Pro | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:15:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Pro | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 be quiet! unveils white Silent Wings 4 fans https://www.kitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/be-quiet-unveils-white-silent-wings-4-fans/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/be-quiet-unveils-white-silent-wings-4-fans/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 08:00:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=652703 be quiet! has launched white models of its Silent Wings 4 and Silent Wings Pro 4 fans. These fans are designed to deliver optimal performance when paired with heatsinks, cases, or radiators and feature interchangeable mounting corners, making them adaptable to various settings.  These fans come in two sizes (120mm and 140mm) and two models: …

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be quiet! has launched white models of its Silent Wings 4 and Silent Wings Pro 4 fans. These fans are designed to deliver optimal performance when paired with heatsinks, cases, or radiators and feature interchangeable mounting corners, making them adaptable to various settings. 

These fans come in two sizes (120mm and 140mm) and two models: PWM and PWM high-speed. The PWM variants are best suited as case fans, with maximum speeds of 1600 rpm (120mm) and 1100 rpm (140mm), while the PWM high-speed versions are designed for heat sinks and radiators, with greater speeds of 2500 rpm and 1900 rpm, respectively. All Silent Wings 4 White fans use a 6-pole fan motor with three phases and fluid-dynamic bearings to ensure a 300,000-hour lifetime.

The Silent Wings Pro 4 White is perfect for customers who want a high-end fan. It has the same characteristics as the Silent Wings 4 White but with increased rotational speeds of 3000 rpm for the 120mm version and 2400 rpm for the 140mm version. Customers can adjust the maximum speed depending on their desired usage: “Medium” for silent operation, “High Speed” for a noise/performance balance, and “Ultra High Speed” for maximum performance. The Silent Wings Pro 4 White also has corners designed to attach it to radiators. These corners tightly fit around the fan to minimise air leakage and maintain optimum static pressure.

The fans also come with a high-quality white mesh sleeve cable and an easy-to-use motherboard connection. All versions of the Silent Wings Pro 4 White and Silent Wings 4 White series will be available from April 9th. The Silent Wings 4 White 120mm models (standard and High Speed) will go for £21.99/€24.90/$23.90, while the 140mm models (standard and High Speed) will cost £23.99/€25.90/$24.90. As for the Pro models, the 120mm model will cost £29.99/€32.90/$31.90, and the 140mm model will go for £30.99/€33.90/$32.90.

KitGuru says: If you're planning to build an all-white PC with high-end components, you now have another fan series that might be worth considering.

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New PS5 Pro leak reveals more on PlayStation’s Super Resolution feature https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/new-ps5-pro-leak-reveals-more-on-playstations-super-resolution-feature/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/new-ps5-pro-leak-reveals-more-on-playstations-super-resolution-feature/#respond Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:30:14 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=651880 Recently, we've seen a few leaks pointing towards the existence of the PS5 Pro. Sony reportedly has the spec mapped out, with plans for a higher clocked CPU and a beefier GPU. This will enable a new PlayStation Super Resolution feature, similar to AMD's FSR, apparently with the hope of enabling 8K gaming.  Insider Gaming …

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Recently, we've seen a few leaks pointing towards the existence of the PS5 Pro. Sony reportedly has the spec mapped out, with plans for a higher clocked CPU and a beefier GPU. This will enable a new PlayStation Super Resolution feature, similar to AMD's FSR, apparently with the hope of enabling 8K gaming. 

Insider Gaming reported that the new console's APU will include the same AMD 8-core Zen 2 CPU as the previous generation but faster, reaching 3.85GHz in “High CPU Frequency Mode”. The 60-CU GPU is expected to depend mostly on the RDNA 3 architecture, providing up to 45% faster rendering performance (33.5 TFLOPS in dual-queue is around 17.2 TFLOPS) and 2-3x higher ray tracing performance. The memory will also be faster than on its predecessor, upgrading to 16GB GDDR6 running at 18Gbps. Lastly, the console is expected to feature 1TB of storage and an improved ACV for audio.

The integrated graphics processor will use BVH8 traversal shaders, which represent an 8-level bounding volume hierarchy for ray tracing, as opposed to the 4-level structure on the RDNA 2 GPU in the current PlayStation 5 (RDNA 3 also uses a similar structure). So, as noted by Kepler, although the GPU itself will be based on the RDNA 3 architecture, the ray tracing engine is RDNA 4.

Furthermore, Insider Gaming shared more details about PSSR, stating Sony's internal performance objectives with PSSR are 4K/120FPS and 8K/60FPS. Note, however, that these are not the targets for the PS5 Pro; they are for future console interactions. For the PlayStation 5 Pro PSSR, Sony is aiming for 4K/60FPS and 8K/30FPS, although it's uncertain whether these internal milestones can be met. As per the same source, PSSR will require 250MB of RAM, with 180MB coming from the PSML Library and 64MB from the game.

The leaker shared two examples of how a PS5 game will run on PS5 Pro based on how it runs on the current PS5. For example, a game running on PS5 in Performance Mode at 1080p/60FPS should run on the Pro console at 1440p with 60 FPS (PSSR used). Another example is a game that runs at 60FPS on the PS5 will be able to run on the Pro console at the same 60FPS but with raytracing enabled.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Seeing these leaks, are you considering buying the PlayStation 5 Pro when it launches? How much do you reckon it'll end up costing?

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Team Group launches T-Force G-series NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs with up to 7000MB/s speeds https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/joao-silva/team-group-launches-t-force-g-series-nvme-pcie-4-0-ssds-with-up-to-7000mb-s-speeds/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/joao-silva/team-group-launches-t-force-g-series-nvme-pcie-4-0-ssds-with-up-to-7000mb-s-speeds/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:30:35 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=638448 Team Group's gaming brand, T-Force, has introduced its latest gaming SSD line, including the G70, G50, and respective Pro variants. These four M.2-2280 form factor SSDs are all PCIe Gen 4×4 interface-compatible and come equipped with InnoGrit controllers. To ensure optimum performance, the G70, G50, and respective Pro versions are equipped with proprietary ultra-thin graphene …

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Team Group's gaming brand, T-Force, has introduced its latest gaming SSD line, including the G70, G50, and respective Pro variants. These four M.2-2280 form factor SSDs are all PCIe Gen 4×4 interface-compatible and come equipped with InnoGrit controllers.

To ensure optimum performance, the G70, G50, and respective Pro versions are equipped with proprietary ultra-thin graphene heatsinks. Alternatively, the G70 Pro also comes with an aluminium alloy heatsink for those who may not have an SSD heatsink at hand. Both PC and PS5 gamers can take advantage of these SSDs, as the heatsinks were designed to fit within the PS5's expansion slot.

The T-Force G70 and G70 Pro SSDs boast read speeds of up to 7000MB/s and up to 4TB storage capacities, while the G50 and G50 PRO SSDs can read up to 5000MB/s and up to 2TB storage capacities. Both standard and Pro versions of these SSDs support SLC caching, but only the latter has a DRAM cache available for increased performance. The new T-Force PCIe 4.0 SSDs support S.M.A.R.T. monitoring software, allowing users to monitor the health of their SSDs.

Team Group's T-Force G70, G70 Pro (with and without the heatsink), G50, and G50 Pro PCIe 4.0 SSDs will be available in late December.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: PCIe 5 SSDs may take the overall performance crown but PCIe 4 SSDs are still perfectly speedy for gaming and tend to be more cost effective in a cost per GB sense. Are you thinking of picking up a new PCIe 4 SSD for a PC or PS5 upgrade? 

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Razer launches a plethora of new products at RazerCon 2023 https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/joao-silva/razer-launches-a-plethora-of-new-products-at-razercon-2023/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/joao-silva/razer-launches-a-plethora-of-new-products-at-razercon-2023/#respond Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:00:55 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=631662 RazerCon returned this year with Razer unveiling a plethora of new products, ranging from new keyboards and peripherals to unique partnerships, new software, new gaming chairs and RGB accessories for your office or gaming room.  Starting with the keyboards, Razer announced the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro. Featuring Razer's Analogue Gen-2 optical switches, users can adjust …

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RazerCon returned this year with Razer unveiling a plethora of new products, ranging from new keyboards and peripherals to unique partnerships, new software, new gaming chairs and RGB accessories for your office or gaming room. 

Starting with the keyboards, Razer announced the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro. Featuring Razer's Analogue Gen-2 optical switches, users can adjust the actuation range between 0.1 and 4.0mm. Every switch on every keyboard is factory-calibrated, resistant to magnetic interference, and adjusted to a 40g actuation force. The keyboards also feature a Rapid Trigger Mode, which enables a key to be reset as it moves upwards. Its sensitivity may be fine-tuned down to 0.1mm increments.

The full-sized and TKL models of the Huntsman V3 Pro keyboard have a 10-LED array that simplifies both actuation distance settings and Rapid Trigger sensitivity. While small, the Mini variant takes advantage of its numbers row to guarantee customers don't sacrifice any functionality. These also enable players to change settings on the fly and save up to six profiles straight to onboard memory. Razer Synapse takes this a step further by providing users with an even greater degree of customisation.

The keyboard's textured doubleshot PBT keycaps and 5052 aluminium alloy top plate are deliberately selected for their durability, guaranteeing that the keyboard not only operates well but also endures the test of time. The Magnetic Firm Leatherette wrist rest complements this design by providing gamers with the comfort required for long gaming marathons.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro lineup is now available for pre-order and will be released in October 2023. The full-size Huntsman V3 Pro costs $249.99/€289.99, and the Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless goes for $219.99/€249.99. Lastly, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini is priced at $179.99/€209.99.

During RazerCon 2023, Razer also introduced its new Aether products, allowing you to extend your Razer Chroma RGB profiles outside the PC. The Razer Aether Lamp Pro is at the top of the list, offering multi-zone illumination with rich RGB effects. Tactile controls further improve the user experience by enabling quick brightness adjustment and cycling across Chroma effects. A standard Aether Lamp is also coming, offering similar features minus the multi-zone illumination. There's also the Razer Aether Light Bulb, which can be used in pretty much any lamp with an E26 or E27 base size, and the Aether Light Strip, a 2m Chroma RGB LED strip. If 2 metres aren't enough, you can also get the Aether Light Strip extender, which provides an extra metre of coverage for larger lighting installations.

All new Razer Aether products will be released in Q4 2023. The Razer Aether Lamp Pro will cost $129.99/€149.99, and the standard model will go for $79.99/€89.99. The Razer Aether Light Bulb will be priced at $49.99/€59.99. Lastly, the Razer Aether Light Strip and Razer Aether Light Strip Extender will set you back $129.99/€149.99 and $29.99/€34.99, respectively.

The Razer Gamer Room Mobile App is included with the Razer Aether Lights for complete management over specialised gaming areas. This software enables users to change settings, establish automatic routines, and integrate with other smart devices. Notably, the app supports Matter-enabled devices, an industry-unifying open-source standard established by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, enabling smooth integration and interoperability with smart home ecosystems. Voice control capabilities are also accessible through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The Razer Gamer Room mobile app will be available for download in Q4 2023 through the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store.

Expanding its gaming chair lineup, Razer also introduced the Razer Fujin series, which consists of a standard and a Pro model. The Pro variant is a fully adjustable mesh gaming chair that focuses on offering comfort and various capabilities for personalisation. The breathable mesh, composed of thermoplastic elastomer, is intended for excellent airflow and ventilation while also being highly tensile and elastic for long-term durability. The chair, which has Synchro-tilt technology with Tilt-tension Control, also provides customisable support by automatically adjusting the backrest and seat base to any sitting position while moving. The Fujin Pro is designed for gamers of all sizes, with an ultra-strong aluminium alloy frame, 4D cushioned armrests, and a 3D contoured headrest.

The breathable mesh material on the Razer Fujin provides the same level of comfort and airflow as its larger brother, while also boasting Synchro-tilt technology with 130° recline, height-adjustable lumbar support, and 3D padded armrests to maintain posture. Although it doesn't have a headrest, users may choose to get the Razer Fujin Headrest separately for $129.99/€149.99. The Razer Fujin Pro will be available in Q4 2023 and will cost $1049.99/€1199.99. The standard Razer Fujin is now available for $649.99/€699.99.

On top of all the hardware showcased during the event, Razer also talked about the new Razer Synapse. Now featuring a multi-threaded architecture, the app is claimed to be up to 30% faster than its predecessor, the Synapse 3. Gamers will enjoy the app's responsiveness, fluidity, and stability thanks to a simplified interface that allows for quick navigation, separate installs, and precise tweaking of settings. The new version of Razer Synapse will launch in beta later this year.

Additionally, there's also a new Razer Chroma app. The new Razer Chroma is now a stand-alone app that allows complete management of all your RGB lighting devices across manufacturers in a single location. Gamers can now use Razer Synapse and Razer Chroma individually, with improved control and functionality in each. With over 55 third-party gear partners and around 300 natively integrated Chroma-compatible titles, Razer Chroma RGB is the world's biggest gaming lighting ecosystem. Fans interested in participating in the Razer Chroma app open beta may do so later this year.

The last piece of software shown by the company was the Razer Axon Create. The new software is built upon Razer Axon (basically a wallpaper engine), allowing anybody to create their own high-resolution wallpapers and add their own Chroma effects in three simple steps using Razer's AI machine learning technology. Axon Create also allows anyone to create their own wallpapers by using a simple text prompt using Leonardo.AI. There's also a new Chroma Generate tool that automatically produces a bright collection of Razer Chroma effects based on the main colours of the AI-generated picture and may re-generate many sets of effects until the author is happy. Chroma Generate has been taught to discover the greatest AI colour-matching and will choose the brightest colour option for the Razer Chroma effects. When satisfied, producers may instantly install their wallpaper and Razer Chroma effects on their desktops.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Razer's new products announced at RazerCon 2023? Are you already eyeing anything in particular?

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The iPhone 15 Pro line-up may see price increase up to $200 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/the-iphone-15-pro-line-up-may-see-price-increase-up-to-200/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/the-iphone-15-pro-line-up-may-see-price-increase-up-to-200/#respond Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:54:24 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=624451 Earlier this week, we heard that Apple was planning to have 85 million iPhone 15 units made this year, showing confidence in this year's launch. However, Apple will also be asking for more money, particularly for its Pro models, which are set to get a significant price increase.  As reported by Apple Hub, Barclays analyst, …

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Earlier this week, we heard that Apple was planning to have 85 million iPhone 15 units made this year, showing confidence in this year's launch. However, Apple will also be asking for more money, particularly for its Pro models, which are set to get a significant price increase. 

As reported by Apple Hub, Barclays analyst, Tim Long, has predicted an up to $200 price increase for the iPhone 15 Pro line-up. The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to increase to $1,099, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max may end up reaching a new price high of $1,299.

These phones were already pretty expensive but they also carried some substantial upgrades over the standard model iPhones, including significant camera improvements and additional processing power. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple is considering a price hike for its iPhone 15 Pro line-up, but didn't report potential specification upgrades.

While a price raise for the iPhone 15 Pro models is predicted, no pricing changes are expected for the standard iPhone 15 or the bigger Plus model.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While enthusiasts will always want the best of the best, I don't think everyday users will miss out on much by opting to save money with the standard iPhone. The standard model still sets a high bar and often, you'll also get slightly better battery life out of it. 

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AMD launches Ryzen PRO 7000 series processors for laptops and desktops https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/matthew-wilson/amd-launches-ryzen-pro-7000-series-processors-for-laptops-and-desktops/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/matthew-wilson/amd-launches-ryzen-pro-7000-series-processors-for-laptops-and-desktops/#respond Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:17:41 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=619293 Today AMD is launching its new Ryzen 7000 PRO series processors, for both mobile and desktop platforms. The new Ryzen PRO 7040 series mobile processors pack up to 8 cores and 16 threads while the Ryzen PRO 7000 desktop processors will top out at 12 cores and 24 threads.  The Ryzen PRO 7040 mobile processors …

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Today AMD is launching its new Ryzen 7000 PRO series processors, for both mobile and desktop platforms. The new Ryzen PRO 7040 series mobile processors pack up to 8 cores and 16 threads while the Ryzen PRO 7000 desktop processors will top out at 12 cores and 24 threads. 

The Ryzen PRO 7040 mobile processors pack Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 graphics cores. The chips support a number of AMD PRO technologies, as well as Ryzen AI on all models, with the exception of the entry-level Ryzen 5 PRO 7540U. In the table below you can see the full spec sheet:

Model Cores / Threads Boost Frequency7 Base Frequency Total Cache (MB) TDP (Watts) GPU Model RyzenTM AI Engine
AMD Ryzen™ 9 PRO 7940HS 8/16 Up to 5.2 GHz 4.0 GHz 24MB 35-54W AMD Radeon™ 780M Included
AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO 7840HS 8/16 Up to 5.1 GHz 3.8 GHz 24MB 35-54W AMD Radeon™ 780M Included
AMD Ryzen™ 5 PRO 7640HS 6/12 Up to 5.0 GHz 4.3 GHz 22MB 35-54W AMD Radeon™ 760M Included
AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO 7840U 8/16 Up to 5.1 GHz 3.3 GHz 24MB 15-28W AMD Radeon™ 780M Included
AMD Ryzen™ 5 PRO 7640U 6/12 Up to 4.9 GHz 3.5 GHz 22MB 15-28W AMD Radeon™ 760M Included
AMD Ryzen™ 5 PRO 7540U 6/12 Up to 4.9 GHz 3.2 GHz 22MB 15-28W AMD Radeon™ 740M

In tests with the Ryzen 7 7840U, AMD says that the chip offers up to 70 percent longer battery life compared to the competition while video conferencing over Microsoft Teams, and up to 29 percent better performance per watt in the Procyon benchmark.

Moving onto the desktop side. The Ryzen PRO 7000 series desktop processors offer up to 12 high efficiency Zen 4 cores and up to 5.4GHz boost clock speeds. While the mobile processors here use RNDA 3 integrated graphics, the desktop chips use RDNA 2 cores instead. Each SKU is designed for AMD Socket AM5, with support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 storage. In the table below, you can see the specs for each chip:

Model Cores / Threads Boost
Frequency9
Base Frequency Total Cache (MB) TDP (Watts) GPU Model
AMD Ryzen™ 9 PRO 7945 12/24 Up to 5.4 GHz 3.7 GHz 76MB 65W Radeon Graphics
AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO 7745 8/16 Up to 5.3 GHz 3.8 GHz 40MB 65W Radeon Graphics
AMD Ryzen™ 5 PRO 7645 6/12 Up to 5.1 GHz 3.8 GHz 38MB 65W Radeon Graphics

AMD's Ryzen PRO processors support AMD PRO technologies, including multi-layered security features to safeguard businesses. We can expect to see OEMs launching laptops and PCs with these processors in the coming months from the likes of HP and Lenovo.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of the new Ryzen PRO series? 

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Crucial replaces discontinued Ballistix memory with new Crucial Pro memory modules https://www.kitguru.net/components/memory/joao-silva/crucial-replaces-discontinued-ballistix-memory-with-new-crucial-pro-memory-modules/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/memory/joao-silva/crucial-replaces-discontinued-ballistix-memory-with-new-crucial-pro-memory-modules/#respond Thu, 18 May 2023 17:00:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=615233 After discontinuing the Ballistix series, Crucial's memory lineup was limited to classic no-heatsink modules. These may be enough for general users, but gamers tend to look for fast modules with tighter timings and better aesthetics, something Crucial's standard modules didn't offer. Fast forwarding a few months, the memory manufacturer is now introducing the Pro series, …

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After discontinuing the Ballistix series, Crucial's memory lineup was limited to classic no-heatsink modules. These may be enough for general users, but gamers tend to look for fast modules with tighter timings and better aesthetics, something Crucial's standard modules didn't offer. Fast forwarding a few months, the memory manufacturer is now introducing the Pro series, acting much like a replacement to the Ballistix memory modules.

The Crucial Pro series memory will be available in DDR5 and DDR4 variants, with speeds reaching DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200, respectively. While the DDR4 modules feature a green PCB, the DDR5 ones use a black PCB, giving it a sleeker aesthetic than the former.

Regarding specs, there aren't many differences beyond the heatsink between the Pro series and Crucial's classic modules. However, there is a noteworthy feature that may appeal to potential buyers – Crucial has implemented support for AMD EXPO (DDR5 modules only) and Intel XMP (2.0 for DDR4 and 3.0 for DDR5) in its Pro series.

It's important to pay attention to the memory timings. Despite being marketed as “for gamers”, the modules' specifications show Crucial has adhered to JEDEC standards when designing them. As such, they come with timings of 46-46-45-45 at 1.1 V for the DDR5-5600 UDIMM kit. If Crucial wanted to tighten the timings a bit more, it could have opted for 40-40-40-40, which also complies with JEDEC standards. In terms of pricing, a 32GB (2 x 16GB) Pro series DDR5-5600 kit carries an MSRP of $114.99, while a 32GB (2 x 16GB) Pro series DDR4-3200 kit costs $69.99.

KitGuru says: There is room for improvement but it is good to see Crucial producing memory like this again. Hopefully in time, we'll see more modules with tighter timings, or perhaps better speeds. One thing we're curious to see is how well these modules will overclock. 

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Apple might be planning an iPhone ‘Ultra’ to further push prices up https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-might-be-planning-an-iphone-ultra-to-further-push-prices-up/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-might-be-planning-an-iphone-ultra-to-further-push-prices-up/#respond Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:13:47 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=592472 Over the last few years, Apple has been slowly adjusting the iPhone line-up to allow for more high-end options, with some upgrades being locked to ‘Pro' grade devices. Now, Apple is apparently considering adding a new ‘Ultra' model to its roster.  According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is planning to introduce a new flagship …

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Over the last few years, Apple has been slowly adjusting the iPhone line-up to allow for more high-end options, with some upgrades being locked to ‘Pro' grade devices. Now, Apple is apparently considering adding a new ‘Ultra' model to its roster. 

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is planning to introduce a new flagship iPhone, starting with the iPhone 16 in 2024. This new model will be a further beefed-up version of the phone, slotting in above the current Pro and Max models in the iPhone line-up. For reference, an iPhone 14 Pro starts at £1099, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at £1199, meaning an Ultra model would likely end up going for closer to £1300, if not more.

While Apple is apparently kicking around this idea internally, the report does not include any details on what the ‘killer' feature might be. The Pro model iPhone already offers camera, processor and screen upgrades over the base model. Perhaps this would end up being the first iPhone to support the Apple Pencil.

It is also possible that Apple introduces a special design gimmick to try and reel in sales. This could be in the form of a portless iPhone that relies solely on wireless charging, or perhaps in the form of a foldable iPhone – something that Apple has reportedly been working on for quite some time.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I'm not sure an ‘iPhone Ultra' edition would do much to move the needle for Apple. Prices have already ballooned so much over the past five years and at a certain point, consumers will draw a line. Still, if this flagship iPhone contained a ‘killer' feature, then a certain percentage of smartphone enthusiasts would likely still jump on board. 

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According to Valve, Don’t expect a new Steam Deck Pro any time soon https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/mustafa-mahmoud/according-to-valve-dont-expect-a-new-steam-deck-pro-any-time-soon/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/mustafa-mahmoud/according-to-valve-dont-expect-a-new-steam-deck-pro-any-time-soon/#respond Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:30:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=586786 The Steam Deck has been a runaway success, with Valve entering the gaming hardware market in a new and interesting way – and introducing a whole new audience to PC gaming and its many benefits. Following this, the Steam Deck’s designers have discussed the future of the platform, including the fact that the Deck will …

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The Steam Deck has been a runaway success, with Valve entering the gaming hardware market in a new and interesting way – and introducing a whole new audience to PC gaming and its many benefits. Following this, the Steam Deck’s designers have discussed the future of the platform, including the fact that the Deck will not be getting a Pro variant.

In an interview conducted by The Verge, Steam Deck designers Lawrence Yang and Pierre-Loup Griffais discussed the future of the hardware, revealing that while the Steam Deck will definitely get a second generation, fans should not hold their breath for a mid-gen refresh, saying:

“”I think we'll opt to keep the one performance level for a little bit longer, and only look at changing the performance level when there is a significant gain to be had.”

We have already seen competing companies releasing handheld devices technically more powerful than the Steam Deck, but in maintaining a small SKU of devices, Valve is able to put all their efforts into optimising the hardware as best as possible through software and more.

While the Steam Deck shares many identities with traditional console hardware, Valve stressed that the Steam Deck will always share more in common with PCs and their experience, being technically less stable but more fringe, saying:

“I don't think you should expect [console-like stability]. Stable in terms of having a great experience for people? Yeah, absolutely. But I think we are always going to be pushing updates as long as there's people playing.”

Considering the fact that the Steam Deck has been in people’s hands for less than a year, it is encouraging to see that Valve is already looking into the future and preparing for not only the long term support of this current hardware, but future hardware too. The full interview can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of these statements? Do you own a Steam Deck? When do you expect a successor to be announced? Let us know down below.

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Corsair launches new pair of affordable PCIe 4.0 SSDs https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-new-pair-of-affordable-pcie-4-0-ssds/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-new-pair-of-affordable-pcie-4-0-ssds/#respond Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:07:23 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=581958 While PCIe 5.0 is starting to roll out, PCIe 4.0 still serves as a great upgrade for many, and picking up a PCIe 4.0 SSD is significantly cheaper. This week, Corsair is adding two more M.2 SSDs to its PCIe 4.0 line-up – the MP600 GS and MP600 PRO NH. The MP600 PRO NH is a …

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While PCIe 5.0 is starting to roll out, PCIe 4.0 still serves as a great upgrade for many, and picking up a PCIe 4.0 SSD is significantly cheaper. This week, Corsair is adding two more M.2 SSDs to its PCIe 4.0 line-up – the MP600 GS and MP600 PRO NH.

The MP600 PRO NH is a new variant of the MP600 PRO with a slimmer, low-profile form factor to improve compatibility for a range of devices. The MP600 GS is the more affordable option, striking a balance between performance and endurance with 3D TLC NAND.

The MP600 Pro NH offers sequential read/write speeds up to 7000MB/s and 6500MB/s respectively. The MP600 GS offers sequential read/write speeds up to 4800MB/s and 3900MB/s respectively.

The MP600 Pro NH is available in capacities up to 8TB, while the MP600 GS tops out at 2TB capacity. Prices start at £79.99 for the 500GB Pro model, going up to £589.99 for the 4TB model. The MP600 GS starts at £64.99 for the 500GB model, and the 1TB model goes for £104.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up a new SSD for a speed boost? Are you planning on going with PCIe 4.0 or will you be waiting to make the jump to PCIe 5.0? 

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Asus, EVGA, MSI, Gigabyte and NZXT unveil Intel Z790 motherboards https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/asus-evga-msi-gigabyte-and-nzxt-unveil-intel-z790-motherboards/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/asus-evga-msi-gigabyte-and-nzxt-unveil-intel-z790-motherboards/#respond Wed, 28 Sep 2022 09:08:07 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=575983 A new generation of Intel processors is upon us, and with it, there are a ton of new motherboards ready to be paired with the latest CPUs. MSI, Asus, Gigabyte, NZXT, and EVGA have introduced new products, giving plenty of options for choosing the perfect motherboard for your system. All motherboard partners have introduced at …

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A new generation of Intel processors is upon us, and with it, there are a ton of new motherboards ready to be paired with the latest CPUs. MSI, Asus, Gigabyte, NZXT, and EVGA have introduced new products, giving plenty of options for choosing the perfect motherboard for your system.

All motherboard partners have introduced at least two models. MSI and Asus, however, went into full throttle mode, each launching over ten models, including ITX motherboards for SFF fans and E-ATX boards for those looking for a vast feature set. At the moment, only Asus has introduced an M-ATX motherboard.

Starting with MSI, the company's MEG series will include the E-ATX Z790 Godlike and ATX Z790 Ace models. Featuring up to 26+2 power phase design with 105A SPS, MSI beefed up its VRM cooling system with an all-aluminium cover under a Wavy Fin Array-design and a U-Shape VRM heatsink with direct touch heat pipes and 7W/MK thermal pads. The Godlike model also features Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe slots and Gen 5 M.2 support, and a new M-Vision dashboard with a 4.5-inch screen.

MSI's MPG series will include four models: MPG Z790 Carbon WIFI, MPG Z790 Edge WIFI, MPG Z790 Edge WIFI DDR4 and Mini-ITX MPG Z790I Edge WIFI. With up to 19+1+1 power phases, extended heatsinks with heat pipes, and Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe connectivity, The ATX motherboards will have five M.2 slots, while the Mini-ITX models only have three M.2 slots.

For now, the Z790 Tomahawk WIFI DDR5 and DDR4 models are the only MSI MAG series board. Packing 16+1+1 DRPS power phase design with 90A SPS and dual-8 pin CPU power connectors, the Tomahawk boards have all it needs to become the go-to solution for most gamers. Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe slot, 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E solution are also supported.

The MSI PRO series will be at the lower bottom tier, but don't let that fool you. They'll still feature up to 16+1+1 DRPS power phase VRM design, Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe slot, M.2 Shield Frozr heatsinks, 2.5G LAN, WiFi 6E, and Lightning USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C support. Initially, MSI will launch over six PRO series boards, including DDR5 and DDR4 versions, as well as WiFi and non-Wi-Fi models.

Like MSI's line-up, Asus also has a lot of options for anyone planning to get a 13th Gen core chip. At the top of the hierarchy, we have the E-ATX ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme and the ATX Maximus Z790 Hero. A quick look at the former shows that it stands a cut above the rest, featuring massive heatsinks, 24+1 power phase design, full cover design and a display on top of the VRM heatsink. However, the Z790 Hero doesn't stray too much from the Extreme model, with its RGB lighting in the PMMA nameplate placed on top of the VRM heatsink, bundled ROG Hyper M.2 add-in card capable of supporting two additional M.2 SSDs (one PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0), and a 20+1 teamed power stage configuration.

Just below the ROG Maximus, we have the ROG Strix gaming boards. Overall, they're intended to be cut-down versions of the flagship models, with PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, WiFi 6E connectivity, sizable heatsinks, Thunderbolt 4 support, and 2.5G LAN ports. There will be four Strix models, including the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi, ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4, and ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi (mini-ITX).

The TUF Gaming series will likely remain a popular solution amongst PC builders, thanks to its comprehensive feature set and lower price point. The 16+1 DrMOS power stages should be enough to handle even the most power-demanding 13th Gen Core chips, but the lack of DDR5 memory suggests you won't likely pair a Core i9-13900K with such boards. The TFU Gaming series will only have two models, both only supporting DDR4 memory. These models are the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 and the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus D4 boards.

The Prime series is once again the entry-level for Asus, but the Prime Z790-A WiFi may prove to be quite interesting. Supporting DDR5 memory, WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN, and every other essential you expect from a mid-range board, the Z790-A could be seen as the DDR5 alternative to the TUF Gaming DDR4 models. In addition to this model, there will also be the M-ATX Prime Z790M-Plus D4 (only M-ATX board introduced) and four Prime Z790-P (D4 WiFi and non-WiFi and D5 WiFi and non-WiFi).

Gigabyte is also preparing a set of motherboards for the 13th Gen Core chips. The Aorus series will include the Z790 AORUS XTREME, Z790 AORUS MASTER, Z790 AORUS ELITE, and Z790 AORUS TACHYON. Similar to other high-end motherboards, these will have VRM designs with up to 20+1+2 phases, a complex cooling system, and various advanced connectivity options. Moreover, they will also feature SMD memory slots with a metal shielding mask to avoid interferences and 8-layer PCBs with +2oz copper, 12W/mK thermal pads, and up to DDR5-7600 memory support.

Besides the Aorus gaming motherboards, Gigabyte will also launch the creator-oriented Z790 Aero motherboard. Gigabyte hasn't given any details about this specific motherboard, but considering its target, expect a comprehensive set of connectivity options matching even the higher-end boards. However, don't expect it to have the same level of VRM topology or cooling system as the flagship boards. All these Gigabyte boards are scheduled to launch on October 20th.

NZXT has also unveiled the new N7 Z790 motherboard. The 16+1+2 DrMOS Power Phase Design with 2oz Copper PCB  should be enough for most cases, but what makes this motherboard stand out from the rest are its looks (black or white) and integration with NZXT CAM software. NZXT's new motherboard also supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, but DDR5 memory support is limited to DDR5-6000. The NZXT motherboard will come out sometime in Q4 2022 for $299.99.

Lastly, we have two high-end EVGA motherboards. The EVGA Z790 Classified has the same layout as its predecessor, which gave a 90º turn to the left, placing the memory slots above the CPU socket. Supporting up to 128GB of DDR5-6800 memory, PCIe Gen5 and PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSDs, 10G LAN, WiFi 6E, BT 5.2, and multiple USB options, EVGA's new Classified is no slouch. The 19-phase VRM design and 12-layer PCB are also nice additions but still overkill for most users out there.

Then, there's the EVGA Z790 DARK K|NGP|N with a 14-layer low-loss PCB and a 21-phase VRM configuration. Targeted at the most-demanding enthusiasts, it supports up to 64GB (2x slots) DDR5-7000MHz+ and packs multiple USB interfaces, 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports, and 10Gbps and 2.5Gbps NICs supporting WiFi 6E and BT 5.2. Like the Z790 Classified, it has the same rotated socket design, reducing memory latency and improving cable management options.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: What Z790 motherboard would you choose for a new PC build?

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Razer’s new Viper V2 Pro is 20% lighter than its predecessor https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/mouse/matthew-wilson/razers-new-viper-v2-pro-is-20-lighter-than-its-predecessor/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/mouse/matthew-wilson/razers-new-viper-v2-pro-is-20-lighter-than-its-predecessor/#respond Tue, 10 May 2022 15:27:04 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=560048 It has been a while since the Razer Viper first launched and during that time, better mouse switches and sensors have been developed, and  manufacturers have discovered new ways to cut down on overall weight. Now, the Razer Viper V2 Pro is launching, packing all of these improvements and more. Today, Razer launched the Viper …

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It has been a while since the Razer Viper first launched and during that time, better mouse switches and sensors have been developed, and  manufacturers have discovered new ways to cut down on overall weight. Now, the Razer Viper V2 Pro is launching, packing all of these improvements and more.

Today, Razer launched the Viper V2 Pro, an ultra-lightweight (58g) wireless gaming mouse aimed at competitive gamers who require speed and precision to make timely adjustments mid-game. The Viper V2 Pro is more than 20 percent lighter than the Viper Ultimate, and packs new Gen-3 mouse switches and a new Focus Pro 30K optical sensor.

Razer’s new Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor boasts a complete resolution accuracy of 99.8%, and is backed by a number of software features, like Smart Tracking, Motion Sync and Asymmetric Cut-off to ensure peak performance at all times. The Asymmetric Cut-off feature has been enhanced to support up to 26 granular levels of height adjustment compared to just 3 in the previous version. This wider array of customization enables users to set a lift-off and landing distance that is tuned to their playstyle.

The new Gen-3 Razer Optical Mouse Switches are also in place here, rated for up to 90 million clicks for long-lasting use.

The Razer Viper V2 Pro will be available starting this week for £149.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are any of you currently shopping around for a new gaming mouse? What do you think of the new Viper V2 Pro? 

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Asus unveils new Vivobook Pro and Vivobook S OLED laptops https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/matthew-wilson/asus-unveils-new-vivobook-pro-and-vivobook-s-oled-laptops/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/matthew-wilson/asus-unveils-new-vivobook-pro-and-vivobook-s-oled-laptops/#respond Mon, 09 May 2022 17:01:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=559947 Today during its ‘Pinnacle of Performance' event, ASUS announced an all-new range of Vivobook laptops. While these aren't aimed at the gaming market, the new Vivobook series does pack some high-end options, including a 120Hz OLED display, and RTX 30 graphics in some models. The new Vivobook line-up is split into three series, the Vivobook …

The post Asus unveils new Vivobook Pro and Vivobook S OLED laptops first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Today during its ‘Pinnacle of Performance' event, ASUS announced an all-new range of Vivobook laptops. While these aren't aimed at the gaming market, the new Vivobook series does pack some high-end options, including a 120Hz OLED display, and RTX 30 graphics in some models.

The new Vivobook line-up is split into three series, the Vivobook Pro, the Vivobook S and the Vivobook 13 Slate Artist Editions. Both the Pro and S series Vivobooks pack a 120Hz OLED display, as well as up AMD Ryzen 9 H-series processors, making them ideal for professional and creative workloads. Your Intel CPU options are a little different though, with up to a 12th Gen Core i9 CPU on the Pro, and up to a 12th Gen Core i7 on the S. Only the Vivobook Pro series includes a discrete GPU option, giving buyers the choice of up to an RTX 3070 Ti. On the Vivobook S, you'll be relying on the integrated Xe GPU on Intel chips, or integrated Radeon graphics on the AMD Ryzen processors.

The Vivobook Pro will be available with up to an Intel Core i9-12900H or AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU, up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM and up to Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti graphics, as well as a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. To tame all of that high-end hardware, Asus has designed the new IceCool Pro cooling system, allowing for a total CPU and GPU TDP of up to 140W. There are multiple OLED display options available too, including the world's first 16-inch 3.2K 120Hz OLED display, a 15.6-inch 2.8K 120Hz OLED display and finally, a 4K/60Hz OLED display with NanoEdge technology and DisplayHDR 600 certification.

The Vivobook S series includes a bunch of high-performance thin and light laptops with all-metal construction to rival the likes of the MacBook. These laptops measure in at 17.9mm thin and weigh just 1.6kg, making them ideal for working on the move. Just like the Vivobook Pro, the S series has a range of top-end OLED panels to choose from, with resolutions up to 4K, refresh rates up to 120Hz and HDR support.

If you are after something a bit more unique, then ASUS also has a range of ‘Artist Edition' laptops, which are limited edition and created in collaboration with world-renowned artists.

The new Vivobook Pro series will be available starting this month, with two versions of the Vivobook Pro 15X OLED – one starting at £1,399.99 and one starting at £799. There will also be a Vivobook Pro 16X OLED, a Vivobook Pro 14X OLED new Vivobook Pro 15 OLED models later in the year. The Vivobook S 15 OLED and 14 OLED will also be coming soon, but pricing and availability is still TBC for now.

You can see the full range of new Vivobook models in Asus's full presentation, HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are any of you looking to buy a new laptop this year? What do you think of the new Vivobook range from Asus?

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Nokia will soon enter the laptop market with the PureBook Pro https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/joao-silva/nokia-will-soon-enter-the-laptop-market-with-the-purebook-pro/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/joao-silva/nokia-will-soon-enter-the-laptop-market-with-the-purebook-pro/#respond Fri, 25 Feb 2022 09:32:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=551594 Mostly known for creating some of the most durable phones ever made, Nokia will soon debut in the laptop market. The company's first laptop will be the PureBook Pro, featuring a sleek design, an Intel 12th Gen Core i3 processor and an accessible price tag. Although these laptops are branded as Nokia, they were actually …

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Mostly known for creating some of the most durable phones ever made, Nokia will soon debut in the laptop market. The company's first laptop will be the PureBook Pro, featuring a sleek design, an Intel 12th Gen Core i3 processor and an accessible price tag.

Although these laptops are branded as Nokia, they were actually designed by a startup called OFF Global. Initially, there will be a 15.6-inch model and a 17.3-inch one, but we might see smaller Nokia PureBook laptops, depending on the success of the series.

Looking at its aesthetics, Nokia's laptop seems to have been inspired by the 14-inch MacBook Pro, with its rounded edges and flat aluminium top cover, coloured in blue, red, white or black. The 15-inch model is 1.8cm thin and weighs about 1.7Kg, while the 17-inch model is 2cm thin and weighs close to 2.5Kg.

As for internal specifications, it packs an Intel Core i3-1220P, 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB M.2 SSD. For the display, we have a 1080p IPS panel. Connectivity options include 2x USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 port, a microSD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The release date hasn't been set in stone yet, but we know European countries, Iceland, Morocco, Tunisia, Canada, and Thailand will receive it before others. The 15-inch model will be priced at €699 and the 17-inch laptop at €799.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: If you were looking for a laptop, would you consider the Nokia PureBook Pro? Which model would you prefer for yourself?

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Google tries to win ex-Stadia users back with free stuff https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/mustafa-mahmoud/google-tries-to-win-ex-stadia-users-back-with-free-stuff/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/mustafa-mahmoud/google-tries-to-win-ex-stadia-users-back-with-free-stuff/#respond Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:00:30 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=532376 Ever since its announcement and release, Google’s Stadia has failed to live up to expectations on all fronts, with customers disappointed in the service, and Google disappointed in its sales performance. Still, the company has not yet given up, and is now trying to win back lapsed subscribers by giving free upgrades to the Stadia …

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Ever since its announcement and release, Google’s Stadia has failed to live up to expectations on all fronts, with customers disappointed in the service, and Google disappointed in its sales performance. Still, the company has not yet given up, and is now trying to win back lapsed subscribers by giving free upgrades to the Stadia Premiere Edition which includes a Chromecast Ultra and controller.

As reported by 9to5Google, in the UK, a number of ex-Stadia Pro users received an email offering a new promotion. This promotion will see those with lapsed accounts pay for one month of Stadia Pro, then receiving a free upgrade to the Premiere Edition of the service which comes with not only a Chromecast Ultra, but a Stadia controller too.

In the email, Google told fans “Curious to see what you’ve been missing? Come back to Stadia Pro and score Stadia Premiere Edition—a Stadia Controller and Google Chromecast Ultra, on us—shipping charges may apply.”

This means is that if you were to receive this email, you would be able to get a Chromecast and Google Stadia controller – a value of £69.99 typically – for the low price of £8.99. Even if you were not planning on using Stadia, obtaining a Chromecast Ultra for just £8.99 is a deal in and of itself.

What this means for the service itself may be troubling, and suggests that Google overestimated the sales and success of Stadia. While it is unlikely that Stadia will ever find the success that Google had hoped, this new promotion may entice at least a few curious customers.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Stadia? Will Google shut down the service soon? How can Stadia succeed in your opinion? Let us know down below.

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New ASUS content creation laptops feature OLED displays, RTX graphics and more https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/matthew-wilson/new-asus-content-creation-laptops-feature-oled-displays-rtx-graphics-and-more/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/matthew-wilson/new-asus-content-creation-laptops-feature-oled-displays-rtx-graphics-and-more/#respond Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:59:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=530134 Today, ASUS is launching a full new laptop line-up geared towards content creators and creative professionals. There are a bunch of new options available, headlined by the ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 – featuring a 4K OLED display with HDR capabilities. The ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 ships with either a Ryzen 5000 H-series processor, or a …

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Today, ASUS is launching a full new laptop line-up geared towards content creators and creative professionals. There are a bunch of new options available, headlined by the ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 – featuring a 4K OLED display with HDR capabilities.

The ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 ships with either a Ryzen 5000 H-series processor, or a 3rd Gen Intel Xeon workstation processor, enabling high performance on heavily multithreaded workloads, like rendering, simulation and analysis applications. These laptops also pack an Nvidia RTX A2000 or A5000 GPU for a performance boost in CAD models, 3D design applications and video editing.

The top-end configuration also features a 16-inch OLED display with coverage for 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. The display has also been certified as DisplayHDR 500 capable, meaning you'll get 500 nits of peak brightness for HDR content.

Other specs include dual PCIe SSDs, up to 64GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 and an SD Express 7.0 card reader.

Aside from the new ProArt Studiobook laptops, Asus is also introducing new Zenbook Pro models, available with Ryzen 5000 H-series or Intel 11th Gen Core mobile processors, RTX 30-series graphics and the option for a 15-inch OLED display. There is also a new line-up of Vivobook Pro models, serving as an entry point with prices starting at £1,199.

Here is a full breakdown of the new Asus laptops, with UK pricing and availability:

ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 / Pro 16 OLED (W7600) – 16” WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 / Intel i7-11800H / RTX A3000 / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD:
● Non-OLED – Available Nov. 2021 at £2,399
● With OLED – Available early 2022 at £2,499

ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 / Pro 16 OLED (W5600) – 16” WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 / AMD R9-5900HX / RTX A2000 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD:
● Non-OLED – Available early 2022 at £1,999
● With OLED – Available early 2022 at £2,099

ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED (H5600) – Available Dec. 2021 from £1,999 – 16” WQUXGA OLED 3840 x 2400 16:10 / AMD R7-5800H / RTX 3060 / 32GB / 1TB SSD:
● With RTX 3070 – £2,199
● With AMD R9-5900HX / RTX 3070 / 2TB SSD – £2,499

ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 (HM5600) – Available Dec. 2021 from £2,099 – 16” WQXGA 16:10 / AMD R7-5800H / RTX 3070 Max Q / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD:
● With AMD R9-5900HX / 2TB SSD – £2,399

ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582) – Available NOW from £2,999 – 15.6” 4K OLED 3840 x 2160 16:9 / 4K ScreenPad Plus second screen / Intel i9-10980HK / RTX 3070 / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD:

ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 OLED (UM535) – Available Dec. 2021 from £1,499 – 15,6” FHD 1920 x 1080 16:9 OLED / AMD R7-5800H / RTX 3050 Ti / 16GB / 512GB SSD:
● AMD R9-5900HX / RTX 3050 Ti Max Q / 1TB SSD – £1,699

ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 (UM535) – Available Dec. 2021 from £1,299 – 15,6” FHD 1920 x 1080 16:9 / AMD R7-5800H / RTX 3050 Ti / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD:
● With AMD R9-5900HX / 1TB SSD – £1,499

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (M7600/N7600) – Available Dec. 2021 from £1,399 – 16” OLED WQUXGA 3820 x 2400 16:10 / Intel i5-11300H / RTX 3050 Max Q / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD-OPTANE 32GB:
● With Intel i7-11370H – £1,499
● With AMD R9-5900HX / RTX 3050 Ti Max Q / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD – £1,799

ASUS Vivobook Pro 14X OLED (M7400/N7400) – Available Dec. 2021 from £1,099 – 14” WQ+ OLED 2880 X 1800 16:10 / R5-5600H / RTX 3050 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD:
● With AMD R7-5800H / 1TB SSD – £1,199
● With Intel i5-11300H / 512GB SSD-OPTANE 32GB – £1,299
● With Intel i7-11370H / 512GB SSD-OPTANE 32GB – £1,399
● With Intel i7-11370H / 1TB SSD-OPTANE 32GB – £1,499

ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (K3500/M3500) – Available Dec. 2021 from £1,099 – 15” FHD OLED 1920×1080 16:9 / AMD R7-5800H / RTX 3060 Max Q / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD:
● With Intel i7-11370H / 1TB SSD – £1,199
● With R9-5900HX / 1TB SSD – £1,299

Some of these laptops were first announced during CES 2021 earlier this year, so if you've been keeping your eye on a specific laptop since then, availability will be coming soon.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of the latest ASUS laptop line-up? 

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Kioxia launches new Exceria Pro and Exceria G2 M.2 SSDs https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/kioxia-launches-new-exceria-pro-and-exceria-g2-m-2-ssds/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/kioxia-launches-new-exceria-pro-and-exceria-g2-m-2-ssds/#respond Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:02:50 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=525062 Kioxia is revamping its line-up of SSDs later this year with two new consumer-oriented drives – the Exceria Pro and the Exceria G2. These new SSDs will offer up to 2TB capacity and utilise Kioxia's BiCS Flash 3D flash memory technology.  The Exceria Pro is a PCIe Gen 4 SSD, promising over two times the …

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Kioxia is revamping its line-up of SSDs later this year with two new consumer-oriented drives – the Exceria Pro and the Exceria G2. These new SSDs will offer up to 2TB capacity and utilise Kioxia's BiCS Flash 3D flash memory technology. 

The Exceria Pro is a PCIe Gen 4 SSD, promising over two times the max sequential read speeds of the Exceria Plus series, which is PCIe Gen 3 based. The Exceria G2 is an updated PCIe Gen 3 SSD, delivering up to 2TB capacity and capable of going over 2,000MB/s sequential read/write performance.

Both SSDs use Kioxia's BiCS Flash 3D flash memory, as well as the M.2 2280 single-sided form factor, making them suitable for both desktops and laptops. As you would expect, both SSDs also support Kioxia's SSD utility management tool, so users can monitor the health of their SSD.

The Exceria Pro and Exceria G2 SSDs will be showcased during ChinaJoy, which takes place from July 30th to August 2nd. These SSDs are expected to hit the retail market in Q4 2021.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you currently looking for a new M.2 SSD? Will you be considering Kioxia for your next upgrade? 

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Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro SL 3600MHz 32GB Memory Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/memory/luke-hill/corsair-vengeance-rgb-pro-sl-3600mhz-32gb-memory-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/memory/luke-hill/corsair-vengeance-rgb-pro-sl-3600mhz-32gb-memory-review/#respond Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:13:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=513346 Oh dear, Corsair have somewhat missed the mark with this new kit

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Corsair’s Vengeance RGB Pro memory modules have long been a go-to option for enthusiasts and gamers alike. With the new Vengeance RGB Pro SL kit, Corsair is aiming to strike the same balance between solid performance, reasonable pricing, and an appealing RGB lightbar.

One key differentiator for the new SL modules, however, is the reduced height. Dropping down to 44mm tall – rather than the 51mm of the original Vengeance RGB Pro sticks – the SL modules represent a huge improvement for users with oversized CPU coolers or roof chassis fans.

Better yet, Corsair still manages to maintain a dynamic ten-zone RGB lighting system that, of course, integrates seamlessly with the excellent iCUE platform. And the onboard temperature sensor data can also be displayed through iCUE, which is a good bonus for tweakers.

Available in both black and white heatspreader form with 16GB to 128GB capacities and 3200MHz or 3600MHz frequencies, Corsair is aiming to give buyers a reasonable amount of choice with the new Vengeance RGB Pro SL memory kits.

We are testing a 32GB (2x16GB) dual-channel kit with the black aluminium heatspreader. The operating speed is rated at 3600MHz and the timings are 18-22-22-42 at 1.35V, which is pretty slack but not uncommon for the price point.

Corsair is using Micron D9XPF ‘B-die’ ICs according to Thaiphoon Burner. Notable is the single-rank configuration for the 16GB DIMMs in our test kit. This will undeniably hurt performance in memory-intensive tests versus the typical dual-rank competitors that we often see in 2x16GB 3600MHz sets.

With an MSRP of £209.99 for our 2x16GB DDR4-3600MHz C18 (CMH32GX4M2Z3600C18) Vengeance RGB Pro SL memory kit, let’s take a look at the performance.

  • Model Number: CMH32GX4M2Z3600C18
  • Capacity: 32GB (2x 16GB)
  • Rated Frequency: DDR4-3600MHz
  • Rated Timings: 18-22-22-42
  • Voltage: 1.35V
  • Format: Non-ECC Unbuffered 288-pin DIMM

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Lenovo P620 Threadripper Pro 3975WX Review https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/base-unit/luke-hill/lenovo-p620-threadripper-pro-3975wx-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/base-unit/luke-hill/lenovo-p620-threadripper-pro-3975wx-review/#respond Mon, 26 Apr 2021 08:13:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=512747 Got 6 grand lying around and want to buy a workstation? The Lenovo P620 could be for you

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AMD's Threadripper consumer HEDT processors continue to be praised strongly for their excellent compute performance and connectivity options. But what if you want more than 256GB of memory? What if you want your RAM to run in 8-channel mode? What if you want more than 64 PCIe Gen 4 lanes? Well… that's where Threadripper Pro comes in.

Video Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:15 Some details/pricing
01:15 Star of the show – Threadripper Pro 3975WX
03:20 The CPU cooler
03:46 Memory setup / weird plastic shrouds with fans
05:27 AMD Radeon Pro W5700 GPU
07:00 Motherboard
08:55 Storage options
09:41 1000W PSU (Platinum) and custom setup
10:32 Luke's thoughts and I/O panels
11:22 The Chassis
11:40 Cooling and tool less design
12:35 Summary so far
14:02 Performance tests
16:49 System temperatures, power and noise testing
19:05 System under idle conditions – ‘rumbling’ noise we experienced
19:22 Pros and Cons / Closing thoughts

Primary Specifications:

  • 32-core AMD Threadripper Pro 3975WX processor
  • 128GB of 3200MHz ECC DDR4 memory in 8-channel mode
  • AMD Radeon Pro W5700 graphics card with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
  • WD SN730 256GB NVMe SSD
  • 1kW 80Plus Platinum PSU

We are examining the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 workstation that is built around Threadripper Pro and its 8-channel memory support. There are a few options for the base processor on Lenovo's website including 12, 16, 32, and 64 core options. Specifically, we are looking at the 32-core Threadripper Pro 3975WX chip and we are hoping that Lenovo can keep it running at the rated 3.5-4.2GHz speeds beneath that modestly sized CPU cooler.

Partnering this 280W TDP monster with its 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes is 128GB of 8-channel DDR4 3200MHz ECC memory. While a 128GB installation is merely small-fry for Threadripper Pro, the 3200MHz modules running in 8-channel mode should allow for some excellent results in bandwidth-intensive tasks. Plus, you get a 1600MHz Infinity Fabric link for the Zen 2 cores.

I will, however, emphasise my dislike for Lenovo decision to deploy a 40mm fan and shroud to cool each DIMM bank. This seems unnecessary for a 128GB installation and merely adds additional noise and points of failure. Metal heatspreaders on the DIMMs would have been better, if enhanced cooling is deemed necessary.

Graphics comes in the form of an 8GB Radeon Pro W5700 blower-style card which we have already reviewed on KitGuru. That makes this an all-AMD system as far as the key components go. Another key benefit is ISV certification for the Lenovo P620. That point will be music to the ears of system buyers in a business environment with users who run software on the guaranteed support list.

Another point that will garner particular attention from prospective buyers is the display output connectivity. On its ‘pro-grade' card, AMD deploys five Mini-DisplayPort 1.4 connections and one USB-C port. That gives you convenient access to six total display outputs which is super. As highlighted in our review of the Radeon Pro W5700, you can power five 4K monitors or three 5K alternatives, making this an excellent workstation proposition.

Lenovo uses its own WRX80 motherboard to house the sWRX8 Threadripper Pro CPU. The power delivery solution looks competent and Lenovo's use of proper finned VRM heatsinks with passive cooling is to be commended. Six total PCIe Gen 4 slots are provided by the motherboard – four x16 bandwidth and two x8. However, only two x16 slots remain usable due to the slot spacing, and the top one will likely interfere with the RAM fan's header.

It is actually disappointing to see Lenovo offering up sub-par expansion slot capability. There is no clear way to use the 128 lane capability from Threadripper Pro. That is especially disappointing to users who will want multiple graphics card alongside high-bandwidth networking and storage devices. However, the limited expandability is a clear compromise from Lenovo's use of a compact chassis with just a couple of 80mm fans for intake and exhaust airflow.

At least you do get dual, cooled M.2 slots on the motherboard. One of those is occupied by a 256GB WD SN730 SSD in our install. Clearly, most users will want to adjust the storage configuration. But this is clearly a very subjective requirement, so I respect Lenovo for offering a basic, cheap drive for the baseline configuration.

Power is delivered by a 1kW 80Plus Platinum unit. Lenovo highlights 92% efficiency on the configurator page, but this is likely a mistake for 230/240V UK customers given the more stringent 80Plus Platinum requirements for those operating voltages. The PSU's tool-less design is absolutely superb and works very well; a single connector port feeds power from the unit through the motherboard where it is then distributed accordingly, including via break-out cables for PCIe and SATA connectors.

Connectivity for the system is just ‘OK‘. You get 10GbE Aquantia AQC107 networking onboard, but a secondary network adapter is disappointingly omitted. I would have liked to see a few more USB ports on the rear IO, including some in Type-C form and preferably 20Gbps high-speed rated. However, the front IO is excellent with four 10Gbps USB connections, two of which are Type-C. I also appreciated the system's included audio speaker when using the unit without a proper set of speakers.

The chassis build quality is good and feels very well-built given its compact form. Man-handling the hefty system is easy thanks to the front handle. And the internal tool-less design is excellent. Lenovo's configurator gives an option to upgrade to a side panel with key locking to prevent unauthorised access, which is good to see.

With that said, cooling certainly looks to be limited with just two 80mm intake fans on the chassis. The graphics card, CPU, PSU, and (annoyingly) RAM also have fans to take care of their own cooling. If you are thinking of adding a second high power GPU, though, the internals are likely to get very toasty.

Priced at around £5.5-6K inc. VAT in the UK (depending on the graphics card situation given current shortages), we are keen to see how Threadripper Pro performs in this reasonably compact workstation.

Detailed Specifications

  • Processor: AMD Threadripper Pro 3975WX (32 cores/64 threads, 3.5/4.2GHz, 280W TDP, 144MB L2+L3 cache, 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, up to 2TB 8-channel DDR4-3200 ECC memory support)
  • Motherboard: Lenovo WRX80 Threadripper Pro Motherboard
  • Memory: 128GB (8x16GB) SK Hynix 3200MHz C24 ECC DDR4, Octa-channel
  • Graphics Card: 8GB AMD Radeon Pro W5700 (RDNA/Navi GPU, 36 compute units, 2304 stream processors, 205W TDP, 1183MHz base clock, 1750MHz GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus for 448GBps bandwidth)
  • System Drive: 256GB WD SN730 PCIe NVMe SSD
  • CPU Cooler: Lenovo dual-tower heatsink with 2x 80mm fans
  • Power Supply: 1000W 80Plus Platinum PSU
  • Case: Lenovo Thinkstation P620 Workstation
  • Networking: Aquantia AQC107 10GbE onboard
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

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Corsair launches affordable Katar Pro Wireless mouse https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-affordable-katar-pro-wireless-mouse/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-affordable-katar-pro-wireless-mouse/#respond Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:00:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=488854 Corsair is well known for its peripherals and today, a new entry to the lineup is launching. Today, Corsair has announced the KATAR PRO WIRELESS gaming mouse, powered by Corsair's Slipstream wireless technology for ultra low-latency. The Katar Pro Wireless weighs just 96g, so it fits a nice middle-ground between lightweight and heavier gaming mice. …

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Corsair is well known for its peripherals and today, a new entry to the lineup is launching. Today, Corsair has announced the KATAR PRO WIRELESS gaming mouse, powered by Corsair's Slipstream wireless technology for ultra low-latency.

The Katar Pro Wireless weighs just 96g, so it fits a nice middle-ground between lightweight and heavier gaming mice. With a compact, symmetric shape, this mouse is ideally suited for claw and fingertip grip styles, commonly used by competitive FPS and MOBA players.

This mouse maintains a strong wireless connection with sub-1ms latency thanks to Slipstream Wireless, a proven technology that Corsair has been implementing across its wireless mouse lineup over the past year. The mouse itself is powered by just one AA battery, which should net you 135 hours of use per charge.

Under the hood, you will find an optical sensor capable of up to 10,000 DPI. Using Corsair iCUE, you can also customise the six reprogrammable buttons to your liking, or combine multiple commands to a single key using macro recording.

This is the lightest wireless mouse in the Corsair lineup and also comes in at an affordable price point. Starting today, you should be able to find these at retail for £44.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are many of you in the market for an affordable, wireless gaming mouse? What do you think of the KATAR Wireless so far? We'll be getting a review sorted shortly so stay tuned for our verdict. 

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Stadia reveals next month’s free games for Pro subscribers https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/stadia-reveals-next-months-free-games-for-pro-subscribers/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/stadia-reveals-next-months-free-games-for-pro-subscribers/#respond Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:22:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=473409 If you are still using your Stadia Pro trial, or have decided to stay subscribed, then there is some good news for you this week. Today, the Stadia team announced the free games that will be available for Pro subscribers in July.  Crayta is perhaps the big one on this list. It is a creative …

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If you are still using your Stadia Pro trial, or have decided to stay subscribed, then there is some good news for you this week. Today, the Stadia team announced the free games that will be available for Pro subscribers in July. 

Crayta is perhaps the big one on this list. It is a creative game, which you can use to create your own levels and areas to explore, it also supports Stadia's ‘State Share' feature, which you can use to create a link that can be shared with other players. Once they open that link, they'll be playing the exact piece of the game that you linked to. This is also a ‘Stadia First', meaning it will be exclusive to Google's cloud platform from July 1st.

The other three games that Stadia Pro subscribers can expect next month include; Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, SteamWorld Dig and West of Loathing. These games join other recent additions to Stadia Pro, like The Elder Scrolls Online, which launched on the service last week.

Aside from that, the Metro Redux games are landing on Stadia today and Borderlands 3 DLC, Bounty of Blood, is also set to release on Stadia later this week.

KitGuru Says: Are many of you still using Stadia Pro? What do you think of the free games for July?

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Five more games now available to claim for Stadia Pro subscribers https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/five-more-games-now-available-to-claim-for-stadia-pro-subscribers/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/five-more-games-now-available-to-claim-for-stadia-pro-subscribers/#respond Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:05:17 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=470275 Google has been on top of its Stadia community updates over the last few months. To kick off June, Stadia swiftly announced this month's free games coming to Stadia Pro subscribers, with five titles in total available to claim.  Starting this week, Get Packed, Little Nightmares, SUPERHOT, Panzer Dragoon and Power Rangers: Battle for the …

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Google has been on top of its Stadia community updates over the last few months. To kick off June, Stadia swiftly announced this month's free games coming to Stadia Pro subscribers, with five titles in total available to claim. 

Starting this week, Get Packed, Little Nightmares, SUPERHOT, Panzer Dragoon and Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid are free to all Stadia Pro subscribers. Later in the month, The Elder Scrolls Online will also be added to the list of Stadia Pro titles.

With these new titles joining the library, the number of games that can be claimed with a Stadia Pro subscription has risen to 17, not including ESO, which is coming later on June 16th. The full list of games you can claim and play today includes:

  • Destiny 2: The Collection
  • GYLT
  • GRID
  • Spitlings
  • SteamWorld Dig 2
  • SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
  • Serious Sam Collection
  • SteamWorld Heist
  • Stacks on Stacks (on Stacks)
  • PUBG
  • Get Packed
  • The Turing Test
  • Zombie Army 4: Dead War
  • SUPERHOT
  • Little Nightmares
  • Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
  • Panzer Dragoon: Remake

If you are new to Stadia, then you can claim a free trial for Stadia Pro and play any of these games on a supported device.

KitGuru Says: Have many of you tried Stadia since the free tier and Stadia Pro trial launched? What has your experience been like?

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MSI introduces its range of B550 motherboards https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/msi-introduces-its-range-of-b550-motherboards/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/msi-introduces-its-range-of-b550-motherboards/#respond Fri, 22 May 2020 08:25:53 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=468372 Following Asus' announcement of its B550 motherboards, MSI has also shared information on its upcoming B550 models. As an alternative to the X570 chipset, the B550 motherboards are a more affordable option if you're planning to build a Ryzen-based system, while still keeping support for PCIe 4.0. The PCIe 4.0 support allows you to achieve …

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Following Asus' announcement of its B550 motherboards, MSI has also shared information on its upcoming B550 models. As an alternative to the X570 chipset, the B550 motherboards are a more affordable option if you're planning to build a Ryzen-based system, while still keeping support for PCIe 4.0.

The PCIe 4.0 support allows you to achieve higher data transfer speeds for graphics cards, storage devices, networking devices, and more. All MSI B550 motherboards will include PCIe and M.2 slots compatible with the PCIe 4.0 interface. Additionally, all B550 motherboards support addressable RGB LED (via the JRAINBOW pin header) to synchronise any RGB lighting in your system, while MSI has also included the Flash BIOS Button to easily flash the motherboard's BIOS, or clear the CMOS to quickly restore your BIOS to default settings.

MSI B550 motherboards also come with an “enhanced thermal solution” to improve cooling performance. MSI has added thermal pads with a rated 7W/mk of thermal conductivity to the MOS heatsinks, while the PCB uses 2oz of thickened copper, resulting in lower temperatures and improved heat transfer. There's also a USB Type-C connector on all B550 motherboards, allowing you to have USB Type-C connectivity on the front I/O panel of your case.

The new MSI B550 motherboards are divided into three series: MPG, MAG and Pro. MPG motherboards are aimed at gamers that want to “show their personal styles with advanced hardware design” while having the best feature set. The MAG motherboards are for entry-level gamers who still want reliability and stability. On the other hand, the Pro series is targeted at professionals and work systems without sacrificing the core feature set.

Motherboard Form Factor DRAM Slots/Capacity Network Interface Wi-Fi Audio
MPG B550 Gaming Carbon WIFI ATX 4/128GB Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 Realtek ALC1200
MAG B550M Tomahawk ATX 4/128GB Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb, Realtek RTL8111H 1Gb No Realtek ALC1200
MAG B550M Mortar WIFI Micro ATX 4/128GB Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 Realtek ALC1200
MAG B550M Mortar Micro ATX 4/128GB Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb No Realtek ALC1200
B550-A Pro ATX 4/128GB Realtek 8111H 1Gb No Realtek ALC892 Codec

You can learn more about MSI's B550 motherboards HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you thinking about buying a B550 motherboard? Which MSI B550 motherboard would you prefer?

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Google is temporarily making 1080p streaming the default option for Stadia users https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/google-is-temporarily-making-1080p-streaming-the-default-option-for-stadia-users/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/google-is-temporarily-making-1080p-streaming-the-default-option-for-stadia-users/#respond Fri, 10 Apr 2020 16:15:23 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=461615 This week, Google took a big step in its cloud gaming journey by opening up Stadia to everyone , meaning anyone can sign up and stream as long as they have an email address. While the floodgates opening should be a good thing, it also comes at an odd time, as streaming services are encouraged …

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This week, Google took a big step in its cloud gaming journey by opening up Stadia to everyone , meaning anyone can sign up and stream as long as they have an email address. While the floodgates opening should be a good thing, it also comes at an odd time, as streaming services are encouraged to reduce their strain on ISPs while so many people are stuck at home. 

Google is already familiar with this issue and adjusted the default quality for videos on YouTube to standard definition while leaving users the option to crank it up as they normally would. A similar approach is now also being taken with Stadia.

As part of the Stadia Pro free trial announcement, Google says that it is temporarily shifting the default streaming resolution for users to 1080p instead of 4K. This is not a strict limit, as players can go into their settings and turn the streaming quality back up.

However, Google also hopes that users don't necessarily notice, even saying that “the vast majority of people on a desktop or laptop won't notice a significant drop in gameplay quality”. Depending on the resolution and size of your monitor/laptop screen, that may be the case.

KitGuru Says: A lot of the worry surrounding internet outages due to heavy usage has quietened down a bit at this point but companies are still mindful of it. If you are a newcomer to Stadia, double check your streaming quality settings as depending on your connection, you may be able to boost it higher. 

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ARM encourages orders for 1 trillion processors https://www.kitguru.net/channel/event/andrzej/arm-encourages-orders-for-1-trillion-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/event/andrzej/arm-encourages-orders-for-1-trillion-processors/#respond Thu, 04 Jul 2019 10:09:08 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=417189 What started as an ambitious project by the BBC to put computers into UK schools in 1981, ended with ARM dominating several global markets for microprocessors – including mobile phone giants Apple, Samsung and Huawei. Owned by Japan’s SoftBank, but still headquartered in Cambridge, the company is dedicated to being the most pervasive compute technology …

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What started as an ambitious project by the BBC to put computers into UK schools in 1981, ended with ARM dominating several global markets for microprocessors – including mobile phone giants Apple, Samsung and Huawei. Owned by Japan’s SoftBank, but still headquartered in Cambridge, the company is dedicated to being the most pervasive compute technology the world has ever seen. It takes IoT seriously and wants to be everywhere – in every product that can possibly encompass its technology. At Innovex, KitGuru was invited to a private briefing about DesignStart – ARM’s efforts to help new businesses explore, develop and deploy its state-of-the-art chip technology.

By the end of 2022, the more tech-savvy among you will have up to 500 connected devices in your home, according to Gartner. To put that in to context, it was 1982 when a Coca-Cola vending machine was first hooked up to the internet at an American university – so it could report back on stock levels and the temperature of its sugary drinks. By the end of 2022, that single device installation will have evolved into an IoT market worth close to $1.2 trillion – much of which will be enabled by ARM.

So how do you become the ‘processing option of choice’ in so many devices?   Well the major accounts have already invested millions of man hours into adapting ARM IP for their own purposes – so they are pretty much locked in. A significant amount of growth will come from companies that are, today, considered start-ups. Companies that may not even have produced their first commercial product yet.

ARM’s DesignStart programme aims to provide the tools and expertise necessary to enable new companies to thrive. The theory is that, as they thrive, so does ARM’s sales.

From the day it shipped its first product in 1991, it took ARM 26 years to sell 100 billion chips. In the 4 years from 2017 to 2021, ARM is on course to match that number with the sale of another 100 billion chips. IoT changes everything. ARM is now projecting the sale of 1 trillion chips in the following 4 years.

DesignStart Custom SoC/ASIC
The days when only a handful of companies needed bespoke silicon production are long gone. Historically, vast sums of time and money needed to be invested in fabrication plants, chip design and the army of expert staff needed to make it all work. These days, innovators with a clever idea want to get to market as soon as possible with a working solution and that’s where ARM steps in.

When a group from Marvell’s ship core development team near Shanghai wanted to start their own cellular IoT chipset solution venture called Eigencomm, they joined the ARM DesignStart Custom SoC/ASIC programme and were able to tape out in just 6 months. Moving from a first concept to a working design in half a year, was made possible because they could sign up with a simple form and knew that no royalties would be due (unless their products were commercially successful in the market). We’ve seen something similar in the way that the Unreal makes its game engine and development tools available. You only really pay when your idea is successful.

This programme offers Cortex-M0 and Cortex M3 CPUs with no upfront fee. It also gives the lowest cost route to Cortex-A5 CPUs as well as thousands of physical IP libraries.

DesignStart FPGA
Smaller projects will be focusing on FPGA technology for their solutions. Field Programmable Gate Arrays offer a core configuration on leaving the production facility, but they can then be customised using a HDL (Hardware Description Language). They tend to be larger and run slower than custom silicon, but they are perfect way to get your idea into the market when budgets are relatively low.

ARM also provides technical support for new ventures who want to sign up at DesignStart.

For those who are at the early stages, you can choose an ‘Eval’ option, where you can sign up in minutes and begin designing immediately. Commercial operations who want a faster path to production can chose the ‘Pro’ version.

According to ARM, these programmes have seen over 5,500 downloads and close to 500 commercial licences for CPUs being taken up.

KitGuru says: ARM's ecosystem manager, Alessandro Grande, introduced the programme to attendees at Innovex, specifically to encourage start-ups to innovate in the IoT space. Given that the number of exhibitors at the Taiwan Computer Association (TCA) event grew from 388 in 2018 to almost 500 in 2019, it's clear that ARM's ‘incubate the next generation of your own customers' approach is a smart one. Certainly if they'll be needing orders totalling 1 trillion chips.

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New leak points to OnePlus 7 Pro specs and pricing https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/new-leak-points-to-oneplus-7-pro-specs-and-pricing/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/new-leak-points-to-oneplus-7-pro-specs-and-pricing/#respond Mon, 13 May 2019 15:30:21 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=412779 We are just one day away from the launch of the OnePlus 7 and the OnePlus 7 Pro. This time around, OnePlus is less concerned about pricing and will instead focus on offering a beefier device, with two distinct tiers. We’ve already heard OnePlus talk up the new display it is using, but now a …

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We are just one day away from the launch of the OnePlus 7 and the OnePlus 7 Pro. This time around, OnePlus is less concerned about pricing and will instead focus on offering a beefier device, with two distinct tiers. We’ve already heard OnePlus talk up the new display it is using, but now a new leak has seemingly revealed exactly what to expect in terms of hardware.

The OnePlus 7 and the Pro version will be using the same display. We already knew that it would have high refresh rate, but today’s leak from WinFuture points to it being a 6.7-inch ‘Fluid AMOLED’ display with a 3120×1440 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. It will also apparently have a fingerprint scanner baked into the display and in order to avoid the need for a ‘notch’, a pop-up front facing camera will be used.

Under the hood, it looks like we can expect a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. The OnePlus 7 Pro will also apparently come with several different RAM options, with 6GB, 8GB and 12GB versions set to be made available depending on how much money you are willing to spend. In terms of storage, there will be 128GB and 256GB options.

The front facing camera will reportedly be a 16MP unit using the Sony IMX471 sensor. The back of the phone will house a triple-camera setup, similarly to what we are seeing rumoured for the iPhone 11. The three sensors here will be 48MP, 16MP and 8MP respectively with enhanced optical zoom, wide angle and image stabilisation capabilities.

Pricing for the OnePlus 7 Pro is said to start at €699 for 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It then raises to €749 for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Finally, for €819, you will get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

KitGuru Says: While most of the specs outlined here are likely going to be accurate, I was expecting the OnePlus 7 Pro to come in at a slightly higher price. Of course, none of this is confirmed by OnePlus yet, so take this information with a grain of salt. We’ll be back tomorrow to report on the official announcement.

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Razer Blade Pro Review (w/ Core i7; GTX 1060) https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/mike-jennings/razer-blade-pro-review-w-core-i7-gtx-1060/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/mike-jennings/razer-blade-pro-review-w-core-i7-gtx-1060/#respond Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:35:54 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=363411 Razer has a new Blade Pro - this time with a GTX 1060 and 1080p display. Is it worth £2099?

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We’ve seen Razer Blade laptops before, but nothing like the Blade Pro. This updated machine is designed to appeal to gamers and professionals in equal measure – and it does that by mixing superb design with high-end components. With the model in question being the slightly cheaper GTX 1060 variant, can the Blade Pro do enough in terms of price-to-performance? Let's find out.

The slick looks and powerful silicon is paired with a selection of tasty extras, too, including Killer-branded networking, a 120Hz IPS screen and an innovative repositioning of the keyboard and trackpad – but you’ll have to pay more than £2,000 for this slim, powerful machine. Can it possibly be worth it?

Specifications:

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • CPU: Intel core i7 7700HQ (2.8Ghz – 3.8GHz)
  • Display: 17.3” 120Hz Full HD LCD in LED backlight 1920×1080 16:9
  • Memory Supplied: 2 x 8GB
  • Memory Type: DDR4
  • Memory Speed: 2,400
  • Max Memory Support: 32GB
  • Graphics Chipset: nVidia GeForce GTX 1060
  • Graphics Memory: 6GB GDDR5
  • Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD
  • Keyboard Type: Chiclet
  • 1 Ports: 4
  • HDMI Port(s): 1
  • Microphone/headphone Jack(s): 1
  • Card Reader: SD (XC/HC)
  • Audio: 2.0 sound by Realtek
  • Wireless LAN – Intel 2×2 802.11ac
  • Bluetooth: V4.2
  • Webcam: Full HD type (30fps@1080p)
  • Warranty: 1yr RTB

Total cost £2,099 inc vat.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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ASUS launches three new WS motherboards for X299 https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/matthew-wilson/asus-launches-three-new-ws-motherboards-for-x299/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/matthew-wilson/asus-launches-three-new-ws-motherboards-for-x299/#respond Mon, 13 Nov 2017 17:00:13 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=354227 For years, ASUS has had an excellent track record when it comes to workstation motherboards and that won't be changing now with the X299 generation. This week, Asus has announced three new Intel X299 WS boards, each with a focus on providing maximum performance for complex workloads. The WS X299 SAGE is the first on …

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For years, ASUS has had an excellent track record when it comes to workstation motherboards and that won't be changing now with the X299 generation. This week, Asus has announced three new Intel X299 WS boards, each with a focus on providing maximum performance for complex workloads.

The WS X299 SAGE is the first on the roster, which is built to support maximum GPU density with seven full-sized expansion slots. It supports four-way GPU configurations and can support up to four double-width cards. This way, users can make the most of their hardware when it comes to scalable compute loads. It is a larger motherboard though, with an E-ATX form factor, so you'll need a case to match.

The WS X299 PRO is the next on the list. This particular board is a standard sized ATX board, so space in a standard case won't be an issue. This does mean that it comes with fewer expansion slots though, with four full-sized PCIe 16x slots and support for three-way GPU configurations.

Finally, the WS X299 PRO/SE is next on the list. It has all of the same features as the PRO but adds extensive remote management capabilities. It supports in-band communication via the ASUS Control Center but also comes with an ASMB9-iKVM module for out-of-band management. This allows the board to receive keyboard and mouse input remotely while also sending a live video feed without the need for additional client software. This is the only board in this lineup to have this particular feature.

All three new WS boards come with two M.2 slots and Intel 1210-AT x2 Gigabit Ethernet. Aura Sync RGB lighting is included if you're into that sort of thing and each board is watercooling ready.

The WS X299 SAGE has a couple of extras over the PRO and the PRO/SE. Aside from the additional expansion slots, it also has Intel 1219-LM Gigabit Ethernet support, and two extra USB 3.1 ports. The PRO and PRO/SE come with six 3.1 ports while the SAGE has eight.

All three WS boards begin shipping this month worldwide. We'll have to check back on pricing when retail availability lands.

KitGuru Says: Do many of you look primarily for ‘workstation' gear when shopping around for a PC? Have you had much experience with the ASUS WS boards? 

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Radeon Pro Duo gets a Polaris refresh https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/paul-taylor/radeon-pro-duo-gets-a-polaris-refresh/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/paul-taylor/radeon-pro-duo-gets-a-polaris-refresh/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:39:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=331654 A year, almost to the day, after launching the original Radeon Pro Duo dual-chip workstation-class graphics card, AMD has announced a refresh to its professional line-up. During the NAB 2017 show (an event for the broadcasting industry) in Las Vegas yesterday, AMD announced a new version of the Radeon Pro Duo now with a Polaris-based dual-GPU …

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A year, almost to the day, after launching the original Radeon Pro Duo dual-chip workstation-class graphics card, AMD has announced a refresh to its professional line-up.

During the NAB 2017 show (an event for the broadcasting industry) in Las Vegas yesterday, AMD announced a new version of the Radeon Pro Duo now with a Polaris-based dual-GPU at the core. The identically-named Radeon Pro Duo card comes with 32GB of GDDR5 (16GB per GPU) and 4608 stream processors delivering 11.45 Teraflops of compute power. It is also a bit cheaper, less power consuming and a whole lot cooler – to the point where AMD has done away with the integrated waterblock/fan/radiator combo.

AMD suggests the card will be a major asset in producing VR content, in particular at 4K resolutions, and at content-creation multitasking. The card will be available in May, and AMD has given it a $999 price tag – considerably lower than its predecessor.

Now, if you're thinking that Polaris is a different kettle of fish when compared to the dual Fiji XT cores in the original Radeon Pro Duo, then you are correct. The new Radeon Pro Duo promises to be a more suitable upgrade card for workstations that don't require replacing entire power systems or changing enclosures to accommodate the added heat. It is also considerably under-powered when compared to the original – it loses 30% compute performance when compared to its predecessor. It also costs 33% less, which should make it reasonably more competitive, if you're happy with the performance. The biggest advantage we've detected so far is the card's 16GB (x2) GDDR5, which will allow content creators to work with much bigger data sets/video buffers than the original. This might work out well for very hi-res content, but only time/benchmarking will tell.

Here's a non-comprehensive feature comparison of the new card and its predecessor (we've put in bold what we think are each card's assets).

Radeon Pro Duo 2016 Radeon Pro Duo 2017
GPU Fiji XT x2 Polaris x2
GPU ARCHITECTURE GCN 3rd Generation ​GCN 4th Generation
​STREAM PROCESSORS 4096 x2 ​2304 x2
​PEAK PERFORMANCE 16.38 TFLOPS ​11.45 TFLOPS
​PEAK ENGINE CLOCK 1000MHz ​1243 MHz
​MEMORY TYPE 2x4GB HBM 2x16GB GDDR5
​MEMORY INTERFACE 4096 bit (x2) ​256 bit (x2)
​MEMORY DATA RATE/ BANDWIDTH 1 Gb/s / 512GB/s ​7 Gb/s / 448 GB/s
​TYPICAL BOARD POWER 350 W ​​<250 W
FREESYNC Yes ​Yes
​DISPLAY OUTPUT CONNECTORS ​3x DP, 1x HDMI ​3x DP, 1x HDMI
​DISPLAY COLOR DEPTH 8-bit 10-bit Support
​FORM FACTOR Full-Height Dual Slot Full-Height Dual Slot
Fan/Radiator Unit 12” Length
3x 8-pin PEG  6-pin + 8-pin PEG
PRICE $1499 $999
ETA  available May 2017

The original Radeon Pro Duo was a monster of a card, with integrated watercooling and rated at a torrid 350W – to such an extent it required 3x 8-pin PEG connectors. It had a 4GB HBM framebuffer on each chip, derived from its dual Fiji XT design (the same as Radeon R9 Fury X). It also cost a cool $1500 at launch. The card was, for lack of a better word, powerful. The new card, however, will have to prove its mettle and rely on the GDDR5 to deliver what the original could not.

KitGuru Says: We can't help but think this is an odd move from AMD, and the message is far from easy to get across to AMD's professional audience this time. Maybe some craft technical marketing and benchmarks will prove the computer performance is made up by the framebuffer size… or not.

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Final Fantasy XV patch lets PS4 Pro Lite Mode hit 60 FPS https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/jon-martindale/final-fantasy-xv-patch-lets-ps4-pro-lite-mode-hit-60-fps/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/jon-martindale/final-fantasy-xv-patch-lets-ps4-pro-lite-mode-hit-60-fps/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2017 13:07:43 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=322358 If you are a bigger fan of frame rates than you are visual fidelity, the new patch for Final Fantasy XV will give you a chance to hit something a little smoother than the 30 FPS you've been used to. On PS4 Pro consoles, gamers can now expect to hit up to 60 frames per …

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If you are a bigger fan of frame rates than you are visual fidelity, the new patch for Final Fantasy XV will give you a chance to hit something a little smoother than the 30 FPS you've been used to. On PS4 Pro consoles, gamers can now expect to hit up to 60 frames per second when running in Lite Mode.

As much as Final Fantasy XV is a gorgeous game, with expansive backdrops, detailed landscapes and lots of swishy hair, console ability to hit certain frame rate targets isn't exactly perfect. Standard PlayStation 4s have struggled with stuttering, especially when things get busy and even the PS4 Pro could only achieve a smooth 30FPS in Lite Mode. Well now Lite Mode delivers even more fluidity with the game, as it can hit up to 60 FPS without difficulty.

That's not all of course. The 1.05 update also adds new timed-quests, which task you with hunting certain monsters or completing certain goals within a set time limit. There's also a new, higher-level cap (120) and an increased capacity for your camera up to 200 photos [thanks AGD].

There are also a number of bug fixes we're told, as well as a new portable music player for taking long, leisurely Chocobo rides across the landscape.

Just don't expect to downgrade after this patch. If you save after downloading it, your game will no longer be compatible with former versions of the game.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Square seems to be doing a good job of keeping Final Fantasy XV patched and updated on a regular basis. How are you guys enjoying the game so far?

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