipated to be based on the 3nm Zen 5 architecture. This leap forwards could potentially deliver significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency compared to its predecessors.
Developers and gaming enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more details about the Ryzen 8000 series, as it promises to uphold AMD’s legacy of providing robust performance for various computing needs.
CPU FAMILY NAME
AMD KRACKAN POINT
AMD FIRE RANGE
AMD STRIX POINT HALO
AMD STRIX POINT
AMD HAWK POINT
AMD DRAGON RANGE
AMD PHOENIX
AMD REMBRANDT
AMD CEZANNE
AMD RENOIR
AMD PICASSO
AMD RAVEN RIDGE
Family Branding
AMD Ryzen 9040 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 8055 (HX-Series)
AMD Ryzen 8050 (H-Series)
AMD Ryzen 8050 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 8040 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 7045 (HX-Series)
AMD Ryzen 7040 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 6000 AMD Ryzen 7035
AMD Ryzen 5000 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 4000 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 3000 (H/U-Series)
AMD Ryzen 2000 (H/U-Series)
Process Node
4nm
5nm
4nm
4nm
4nm
5nm
4nm
6nm
7nm
7nm
12nm
14nm
CPU Core Architecture
Zen 5
Zen 5D
Zen 5C
Zen 5D + Zen 5C
Zen 4
Zen 4
Zen 4
Zen 3+
Zen 3
Zen 2
Zen +
Zen 1
CPU Cores/Threads (Max)
TBD
16/32
16/32
12/24
8/16
16/32
8/16
8/16
8/16
8/16
4/8
4/8
L2 Cache (Max)
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
4 MB
16 MB
4 MB
4 MB
4 MB
4 MB
2 MB
2 MB
L3 Cache (Max)
TBD
TBD
64 MB
32 MB
16 MB
32 MB
16 MB
16 MB
16 MB
8 MB
4 MB
4 MB
Max CPU Clocks
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
5.4 GHz
5.2 GHz
5.0 GHz (Ryzen 9 6980HX)
4.80 GHz (Ryzen 9 5980HX)
4.3 GHz (Ryzen 9 4900HS)
4.0 GHz (Ryzen 7 3750H)
3.8 GHz (Ryzen 7 2800H)
GPU Core Architecture
TBD
RDNA 3+ 4nm iGPU
RDNA 3+ 4nm iGPU
RDNA 3+ 4nm iGPU
RDNA 3 4nm iGPU
RDNA 2 6nm iGPU
RDNA 3 4nm iGPU
RDNA 2 6nm iGPU
Vega Enhanced 7nm
Vega Enhanced 7nm
Vega 14nm
Vega 14nm
Max GPU Cores
TBD
2 CUs (128 cores)
40 CUs (2560 Cores)
16 CUs (1024 Cores)
12 CUs (786 cores)
2 CUs (128 cores)
12 CUs (786 cores)
12 CUs (786 cores)
8 CUs (512 cores)
8 CUs (512 cores)
10 CUs (640 Cores)
11 CUs (704 cores)
Max GPU Clocks
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
2200 MHz
2800 MHz
2400 MHz
2100 MHz
1750 MHz
1400 MHz
1300 MHz
TDP (cTDP Down/Up)
15W-45W (65W cTDP)
55W-75W (65W cTDP)
25-1250W
15W-45W (65W cTDP)
15W-45W (65W cTDP)
55W-75W (65W cTDP)
15W-45W (65W cTDP)
15W-55W (65W cTDP)
15W -54W(54W cTDP)
15W-45W (65W cTDP)
12-35W (35W cTDP)
35W-45W (65W cTDP)
Launch
2025?
2H 2024?
2H 2024?
2H 2024?
Q1 2024?
Q1 2023
Q2 2023
Q1 2022
Q1 2021
Q2 2020
Q1 2019
Q4 2018
Intel Fights Back with Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake
Not to be outdone, Intel is gearing up to counter with its own set of innovations. The Intel Arrow Lake-H/HX CPUs, expected to drop in the 2024 timeframe, signal Intel’s efforts to sustain their competitive edge in the high-performance computing market. Although the nitty-gritty specifications remain elusive, it’s apparent that Intel is focusing on enhancing multi-thread performance and graphical capabilities with these chips.
Looking further ahead, Intel’s Lunar Lake-M, anticipated in 2025, showcases the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile computing. Although specific details about this chipset are sparse, the innovation is expected to continue Intel’s pursuit of superior performance and energy efficiency in the laptop domain.
CPU FAMILY
LUNAR LAKE
ARROW LAKE
METEOR LAKE
RAPTOR LAKE
ALDER LAKE
Process Node (CPU Tile)
Intel 20A?
Intel 20A ‘5nm EUV”
Intel 4 ‘7nm EUV’
Intel 7 ’10nm ESF’
Intel 7 ’10nm ESF’
Process Node (GPU Tile)
TSMC 3nm?
TSMC 3nm
TSMC 5nm
Intel 7 ’10nm ESF’
Intel 7 ’10nm ESF’
CPU Architecture
Hybrid
Hybrid (Four-Core)
Hybrid (Triple-Core)
Hybrid (Dual-Core)
Hybrid (Dual-Core)
P-Core Architecture
Lion Cove?
Lion Cove
Redwood Cove
Raptor Cove
Golden Cove
E-Core Architecture
Skymont?
Skymont
Crestmont
Gracemont
Gracemont
LP E-Core Architecture (SOC)
Skymont?
Crestmont?
Crestmont?
N/A
N/A
Top Configuration
TBD
TBD
6+8 (H-Series)
6+8 (H-Series) 8+16 (HX-Series)
6+8 (H-Series) 8+8 (HX-Series)
Max Cores / Threads
TBD
TBD
14/20
14/20
14/20
Planned Lineup
U Series?
H/P/U Series
H/P/U Series
H/P/U Series
H/P/U Series
GPU Architecture
Xe2-LPG (Battlemage)
Xe-LPG (Alchemist)
Xe-LPG (Alchemist)
Iris Xe (Gen 12)
Iris Xe (Gen 12)
GPU Execution Units
64 EUs
192 EUs
128 EUs (1024 Cores)
96 EUs (768 Cores)
96 EUs (768 Cores)
Memory Support
TBD
TBD
DDR5-5600 LPDDR5-7400 LPDDR5X – 7400+
DDR5-5200 LPDDR5-5200 LPDDR5-6400
DDR5-4800 LPDDR5-5200 LPDDR5X-4267
Memory Capacity (Max)
TBD
TBD
96 GB
64 GB
64 GB
Thunderbolt 4 Ports
TBD
TBD
4
4
4
WiFi Capability
TBD
TBD
WiFi 6E
WiFi 6E
WiFi 6E
TDP
TBD
TBD
7W-45W
15-55W
15-55W
Launch
~2025
2H 2024
2H 2023
1H 2023
1H 2022
What This Means for Consumers and the Tech Industry
The coming years in the CPU industry are poised to be incredibly exciting with these impending releases. AMD and Intel, through their upcoming offerings, are not only striving to outshine each other but are also aiming to redefine what users can expect from laptop performance.
For consumers, this signifies not just an improvement in raw computing capabilities, but also potential enhancements in areas like gaming, content creation, and multitasking. As these processors adopt more advanced architectures, users can anticipate laptops that deliver more power, longer battery life, and superior performance across various applications and uses.
The pricing details for these future processors are still undisclosed, leaving tech enthusiasts and experts speculating about the cost versus performance ratio these chips will bring to the table. However, if history is any indication, both AMD and Intel will likely aim to balance premium performance with competitive pricing to capture the attention and wallets of consumers.
As more details unfold, it will be fascinating to see how the rivalry between AMD and Intel shapes the future of processor technology and, by extension, the devices that become integral to our digital lives.