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Apple's WWDC announcements should worry anyone with an Intel Mac
Apple is deprecating some models based on the age of their chip, but protecting others that have... the same chip.
Intel targets gamers with sixth-gen 'Skylake' CPU launch
With mobile annihilating the mainstream PC industry, Intel knows gaming is buttering its bread. The chip giant launched its sixth-generation "Skylake" desktop processors today with two enthusiast quad-core models: the Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K. The 14-nanometer chips are unlocked for maximum overclocking (all the "K" series CPUs will be), and if you're not into that, the two new chips have fairly high base frequencies: 4.0GHz for the Core i7-6700K and 3.5GHz for the i5-6600K. Compared to similar current-gen models, prices are reasonable -- suggested retail is $350 for the i7-6700K and $243 for the i5-6600K, with street prices likely lower.
How would you change the 13-inch, mid-2013 MacBook Air?
Meet the new boss, broadly the same as the old boss. Except this variation of Apple's thin-and-light mobile PC was packing Haswell, Intel's power-sipping wonder chip, capable of giving the 2013 MBA its 12-plus-hour battery life and nippy speed. When we sat this down in front of Tim Stevens' hands, his only gripe was that the device was lacking a retina display, although we're probably still a year or two away from that taking place. Still, we imagine plenty of you out there picked up one of these devices, so why not hop on the forum and tell us if you'd have taken a MacBook Air with a four-hour battery life in exchange for some pixel-dense goodness.
Review roundup: Intel's 8-core Haswell-E is the fastest desktop CPU ever
Since it was teased in March, enthusiasts have been itching to see how Intel's 8-core Haswell Extreme Edition processor (the i7-5960X) performs. It has now launched (along with two other Haswell-E models) and the reviews are in. Yes, it's the world's fastest desktop CPU -- but the general consensus is "it could have been better." Why? Because Intel recently launched a "Devil's Canyon" CPU for $340 with a base clock speed of 4.0GHz that can easily be overclocked to 4.4GHz. The $1,000 Extreme Edition chip, on the other hand, has a base clock of 3.0GHz and max turbo speed of 3.5GHz. Since clock speeds are often more important to gamers than multiple cores, that might disappoint many a Battlefield 4 player. On the other hand, with DDR4 support and eight cores (Intel's highest count ever on the desktop), the chip should excel at pro tasks like 4K video processing and 3D rendering. Given the price tag, that might be the only market that can afford it. Here's what the experts think.
Intel's next Xeon chip stuffs up to 18 cores into very powerful PCs
AMD and Intel have been in a race to stuff their highest-end processors with as many cores as possible, and it appears that this one-upmanship isn't about to end any time soon -- much to your advantage. As Macworld UK notes, Intel is close to releasing a new range of Xeon E5 processors where more cores (and thus more parallel computing power) is par for the course. According to ChipLoco's leaked roadmap, even the lowest-spec chips start with six cores versus today's four; the best model touts a whopping 18, which should help heavy-duty systems juggle a huge number of simultaneous workloads.
Retina MacBook Pro gets a processor bump across the line
Eagle-eyed Apple Store watchers noticed the company's online commerce site taking a brief nap this morning, and sure enough when it woke up again something new had arrived: revised models of the 13" and 15" MacBook Pro, with faster Intel Haswell processors and a unified floor on RAM capacity (8 GB for the 13" models, 16 GB for the 15" models), which previously dropped to 4 and 8 GB respectively for the "budget" configuration in each size. You can compare the current MBPs seen here to last week's model seen here via archive.org. Default processor speeds on the 13" model went from 2.4/2.6 GHz i5 dual-core processors up to 2.6/2.8 GHz; BTO options for the 13" include a 3.0 GHz dual-core i7 chip. On the 15" model, both standard configs received a similar clock bump to their i7 quad-core CPUs (2.0/2.3 up to 2.2/2.5), with the fastest BTO processor now at a spicy 2.8 GHz. The price on the higher-end config of the 15" also drops $100 to $2499, as does the price of the non-Retina 13" MBP (from $1199 to $1099) which is unchanged from a spec perspective. These updates (which were hinted at a couple of days earlier via an iPad spec display in a Chinese store, of all places) should be available to ship immediately; if you bought a Retina MBP in the past 14 days in an Apple Store (and possibly at other authorized retailers) you may return it for restocking and move up to the newer model. As MacRumors notes, this is not the "big leap" to Intel's Broadwell chipset that is anticipated for next year's MBPs, but it certainly is welcome in the meantime. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Acer upgrades its C720 Chromebook with more power... and a higher price
Looking for a more powerful Acer Chromebook? It'll cost you -- the company announced today that its C720 Chromebook is getting a processor bump and a new price tag. $350 buys a notebook with a 4th generation Intel Core i3-4005U CPU clocked at 1.7GHz with a 32GB SSD, a modest bump from the 1.4GHz Celeron CPU, 16GB SSD and $200 starting price of the current model. Acer says the new CPU will give the machine a noticeable performance boost without affecting the 8.5 hour runtime consumers have come to expect from the laptop. Little else about the Chromeboook seems to have changed; its still available with 2GB or 4GB (in a $380 model) of RAM. Still, if you want to save some money with Acer's cheaper, slower laptop, buy now: the new models hit store shelves later this month.
Intel's 'Devil's Canyon' chip will break the 4GHz barrier for $339
Sure, we've seen 4GHz base clock speeds before, but never in an Intel chip. Such a part is just weeks away, however, in the form of the refreshed Haswell Core i7-4790K, codenamed "Devil's Canyon." The new chip shifts from 4GHz up to 4.4GHz in turbo mode, with the only downside being a slight increase in wattage from 84W to 88W -- a change that might be partly mitigated by Intel's use of a better thermal interface material underneath the lid of the CPU. The $339 price tag is identical to what you'd pay for the existing Core i7-4770K on Newegg (base clock: 3.5GHz), so it's definitely worth holding onto your cash until the end of the month. There's also a Core i5-4690K to look out for, priced at $242, which notches base and turbo speeds up by 100MHz compared to the current product -- not a huge gain, but enough to send a message that Intel isn't entirely preoccupied with Broadwell and ultra-portables. Meanwhile, here's some useful coverage of the latest overclock-friendly Z97 motherboards, just in case you're looking to accessorize.
Apple's MacBook Air is now $100 cheaper and has a slightly faster processor
Been waiting for a MacBook Air refresh? Breathe easy, friend, because one has arrived -- well, sort of. Cupertino has quietly updated its online store with a familiar looking ultraportable, matching last year's model almost spec for spec: 4GB of RAM, 128 or 256GB of flash storage, a 1,440 x 900 resolution display, Intel HD 5000 graphics and a slim wedge frame with all the trimmings -- Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 ports and a SDXC card reader. The laptop's processor, on the other hand, has been upgraded: We're still talking about Intel's Haswell architecture, but the standard 2014 MacBook Air now boasts a 1.4GHz Core i5 CPU. That's only a hair faster than last year's 1.3GHz processor while idling, but it also has a higher Turbo Boost speed (2.7GHz compared to 2.6GHz) and could well have better efficiency too, by virtue of the fact that it represents the best of what Intel's fabs are currently capable of. The other big change is in the price, as these new units are $100 cheaper than the ones you could pick up yesterday (or £100 cheaper, if you're in the UK). The Air now starts at $899 (£749) for an 11-inch model, while the 13-inch version will set you back $999 (£849). If you were looking for some Retina action, however, or a major step-change in battery life, then that's probably still some way off.
Shuttle runs a Haswell Core i7 in a case barely bigger than a disk drive
The Intel NUC proves just how small a desktop-class, 4K-capable Haswell PC can go. What the NUC doesn't do, though, is let us switch out the processor - it comes with either a Core i3 or i5 soldered to the mainboard. Now, Shuttle's DS81 is slightly bigger than the NUC, but it's still tiny (19 x 16.5 x 4.3cm) and its H81 chipset supports user-upgradeable processors up to a Haswell Core i7. Like the DS61 before it, the DS81 comes with serious cooling to let it function in environments up to 50 degrees Celsius, such as in digital signage situations. It's also deceptively big in terms of connectivity, with two PCIe Mini slots (one half-size and one full-size), two slots for RAM (up to 16GB), six USB ports (two of which are 3.0), three displays outputs (1x HDMI and 2x DisplayPort), dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and even a card reader. A Shuttle rep we met at CeBIT told us the DS81 should start to become available from next week, starting at 178 euros ($250) for a barebones unit - although some retailers are already offering pre-built systems for upwards of $800 with a two- or three-week shipping delay.
HP's first Chromebox arrives this spring
HP has revealed more about the Chromebox that it's making to support Google's video conferencing system, and we have good news: it won't be confined to meeting rooms. The company's inaugural Chrome OS desktop will be available to both home and business customers when it ships sometime in the spring. It should also be more powerful than the North American version of ASUS' Chromebox, since at least one US variant will arrive with a Haswell-based Core i7 processor inside. DisplayPort, HDMI and four USB 3.0 ports will come standard. There isn't any mention of pricing at this point, although it's safe to presume that the Core i7 Chromebox will cost more than ASUS' $179 entry-level model.
CyberpowerPC stuffs full-size graphics into a tiny gaming desktop
Not interested in buying a Steam Machine this year, but still want a tiny gaming PC? Never fear -- CyberPowerPC has just released the Zeus Mini, its latest take on a conventional small computer with full-sized performance. The system is just 4.4 inches thick and 18 inches deep, but it has room for fast video cards like AMD's R9 290 or NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 780. You'll also find a high-end AMD Kaveri or Intel Haswell processor inside, and there's space for a large liquid cooling system if you insist on a silent rig. Zeus Mini prices start at $599 for a basic variant with a 3.7GHz AMD A10 chip and integrated graphics, but demanding players can shell out $1,479 for a flagship model with a 3.5GHz Core i7 and GTX 780 video.
Gigabyte's dual GPU Aorus gaming laptop is less than an inch thick
To impress us with a gaming laptop these days requires more than just spec-bombing, but Gigabyte's Aorus has grabbed our attention. For starters, the 17.3-inch model is a mere 0.9 inch thick and weighs 6.4 pounds, rather insane numbers considering that it packs a pair of NVIDIA GTX 765M chips in an SLI configuration. In comparison, the 17-inch Razer Blade Pro is almost exactly the same size with a single GPU. To achieve that, Gigabyte made the case out of solid aluminum with a sculpted look only a gamer could love, while packing copious vents and ports to duct away the hot air. The rest of the specs are also top-tier: a 17.3-inch 1080p display, Intel Core i7-4700HQ CPU, up to 32GB of RAM, three USB 3.0 slots, 500GB of mSATA SSD storage max and up to 1TB of 2.5-inch HDD storage. Gigabyte calls it a "powerplant on your lap," and it'll arrive around March for $2,099 - $2,799 depending on options. If you're interested, some heat-proof pants might also be in order.
Surface Pro 2 tablet gets a quiet speed bump to 1.9GHz
Sometimes, it pays to avoid the bleeding edge of technology. Microsoft has confirmed to The Verge that newer Surface Pro 2 tablets are shipping with a faster 1.9GHz Core i5 inside instead of the 1.6GHz chip that came with the earliest models. The company isn't saying just why it rolled out the stealthy upgrade, although it notes that "routinely" tweaks designs based on part availability and customer value. The move may frustrate early adopters whose two-month-old Windows slates are already behind the times, but it's good news for latecomers who'll get more for their money.
Dell unveils education-focused Chromebook 11, arriving in January for under $300
As promised, Dell has taken the wraps off its first Chrome OS device, the Chromebook 11. The 11.6-inch, 2.9-pound laptop is built with the classroom in mind, and it should ship in tandem with a Wyse PocketCloud app that should make it easy for students and teachers to share their work online. Its 1.4GHz Celeron processor and 16GB solid-state drive are no great shakes, although the system could be the Chrome OS longevity champion -- Dell estimates a 10-hour battery life that could beat out Acer's long-lived C720. Educators who want the Chromebook 11 will have to be patient, though. A version with 4GB of RAM will ship to the US and UK in January. There will also be a 2GB model for cost-conscious schools, but Dell is only promising that it will launch sometime in the first quarter of 2014. Dell expects to sell at least one model under $300.
MSI reveals two GT60 laptops with 3K displays
MSI is jumping into the world of ultra-sharp displays today with the launch of two high-end GT60 laptop models. Both the gaming-oriented 2OD-261US and the workstation-grade 2OKWS-278US have 15.6-inch, 2,880 x 1,620 screens that make the most of 3D graphics and photos. As you'd hope, the two systems have more than enough horsepower to justify the high resolution. Each GT60 variant carries a quad-core 2.4GHz Core i7, 16GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive; the gaming rig relies on GeForce GTX 780M graphics and runs Windows 8, while its sibling uses pro-level Quadro K3100 video and Windows 7. Whichever PC you choose, you'll pay a lot for MSI's newfound visual prowess. The 20D-261US is available now for $2,200, while the 2OKWS-278US raises the asking price to $2,800.
Acer unveils $200 Haswell-based Chromebook for the extra-thrifty
Acer gave its Chromebook line a welcome tune-up when it launched the Haswell-based C720, but the $250 starting price was no doubt disappointing to those who wanted the C7's $200 entry point. The company is accommodating those spendthrifts today with its $200 C720-2848 variant. The only sacrifice is a lower 2GB of RAM; owners still get a 1.4GHz Celeron processor, a 16GB solid-state drive and that vaunted 8.5 hours of battery life. Should you want to save a cool $50, or are just frustrated that you can't buy a Chromebook 11, you can pick up the new C720 today from Amazon or Best Buy.
Dell's XPS 11 convertible and refreshed XPS 13 now available starting at $1,000
Dell's Yoga competitor, the flexible XPS 11, has made its way into availability in the US and other select countries, with the refreshed XPS 13 also tagging along. As we mentioned in our hands-on, the 11.6-inch ultrabook's keyboard folds all the way back to transform into a tablet with an impressive 2,560 x 1,440 IPS display. The updated XPS 13 laptop, on the other hand, has gained a touchscreen option, as well as new Haswell processors like those in the XPS 11. Both devices are now up for sale on Dell's own site for at least $1,000, depending on specs. As always, the bigger the SSD storage space and the RAM, the more expensive it is. Almost all the laptops will ship with Windows 8.1 preinstalled, except the non-touch XPS 13 that's keeping things dated with Windows 7 Home Premium. If you like your PC hardware a little cheaper (or costlier), the company's also releasing the OptiPlex 3020 desktop ($499) and the Precision M3800 business laptop ($1,799). For a reminder of the XPS 11's acrobatic ways, we've added our hands-on video right after the break. [Thanks, Louis]
Dell's Venue 11 Pro tablet now available in the US, starts at $500 with Bay Trail inside
After some mystery surrounding an American release date, Dell's Venue 11 Pro is now available in the US. The 10.8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet starts at $500 with a modest, Bay Trail-based 1.5GHz Atom chip as well as 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Those who need more processing grunt can step up to models with Y-series Core i3 and i5 chips that respectively cost $800 and $850; both of them also carry much roomier 128GB flash drives. Only WiFi slates are on sale, although a tipster tells us that there will be LTE-equipped versions. Just be prepared to wait if you want a Venue 11 Pro to call your own -- orders placed on launch day won't ship until December 5th at the earliest. [Thanks, anonymous]
Maingear announces Pulse 17, the 'world's thinnest' 17-inch gaming notebook
Maingear's normal method of constructing a gaming notebook works something a little like this: 1. Grab a Clevo chassis, 2. Crowbar as much high-power tech it can. For the Pulse 17, however, the company has decided to follow a different path. Abandoning Clevo's hardware, the company has crafted a 17-inch laptop that'll put a dent in your wallet and your friend's egos. This self-styled "world's thinnest" gaming notebook comes with a Haswell Core i7 4700HQ clocked at 2.4GHz, but which'll push all the way up to 3.4GHz when required, in addition to a GeForce GTX 765M with 2GB RAM and a staggering 16GB RAM. Up front, your eyes will be staring into a 17.3-inch 1,920 x 1,080 widescreen display, and users will have a choice of a 1TB HDD or a pair of 480GB SSDs in a Raid 0 configuration. Systems go on sale from today and will start from $2,099 -- with prices increasing depending on your build-to-order choices, naturally.