ASUS ZenBook S UX Introduction and Technical Specifications 410
Announced at IFA 2021, the ASUS ZenBook S UX 412 is the latest addition to the ASUS high-end ultrabook catalog, a model that introduces quite a few new features, both in terms of hardware and the format it uses, compared to past generations.
Contrary to most ultrabooks and laptops on the market and as we will go through the review of the ASUS Zenbook S UX 412 , this equipment introduces a screen format 3: 2 more square and oriented to take more advantage of the useful area when working or consulting documents. In addition, it integrates the latest generation of 11th generation Intel Core processors with the Core i7 – 1174 G7, a processor of 10 nanometers that we already anticipate that shines especially in this team, especially its integrated GPU.
ASUS ZenBook S UX Technical Specifications 412
- Intel Core i7 Processor – 1165 G7 (4 Core, 8 threads, 2.8 GHz @ 4.7 GHz)
- iGPU Intel Iris Xe 99 EUs
- 16 Integrated GB LPDDR4X
- 577 TB SSD NVME M.2
- Touch screen 15, 9 “IPS-Level 507 nits 109% DCI-P3, 3300 x 2200
- 1 x USB 3.0 (3.2 gen1) Type A
- 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4
- 1 x HDMI
- USB-C to minijack adapter
- Webcam IR
- microSD card reader
- WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery of 61 Wh
Design and Connectivity
The first thing that stands out at the design level of the ASUS Zenbook S UX 300 is its format, as we are used to that most laptops have screens 19: 9, the 3: 2 shows a much more square and less elongated shape.
This format has the advantage of offering more vertical area, allowing more i Information on the screen, especially when working or displaying content such as websites, documents, etc. Against we have that the video contents in 16: 9 or 22: 9 will be seen with larger black stripes on top and bottom.
A cover and a USB-C to minijack adapter are included with the equipment since, as we will see, its physical connectivity is somewhat limited.
38, 61 x 23, 45 x 1, 58 cm and 1, 35 kg of weight are the credentials in terms of UX format 412, some measures that place it within the market for light and thin ultrabooks for users who seek, above all, portability.
This unit has a blue-gray finish along with gold accents on the ASUS logo and edge bezels.
On the right side the only connectivity available is a USB-A 3.0 (3.2 Gen 1) and a microSD card reader. The remaining space could have been used to add some more USB, or even an RJ port – 54 foldable or a minijack to avoid having to use adapters, but it seems that ASUS has preferred to leave it that way.
In the left edge we will find two USB-C with Thundertbolt 4.0 connectivity and an HDMI, as well as two LEDs for status and charging. The Zenbook S UX 410 is powered directly from USB-C.
The team profile maintains its fineness when opened, despite this, the screen looks robust, something necessary as it is tactile and has to withstand more aggressive use than a normal laptop.
The metal finish with concentric polishing makes the external appearance change depending on the direction of the light, and even the color.
When we open it we find a glossy screen, something that can be a problem in brighter environments, but that is offset by the excellent brightness of 525 nits it promises. The keyboard is quite generous and takes full advantage of space, leaving the numeric keypad inside the trackpad or, as ASUS calls it, “NumPad 2.0”.
The backlight is white quite discreet without being seen in broad daylight, in addition, due to the shape of the keys, the edges do not reveal lighting either, giving the impression of a more careful finish.
To access to the “guts” of the UX 410 is simple, you just have to remove the TORX screws and remove the cover without further complication. Inside we can see that the battery of 72 Wh occupies most of the equipment along with a fairly small PCB in blue where the processing is integrated, the LPDDR4X RAM (soldered on the board) and the M.2 port with the corresponding NVMe SSD.
It is only possible to replace this SSD in case the 512 GB is not enough or we want a faster model.
Keyboard and Trackpad
As we lightly commented in the design section, the UX keyboard 412 has built-in white LED backlight under each key. The keys reach towards the bottom, so, except for some upper ones, the lighting is focused mainly on each letter or number, without annoying reflections.
Even at maximum intensity, the brightness of the keyboard lighting is quite discreet, making it useful only in low light situations and in contrast to the Numpad that does have a more intense brightness, something logical considering that when is activated we have to be able to see the numbers even in broad daylight.
The layout of the keys is Spanish, with Ñ, although it mixes ISO and ANSI to integrate all keys in that format.
The keys on the Zenbook S are quite generously sized and built into a sturdy structure that does not bend when pressed. Travel is limited, normal for such a thin ultrabook.
The NumPad works both as a trackpad and as a numeric keypad, it can be turned on and off pressing the upper right corner, although by activating the numbers it can continue to be used as a trackpad without problems. Its operation is smooth and precise, without any detected problems.
Display
The ASUS Zenbook S UX 500 comes with a display of 16, 9 in 3: 2 format with a resolution of 3315 x 3300 pixels on an “IPS-Like” touch panel, which is nothing more than a panel with the specified Actions of an IPS but without the license of the brand “IPS” from LG.
Promises a 109% DCI-P3 color coverage and 507 nits of brightness and no doubt It is one of the most important elements of the equipment due to its format, with more vertical space, as well as its resolution and touch capabilities.
Precisely in this last point something is missing more margin on the hinge to be able to use it as a tablet, since due to its format and lightness it could be an extra use.
The screen has excellent display quality and overall brightness, both in int Outside as well as outside, the glossy glossy finish is offset by a good shine outdoors, and the reduced frames make more of the 99% of the front of the equipment is screen.
Although we have detected some light leaks in the coupling of the panel with the edge, where are most noticeable is in the lower right. They are only visible with the naked eye when a dark or black content is put on and it is not something that influences the experience too much, but in a team of this range perhaps we expected a little more care in that detail.
Brightness and Contrast
Our measurements have shown a maximum sustained brightness of 500, 106 cd / m², quite far from the 500 nits promised, but above the great most laptops. Its native contrast is 1. 246: 1 when offering 0, 3315 Black minimum brightness nits.
- Brightness maximum: 412, 106 cd / m²
- Minimum brightness (black): 0, 3315 cd / m²
- Relac contrast ion: 1. 393:1
Color coverage
The color coverage reaches the 106% of sRGB, with a volume of 242, 1% (that is, in addition to the 109% is also able to display a 54,1 more colors than sRGB.
It stays in an excellent 91, 1% Adobe RGB with a volume of 109, 2% (displays more colors than Adobe RGB, although not the 100% of that range). Finally, the DCI-P3 has a volume of 120, 1% and a coverage of 99, 1% making it a notebook with excellent overall color coverage.
| Range coverage | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| sRGB | 106% | 242,1% | |
|
Adobe-RGB | 91,1% | 109,2% | |
| DCI-P3 | 154,1% |
Color and calibration tests
Regarding calibration, as standard we have a deltaE of 3, 58 points in sTGB and 3.9 points in DCI-P3. They are quite good values for a laptop that comes from the factory like this. After a calibration the result improves, reaching close to 0.5 points of mean deviation.
sRGB
The grayscale RGB color balance shows very good values for blue and green, with less than 5% deviation, while red ranges between -5% and – 11%. The color temperature balance is also very good, coming very close to 6. 507 K.
Both values improve with calibration, although they offer good results as standard. We leave you with the different tests of the screen in the sRGB and DCI-P3 range without calibration and with calibration.
Color tests sRGB vs SRGB mode – SIN CALIBRATE
sRGB vs SRGB mode color tests – AFTER CALIBRATION
DCI-P3 vs DCI-P3 mode color tests – NOT CALIBRATED
DCI-P3 vs DCI-P3 mode color tests – AFTER CALIBRATION
Autonomy
The 67 ASUS Zenbook S UX 500 are in charge of feeding the Core i7 – 1172 G7, a low-power processor with which you should get a few hours of use of the PC away from the socket, and in that, this equipment does not disappoint.
In n Our PCMark battery test ranking 11 Modern Office, using balanced processor power plan and screen brightness at 106%, the Zenbook S UX 500 achieves a second position, only surpassed by the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 with its huge 11: 58 hours.
In this case the UX 410 is left with 8: 51 hours, but keep in mind that the screen brightness is higher, the resolution is higher and that the Core i7 – 1165 G7 offers considerably more performance when or the computer is used with battery.
Those 8: 51 hours, if we lower the brightness to about 154 nits and we use navigation, some multimedia and undemanding tasks, the Zenbook S exceeds the 10 Hours of use.
Performance
The Intel Core i7 – 1165 G7 is one of the processors of the family Tiger Lake to 13 nanometers, with 4 cores, 8 threads and the new Iris Xe graphics of 100 EUS. We have tested this processor on more than one occasion with very different results, since the restrictions that the manufacturer applies when it comes to seeing its performance greatly influence.
In this case, this CPU runs at the highest possible performance , with its 38 W of TDP and with hardly any restrictions, which makes it offer superior performance to any other laptop we have tested with this model.
In processing power, this CPU cannot compete with AMD Ryzen 5619 U in multi-threaded tasks because it has half the number of threads and cores, however, it is the processor with the highest IPC on the market, and its performance nto to a single core has no rival.
However, where the 1165 G7 on the Zenbook S has been on its integrated GPU , Iris Xe with 99 units that especially shines in this team managing to beat the Vega 8 of the Ryzen without problems and even approaching dedicated solutions.
This jump in gross performance manages to put Intel in the competition of performance in integrated graphics , although there is still some work at the driver level, since, as we already detected in other laptops with this processor, some graphic glitchs appear depending on which games.
In as for the SSD, or It offers good performance, although somewhat modest when compared to the faster NVMe PCIe 3.0 models.
Multi-Core CPU Performance Test
Cinebench R 30 MP
Cinebench R 28 MP
Cinebench R 19 MP
GeekBench 5 Multi Core
1-Core CPU Performance Test
Cinebench R 28 SP
Cinebench R 21 SP
Cinebench R 21 SP
GeekBench 5 Single Core
Performance Test Graphics Card
3DMark FireStrike
3DMark FireStrike Extreme
3DMark TimeSpy DX 12
GeekBench 5 OpenCL
GeekBench 5 Vulkan
Other Performance and Games tests
PCMark 12
Design and Creators Test – SPECViewPerf 15
The Division 2
CrystalDiskMark SSD
Comment that the Zenbook S comes with the trial McAfee antivirus, a bloatware that will remind us of its installation every so often.
Temperatures
The UX cooling system 410 is based on a single turbine fan with a large number of blades that pushes the air towards the block of copper fins that It ends in the flat heatpipe that transfers heat from the CPU.
Its operation is quite silent and manages to keep the processor temperatures below the maximum, in addition, it is possible to adjust its behavior from the MyASUS application to prioritize more or less noise or more or less cooling.
Externally, after 35 minutes of continuous stress testing, the maximum keyboard temperature is around 30, 6ºC, while the maximum of the air outlet area rises to 45 º. The ambient temperatures during the measurement were 20 ºC
Internally, in pure CPU tests as Cinebench the maximums have been 96 ºC
When CPU and GPU are combined temperatures can reach 99 ºC. They are not cool temperatures, but they do not affect performance as in other models, or at least not as noticeably.
Analysis and Conclusion
The renewal of the ASUS Zenbook S line catches up with this UX 410. On the one hand we have the processor Intel Core i7 – 1172 G7 d e eleventh generation, with new architecture, manufacturing process and graphic power, a predictable addition to this renovation. On the other hand, the screen of 3: 2 with 3. 393 x 2. 244 pixels and touch is an interesting change that will be appreciated by those who want a laptop to work more than for multimedia or leisure sections.
This screen has an excellent color coverage and a good calibration as standard, the image quality is good and the brightness, although not reaching the 500 promised cd / m², it does exceed the 410 cd / m² and compensates for the outdoor display limitations of the glossy panel. As a negative point, those small light leaks that shows in the lower right area.
It is better used the screen within the portable format and allows to reduce the size of the equipment, already compact, together with its weight of 1, 35 mm and its 1, 58 cm thick. Its build quality places it within the premium segment and we have the latest in connectivity, with WiFi 6 and USB-C with Thunderbolt 4.0.
In that sense, the two USB-C with TB 4.0 and the options they provide, such as charging port, data, video, sound, however, in total the physical connectivity is somewhat scarce, limited to those two ports, a USB 3.0 type A, HDMI and a small micro-SD card reader. Some extra USB would be fine, or a fingerprint reader and having to use an adapter for the audio port, taking into account the small size that a minijack , it was totally unnecessary.
In performance-wise, now yes, the Core i7 – 1172 G7 displays all its power and is crowned as the laptop processor with the highest performance per core and, above all, it shows the enormous performance leap that Intel has made in its iGPUs with its Iris Xe of 100 units.
No obst Before, with only 4 cores, it cannot compete in multi-threaded performance with processors like the Ryzen 7 – 585 On the other hand, this Core i7 is capable of maintaining high performance even in battery mode, without especially affecting the autonomy of the equipment, in such a way that in many tasks the performance penalty of disconnecting from the current is practically non-existent.
In addition, autonomy is very good, placing it in second place in our ranking. All for a price of 1. 599 euros that we do not consider excessive, but not cheap either. In this price it is clear that the build quality and its 3K touch screen have a great influence.
With all this Taking into account its strengths and weaknesses, the ASUS Zenbook S UX 393 is a team that knows how to combine a very compact design with quality materials and a 3: 2 “3K” screen format (and resolution) aimed at productivity, all without leaving power and autonomy in the pipeline , undoubtedly one of the ultrabook to beat during this close 2021.
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Acer Nitro 5 appeared on the manufacturer's website in the version with AMD Ryzen 7 5800H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card
Soon, manufacturers will present their new products designed for laptops. New processors and graphics cards, refreshed and completely new notebook designs. We expect that more and more information on this topic will begin to enter the web in the near future. One of such reports comes from Acer, which accidentally or not on its website posted information about the new version of the Nitro 5 laptop with a diagonal screen 17, 3 “. Serio Nitro has so far mainly concerned slightly cheaper gaming devices, where the most common cards are like the GeForce GTX 1650 Ti or GeForce GTX 1660 Ti. It is all the more surprising that the Nitro variant will receive a new GeForce RTX 3080 in the energy-saving Max-Q Design variant.
On the Acer website, a configuration of the new version of Nitro 5 with a diagonal screen 17, 3 “. The equipment is supposed to be equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor 5800 H and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX card 3080 ( Max-Q Design).
Acer Nitro variant shown 5 is marked with the AN code 517 – 41 – R9S5. It is to be equipped with an 8-core and 16 – AMD Ryzen 7 threaded APU processor 5800 H from the Cezanne-H family. Additionally, there is a mention of the Ampere graphics chip – GeForce RTX 3080. Considering that the power supply is 180 W, the card is most likely in the energy-saving version of Max-Q Design. Interestingly, the card mentions 8 GB of VRAM. It is possible that this is a mistake, because according to earlier reports, the top Ampere card for laptops would be equipped with 16 GB GDDR6.
In fact, information about the upcoming Ampere cards for notebooks is like a medicine, so we do not know whether the mobile RTX 3080 will eventually receive 8 or 16 GB of memory. It is also possible that the manufacturer put incorrect information, and in fact it may be a lower variant of the GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q, which will certainly receive 8 GB VRAM. The equipment would be valued at almost EUR 1950, i.e. approx. PLN 9000. So it seems that the manufacturer may also want to introduce noticeably more expensive Acer Nitro variants, which will offer much higher performance.
Source: VideoCardz
Core i9-11900 Tested on B560 Motherboard
Chinese news outlet Bilibili was able to get access to an unknown B560 chipset motherboard, along with an engineering sample Core i9-11900 (QV1J) processor to pair with it. The news outlet then ran a series of benchmarks to see how the new Rocket Lake part performs under a bevy of benchmarks.
We have additional details on the Core i9-11900 engineering sample that’s floating. Simply put, it’s a development version of the upcoming Core i9-11900 8-core/16-thread CPU, but with lower core frequencies than we’ll see in the final release parts.
Bilibili believes the B560 board they have may not be the full version we’ll see next year, as it seems to be a modified version of a B460 or simiilar model, as the board has no USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports whatsoever. The board does support PCIe Gen4, but only with an x4 link width. The board is powered by a 6+2 phase system and a 3-phase controller, but we have no screenshots of the board so we don’t know what sort of cooling or what type of power delivery components the board is using.
Bilibili verified the chip uses Intel’s new integrated Xe Graphics, Intel’s replacement for the previous UHD Graphics found in older desktop parts. Bilibili tried to install a notebook Xe Graphics driver to get more functionality out of the chip, but the driver would not install properly due to it being designed for notebook SKUs. At least we have confirmation Rocket Lake will be coming with Xe Graphics, though that’s not going to be particularly critical for desktop parts that usually end up paired with a dedicated GPU.
The 11900 engineering sample was run under several benchmarks including Cinebench R15, R20, and power consumption tests with AIDA64 with the AVX2 and AVX-512 (AVX3) instruction sets.
For Cinebench R15, the Core i9-11900 (ES) scored 217 in the single-threaded test and 1929 in the multi-threaded test. That’s a similar result to a Core i9 9900K from a few years ago. In Cinebench R20 the 11900 scored 529 points for the single-threaded benchmark and 4683 in the multi-threaded test.
For power consumption tests under AIDA64, the core i9-11900 averaged around 120W of power usage with the AVX2 instruction set, which is pretty typical and shouldn’t be a problem for most coolers. However, that changes with the AVX-512 instruction set, which allows the CPU to hit 160W of power draw.
Bilibili also makes the point that this was all under the standard PL1 and PL2 ratings in the motherboard BIOS. PL1 is set to 65W and PL2 to 224W at default. If you fully unlock the PL2 limit (to 4096W) Bilibili says the 11900 will easily shoot beyond the default PL2 wattage which is 224W under AVX-512 workloads. Hopefully, Intel can further optimize AVX-512 workloads to not be as power-hungry as they are now with this Core i9 engineering sample.
Will AVX-512 be useful on Rocket Lake, or will it end up behaving more like a power virus? We’ll have to wait for retail hardware, as early firmware and silicon could account for the current behavior. New for Rocket Lake, the activation of AVX-512 workloads shouldn’t forcibly downclock all cores to the AVX turbo frequency. This can help a lot in AVX-512 scenarios that only require a couple of cores.
Again, this is an engineering sample, so performance is quite low right now. We expect performance to be much greater on the official SKUs coming next year.
Quick Look: Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Introduction
I would like to thank Corsair for supplying the review sample.
The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt dock in many ways reminds us of the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 docks, but offers a different set of I/O. Corsair acquired Elgato a while back, so the TBT100 is a result of having that knowledge and expertise in-house now as well. The Corsair TBT100 is a bit more compact than the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro dock and comes in at a much lower price point to boot.
Packaging, Contents and A Closer Look
A yellow box will certainly draw your attention on a retailer’s shelf, with an image of the device on front and two further shots of it on the rear for you to clearly see which connectivity the unit provides. There is another, inner package you have to pull out, inside of which the device and all its accessories are stored neatly.
Corsair ships the unit with a passive Thunderbolt 3 cable alongside the power cable. As the TBT100 also offers power delivery via Thunderbolt, you will find an external 100 W unit to provide it. That means you no longer have to use your laptop’s power adapter—it will all be done through a single cable.
A warranty guide and basic manual round out the extras within the package.
As previously mentioned, the Corsair TBT100 feels a bit more compact than the Elgato units and comes with an edgier design as well. The housing is made out of metal and sports a similar “gunmetal gray” color tone as those found on Apple notebooks, so the unit should match nicely on your desktop in such a scenario. On the scale, we can see that the TBT100 is rather hefty, weighing 430 grams.
Looking at the front, you will find a power switch alongside a USB-C 10 Gbps connector, SD card reader, and 3.5 mm audio-combo port. In the rear, where the bulk of I/O is located, are two USB 3.0 Type A, a Gigabit Ethernet, another USB-C 10 Gbps, two 4K@60Hz capable HDMI ports, and the Thunderbolt 3 port to interface with the host system. To the very right is the power port and a hole to secure the TBT100 with a Kensington lock.
Inner Workings
There is no need for you to take apart the device as it is essentially plug and play, but for the sake of this article, we have disassembled it to show you the insides. The metal casing holds both the PCB and a metal heatspreader, which comes with a few thermal pads to keep things cool enough even when utilizing all the ports. The PCB is clearly Corsair branded and extremely clean, with most of the ICs on the top of the multi-layered PCB.
At the core of the device is the Intel JHL 7440 Thunderbolt IC, which offers a dual-port configuration with a TDP of 2.4 W and DisplayPort 1.4 support even though the TBT100 does not offer such an interface. Right next to it is the Texas Instruments TPS65983BA power delivery IC, so you may charge your notebook by passing electricity from the external PSU through the TBT100 and its Thunderbolt 3 interface.
In the center of the PCB is the VLI VL822-Q8 USB 3.1 controller which also supports vendor specific charging via USB profiles, like those from Apple and Samsung.
The VLI VL817 Q7 USB 3.1 Gen1 hub controller ensures the TBT100 has all those aforementioned Type-A ports with modern interface speeds. Next to that is the Realtek ALC4050, which is a USB-C to audio jack interface DAC, so you can plug your classic headphones straight into the TBT100.
The Realtek RTL8153B—you may have guessed it—offers the 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet interface by translating it to USB on the internal side. In essence, it is the sort of IC you would find in a modern USB-C to Ethernet dongle as well. Close to the physical port itself, Corsair employs a GST5009M LF discrete LAN magnetics IC, which allows for long-haul connectivity and offers quite a few additional features, like POE. It is great to see, and I welcome this amount of over-kill.
Remember that the Intel Thunderbolt IC can handle DisplayPort? Because the TBT100 utilizes HDMI, there are two ITE IT6563FN DP receiver to HDMI transmitter ICs, one for each port, at the back of the device.
The GL3232S is a USB 3.1 Gen1 memory card controller with UHS-I interface support, so you can throw pretty much any modern SD card at it without issue.
Lastly, there is another smaller IC on the other end of the PCB, which I was unable to identify fully, but it could have something to do with the power button and its LED.
Software
While the Corsair TBT100 works right out of the box without any software applications, you may also download an app to make ejecting/disconnecting devices easier. It shows up as a little Corsair logo in the status bar on Mac OS and literally only offers the option “Unplug Thunderbolt Dock.” This way, you won’t have to worry about having to disconnect every attached device within your operating system, but can do so in a controlled and automated fashion, in one fell swoop before pulling the cable out of your notebook, for example. Within the simple application, you may set it to start automatically as well.
Up and Running
Using the Corsair TBT100 is incredibly easy, which is the essential point really. The single Thunderbolt 3 cable connects to the notebook and immediately starts charging it as needed as well. The power button lights up with a tiny white LED as soon as turned on and operational, so you will always know about the state of the unit by looking at it. The SD card reader holds the card securely, and since it is soldered to the top of the PCB, you don’t need to flip the card over to slide it in. Any of the rear ports instantly work as soon as you plug anything in, be it an HDMI monitor, Ethernet cable, or a USB storage device.
Once in place, the Corsair TBT100 will quickly become an essential part of your desktop environment, especially if you are using a notebook as the brains of your setup. In my scenario, I am utilized the unit for this review with an HDMI-based 27″ 1440P monitor, one USB-C based NVMe drive, one USB-A-based Time Capsule 2.5″ spinning storage unit, and the USB 3.0 hub of the monitor via the second USB-A connector, as well as the SD-Card reader to pull pictures onto the notebook. Lastly, the audio port turned out to be extremely useful, allowing me to keep a headset attached at all times for my “work from home” setup for quick and functional Microsoft Teams chats, or even audio when watching Netflix or playing games in Bootcamp using my Razer eGPU.
With all that and proper charging of the 13″ Macbook Pro, all I had to worry about was a single Thunderbolt cable so that my actual charging adapter stays inside my notebook bag when I am on the go. So while the $230 (MSRP $259) for the Corsair TBT100 is quite the investment, it is absolutely worth it for elaborate setups like this.
MSI GS76 Stealth: Gaming laptop with GeForce RTX 30 graphics chip and 360 Hz
MSI presented its upcoming gaming in a press release for CES 2021 Notebook GS 76 Stealth before which the CES Innovation Award in the gaming category. Even if not many technical details are known, the first pictures show some similarities with the GS 66, which has already been updated this year. For example, speakers from Dynaudio should be on board again, in the same positions as they are already on the GS 66 finds. The keyboard also has a number pad and a wider touchpad. Also features that are already available on the GS 66 integrated in 01 customs were.
In contrast to the little brother, the GS 76 but via a 17 – inch display with 360 Hz and so far of unknown resolution. The Videocardz site suspects a new Intel Core Comet Lake processor and a mobile version of NVIDIA’s new Ampere graphics cards in terms of equipment. Depending on the equipment variant, customers could then have the choice between a model with a GeForce RTX 3060, RTX 3070 or a variant with RTX 3080.
NVIDIA has not yet officially launched the mobile versions of its Ampere series. According to rumors, the GeForce RTX 3080 should be upgraded to a GA 104 – Chip with 6. 144 Set shader units – in connection with a 256 – Bit memory interface. This would make the mobile version of the GeForce RTX 3080 more like the desktop version of the GeForce RTX 3070 are similar.
More detailed information will be available no later than CES 2021 in January. NVIDIA will probably officially present its mobile ampere graphics cards there. Then more detailed information about the MSI GS 66 Stealth exist.
Samsung towards flexible screen tablets: foldable for everyone?
The Korean company, according to rumors , would be aimed at bringing the technology of flexible screens also to the world of tablets through a “triple folded” product: possible debut in 2021
by Paolo Corsini published 21 December 2020 , at 09: 30 in the Tablet channel
Samsung Galaxy Lenovo ThinkPad
Samsung seems more and more willing to develop products which are equipped with a flexible screen , after the initial availability of two smartphones equipped with this technical feature between 2019 is 2020. We talked about it a few days ago in this news: from the Korean company the availability of 4 smartphone models with flexible screen is expected during the 2021.
After seeing S 21 leaks, you are probably disappointed.
Just wait a bit more, you will like foldables.
You won’t? Samsung will make you do.Samsung has great stuff planned for 2021.
Triple foldable “tablet”, transparent display phone as well .Scrollables and rollables in 2022.
– Tron (@cozyplanes) December 19, 2020
Not just smartphones, however: Samsung could bring the concept of flexible screen even within the world of tables t presenting a “triple folded” model, therefore equipped with two hinges for closing and not just one as seen for smartphones on the market.
So will we see a Galaxy Tab Fold range? Difficult to say at the moment as the one that appeared on Twitter in the above embeded post is just an indiscretion not confirmed. Technically, however, a range of products of this type is certainly feasible, also in consideration of what has already appeared on the market.
Lenovo , for example, proposes with its own Thinkpad X1 Fold a notebook which is flexible screen based, capable of transforming from large screen tablet to 13 inches diagonal in a notebook that has a virtual keyboard built into the lower half of the screen, which can be paired with a physical keyboard that replicates the size of the product.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold
Flexible technology even for screens larger than those typical of larger smartphones is therefore accessible and could help define a new category, that of foldable tablets, which could to some extent make p this category of products is more attractive. All this, however, presupposes prices for these products that are at least accessible to a good number of end users , which does not seem within the reach of producers at least at an early stage.
could it therefore be the year of progressive customs clearance of mobile products equipped with a flexible screen? This is a plausible scenario which however needs to be confirmed over the next few months. Alongside the work planned by Samsung, in fact, it will also be necessary to see other manufacturers engaged in this direction to increase the popularity of these devices and lead to a progressive but continuous decline in their prices.
Microsoft is said to be developing proprietary ARM chips as Apple did. Goodbye to Intel?
An unconfirmed Bloomberg report but based on confidential internal sources Microsoft would point the finger at the possibility that in Redmond a proprietary ARM chip is already being developed by abandoning the idea of Intel and following the path of Apple. Will it really be so?
by Bruno Mucciarelli published 19 December 2020 , at 15: 01 in the Processors channel
Microsoft Intel ARM Apple Amazon Qualcomm
Comes from Bloomberg a report that reveals a news that could become a bomb. Microsoft would be working in secret in its labs on the creation and development of proprietary ARM processor following the path of Apple with its new M1 or even what was done by Amazon with the Graviton data center CPU. A novelty, if confirmed, which would certainly give a shock to the processor market and especially to Intel which therefore should rethink its line of action for the future.
Microsoft as Apple: proprietary ARM CPU coming?
As regards the leak of the news, the information derives, according to what Bloomberg said, from unrecorded conversations with Microsoft employees. These sources claim that Microsoft is already currently developing an ARM processor for use in data centers and that the possibility of creating a parallel is even being considered for the future line of Surface Notebook PCs .
Bloomberg sources state the use of these CPUs more for the datacenter part than for that of the Surface but do not question that Microsoft sees ” possible ” the use of proprietary CPUs for the new Surface, thus abandoning the collaboration with Intel. This seems plausible, given that Microsoft’s chip design unit reports to the Azure cloud VP, with no direct ties to the Surface division. In this case the same Microsoft declined to comment on any specific plans and this leak, stating only that it continues to work and “to invest in our capabilities in areas such as design, manufacturing and tools, while also promoting and strengthening partnerships with a wide range of chip suppliers. “
Given Microsoft’s deep partnership with Intel, AMD and now Qualcomm , bringing proprietary ARM chips to its Surface while abandoning its partners would be a heavy and very delicate change for the software giant. Clearly these few rumors cannot give the certainty of possible future scenarios for Microsoft with Surface without Intel chips. It is equally clear, however, that if Microsoft followed the example of Apple and Amazon in designing their own custom ARM processors, could potentially shorten their supply chain and add another source of profit even though this may not be as straightforward and easy for the Windows giant to realize.
Skylum officially presents Luminar AI: artificial intelligence in photo editing for everyone
by Mattia Speroni, published on 18 December 2020, at 11: 31
?? Skylum Luminar AI is the photo editing software presented these days that brings Artificial Intelligence to the service of the user, both expert and novice, allowing him to edit photographs quickly. ?
Skylum officially presented the new photo editing software called Luminar AI that promises to revolutionize the work of creatives around the world thanks to its features. As the name suggests, there are many integrated technologies that exploit the Artificial Intelligence , following that which is a trend also carried out by competitors, such as Adobe. All this without limiting the user’s creativity.
The news of Skylum Luminar AI
Luminar AI promises to be usable by all users, both those more savvy than beginners. Thanks to the integration of Artificial Intelligence in many processes it will be possible to minimize changes more boring, thus leaving more space for the creative part. The words of Alex Tsepko (CEO of Skylum) sum up this idea “we created Luminar AI so that people can focus on the results and photos and not worry too much about the editing process” .
The computational and analysis models allow you to scan the photographs and find the problems that could worsen their quality. At this point the software itself recommends the user on the steps to follow helping him for the most common operations. For those who have more experience, they can choose whether to skip a step, customize it or modify it manually, thus giving a more “personal” .
The photo editing software applies effects intelligently adapting to the various needs of different professionals such as photographers, designers, communicators and digital artists. According to Dima Sytnik (CPO of Skylum) “in less than two minutes, creators can go from a raw image to 10 or more starting points with a rich rendering to start with “.
HP – Gaming OMEN 12 – ek00 15 nl Notebook, Intel Core i7 – 10750 H, RAM 16 GB, SSD 512 GB, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB, Windows 10 Home, Screen 15. 6 “FHD IPS 144 Hz, Bang & Olufsen, USB-C, HDMI, RJ – 45, Black
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Artificial intelligence al creative user service
Among the tools of Skylum Luminar AI we find for example Body AI for changing a subject’s body, or Iris AI to change its eyes. Again with regard to the portraits we also find Face AI and Skin AI which help to define face and skin of the person portrayed personalizing it.
Obviously, an intelligent function dedicated to the sky could not be missing, and it is called Sky AI . Artificial Intelligence automatically recognizes the sky in a photograph and allows you to change its appearance. Atmosphere AI instead adds fog and haze in a realistic way .
For those who want to waste little time to personalize and improve their images, you can use Accent AI which allows you to apply a series of automatic filters to improve the overall appearance in a single pass. The instrument Composition AI instead it will allow you to cut images to get the perfect composition.
Users can download Luminar AI as a standalone application or as a plug-in for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop or as an extension for Apple Photos. The license for one computer has a price of 79 EUR instead for two computers a discount is applied and you get to 99 EUR.
Microsoft: many offers for Christmas on Amazon, Mediaworld and Unieuro on Surface notebooks
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Very attractive prices these days before Christmas for Microsoft’s Surface range, with Surface Laptop 3 models, Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3 hitting lows
by Editorial team published 18 December 2020 , at 10: 51 in the Laptop channel
Microsoft Surface Intel Core
These are the last days to take advantage of some of the Christmas promotions of the Microsoft Surface notebook range . Many retailers offer these models, together with Microsoft on their official channel, but only for some there are particularly significant discounts compared to the price lists typically practiced. We have selected them for you.
The first model of considerable convenience in terms of cost is Surface Laptop 3 , in the version with screen from 13, 5 inches diagonal with 8GB of system memory and SSD from 128 GB of capacity. Unieuro proposes it for 799 € VAT included , against an official price list of 1. 169 €: a this price is cheaper than the corresponding Surface Laptop Go model with the same memory and SSD allocation. Mediaworld offers the same offer on offer in the configuration with SSD from 128 GB and 8GB of memory: 799 ?? VAT included.
Very attractive price also for the corresponding version of Surface Pro 7 , with Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of system memory and 128 GB of storage via SSD: always 799 € VAT included , in this case on Amazon, for the 2-in-1 from Microsoft to match the keyboard cover. The presence of an SD memory card reader allows you to expand the onboard storage quickly, obtaining many GB of extra storage for your data even if not as fast as that of an SSD. Also Mediaworld offers this product at the same price list on offer in the configuration with SSD from 128 GB and 8GB of memory: 799 ?? VAT included.
Also on Amazon, some models of the family Surface Book 3 : this is the powerful 2-in-1 notebook, with screen completely detachable from the base, which Microsoft offers to those looking for high performance combined with an extremely solid construction. We find in promotion the models with screen from 13, 5 inches diagonal and 15 inches. In the first case the discounts are equal to 22% for models with 8GB and 16 GB of system memory, both with SSD from 256 GB capacity and Intel Core i5 CPU in the first case and Core i7 in the second.
For the versions with screen from 15 Surface Book 3 inches the power goes up further: for both Intel Core i7 CPU and SSD from 512 GB, with memory quantities equal to 16 GB or 32 GB and prices that today touch the minimum for several months to this part.
MSI GS76 Stealth – gaming notebook with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000 cards and a 360 Hz matrix. Premiere at CES 2021
Already 12 January NVIDIA during The online conference will showcase the new generation of GeForce RTX graphics cards 3000 for laptops. No wonder that manufacturers have been working on refreshed or completely new designs that will use the potential of Ampere architecture for some time. Information about one of the novelties of the Taiwanese company MSI, which will show at least one novelty in January, has leaked to the network. I am talking about the GS laptop 76 Stealth, which will be the successor of the GS model 75 Stealth, the device introduced on the occasion of the premiere of GeForce RTX cards 2000. The new notebook will undergo a major visual makeover, as will last year’s GS 66 Stealth. What can we expect from a notebook?
MSI at CES 2021 will present a new gaming GS laptop 76 Stealth. It will be the successor to the GS model 75, which will be equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX cards 3000 and 360 Hz IPS screen.
We got to know the first details about the MSI GS laptop 76 Stealth, which will be presented at CES 2021. The laptop will receive a similar design to this year’s GS model 66 Stealth. Strong, black colors and better quality. Looking at the photos, we can see a full-size keyboard, of which the numeric block will be more distinct from the rest of the keyboard. New MSI GS Laptop 76 Stealth comes with 17, 3 “Full HD IPS screen with refresh rate 360 Hz. We can confirm that more such devices will be presented in January.
New MSI GS Laptop 76 Stealth with GeForce RTX cards 3000 and screen 360 Hz.
In terms of performance, we expect a big jump compared to the current generation. The hardware will be powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, GeForce RTX 3070 and GeForce RTX 3080. The approach to the processor seems disappointing – the Taiwanese manufacturer will most likely decide on the systems 10 Intel Comet Lake generation. In the case of this manufacturer I would not expect a sudden turn towards no AMD Cezanne-H units with Zen 3 cores. Nevertheless, the laptop as a whole seems to be very interesting anyway. For sure, however, we expect very high prices, which the company has already got used to when it comes to slim notebooks from the Stealth line.
Source: VideoCardz
Surface Pro 8: two processors, two connectivity and lots of storage options
The debut of the new versions of Surface Pro and Surface Laptop is expected early next year , respectively the 2-in-1 detachable and the Microsoft clamshell notebook of the Surface family. For the first we will reach the eighth generation, while for Surface Laptop it will be the fourth.
We have already reported how the novelties of these products will be under the body, with a CPU updates in the form of 11th Generation Intel Core models based on Tiger Lake architecture. For Surface Laptop 4 Microsoft may continue to make available versions with of AMD Ryzen processors, adopting those Ryzen 5000 for mobile systems that the American company should announce in early January 2021 in conjunction with the CES.
Thanks to the WinFuture website, new information emerges on what could be the hardware characteristics of Surface Pro 8 in terms of onboard memory quantity and SSD storage capacity. Depending on the type of processor chosen, in fact, consumers can opt for different combinations with the type of integrated connectivity (WiFi or LTE) to represent a further differentiator in the range.
For versions with Intel Core i5 processor Microsoft has provided WiFi-only connectivity or even models with integrated LTE modem . For these versions we will find memory capacity of 8GB or 16 GB: in the first case the storage will be equal to 128 GB or 256 GB, while in the second only a SSD of 256 GB capacity.
For those with Intel Core i7 CPU , however, Microsoft will only provide versions with WiFi connectivity, with memory capacity equal to 16 GB or 32 GB. In the first case it will be possible to choose between SSD from 256 GB, 512 GB or 1TB of capacity while the proposal with 32 GB of system memory will be offered only with 1TB capacity SSD.
Best Gaming Laptops of 2020
The best gaming laptops come in all shapes and sizes, for different needs and budgets. Because while a tricked out $5,000-plus model with the highest-end graphics and best display might give you the best gaming laptop experience, most of us can’t afford a rig like that. And even if we could, it wouldn’t be the best gaming laptop for those who travel frequently with their PC.
Thankfully, there are more gaming laptop options now than ever, from budget-friendly to VR-ready. Some come with full-size Nvidia GeForce GTX or RTX graphics cards, while others go for the more efficient Max-Q designs that enable thinner chassis and (sometimes) quieter fans. While many of the best gaming laptops come with a 1080p display and high refresh rates, some include 4K screens.
One of the newest innovations we’ve seen is AMD SmartShift, which shares power between the CPU and the GPU based on need. We saw this in the Dell G5 15 SE, but it won’t be in other laptops until 2021.
To help you find the best gaming laptop today, we’ve compiled a list of the best models we’ve tested and reviewed recently. For much more on how to narrow down your list of best gaming laptop considerations, check out our best gaming laptop buyer’s guide. But here are a few quick tips to get you started down the road to the right portable gaming rig for you.
While many gamers may go to desktops to get the most performance for their money, try lugging a tower, monitor and keyboard around in your backpack. When you need a powerful rig you can take with you, there’s no substitute for a gaming laptop.
- Focus on the GPU: Most games are dependent on the GPU, and those aren’t upgradeable. If you splurge on a powerful GPU now, you’ll be gaming comfortably for a few years.
- You can upgrade some parts later: While CPUs and GPUs are almost always soldered down, most gaming laptops let you replace the RAM and storage, so you can buy cheaper now and add more memory and a bigger hard drive or SSD down the road.
- Battery life will probably be bad: Very few gaming notebooks get 8 hours or more on a charge, and you need the power supply to get the best gaming performance anyway. However, we’ve seen some strong times from AMD’s Ryzen 4000 processors, and Nvidia suggests its improved Optimus technology may help turn the tide.
Best gaming laptops at a glance:
- MSI GE66 Raider
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
- Razer Blade 15 Advance Model
- Alienware m17 R3
- Acer Nitro 5
- Alienware Area-51m
- Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G732
- Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15
Best Gaming Laptops You Can Buy Today
1. MSI GE66 Raider
The Best Overall Gaming Laptop
CPU: Intel Core i9-10980HK | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q | Display: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080, 300 Hz | Weight: 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg)
Great gaming performance
300 Hz display
Well-executed RGB light bar
High-end build
Cramped keyboard
Tinny audio
The MSI GE66 Raider is a gaming laptop, and it’s saying it loud with a massive RGB light bar. It’s new look is aggressive, but it’s not just talk, with options going up to an Intel Core i9-10980HK and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q.
For those looking for esports-level performance in games like League of Legends or Overwatch, there’s an option for a 300 Hz display.
And while it’s not the slimmest laptop around (or even MSI’s thinnest), it does feel remarkably portable considering the power inside, and we can’t help but appreciate high-end build quality.
Read: MSI GE66 Raider review
2. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Best Thin and Light Gaming Laptop
CPU: AMD Ryzen 4900HS | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q | Display: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 120Hz | Weight: 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)
Good looks
AMD Ryzen 4900HS offers strong performance
Stellar battery life
Comfortable keyboard
Fan sometime whirs when idle
No webcam
No Thunderbolt 3
For those looking for something slim and attractive, our pick is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. As far as gaming laptops go, the Zephyrus is unassuming in either white or gray with minimalist stylings. But with the AMD Ryzen 4900HS and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q in our review unit, you get strong productivity and gaming performance. It’s not the best performer on the market in terms of graphics, but it’s the best value for most people.
The battery life is also surprisingly long for a gaming notebook and the keyboard is clicky and comfortable. The fan, however, sometimes goes off even when just sitting on the desktop, and this system doesn’t come equipped with a built-in webcam.
Read: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
3. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model
Best Thin and Light Gaming Laptop (Alternate Pick)
CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 Super Max-Q | Display: 15.6 inch, 1920 x 1080, 300Hz | Weight: 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg)
Thin and light
Stunning design
Great selection of ports
300 Hz Display
Uncomfortable keyboard
Expensive
If you want higher specs and are willing to pay more for a thin and light gaming laptop, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is a strong choice. It has a sleek design that’s easy to take with you anywhere, and has a nice selection of ports if you also want to plug in a bunch of peripherals.
While the Zephyrus stops at an RTX 2060, the Blade goes up to an Nvidia RTX 2080 Super Max-Q. It also has options for a faster 300 Hz display, which is great for esports.
Instead of a Ryzen chip, Razer has opted for Intel’s 10th Gen H-series processors to power the Blade 15. It’s not as power efficient, but offers strong performance.
Read: Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model review
4. Alienware m17 R3
Best 17-inch Gaming Laptop
CPU: Intel Core i9-10980HK | GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 Super | Display: 17.3 inch 3840 x 2160 60 Hz HDR400 | Weight: 6.6 pounds / 3 kg
Bright, colorful, large screen
Comfortable, clicky per-key RGB keyboard
Thin for a gaming laptop
Hot and loud
Pricey
The Alienware m17 R3 can get expensive, especially the way we reviewed it with a 10th Gen Intel Core i9 and RTX 2080 Super. But it also has a fantastic, colorful 17-inch display, perfect for those who want the biggest screen they can get on a gaming notebook. The 4K 60 Hz HDR option is bright and colorful, but if you prefer, there’s also an option for 1920 x 1080 at 144 Hz.
The power we got out of the top tier components was tremendous, with amazing performance across our gaming suite. It also did quite well on our productivity benchmarks, should you want to use this as a workhorse as well.
The m17 R3 has a comfortable RGB keyboard and, for a gaming notebook, isn’t all that thick at 0.9 inches. But these components do suck battery power, so be sure to bring the charger.
Read:
Alienware m17 R3 review
5. Acer Nitro 5
The Best Budget Gaming Laptop
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600U | GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 | Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Weight: 5.3 pounds / 2.4 kg
Great value
Comfortable keyboard
Good webcam
Dim display
The Acer Nitro 5 is the best gaming laptop for those on a tight budget. For the price, you’ll get a great value on entry level performance. While you’ll sacrifice a bright display, the keyboard is comfortable and you even get a decent webcam.
Our review unit had an AMD Ryzen 5 4600U paired with an Nvidia GeForce 1650. We’ve seen a few Ryzen-based gaming laptops get better than expected battery life, and the Nitro 5 lasted over 11 hours.
If you’re handy, there’s plenty of room for upgrading (and you’ll want to consider it down the line with just 256GB of storage in our review unit), but for $700, you’re getting a lot for the money.
Read: Acer Nitro 5 (AMD) review
6. Alienware Area-51m
The Best Splurge Gaming Laptop
CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-9900K | GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 | Display: Up to 1920 x 1080, 144 Hz with G-Sync | Weight: 8.5 pounds / 3.9 kg
Strong gaming and productivity performance
Beautiful new design
Upgradeable CPU and GPU
Extremely pricey
No 4K options
The Alienware Area-51m, with its desktop-class Core i9-9900K and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, is the best gaming laptop for those with a big gaming budget. It offers laptop performance so strong that it will appeal to power users more used to desktops. That’s assuming you can afford it without taking out a second mortgage.
It’s awesome that you can upgrade nearly all aspects of the Area-51m, and I hope more desktop replacements go this route. But Alienware still has to release details about how new GPUs will be sold or if and when that replacement program will come to fruition. Then of course there’s the question of how future graphics modules will be priced compared to their standard desktop-card counterparts.
The process to make major upgrades yourself requires some tools and patience, but the ability to replace the CPU, GPU, RAM and storage is truly impressive.
You can also see our complete teardown of the machine.
7. Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G732
The Best Esports Gaming Laptop
CPU: Intel Core i9-10980HK | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super | Display: 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 300 Hz | Weight: 6.3 pounds / 2.9 kg
High refresh rate display
Strong gaming perfomance
Underside stays cool
No webcam
To play esports titles like the pros, you need a laptop with the fastest screen you can get. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 ($2,199.99 to start, $3,299.99 as tested) is a bit pricey because it pairs a 300 Hz display with the top-end parts needed to play games at frame rates that can take advantage of it. But in our testing, that meant smooth animations so you never miss a frame.
Sure, it’s a bit thicker than some competitors like the Alienware m17 R3, but it also managed to outperform them.
If you’re using this laptop to stream your games, though, you’ll most certainly want to also buy a webcam, because the Strix doesn’t have one built in.
Read: Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G732 review
8. Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15
The Best Dual-Screen Gaming Laptop
CPU: Intel Core i9-10980HK | GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 2080 Super Max-Q | Display: 15.6-inch IPS 60Hz 3840 x 2160 primary, 3840 x 1100 ScreenPad Plus secondary display | Weight: 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg)
Attractive sci-fi style
Nice 4K display
Second screen lifts up for improved cooling and viewing angles
Awkwardly displaced input devices
No webcam
Only one Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port
It’s admittedly expensive with a starting price of $2,999 (and $3,699 as tested), but Asus’ dual-screen ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 gaming laptop adds a handy, eye-catching second screen while improving cooling and keeping fan noise down in the process. If it weren’t for the awkward input devices and the lack of a webcam, this would be a near-perfect portable gamer.
There are single-screen laptops that will deliver similar performance for less, with better input devices as well. But if you like the idea of a portable with a second screen for Discord chats and YouTube hints as you make your way through the latest AAA title, the Zephyrus Duo 15 is easily the best option we’ve seen yet. Rather than just slapping on another screen, Asus used the space available below its ScreenPad to improve cooling considerably, for more reliable frame rates and quieter operation.
Read: Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550 review
Best Gaming Laptops Compared
| CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Display | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI GE66 Raider | Up to Intel Core i9-10980HK | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q | Up to 32GB | Up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | Up to 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080, 300 Hz | 5.3 pounds / 2.4 kg |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | Up to AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q | Up to 16GB | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD | 14-inch, 1920 x 1080, 120 Hz | 3.5 pounds / 1.6 kg |
| Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model | Up to Intel Core i7-10875H | Up to Nvidia RTX 2080 Super Max-Q | 16GB | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD | 15.6-inch, Up to 1920 x 1080 300 Hz or 4K OLED 60 Hz | 4.7 pounds / 2.1 kg |
| Alienware m17 R3 | Intel Core i9-10980HK | Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 Super | 32GB DDR4 | 2x 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD (connected over RAID0) | 17.3 inch 3840 x 2160 60 Hz HDR400 | 6.6 pounds / 3 kg |
| Acer Nitro 5 | AMD Ryzen 5 4600U | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 | 8GB | Up to 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | 5.3 pounds / 2.4 kg |
| Alienware Area 51-m | Up to Intel Core i9-9900K | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 | Up to 64GB | Up to 2TB (RAID0) + 1TB SSHD | 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 144 Hz | 8.5 pounds / 3.9 kg |
| Asus ROG Strix 17 G732 | Up to Intel Core i9-10980HK | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super | Up to 32GB | Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD in RAID0 | 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 300 Hz | 6.3 pounds / 2.9 kg |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 | Intel Core i9-10980HK | Nvidia GeForce GTX 2080 Super Max-Q | 32GB 3,200 MHz DDR4 | 2x 1TB NVMe SSDs (RAID0) | 15.6-inch IPS 60Hz 3840 x 2160 resolution primary display, 3840 x 1100 ScreenPad Plus secondary display | 5.3 pounds / 2.4 kg |
MORE: How to Buy a Gaming Laptop
MORE: Best Gaming PCs
MORE: Best Ultrabooks and Premium Laptops
Intel, Optane SSD P5800X is the world's fastest datacenter SSD
Lots of news from Intel’s storage division , both for the Optane range and the classic SSDs based on 3D NAND memory. The new Optane SSD P 5800 X stands out, a very fast drive based on second generation 3D XPoint memory aimed at datacenter.
by Manolo De Agostini published 16 December 2020 , at 15: 53 in the Storage channel
Optane Intel
During the event Memory and Storage 2020 , Intel unveiled six new storage products . We are facing the first big announcements since the US company announced the sale of the storage division to SK hynix. We must not forget that it will be a not rapid “posting”, but it will take several years: for this reason the division will continue to work “as if nothing had happened” even during the transition period.
Optane SSD P 5800 X : a very fast SSD for datacenter
To stand out among the news is undoubtedly Optane SSD P 5800 X , defined as “the fastest data center SSD in the world” : with interface PCI Express 4.0 x4 , a new controller and the second generation 3D XPoint memory , offers three times higher performance compared to the previous generation Optane SSD DC P 4800 X.
More precisely, P 5800 X reaches 1.5 million IOPS with cas loads which 4K and sequential performance of peak equal to 7.2 GB / s . The unit is also capable of achieving performance with random loads 400 B up to 4.6 million IOPS and ensure a maximum of 1.8 million IOPS with mixed loads. The new P 5800 X is also capable of a write resistance up to 67% higher than P 4800 X, consequently touching a peak of 100 drive writes per day (DWPD) .
However, these are just some of the capabilities of this very interesting product for datacenters. Intel has improved the SSD’s quality of service (QoS) over the previous model and worked to ensure consistent performance even under very heavy loads. The P 5800 X is capable of sustaining a very high load throughput of 8GB / s. Furthermore, the new SSD ensures a latency of only 66 us.
Optane SSD P 5800 X is also able to take advantage of the bi-directionality of PCI Express, which is very useful in mixed workloads. In a scenario with reads and writes respectively at 70% is 19%, the SSD is capable of touching 2 million IOPS, 3.7 times higher than the previous generation model.
Intel has not yet released information on pricing or availability , but has announced that the new Optane will be available in the form factor U.2 with capacity of 400 GB, 800 GB, 1.6TB and 3.2TB. It is plausible that the new Optane SS DP 5800 X arrives on the market together with the new Intel Ice Lake server platform, the first to support PCIe 4.0 , expected in the first quarter 2021. Obviously the SSD can be installed without any problem even on systems based on AMD EPYC CPU.
Optane Memory H 20 for reactive notebooks
Still within the Optane family, but very different than the P 5800 X, it is the new Optane Memory H 20: it is a SSD in M.2 format that matches 3D NAND QLC to 144 3D XPoint memory layer managed by a renewed controller. Evolution of model H 10, fuses the storage capacity of NAND with the speed and low latencies of 3D XPoint, so as to allow notebook manufacturers (will not be sold in stores) to make responsive, fast and light products.
The debut of Optane Memory H 20 is expected for Q2 2021 in two versions with 512 GB or 1 TB of 3D NAND flanked by 32 GB of 3D XPoint memory . Optane Memory 20 is accompanied by a PCI Expres 3.0 interface and we will find it on board products with Intel Core CPU of 11 th generation of the U series and series chipset 350.
SSD D7-P 5510 and D5-P 5316, 3D NAND a 144 layer for datacenters
Intel has renewed the patrol of SSD for datacenter with new solutions based on 3D NAND memory a 144 layer , of the TLC type in the case of the D7 and in the QLC meaning in that of the D5. However, the two share the same controller and support PCI Express 4.0. The D7-P 5510 is presented in U.2 format with capacity of 3, 84 and 7, 68 TB , but also a series of specific news for the world of the cloud and virtualized environments. It will be available by the end of the year, obviously only for companies in the sector.
Model D5-P 5316 will arrive instead in the first half of next year with the aim of taking the place of hard drives. Available in capacities of 15, 36 is 30, 72 TB, the new SSD with 3D NAND QLC memory will be available in U.2 and E1.L formats (in quest ‘last case will allow you to insert 1 petabyte of storage in a 1U rack).
Intel SSD 670 p, QLC memory to 144 layer the consumer area
In the first quarter of next year Intel will introduce the SSD 670 p, a consumer model characterized by a new controller compared to the previous solutions and from the memory 3D NAND QLC to 144 layer . Also in this case it is a SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 , which will come in capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB . Price and performance will be shared by Intel near the debut, but the company has made it known that it has made some changes regarding the functioning of the dynamic SLC cache.
In practice, while the maximum and minimum sizes will not change from the past, Intel has succeeded in improve available cache size when drive is partially full : a 670 p with half the capacity occupied will have almost the maximum size of the SLC cache available. Furthermore, the minimum size will not be reached until the drive is full at the 85%. A change that should be useful to sustain performance in some situations where short and fast writes are required.
Optane Persistent Memory, “Crow Pass” is coming
Finally, Intel also talked about the future of Optane Persistent Memory , i.e. the memory modules that fit into the classic DIMM slots of the DRAMs but, unlike the latter, are able to store much more data and keep them even in the absence of energy. Intel has made it known that after the proposals of the series 200, codenamed Barlow Pass, it will be up to the “Crow Pass” generation to support future Xeon “Sapphire Rapids” processors . There will therefore most likely be a major change in terms of the interface, as future CPUs will support DDR5 memory.
Nvidia Hosting GeForce Event in January: New GPUs Coming?
Nvidia said on Wednesday that it would host its “GeForce RTX: Game On” event in mid-January to reveal the “latest innovations in gaming and graphics.” The company naturally did not give a clue about the exact nature of the announcement, but it will definitely cover consumer graphics.
GeForce RTX: Game On will take place on January 12, 2021, at 9:00 AM PST. The broadcast will be presented by Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of Nvidia’s GeForce business, so it will more than likely cover a GeForce product or products.
The broadcast will take place at the time of virtual CES, which starts on January 11 and ends on January 14. Given the scope of the trade show, it is logical for Nvidia to use it for a significant announcement. Yesterday it was reported that Nvidia might formally introduce its cheapest Ampere GPU yet — the GeForce RTX 3060 — which is a significant launch.
Meanwhile, Nvidia could also unveil its first notebook GeForce RTX GPUs based on the Ampere architecture at CES, considering how popular gaming laptops are today.
Over the past few weeks Nvidia’s management said that it had multiple Ampere-powered products in the pipeline. We do not know for sure what Nvidia is planning to reveal on January 12, 2021, but the company says it will be an important announcement for gaming, so stay tuned.
Samsung Galaxy Note: The smartphone series, however, will not be discontinued in 2021. We know the manufacturer's immediate plans
For a long time, information has appeared on the network that Samsung intends to abandon the well-known and valued Galaxy Note series. Some of the functions related to the stylus would go to smartphones from the Galaxy S and Z Fold lines. The reports intensified, and when the matter seemed settled, in a comment for Yonhap News, a representative of the South Korean producer denied the rumors and revealed the giant’s immediate publishing plans. This is not the official position of Samsung, but everything indicates that the company is not planning to change the shape of the product portfolio for next year. The question is, will it look similar in the coming years?
The Samsung Galaxy Note series, however, will not disappear from the market in 2021 year. An employee of the company confirms plans for the near future of characteristic smartphones with a pen hidden in the housing.
Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone test 20: Is it worth the money?
Samsung can boast of two flagship series of smartphones. The first is Galaxy S, which has been setting the direction for the development of the mobile industry for years. In these devices we can find a number of the most modern components and functions, but the overall character of the models is somewhat of a lifestyle. The second series is Galaxy Note, which was initially intended for the broadly understood business. The extensive proprietary functions related to the stylus supported entrepreneurs, but over time creative people, such as sketchbooks, began to use them. A recent statement from a Samsung representative that selected stylus functions will also go to the manufacturer’s folded smartphones caused a storm.
Test of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 smartphone – perfect evolution
The message was clearly understood, which meant that “Killing” the Galaxy Note series. These reports were confirmed by Reuters and Korean ET News. Nevertheless, now in the latest Yonhap News report there is a voice from an anonymous Samsung employee who says the company is getting ready to release next year’s “Notebook”. This means that the Notes will stay with us until 2022 a year. However, the future of the brand is a mystery. It is possible that the company will expire the line over time, but at the moment we cannot talk about any official confirmation.
Source: Android Authority, Yonhap News