Intel says upcoming 8th-generation Core processor will be up to 30 percent faster

Why it matters to you

If early claims prove right, Intel’s eighth-gen processors will easily beat their predecessors, giving enthusiasts reason to upgrade their CPUs.

Intel’s highly anticipated X-Series processors stole the show at company’s Computex 2017 keynote, but they weren’t the only CPU-related announcement. Gregory Bryant, general manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group, also reassured enthusiasts that the upcoming eighth-generation hardware is on track.

“We will have more to say about the eighth-gen Intel Core processor in the future” Bryant stated in an official press release, “but it’s exciting to share that in the latest testing we’re seeing a performance improvement of more than 30 percent over the seventh-gen Intel Core processor.”

That improvement is, according to Intel’s notes, based on comparing eighth-generation hardware to an Intel Core i5-7500U processor in SYSmark 2014. It appears Intel is obtaining at least some of its gain through improved clock speed. The Core i5-7500U has a maximum Turbo Boost clock of 3.5GHz, while the theoretical eighth-generation chip used by Intel for its comparison has a maximum Turbo Boost of 4GHz. Intel says the projected performance gain is subject to a seven percent margin of error.

A 30 percent boost for eighth-generation hardware would give Intel’s processor lineup some relief. While its processors are still faster than AMD’s Ryzen in terms of per-core performance, the modest generation-over-generation gains in recent Intel hardware have bored many PC enthusiasts. The last few generations have improved by 10 to 15 percent when compared to their predecessor.

While Intel did provide an estimate of the gains its new hardware might provide, the company offered few other details. The exact release date is unknown, and it’s unclear which processor family will first receive the eighth-generation treatment. Intel’s decision to base its claim of 30 percent better performance on the Core i5-7500U, which is a laptop-class chip, suggests mobile PCs will take point. That, however, is simply speculation on our part.

Whatever the case, we’re eager to hear more about Intel’s new hardware later this year, and equally eager to see AMD’s response.

Dell bets big on AMD at Computex with new gaming desktop, two all-in-ones

Why it matters to you

Dell is embracing AMD’s latest processors and graphics cards for affordable, high-performance desktop and all-in-one PC solutions.

At the Computex technology convention in Taipei, Dell introduced three desktop-bound PCs sporting the latest processors and mainstream graphics cards from AMD. On the CPU front, these span from the recently released Ryzen 7 1700X chip to the Ryzen 5 1400. Graphics-wise, Dell injected these three products with options for the Radeon RX 580 to the RX 560. There’s even Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060 thrown into the mix.

Inspiron Gaming Desktop

For starters, we have Dell’s new Inspiron-branded gaming desktop. Customers will have a choice of five processors from AMD: Three full-blown Ryzen chips and two “all-in-one” APUs. It’s here where the lone GeForce GTX 1060 comes into play, serving as one choice in a list of four graphics card options. Backing both are options for standard fan-based and liquid cooling to keep all those AMD processors cool under PC gaming pressure.

The list of hardware shown below is quite extensive. The types and amounts of ports depends on whether customers chose a Ryzen processor or an A-Series APU chip. Outside of that, some of the notable features offered in the desktop include up to 32GB of system memory clocked at 2,400MHz (DDR4), dual storage options (SSD + HDD), and Polar Blue LED illumination set against a metal-like silver casing. It’s an ideal setup for customers wanting to delve into high-end virtual reality without having to take out a loan at the bank.

Check out our hands-on for first impressions.

Operating systems:
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Ubuntu
Processors:
AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
AMD Ryzen 5 1400
AMD A12-9800 APU (with Radeon R7 graphics)
AMD A10-9700 APU (with Radeon R7 graphics)
Processor cooling:
Air Cooling — Smart cooling thermal solution
Liquid Cooling
Discrete graphics:
AMD Radeon RX 580 (8GB GDDR5)
AMD Radeon RX 570 (4GB GDDR5)
AMD Radeon RX 560 (2GB GDDR5)
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB GDDR5)

System memory:(DDR4, 2x slots)

4GB @ 2,400MHz (4GB x 1)
8GB @ 2,400MHz (8GB x 1) (4GB x 2)
16GB @ 2,400MHz (16GB x 1) (8GB x 2)
24GB @ 2,400MHz DDR4 (8GB x 1 + 16GB x 1)
32GB @ 2,400MHz (16GB x 2)
Storage (HDD):
500GB 7,200RPM (3.5-inch, 2.5-inch)
1TB 7,200RPM (3.5-inch, 2.5-inch)
2TB 7,200RPM (3.5-inch, 2.5-inch)
Storage (M.2 SSD):
128GB
256GB
Storage (mixed):
128GB M.2 SSD (boot) + 500GB HDD
128GB M.2 SSD (boot) + 1TB HDD
256GB M.2 SSD (boot) + 2TB HDD
Storage (optical):
Tray load Slim ODD DVD-RW
Audio:
Built-in High Definition 7.1 Performance Audio
Waves MaxxAudio Pro
Expansion slots:
(A10/A12)
3x PCIe x1
1x PCIe x16
Expansion slots:
(Ryzen 5/7)
2x PCIe x1
2x PCIe x16
Ports – front:
(A10/A12)
2x USB 2.0 Type-A
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x Audio combo jack
1x SD card reader
Ports – back:
(A10/A12)
2x USB 2.0 Type-A
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x P/S 2 port
1x 7.1-channel and Microphone Port
1x HDMI
1x Gigabit Ethernet
Ports – front:
(Ryzen 5/7)
2x USB 2.0 Type-A
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C
1x Audio Combo Jack
1x SD card reader
Ports – back:
(Ryzen 5/7)
2x USB 2.0 Type-A
4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x P/S 2 port
1x 7.1-channel and Microphone Port
1x HDMI
1x Gigabit Ethernet
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (2×2) (Up to 867Mbps)
Wireless AC (1×1) (Up to 433Mbps)
Bluetooth 4.1
Power supply:
300 watts
460 watts
Dimensions:
18.07 (H) x 8.50 x 17.23 (D) inches
Starting weight:
30.27 pounds
Color:
Polar Blue with a solid panel
Pre-installed
software:
My Dell
Dell Digital Delivery
Dell Backup & Recovery
Dropbox
Microsoft Office 2016 trial
McAfee LiveSafe (30-day)
Availability:
May 30, 2017
Starting price:
$600

Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop: Our first take

Dell dipped a toe in the affordable gaming market with the Inspiron 7500 and Inspiron 15 Gaming, two capable laptops that undercut the competition without compromising on performance. The PC maker, inspired by their success, is applying the same idea to the desktop with its Inspiron Gaming Desktop, the first gaming-focused budget desktop in Dell’s history.

We got some hands-on time at a Dell preview event in New York City.

Sleek — but tasteful — hardware

“Affordable gaming desktop” isn’t a phrase that inspires much confidence, but Dell hasn’t cut many corners with the Inspiron Gaming Desktop. Uninspired name aside, it’s an impressive specimen, with neat details like a glowing Dell logo and a transparent window that provides a clear, blue-tinged (Dell calls it “polar blue”) view of the PCs innards.

Kyle Wiggers/Digital Trends

A Dell representative told us that it settled on a “sleek” design that wouldn’t be “out of place” in a living room or office, and that’s a spot-on characterization. The Dell Gaming Desktop’s optional see-through side panel and LED lighting is the most polarizing thing about it — the front and top feature a nondescript smooth, matte black finish that conforms to the Inspiron design language. On a shelf or desk at a distance, it’d tough be tough to distinguish the Gaming Desktop from an ordinary workstation.

High-end hardware for most configurations

But it’s a different story on the inside. Base models will have AMD A10 and A12 APUs, but gamers can upgrade to AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 hardware. At launch, Ryzen appeared in desktops from boutique system builders, but not name brands. Dell’s decision to lean on Ryzen for its Inspiron Gaming Desktop is a good sign for fans of AMD hardware.

The Inspiron Gaming Desktop supports Ryzen’s Extended Frequency Range (XRF), which unlocks higher clock speeds as internal temperatures allow. That’s thanks to optional liquid CPU cooling and “high-performance ventilation,” which Dell said will ship standard on most models. In theory, then, the inexpensive desktop should squeeze every drop of potential from its processor.

For $600, it’s tough to complain.

Of course, performance will vary depending on the configuration. It supports up to dual Nvidia graphics or AMD Radeon graphics cards in either CrossFire or SLI configuration, and storage options from a single hard drive to dual-drive, high-capacity hard drives and an SSD. (Five hard drive bays for future expansion.) Even the 300-watt power supply can be swapped out for a more powerful 460-watt alternative, if you so choose.

Given its budget focus, though, most people will end up with a single video card. Luckily, Dell hasn’t skimped here. The base model has AMD’s Radeon RX 560 which, while far from the fastest option, is a respectable choice that can handle most games at medium detail. From there, gamers can upgrade to an RX 570 or 580-series card. Nvidia’s GTX 1060 is also an option.

The Inspiron Gaming Desktop isn’t wanting for inputs, either. It packs up to three USB Type-C 3.1 connectors, and up to six USB 3.0 ports, along with an SD card slot, an option CD-ROM bay, standard speaker jacks with support for 7.1 audio, an Ethernet port, two PS/2 ports, HDMI out, and a line-in audio port.

Kyle Wiggers/Digital Trends

That’s an overwhelming number of choices, to be sure, but the Gaming Desktop has plenty of budget headroom. Configurations start at $600 — $200 less than Alienware’s X51, which packs a 6th Generation Intel Core i5. We’ll have to see how the models compare, but if the Inspiron Gaming Desktop comes anywhere close, it’ll pack a serious punch for the price.

There are fewer choices in colors. True to the Inspiron lineup’s subtlety in design, the Gaming Desktop ships in one color — black — with one lighting configuration available at launch. A Dell rep told us there aren’t any plans for others, which is sure to disappoint some would-be buyers. But for $600, it’s tough to complain.

Highs

• Good price-to-performance ratio
• Attractive, understated design
• Available Ryzen processors
• Respectable GPU, even in entry-level configuration

Lows

• Entry-level configuration has AMD A10 processor
• No options to change look or lighting color

Xiaomi Redmi 4 vs. Redmi 4A: What’s the difference?

Xiaomi has two great handsets in the entry-level segment.

Xiaomi had a great start to the year with the Redmi Note 4, and the company is continuing that momentum with the Redmi 4A and more recently the Redmi 4. The Redmi Note 4 is targeted at the budget segment, with prices starting at ₹9,999, whereas the Redmi 4 and 4A start off at ₹6,999 and ₹5,999. In fact, the Redmi 4A is Xiaomi’s most affordable device to date in the country.

Before we get started, here’s a rundown of the specs:

With just ₹1,000 separating the two phones, there isn’t a whole lot that’s different. Both share the same 5.0-inch 720p panels, and are powered by Cortex A53 cores. The Redmi 4 has a more powerful Adreno 505 GPU whereas the Redmi 4A sports the Adreno 308. There are also variations when it comes to memory and storage, but the biggest differentiator is the battery size.

With a 4100mAh battery, the Redmi 4 is one of the best phones in this segment if battery life is your primary consideration. The 3120mAh battery on the Redmi 4A is more than adequate to last you a day, but in this area the Redmi 4 is the clear winner. The Redmi 4 also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which isn’t available on the Redmi 4A.

Larger battery and a fingerprint sensor at the back make the Redmi 4 a better option.

The Redmi 4A is available with 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage for ₹5,999, but if you’re looking for more storage, you’re better served by the Redmi 4. The phone is available in three configurations — a base model with 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage for ₹6,999, a variant with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage that costs ₹8,999, and a version with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage will is available for ₹10,999.

Ideally, the model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage is the one to get, as the 4GB variant is overkill for this device. And at that price point, the Redmi Note 4 becomes a more enticing option.

The Redmi 4 is on sale right now on Amazon India, so if you’re interested, hit up the link below to get your hands on one. Xiaomi sold 250,000 units of the phone during the first flash sale, and it looks like the manufacturer will continue offering the phone via weekly sales (the next sale is scheduled for June 6). The Redmi 4A isn’t any easier to get a hold of, and given the larger battery and the fingerprint sensor, you’re better off picking up the Redmi 4.

Redmi 4 at Amazon

LG and Qualcomm are working together on the Snapdragon 845 processor

The LG G7, LG’s 2018 flagship, should return to using the very latest Qualcomm processing chip, the Snapdragon 845, according to a report out of Korea. The news originally comes from Aju Business Daily, via The Investor.Given the LG G6 had to settle for 2016’s flagship processor, the Snapdragon 821 and its closest rivals have used the Snapdragon 835, LG will want to be back on a level playing field next year.LG and Qualcomm are believed to have started working together on developing the Snapdragon 845 in early May. It’s thought to be based on 7-nanometer chip manufacturing technology, making it more efficient, and a claimed 30 per cent more powerful than the current Snapdragon 835.

The new chip will also allow smartphones to deliver improved virtual and augmented reality features, with an “industry official” saying: “The adoption of the Snapdragon 845 for LG’s next flagship phone seems inevitable, considering the emerging virtual reality and augmented reality solutions require more powerful data processing capability”. 

The same sources have previously reported that Samsung and Qualcomm are also working together on the Snapdragon 845 chip, and that it will feature in 2018’s Galaxy S9 flagship smartphone. Samsung was believed to have got “first dibs” on the Snapdragon 835 processor in 2017, meaning LG either had to delay the launch of the G6, or opt for a different chip. Qualcomm has previously told Pocket-lint this wasn’t the case, claiming there was no contractual exclusivity. With both South Korean smartphone manufacturers therefore believed to be developing next year’s chip, it will be interesting to see who gets their smartphone on the market first.

A OnePlus 5 was used to take one of these, which photo is it?

OnePlus has started teasing its forthcoming new flagship smartphone, with the latest tweet showing a distinct improvement in camera ability.

The OnePlus 5 was confirmed by the company previously, and now its official Twitter account has revealed an image taken by two different smartphones. We presume one of them is the current OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 3T, the other the OnePlus 5.

Can you tell which is which?

Can you tell which photo was taken with the OnePlus 5? pic.twitter.com/Pd27la4ewn

— OnePlus (@oneplus) May 29, 2017

Of course you can. That’s somewhat the point.

The image on the right has more detail, vibrancy and contrast. It’s also an impressive night shot.

• OnePlus 5: Release date, rumours and everything you need to know

The camera on the OnePlus 5 is tipped to be a dual-lens model like a few other flagship phones on the market today. There have been rumours in the past that the rear camera has a 23-megapixel sensor, others that suggest it is 16-megapixel. We won’t know for sure until the official announcement, but we suspect there will be something a little different or clever about it if OnePlus is already teasing shots.

We do know for sure that the OnePlus 5 will sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, with Quick Charge 4.0, thanks to a tweet by Qualcomm. The rest, it seems, will be revealed soon.

Intel’s tiny Compute Card launches today with Dell and LG aboard

Intel’s Compute Card seemed like a logical step forward for the chipmaker when it was announced back at CES. It’s basically a small, credit-card sized device that packs in everything you’d need to make a device “smart” — an Intel system-on-a-chip, memory, storage and networking capabilities. The idea is that you can just slip it into a host device, like a refrigerator or TV, to give them computing capabilities. Today during its Computex keynote, Intel officially launched the Compute Card and announced a slew of partners, including Dell, LG, and Lenovo.

Intel also gave us a taste of the types of devices the Compute Card could power. There were the sorts of things we expected, like small desktop replacement docks, and a few surprises. LG, for example, already has an all-in-one machine in the works that’s powered entirely by the Compute Card. It’s a smart idea, since the Compute Card offers a way to quickly upgrade host devices down the line, something that’s notoriously difficult with most all-in-one PCs. Now that it’s officially launched, expect to hear more about Compute Card-powered devices soon.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from Computex 2017!

Intel’s Core i9 Extreme Edition CPU is an 18-core beast

Last year at Computex, Intel unveiled its first 10-core consumer CPU, the company’s move into the world of a “megatasking.” It was a pricey chip, launching at around $1,700, but it satisfied the needs for users who needed to juggle several intensive tasks at once. Now, Intel is upping the ante with a whole new family of processors for enthusiasts, the Core X-series, and it’s spearheaded by its first 18-core CPU, the i9-7980XE.

Priced at $1,999, the 7980XE is clearly not a chip you’d see in an average desktop. Instead, it’s more of a statement from Intel. It beats out AMD’s 16-core Threadripper CPU, which was slated to be that company’s most powerful consumer processor for 2017. And it gives Intel yet another way to satisfy the demands of power-hungry users who might want to do things like play games in 4K while broadcasting them in HD over Twitch. And as if its massive core count wasn’t enough, the i9-7980XE is also the first Intel consumer chip that packs in over a teraflop worth of computing power.

If 18 cores is a bit too rich for you, Intel also has other Core i9 Extreme Edition chips in 10, 12, 14 and 16-core variants. Perhaps the best news for hardware geeks: the 10 core i9-7900X will retail for $999, a significant discount from last year’s version.

All of the i9 chips feature base clock speeds of 3.3GHz, reaching up to 4.3GHz dual-core speeds with Turbo Boost 2.0 and 4.5GHz with Turbo Boost 3.0. And speaking of Turbo Boost 3.0, its performance has also been improved in the new Extreme Edition chips to increase both single and dual-core speeds. Rounding out the X-Series family are the quad-core i5-7640X and i7 models in 4, 6 and 8-core models.

While it might all seem like overkill, Intel says its Core i9 lineup was driven by the surprising demand for last year’s 10-core chip. “Broadwell-E was kind of an experiment,” an Intel rep said. “It sold… Proving that our enthusiast community will go after the best of the best… Yes we’re adding higher core count, but we’re also introducing lower core counts. Scalability on both ends are what we went after.”

As you can imagine, stuffing more cores into a processor leads to some significant heat issues. For that reason, Intel developed its own liquid cooling solution, which will work across these new chips, as well as some previous generations. All of the new Core i9 processors, along with the 6 and 8-core i7 chips, feature scorching hot 140W thermal design points (TDPs), the maximum amount of power that they’ll draw. That’s the same as last year’s 10-core CPU, but it’s still well above the 91W TDP from Intel’s more affordable i7-7700K.

Over the past few years, Intel’s laptop chips have been far more interesting than its desktop CPUs. Partially, that’s because the rise of ultraportables and convertible laptops have shifted its focus away from delivering as much computing power as possible, to offering a reasonable amount of processing power efficiently. The new Core i9 X-series processors might not be feasible for most consumers, but for the hardware geeks who treat their rigs like hot rods, they’re a dream come true.

Dell’s Inspiron 27 7000 all-in-one is ready for VR

Good things come to those who wait, especially if the good thing you’ve been waiting for includes a VR-ready all-in-one. Dell is launching one such machine in the form of the Inspiron 27 7000, which packs all of the ports you’ll need to push pixels to an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. The base model comes packing AMD’s Radeon RX560 with 4GB RAM, but if you’re looking to get into VR, it’s probably worth opting for the RX580. The 7000 is a pretty looking machine, taking design cues from the XPS series, with a slim bezel surrounding that 27-inch IPS display. If you’re dipping a toe into the virtual world and want to keep your tabletop uncluttered, then this machine is probably worth a look.

Similarly, the company is also pushing out a cheaper AIO, the Inspiron 24 5000, which comes with a similar design in a smaller body. You’ll be staring into a 23.8-inch IPS display on a pedestal stand, but pay a little extra and you can convert it into an articulating arm with a touchscreen for studio-type use. As usual there are plenty of build-to-order options, letting you swap out the CPU, RAM and HDD, but not the graphics. The only option available is the Radeon RX560 with 4GB RAM, although you’re not buying this PC for hardcore gaming. Like its bigger sibling, the 24 5000 is launching today, albeit with a starting price tag of $700.

Rounding out Dell’s trio of new machines is the Inspiron Gaming Desktop, an enthusiast tower that undercuts Dell’s own Alienware line. With the price starting at $600 and an emphasis on AMD internals, it’s a nice, reasonably cheap way for folks to get into gaming. You can pick one of three Radeon cards to shove in to one (or two) of the dual graphics slots. But if your wallet can stretch a little further, there’s also NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1960 with 6GB RAM lurking at the top end. As for looks, buyers can opt for a Polar Blue internal LED lighting scheme, which makes its split body design look that little more futuristic. There’s no word on when the machine will be out beyond “May,” which we’re taking to mean “soon.”

Click here to catch up on the latest news from Computex 2017!

Tech Hunters: Rediscovering the Macintosh

Apple may now be the world’s biggest technology company, but in the eighties, its position wasn’t so secure. The PC was market was small, albeit growing fast, and IBM’s perceived dominance had Cupertino worried. Back then, computers were clunky and demanded a steep learning curve. Apple knew things had to change. “Insanely great” were the words Steve Jobs used when he introduced the first Mac, the Macintosh 128K, at the company’s annual general meeting on January 24th, 1984. Not everyone agreed with Jobs’ declaration at the time, but there’s absolutely no denying that the computer helped define the PCs of today.

The Macintosh 128K stood out for many reasons. From a technical standpoint, it was one of the first mass-market personal computers to popularise the use of a mouse and the graphical user interface (or GUI), shifting away from command-line inputs utilised by other PCs at the time. But many will also remember it for its now famous “1984” Super Bowl ad, which cost $1.5 million to produce and was directed by Ridley Scott.

With the passing of Steve Jobs, paraphernalia from the formative years of the company can reach eye-watering amounts for collectors. Julia Hardy tracks down one enthusiast in Hackney, London, to find out why everyone is still in love with Apple.

Tech Hunters is a 10-part video series that uncovers the devices we were once obsessed with, looking at how they disrupted the tech industry, and what they’re worth today. From the pocket pet obsession with the original Tamagotchi, to mix-tapes and Sony Walkman, Tech Hunters explores the audio, visual, interactive and transport innovations that have shaped today’s culture.