Tag Archives: 7th Generation Intel Core

The Intel Core Processor Number Guide – What They Mean!

The Intel Core processor number system changes with every generation, including the new 10th Gen Ice Lake and 10th Gen Comet Lake processors!

In this guide, we will share with you exactly what those letters and numbers mean!

10 Generations, 10 Number Systems!

Every Intel Core processor generation varies in how they are numbered. We will go through each generation from the latest 10th Gen Core all the way to the first-generation Core processors.

 

10th Gen Intel Core Processor Number Systems

Even though they are both part of the same 10th Gen Intel Core processor family, the Ice Lake and Comet Lake processors have different processor number systems.

10th Gen Intel Ice Lake Processors

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with many processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

This is now a 2-digit number 10 for the 10th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

Instead of three digits, it now uses just two digits, but the concept is the same – the higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general.

For example, the Core i7-1068 is faster than Core i7-1065.

Level of Graphics

Replacing the Product Line Suffix, this gives us a rough indication of the processor graphics’ performance level.

  • G7 : Intel Iris Plus Graphics with 64 Execution Units
  • G4 : Intel Iris Plus Graphics with 48 Execution Units
  • G1 : Intel UHD Graphics with 32 Execution Units

Intel started using this graphics indicator in the 10th Gen Intel Core processor number system, because this will be a major model differentiator.

For example, they announced three Intel Core i5-1035 models, differentiated only by their processor graphics :

  • Intel Core i5-1035G7 : Intel Iris Pro Graphics (64 EUs)
  • Intel Core i5-1035G4 : Intel Iris Pro Graphics (48 EUs)
  • Intel Core i5-1035G1 : Intel UHD Graphics (32 EUs)

Recommended : 10th Gen Intel Ice Lake Mobile CPU Features + Specifications!

10th Gen Intel Comet Lake Processors

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • Core i7 : enthusiast class
  • Core i5 : mainstream processors
  • Core i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

This is now a 2-digit number 10 for the 10th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

Instead of two digits that Ice Lake uses, Comet Lake uses three digits, but the concept is the same – the higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general.

For example, the Core i7-10710 is faster than Core i7-10510.

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • U : Ultra-low power (mobile only)
  • Y : Extremely-low power (mobile only)

Recommended : 10th Gen Intel Comet Lake : 1 Step Forward, 1 Step Back!

 

9th Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i9 : prosumer class, with the most processing cores
  • i7 : enthusiast class, with many processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 9 – quickly tells us that this is a 9th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i9-9900 is faster than Core i9-9880
  • Core i7-9850 is faster than Core i7-9750

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • K : Unlocked processor multiplier
  • F : Does not come with processor graphics, requires discrete graphics
  • T : Power-optimised
  • S : Special Edition
  • H : High performance graphics (mobile only)

Recommended : Intel Core i9-9900K Preview – World’s Best Gaming CPU?

 

8th Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i9 : prosumer class, with the most processing cores
  • i7 : enthusiast class, with many processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 8 – quickly tells us that this is an 8th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-8750 is faster than Core i7-8700
  • Core i5-8500 is faster than Core i5-8400

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • K : Unlocked processor multiplier (desktop only)
  • G : Includes discrete graphics on package (mobile only)
  • U : Ultra-low power (mobile only)

Next Page > 5th to 7th Gen Intel Core Processors

 

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7th Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 7 – quickly tells us that this is a 7th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-7700 is faster than Core i7-7600
  • Core i5-7Y57 is faster than Core i5-7Y54

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • K : Unlocked processor multiplier
  • H : High performance graphics
  • Q : Quad-core processor
  • U : Ultra-low power
  • Y : Extremely low power

 

6th Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 6 – quickly tells us that this is a 6th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-6700 is faster than Core i7-6600
  • Core i5-6600 is faster than Core i5-6500

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • K : Unlocked processor multiplier (desktop only)
  • T : Power-optimised (desktop only)
  • H : High performance graphics (mobile only)
  • HK : High performance graphics, unlocked multiplier (mobile only)
  • HQ : High performance graphics, quad-core processor (mobile only)
  • U : Ultra-low power (mobile only)

 

5th Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors
  • M : ultra-low power mobile processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 5 – quickly tells us that this is a 5th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-5700 is faster than Core i7-5600
  • Core i5-5300 is faster than Core i5-5200

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • C : Unlocked LGA1150 processor with high-performance graphics (desktop only)
  • R : BGA1364 processor with high-performance graphics (desktop only)
  • H : High performance graphics (mobile only)
  • HQ : High performance graphics, quad-core processor (mobile only)
  • U : Ultra-low power (mobile only)
  • Y : Extremely low power (mobile only)

Next Page > 1st to 4th Gen Intel Core Processors

 

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4th Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors
  • M : ultra-low power mobile processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 4 – quickly tells us that this is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-4900 is faster than Core i7-4800
  • Core i5-4400 is faster than Core i5-4300

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • K : Unlocked processor multiplier (desktop only)
  • R : BGA1364 processor with high-performance graphics (desktop only)
  • S : Performance-optimised model (desktop only)
  • T : Power-optimised (desktop only)
  • M : Mobile processor
  • MQ : Quad-core mobile processor
  • MX : Extreme Edition mobile processor
  • U : Ultra-low power (mobile only)
  • Y : Extremely low power (mobile only)

 

3rd Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors
  • M : ultra-low power mobile processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 3 – quickly tells us that this is a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-3770 is faster than Core i7-3720
  • Core i5-3470 is faster than Core i5-3450

Letter Suffix

This primarily tells us whether it is an Extreme Edition processor or not :

  • X : Extreme Edition processor

Product Line Suffix

This tells us more about the processor features, for a particular model :

  • K : Unlocked processor multiplier (desktop only)
  • S : Performance-optimised model (desktop only)
  • T : Power-optimised (desktop only)
  • M : Mobile processor
  • QM : Quad-core mobile processor
  • U : Ultra-low power (mobile only)
  • Y : Extremely low power (mobile only)

 

2nd Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

The first number – 2 – quickly tells us that this is a 2nd Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-2860 is faster than Core i7-2820
  • Core i5-2700 is faster than Core i5-2600

 

1st Gen Intel Core Processor Number System

Brand Modifier

This is what most people think of as the performance category.

  • i7 : enthusiast class, with the most processing cores
  • i5 : mainstream processors
  • i3 : entry-level processors

Gen Indicator

The lack of a Gen Indicator of 1 tells us that this is a 1st Generation Intel Core processor.

SKU Numeric Digits

This is what we consumers use as a rough indicator of the processor’s overall performance.

The higher the number, the better the processor’s performance in general. For example :

  • Core i7-990 is faster than Core i7-980
  • Core i5-660 is faster than Core i5-650

 

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The Acer Swift 7 2018 – World’s Thinnest 4G LTE Laptop Revealed!

The annual Acer Day is back! In addition to many great offers, Acer Malaysia also launched the Acer Swift 7 2018 – the world’s thinnest 4G LTE laptop! Check it out!

 

The Acer Swift 7 2018 – World’s Thinnest 4G LTE Laptop Revealed!

The Acer Swift 7 2018 is the world’s thinnest 4G LTE laptop at just 8.98 mm. Powered by a 7th Gen Intel Core processor with 8 GB of LPDDR3 memory, the Swift 7 2018 also comes with a 256 GB PCle SSD, and up to 10 hours of battery life.

2018

It boasts a 14-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and narrow bezels, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Its HD webcam in the front supports HDR and 720p video recording. But arguably the most important feature it comes with is its built-in 4G LTE connectivity that will allow you to get connected and work on-the-road.

The Swift 7 2018 users also enjoy better security with ease thanks to the fingerprint reader and Windows Hello login capability. Further enhancing the security feature is the enterprise-grade Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to keep your critical workplace data secured.

 

Acer Swift 7 2018 Price + Availability

In conjunction with Acer Day 2018, Acer is offering a variety of offers and discounts.

2018

Customers who purchase the Acer Swift 7 2018 will also get a protective sleeve, a USB Type C to HDMI adapter and USB Type A adapter in the box!

The Acer Swift 7 2018 is priced at RM 6,399 / ~US$ 1,599 and is available for purchase immediately at all Acer Official Online Stores and authorized resellers nationwide.

Suggested Reading

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Microsoft Surface Book 2 + Surface Laptop Revealed!

Microsoft just made available the entire range of Microsoft Surface products, with the official launch of the Microsoft Surface Book 2, and the belated launch of the Surface Laptop. Let’s check out their presentations, and our very own video tour of the two new Surface Book 2 models, and the Surface Laptop!

 

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Revealed!

First revealed in May 2017, the Microsoft Surface Laptop elevates design and performance in a sleek, elegant clamshell device.

More than a traditional laptop, is engineered to start fast and stay fast with a 7th Generation Intel Core processor and up to 14.5 hours of battery life to last through the day.

Weighing at just 1.25 kilograms, and less than 14.5mm thin, the Surface Laptop will fit nicely into your favorite bag, and is lightweight to bring everywhere.

The Surface Laptop features a signature keyboard, with a quiet and responsive keyset, and large precision trackpad. It also comes with a palm rest covered in soft, luxurious Alcantara clothfor a new level of typing comfort.

 

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 Revealed!

Removing the barrier between a conventional desktop and laptop, the Surface Book 2 features the latest 8th Generation Intel Core processors and the latest NVIDIA GeForce GPUs. This makes the new Surface Book 2 up to five times more powerful than its predecessor!

For those seeking flexibility in the way they use their device, the Surface Book 2 supports four different modes, including Studio Mode, Laptop Mode, View Mode, or even Tablet mode by simply detaching the screen.

The Surface Book 2 is available in 13.5” or 15” options, and boasts an impressive 17-hour battery life for marathon productivity sessions. It is powerful enough to run software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk, and great games such as Forza Motorsport 7 or Gears of War at 1080p, 60fps!

 

Quick Tour Of Surface Book 2 + Surface Laptop

 

Microsoft Surface Book 2 Price & Availability

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is available starting 15 March 2018, with the following configurations :

Microsoft Surface Book 2 Price & Availability

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is available right now, with the following configurations :

Microsoft Surface Accessories Price List

  • Microsoft Surface Pen (Black, Platinum, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue) : RM 299 | US$ 99
  • Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse (Light Gray, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue) : RM 459 | US$ 64
  • [adrotate group=”2″]Microsoft Surface Dock : RM 789 | US$ 135
  • Microsoft Surface Keyboard (Silver) : RM 519 | US$ 79
  • Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse (Light Gray) : RM 399 | US$ 73
  • Microsoft Surface Mouse (Silver) : RM 249 | US$ 35
  • Microsoft Surface Ethernet Adaptor : RM 179 | US$ 32
  • Microsoft Surface VGA Adaptor : RM 179 | US$ 20
  • Microsoft Surface HDMI Adaptor : RM 179 | US$ 39
  • Microsoft Surface USB-C to HDMI Adaptor : RM 158 | US$ 37
  • Microsoft Surface USB-C to VGA Adaptor : RM 158 | US$ 36.50

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Acer Predator Triton 700 Gaming Laptop Review

Gaming laptops are all the rage these days, but you will probably agree – many of them are just too darn bulky and heavy! Today, we take a look at Acer’s answer to that problem – the Acer Predator Triton 700 gaming laptop.

The Acer Predator Triton 700 promises incredible gaming performance in a thin and light form factor. How will it really fare? Let’s find out!

 

Acer Predator Triton 700 Models

Acer currently offers the Predator Triton 700 in two models :

  • the premium PT715-51-74MY (Lazada | Amazon), with a GeForce GTX 1080 GPU and two SSDs in RAID 0
  • the PT715-51-775U (Lazada | Amazon) with a GeForce GTX 1060 GPU and a single SSD

In this review, we will be looking at the premium PT715-51-74MY. Here is a table comparing their specifications :

SpecificationsAcer Predator Triton 700 (74MY - GTX 1080)Acer Predator Triton 700 (775U - GTX 1060)
ModelPT715-51-74MYPT715-51-775U
ProcessorIntel Core i7-7700HQ
- 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache
- 2.8 GHz with 3.8 GHz Turbo Boost
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
- 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache
- 2.8 GHz with 3.8 GHz Turbo Boost
Memory32 GB DDR4-2400 (Dual Channel)16 GB DDR4-2400 (Dual Channel)
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with Max-Q Design (8 GB GDDR5X)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB GDDR5)
Display15.6" Full HD IPS display
- 1920 x 1080, 120 Hz
- Supports NVIDIA G-SYNC
15.6" Full HD IPS display
- 1920 x 1080
Storage2 x 256 GB PCIe SSD in RAID 0256 GB PCIe SSD
KeyboardMechanical keyboard with individual RGB lightsMechanical keyboard with individual RGB lights
AudioDolby Atmos with Acer TrueHarmonyDolby Atmos with Acer TrueHarmony
NetworkKiller Wireless-AC 1535 (2x2 MIMO)
Killer Ethernet E2500
Killer Wireless-AC 1535 (2x2 MIMO)
Killer Ethernet E2500
Ports1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2)
3 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI 2.0
1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2)
3 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI 2.0
Battery3-cell lithium ion battery pack
- 54.0 Whr, 4670 mAh @ 11.55 V
3-cell lithium ion battery pack
- 54.0 Whr, 4670 mAh @ 11.55 V
Charger230 W230 W
Size393 mm wide
266 mm deep
18.9 mm high
393 mm wide
266 mm deep
18.9 mm high
Weight2.40 kg2.40 kg
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Unboxing The Acer Predator Triton 700

The Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) comes in a larger black cardboard box, which conceals a much smaller cardboard box inside. Take a look at our unboxing video :

Despite catering to a premium market, the Acer Predator Triton 700 has a minimalistic package, consisting of :

  • the Acer Predator Triton 700 gaming laptop,
  • a 230 W charger, and power cord
  • one set of Setup and Quick User Guides

Next Page > The Acer Predator Triton 700 – Up Close, Display, Keyboard & Touchpad

 

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The Acer Predator Triton 700 Up Close

The Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ quad-core processor with 32 GB of DDR4 memory, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with Max-Q Design. It even has two PCI Express SSDs running in RAID 0.

There are a total of five USB ports – three USB 3.0 ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 3) Type C port, and a single USB 2.0 port. Curiously, that USB 2.0 port is actually recessed, and concealed by special cover.

To cater to gamers, it also comes with a full-sized LAN port, a HDMI 2.0 port, and a DisplayPort. Unfortunately, there is no SD card reader.

 

120 Hz Full HD G-SYNC Display

One of the key features of the Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) is its display. It boasts a large 15.6″ display with an IPS panel and a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. The display is capable of a 120 Hz refresh rate, and supports NVIDIA G-SYNC for a tear-free gaming experience.

If that display is not good enough, it has full-size DisplayPort and HDMI ports at the back, and a Thunderbolt 3 port on the right side, allowing you to hook up the Predator Triton 700 to an external 4K monitor.

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Keyboard & Touchpad

One of the Acer Predator Triton 700’s best features is its keyboard, which boasts low-profile mechanical switches and individual RGB backlighting for each key. In addition to tactile feedback, this mechanical keyboard also offers N-key rollover (NKRO) and anti-ghosting capabilities.

Right above the keyboard is a 0.7 mm Gorilla Glass glass plate. It allows you to peek inside at the spinning AeroBlade 3D fan, and doubles as a large precision touchpad.

The only problem is the position of the glass plate makes it rather inconvenient to use as a touchpad. It also lacks buttons, so you will need to use multi-touch gestures instead.

Next Page > AeroBlade 3D Cooler, Performance, Memory, Storage, Battery & Speakers

 

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AeroBlade 3D Cooler

In any premium gaming laptop, cooling is a top priority. The Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) comes with two AeroBlade 3D fans and five heat pipes to quickly whisk heat away from the CPU and GPU, and exhaust it out.

Cool air is drawn in by the two AeroBlade 3D fans through a large number of vents on the underside, and used to cool the two heatsinks at the back and an additional heatsink on each side.

While this cooling system is very sleek and quiet, the Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) can get rather toasty. During our gaming sessions, we noted that the keyboard can reach temperatures of 40°C.

This is likely because there is very little clearance under the Predator Triton 700 for it to draw in cool air. We recommend using a laptop cooler.

 

Acer Predator Triton 700 Gaming Performance

The Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor. This is a 4-core, 8-thread processor with a 6 MB L2 cache, a 2.8 GHz base clock and a 3.8 GHz boost clock.

It is paired with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with 8 GB of GDDR5X memory. This is a Max-Q Design laptop, which means the GPU is tuned for peak efficiency, as opposed to maximum performance.

The Max-Q Design allows the GeForce GTX 1080 to run 40% cooler, with only a 10% reduction in performance. You can read all about this in The NVIDIA Max-Q Design Tech Briefing.

 

Memory & Storage

Our Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) model came with a phenomenal 32 GB of DDR4-2400 memory. Frankly – games do not need more than 8 GB of memory, so this is overkill. However, it is heaven-sent if you also intend to do serious work on the Predator Triton 700.

It also comes with two PCI Express SSDs in a RAID 0 (striped) configuration. Both SSDs have a storage capacity of 256 GB, so you have a total storage size of 512 GB.

Setting them up as a RAID 0 array allows for insanely fast transfer rates, which is great for benchmarks but will not matter much in games beyond loading faster.

 

The Battery

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) comes with a really tiny 3-cell lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 54 Watt-hours. It can’t pack a large battery in such a thin form factor. Remember – it’s only 18.9 mm thick!

The downside – there’s not much juice in the tank. And the Predator Triton 700 is a thirsty beast. There’s a reason why it comes with a 230 W charger.

We could only game for 45 minutes before the battery drained to 10%. That means you need to be tethered to a wall socket to game for any significant amount of time.

 

Speakers

We are pleasantly surprised to find out that the Acer Predator Triton 700 has pretty decent speakers. It makes it more enjoyable to game without headphones.

If you prefer using headphones though, you will be glad to know that it supports Dolby Atmos. It will give you better spatial awareness, with the 3D soundscape it produces.

Next Page > Our Verdict & Award, Pros & Cons, Prices

 

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Acer Predator Triton 700 : Our Verdict + Award

The Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) is a really great gaming laptop for those who want a sleek and powerful gaming laptop. It packs a ton of gaming performance in a form factor that is just under 19 mm thick, and weighs only 2.4 kg.

We are impressed by its performance. What’s not to like? It has a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with a very fast GeForce GTX 1080 GPU. If you want a gaming laptop that can take on AAA game titles, this is it.

Our model even comes with 32 GB of DDR4-2400 memory, and a RAID 0 array of two PCI Express SSDs. Serious overkill for gaming, but perfect for doing serious graphics and video work.

Beyond its raw gaming performance is its mechanical keyboard. Low-profile, yet offering the tactile feedback that many gamers desire. But we have to question their decision to adopt the see-through Gorilla Glass plate as a touchpad.

Sure, it’s a unique design feature that looks good, but it’s not practical. Whether you use the Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) for work or play, you need to pair it with a mouse.

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The display is another great selling point. It offers a practical full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, with an IPS panel capable of a 120 Hz refresh rate. It also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC for a premium tear-free gaming experience.

We also like the fact that it comes with not one, not two, but three display output options. This gaming laptop is designed to support an external display, if you find the 15.6″ display too small.

Its svelte form factor makes it a cinch to carry around, but its utility on-the-go is limited by its small battery. You will always be tethered to a wall socket, which means lugging along the large and heavy charger.

But if you’re a practical person who is not going to buy into the gaming on-the-go BS, the Acer Predator Triton 700 (Price Check) is a great gaming laptop. Just hook it up to a power socket, add a mouse and it will handle any game you throw at it.

In fact, we like it so much we think it deserves no less than our Reviewer’s Choice Award. Congratulations, Acer!

Pros Cons
• 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with NVIDIA G-SYNC • Small 3-cell battery capacity, with a short battery life
• Svelte form factor that is 18.9 mm thin, and only weighs 2.4 kg • Bulky and heavy charger
• 32 GB of DDR4 memory!!! • Gets a little toasty during games
Ridiculously-fast RAID 0 array of two PCIe SSDs • No fingerprint sensor or infra-red camera for Windows Hello login
• Excellent gaming performance with greatly-reduced power consumption with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with Max-Q Design • The Gorilla Glass touchpad is nice to look at, but impractical for every day use.
• Mechanical keyboard with individual RGB backlighting

 

Acer Predator Triton 700 Prices

The premium Acer Predator Triton 700 model we reviewed here (PT715-51-74MY) is priced at RM 13,999 / US$ 2,999.

The cheaper Acer Predator Triton 700 model (PT715-51-775U) is priced at RM 9,999 / US$ 1,999. It comes with a GeForce GTX 1060, 16 GB DDR4 memory and 256 GB SSD storage.

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The Thunderobot DINO, 911GT, 911SE + ST Plus Revealed!

Thunderobot is a new gaming laptop brand from China, that has just launched their first overseas expansion right here in Malaysia. They unveiled the first slew of gaming laptops – the Thunderobot DINO, the Thunderobot 911GT and 911SE, as well as the Thunderobot ST Plus.

 

The Thunderobot DINO, 911GT, 911SE + SE Plus

To explain what Thunderobot is all about, and their current gaming laptops is Darya Wang, Thunderobot Overseas Marketing Director.

The Thunderobot DINO Gaming Laptop

The Thunderobot DINO is their flagship gaming laptop with a spaceship-like design. It features a space-grey metal chassis with a breathing blue logo. The DINO is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPU, with a 15.6″ full HD IPS display.

To ensure optimal gaming performance, the DINO features an enhanced thermal design with dual fans and 4 copper heat pipes. The RGB backlit keyboard features surface carved keycaps, allowing the user to game in dimly-lit or dark environments.

The Thunderobot 911GT Gaming Laptop

The Thunderobot 911GT has a 17.3″ IPS display, and an integrated subwoofer, for a more immersive gaming experience. It is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU.

Like the DINO, the 911GT also comes with an enhanced thermal design with dual fans and 4 copper heat pipes. It comes with a white backlit keyboard for gaming in dark environments.

The Thunderobot 911SE Gaming Laptop

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The Thunderobot 911SE features a unique polygon-edge design, and a white backlit keyboard with surface-carved keycap. It is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU.

The Thunderobot ST Plus Gaming Laptop

The Thunderobot ST Plus is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU. It features an RGB backlit keyboard, with surface-carved keycaps. Despite its power and 15″ display, it weighs only 2.3 kg and has a 27 mm slim profile.

 

Price & Availability

These Thunderobot gaming laptops are distributed through ECS Astar Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, with Lazada as the online store dealer. They are available right now at the following price points :

  • Thunderobot DINO : RM 8,899 / ~US$ 2,225
  • Thunderobot 911GT : RM 7,099 / ~US$ 1,775
  • Thunderobot 911SE : RM 4,499 / ~US$ 1,125
  • Thunderobot ST Plus : RM 4,899 / ~US$ 1,225

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The Acer Predator Triton 700 Gaming Laptop Up Close!

Acer just revealed the new Acer Predator Triton 700 gaming laptop, which boasts an overclockable GeForce GTX 1080 with Max-Q Design, and a low-profile mechanical keyboard! Find out what else is great about this thin but powerful gaming laptop, and don’t forget to check out our video of the Predator Triton 700!

Don’t forget to read our Acer Predator Triton 700 Gaming Laptop Review!

 

The Acer Predator Triton 700 Gaming Laptop

Thanks to NVIDIA Max-Q Design, the Acer Predator Triton 700 gaming laptop boasts an overclockable NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU, in a form factor that is less than 19 mm thick! Powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ quad-core processor, it boasts up to 32 GB of DDR4-2400 memory and two 256 GB NVMe PCIe SSDs in RAID 0 configuration.

Keeping all those powerful components cool is the Dual AeroBlade 3D fan, five heatpipes, and air intakes from the top and bottom of the chassis. The Dual AeroBlade 3D fan also boasts the world’s thinnest metal blade that is just 0.1 mm thin, allowing more fan blades to be installed for 35% greater airflow.

You can actually view this cooling system through a large Gorilla Glass plate above the keyboard. This Gorilla Glass plate also serves as an oversized precision touch pad that supports up to four-finger gestures.

The Predator Triton 700 comes with a 15.6″ Full HD IPS display, with a brightness level of 300 nits. Acer also offers a NVIDIA G-SYNC display that supports a 120 Hz refresh rate. It also offers a combination of Acer TrueHarmony and Dolby Atmos surround sound for a more immersive gaming experience.

Gamers will also love the mechanical keyboard, with N-key rollover (NKRO) and anti-ghosting capabilities. It also has low-profile keys that are individually RGB backlit. That means you can customise the colour of each key individually!

Don’t forget to read our Acer Predator Triton 700 Gaming Laptop Review!

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The Acer Predator Triton 700 Specifications

The Acer Predator Triton 700 is offered in two configurations. Here are their specifications :

SpecificationsAcer Predator Triton 700 (74MY - GTX 1080)Acer Predator Triton 700 (775U - GTX 1060)
ModelPT715-51-74MYPT715-51-775U
ProcessorIntel Core i7-7700HQ
- 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache
- 2.8 GHz with 3.8 GHz Turbo Boost
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
- 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache
- 2.8 GHz with 3.8 GHz Turbo Boost
Memory32 GB DDR4-2400 (Dual Channel)16 GB DDR4-2400 (Dual Channel)
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with Max-Q Design (8 GB GDDR5X)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB GDDR5)
Display15.6" Full HD IPS display
- 1920 x 1080, 120 Hz
- Supports NVIDIA G-SYNC
15.6" Full HD IPS display
- 1920 x 1080
Storage2 x 256 GB PCIe SSD in RAID 0256 GB PCIe SSD
KeyboardMechanical keyboard with individual RGB lightsMechanical keyboard with individual RGB lights
AudioDolby Atmos with Acer TrueHarmonyDolby Atmos with Acer TrueHarmony
NetworkKiller Wireless-AC 1535 (2x2 MIMO)
Killer Ethernet E2500
Killer Wireless-AC 1535 (2x2 MIMO)
Killer Ethernet E2500
Ports1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2)
3 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI 2.0
1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2)
3 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI 2.0
Battery3-cell lithium ion battery pack
- 54.0 Whr, 4670 mAh @ 11.55 V
3-cell lithium ion battery pack
- 54.0 Whr, 4670 mAh @ 11.55 V
Charger230 W230 W
Size393 mm wide
266 mm deep
18.9 mm high
393 mm wide
266 mm deep
18.9 mm high
Weight2.40 kg2.40 kg

 

Price & Availability

The Acer Predator Triton 700 is available for purchase right now at all authorised Acer resellers and Acer Online Stores, at the following recommended retail prices :

  • Acer Predator Triton 700 (74MY – GeForce GTX 1080) : RM 13,999 / ~US$ 3,414
  • Acer Predator Triton 700 (775U – GeForce GTX 1060) : RM 9,999 / ~US$ 2,439

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HP ElitePOS Reinvents The Retail Experience

HP Malaysia recently invited us to experience the new all-in-one point-of-sales (POS) system they were introducing – the new HP ElitePOS. It is the culmination of HP’s efforts in working with leading retail and hospitality partners in reinventing the retail experience for customers.

 

The HP ElitePOS System

The HP ElitePOS features a sleek, modular design, that is completely different from the large, boxy POS terminals commonly used in retail environments. Its design is also functional, with a focus on making shopping faster and easier for both customers and the sales associates assisting them.

The HP ElitePOS can be configured to function in a variety of rules – interactive signage, employee attendance, or self-service applications like a customer check-in and access to additional product offerings in the “endless aisle”.

For retailers who want a clean and clutter-free counter space, or who need greater versatility in the placement of their point-of-sale terminal, the display can be separated from the input/output (I/O) base for maximum placement versatility.

HP also offers an optional receipt printer that integrates into the column stand, and an optional magnetic stripe reader built into the display, to create a clean counter space for retail environments.

 

MIL-STD Reliability

Retail and hospitality often have demanding and harsh environments, which can damage or destroy consumer-leveraged technology. That is why the ElitePOS is built to be retail-durable, being MIL-STD certified, deter minor spills by channeling liquid out the device, and deliver efficient cooling with side venting for improved reliability.

It is designed to be long-lasting with the latest hardware and software – Microsoft Windows 10, fast DDR4 memory, and the 7th Generation Intel Core processors with vPro technology.

 

Improved Security

With point-of-sale devices increasingly targeted by hackers, security continues to be top of mind for the retail industry. According to Verizon, 64% of breaches in the retail industry that contained data loss were caused by point-of-sale intrusions.

This is why HP is expanding its industry-leading security solutions to the ElitePOS, with both hardware and integrated software security features, including:

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  • BIOS-level device security to provide protectionin the event of a malware attack with HP Sure Start Gen3, the industry’s first self-healing BIOS, and HP BIOSphere Gen3, the industry-leading firmware ecosystems.
  • User authentication technology, including an optional fingerprint reader for secure login; Credential Guard for secure user authentication and password protection, and Device Guard, which lets IT managers create rules to run only signed, trusted, and approved applications on the POS system to help protect against walk-up and low-level attacks through USB ports.
  • Physical security of the device itself with an optional bolt-to-counter configuration, VESA mounting K-Lock features and external fingerprint reader for secure login through Windows Hello.

 

Availability Of The HP ElitePOS System

The HP ElitePOS is expected to be available in November 2017 direct from HP and the company’s global network of more than 250,000 partners. Additionally, retail independent software vendors (ISVs) Custom Business SoutionsGK SoftwareLS RetailManhattan AssociatesOmnico GroupPCMSRetail ProSilverWare POS and TCPOS plan to support the new solution.

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The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X Quad-Core Processor Review

The AMD Ryzen is, no doubt, the most anticipated CPU to be introduced in 2017. It is the processor that AMD fans have always wanted, but AMD did not quite deliver… until now. The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X literally blew away the competition, with its 8 cores, large 16 MB cache and highly competitive price.

Even so, not everyone can afford it. That’s where the AMD Ryzen 5 family comes in. It offers a more affordable selection of AMD Ryzen processors with 4 to 6 cores. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X – their top-of-the-line quad-core processor, and show you why we awarded it our Editor’s Choice Award!

 

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X

The AMD Ryzen 5 family is divided into two main lines – the lower-end quad-core processors and the higher-end hexa-core processors. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) is the top-of-the-line quad-core Ryzen 5 model. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a 3.5 GHz base clock and a 3.7 GHz boost clock.

How does it compare against the other Ryzen 5 processors? Find out in this specification comparison of the current AMD Ryzen 5 processors.

SpecificationsAMD Ryzen 5 1600XAMD Ryzen 5 1600AMD Ryzen 5 1500XAMD Ryzen 5 1400
TDP95 W65 W65 W65 W
SocketAM4AM4AM4AM4
Process Technology14 nm FinFET14 nm FinFET14 nm FinFET14 nm FinFET
Processor Cores6644
Number of Simultaneous Threads121288
L2 Cache Size3 MB3 MB2 MB2 MB
L3 Cache Size16 MB16 MB16 MB8 MB
Base Clock Speed3.6 GHz3.2 GHz3.5 GHz3.2 GHz
Boost Clock Speed4.0 GHz3.6 GHz3.7 GHz3.4 GHz
Bundled CPU CoolerNoneAMD Wraith SpireAMD Wraith SpireAMD Wraith Stealth
Launch Price (2017-03-02)US$ 249US$ 219US$ 189US$ 169
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Unboxing The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) comes with a bundled CPU cooler – the AMD Wraith Spire. Hence it comes in a much larger box. Let’s take a look inside!

 

A Closer Look At The Ryzen 5 1500X & Wraith Spire Cooler

Let’s take a closer look at the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) CPU and the bundled Wraith Spire cooler.

Next Page > Benchmarking The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X & 3D Rendering Speed

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Benchmarking The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X

In this review, we will take a look at the work and gaming performance of the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X processor. We will compare it to the Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check), the Intel Core i7-6700K, and the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check) processors. Here is a table comparing their key specifications.

AMD Ryzen 7 1800X Intel Core i7-6700K AMD Ryzen 5 1500X AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
Cores / Threads 8 / 16 4 / 8 4 / 8 4 / 4
Base Clock 3.6 GHz 4.0 GHz 3.5 GHz 3.5 GHz
Boost Clock 4.0 GHz 4.2 GHz 3.7 GHz 3.7 GHz
L2 Cache 4 MB 1 MB 2 MB 2 MB
L3 Cache 16 MB 8 MB 16 MB 8 MB
Memory Speed DDR4-2666 DDR4-2133 DDR4-2666 DDR4-2666
Current Price US$ 499 US$ 298 US$ 189 US$ 129

On paper, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) is a quad-core processor that handles up to 8 simultaneous threads like the Intel Core i7-6700K. The Ryzen 5 1500X has a 12% lower clock speed, but boasts L2 and L3 caches that are twice as large. Let’s see how it performs in real life!

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3D Rendering Speed – CINEBENCH R15

CINEBENCH R15 is a real-world 3D rendering benchmark based on the MAXON Cinema 4D animation software. This is a great way to accurately determine the actual performance of a processor in 3D content creation.

CINEBENCH R15 Single Core

This Single Core test is not reflective of real world performance, but it is useful to find out the performance of the individual core.

The Single Core test shows that the individual processor core of the Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) is about 6.2% slower than that of the Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check), and 18.8% slower than the Core i7-6700K.

The Intel Core i7-6700K has a 14% higher clock speed than the Ryzen 5 1500X. If we adjust the results to account for that, the Intel Skylake core is about 8% faster than the AMD Ryzen core, clock for clock.

Since both the Ryzen 5 1500X and Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check) have the same clock speeds, we can determine that the Ryzen 5 1500X’s larger L3 cache size improved its core performance by 4%.

CINEBENCH R15 Multi Core

This shows the real-world 3D rendering performance of the four processors. Even though the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) appears to be 12% slower than the Intel Core i7-6700K, it is actually equal in performance at the same clock speed.

Even though they both have the same clock speeds, the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check) is 31% slower than the Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check), because it has half the L3 cache and does not support SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading).

CINEBENCH R15 MP Ratio

The analysis of the Multi-Processing Ratio is useful in checking the efficiency of the SMT implementation. The MP Ratio is independent of the processor’s clock speed.

After adjusting for their clock speed difference, we calculated that the SMT implementation in the Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) was 7% more efficient than Hyper-Threading in the Intel Core i7-6700K.

Next Page > The Video Transcoding & Photoshop Radial Blur Performance

 

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Video Transcoding Speed – HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoding utility. Video transcoding basically converts a video file from one resolution / format to another. As you can imagine, it’s very compute-intensive. In our test, we converted a 4K video of 1.3 GB in size into a 1080p video (HQ1080p30).

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) transcoded the 1.3 GB video in under 8 minutes and 48 seconds – just 14.7% slower than the Intel Core i7-6700K. After adjusting for the difference in clock speed, the Core i7-6700K is just 3% faster than Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check), clock for clock.

The Ryzen 5 1500X was 26.4% faster at transcoding the video than the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check). Since they have the same clock speeds, that performance advantage is entirely due to its ability to process twice as many threads simultaneously – SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading).

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Radial Blur Speed – Photoshop CC 14

The radial blur filter adds the perception of motion to a picture. This is a compute-intensive operation that benefits from multiple processing cores. This radial blur test was performed on a single 13.5 megapixel photo, with a filesize of 4,910,867 bytes.

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) applied the radial blur filter in 14.7 seconds – just 2 seconds slower than the Intel Core i7-6700K. On a clock-for-clock basis, the Core i7-6700K is 2.4% faster than the Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check).

The Ryzen 5 1500X was 21.6% faster at performing radial blur than the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check). Since they have the same clock speeds, that performance advantage is entirely due to its ability to process twice as many threads simultaneously – SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading).

Next Page > The 3DMark & Ashes of the Singularity Performance Results

 

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3DMark – Time Spy (DirectX 12)

In the Time Spy DirectX 12 benchmark, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) was 22% slower than the Intel Core i7-6700K in the CPU test. That’s 7.5% slower on a clock-to-clock basis, and only translates into a small 2.4% drop in overall gaming performance.

 

Ashes of the Singularity (1080p)

In the RTS game, Ashes of the Singularity, the single core CPU performance has a significant effect on the actual frame rate.

At the resolution of 1920 x 1080, the Intel Core i7-6700K delivered 4.5% and 17% higher frame rates than the Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check) and Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) respectively.

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X was 17% faster than the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check). As they both have the same clock speeds, the performance difference was due to the Ryzen 5’s SMT capability and larger L3 cache.

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Ashes of the Singularity (4K)

When we bumped up the resolution to 4K, the performance difference was greatly reduced. The Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check), Core i7-6700K and Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) were essentially equal in performance. Even the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check) was now just 2% slower than the other 3 processors.

Next Page > The Warhammer & Witcher 3 Performance Results

 

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Total War: Warhammer (1080p)

Like Ashes of the Singularity, the single core performance appeared to be crucial in Total War: Warhammer.

When we tested Warhammer at 1080p, the Intel Core i7-6700K delivered an average frame rate that was 6% and 8% faster than the Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check) and Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) respectively.

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) was 10% faster than the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check). As they both have the same clock speeds, the performance difference was due to the Ryzen 5’s SMT capability and larger L3 cache.

 

Total War: Warhammer (4K)

But when we increased the resolution to 4K, all four processors delivered practically the same average frame rates. Naturally, at this high resolution, the graphics card was the most important factor in delivering high frame rates.

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (1080p)

The CPU performance has a smaller effect with FPS games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. On the other hand, it appears support multi-core processors. Hence, the Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check) came out on top, albeit by a very small margin over the Intel Core i7-6700K.

The average frame rate of the Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) was 3% and 2.4% lower than the Ryzen 7 1800X and Core i7-6700K respectively, and just 1.3% higher than the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check).

 

The Witcher 3 : Wild Hunt (4K)

When we bumped up the resolution to 4K though, all four processors were virtually equivalent in performance. That’s not to say that they are equally fast, just that the graphics card mattered far, far more at such a high resolution.

Next Page > Our Verdict & Award, Where To Buy, Reading Suggestions

 

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Our Verdict & Award

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) is not the most powerful desktop CPU in the market. That honour goes to the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check)… unless you include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper HEDT processor! But it is an amazing processor.

Like the Ryzen 3 1300X (Price Check), it has four physical cores, a large 2 MB L2 cache, and clock speeds of 3.5 GHz to 3.7 GHz. However, its support for SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading) allows you to handle twice as many threads, and it has twice as much L3 cache – a whopping 8 MB!

All that allowed the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) to come close (~14%) to the performance of the Intel Core i7-6700K. In fact, on a clock-to-clock basis, they’re basically equal in performance! In other words, if you overclock the Ryzen 5 1500X to 4.0 GHz (base clock), it performs like the Core i7-6700K.

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X performs like the Intel Core i7-6700K on a clock-to-clock basis

Now, its big brother, the Ryzen 7 1800X (Price Check) is king when it comes to video transcoding and 3D rendering. However, if you are only interested in gaming performance, the Ryzen 5 1500X is a much better choice. It performs almost as well in games, but is much, much cheaper!

In RTS games, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X is just 2-10% slower than the Ryzen 7 1800X at 1080p.

In FPS games, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X is just 2-3% slower than the Ryzen 7 1800X at 1080p.

Increasing the resolution to 4K totally wipe out the difference, but that’s because the games were GPU-limited on the AMD Radeon RX 480 we used. If you are using a suitably-powerful graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, you should see similar minor drops in frame rates.

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The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X‘s gaming performance makes it great value for money. Let’s not forget – AMD bundles it with a Wraith Spire cooler! That’s why the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Price Check) deserves nothing less than our Editor’s Choice Award! Congratulations, AMD!

 

Where To Buy

Here are direct links to the AMD Ryzen CPU and bundles on sale on Amazon :

 

Reading Suggestions

Don’t forget to also read our other AMD Ryzen-related articles :

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The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Hands-On Preview

The fifth-generation Microsoft Surface Pro, the Surface Pro 2017, was announced on 23 May 2017 with availability starting 15 June 2017. Yesterday, we finally had the opportunity to get our hands on the Surface Pro 2017 for a short time, as part of the official launch here in Malaysia. Check it out!

 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Hands-On Preview

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 features the 7th Generation Intel Core processors, with Core m3, Core i5 and Core i7 options. It is available with a variety of memory (4 GB to 16 GB) and storage options (128 GB to 1 TB SSD).

The new Surface Pro looks almost exactly like the previous generation Surface Pro 4. In fact, it has the same 12.3″ PixelSense display with 2736 x 1824 pixels with a similar size and weight. The only significant form factor difference is the new kickstand, which now opens out to 165° – the flatter Studio Mode.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 retains the same full-sized USB 3.0 port, 3.5 mm audio port, Mini DisplayPort and SurfaceConnect port from the Surface Pro 4. If you’re wondering why not the newer USB 3.1 Type C port, well, it’s really quite simple.

The new Surface Pro is mainly targeted at the corporate market, where the vast majority of users are still using USB 3.0 devices. It makes sense to retain compatibility with their existing devices. Companies don’t fancy replacing their existing USB 3.0 devices that are working just fine.

Microsoft is also introducing a new Surface Pen that has a tilt sensor, and supports 4,096 levels of pressure. They also have a new Signature Pro Type Cover with Alcantara fabric to pair with the new Surface Pro.

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The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Photos

Here are some photos of the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017.

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The 8th Gen Intel Core Desktop CPU Tech Report

Intel fans have been waiting A LONG TIME for the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs, codenamed Coffee Lake. Thanks to the Ryzen Effect, they promise a new level of performance unseen in recent years from Intel. For the first time ever, the Core i7, Core i5 and Core i3 CPUs will come with two additional cores!

Earlier, we shared with you leaked details of the Coffee Lake CPUs – price, specifications and availability. Now, we will share with you the Intel presentation on the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs.

 

Note On Availability

In our earlier article on the Intel Coffee Lake CPUs, we revealed that Intel would be launching them on 5 October 2017. In fact, tech publications privy to this presentation had to sign an NDA not to reveal this until 5 October 2017.

However, after Intel gave this presentation on 22 September 2017, it got leaked. So Intel basically cancelled their NDA, and here we are with this tech report.

Please note that the Coffee Lake CPUs are still only going to hit the market on 5 October 2017. It’s just the announcement that got brought up to 25 September 2017.

 

The 8th Gen Intel Core Desktop CPU

The processors being announced today are the premium desktop models. Intel had earlier released the 8th Gen Intel Core mobile CPUs in August. That was, confusingly, based on the previous-generation “Kaby Lake Refresh” microarchitecture.

As we revealed in our Intel Coffee Lake article, the new 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors now have up to 6 processor cores that can handle up to 12 simultaneous threads. You can also see from this slide that they definitely planned to launch these processors on 5 October 2017.

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Basically – MORE Cores!

What everyone is excited about is the fact that Intel is introducing two extra cores into each Coffee Lake CPU!

Intel Core i7 : 4 cores, 8 threads -> 6 cores, 12 threads

Intel Core i5 : 4 cores, 4 threads -> 6 cores, 6 threads

Intel Core i3 : 2 cores, 4 threads -> 4 cores, 4 threads

In addition to more cores, the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors have larger caches.

 

A New Chipset Too

This is no secret either – the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors will run on the new Intel 300 series chipset, the first of which is the Intel Z370 chipset.

Next Page > Gaming & Overclocking Performance, Specifications, Price & Availability

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Better Gaming Performance

Intel promises that the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs will deliver significantly better performance. They paired the Core i7-8700K with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, and noted the following improvements over the Core i7-7700K :

  • 25% higher frame rate in Gears of War 4
  • 45% better performance while gaming + streaming + recording in PlayerUnknown’s Battleground
  • 32% faster 4K video editing in Adobe Premier Pro

There’s the inevitable comparison with older processors to provide a greater performance contrast. Interestingly, Intel only compared against a 3-year CPU (the Intel Core i7-4790K) this time, instead of a 5-year old CPU as they did in past years.

 

Better Overclocking

Unlike AMD whose Ryzen processors are all unlocked, Intel is still restricting the multiplier lock for all 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, except for their K-grade processors. But they promise better overclocking features like :

  • Per Core Overclocking
  • An increase in Memory Ratio up to 8,400 MT/s
  • Real-time memory latency control
  • Extended PLL trim controls
  • Enhanced package power delivery
  • Performance Tuning Protection Plan (optional)

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8th Gen Intel Core Desktop CPU Specifications

Here is a table comparing the key specifications of the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors :

SpecificationsCore i7-8700KCore i7-8700Core i5-8600KCore i5-8400Core i3-8350KCore i3-8300Core i3-8100
Cores6666444
Threads121266444
Base Clock3.7 GHz3.2 GHz3.5 GHz2.8 GHz4.0 GHz4.0 GHz3.6 GHz
Boost Clock4.7 GHz4.6 GHz4.4 GHz3.9 GHzNoneNoneNone
L1 Cache384 KB384 KB384 KB384 KB256 KB256 KB256 KB
L2 Cache1.5 MB1.5 MB1.5 MB1.5 MB1 MB1 MB1 MB
L3 Cache12 MB12 MB9 MB9 MB8 MB6 MB6 MB
Multiplier UnlockedYesNoYesNoYesNoNo
TDP95 W65 W95 W65 W91 W65 W65 W

 

8th Gen Intel Core Price & Availability

As we revealed in our Intel Coffee Lake article earlier, Intel is only hiking the price of their Core i7 K-grade CPUs by $20 and their Core i5 K-grade CPUs by $15. All other 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPU SKUs will maintain price parity with the 7th Gen models they replace.

8th Gen Intel Core 7th Gen Intel Core Difference
Model Launch Price Model Launch Price
Core i7-8700K $359 Core i7-7700K $339 +$20
Core i7-8700 $303 Core i7-7700 $303
Core i5-8600K $257 Core i5-7600K $242 +$15
Core i5-8400 $182 Core i5-7400 $182
Core i3-8350K $168 Core i3-7350K $168
Core i3-8100 $117 Core i3-7100 $117

While Intel announced the details of the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs on 25 September, they are only making these processors available on 5 October 2017, as originally planned.

Next Page > Summary & Full Set Of Presentation Slides

 

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The 8th Gen Intel Core Desktop CPUs Summarised

Basically, the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs are pretty much the 7th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs with two additional cores, and larger caches. There are no major architectural changes, just some tweaks here and there.

That said, the additional cores and larger caches alone will give the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs a BIG boost in performance. That’s what got so many people hyped about it.

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The Complete 8th Gen Intel Core Presentation Slides

Here is the complete set of presentation slides for the 8th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs for your perusal :

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The ROG Strix GD30 Gaming Desktop Revealed!

Together with the ROG Zephyrus gaming laptop, and the ROG GT51 gaming desktop, ASUS also launched the first ever ROG Strix desktop – the new ROG Strix GD30 gaming desktop. What’s new or special about the ROG Strix GD30? Let’s find out!

 

The ROG Strix GD30 Gaming Desktop Revealed!

Let’s start with a presentation on the new ROG Strix GD30 by Louis Lu (ASUS Product Manager).

And here is a quick look at the new ROG Strix GD30 gaming desktop up close.

Easy Customisation

The ROG Strix GD30 has a black and white sci-fi and cyberpunk-inspired design that Star Wars fans will appreciate. But what it offers over other gaming desktops is the ability to detach the two front panels, and rearrange them to create 6 different styles.

A matching white LED strip bisects the two panels, while the transparent side panel has an iron honeycomb screen. That’s not just aesthetically pleasing, it also reduces EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) from the system.

The detachable panels can be painted, of course, and ASUS provides a 2D layout so you can design and plan your decals. If that’s not enough, ASUS even offers a 3D source file for a miniature GD30 that you can build using a 3D printer.

Powerful Gaming Options

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The ROG Strix GD30 comes in multiple configurations, with the top model featuring a 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700 CPU, 32 GB of DDR4 memory, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card with 8 GB of memory.

Great Connectivity Options

Connect all the peripherals you want with four USB 2.0 ports and seven USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. One of the USB 3.1 ports has a reversible Type-C connector that provides up to 15W of power for fast-charging devices.

For easy access, there are two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, a memory card reader, and both microphone and headphone jacks located at the top of the front panel alongside the power and reset buttons.

 

Price & Availability

The ROG Strix GD30 (GD30CI) gaming desktop is now available with the following specifications for a launch price of RM 7,499 / ~US$ 1,789, inclusive of the 6% GST.

  • Intel Core i7-7700
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with 8 GB GDDR5 memory
  • 16 GB DDR4-2400 memory
  • 256 GB M.2 PCIe SSD + 1 TB HDD

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The 2017 ASUS ROG GT51 Gaming Desktop Revealed!

The Iron Man-inspired ASUS ROG GT51 gaming desktop was first revealed last year, winning the 2016 CES Innovation Award, as well as the iF Design Award. Now ASUS reveals the newly-updated 2017 ROG GT51 gaming desktop! Check out what’s new!

 

The 2017 ASUS ROG GT51 Gaming Desktop Revealed!

Let’s start with a presentation on the 2017 ROG GT51 by Louis Lu (ASUS Product Manager).

And here is a quick look at the 2017 ASUS ROG GT51 gaming desktop up close. The exterior looks exactly the same as the 2016 model – it’s the internals that have been changed.

Full Core CPU Overclocking

The 2017 ROG GT51 is powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor that ASUS has aged for 40 hours, and overclocked by 14%. With their Turbo Gear feature, you can enable full-core overclocking without having to reboot the system. The ASUS Hydro Overclocking System ensures rock-solid stability during overclocking.

Awesome Graphics

The 2017 ROG GT51 supports up to two NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X graphics cards in SLI to deliver smooth, stutter-free 4K UHD gaming at over 60 fps!

Fast Memory & Storage

The 2017 ROG GT51 comes with the fast DDR4 memory, the latest NVMe PCI Express SSD, and the new USB 3.1 ports.

Advanced Cooling System

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The 2017 ROG GT51 boasts a multi-zone thermal solution that decreases system temperature by up to 31%, even under the heaviest of loads. The CPU is liquid-cooled, while the GPU has a dedicated air channel. The power supply unit, found in the bottom corner of the chassis, features its own isolated airflow design.

Customisable 8-Million Colour LED Lighting

Dynamic light effects illuminate the case, including the iconic ROG logo and twin side-light strips. You can even customize the RGB LEDs on the air intake with any of the 8 million colors! And when you overclock ROG GT51, the dramatic OC lighting mode is activated.

ROG Band

The wearable ROG BAND lets you access Shadow Drive — a hidden storage space for keeping your personal and confidential data safe. You can also use ROG BAND to activate the overclocking mode.

 

Price & Availability

The 2017 ASUS ROG GT51 (GT51CH) gaming desktop is now available with the following specifications for a launch price of RM 11,999 / ~US$ 2,859, inclusive of the 6% GST.

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The 2017 HP ENVY 13 Reinvents Performance On-The-Go

6 September, 2017 – The new 2017 HP ENVY 13 laptop is here! With improved performance and an impressive design, the 2017 HP ENVY 13 showcases that light can be powerful.

Every aspect of the ENVY 13 was designed to push creative boundaries and unlock new opportunities, reinforcing HP’s place at the forefront of reinvention. Bold engineering and cutting-edge design decisions will delight a generation eager to use technology as a canvas for self-expression.

The new ENVY 13 bring extraordinary performance in every millimeter, empowering users to change how they work, create and play without compromising style or function.

 

The 2017 HP ENVY 13 Reinvents Performance On-The-Go

Red-carpet ready design: A durable metal chassis offered in natural silver and silk gold alongside a sleek angular lift hinge allows for the fan to easily circulate air while offering a more comfortable typing experience.

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Boundless creativity: Offered with a FHD display, quad speakers with discrete amplifiers and an HD WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) camera with wide viewing angles, creating and entertaining is a seamless transition.

Secure content: Windows Hello brings security features with convenience and the assurance your latest inspiration is better protected.

Performance to do more: Bringing the ability to multitask with ease via the latest Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors, while optional dedicated graphics from NVIDIA means better resolution, response rates and colors in the display for those editing photos or video.

 

The 2017 HP ENVY 13 Pricing and Availability

The 2017 HP ENVY 13 is available in September, starting at RM3,999 / ~US$ 949, inclusive of GST.

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The ASUS VivoBook S15 (S510U) Laptop Review

In June, ASUS revealed the 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook laptops, with the first VivoBook units arriving in August. Much of the attention was focused on the ASUS ZenBook models, but what about the VivoBooks? In this review, we will take a close look at the ASUS VivoBook S15 (S510) laptop, and see what this hidden gem offers!

 

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (S510U) Laptop

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) is available in a variety of configurations. The model we reviewed is the Icicle Gold-coloured S510U with a dual-core Intel Core i5-7200U processor, 4 GB of RAM and a storage configuration of a 128 GB SSD and a 1 TB hard disk drive.

Let’s take a look at the VivoBook S15’s specifications and other available configuration options :

SpecificationsASUS VivoBook S15 (S510U)Other Available Options
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 10 HomeMicrosoft Windows 10 Professional
Endless OS
ProcessorIntel Core i5-7200UIntel Core i7-8550U
Intel Core i5-8250U
Intel Core i7-7500U
Intel Core i3-7100U
Memory4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM8 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM
16 GB DDR4-2133 SDRAM
Display15.6" Full HD anti-glare LED display (60 Hz)
- 45% NTSC colour gamut, 178˚viewing angle
15.6" HD anti-glare LED display (60 Hz)
- 45% NTSC colour gamut
Graphics ProcessorNVIDIA GeForce 940MX (2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM)
Storage128 GB SATA3 M.2 SSD
1 TB SATA3 HDD (5400 RPM)
256 GB SATA3 M.2 SSD
512 GB SATA3 M.2 SSD
500 GB SATA3 HDD (5400 RPM)
2 TB SATA3 HDD (5400 RPM)
Card ReaderSD/SDHC Card Reader
WebcamVGA Web Camera (640 x 480)
NetworkingWiFi : 802.11ac (2x2)
Bluetooth v4.1
Interfaces1 x 3.5 mm microphone + headphone port
1 x USB 3.1 Type C port
1 x USB 3.1 Type A port
2 x USB 2.0 Type A ports
1 x HDMI port
Fingerprint SensorYes, integrated into touch pad
AudioStereo 2 W speakers + microphone
ASUS SonicMaster Technology
KeyboardFull-sized backlit keyboard (1.4 mm key travel)Full-sized keyboard (1.4 mm key travel)
Battery3 cell lithium-ion polymer battery (42 WHrs)
- Fast charging capability (60% in 49 minutes)
Dimensions364.4 mm wide
243.5 mm deep
17.9 mm thick
Weight1.7 kg1.5 kg (with SSD only)
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Unboxing The ASUS VivoBook S15

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) comes in the form of a box and a bundled backpack. Let’s take a look at the package, and unbox the ASUS VivoBook S15!

The entirety of the ASUS VivoBook S15 package consists of :

  • One ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) laptop
  • One 65 W ASUS compact power adaptor with power cord
  • One set of ASUS VivoBook S15 user guides
  • One ASUS 15.6″ laptop backpack

Next Page > The ASUS VivoBook S15 Up Close & NanoEdge Display

 

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The ASUS VivoBook S15 Up Close

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) is the latest and most premium model in the ASUS VivoBook series. It is a slim and lightweight 15.6″ Windows 10 laptop in a form factor of a traditional 14″ laptop, thanks to its 7.8 mm bezel. It is also extremely thin at just 17.9 mm and weighs only 1.7 kg.

On the left side of the VivoBook S15, you will find two USB 2.0 ports and an SD/SDHC card reader. The USB 2.0 ports are quite a disappointment. For a 2017 model, we would have expected no less than USB 3.0 ports.

There are two USB 3.1 ports on the right side, flanking the HDMI port – one Type A port, and one Type C reversible port. Both are Gen 1 ports, which means they’re really USB 3.0 ports for all intents and purposes. You will also find a 3.5 mm earphone and microphone port, with power port at the far end.

You may also note by now how thin the VivoBook S15 really is. At its thickest point, it is just under 18 mm in thickness. It is much thinner than traditional 14″ laptops, putting the VivoBook S15 (Price Check) in the UltraBook category.

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ASUS NanoEdge Display

The VivoBook S15 (Price Check) boasts what ASUS calls their NanoEdge display. That’s a fancy name for a narrow bezel design already common in high-end laptops and UltraBooks, but not more affordable laptops like the VivoBook S15.

This is an important point to note, because the narrow 7.8 mm bezel allows ASUS to fit a large 15.6″ display into the form factor of a traditional 14″ laptop. The end result is a smaller form factor for the same large display. In fact, it has an 80% screen-to-body ratio.

The display itself uses an IPS panel, with a wide 178° viewing angle, and a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. It has an LED backlight with a decent colour gamut of 45% NTSC. All-in-all, this is a beautiful display.

Just above the display though is a web camera with an astoundingly low resolution of 640 x 480, rendering it virtually useless. We would have expected no less than a 720p webcam with 3X the resolution in this day and age.

Next Page > Keyboard, IceCool Technology, Touch Pad, Fingerprint Sensor & Speakers

 

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Full-Sized Keyboard

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) has a full-sized keyboard with chiclet keys. They boast a 1.4 mm key travel for more comfortable typing. Our model came with backlit keys, which may not be offered in some regions.

 

ASUS IceCool Technology

The VivoBook S15 (Price Check) has an improved cooling system, that ASUS calls their IceCool technology. It uses a smart fan, thin heat pipes, and an improved design, to keep the average palm rest temperature of the VivoBook S15 below 35°C.

Part of the new cooling design includes these cooling vents hidden behind the keyboard – the same design used in the Apple MacBook Pro. The hot air is exhausted upwards, which improves performance and makes for a more comfortable laptop experience.

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Touch Pad & Fingerprint Sensor

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) laptop has a large touch pad that measures 105 x 75 mm. A small fingerprint sensor is embedded into the right corner of this touch pad. This is similar to the touch sensors on smartphones, allowing for quick and secure authentication of the VivoBook S15 user.

 

Speakers

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) has two 2 W speakers with resonance chambers on the underside, facing the front. These speakers may lack the Harman Kardon branding of the ASUS ZenBook 3 Deluxe, but they have been tuned by the ASUS Golden Ear team for optimal audio fidelity.

While we are here, you may note the four large rubber feet, and the lack of cooling vents, on the underside. The former keep the VivoBook S15 firm on the table top, while the latter ensure that the VivoBook S15 does not overheat while you are using it on the go. The cooling vents, as you may recall, are hidden behind the keyboard.

Next Page > The ASUS VivoBook S15 Performance, Storage & Battery

 

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ASUS VivoBook S15 Performance

This ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) laptop is powered by the 7th Generation Intel Core processor, specifically the Intel Core i5-7200U. This is a low-power 15 W dual-core processor with a 3 MB L3 cache, a clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a turbo clock of 3.1 GHz.

Surprisingly for a laptop in this price range, it has a dedicated graphics processor – the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX with 384 stream processors. While it uses the older NVIDIA GM108 GPU,, it is still far more powerful than the Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated graphics, especially when it comes with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory.

What’s rather disappointing for a laptop of this refinement though is the 4 GB of memory it comes with. Granted, it’s fast DDR4-2400 (Hynix HMA851S6AFR6N-UH) memory, but it is still just 4 GB of memory. It should have come with 8 GB of memory.

 

ASUS VivoBook S15 Storage

ASUS offers a variety of solid state and hard disk drive storage options. You can also opt for SSD-only storage, or HDD-only storage. If you choose to use only an SSD, you can reduce the weight of the VivoBook S15 to just 1.5 kg.

Our model came with both – a small 128 GB Toshiba THNSNK128GVN8 M.2 SSD, as well as a large 1 TB Seagate ST1000LM035 hard disk drive. This combination offers fast boot-up with a large storage capacity, at a low cost.

That said, we would recommend that you try to get at least a 256 GB SSD. With Windows 10 Home installed, there is only 93 GB of space left for you to use – hardly enough to install more than a few applications and games.

The ability to install two drives cannot be understated. It is possible to configure the VivoBook S15 with a 512 GB SSD together with a 2 TB Seagate hard disk drive, giving you a total storage capacity of 2.5 TB!

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ASUS VivoBook S15 Battery

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) has an internal 3-cell battery with a capacity of 42 WHrs. Instead of the usual lithium-ion cylinder batteries though, it uses the newer lithium-polymer battery technology. This allows for a slimmer form factor, as well as a 3X longer lifespan.

They also implemented the new ASUS Battery Health Charging Technology to prolong its lifespan and decrease the battery expansion rate. Finally, they added fast charging capability, allowing the VivoBook S15 to recharge its battery to 60% in just 49 minutes.

For all these technologies though, the 3-cell battery is short on battery life. This is an unfortunate consequence of such slim designs. In our battery life tests running YouTube videos on the VivoBook S15 with the display brightness set to 40%, it lasted just over 4.5 hours. In our real world usage tests, we were able to work on it for about 5.5 hours before the battery capacity dropped to 10%.

Next Page > Our Verdict & Award, Pros & Cons, Lowest Prices

 

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Our Verdict On The ASUS VivoBook S15

When we first saw the 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook laptops, we will admit that we were more interested in the high-end ZenBook models. The VivoBooks seemed, at first glance, to be simple, budget-oriented versions of their ZenBook cousins. That could not be further from the truth.

The ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) laptop is an impressive example of computer hardware engineering in its own right. Remember, this is the most affordable model in the 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook range. Yet, ASUS managed to fit a 15.6″ Full HD IPS display into a 14″ form factor that is only 18 mm thick, and weighs just 1.7 kg.

To achieve this, ASUS used all the tricks in the book – reducing the bezel, using a lithium-polymer battery in a metal unibody chassis, and throwing away the VGA port. Somehow, they could do all this while creating enough space for a hard disk drive to be installed, in addition to a M.2 SSD.

Yes, the ASUS VivoBook S15 can be configured with both an SSD and a HDD. It is actually possible to equip it with a 512 GB SSD and a 2 TB hard disk drive for a total storage capacity of 2.5 TB!

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Our ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) came with just 4 GB of RAM. That may be sufficient for office use, but does not do it justice. The first upgrade we would recommend would be to add another 4 GB of DDR4 memory. In some regions, ASUS will allow you to configure the VivoBook S15 with up to 16 GB of DDR4-2133 memory.

You will love the Full HD IPS display with its 178˚ wide viewing angle, and the full-sized keyboard with 1.4 mm key travel. If you have the option of selecting the backlit option, you should go for it – it will make typing in dim light so much easier!

You may not appreciate it at first, but once you start using it, you will love the fast fingerprint sensor. We are all used to such sensors in our smartphones, and transitioning to it on our computers is easy. You will wonder why not all laptops come with a fast fingerprint sensor.

Did we mention how thin and light the VivoBook S15 is? It’s really thin and light, despite the size of its display. And what you will realise after some time – how cool it runs. Even if you put it through the paces, you will never get your palms and laps burned.

Pros Cons
• 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with 178˚ viewing angle • VGA webcam only
• Smaller form factor that is 18 mm thin, and only weighs 1.7 kg • Two of the USB ports are still USB 2.0
• Comes with both an SSD and a HDD • Relatively small battery capacity
• Has an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX GPU with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory • Ships with just 4 GB of memory
• Cool-running, thanks to improved cooling solution
• Lithium-polymer battery with 3X longer lifespan and fast-charging capability
• Has a fast fingerprint sensor for quick Windows Hello login
• Full-sized backlit keyboard with 1.4 mm key travel

There are some things we did not quite like though. We cannot understand why ASUS would use a VGA webcam in an age when even cheap smartphones have front cameras that record video in 1080p! We also cannot understand the decision to keep two of the USB ports stuck in year 2000. After all, the USB 3.1 standard is backward-compatible with older USB standards…

These anachronisms aside, the ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) is a great laptop for those who want a powerful laptop with a large display and storage capacity without feeling like they just lugged a desktop PC. It even has an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX GPU built-in for games and hardware acceleration of 3D graphics rendering and photo editing software.

For its combination of a large brilliant display, discrete graphics and dual drive storage options, in a thin and light form factor, we think the ASUS VivoBook S15 (Price Check) deserves no less than our Reviewer’s Choice Award. Congratulations, ASUS!

 

The ASUS VivoBook S15 Lowest Prices

Here are the lowest prices for the following ASUS VivoBook S15 models :

  • ASUS VivoBook S15 with Intel Core i7-7500U, 32 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 2 TB HDD, Full HD display : $1210
  • ASUS VivoBook S15 with Intel Core i7-7500U, 32 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD, Full HD display : $1115
  • ASUS VivoBook S15 with Intel Core i7-7500U, 16 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD, Full HD display : $965
  • ASUS VivoBook S15 with Intel Core i7-7500U, 12 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD, Full HD display : $945
  • ASUS VivoBook S15 with Intel Core i7-7500U, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD, Full HD display : $849
  • ASUS VivoBook S15 with Intel Core i7-7500U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD, Full HD display : $789

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The AMD Ryzen PRO Desktop CPU Tech Report

Right on the heels of the big reveal of the AMD EPYC 7000 Series (formerly known as AMD Naples) of enterprise server processors, AMD just announced the AMD Ryzen PRO family of desktop processors. Here is everything you need to know about them, including their specifications, key features and availability.

Updated @ 2017-09-03 : Added the first slew of desktop and notebook PCs that will ship soon.

Originally posted @ 2017-07-01

 

Enterprise-Grade Performance

The AMD Ryzen PRO processors are basically enterprise-grade versions of the AMD Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 processors. They have the same features performance characteristics as their consumer-grade brothers, like Precision Boost and Extended Frequency Range (XFR). The PRO versions just have additional security and remote management capabilities.

The slides above appear to have two typos. But the only important one you need to know is that, like the AMD Ryzen 7, the Ryzen 7 PRO has a peak frequency of 3.8 GHz.

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The AMD Ryzen PRO Value Proposition

As our AMD Ryzen 7 1800X review has shown, the AMD Zen core is about 10% slower per clock cycle than the Intel Skylake core. It therefore comes to no surprise that AMD is focusing on their value proposition. They’re offering more cores at the same price points, delivering more performance per dollar.

Here are four spider charts that AMD created to show how much performance advantage the Ryzen PRO processors can offer over their direct Intel competitors. Like their consumer-grade brothers, these enterprise-grade processors directly compete with the 7th Generation Intel Core processors (formerly known as Kaby Lake).

With twice as many cores and threads, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 1700 appears to offer up to 73% better performance than the Intel Core i7-7700 in TrueCrypt (AES encryption).

The Ryzen 5 PRO 1600 offers 50% more processor cores and the ability to simultaneously process 3X more instruction threads than the Intel Core i5-7500. The end result – it was just over twice as fast in AES encryption using TrueCrypt, and almost twice as fast at rendering a 3D image in CINEBENCH R15.

The Ryzen 5 PRO 1500 has 4 cores, just like the Intel Core i5-7500, but its SMT capability allows it to process twice as many instruction threads. That allowed it to offer up to 76% better performance in 3DMark 11.

The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 offers twice as many cores, albeit processing the same number of instruction threads, as the Intel Core i3-7100. That still allowed it to deliver up to 76% better performance in 3DMark 11.

Now, this is similar to what the consumer-grade AMD Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 processors already offer. So what extra features do these enterprise-grade desktop processors offer? Let’s find out!

Next Page > Key Features, Specifications & Availability

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Built-In Security Features

The AMD Ryzen PRO processors come with enterprise-grade security features called AMD Secure Technologies.

They consist of a 128-bit AES encryption engine and support for Windows 10 Enterprise Security, fTPM (firmware Trust Platform Module) and Secure Boot. They also support Transparent Secure Memory Encryption, which allows for independent encryption of memory contents with minimal performance impact.

AMD took care to point out that while similar security features are available with the Intel Core i7 and Core i5 vPro processors, there are no Core i3 vPro processors. This gives the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO processors a distinct advantage over the Core i3.

 

Greater Reliability & Manageability

Large enterprises are not just interested in performance. Reliability and manageability are arguably of greater concern to them. They also want supply chain certainty, so AMD guarantees the availability of every PRO model for 24 months. AMD will also reserve their highest yield wafers for these enterprise-grade processors, to ensure greater reliability.

Needless to say, these PRO processors have built-in remote management capabilities, similar to the Intel Active Management Technology that is part of Intel vPro. AMD implements the DASH (Desktop and mobile Architecture for System Hardware) open standard, while Intel AMT is proprietary in nature.

Again, AMD pointed out that these management and reliability features are not available for the Intel Core i3 processors, giving their AMD Ryzen 3 PRO processors a leg up in these aspects.

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AMD Ryzen PRO Specifications

AMD has announced six PRO processors to start with, with the Ryzen 7 PRO and Ryzen 5 PRO processors mimicking the consumer-grade Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 processors already launched. Here is a simple table summarising their key specifications :

 

Desktop + Mobile Availability Updated!

According to AMD, Ryzen PRO-based PCs will start shipping in the second half of 2017., with these desktop PCs shipping shortly :

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  • Dell Optiplex 5055 – shipping in the coming weeks
  • HP EliteDesk 705 – shipping in the coming weeks
  • Lenovo ThinkCentre M715 – shipping in the coming weeks

Laptop users are not forgotten though. AMD plans to release the Pro mobile processors in the first half of 2018. That said, they also announced that these laptops will ship by the end of the year :

  • Lenovo ThinkPad A475 and A275 laptops – shipping in Q4 2017

Next Page > The Complete Presentation & Press Release

 

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The Official AMD Ryzen PRO Presentation Slides

Here is the complete set of the AMD Ryzen PRO presentation slides for your perusal.

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The AMD Ryzen PRO Press Release

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — June 29, 2017 — Following the global excitement generated by the launch of its new EPYC family of server processors, AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today added another tier to its enterprise CPU portfolio with the introduction of AMD Ryzen PRO desktop processors. Designed to meet the demands of today’s compute-intensive workplace, Ryzen PRO desktop processors will bring reliability, security, and performance to enterprise desktops worldwide.

“Today marks another important step in our journey to bring innovation and excitement back to the PC industry: the launch of our Ryzen PRO desktop CPUs that will bring disruptive levels of performance to the premium commercial market,” said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Group, AMD. “Offering a significant leap in generational performance, leadership multi-threaded performance, and the first-ever 8-core, 16-thread CPU for commercial-grade PCs, Ryzen PRO provides a portfolio of technology choices that meet the evolving needs of businesses today and tomorrow.”

Ryzen PRO Lineup

Delivering breakthrough responsiveness for the most demanding enterprise-class applications and multi-tasking workflows, the ‘Zen’ core in every Ryzen PRO processor provides up to 52 percent improvement in compute capability over the previous generation1, and the Ryzen 7 PRO 1700 offers up to 62 percent more multi-threaded performance than select competing solutions2.

Security

Targeted for enterprise and public sector implementations, Ryzen PRO processors offer state-of-the-art silicon-level security, providing hardware-based cryptographic and security technologies to help protect against an ever-growing number of threats. Security standards like secure boot, fTPM (firmware Trust Platform Module), AES, and Windows 10 Enterprise security features are fully supported across the entire Ryzen PRO processor family.

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Dependability

Built upon exceptional AMD product dependability and sourced from wafers with the highest yields, Ryzen PRO processors provide commercial-grade quality and reliability to help ensure platform longevity for future-ready computing. Industry-leading, open-standard DASH manageability allows for CPU-agnostic administration and helps ensure businesses avoid getting locked into proprietary solutions.

Availability

The world’s largest suppliers of commercial client desktops are expected to provide Ryzen PRO-based PCs to businesses worldwide in the second half of 2017. Ryzen PRO mobile is scheduled for the first half of 2018.

 

Suggested Reading

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The HP OMEN Gaming Laptop & Desktop PCs Revealed!

HP just launched the OMEN by HP line of gaming PCs. Their new OMEN gaming PCs have reputedly been engineered to give esports and competitive gamers the edge to perform at their very best. Let’s take a look at the new HP OMEN gaming laptop and desktop PCs!

 

The 2017 OMEN Gaming Laptop & Desktop PCs Revealed!

The highlight of the HP OMEN launch event was this presentation by Stacey Gan, HP Market Development Manager (Consumer Notebook) on the key features of the new OMEN gaming PCs. Check it out!

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The HP OMEN Gaming Desktop

The new OMEN gaming desktop PC was inspired by the OMEN X desktop. It leverages key features from the OMEN X desktop, like the ability to easily upgrade components, and improved cooling, to allow gamers to push the envelope of the system’s gaming performance.

  • Supports up to dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards in SLI, or dual AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics cards in CrossFire mode.
  • Powered by the 7th Generation Intel Core i7 or Core i5 CPUs with unlocked options for overclocking.
  • Improved thermal engineering with all-around edge vents and optional liquid-cooling capability.
  • Optional PCIe SSD or SSD + HDD storage options.
  • OMEN Command Center with Overclocking improves CPU performance on-the-fly.
  • Network Booster prioritises gaming traffic to reduce latency in online games.

 

The HP OMEN Gaming Laptops

The HP OMEN gaming laptops will be available in two sizes – the HP OMEN 15 with a 15.6″ display, and a HP OMEN 17 with a 17″ display. These gaming laptops feature more expansion capabilities, additional ports and more VR compatibility.

  • The HP OMEN 15 supports up to the GeForce GTX 1060 with Max-Q, or the Radeon RX 550.
  • The HP OMEN 17 supports up to the GeForce GTX 1070, or the Radeon RX 580.[adrotate group=”2″]
  • Powered by the 7th Generation Intel Core i7 quad-core processors.
  • Improved cooling thanks to a multi-fan, multi-heatpipe, multi-exhaust thermal solution.
  • Integrated dual speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, and boosted by HP Audio Boost.
  • Dragon-red keyboard with red-accented WASD keys, white backlights and 26-key rollover anti-ghosting capability.
  • Option of 4K display / 1080p 120Hz display with NVIDIA G-Sync / 1080p 60Hz display with AMD FreeSync.
  • Single access panel for easy HDD, SSD and RAM upgrades.
  • VR-ready configurations available for virtual reality gaming.

 

Price & Availability

The HP OMEN Desktop is currently available, with prices starting at RM 5,999 / ~US$ 1,429.

The HP OMEN 15 gaming laptop is currently available, with prices starting at RM 4,499 / ~US$ 1,069.

The HP OMEN 17 gaming laptop is currently available, with prices starting at RM 8,899 / ~US$ 2,119.

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The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Is Now Available In Malaysia!

17 July 2017 – Microsoft today announced that the new Surface Pro 2017 and Surface Pro Signature Type Cover are now available for pre-orders in Malaysia from local Surface authorized retailers which include top retailers and Microsoft store-in-store in Lazada. Starting from RM 3,699 / ~US$ 879, the new Surface Pro 2017 will officially be available on 15 August 2017.

Don’t forget to check out our Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Hands-On Preview!

 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017

Unveiled earlier in May, the new Surface Pro 2017 has been redesigned from the inside out to give people more performance with improved battery life. Everything has been streamlined and refined — from softer, rounded edges to cameras built to fade into the bezel. At just 8.5mm thin and starting at 767 grams, the new Surface Pro 2017 packs the power of a 7th generation Intel Core processor into a new fanless, whisper-quiet design.

The Surface Pro 2017 delivers the most performance and battery life in a laptop that is this thin, light and quiet. It features up to 13.5 hours of battery life. Compared to its predecessors, Surface Pro 2017 boasts 50% longer battery life than Surface Pro 4 and delivers performance 2.5 times more than Surface Pro 3 – providing unmatched versatility and mobility in a lighter, more refined design.

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The Surface Pro 2017 is not only a powerhouse laptop, but also a mobile creative studio with a high-resolution 12.3” PixelSense touch display that supports the new Surface Pen, the fastest pen ever, both on- and off-screen. The Surface Pro takes the immersive experience of creating on Surface Studio and brings it to life in a highly portable form factor.

With a new hinge that adjusts to 165 degrees, people can now put Surface Pro into Studio Mode, creating the optimal position to write or sketch. Inking in applications across Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 365, including the new Microsoft Whiteboard app, will unlock ways for people to use digital ink to be more creative, collaborative and productive.

The new Surface Pro Signature Type Cover delivers a high-quality scissor mechanism and 1.3 mm of key travel for faster and more accurate typing. A full-size glass trackpad with five-finger multi-touch capabilities allows for ultimate precision, and the entire keyboard is wrapped in soft yet durable Alcantara material, creating a comfortable palm rest and beautiful aesthetic. The Signature Type Cover will be available in Platinum, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue to match your personal style.

 

The Surface Pro 2017 & Surface Pro Signature Pricing

You can pre-order these models from the Microsoft store in Lazada. Overseas, you can also buy them at Amazon – here are the current lowest prices.

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The 2017 HP Spectre x360 With Active Pen Revealed!

HP just introduced the 2017 HP Spectre x360. This is the second-generation HP Spectre x360 model, featuring a near-zero border display in a design that is 13% thinner and 11% lighter! Not only is the 2017 HP Spectre x360 sleeker and lighter, it is designed to work with the HP Active Stylus Pen. Check it out!

 

The 2017 HP Spectre x360 Launch & Presentation

The Malaysian launch of the 2017 HP Spectre x360 was held at the 24th floor of the swanky Troika, hosted by Miss World Malaysia 2012, Lee Yvonne. HP Malaysia Business Director (PC), Frankie Chan, kicked off the event with a launch keynote on the Spectre x360.

Then Stacey Gan, HP Market Development Manager (Consumer Notebook), then gave a presentation on the new features of the 2017 HP Spectre x360 with the HP Active Stylus Pen.

 

 

The Sleeker, Lighter HP Spectre x360

The new 2017 HP Spectre x360 boasts a new hinge design, which squeezes its form factor even thinner by 2 mm to just 13.8 mm. It is also much lighter at just under 1.3 kg, compared to 1.45 in the previous model. Even so, HP managed to pack in a larger 57.8 Whr battery, allowing it to run for up to 15 hours – 25% more battery life than its predecessor!

The 2017 HP Spectre x360 is powered by the 7th Generation Intel Core i7 or Core i5 processor, but it’s not just about raw performance. Its new micr-edge display design eliminated almost 10 mm from each side of the display, giving you a much larger display in the same form factor!

The new Spectre x360 comes with four speakers, instead of just two. These speakers are not just tuned by Bang & Olufsen, they also support HP Audio Boost. It is also designed for Windows Ink, with the HP Active Stylus Pen delivering a precise pen experience.

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Here is a summary of its key features :

  • The new dual-fan design optimises thermals to ensure the device runs cool during demanding activities
  • 7th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors
  • Options with up to a 256 GB PCIe SSD for fast performance and plenty of storage space
  • HP TrueVision FHD Webcam with 12% wider field of view
  • A FHD IR camera allows Windows Hello facial recognition for secure, easy logins.
  • HP Fast Charge allows the Spectre x360 to recharge its battery to 90% in just 90 minutes

 

The 2017 HP Spectre x360 Specifications & Price

MODEL HP Spectre x360 13-ac029TU HP Spectre x360 13-ac028TU
PART NO 1HP10PA#UUF 1HP09PA#UUF
COLOUR Dark Ash Silver Dask Ash Silver
ILP PRICE + 6% GST RM 5,299 / ~US$ 1,259 RM 6,099 / ~US$ 1,449
DISPLAY SIZE 13.3-inch FHD 13.3-inch FHD
DISPLAY RESOLUTION 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
PROCESSOR Intel Core i5-7200U (2.5 GHz, up to 3.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 3 MB cache, 2 cores) Intel Core i7-7500U (2.7 GHz, up to 3.5 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores)
MEMORY On-board 8 GB LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM On-board 8GB LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM
STORAGE 256 GB PCIe M.2 SSD 256 GB PCIe M.2 SSD
GRAPHICS Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620
OPTICAL DRIVE None None
OPERATING SYSTEM Windows 10 (64bit) Windows 10 (64bit)
PORTS 2 X USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3
1 x USB Type A 3.1 Gen 1,
1 headphone/microphone combo
2 X USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3
1 x USB Type A 3.1 Gen 1,
1 headphone/microphone combo
THICKNESS 13.9 mm 13.9 mm
WEIGHT 1.32 kg 1.32 kg
BATTERY 3-Cell 3-Cell
POWER FOR ADAPTER 65 W 65 W
CONNECTIVITY Intel 802.11 ac 2X2 WiFi + BT 4.2 Combo Adapter Intel 802.11 ac 2X2 WiFi + BT 4.2 Combo Adapter
WARRANTY Two years Local Onsite Warranty inclusive of One year limited International Warranty (part/labor/carry-in); 1-year limited warranty on primary battery Two years Local Onsite Warranty inclusive of One year limited International Warranty (part/labor/carry-in); 1-year limited warranty on primary battery
PEN Comes with HP Active Stylus Pen Comes with HP Active Stylus Pen

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The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 Laptop Review

The Dell Inspiron family of laptops are designed for the home or home office. As such, they offer a variety of designs in three different series – the Inspiron 7000 Series, the Inspiron 5000 Series and the Inspiron 3000 Series. Today, we are going to take a look at one of their latest 2-in-1 laptops from the Dell Inspiron 5000 Series – the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368), which recently received a minor refresh (5378).

Updated @ 2017-07-12 : Updated the article with fresh links and minor changes and corrections.

Originally posted @ 2016-11-21

 

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) Specifications

The older Inspiron 13 5368 and the newer Inspiron 13 5378 have the same build and design. They only differ in the processor and storage options. We compare their specifications for your convenience.

SpecificationsDell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368) LaptopDell Inspiron 13 5000 (5378) Laptop
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 10 Home Single Language (64-bit)Microsoft Windows 10 Home Single Language (64-bit)
Pre-Installed SoftwareMicrosoft Office 2016 Trial
McAfee Security Center (15 month subscription)
Microsoft Office 2016 Trial
McAfee Security Center (15 month subscription)
Processor6th Generation Intel Core i7-6500U dual-core processor
- 2.5 GHz base frequency. 3.1 GHz boost frequency
- 4 MB L2 cache
6th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U dual-core processor
- 2.7 GHz base frequency. 3.5 GHz boost frequency
- 4 MB L2 cache
Memory8 GB Single Channel DDR3L-1600 memory8 GB Single Channel DDR4-2133 memory
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 520Intel HD Graphics 620
Display13.3" Backlit LED touch display
- TrueLife Technology
- Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
13.3" Backlit LED touch display
- TrueLife Technology
- Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
Storage256 GB SanDisk Z400s solid state drive1 TB Toshiba MQ02ABF100 hard disk drive
Optical DriveNoneNone
Wireless ConnectivityIntel 3165AC module
- 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0
- Dual band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
Intel 3165AC module
- 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0
- Dual band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
CameraIntegrated widescreen 720p webcam with dual digital microphone arrayIntegrated widescreen 720p webcam with dual digital microphone array
Audio2 tuned speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
1 combo headphone / microphone jack
2 tuned speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
1 combo headphone / microphone jack
BatteryIntegrated 3-cell lithium-ion battery
- 42 WHr / 2750 mAh @ 15.2 V
Integrated 3-cell lithium-ion battery
- 42 WHr / 2750 mAh @ 15.2 V
A/C Adapter45 watt AC adapter45 watt AC adapter
PortsHDMI 1.4a x 1
USB 3.0 with PowerShare x 1, USB 3.0 x 1
USB 2.0 x 1
Noble lock slot
SD card reader
HDMI 1.4a x 1
USB 3.0 with PowerShare x 1, USB 3.0 x 1
USB 2.0 x 1
Noble lock slot
SD card reader
KeyboardFull-sized, backlit keyboardFull-sized, backlit keyboard
TouchpadMulti-touch gesture-enabled touchpad with integrated scrollingMulti-touch gesture-enabled touchpad with integrated scrolling
Maximum DimensionsHeight : 20.4 mm (0.80")
Width : 324.8 mm (12.76")
Depth : 224.4 mm (8.85")
Height : 20.4 mm (0.80")
Width : 324.8 mm (12.76")
Depth : 224.4 mm (8.85")
Weight1.62 kg (3.56 lbs)1.62 kg (3.56 lbs)
Warranty (Default)2 Years Premium Support (Next Business Day Onsite Service)2 Years Premium Support (Next Business Day Onsite Service)
Regulatory ComplianceE-Star 6.1, EPEAT SilverE-Star 6.1, EPEAT Silver
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Unboxing The Dell Inspiron 13 5000

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) came in a white nondescript cardboard box. When we opened it up, we found the power brick and cable in a top tray. The laptop itself is cradled between two cardboard spacers below it.

A small leaflet on the laptop’s safety and regulatory compliance, as well as a Quick Start Guide, can be found inside. This is a review sample, but we are pretty sure this is what you can expect to find in the box of the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price).

Next Page > The Dell Inspiron 13 5000, Connectivity Options, Keyboard & Touch Pad

 

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The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 Laptop

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is a premium convertible laptop that is designed to switch effortlessly between the standard laptop mode, and a tablet mode. It can also be used in the tent mode, and the stand mode.

It only ships in a dark grey colour, and unlike some other Dell Inspiron models, you cannot swap the display cover. The grey colour may be staid but offers great contrast for the matter black keys, which are backlit for visibility in the dark.

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is classified as convertible type, like the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 (7568) 2-in-1 laptop we reviewed earlier. You switch to the tablet mode by flipping the keyboard section all the way over. This makes for a thicker and heavier tablet, but it also allows the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 to used in different modes – laptop modestand modetent modetablet mode.

In our experience, the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) works best in the laptop, stand and tent modes. Although it works well in the tablet mode, it feels rather chunky and heavy. After all, it is more than twice as heavy as the 12.9″ iPad Pro, and thrice as thick.

 

Connectivity Options

On the left side of the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price), you will find the power port, a HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports and a headphone port. The USB 3.0 port next to the HDMI port supports PowerShare, which allows you to recharge your mobile devices even when the Inspiron 13 5000 is powered down.

Just under the display lid in the front is a small LED light that serves as a Power and battery status light. You can also use the Fn+H key to switch it to a SSD activity light.

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Solid white — Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5% charge.

Amber — Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5% charge.

Off — Computer is in sleep state, hibernation or turned off / Computer is running and the battery has more than 5% charge

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 does not have an optical drive (who still uses one these days?), so you will only find a USB 2.0 port and a SD card reader, a Power button and a volume control toggle on the right side.

 

The Keyboard & Touch Pad

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) has a full-sized keyboard with backlit keys. It is not spill-resistant though, so be careful with that coffee!

It also comes with a large, multi-touch touchpad that supports gestures and scrolling. Those who come from a Mac background will love it.

Next Page > The Hinge, Speakers & Vents, Power & Battery Life, Usability

 

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The Hinge, Speakers and Vents

Like all convertible laptops, the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (Lowest Price) uses a special hinge. It is not just the ability to completely fold the keyboard section behind the display. The hinge also has a constant friction that allows it to be easily used to convert the Inspiron 13 5000 into four different modes.

Flipping the Inspiron 13 5000 over, you will find two small speaker ports on each side. Each speaker has a 2.5 W peak power output. Near the back is a small black label with the Service Tag and Express Service Code.

There are two rows of cooling vents at the back. This is where the warm exhaust from the CPU cooler are vented out. Both the 6th Generation Intel Core i7-6500U (Inspiron 13 5368) or the 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U (Inspiron 13 5378) processors use and dissipate relatively little heat – just 15 W.

 

Power & Battery Life

Powered by the low-power 6th Generation Intel Core i7-6500U (Inspiron 13 5368) or the 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U (Inspiron 13 5378) processor, the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) sips power. Hence, it comes with a small and light 45 W power adaptor, which is always a good thing when you travel.

That said, the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 comes with a small 3-cell lithium-ion battery. As efficient as the Intel Core i7 processor may be, there is only so much battery life you can squeeze from such a small 42 Whr (2,750 mAh @ 15.2 V) battery.

In our real world tests, we could use it for 6 hours before we had to recharge it. This is decent, but a little disappointing in an age when laptops and tablets can last 8-12 hours. Dell would do well to pack in a little more battery life into the next version, especially when this battery is only rated for 300 cycles. This would mean that its battery life will fall quite rapidly after a year or so of use.

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Usability

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is really just a smaller version of the Inspiron 15 7000 we reviewed earlier. It uses the same 2-in-1 design with the same hinges. It just comes with a plastic build, a smaller 13.3″ form factor and is consequently 25% lighter.

Even so, it is a handful to use in the tablet mode. It may be much lighter than the Inspiron 15 7000, but it still weighs 1.62 kg. You will end up using it in the regular laptop mode, or in either the tent or stand mode, where you don’t actually have to carry it.

In the non-tablet modes, it is great. Its TrueLife display with a full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) delivers bright, crisp images with a wide 160° viewing angle. Perfect for presentations or movies.

We have to wonder though about the USB 2.0 port on the right side. There is really no reason why there should still be a USB 2.0 port in any laptop sold today. In fact, Dell should have included at least one Type C USB 3.1 port.

Next Page > Performance & Storage, Our Verdict

 

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Performance & Storage

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is powered by either the Intel Core i7-6500U (Inspiron 13 5368) or the Intel Core i7-7500U (Inspiron 13 5378) processor.

Windows will show that there are four cores, but they are both dual-core processors that supports HyperThreading – hence, the four logical cores. Backed by 4 MB of L2 cache, both are fast dual-core processor. Impressive when you consider the fact that they only use 15 W of power.

The newer Intel Core i7-7500U is slightly faster and more power-efficient than the Intel Core i7-6500U, but without benchmarking them, you won’t be able to tell the difference. The Inspiron 13 5000 won’t have any problem handling office applications. You can even edit photos on its full HD display without breaking a sweat.

The Intel processor is a little hobbled by the Inspiron 13 5000’s default single-channel design. There are two SODIMM slots, but only one is populated so the processor is running with half of its peak memory bandwidth. This can be remedied by simply adding another memory module. This would also give you more memory to use.

The good news is the older Inspiron 13 5368 model comes with a 256 GB SanDisk Z400s solid state drive. The newer Inspiron 13 5378, on the other hand, comes with a 1 TB hard disk drive. The solid state drive really makes a big difference – it boots up very quickly, and does not feel sluggish like the Inspiron 15 7000 we reviewed earlier.

Unless storage space is critical to you, we still think an SSD would have been a better choice due to the way these 2-in-1 laptops are used. SSDs are virtually impervious to shock and vibration, while hard disk drives are not.

 

Our Verdict

Unlike the Inspiron 15 7000, the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) can actually be used as a large tablet. You will end up laying it on your lap or a tabletop most of the time though. It is best used in the laptop mode, the tent mode and the stand mode.

Our Inspiron 13 5368 review model came with a great 256 GB SanDisk Z400S (Lowest Price) solid state drive. However, Dell currently offers a smaller 128 GB SSD option, or a 1 TB hard disk drive option, in the Inspiron 13 5378 refresh model. Always opt for the SSD option. It makes a HUGE difference in the laptop’s performance.

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You will love the performance of the Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price). The dual-core Intel Core i7 processor is fast enough to handle any work application you throw at it. The HD Graphics processor graphics is also good enough to handle full HD video playback and light gaming.

The TrueLife display is a real pleasure to use. Once you try it, you will never want to go back to the cheap TN panels that are used in many low-cost laptops. The battery life of the Inspiron 13 5000 though is pretty limited at about 6 hours. We sure wished Dell gave it a bigger battery. The small 3-cell battery will give you “range anxiety” on a long trip.

The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is a great option for anyone who wants a relatively light and powerful 13.3″ laptop. Why settle for a cheap laptop with a TN panel, when you can get a convertible laptop with a high-resolution touch screen display?

 

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The Lenovo ThinkStation P320 Tiny Workstation Launched!

NEW YORK, June 20, 2017 – At its Tech World TRANSFORM commercial summit, Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) announced the ThinkStation P320 Tiny – the world’s smallest workstation with ISV certification. The Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certification ensures that the user’s most critical applications will run reliably inside the small one liter form factor.

 

The Lenovo ThinkStation P320 Tiny

The Lenovo ThinkStation P320 Tiny (Lowest Price) makes full use of tight spaces and delivers on the power expected from a workstation. Easy to set up and compatible with Lenovo’s ThinkCentre Tiny accessories, the P320 Tiny harnesses the power of the 7th Generation Intel Core processors and relies on NVIDIA Quadro Graphics to achieve ISV certification to deliver the performance demanded across a range of professional applications.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P320 Tiny (Lowest Price) offers a lot of computing power in the smallest of packages, so workspaces perform at their best, even in the most finite spaces.

The PC Process Simplified with PC as a Service

The shift towards agile IT, Choose Your Own Device and multi-device synergy is changing corporate computing. PC as a Service (PCaaS) responds to this change by simplifying the financing, deployment, management and disposal process of computing assets by packaging it into a single, configurable solution with a fixed monthly cost.

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Businesses can select tablets, laptops, desktops, workstations or software and services, giving end users greater device choice and allowing capital investment to grow with the business. PCaaS is available in selected markets and on a project-by-project basis in Malaysia.

Lenovo Premier Support

Lenovo Premier Support provides direct access to skilled and experienced Lenovo personnel offering comprehensive hardware and software support. Expert troubleshooters will be able to quickly provide solutions and advice that will keep hardware and software operating at optimal efficiency.

There will also be a single contact for end-to-end case management and next business day onsite labour and parts prioritisation. This service will be available in Malaysia on 7 July 2017 onwards.

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The 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook Laptops Revealed!

At the prestigious The Edge of Beyond 2017 event, ASUS launched a stunning line-up of thin and light ASUS ZenBook and ASUS VivoBook laptops. Get the full details of the incredibly svelte 2017 ASUS ZenBook and VivoBook laptops, including their price and availability!

 

The 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook Laptops Revealed!

Thin and light is obviously the the motto of the day. Everything ASUS revealed was both thin and light. No exceptions.

The new ASUS ZenBook Flip S (UX370) is the world’s thinnest convertible laptop; while the ASUS ZenBook 3 Deluxe (UX490) is the world’s thinnest [1] 14″ laptop. Even the powerful ASUS ZenBook Pro (UX550) is the thinnest and lightest laptop in the professional-grade ultraportable series.

The ASUS VivoBook family also received the same treatment. The ASUS VivoBook S15 features a 15.6″ display in a 14″-class chassis; while the ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 packs a tremendous amount of computing and graphics power in a form factor that is less than 20 mm thick.

[1] As of 1st May, 2017 based on internal ASUS market analysis of 2-in-1 convertible laptops with the following key competitive criteria: Windows or OS X operating system; thickness measured at z-height; Intel Core processor; non-detachable keyboard.

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Price & Availability

In this video, Leo Tseng, Country Manager of ASUS Malaysia, reveals the price and availability of the 2017 ASUS ZenBook and VivoBook laptops.

Here is a summary of the price and availability of the 2017 ASUS ZenBook and VivoBook laptops :

  • ASUS ZenBook 3 Deluxe (UX490) is available now with an SRP of RM 8,299 / ~US$ 1,969
  • ASUS ZenBook 3 Pro (UX550) is available now with an SRP of RM 7,299 / ~US$ 1,729
  • ASUS ZenBook Flip S (UX370) is available in early August with an SRP of RM 6,699 / ~US$ 1,589
  • ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 (N580) is available in early August with an SRP of RM 4,799 / ~US$ 1,139
  • ASUS VivoBook S15 (S510) is available in early July with an SRP of RM 3,699 / ~US$ 879 (Core i7) or RM 2,899 / ~US$ 689 (Core i5).

Next Page > Key Features of the 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook Laptops

 

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The 2017 ASUS ZenBook & VivoBook Laptops

ASUS ZenBook 3 Deluxe (UX490)

SRP (+GST): RM 8,299 / ~US$ 1,969
Availability: Available now

The stunning all-aluminum ASUS ZenBook 3 Deluxe, winner of a Computex 2017 d&i Award, has a 12.9mm-thin and 1.1 kg-light 13-inch-class chassis that houses a gorgeous 14-inch NanoEdge ultranarrow-bezel display. ZenBook 3 Deluxe is the world’s thinnest 14″ laptop, providing users with the perfect balance between portability and productivity.

The ZenBook 3 Series is designed to deliver unprecedented performance, and ZenBook 3 Deluxe takes this to the next level with the latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U processor, 16 GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and a blazingly-fast up 1 TB PCI Express SSD — one of the largest-capacity SSDs available.

Unrivalled expansion capabilities are provided by two USB Type-C ports that are Thunderbolt 3-enabled with support for 40Gbps data transfers, dual 4K UHD external displays and power delivery. ZenBook 3 Deluxe comes with Windows 10 and is also equipped with a fingerprint sensor for easy one-touch login with Windows Hello.

 

ASUS ZenBook Pro (UX550)

SRP (+GST): RM 7,299 / ~US$ 1,729
Availability: beginning of August 2017

ASUS ZenBook Pro is designed to entice with pure, unadulterated power. This redesigned model —winner of a Computex 2017 Best Choice Award — is the thinnest, lightest and most powerful ZenBook Pro ever, offering discerning professional users a winning combination of serious performance and supremely elegant design. Every part of ZenBook Pro has been crafted to make it faster, more powerful and more amazing than the previous generation.

Using the highest performance 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ quad-core processor for notebooks, gaming-grade NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, a 512 GB PCIe x4 SSD and 16 GB DDR4 RAM, it delivers ultimate computing performance and unrivaled style, with day-long battery life of up to 14 hours.

The ASUS ZenBook Pro features a stunning 15.6″ FHD NanoEdge display for an expanded view and quad-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio, creating an incredible visual and audio experience. ZenBook Pro features Windows 10 and is also equipped with a fingerprint sensor for quick and secure one-touch login with Windows Hello.

Despite its astonishing performance, ZenBook Pro is incredibly compact, with a precision-crafted all-aluminum unibody that’s just 18.9 mm thin and 1.8 kg light. The NanoEdge display has a slim 7.3 mm bezel that enhances the beauty of ZenBook Pro while minimizing its overall dimensions. Every detail of ZenBook Pro is even more beautiful than before — including its iconic Zen-inspired spun-metal finish, diamond-cut silver edges, and illuminated lid logo.

 

ASUS ZenBook Flip S (UX370)

SRP (+GST): RM 6,699 / ~US$ 1,589
Availability: beginning of August 2017

ASUS ZenBook Flip S, winner of a Computex 2017 d&i Award, is the world’s thinnest1 convertible laptop, and also one of the lightest. Combining elegant sophistication with the convenience and versatility of a 360°-flippable display, this ultrathin convertible is only 10.9 mm thin and 1.1 kg light. The innovative 360° ErgoLift hinge has a dual-action mechanism that lifts and tilts the keyboard into the perfect typing position when the display is opened beyond 135°.

ZenBook Flip S features Windows 10 and is powered by 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U processor and an ultrafast 512 GB PCIe SSD, allowing users to sail through everyday computing tasks with ease. To keep ZenBook Flip S comfortably cool, ASUS engineers invented a brand-new cooling system using state-of-the-art components, including a liquid-crystal-polymer fan impeller that’s just 0.3mm thin.

The FHD multitouch NanoEdge display on ZenBook Flip S supports an active stylus, combining an amazing visual experience with the convenience of effortless and intuitive interactivity. ZenBook Flip S also includes one of our smallest-ever laptop fingerprint sensors — measuring just 16 x 3.6 mm — for instant one-touch login via Windows Hello in either laptop or tablet mode.

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ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 (N580)

SRP (+GST): RM 4,799 / ~US$ 1,139
Availability: beginning of August 2017

ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 is a slim and lightweight 15.6-inch Windows 10 laptop powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ quad-core processor with 4 GB DDR4 RAM and gaming-grade NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics. An intelligent dual-fan cooling system with a dual-copper thermal module and heat pipes ensures the system stays cool during intense gaming sessions or under heavy loads.

VivoBook Pro 15 has a FHD (1920 x 1080) display with wide-view technology and a wide 100 percent sRGB color gamut. It features Harman Kardon-certified audio, including twin speakers with large 8cc audio chambers and smart-amplifier technology for 3.2X louder volume. VivoBook Pro 15 features support for ASUS Pen (optional)

 

ASUS VivoBook S15 (S510)

SRP (+GST): RM 3,699 / ~US$ 879 (Core i7) or RM 2,899 / ~US$ 689 (Core i5)
Availability: beginning of July 2017

ASUS VivoBook S15 is the latest and most premium model in the VivoBook Series. This 15.6″ slim and lightweight Windows 10 laptop is designed for those constantly on the go, with a 17.9mm profile and weighing just 1.5 kg.

It features an Icicle Gold finish for a quality feel, and a NanoEdge display with a slim 7.8 mm bezel that provides a larger display area for more immersive viewing.

This stylish laptop is powered by the latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U processor with 4GB DDR4 memory and NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics.

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Lenovo Reveals The 2017 ThinkCentre Desktop PCs!

On 14 June 2017, Lenovo not only launched the ThinkPad P51s mobile workstation, they also revealed the new 2017 ThinkCentre desktop, AIO and TIO models, as well as the refreshed 2017 ThinkPad models. Check out the full details below!

 

Lenovo Reveals The 2017 ThinkCentre Desktop PCs

Lenovo has an extensive 2017 ThinkCentre portfolio that consists of three desktop PC lines, two AIO (All In One) models and event a TIO (Tiny In One) model. Lenovo ThinkStation Business Manager, Jason Wong, explains their key features in this presentation :

The new 2017 ThinkCentre desktop PC models that Lenovo just been announced are :

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Lenovo P Series

Lenovo M910 Series

  • Lenovo M910 TW
  • Lenovo M910 SFF
  • Lenovo M910 Tiny

Lenovo AIO / TIO Family

 

The Lenovo ThinkPad Kaby Lake Refresh

Lenovo also announced that they refreshed their ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Lowest Price), ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Lowest Price) and ThinkPad 13 (Lowest Price) with the 7th Generation Intel Core (Kaby Lake) processors.

On top of better performance and longer battery life, the Kaby Lake refresh also adds integrated support for USB-C Gen 2 and faster integrated graphics that is better-suited for 4K video.

The new Lenovo ThinkPad 51s (lowest price on Amazon) that was announced at the same event also features the latest Intel Kaby Lake processor, specifically the Intel Core i7-7600U. It boasts a 3.9 GHz boost frequency and 4 MB L2 cache.

Read more about the ThinkPad 51s, and check out our hands-on preview in our article – The Lenovo ThinkPad P51s Preview, Specs & Price!

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The Intel Compute Card, X-Series & Core i9 CPUs & More @ Computex 2017

The second major event at Computex Taipei 2017 was the Intel Computex 2017 keynote. Ostensibly it was about IOT, but Gregory Bryant, delivered far more than that in his keynote presentation. It was a smorgasbord of new Intel products from the Intel Compute Card to the new Intel X-Series and Intel Core i9 processors.

 

The Intel Compute Card, X-Series & Core i9 CPUs & More!

For almost an hour, Gregory Bryant, VP & GM of the Intel Client Computing Group, paraded the latest products from Intel. He started with new server products like the Intel Xeon Platinum processors and low-power SSDs, before demonstrating the power of an IOT-enabled City Kiosk prototype.

Then he showed off the Intel Compute Card, that Intel believes will drive the future of modular computing. ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih even came on stage to show off their secret ASUS Kukuna prototype which boasts the Intel LTE “Always Connected” technology. There was also a demo of the Intel Optane Memory.

Finally, Gregory announced the Intel X-Series processors, as well as the Intel Core i9 processors. He also revealed that the upcoming 8th Generation Intel Core processors will deliver more than 30% better performance than the 7th Generation Intel Core processors.

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Our Earlier Coverage On The Keynote

Gregory Bryant from Intel announces the Intel Xeon Platinum family of scalable server processors.

Intel also announced the Low Power Series of their 2nd Gen 3D NAND SSD drives.

Introducing the Intel Compute Card!

The Intel Compute Card is a modular computer that will fit into a variety of devices. You can pull it out of one device and slot it into another.

ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih shows off their secret project Kukuna.

Intel also showed off their new Optane technology.

Intel officially announces the Intel Core-X Series Processor Family with up to 18 cores per CPU!

Intel also announced the Intel Core i9 processors, with X-Series and Extreme editions.

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The New Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) Laptop Revealed!

Four months after it was first unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show 2017, Dell has finally launched the new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) laptop.

Powered by the latest 7th Generation Intel Core processors, this is the world’s smallest 13″ 2-in-1 laptop. It also boasts an UltraSharp QHD+ InfinityEdge display. Check it out!

 

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) Laptop

Introducing the new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) laptop, and its key features, was Christopher Choong, Field Marketing Manager, Client Solutions Group, Dell Malaysia.

We had some time to try out the new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) laptop. Here is our hands-on preview!

Here are some of its key features :

Incredibly Mobile

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) laptop is the world’s smallest 13″ laptop. Thanks to its fan-less design, and use of a Type C USB port for power, it has an incredibly slim (8-13.7 mm) form factor. The hinge rotates 360°, allowing you to use it in four different modes – tablet, tent, laptop and stand.

Tough & Reliable

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) laptop is built with laser-cut aluminium and carbon fiber, with Gorilla Glass 4 protection for the display. Its steel hinges have been tested to last at least 20,000 rotations. It is also backed by the legendary Dell Premium Support with Accidental Damage.

Amazing Display

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) laptop comes with an UltraSharp touch display with a QHD+ resolution of 3200 x 1800, a pixel density of 276 ppi, and a wide 170° viewing angle. Dell calls it InfinityEdge, because of its extremely thin bezel. It has a maximum brightness of 400 nots, and a colour gamut of 72%, with a contrast ratio of 1000:1.

 

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The HP Spectre x360 (2017) 2-in-1 Laptop First Look

HP invited us to literally “take a spin” with their newly-refreshed 13.3″ HP Spectre x360 (Amazon | Lazada) 2-in-1 laptop. The racing outfit Grassroots Automotive (GRA) took us for a couple of laps around a racetrack while we literally tried to use the HP Spectre x360. No joke. It left some participants queasy, but not the Spectre x360… which was probably the point of the whole exercise.

But let’s leave the race for a moment and focus on our subject matter – the newly-refreshed HP Spectre x360 (Amazon | Lazada). Don’t worry – we will get back to the race in a minute. 😀

 

The HP Spectre x360 Hands-On Preview

Before the ride, we had the opportunity to try out the HP Spectre x360 (Amazon | Lazada), which has been refreshed with the new 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processors (codenamed Kaby Lake). We had enough time to do a short hands-on preview video of the experience. Check it out!

While the new 15.6″ Spectre x360 sports an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX mobile GPU, the 13.3″ Spectre x360 models (Amazon | Lazada) do not. They are powered by the Intel HD Graphics 620 processor graphics. However, they boast the same front-facing Bang & Olufsen speakers. Its other features include:

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  • The new dual fan design optimizes thermals to ensure the device runs cool during demanding activities
  • 7th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors
  • Options with up to a 256GB PCIe SSD for fast performance and plenty of space to store high resolution videos and photos
  • HP TrueVision FHD Webcam with 12% wider field of view, great for web chats
  • A FHD IR camera supports Windows Hello Facial Log-In for secure, easy log in without typing a password.
  • HP Fast Charge to recharge the batteries to 90 percent capacity in just 90 minutes

 

The HP Spectre x360 Specifications

SpecificationsHP Spectre x360 13-w006TUHP Spectre x360 13-w007TU
Part NumberZ4H97PA#UUFZ4H98PA#UUF
Display Size13.3" full HD display13.3" full HD display
Display Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
ProcessorIntel Core i5-7200U
- 2.5 GHz, boost up to 3.1 GHz
- 3 MB L2 cache, 2 cores
Intel Core i7-7500U
- 2.7 GHz, boost up to 3.5 GHz
- 4 MB L2 cache, 2 cores
Memory8 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM (1866 MHz)8 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM (1866 MHz)
Storage256 GB PCIe M.2 SSD256 GB PCIe M.2 SSD
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 620Intel HD Graphics 620
Optical DriveNoneNone
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 10 (64-bit)Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)
Ports2 x USB 3.1 Type C Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3
1 x USB 3.1 Type A Gen 1
1 x headphone / microphone combo port
2 x USB 3.1 Type C Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3
1 x USB 3.1 Type A Gen 1
1 x headphone / microphone combo port
Thickness13.79 mm13.79 mm
Weight1.295 kg1.295 kg
Battery3-cell3-cell
Power Adaptor65 W65 W
ConnectivityIntel 802.11b/g/n/ac (1x1) WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 comboIntel 802.11b/g/n/ac (1x1) WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo
Warranty2 Years local on-site warranty, inclusive of 1 Year limited international warranty (part / labour / carry-in only)2 Years local on-site warranty, inclusive of 1 Year limited international warranty (part / labour / carry-in only)
Launch Price (+6% GST)RM 5,199 / ~USD 1,159RM 5,999 / ~USD 1,333

 

The HP Spectre x360 Racing Challenge

Now that we are done checking out the new HP Spectre x360 (Amazon | Lazada), let’s go for a spin with Grassroots Automotive (GRA)! 😀

 

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