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Turbo vs. Performance mode: how one setting dramatically changes the Asus TUF Gaming A18

On paper, the Asus TUF Gaming A18 enters the ring as a powerful 18-inch gaming laptop with an RTX 5070 and a Ryzen 7 260. But our testing shows: its real speed depends heavily on the mode selected in Armoury Crate — and the gap be...

Christian Hintze, 23 Nov 2025 10:10

Minisforum currently offers the X1 Lite in a single silver colour option. (Image source: Minisforum)

Minisforum X1 Lite: Minisforum releases new OCuLink-compatible mini-PC globally for under $400

Minisforum has now released a compact new mini-PC after previewing the device earlier this week. Spanning 130 x 126 x 47.2 mm without compromising on USB4 or OCuLink eGPU expandability, the Minisforum X1 Lite contains a modern AMD...

Alex Alderson, 19 Nov 2025 15:33

Valve Steam Machine seen above survey data (Image source: Valve with edits)

Valve engineer says Steam Machine performance beats 70% of PCs, and can play all games

According to a Valve Engineer, the Steam Machine specs outclass the most common PC configurations. The company relied on its own hardware surveys to choose the system’s components. Even as an entry-level option, Valve claims that ...

Adam Corsetti, 15 Nov 2025 22:17

The Machenike GTR mini PC is also available with the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255. Pictured: a promo picture of the system. (Image source: Machenike)

Machenike intros new affordable configuration for AMD-powered GTR mini PC

The Machenike GTR mini PC recently launched with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. It is now available in a bit more affordable configuration, which features the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255. The other aspects remain the same, including the USB4 port.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 15 Nov 2025 16:48

Valve Steam Machine on TV stand (Image source: screenshot, Valve YouTube with edits)

Hands-on Valve Steam Machine testing questions if GPU can deliver 4K/60 fps performance

Valve markets its new Steam Machine as a 4K-compatible gaming system for living rooms. Initial tests find that many games may require lower resolutions and settings for optimal performance. The bottleneck in the Steam Machine spec...

Adam Corsetti, 12 Nov 2025 21:29

AMD retail packaging for Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. (Image source: AMD)

AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D is the new cheapest X3D CPU, beating Core Ultra 245KF and 14600K

AMD has official launched the Ryzen 5 7500X3D CPU as the cheapest X3D chip, though based on previous gen Zen 4 architecture. It is targeted at 1080p gaming and outperforms the Core Ultra 245KF and the Core i5-14600K, as per AMD.

Vineet Washington, 12 Nov 2025 17:00

XMG launches Core 16 Value Edition gaming laptop with AMD Zen 4 processor and RTX 5060 dGPU

Differences over the standard version include a less-demanding Zen 4-based Ryzen 7 H 255 processor paired with the RTX 5060, as well as a smaller 80 Wh battery plus a display with almost halved refresh rate. By integrating these b...

Bogdan Solca, 06 Nov 2025 15:00

The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D has been spotted on Geekbench (image source: AMD)

AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D: Affordable Zen 4 X3D GPU makes stealthy Geekbench debut

Yet another AMD X3D CPU has shown up online. This time, it is the Zen 4-based Ryzen 5 7500X3D- essentially a Ryzen 5 7600X3D with a slightly lower boost clock.

Anil Ganti, 06 Nov 2025 06:37

Geekom A8 with AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS and 32 GB DDR5 RAM. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Geekom A8 with Ryzen 7 8745HS: Is the mini-PC worth it?

The Geekom A8 houses an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor and combines it with a sleek, compact case and a versatile range of ports. We analyze how well this mini-PC performs in everyday use and compare to other mini PCs with the same ...

Sebastian Bade, 05 Nov 2025 20:30

The GTBox T1 comes in a single colour option with an adjustable LED light ring. (Image source: GTBox)

GTBox T1: New Apple HomePod lookalike launches with Radeon 780M iGPU, stereo speakers and eGPU support

The GTBox T1 is an unusual-looking device that looks more like a HomePod than a mini-PC. Now available globally, the GTBox T1 combines an AMD Zen 4 APU with 32 GB of RAM and USB 4 eGPU expansion, among other hardware.

Alex Alderson, 30 Oct 2025 17:48

The Ryzen AI 7 350 is both 10 percent faster and 10 percent more demanding than the Ryzen 7 8845HS in last year's Omen 17 (Image source: HP)

HP Omen 17 with AMD Zen 5 is only slightly faster than last year's Zen 4 options

The year-over-year benefits between the 2024 and 2025 Omen 17 models are relatively minor when it comes to processor performance despite the jump from Zen 4 to Zen 5.

Allen Ngo, 30 Oct 2025 06:17

Not many would suspect a mini PC could hide inside this portable speaker design. (Image Source: AliExpress)

Mini PC powered by AMD's Ryzen 7 8745HS APU looks and functions like a Bluetooth speaker

The case of the mini PC integrates 10 W stereo speakers and two mini subwoofers plus a 24-bit DAC, allowing it to act like a Bluetooth speaker. PC hardware-wise, it is powered by the Ryzen 7 8745HS APU with Radeon 780M iGPU and it...

Bogdan Solca, 23 Oct 2025 15:37

XMG Core 16 M25 (image source: Notebookcheck)

Who offers the better RTX 5070 gaming laptop for €2,200? - XMG Core 16 vs. Asus TUF Gaming A16

RTX 5070 laptops are pricey, but where do you get more for your money? We just reviewed the two 16-inch models XMG Core 16 (M25) and Asus TUF Gaming A16, which use the same graphics card, but have a slightly different approach.

Andreas Osthoff, 08 Oct 2025 20:01

The HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14 (image source: Benjamin Herzig/Notebookcheck)

Why you should sometimes choose older AMD CPUs: Besides Copilot+, Krackan Point offers little

HP sells its EliteBook 8 G1a 14 with both the AMD Ryzen 200 and the AMD Ryzen AI 300 CPUs. Which one should you choose? For many users, the older Zen 4 CPUs arguably make more sense, considering they are cheaper.

Benjamin Herzig, 07 Oct 2025 15:13

Asus has launched a new ExpertCenter-branded mini-PC (image source: Asus)

Asus ExpertCenter PN54-S1 mini-PC shown off with AMD Ryzen AI 200 CPUs and compact chassis

Asus has shown off its new ExpertCenter PN54-S1 mini-PC. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 200 series chip and supports up to 64 GB of RAM.

Anil Ganti, 03 Oct 2025 14:13

Asus TUF Gaming A16 (image source: Notebookcheck)

Asus TUF Gaming A16 is unbalanced in terms of performance and features

A very fast RTX 5070 Laptop with Advanced Optimus and G-Sync, but also a Zen 4 processor and neither USB 4, nor Wi-Fi 7 - the new Asus TUF Gaming A16 makes some compromises despite the high price tag. Is it really worth €2,200?

Andreas Osthoff, 30 Sep 2025 16:34

GMK NucBox K12 is more difficult to service than most other mini PCs (Image source: GMK)

GMK NucBox K12 design has a small but annoying flaw

The thumb screws on the bottom of the unit are a good idea on paper, but their poor implementation makes them difficult to remove even with tools.

Allen Ngo, 29 Sep 2025 01:06

Asus equips the new TUF Gaming A16 with an improved 165 Hz display and replaceable RAM

Asus equips its new mainstream gamer TUF Gaming A16 with replaceable RAM as well as a much better 165 Hz display and therefore fixes two big issues we had with the previous model. The performance of the RTX 5070 Laptop is often su...

Andreas Osthoff, 28 Sep 2025 19:10

GMK NucBox K12 features the Ryzen 7 H 255 (Image source: Notebookcheck)

New Ryzen 7 H 255 performs almost identically to the 3-year old Ryzen 7 7840HS

The recently released Ryzen 7 H 255 may have the naming convention of a new Zen 5 CPU, but it's an old Zen 4 processor at heart with last generation performance and features.

Allen Ngo, 28 Sep 2025 00:22

Rugged silent chassis with Quixant's signature orange color. (Image Source: Quixant)

Quixant unveils Iqon3 silent mini PCs with AMD Ryzen PRO 8000 APUs tailored for game cabinets

The new Iqon3 mini PC comes in a rugged passively-cooled chassis that can be easily installed in retro arcade or casino gaming cabinets. Powered by the efficient AMD Ryzen Pro 8000 APUs, these models come with a robust port select...

Bogdan Solca, 25 Sep 2025 12:33

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 AMD (image source: Benjamin Herzig)

Finally with AMD Zen 4 processors, but still one gen behind: Lenovo's ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 AMD better than ever

When it comes to Lenovo's ThinkPad laptop series, the ThinkPad E series is the entry-level. While the E series is affordable, customers buying the AMD version also had to live with outdated CPUs. This is still the case with the ne...

Benjamin Herzig, 22 Sep 2025 20:28

AMD or Intel, which is better for this affordable office laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 comparison

AMD or Intel: Lenovo sells its affordable Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 with in two different flavors. We tested both, and we definitely have a favorite.

Benjamin Herzig, 19 Sep 2025 17:56

AMD has launched four new Ryzen Pro desktop CPUs for enterprise users (image source: AMD)

AMD announces four new Ryzen Pro desktop CPUs

AMD has shown off four new enterprise-grade Ryzen Pro CPUs for desktops. Three of them belong to the Ryzen 9000 series with Zen 5 cores, while the fourth is a Ryzen 7000 series model with Zen 4 cores.

Anil Ganti, 18 Sep 2025 01:47

The NucBox M6 Ultra starts at $259.99. Pictured: a promo picture of the mini PC. (Image source: GMK)

GMK NucBox M6 Ultra goes global as new affordable mini PC with eGPU support

GMKtec introduced the NucBox M6 Ultra in China earlier in August 2025 as a new affordable mini PC with the Ryzen 5 7640HS. The company has now made the system available to the global market with a starting price of $259.99.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 21 Aug 2025 07:42

Don't spend extra on a newer Ryzen 7 H 255 system as it offers no major benefits over older Ryzen 7 8845HS hardware (Image source: AMD)

Ryzen 7 H 255 is a rebadged Ryzen 7 8845HS in first benchmarks

Our first benchmarks are in for recently released the Ryzen 7 H 255. Don't be fooled by the fancy name, however, as this Zen 4 CPU offers very little over the older and now cheaper Ryzen 7 8845HS.

Allen Ngo, 21 Aug 2025 04:41

Multi-core champion: MSI Crosshair A17 HX

Bye-bye CPU limitation: The MSI Crosshair A17 HX rocks thanks to AMD's Ryzen 9 8940HX

Although its Zen 4 architecture means the Ryzen 9 8940HX isn’t the latest processor on the market, its performance, especially in multi-core benchmarks, is more than impressive. This turns the CPU into a unique selling point for t...

Florian Glaser, 16 Aug 2025 04:39

GMK hints that the M6 Ultra will cost around $140 in China. Pictured: the mini PC. (Image source: GMKtec - edited)

GMK M6 Ultra debuts as affordable mini PC with capable AMD processor and eGPU support

The GMKtec M6 Ultra has made its official debut. While the company hasn't fully detailed the system yet, it has confirmed that it will be an affordable mini PC with the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS and eGPU support.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 13 Aug 2025 17:19

The MACO starts at around $278 in China. Pictured: the mini PC with an eGPU setup. (Image source: Aoostar - edited)

Aoostar launches new affordable mini PC with OCuLink and up to Ryzen 7 Pro

The Aoostar MACO, which was officially introduced earlier in August 2025, has been released in China. This affordable mini PC can be configured with up to Ryzen 7 Pro and features two USB4 ports and one OCuLink port.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 11 Aug 2025 16:53

The Lenovo Legion R7000 has been unveiled in China (image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo Legion R7000 (2025) gaming laptop launched in China with RTX 50 series GPU and Ryzen 7 H 255 CPU

Lenovo has released a new budget gaming laptop in China. The Legion R7000 comes with a 15.3-inch 1440p 165 Hz screen, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.

Anil Ganti, 04 Aug 2025 14:31

The GMKtec K12 features dual M.2 2280 and SO-DIMM slots within its tiny housing. (Image source: GMKtec)

GMKtec releases K12 mini-PC globally with OCuLink, USB4 and up to 64 GB of RAM

GMktec has now released the K12 globally after launching the same mini-PC earlier this week in its home market. Available for as little as $409.99 with OCuLink, USB4 and an AMD Zen 4 APU, the GMKtec K12 can also be configured with...

Alex Alderson, 02 Aug 2025 01:54

The GMK K12 is set to start at around $293 in China. Pictured: a promo picture of the mini PC. (Image source: GMKtec - edited)

GMK K12 debuts as new affordable mini PC with OCuLink and up to 24 TB of storage

The GMKtec K12 has made its official debut as a new affordable mini PC with the Ryzen 7 H 255. This brand-new AMD system has USB4 and OCuLink ports and starts at CNY 2,099 in China, which converts to around $293.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 27 Jul 2025 15:45

The new Lecoo Mini Pro starts at around $377 in China. Pictured: a promo picture of the mini PC. (Image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo quietly launches new affordable mini PC with capable AMD CPU

The Lenovo Lecoo Mini Pro has been quietly announced in China. It's a new affordable mini PC with the AMD Ryzen 7 8745H, and the base configuration of the system costs CNY 2,699, around $377.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 25 Jul 2025 11:19

The NPC Pro+ is powered by the Ryzen 7 8745HS. Pictured: a promo image of the mini PC. (Image source: N-one - edited)

N-one NPC Pro+ launches as Mac mini-styled mini PC with capable AMD CPU

The N-one NPC Pro+ has made its debut as a new mini PC with the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS. This Hawk Point system features a compact chassis, with the bottom sharing a design similar to that of the Apple Mac mini. It currently costs $685...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 21 Jul 2025 14:30

AMD and Intel are reportedly releasing successors to their current-gen Zen 5 (pictured right) and Arrow Lake (pictured left) CPUs in 2026. (Image source: Unsplash, Intel, Notebookcheck, edited)

AMD is absolutely hammering Intel in CPU sales as even old AM4 chips outsold latest Arrow Lake CPUs last week

AMD CPUs massively outsold Intel chips last week on German retailer Mindfactory. The gap is so wide that the now old AM4 Ryzen CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5700X3D sold more units than all Intel CPU generations combined.

Fawad Murtaza, 21 Jul 2025 10:22

Lenovo Legion 5 15 G10 (image source: Notebookcheck)

It does not always have to be a Pro: Lenovo Legion 5 15 offers almost everything gamers want

Lenovo's new Legion 5 15 is an impressive showcase that you do not have to spend a fortune for a good gaming laptop. But what features are missing compared to more expensive models like the Legion Pro 5?

Andreas Osthoff, 05 Jul 2025 13:33

Lenovo Legion 5 15AHP G10 (image source: Notebookcheck)

Lenovo ships the Legion 5 15 with one of the best OLED panels available

Lenovo really stepped up its OLED game and now offers multiple series with excellent OLED screens. This is also the case for the new mainstream gaming laptop Legion 5 15, where the 165 Hz OLED offers superb image quality while gam...

Andreas Osthoff, 03 Jul 2025 11:00

The SER9 Pro 255 costs around $460 in China. Pictured: the mini PC. (Image source: Beelink - edited)

Beelink SER9 Pro mini PC gets new, affordable configuration

The Beelink SER9 Pro was launched as a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370-powered mini PC, and later, it got a slightly less expensive Ryzen AI 9 365 config. Now, the company has introduced a more affordable Ryzen 7 255H variant.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 24 Jun 2025 15:34

Deal | HP Omen 16 gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, 32GB RAM and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 drops to $1,279

Apart from the processor, RAM and dGPU that already offer great value for the discounted price, the laptop also comes with a sub-par 144 Hz 16-inch IPS display that is relatively dim with lower color gamut. Additionally, while the...

Bogdan Solca, 18 Jun 2025 15:26

Important BIOS security updates released for the latest AMD Ryzen CPUs (Image source: AMD)

AMD fixes major Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000 vulnerability

AMD motherboard manufacturers have begun distributing new BIOS updates to fix a security flaw affecting a wide range of Ryzen processors. The vulnerability, located in the TPM 2.0 code, could allow hackers with ordinary user privi...

Andrew Sozinov, 15 Jun 2025 17:50

Zen 4

Turbo vs. Performance mode: how one setting dramatically changes the Asus TUF Gaming A18

84% Flat, quiet, and efficient – the 18-inch Asus TUF Gaming A18 review

Minisforum X1 Lite: Minisforum releases new OCuLink-compatible mini-PC globally for under $400

Valve engineer says Steam Machine performance beats 70% of PCs, and can play all games

Machenike intros new affordable configuration for AMD-powered GTR mini PC

Hands-on Valve Steam Machine testing questions if GPU can deliver 4K/60 fps performance

AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D is the new cheapest X3D CPU, beating Core Ultra 245KF and 14600K

78% Acer Nitro V 16 AI Review: Affordable gaming laptop with great battery life

XMG launches Core 16 Value Edition gaming laptop with AMD Zen 4 processor and RTX 5060 dGPU

AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D: Affordable Zen 4 X3D GPU makes stealthy Geekbench debut

Geekom A8 with Ryzen 7 8745HS: Is the mini-PC worth it?

GTBox T1: New Apple HomePod lookalike launches with Radeon 780M iGPU, stereo speakers and eGPU support

HP Omen 17 with AMD Zen 5 is only slightly faster than last year's Zen 4 options

Mini PC powered by AMD's Ryzen 7 8745HS APU looks and functions like a Bluetooth speaker

83% The best budget gamer? HP Omen 16 laptop review

Who offers the better RTX 5070 gaming laptop for €2,200? - XMG Core 16 vs. Asus TUF Gaming A16

Why you should sometimes choose older AMD CPUs: Besides Copilot+, Krackan Point offers little

87% This more affordable AMD Ryzen 7 version is still a winner: HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14 laptop review

Asus ExpertCenter PN54-S1 mini-PC shown off with AMD Ryzen AI 200 CPUs and compact chassis

Asus TUF Gaming A16 is unbalanced in terms of performance and features

GMK NucBox K12 design has a small but annoying flaw

Asus equips the new TUF Gaming A16 with an improved 165 Hz display and replaceable RAM

New Ryzen 7 H 255 performs almost identically to the 3-year old Ryzen 7 7840HS

74% GMK NucBox K12 mini PC review: Bigger, but not necessarily faster

Quixant unveils Iqon3 silent mini PCs with AMD Ryzen PRO 8000 APUs tailored for game cabinets

84% Asus TUF Gaming A16 Laptop Review: A €2,200 gamble for Zen 4 Hawk Point & RTX 5070

Finally with AMD Zen 4 processors, but still one gen behind: Lenovo's ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 AMD better than ever

AMD or Intel, which is better for this affordable office laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 comparison

85% AMD the worse choice than Intel for this business laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 review

AMD announces four new Ryzen Pro desktop CPUs

GMK NucBox M6 Ultra goes global as new affordable mini PC with eGPU support

Ryzen 7 H 255 is a rebadged Ryzen 7 8845HS in first benchmarks

80% Beelink SER9 Pro Ryzen 7 mini PC review: The regular non-Pro version is faster

Bye-bye CPU limitation: The MSI Crosshair A17 HX rocks thanks to AMD's Ryzen 9 8940HX

GMK M6 Ultra debuts as affordable mini PC with capable AMD processor and eGPU support

80% Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review

Aoostar launches new affordable mini PC with OCuLink and up to Ryzen 7 Pro

Lenovo Legion R7000 (2025) gaming laptop launched in China with RTX 50 series GPU and Ryzen 7 H 255 CPU

GMKtec releases K12 mini-PC globally with OCuLink, USB4 and up to 64 GB of RAM

GMK K12 debuts as new affordable mini PC with OCuLink and up to 24 TB of storage

Lenovo quietly launches new affordable mini PC with capable AMD CPU

N-one NPC Pro+ launches as Mac mini-styled mini PC with capable AMD CPU

AMD is absolutely hammering Intel in CPU sales as even old AM4 chips outsold latest Arrow Lake CPUs last week

It does not always have to be a Pro: Lenovo Legion 5 15 offers almost everything gamers want

78% Lenovo LOQ 15 laptop review: The mobile RTX 5060 celebrates its debut

Lenovo ships the Legion 5 15 with one of the best OLED panels available

87% The best mainstream gamer in 2025 - Lenovo Legion 5 15 Laptop Review

Beelink SER9 Pro mini PC gets new, affordable configuration

Deal | HP Omen 16 gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, 32GB RAM and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 drops to $1,279

AMD fixes major Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000 vulnerability

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