PC
Watch: Unboxing the MSI Vortex G65VR SFF Gaming PC
MSI’s new Vortex G65VR small form factor gaming comes packed with Intel’s Core i7-7700K desktop processor, whose CPU frequency can be stretched from 4.0 GHz to 4.8 GHz by SHIFT Turbo mode through Dragon Center. It also comes with dual Nvidia GTX 10 series graphics cards in MXM SLI mode. Other specs include 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD
Check out the unboxing of the device below:
Full review coming soon!
Artificial Intelligence
Acer Intros New Veriton NUC Series with AI Features
Acer announced the new Veriton NUC Series offering reliable performance and high efficiency. The Veriton NUC Series is adaptable to various applications, from small and medium-sized businesses to front desks, small offices, and digital signage. With its slim and compact design, the Acer Veriton NUC is smaller than a traditional desktop PC, making it especially useful in narrow workplaces where space is limited and easier to transport when needed. Thanks to the VESA mount support, it can be conveniently hidden behind a monitor, optimising the workspace.
Acer’s new Mini PC series integrates Intel Core Ultra processors, enabling AI-assisted functions to enhance productivity and creativity. Powered by advanced Intel ARC graphics with 8Xe cores, the new Veriton NUC Series is ideal for large workloads that require parallel throughput. This cutting-edge technology offers better graphic performance than traditional on-board GPUs. In addition, the new NUC supports 8K resolution displays, offering users natural and sharp original quality. With Intel AI Boost, the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Acer Veriton NUC Series offers innovative AI features that maximise energy efficiency, delivering exciting new user experiences with Windows Studio Effects and next-generation collaboration, streaming and creation applications.
Thanks to its wide range of ports, the Acer Veriton NUC makes multi-tasking even easier. Equipped with HDMI, Display and Type-C ports, Acer’s new NUCs support the connection of all necessary peripherals and offer a seamless user experience. The integrated full-function USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt mode allows Acer’s new Mini PCs to connect directly to a display or monitor, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, the new Veriton NUC Series supports the multi-screen configuration, allowing up to three displays to be connected simultaneously. This functionality is particularly appreciated in certain sectors where comparing different images or graphs is essential, such as in the medical, financial or engineering fields.
The new Veriton NUC Series integrates the Wi-Fi 6E module that supports speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, nearly 3 times faster than the 3.5 Gbps speed of Wi-Fi 5, improving performance and reliability. High-speed file sharing, smooth 4K streaming, ultra-responsive surfing and gaming, great work from home and remote learning experiences become a reality with Acer’s innovative new NUC series. In addition, Wi-fi 6E also supports WPA3 encryption, improving security and protection against possible hacker attacks.
Users can enjoy uninterrupted and secure connections without worrying about network traffic overload. The availability of Dual LAN ports guarantees greater stability, security, and efficiency for wired connectivity. The other LAN port can act as a backup, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted Internet connection. It can also enable the configuration of an internal and external network, increasing security and helping balance the network traffic between two ports to prevent overloading.
Gadgets
ASUS Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of NUC Portfolio
ASUS has announced that it has made significant achievements and launched groundbreaking AI innovations following its official takeover of the NUC portfolio from Intel in October 2023. In October 2023, ASUS undertook the significant task of taking over Intel’s NUC portfolio and continuing the 10-year legacy of NUCs, which have been deployed to millions of customers worldwide. This marked the first time that ASUS has been involved in such a large-scale industry transition. Over the past year, ASUS seamlessly and successfully transitioned customers from the legacy Intel NUC portfolio to the ASUS NUC portfolio.
ASUS NUCs are now synonymous with top-tier performance, exceptional quality, and reliability. These attributes ensure that ASUS NUCs stand out in the market, offering an alternative to traditional desktops in a compact, mini-sized package, providing users with superior computing solutions that are both innovative and dependable. Whether for professional workloads, gaming, or AI applications, ASUS NUCs deliver the power and stability required for even the most demanding tasks and ensure that users thrive in this new AI era.
“As we celebrate our first anniversary of the successful takeover of the NUC portfolio from Intel, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering cutting-edge technology to our customers,” said Jackie Hsu, Senior Vice President and Co-Head of the Open Platform Business Group and AIoT Business Group. “The introduction of the world’s first AI mini PC and a seamless transition for existing NUC users underscore our dedication to maintaining our leadership position in the industry.”
ASUS continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the computing industry with the introduction of the AI NUC – the world’s first AI mini PC powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) with Microsoft Copilot+. These AI-enabled NUCs feature the latest NPU, GPU, and CPU architectures, enabling customers to design for the future of AI. ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, which was recently unveiled at IFA 2024, allows users to experience the next level of AI performance, unlocking new possibilities for advanced computing tasks. This compact powerhouse offers a mini PC alternative to laptop AI PCs, providing more flexible options for AI-driven computing.
In addition, the ROG NUC/NUC 14 Performance is a new expansion of the ASUS AI NUC offering. The ROG NUC and NUC 14 Performance mark significant strides in ultra-small form factor computing. These devices are tailored for both gamers and versatile commercial use, integrating high-performance components into compact designs.
Gadgets
HP and HyperX Show Off a Wide Range of Gaming Devices at Gamescom
This week at Gamescom 2024, HP unveiled its latest gaming gear from OMEN and HyperX. The new offerings take customization to the next level, allowing gamers to fine-tune their aesthetics and ensure their desktops are future-ready with OMEN components. “HP is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver unparalleled, personalized experiences for every gamer,” said Josephine Tan, Senior Vice President & Division President of Personal Systems Gaming Solutions. “With our latest innovations in OMEN and HyperX, being showcased at Gamescom 2024, we are excited to elevate the gaming experience. Our goal is to provide users with the tools they need to perform at their best and ensure their systems are upgradable, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their gaming worlds for years to come.”
OMEN 35L
96% of gamers prioritise performance when considering purchasing, 84% seek products that match their style, and 84% value the ability to upgrade and customise their rigs. By listening to the community HP delivers on all three with its new OMEN 35L offering a premium customizable gaming PC. This exceptional device incorporates industry standard components enabling future upgradability while ensuring strong performance and flexibility. Some key features of the OMEN 35L include:
- Premium AI performance: OMEN 35L offers premium AI performance able to manage demanding programmes and graphics, thanks to its choice of powerful processors and GPUs. Available with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G processor, providing the power of personal AI processing for a better gaming experience. The OMEN 35L is also available with up to the Intel Core i7-14700F. Additionally, the OMEN 35L can be outfitted with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, the ultimate GeForce GPU that delivers exceptional performance, efficiency, and AI-powered graphics, taking your gaming experience to a whole new level.
- Future-ready: The specs you need today may not be sufficient in the future. That is why the OMEN 35L offers industry-standard components for future upgradability. The OMEN Liquid features an LCD Screen or aRGB cap utilizing Asetek 7th gen pump, with 120mm OMEN fans and the OMEN Modular PSU (850W/1000W) ensure that gamers can personalize their rigs to their exact specifications.
- Thermal excellence: The OMEN 35L boasts design improvements that deliver superior airflow and thermal capacity and is equipped with large 2x140mm ARGB fans and a 240mm liquid cooling system. This thermal design will keep your system cool so you can play hundreds of high-quality games with an included one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate enabling gamers to game across PC, console and cloud.
Available with all OMEN Desktops and Gaming Laptops, the OMEN Gaming Hub (OGH) enables customization beyond hardware by empowering gamers to maximize performance, personalise their setup and discover better ways to play. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new collaboration with Google Play Games on PC within the My Games feature via OGH. This innovative new collaboration will provide access to thousands of mobile and native PC games. This collaboration brings users a seamless multi-platform gaming experience across mobile and PC devices.
Next-Gen Audio
With over half of Gen-Z interested in careers as social media influencers xii, audio plays a crucial role in their work, as well as reflecting personal style and their brand.
That is why the HyperX QuadCast 2 and QuadCast 2 S are setting a new standard for the next generation of USB microphones, delivering studio-quality audio and offering flexible customization. Key features include:
- Superb audio quality from a USB mic: Ensuring crystal-clear sound for streaming and recording, the QuadCast 2 delivers 24-bit/96kHz fidelity, while the QuadCast 2 S boasts professional 32-bit/192kHz fidelity.
- 100 LEDS on a single mic: Express your mood, style or brand with red lighting on QuadCast 2, or with the world’s most customisable USB gaming microphone1, QuadCast 2 S, that features over 100 aRGB LEDs customizable via NGENUITY software. QuadCast 2 and QuadCast 2 S offer expanded control options, including a multi-function knob for gain adjustment, volume control, mic monitoring, and polar pattern selection, providing gamers with ultimate flexibility.
Untethered and Unmatched battery life
Whether heading to a LAN Party or even to the office, HyperX is excited to launch the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless.
Building on the success of the HyperX Alloy Rise 75, the first hot-swappable keyboard with a gasket-mounted design, this wireless version offers the same level of customization without compromising on quality or gameplay.
- Long-lasting battery power: Boasting the longest battery life on a backlit dual-wireless gaming keyboard with up to 80 hours of battery life with backlighting onxiv and up to 1,500 hours with backlighting offxv, gamers can enjoy extended playtime without interruption.
- A keyboard that reflects your style: This cutting-edge keyboard allows you to match your aesthetic to your mood, thanks to HyperX’s hot-swappable top plates, badges, and switches all functional with wired and wireless versions. Additionally, with features like an ambient light sensor and gasket-mounted design, this keyboard offers a truly premium experience.