Metro Exodus Laptop and Desktop Benchmarks
Demanding even without Raytracing. Metro Exodus is the next game to support Raytracing after Battlefield V. Read on to find out why this first-person shooter needs a powerful GPU even at moderate settings.
Laptop
All reviews, news and articles on laptops can be found on this topics page.
Dell clears up RTX 2050 typo, leaks mobile GTX 1660 Ti instead
Dell has updated its website in light of the recent seemingly incorrect mention of an “RTX 2050” being available to some systems. However, the new information could also be considered a leak, as now there is mention of a GTX 1660 Ti instead, which seems to confirm a mobile version of this graphics card is on the way.
120 Hz QHD display option coming to the Alienware m17 this month; QHD and 4K options for the Area-51m later this year
Both the Alienware m17 and Alienware Area 51-m laptops should be receiving new display options at some point in 2019. This is according to Dell’s XPS and Alienware chief, Frank Azor, who has been spreading the good news on Twitter. Those interested in an Alienware m17 device will soon finally be able to choose the long-awaited 120 Hz display.
Our first AMD Ryzen 5 3550H benchmarks are in and they give Intel's Core i5-8300H a run for their money
The budget-mainstream gaming laptop space is about to get much more interesting. AMD's latest Zen+ processor is essentially comparable to the Core i5-8300H to make it a perfect companion for mid-range Nvidia GPUs. It's now up to OEMs like Asus to make laptops sporting both Ryzen and GeForce processors for true market disruption.
USB 4.0 specs bring Thunderbolt 3 speeds to consumer devices
The USB Promoter Group has been collaborating with Intel in order to release the USB 4.0 standard based on the USB-C interface with Thunderbolt 3 support. The new USB ports will enable data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and will provide support for multiple data and display protocols, as well as advanced power delivery features for fast charging devices.
Images of Chromium-based Edge emerge online
The new version of Microsoft Edge, a browser whose development is now driven by that of Chromium's, has been leaked in a set of images by Neowin. They show a browser that will indeed ring a number of bells for those who follow the open-source project. However, there is a Microsoft extensions store and Bing integration.
Far Cry New Dawn Laptop and Desktop Benchmarks
New setting, old tech. While the story of Far Cry New Dawn is set in a different time, the look of the game is still no different. In our benchmark analysis, we examine what kind of GPU horsepower you need to achieve playable frame rates at certain resolutions and on certain settings.
Schenker XMG Ultra 15 (i7-9700K, RTX 2070) Clevo P751TM1-G Laptop Review
Maintainable high-end performer. Schenker's XMG Ultra 15 features powerful hardware capable of running all current games smoothly. In addition, it comes with extensive upgrade and maintenance options - including the possibility to swap both the CPU and GPU.
Intel Core i7-9700K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, 15.6", 3.5 kg
Deal | Twin pack: save $450 when you buy two Gigabyte Aero 15 RTX laptops from Newegg
Have a friend who's also in the market for a flagship laptop? This Newegg exclusive offers two Aero 15-X9 systems for about 10 percent off. Gigabyte will throw in a backpack and a wired gaming mouse at no extra charge as well.
Dell might have just accidentally leaked either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 2050 or even an RTX 2050 GPU
The existence of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 or GTX 2050 graphics card may have just been revealed by Dell. A new laptop GPU from the green team is expected to be released in the not too distant future, but speculation has been based on a non-RTX branded product. It is possible the Texas-based computer giant has made an assumption or even made a typo.
Caution: Hot – ThinkPad E490 & E590 have arrived
Lenovo sent us the two new laptops ThinkPad E490 and ThinkPad E590. After temperature problems with the Radeon GPU in last year's ThinkPad E480, we were eager to find out whether Lenovo fixed the issues or not for the new E490, but our initial measurements are not promising.
Upcoming NVIDIA GTX 1650 and Intel Core i7-9750H make an appearance on 3DMark
The rumored NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 has popped up in a leaked 3DMark entry that also lists the upcoming 9th gen Intel Core i7-9750H CPU. Not much information is evident from the entry itself, which lists just the core and memory clocks. We do, however, get to confirm that the card will feature 4 GB of RAM, which in all probability is GDDR5.
Overall GPU shipments down for Nvidia, AMD, and Intel in Q4 2018 but laptop GPU shipments rise
John Peddie Research has released its review of the GPU market for Q4 2018. Overall GPU shipments were down by 2.65% from the previous quarter, with Nvidia shipments decreasing by 7.62%, AMD’s by 6.81%, and Intel’s GPU shipments falling by 0.67%. However, GPU shipments for notebooks increased as the cryptocurrency crash continued to affect desktop GPU demand.
What most reviewers fail to talk about: backlight bleeding, coil whine, graininess, and more
When buying a new laptop, it's undeniably important that the model both performs well and looks great. Nevertheless, these lesser-known aspects are just as important to the user experience even though they are almost never mentioned by most publications and YouTubers.
MWC19 also revealed the 5G Snapdragon X55 module for notebooks
This year's Mobile World Congress (MWC19) focused heavily on more mobile tech, particularly as some acquired the ability to fold this year. However, this was also a stage for 5G this year. To this end, Qualcomm unveiled its X55 SoC-containing module for laptops at the show.
Lenovo Legion Y740-17ICH (i7-8750H, RTX 2080 Max-Q) Laptop Review
Cheapest laptop with RTX 2080 graphics. A mid-range laptop equipped with a high-end GPU. The Lenovo Legion Y740 is just as powerful as some of the popular heavy hitters in the enthusiast gaming notebook market even if it doesn't quite look or feel the part.
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, 17.3", 2.8 kg
System76 upgrades its Oryx Pro laptop with Nvidia RTX 20-series GPUs and 8th Gen Intel Core CPU
System76 has revised its Oryx Pro laptop, bringing Nvidia GeForce RTX 20-series GPUs and an 8th Gen Intel Core chip into the mix. The champions of open-source software are offering potential buyers the chance to choose from an RTX 2060, RTX 2070, and an RTX 2080 graphics card. More RAM and storage options are also available in the company’s online configurator.
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 vs. Razer Blade 15: Gigabyte has the CPU performance advantage
Same CPU, same GPU, same RAM, same display. Even with all the similarities, there are notable differences when it comes to performance, color accuracy, features, fan noise, and temperatures. We compare the two systems to find out which one comes out on top.
Chrome developers are preparing a new feature to make back/forward navigation faster
Google engineers are developing a 'back/forward cache' to reduce the latency with which Chrome returns to a previous page, or goes forward from one. This involves saving an entire webpage in memory, JavaScript included. While this may enhance the browser's UX, it also implies privacy issues.
The GoPro HERO7 Black now has a limited-edition variant
The HERO7 Black is the top-spec'd SKU of its GoPro camera series. It is now available in a limited-edition alternative finish, Dusk White. This version will be released on March 3, 2019 on gopro.com and selected retailers worldwide.
Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701GX (i7-8750H, RTX 2080 Max-Q) Laptop Review
Thin and powerful. Asus released the 17-inch version of its high-end gaming laptop known as the GX531 shortly after Nvidia launched its Turing-based GPUs. Despite its slimness, the ROG Zephyrus S GX701 is extremely capable and is supposed to strike fear into the hearts of the competitors. Read our review to find out if it succeeds at this.
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, 17.3", 2.6 kg
SK Hynix releases details on the upcoming DDR5-6400 RAM standard
The 16 Gb DDR5-6400 memory chips from SK Hynix could be first to hit the market in late 2019, but the launch prices will be quite high, more appropriate for enterprise environments. On the other hand, the 8 Gb chips should be more cost-effective, thus more appropriate for consumer modules, which are expected in 2020.
Lenovo Legion Y740 is somehow $500 cheaper than the next cheapest GeForce RTX 2080 laptop
The Legion Y740-17ICH comes with RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics, a 256 GB SSD, and a 144 Hz IPS display for only $2320 USD. While not inexpensive by any means, this is by far the least expensive laptop with RTX 2080 graphics in the market.
Update | Chuwi Aerobook is a cheaper alternative to the Huawei MateBook
Chuwi's latest copycat laptop has an 80 percent screen-to-body ratio, an aluminum-magnesium chassis, and a weight of just 1.25 kg. Prices and launch dates are still unknown for now as the system is only at its fundraising stage.
MWC19 | RAVPower releases its thinnest-ever 45W wall charger with PD
RAVPower, the well-known accessory-maker, has a stand at MWC this year. It showcases a new PD charger, an ultra-thin (14mm) 'wall wart' based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology. RAVPower also has a new wireless charging stand that is also a power bank.
Intel previews the Foveros 3D packaging technology in upcoming Lakefield hybrid CPUs
Intel has previewed the upcoming Lakefield SoC in a bit more detail in a new video. The video illustrates the new Foveros 3D packaging technology and how different heterogeneous components can be stacked on top of each other. This helps in reduced board footprint and consequently, enables thinner, lighter, more powerful devices.
First AMD Zen+ Ryzen 5 3550H gaming laptop now shipping, review in progress
The 12 nm Ryzen 5 3550H quad-core processor will hopefully challenge the Core i5-8300H in the budget-mainstream gaming category. The AMD chip is making its debut on the Asus TUF FX505DY budget gaming laptop now retailing for just $799 USD.
Update | Nvidia announces GeForce MX230 and MX250 laptop GPUs
Nvidia has added two new members to the MX product family: The GeForce MX230 and the GeForce MX250. Both GPUs are based on Pascal architecture, offer DirectX 12 support, and they both utilize Nvidia’s Optimus graphics-switching technology. The MX230 and MX250 also support Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 1.2 APIs.
Trump delays tariffs for China, trade war might end soon and computer part prices may reset
The trade war between the U.S. and China may soon end, as president Trump believes that the negotiations are going well and is now determined to delay the increased tariffs for China as a gesture of good will. As a direct consequence, the Chinese Shanghai Composite index spiked by 5% and we could be looking at a price reset for the overpriced computer hardware in the next few months.
The performance of RTX 2080 Max-Q laptops may vary substantially depending on TDP
If you plan on purchasing an RTX 2080 Max-Q laptop, you should pay special attention to the TDP version. The reason: According to our benchmarks, the performance gap can be quite substantial.
Updated | The Dell XPS 15 9570's DPC latency issues are more complicated than the company first thought
Almost four months on since Dell announced that it would soon fix the DPC latency issues that have caused audio problems for some XPS 15 9570 laptops, Frank Azor has conceded that there is no end in sight for beleaguered owners. While he claims that Dell is making progress, he still cannot give a timeline for when the company hopes to release a fix.
Turing Notebooks: Potential performance losses due to Optimus
In this short article, you can read about why Optimus, Nvidia's graphics switching technology, does not yet work perfectly with mobile RTX graphics cards.
MWC19 | Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, T490 & T590: Sleeker designs & brighter screens, but less flexibility – Update
At MWC 2019, Lenovo has announced five new ThinkPads. The three new T series models ThinkPad T490, T490s & T590 are supposed to win over business-customers with new designs, thinner bezels and better displays.
Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 (Core i7-8750H, RTX 2070 Max-Q) Laptop Review
Charisma. The slim and compact Aero 15-X9 succeeds the popular Aero 15X v8 that we reviewed last year. The new 15.6-inch gaming laptop handles modern triple-A games smoothly on its 144 Hz, 1080p display thanks to its Core i7-8750H processor, RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU and 16 GB DDR4-2666 RAM. Its NVMe SSD should ensure solid system performance too, while its Thunderbolt 3 port gives you the option of connecting an external GPU should you wish to run a desktop GPU. Read on to find out how it performs in our tests and whether it can set new standards for thin and light gaming laptops.
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 15.6", 2.1 kg
MWC19 | AMD Zen+ Ryzen 3200U, 3500U, and 3700U will debut on the Lenovo IdeaPad C340 convertible series
The upcoming mainstream Lenovo IdeaPad C340 family will be one of the first to offer Zen+ Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, and Ryzen 7 processor options that were initially unveiled at CES 2019. The AMD options should be comparable to Intel Whiskey Lake-U for at least $50 USD less when the Lenovo convertible launches next month.
MWC19 | Lenovo IdeaPad S340 and S540 with AMD Ryzen Zen+ will undercut the Intel SKU by $150 USD
The affordable IdeaPad S340 and S540 series will carry GeForce MX250 and Radeon RX Vega 10 options when they launch in the next couple of months. The AMD-based IdeaPad S540 SKU in particular will retail for $730 compared to $880 for the Intel variant.
MWC19 | Lenovo ThinkPad X390 & X390 Yoga: Smallest ThinkPads now with 13.3 instead of 12.5 inch LCDs
Aside from the larger ThinkPads of the T series, Lenovo has announced two compact models of the X series as well. The Thinkpad X390 has a bigger display with a much smaller screen bezel than its predecessor, while the ThinkPad X390 Yoga has been redesigned with a much thinner chassis.
A GeForce GTX 1660 Ti equivalent or GTX 1050 Ti successor should be coming soon for laptops
Now that the RT-free and AI-free GTX 1660 Ti GPU is out for desktops, it's only a matter of time before a similar option becomes available for laptops. An unannounced Nvidia "N18E-G0" GPU is looking more like the inevitable GTX 1050 Ti successor based on the Turing architecture.
Smartphones account for 59% of all spending on consumer electronics in 2018: tech author
Jim Harris, an author and speaker on disruptive innovations, has released a new report on consumer tech ahead of MWC 2019. In it, he claims that 59% of all the money spent in the same market in 2018 was expended on smartphones. Harris also asserts that Android is now the most popular software platform.
MWC19 | Huawei MateBook X Pro is finally getting the Whiskey Lake-U treatment
After a full year with the MateBook X Pro, it's about time we get a small refresh. Huawei has unveiled the third generation MateBook X laptop that fixes almost everything we didn't like about the 2018 model including the Thunderbolt 3 port and weaker MX150 GPU. We'll just have to see how its temperatures will fare when it launches this April.
MWC19 | Upcoming Huawei MateBook 14 will carry GeForce MX250 graphics and be thinner than the Dell XPS 13
Huawei is marketing its new 14-inch Ultrabook as a mainstream offering, but its sleek design and high-end specifications say otherwise. Expect it to be available by this Summer in the United States for a lower starting price than the MateBook X Pro.
Alienware Area-51m laptops configured with an RTX 2080 will receive power-boosting BIOS in April
XPS and Alienware chief Frank Azor has announced on Twitter that Alienware Area-51m RTX 2080 laptops will soon be receiving a 200 W BIOS update. The Dell executive also stated that the company is aiming for an April release for this power-boosting upgrade. The previous power limit stood at 180 W for the overclockable graphics card.
Buying a Dell XPS 13? We recommend checking for coil whine
Our Dell XPS 13 9380 test unit suffers from high-pitched coil whine that may potentially be a nuisance during regular use. The phenomenon is not damaging to the machine, but its intensity and volume may vary between different units.
Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 Convertible Review
4K Chromebook. Chromebooks are known for their affordability and ease of use. Lenovo is changing the paradigm with the Yoga Chromebook C630, a relatively expensive Chrome OS device that brings 4K to Chromebooks. The C630 packs a lot of power, but some compromises on usability and price ultimately hold the device back.
Intel Core i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 15.6", 2 kg
Leaked Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga and ThinkPad X1 Carbon datasheets signal a June launch for Intel Ice Lake
Lenovo could be joining Dell in offering Intel Ice Lake laptops as soon as June this year. Leaked datasheets for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga and ThinkPad X1 Carbon detail the inclusion of Core i5 and Core i7 Ice Lake processor options. The new models are slimmer and the transition to Ice Lake is expected to bring significant benefits to both compute and graphics performance.
Intel Gen11 GT2 GPU outperforms the Vega 10 and closes in on the Vega 11 in leaked benchmarks
GFXBench results of Intel's upcoming Gen11 GT2 graphics have leaked online and the scores seem to be pretty impressive. The Ice Lake Gen11 GT2 is a significant improvement over Skylake's GT9 and promises 1 TFLOP GPU performance for all. These preliminary scores reveal GT11's advantage over the Vega 10 (and possibly even the Vega 11) and its potential value for OEMs and customers over AMD APUs and NVIDIA MX offerings.
Our Core i9 verdict: It’s just not worth it on laptops
With almost a dozen Core i9-8950HK laptops under our belt, we have a pretty good idea about how these unlocked CPUs can perform. Average CPU performance is just 8 to 9 percent faster than the average Core i7-8750H laptop for a disappointing first year debut.
Nintendo Switch may gain ability to use Xbox features, including Game Passes, soon
A YouTuber has asserted that Microsoft will port some games and features to the Nintendo Switch later this year. The indie title Ori has been specifically named in relation to this new purported deal to link the two platforms. This development will also apparently bring Xbox Game Passes to the Switch.
Adobe is offering a limited-time discount on individual Creative Cloud Plans
Adobe is offering a discount on the prices of all-app Creative Cloud (CC) plans. This offer applies to monthly-paid prices for CC and CC plus Adobe Stock plans only, and drops them to US$39.99 and $69.98 respectively. It is valid from now until March 1, 2019.
Microsoft starts developing Windows 20H1 ahead of 19H2
Microsoft's next probable major software release is 19H2, the April 2019 update. However, a build associated with a release in 2020 is the one that has most recently popped up for users in the Skip Ahead program. Despite this, the company insists 19H2 will be ready on time.
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