Day One of CES continues. This time around, Leo and Mat stop by the Acer booth to check out everything from new gaming monitors and laptops, to new PCs and even an interesting prototype known as the ‘DualPlay Laptop'. 

Watch on YouTube below:

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Laptop sadness
• 00:43 Project DualPlay Prototype laptop
• 01:55 RTX 50 graphics – some thoughts
• 03:32 e-scooters
• 04:05 Laptops with AMD processors
• 05:03 Acer networking
• 06:03 Mini PC’s
• 06:57 Aspire S Ai System
• 07:41 Aspire 14 Ai
• 08:06 Aspire Vero 16
• 09:06 Gaming handhelds
• 10:27 Nitro laptops
• 11:05 Spatiallabs monitor

The Project DualPlay laptop has a removable trackpad that doubles as a game controller. As for the new round of Predator Gaming Laptops, we were unfortunately a little too early, having seen them before Nvidia officially announced the new RTX 50 series laptop GPUs. As a result, these laptops were not set up for demos, leaving us with blank screens with fully lit RGB keyboards underneath.

Acer’s new Swift Go AI thin-and-light laptops come in 16-inch and 14-inch display sizes and feature a Ryzen AI 300 CPU under the hood. These are AMD's latest Zen 5 CPUs for the mobile market, offering up to eight high-performance cores, paired with a 5GHz clock speed and an XDNA 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS of performance for AI tasks. These CPUs also come with Radeon graphics baked-in.  According to Acer, these laptops can last a full 24 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Acer also has the new Aspire 41 AI, which offers a slightly lower battery life estimate at 22 hours of video playback. This laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra 200 CPUs and has an optional OLED display, The laptop is built with a durable aluminium top and bottom cover, and it has a 180-degree hinge, allowing the display to lay flat on a desk, something that might be useful in a collaborative work environment.

Acer is also getting into the handheld gaming market this year with two Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds. These handhelds will be powered by Ryzen 8040 series APUs and not the new Ryzen Z2 series chips, setting them apart competing models. We look forward to getting a closer look at performance in the months ahead.

KitGuru Says: What did you all think of Acer's CES 2025 announcements? Do you have your eye on anything to pick up later in the year? 

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MSI is expanding its motherboard lineup with the new B860 and H810 boards, offering a compelling blend of performance, features, and affordability for Intel's latest platform. Moreover, the company is also launching new Z890 Project Zero motherboards so users can create cleaner builds with less cabling.

The new B860 and H810 motherboards cater to a wide range of users, from budget-conscious gamers to content creators and everyday users. While the B860 chipset stands out for performance enthusiasts with its PCIe 5.0 support, M.2 storage options, and memory overclocking capabilities, the H810 provides a more value-oriented solution for those seeking essential features.

MSI's new B860 motherboards include the MAG B860 Tomahawk WIFI and MAG B860M Mortar WIFI, as well as the PRO B860-P WIFI and PRO B860M-A WIFI. These boards support PCIe 5.0 and M.2 storage and DDR5 memory and feature a power delivery system consisting of 12-phase VRMs. Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced memory support, with speeds reaching 9200+ MT/s achievable through MSI's optimised memory architecture and the user-friendly Click BIOS X. MSI's AI Boost technology further enhances AI performance by enabling NPU overclocking. MSI has also implemented its EZ DIY features, simplifying M.2 installation, graphics card removal, and Wi-Fi antenna setup. The MAG series B860 boards also boast Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 and Killer 5G LAN for a lag-free networking experience.

While the H810 boards might lack some of the bells and whistles of the B860 ones, they still offer a solid foundation for budget-oriented builds. MSI didn't share any specific H810 motherboard models, but we know they'll share many features with the B860 boards. Both chipsets support Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed connectivity, but the B860 provides greater bandwidth with its 8x DMI Gen 4 lanes than the H810's 4x lanes.

MSI is also expanding its “Project Zero” lineup with the new PZ series. These motherboards relocate most connectors to the rear, minimising cable clutter and creating a cleaner aesthetic. The MAG Z890 Tomahawk WIFI PZ (standard and White) and the PRO Z890-S WIFI PZ offer high-end features and stylish designs for those seeking performance and cleaner visuals.

Adding to the software side, MSI is announcing a collaboration with SignalRGB to create a new application that allows for synchronised and customisable RGB lighting control across multiple MSI motherboards. This user-friendly software simplifies RGB management by enabling users to configure all MSI products with RGB and ARGB in a single app.

KitGuru says: Are you interested in a B860 or H810 motherboard for a new entry-level system? MSI's new motherboards might be exactly what you're looking for.

The post CES 2025: MSI showcases new B860, H810, and Z890 Project Zero motherboards first appeared on KitGuru.

We've arrived at CES and for one of our first stops of the week, Leo swings by to visit Thermaltake to get a closer look at all-new colourful cases, coolers, memory and even new racing sim gear.

Watch on YouTube below:

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Tower 600
• 01:31 Tower 250
• 01:58 TR100
• 02:57 View 600
• 04:10 View 390
• 04:56 AW420 and AW360 AIO
• 05:11 AX500 Snow
• 05:30 AX700
• 06:16 WAir
• 06:48 Racing Sim Hardware
• 08:27 Flight Sim Hardware
• 09:04 Power Supplies
• 10:25 Beta Thermaltake software
• 11:07 Toughram XG RGB D5 CUDimm
• 11:35 TT fans
• 12:35 MagFloe 360 Ultra ARGB
• 13:40 Project Trinity 3DVC / MaGCurve 360 Ultra ARGB
• 14:39 Argent E700 Chair

Few companies offer as many case colour options as Thermaltake. If you are looking for something that isn't either black or white, Thermaltake is your best bet, with a ton of shade options from ‘Lightyear Green' to ‘Butter Caramel', ‘Future Dusk' and even ‘Mint Strawberry'. Of course, if you do prefer a standard black or white colour-scheme, Thermaltake offers those as well. Naturally, these cases go very well with Thermaltake's other gear, from the Toughfan ARGB series of case fans, to the ToughRAM and ToughPower products. Be sure to check out the video and gallery to get a closer look at all of this.

If you are looking to put together a Racing Sim or a Flight Sim setup, then Thermaltake has you covered there as well. The G6 bundle delivers a complete sim racing setup designed for accuracy and responsiveness. At its core is a direct-drive servo motor housed in an aluminum wheelbase, providing precise control and realistic force feedback. The bundle also includes a three-pedal set (accelerator, brake, and clutch) with adjustable mounting options for a customised and stable feel. You can add on a the GM5 3DOF Motion System to recreate real-world movements and sensations. For those who are more enthusiastic about flying rather than racing, Thermaltake has the GF500 Cockpit, which offers a lot of the same functionality, but is designed for flight sticks and thrusters, rather than wheels and pedals.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of Thermaltake's showing at CES this year? 

The post CES 2025: Thermaltake’s colourful cases, Sim hardware and more first appeared on KitGuru.

Phison is making waves at CES 2025 with a showcase of cutting-edge storage solutions, including PCIe Gen 5 SSD controllers that shatter speed barriers and redefine efficiency and the world's first 128 TB SSD for data centres.

Leading the charge is the PS5028-E28, Phison's flagship PCIe Gen 5 controller built on TSMC's advanced 6nm process. This powerhouse delivers an unprecedented combination of sequential read and write speeds, reaching a staggering 14.5 GB/s, making it the fastest SSD controller on the market.

Phison is also addressing the growing demand for efficiency and affordability with the PS5031-E31T, a DRAM-less PCIe Gen 5 controller that breaks the 10 GB/s barrier and offers a lower power consumption. This cost-effective solution brings premium performance to budget-conscious users. Phison's E31T controller is already making its mark in the consumer market, powering Micron's latest Crucial P510 SSD, a Gen 5 drive delivering speeds of 11,000/9,500 MB/s.

Phison's innovation extends beyond PCIe Gen 5, as shown with the U21. This is the world's first native USB4 SoC, capable of sequential read and write speeds up to 4 GB/s. Moreover, Phison is unveiling the D205V, the world's largest PCIe Gen 5 SSD for the enterprise market, boasting a massive 122.88 TB of storage. With sequential read speeds of up to 14,600 MB/s and write speeds of 3,200 MB/s, the D205V redefines scalability and efficiency for data centre applications.

KitGuru says: We've seen quite a few good DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 SSDs that can perform almost as well as those with DRAM. With the E31T, we might finally see something similar in the PCIe 5.0 space. More importantly, it should also help reduce the entry price for such SSDs.

The post CES 2025: Phison unveils new Gen5 SSD controllers and PCIe 5.0 128TB SSD first appeared on KitGuru.

Aside from desktop RTX 50 graphics cards, Nvidia is also launching its new generation of laptop GPUs. The RTX 50 series for laptops will offer the same feature set as the desktop cards and companies like Razer, Acer, MSI, Asus and others already have new gaming laptops equipped with these GPUs ready to go. 

GeForce Blackwell comes to laptops with all the features of desktop models. This includes DLSS 4 which includes a new feature – Multi-Frame Generation. While DLSS 3 Frame Generation would generate an extra frame per rendered frame, DLSS 4 allows for Frame Generation to create an extra three frames for every rendered frame, supercharging performance even further. These GPUs also support Nvidia Reflex 2, which introduces Frame Warp, a new technique to reduce latency by updating a rendered frame based on the latest mouse input. According to Nvidia, Reflex 2 can reduce latency by as much as 75 percent.

The other big innovation coming with the Blackwell architecture is RTX Neural Shaders, which brings small AI networks into programmable shaders. This will pave the way for both better visuals, and better AI in games, including AI-controlled NPCs, which are being implemented in games like PUBG Battlegrounds, utilising the Nvidia ACE suite.

Laptops with GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPUs will be available starting in March, and RTX 5070 Laptop GPUs will be available from manufacturers, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, GIGABYTE, HP, Lenovo, MECHREVO, MSI, Razer and more.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of picking up a new gaming laptop this year? 

The post CES 2025: Nvidia RTX 50-powered laptops are on the way first appeared on KitGuru.

Thermaltake is expanding its presence in the world of sim racing with two exciting new products: the G6 Direct Drive Racing Wheel Bundle and the GM5 3DOF Motion System. These two offerings promise to elevate the sim racing experience with unparalleled realism and immersion.

The G6 bundle delivers a complete sim racing setup designed for accuracy and responsiveness. At its core is a direct-drive servo motor housed in an aluminum wheelbase, providing precise control and realistic force feedback. The bundle also includes a three-pedal set (accelerator, brake, and clutch) with adjustable mounting options for a customised and stable feel. A racing-grade quick-release system allows for easy swapping of the included 13-inch steering wheel, which features dual-clutch paddles. To ensure optimal performance even during extended racing sessions, the G6 incorporates dual motor cooling with an integrated temperature sensor and a low-noise fan.

For those seeking the ultimate in sim racing immersion, the GM5 3DOF Motion System recreates real-world movements and sensations. This lightweight and easy-to-install system boasts precise dynamic control with a 1000 Hz control frequency and less than 5 ms latency. The GM5 supports a wide range of vibration frequencies (0-100 Hz), accurately simulating various driving and flying scenarios. It's compatible with both the Thermaltake GR500 Racing Simulator Cockpit and the GF500 Flight Simulator Cockpit, offering versatility for different sim setups. Integration with SimTools software further enhances the experience, providing plenty of customisation options and updates to support the latest racing and flight simulators.

The G6 bundle is slated for an April 2025 release and will be priced at $519.99. The GM5 3DOF Motion System will release in March 2025 and cost $3,999.99

KitGuru says: The G6 bundle could be a good starting point for those looking to get into sim racing. For those who want to push their experience to the next level, something like the GM5 3DOF Motion System could be a game changer.

The post CES 2025: Thermaltake unveils the G6 Direct Drive racing wheel bundle with new GM5 3DOF Motion System first appeared on KitGuru.

After months of leaks and rumours, Nvidia has officially announced the GeForce RTX 50 series of graphics cards. Based on the Blackwell architecture, with new generation Tensor and RT cores, and of course, DLSS 4. 

While rumours anticipated that the RTX 5080 would launch first, Nvidia is actually revealing four SKUs today – the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti and the RTX 5070. Compared to the RTX 4090, the RTX 5090 offers more than twice the amount of AI TOPS performance, and all of the cards below also see a significant boost in AI capability. This enables features like DLSS 4, which bumps the Frame Generation aspect to ‘Multi Frame Generation', allowing for even higher frame rates, even when using fully ray-traced graphics.

You can see the full specs in the table below:

	RTX 5090	RTX 5080	RTX 5070 Ti	RTX 5070	RTX 4090
NVIDIA Architecture	Blackwell	Blackwell	Blackwell	Blackwell	Ada Lovelace
DLSS	DLSS 4	DLSS 4	DLSS 4	DLSS 4	DLSS 3
AI TOPS	3352	1801	1406	988	1321
Tensor Cores	5th Gen	5th Gen	5th Gen	5th Gen	4th Gen
Ray Tracing Cores	4th Gen	4th Gen	4th Gen	4th Gen	3rd Gen
NVIDIA Encoder (NVENC)	3x 9th Gen	2x 9th Gen	2x 9th Gen	1x 9th Gen	2x 8th Gen
NVIDIA Decoder (NVDEC)	2x 6th Gen	2x 6th Gen	1x 6th Gen	1x 6th Gen	1x 5th Gen
Memory Configuration	32 GB GDDR7	16 GB GDDR7	16 GB GDDR7	12 GB GDDR7	24 GB GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	1792 GB/sec	960 GB/sec	896 GB/sec	672 GB/sec	1008 GB/sec

The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards will be available starting on the 30th of January, with prices starting at $1999.99 and $999 respectively. The RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 will land in February, priced at $749 and $549. Board partners like Asus, Colorful, Gainward, Galax, Gigabyte, INNO3D, KFA2, MSI, Palit, PNY and Zotac will have custom-cooled versions available at varying price points.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of making the jump to an RTX 50 series GPU?

The post CES 2025: Nvidia launches RTX 50 GPUs powered by ‘Blackwell’ architecture first appeared on KitGuru.

At CES today, AMD officially announced plans for new-gen graphics cards, including the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070, both of which are due to launch in Q1 2025. While FSR 4 has been confirmed as a key feature for the new generation of RDNA 4 GPUs, AMD is keeping many of the details under wraps. 

While AMD did ‘announce' the RX 9070 series graphics cards, it did so without detailing any specifications. I can't tell you how many cores either 9070 card will have, or how much VRAM, or even clock speeds. All AMD has officially said for now is that these graphics cards are coming in Q1.

AMD says it has built RDNA 4 with AI in mind, looking to bring a big boost to ray-tracing performance and upscaling. With these graphics cards, AMD will roll out FSR 4, the first version of the upscaler to use machine learning. This should help AMD close the quality gap between FSR and Nvidia's rival DLSS upscaling technology.

It is unclear why AMD seemingly went back on plans to properly announce its new RDNA 4 graphics cards, so for now, all we have is this small teaser, as well as the news that FSR 4 will be added to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 later this year. As these graphics cards are set to hit the market in Q1, we should get more official details soon.

KitGuru Says: It looks like we aren't getting the big GPU reveal we were anticipating from AMD at CES. Hopefully we'll get more news on that front in the coming weeks. 

The post CES 2025: AMD confirms Radeon RX 9070 graphics cards and FSR 4 first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer has plenty to showcase at CES this year. Aside from the new Nitro Blaze gaming handhelds, Acer also has a wide range of new-generation laptops ready to hit the market, utilising the latest CPUs from both AMD and Intel. 

The new Acer Copilot+ PCs harness the power of AI to boost productivity and creativity. The Swift Go 16 AI and Swift Go 14 AI laptops and the Aspire C AI AIOs are powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, which you can read all about HERE. Additionally, Acer has the new Aspire S AI and Revo Box AI, which feature Intel Core Ultra 200 series processors.

Acer’s new Swift Go AI thin-and-light laptops come in 16-inch and 14-inch display sizes and feature a Ryzen AI 300 CPU under the hood. These are AMD's latest Zen 5 CPUs for the mobile market, offering up to eight high-performance cores, paired with a 5GHz clock speed and an XDNA 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS of performance for AI tasks. These CPUs also come with Radeon graphics baked-in.  According to Acer, these laptops can last a full 24 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Acer also has the new Aspire 41 AI, which offers a slightly lower battery life estimate at 22 hours of video playback. This laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra 200 CPUs and has an optional OLED display, The laptop is built with a durable aluminium top and bottom cover, and it has a 180-degree hinge, allowing the display to lay flat on a desk, something that might be useful in a collaborative work environment.

The new Aspire 14 AI, Swift Go 14 AI and Swift Go 16 AI laptop lines feature the integrated AcerSense app that is accessible via the dedicated AcerSense key and provides system usage mode selection, performance and battery status as well as the Acer Experience Zone, housing Acer’s suite of AI features. For example, the laptops include Acer PurifiedVoice, which amplifies clear audio during videoconferences with the ability to suppress ambient noise. Acer PurifiedView improves the visuals in video calls with capabilities like eye gaze correction, lighting adjustment and background blur.

On the desktop side, Acer has two all-in-one PCs to choose from – the Aspire S AI and the Aspire C AI. The former offers a 120Hz display with an optional touch panel, a Windows Hello camera, WiFi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and an Intel Core Ultra 200 series processor. The Aspire C AI is more high-end, offering a QHD 180Hz display and an AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processor, along with up to 64GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD.

Finally, we have the Acer Revo Box AI, which is a new Mini PC. This system is housed in a case that measures less than 1 litre, and weighs just 0.5KG. Despite the compact size and weight, it houses an Intel Core Ultra 200 CPU with Arc Xe graphics and up to 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage.

All of these systems will be available starting in Q2. The Acer Swift Go AI starts at $899.99 for the 14-inch version and $949.99 for the 16-inch version. The new Acer Aspire AI range starts at $799.99, and the new all-in-one PCs start at $999.99. The Revo Box AI mini PC starts at $799.99.

KitGuru Says: We've arrived in Las Vegas for CES, so stay tuned throughout the week for video coverage of the latest tech coming out in 2025. 

The post CES 2025: Acer unveils new AI-powered laptops and all-in-one PCs first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer is getting into the handheld gaming market. At CES this week, Acer has revealed the Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11 handhelds, both equipped with a Ryzen 8000 series processor with Radeon graphics. 

While some handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and the ROG Ally utilise the Ryzen Z1 processor, Acer is going in a slightly different direction. Instead, Acer will utilise the Ryzen 8040 series processors. Acer is also packing in 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and up to 2TB of NVMe SSD storage.

The full specifications for the Nitro Blaze 8 include:

Product Name	Acer Nitro Blaze 8
Model	GN782U
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS (8-Core, 16-threads, 24 MB cache, up to 5.1 GHz max boost) AMD Ryzen AI, Supports up to total 39 AI TOPS
Graphics	AMD Radeon 780M (Up to 2.7 GHz, AMD RDNA 3 12 CUs)
Screen	8.8″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Display, 144 Hz, 500 nits, 10-point touch panel, 97% DCI-P3 Color Gamut
Memory	16 GB LPDDR5X SDRAM, 7500 MT/s (onboard)
Storage	Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
I/O Ports	1 x USB4® Type-C (40 Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A ,Micro SD Card (SDHC)
Control and Input	A B X Y buttons, D-Pad, LB/RB Bumpers, LS/RS Hall effect Sticks, LT/RT Hall effect triggers, Power button, volume button, view button, menu button, Acer Game Space button, Acer quick menu button, Marco buttons
Audio	Speaker: 2 x 2W Microphone: 1 x D-Mic Audio Jack: 3.5 mm CTIA

The full specifications for the Nitro Blaze 11 include:

Product Name	Acer Nitro Blaze 11
Model	GN7112U
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS (8-Core, 16-threads, 24 MB cache, up to 5.1 GHz max boost) AMD Ryzen AI, Supports up to total 39 AI TOPS
Graphics	AMD Radeon 780M (Up to 2.7 GHz, AMD RDNA 3 12 CUs)
Screen	10.95″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Display, 120 Hz, 500 nits, 10-point touch panel, 98% DCI-P3 Color Gamut
Memory	16 GB LPDDR5X SDRAM, 7500 MT/s (onboard)
Storage	Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
I/O Ports	1 x USB4® Type-C (40 Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A, Micro SD Card (SDHC),
Control and Input	A B X Y buttons, D-Pad, LB/RB Bumpers, LS/RS Hall effect Sticks, LT/RT Hall effect triggers, Power button, volume button, view button, menu button, Acer Game Space button, Acer quick menu button, Marco buttons
Audio	Speaker: 2 x 2W Microphone: 1 x D-Mic Audio Jack: 3.5 mm CTIA

The Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds will both be launching this year.

KitGuru Says: Are you interested in picking up a gaming handheld in 2025?

The post CES 2025: Acer launches Nitro Blaze gaming handhelds powered by Ryzen 8040 APU first appeared on KitGuru.

Aside from new X3D CPUs for laptops, AMD is also launching new Ryzen 9 X3D processors for desktops. Following on from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD is now unveiling the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPUs with up to 144MB of total cache.

Ryzen X3D processors are well known amongst gaming enthusiasts, as the 3D V-Cache benefits frame rates. For those looking to keep a high core count and benefit from 3D V-Cache, you'll want to pick up a Ryzen 9 9950X3D or Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU.

The specifications can be seen in the table below:

Model	Cores/Threads	Boost4 / Base Frequency	Total Cache	PCIe®	TDP
AMD Ryzen 9950X3D	16C/32T	Up to 5.7 / 4.3 GHz	144 MB	Gen 5	170W
AMD Ryzen 9900X3D	12C/24T	Up to 5.5 / 4.4 GHz	140 MB	Gen 5	120W

The new generation of X3D processors relocates the cache memory below the CCD, allowing the CPU cores to be closer to your cooling solution. With thermals being improved, users can also obtain higher clock speeds compared to the previous generation.

The new Ryzen 9 X3D CPUs will be available to buy later in Q1 2025.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on buying a new X3D CPU this year? 

The post CES 2025: AMD launches Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D processors first appeared on KitGuru.

Today at CES 2025, AMD is launching a range of new processors aimed at the next generation of laptops. Today we see the arrival of Ryzen AI Max and the Ryzen AI Max PRO series CPUs, as well as a range of Ryzen 200 and Ryzen 200 PRO CPUs, which will be found in hundreds of laptop models in 2025. 

The new Ryzen AI Max Series processors aim to offer workstation-level performance, with up to 16 “Zen 5” CPU cores, up to 40 AMD RDNA 3.5 graphics compute units, and an AMD XDNA 2 Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with up to 50 TOPS of AI processing ability. Systems powered by Ryzen AI Max and Ryzen AI Max PRO Series Processors are expected to be available starting in Q1 2025. In the table below, you can see the full specs for each SKU:

Model	Cores / Threads	Boost / Base Frequency	Total Cache	Graphics Model AMD	cTDP	NPU TOPS	Graphics Cores
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395	16C/32T	Up to 5.1 /3.0 GHz	80MB	AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics	45-120W	50	40
AMD Ryzen AI Max 390	12C/24T	Up to 5.0 / 3.2 GHz	76MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 3.6 GHz	40MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395	16C/32T	Up to 5.1 / 3.0 GHz	80MB	AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics	45-120W	50	40
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390	12C/24T	Up to 5.0 / 3.2 GHz	76MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 3.6 GHz	40MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380	6C/12T	Up to 4.9 / 3.6 GHz	22MB	AMD Radeon 8040S Graphics	45-120W	50	16

There will also be a range of base Ryzen AI 300 and PRO series processors, offering up to eight Zen 5 CPU cores, paired with RDNA 3.5 graphics, but you'll get fewer cores and a smaller cache compared to the MAX versions.

The Ryzen 200 and Ryzen 200 PRO series processors are also on the way. These are Zen 4 alternatives for cheaper laptops. You'll get up to eight Zen 4 CPU cores, and RDNA 3 graphics with an NPU capable of 16 TOPS of AI performance. Laptops featuring these processors are due in Q2 2025.

On the gaming side, AMD is launching a new line-up of X3D CPUs for laptops equipped with 3D V-Cache. You can see the full specs in the table below:

Model	Cores / Threads	Boost / Base Frequency	Total Cache	Graphics Model AMD	Graphics Cores	cTDP
AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D	16/32	Up to 5.4 / 2.5 GHz	144 MB	AMD Radeon 610M graphics	2	55- 75W
AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX	16/32	Up to 5.4 / 2.5 GHz	80 MB	AMD Radeon 610M graphics	2	55- 75W
AMD Ryzen 9 9850HX	12/24	Up to 5.2/ 3.0 GHz	76 MB	AMD Radeon 610M graphics	2	45- 75W

Laptops equipped with Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs will be available starting in the first half of 2025, so we should see the first models within the next few months.

KitGuru Says: Are you going to be in the market for a new laptop in 2025? Will you be looking for an AMD-powered system? 

The post CES 2025: AMD rolls out new Zen 4 and Zen 5 CPUs for laptops first appeared on KitGuru.

AMD has announced new CPUs for both laptops and desktops at CES this week, but what about gaming handhelds? For the next generation of handheld gaming systems, AMD is offering up the Ryzen Z2 series, consisting of the Ryzen Z2, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme and the Ryzen Z2 Go. 

These CPUs use Zen 5 CPU cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, all while keeping the TDP under 35W. These chips should improve performance compared to the previous generation, while also offering better battery life thanks to efficiency improvements.

You can see the full specs in the table below:

Model	Cores/Threads	Boost / Base Frequency	Total Cache	Graphics Model AMD	Graphics Cores	cTDP
AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 2.0 GHz	24 MB	AMD RDNA 3.5	16	15- 35W
AMD Ryzen Z2	4C/8T	Up to 5.1 / 3.3 GHZ	24 MB	AMD RDNA 3	12	15- 30W
AMD Ryzen Z2 Go	4C/8T	Up to 4.3 / 3.0 GHz	10 MB	AMD RDNA 2	12	15- 30W

Systems powered by Ryzen Z2 processors are expected to be available starting in Q1 2025.

KitGuru Says: Are you considering picking up a new gaming handheld in 2025? 

The post CES 2025: AMD launches Ryzen Z2, Ryzen Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2 Go first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel has officially retired its budget-oriented Laminar RS1 CPU cooler, ending an era of affordable (and often underwhelming) thermal solutions.

The Laminar RS1 has been a staple of the company's low-end CPU offerings, bundled with Pentium and Celeron processors. While not entirely deserving of its negative reputation, the RS1's cooling capacity was undeniably limited, struggling to keep pace with the thermal demands of modern desktop CPUs. As such, Intel discontinued the RS1 cooler and replaced it with the RM1 cooler on the CPUs that were still bundled with the now-discontinued cooler.

The RS1 and the RM1 are fairly similar looking, with the latter having a blue ring around the fan. The RM1, typically bundled with Core i3 to i7 65W processors, offers better cooling performance thanks to its larger heatsink and more powerful fan.

Unlike the RS1 that the RM1 has replaced, the latter will probably still be used on higher-end CPUs. As such, Intel should continue to pack it with future generations of CPUs, including the upcoming Core Ultra 200 non-K series processors.

KitGuru says: Have you ever used an Intel RS1 CPU cooler with any build? Should Intel replace it with a more capable solution or stop bundling stock coolers on entry-level CPUs altogether?

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Koorui is set to blow minds at CES 2025 with the G7, a 24.5-inch TN gaming monitor boasting a jaw-dropping 750Hz refresh rate.

This display marks a significant milestone in monitor technology, surpassing the current crop of high-refresh-rate panels and pushing the boundaries of fluidity. According to Notebookcheck, the G7 features a 24.5-inch Full HD (1920×1080) TN panel with a 0.5 ms GtG response time and that incredible 750Hz refresh rate. While TN panels aren't typically known for their colour accuracy, the G7 boasts 95% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR400 support.

While the 750Hz refresh rate is undeniably impressive, its real-world impact might be limited for most gamers. Current hardware struggles to consistently achieve such high frame rates, especially at demanding resolutions and settings. Furthermore, the perceived difference between 540 Hz and 750 Hz is minimal for most users. However, for esports professionals and those seeking the highest refresh rate, the G7 is the way to go (at least while other manufacturers don't launch their own 750 Hz monitors).

The G7 also features a stand with various ergonomic adjustments, including height, tilt, and swivel. Reduced blue light emissions and flicker-free technology further enhance viewing comfort. Connectivity options include three HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, and a headphone jack, providing ample flexibility for connecting various gaming devices. The Koorui G7 is expected to enter mass production in 2025.

KitGuru says: Would you consider getting a 750 Hz monitor, even if it uses a TN panel?

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Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of Minecraft, has hinted at a potential spiritual successor to the iconic sandbox game. Notch began working on Minecraft back in 2009 and the game quickly became popular even in its Alpha stage. Later on, Microsoft acquired Mojang and the Minecraft IP for $2 billion. 

In a series of posts on X, Notch engaged with his followers, asking them to choose between two potential projects for him to focus on in 2025: a classic roguelike with a “tile-based first-person dungeon crawler” twist or a spiritual successor to Minecraft. While he initially championed the roguelike concept, describing it as a blend of Stardew Valley and dungeon crawling, the overwhelming response from his followers swayed him towards the Minecraft successor. With nearly 80% of the quarter-million votes favouring a new Minecraft-like experience, Notch seems to have embraced the idea.

In a follow-up post, he playfully declared that he had “basically announced Minecraft 2”, expressing his enthusiasm for returning to game development and acknowledging the demand for a game similar to his original masterpiece.

Notch clarified that no non-compete clause prevents him from creating a Minecraft-like game, although he acknowledged that using the “Minecraft” name would be legally problematic. He intends to create a new, original game with similar gameplay mechanics and a different title, referring to it as a “spiritual successor”. He also emphasised his respect for Mojang Studios and Microsoft, the current stewards of the Minecraft franchise, and assured his followers that he would not infringe on their work. He expressed his desire to create a game that honours the spirit of Minecraft while forging its own unique identity.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of Minecraft? Would you prefer a roguelike made by Notch or the spiritual successor to Minecraft?

The post Notch is making a Minecraft successor first appeared on KitGuru.

CES begins today and Intel is starting things off with a range of new processors. The new Intel Core Ultra 200HX and H series mobile processors are the focal point, but we also have new 65W and 35W Core Ultra 200S desktop processors.

The Core Ultra 200HX and H processors are designed for the next generation of laptops for gaming and content creation. The 200HX CPUs will top out at up to 24-cores, split between 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores. There will also be a 16-core HX chip that utilises 6 P-Cores and 8 E-cores along with two extra low-power E-Cores. Intel claims that these new processors offer up to 41 percent better multi-threaded performance compared to the previous generation.

For Core Ultra 200H, Intel is offering integrated Arc graphics with up to eight Xe cores with the Intel Xe Matrix Extension to accelerate AI tasks. Intel says Core Ultra 200H offers 22 percent better gaming performance compared to the prior generation, delivering up to 99 TOPS of performance.

Intel Core Ultra 200HX laptop buyers will also be able to overclock to squeeze out some extra performance. Select SKUs will allow for P-Core and E-Core overclocking, XMP for overclocking DDR5 SODIMM memory, or you can use the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility for a one-click overclocking solution.

In addition to all of the new laptop processors, Intel is also adding a few new Core Ultra 200S desktop processors to its line-up. There will be 12 new SKUs all focused on efficiency, with 65W or 35W TDPs.

At CES this week, we expect to see a range of new laptops announced from OEMs, featuring Intel's latest mobile processors. Our video coverage begins tomorrow, so stay tuned for a closer look at all the latest tech coming our way in 2025.

KitGuru Says: Intel had a busy end of year, with the Pat Gelsinger stepping down as CEO, followed by the launch of Intel's 2nd Generation Xe desktop graphics cards. It will be interesting to see if any of the company's current roadmap and plans change once a new CEO takes over. 

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While the launch of the latest AMD and Intel platforms didn't excite the market as much as new CPU launches did a decade ago, the upcoming graphics card launches are sure to stimulate significant sales in 2025. Enthusiasts who purchased 4070, 4080 and 4090 cards over two years ago – will have an eye out for CES announcements to see what kind of upgrade options become available. New cards will mean the latest processors, motherboards and other components – all of which will require new power supplies, chassis and cooling. FSP is looking to provide those options, and it plans to make product selection much easier for your new build.

FSP has revealed that it will be introducing several new PSU ranges across a number of price points. The line-up is segmented into three main categories: VITA for entry-level users, ADVAN for mid-range enthusiasts and MEGA for high-performance setups. These power supplies are designed to accommodate the latest technological advancements, including the ability to support high-power requirements for next-generation graphics cards.

The standout among these is the Cannon Pro, a 2,500W behemoth certified for 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Platinum efficiency. With four native 12V-2×6 connectors, this model is engineered to power up to four high-end graphics cards or dual GPU workstations. Its compatibility with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards, coupled with coatings for anti-dust, anti-humidity, and anti-stain protection, makes it a robust choice for industrial and workstation applications.

In addition to these high-power solutions, FSP’s semi-fanless designs (operating silently up to 40% load) and 10-year warranties on Gold-certified units – underscore the company's confidence in its PSU component reliability. The introduction of a ‘Ready for AI' tag reflects their anticipation of increased 24×7 operation demands from local AI systems, further aligning their offerings with emerging trends. FSP had a lot of success in developing 24×7 use PSUs for the previous spikes in Bitcoin production, so they should have a good handle on the support requirements for that kind of usage model.

Innovative Chassis for Enhanced Functionality
FSP’s latest chassis offerings demonstrate a clear focus on usability, aesthetics, and durability. A notable innovation is the inclusion of a specialised VGA holder in high-end cases, designed to prevent damage to heavy graphics cards during transit—a practical solution for the growing size and weight of modern GPUs.

Colour preferences are also shaping the market, with FSP reporting that up to 40% of their chassis and cooling products now ship in white. While black remains the dominant choice, the rising popularity of white reflects a shift towards customisation and visual appeal. These chassis are designed with versatility in mind, featuring spacious interiors, panoramic views, and vibrant RGB lighting to cater to gamers and content creators alike. For small office or server setups, compact designs prioritise cooling and efficient use of space.

Cooling Solutions: Advanced Air and Liquid Options
The cooling line-up from FSP spans both air and liquid systems, offering options for a wide range of users. Their air coolers include tower and dual-tower designs equipped with single or dual fans, delivering effective thermal management starting at just £20. These affordable solutions aim to balance performance and cost for mainstream users.

For high-performance builds, FSP’s all-in-one (AiO) liquid coolers feature large radiators and compatibility with the latest CPU sockets. The naming conventions, such as AE24, AE36, and AE48, correspond to radiator sizes (240mm, 360mm, and 480mm), making it easier for users to identify suitable models. Available in black and white, these coolers combine quiet operation with robust thermal performance, appealing to mid-range and advanced users.

Simplified Naming and Enhanced User Experience
FSP’s restructured naming conventions across power supplies, chassis, and cooling solutions are designed to simplify product selection.
For power supplies, prefixes indicate energy certification levels:-

• ‘W' for White
• ‘B' for Bronze
• ‘S' for Silver
• ‘G' for Gold
• ‘P' for Platinum
• ‘T' for Titanium

The suffixes denote cabling types:-

• ‘D' for direct cabling
• ‘S' for semi-modular
• ‘M' for fully modular.

For example, a VITA BD model is an entry-level power supply with 80 PLUS Bronze certification and direct cabling. This logical approach extends to cooling solutions, where three-character codes represent size, range and performance level for air coolers/radiator size for liquid coolers. This consistency looks to streamline the purchasing process, helping users quickly identify the right product. It should also help system builders to match PSUs to customer needs.

Entry-Level Gold Standards
Among the power supplies unveiled, the 750W Gold-rated models are now positioned as near entry-level offerings, reflecting a significant shift in performance expectations. These units, available in both black and white finishes, come with fully modular cables and are designed to deliver over 90% efficiency. This development highlights the increasing demand for high-quality components even at the mainstream level.

Catering to Diverse User Needs
FSP’s strategy for 2025 focuses on catering to a wide spectrum of users. For enthusiasts and professionals, the MEGA TI series offers top-tier performance, with 1,650W and 1,350W variants boasting Cybenetics Titanium certification. These power supplies include features such as dual 12V-2×6 connectors, semi-fanless operation, and enhanced durability through protective coatings. For mainstream builders, the ADVAN GM and VITA GM series provide reliable, efficient power solutions with modular cabling options.

Positioning for the Future
FSP’s drive to innovate in power supplies, chassis, and cooling solutions position them strongly for 2025 and beyond. If they can address the needs of mainstream, mid-range and high-end users with thoughtfully designed products, they can definitely develop a strong following.

With updated warranties, intuitive naming conventions, improved Q&A and a commitment to addressing emerging trends such as AI workloads and multi-GPU setups, FSP demonstrates its readiness to meet the demands of modern computing environments. In many ways, FSP is a sleeping giant in the PC technology sector. We're hoping to see a lot more launches around Computex 2025.

KitGuru Says: We'll be at CES this week, so stay tuned for all of our video content on the latest tech coming our way in 2025. 

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G.Skill is expanding its lineup with new low-latency memory kits, perfect to pair with AMD Ryzen 9000 series systems. The new memory kits will be available under the Trident Z5 Neo, Trident Z5 Royal Neo, and Ripjaws M5 Neo series.

G.Skill recently introduced DDR5-6000 CL26 kits in 32GB (2x16GB) and 64GB (2x32GB) configurations. These kits have timings of 26-36-36-96, pushing the limits of the out-of-the-box DDR5 performance and responsiveness for gaming and other latency-sensitive applications. To ensure stability, G.Skill has tested these kits on high-end AMD platforms, using an Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero motherboard and the Ryzen 9 9900X CPU.

G.Skill is launching the world's first high-capacity, low-latency DDR5-6000 CL28 kits (28-36-36-96) for content creators and professional users in 2x24GB and 2x48GB configurations. These kits balance capacity and speed, making them ideal for demanding workloads requiring large memory capacity and low latency.

These new kits feature AMD EXPO technology, allowing simple and hassle-free memory overclocking through the motherboard BIOS. This ensures that users can easily achieve optimal performance without manual tuning. The new G.Skill low-latency DDR5 memory kits will be available in January 2025.

KitGuru says: Would you prefer the lower-latency 32/64 GB kits or the extra capacity of the 48/96 GB kits with slightly looser timings?

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Building your own PC can be very satisfying, but at the same time it can also be a little daunting for first-timers. Since 2022, MSI has had a team working to make the process simpler, faster, more intuitive and accessible. As we prepare for major launches at the start of 2025, MSI hopes that its latest innovations will make it quicker and easier than ever for anyone to build a high-performance PC. Recently, we had the privilege of visiting MSI’s headquarters in Taipei, where the company revealed its next generation of enhancements under the umbrella of the “1-Concept”. 

The “1 Concept” is a unified philosophy designed to streamline every aspect of the PC-building process. Whether it’s using one finger, one hand, one step or one click, MSI is working to reduce complexity – while enhancing functionality and aesthetics. This cohesive approach touches every part of the build, from component installation to performance tuning and diagnostics.

These are the major design ideas guiding the future ‘shape' of MSI motherboards, cooling solutions, cases and more.

1-Hand Assembly: Making Installation Simpler

Traditionally, mounting a motherboard requires careful alignment and a pair of steady hands. MSI’s new designs allow a motherboard to slot into place securely, held at an angle by the chassis until it is ready for final positioning. This system enables single-handed installation, reducing the risk of mishaps during assembly.

Complementing this is MSI’s pre-installed I/O shield, ensuring that one of the fiddliest steps in the build is now effortless. The shield is not only built into the motherboard but also designed with precision to ensure that connectors align perfectly with your chassis, offering a smoother, error-free experience.

1-Finger Adjustments: Tool-Free, Hassle-Free Assembly

MSI’s One-Finger Design brings a new level of convenience to component installation. Key examples include: –

• M.2 SSD Installation
  Forget fiddling with screws and tools. MSI has developed a latch system that allows users to install and secure M.2 SSDs with just a single finger. The thermal plate for SSDs is similarly designed, snapping into place without the need for a screwdriver.
• PCIe Graphics Card Release
  MSI has reimagined how graphics cards are mounted and removed. A button on the motherboard now mechanically disengages the PCIe locking mechanism, allowing users to remove the card effortlessly. Visual indicators ensure that the card is securely installed, eliminating guesswork. The new version claims to be 121% stronger than previous generations – which is useful for large graphic cards. Worth checking which version is present on any MSI board you're thinking of getting

These innovations look to simplify the process and minimise the risk of damage to delicate components during assembly or upgrades. Making its products harder to damage by accident, will have another benefit to MSI – in terms of reduced levels of customer returns.

1-Step Integration: Faster, Cleaner Builds

For 2025, MSI is introducing features that reduce the number of steps required to assemble and customise a PC, including: –

• Project Zero motherboards with rear-facing connectors that are designed for a cable-free aesthetic. To address concerns about bent pins during assembly, the innovative packaging that your motherboard arrives in, doubles as a temporary mounting frame, securely holding the board while you populate it with components.
• Daisy-chained fans and cables for MSI’s new cooling systems, that feature pre-installed fans with daisy-chain connectors. These connect multiple fans together with a single cable, reducing clutter and ensuring improved airflow and thermal efficiency. Pre-installed radiator cabling in liquid cooling solutions further simplifies installation.
• The EZ Bridge system is presently only available on flagship motherboards, and it combines connectors for fans, LEDs and system components into one unified block. This not only improves the internal aesthetics of a build, but also significantly reduces the time needed for wiring.

1-Glance Diagnostics: Enhanced Debugging and Monitoring

MSI is looking to redefine how users monitor and troubleshoot their systems. The EZ Debug Suite includes: –

• EZ Debug LEDs
  A series of lights on the motherboard indicating potential issues with the CPU, RAM or storage
• Memory Detection LEDs
  These help identify faulty or incorrectly seated memory modules. Something that could be crucial, given the ease with which you can mismatch DDR5 modules with Intel and AMD’s latest motherboards
• Onboard Labelling
  Connectors on the motherboard are clearly labelled, with additional technical details printed directly onto the PCB, allowing users to identify features without consulting the manual.

In addition, MSI has incorporated a bright yellow connection for high powered components that may need up to 600 watts. If the plug isn't fully connected, you will still see yellow and you can apply more pressure to get solid seal.

In response to customer requests, MSI has also changed the bags and packaging used for smaller components (like the mounting kit for coolers) now also has much clearer labelling. When presenting the new packaging, MSI told us that, in tests, it was no longer necessary to get 100% coverage between the cooler plate and the CPU. Their research has discovered that hotspots can get really intense – so it's more important that the most effective part of the cooler plate is in contact with the hottest part of the CPU. Cooling for the periphery of new CPUs is less important.

1-Click Performance Optimisation: Smarter Software Tools

MSI’s commitment to user-friendly software interfaces continues with EZ Driver Installation. A bundled USB drive contains all necessary drivers, streamlining the setup process once the operating system is installed. For enthusiasts, MSI’s BIOS now includes one-click overclocking tools, making it easier than ever to optimise system performance without needing advanced technical knowledge. This system proved useful with our motherboard testing in the later part of 2024.

MSI’s R&D efforts aren’t limited to motherboards. The company also has teams focused on simplifying cooling and storage solutions as well: –

• UNI Bracket for Liquid Cooling
  MSI’s liquid cooling systems now feature brackets that support both Intel and AMD motherboards, reducing the need for multiple components. Pre-routed and hidden cabling enhances aesthetics while streamlining installation.
• M.2 XPander-Z Slider Gen5
  This PCIe card accommodates two M.2 SSDs with tool-free installation and removal. The design borrows concepts from enterprise-level hot-swappable drives, ensuring maximum convenience and reliability.
• Customisable Cases
  MSI’s new cases include rotatable backplanes, allowing users to mount GPUs horizontally or vertically. Dual-panel cable covers hide cables behind the motherboard tray, contributing to a cleaner, more professional-looking build.

Underpinning all of this work, is a commercial need to making DIY system building accessible to all. Going back almost 20 years ago, the market was driven by a desire to get more processing power from your system than you had actually paid for. The early tools were unsophisticated/temperamental. In 2007, the Q6600 became the ‘Go To' processor for overclockers and this was followed in 2010 by Core processors that KitGuru was able to get to 5GHz with air cooling (Core i5-655k).

These days, something like Intel's 285K can run its efficiency cores as low as 3.2GHz, but if your app demands it – Intel claims that it can push its performance cores to around 5.7GHz (Max Turbo Frequency). The fact that the CPUs can automatically add that kind of boost has caused a percentage of the market to question whether they should build it themselves – or go for a complete solution ‘off the shelf'.

MSI’s expanded rollout of EZ DIY features across its product range highlights the company’s dedication to bringing ‘build-it-yourself' opportunities to every budget. High-end motherboards like the Godlike series will continue to lead the way with premium features like EZ Bridge and advanced diagnostics, but we've been told that additional “1-Concept” functionalities such as tool-free installation and simplified cable management will be available across most boards in 2025.

With features like daisy-chain connectors, expanded accessibility of advanced technologies and the introduction of Project Zero, MSI is looking to make PC building more approachable than ever. Whether you’re assembling your first rig or fine-tuning a high-performance machine, MSI believes that its latest advancements ensure that the process is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Recently, there has been a trend toward buying complete systems, but – if the price is the same, the assembly process is easy and the ‘zero cables’ result looks great – MSI believes that many more people will be drawn to building their own PC in 2025.

KitGuru Says: Would you like to see more companies focus on ease-of-use initiatives to get more people building their own PCs? 

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Gigabyte is updating its gaming monitor lineup with the launch of two cutting-edge QD-OLED gaming monitors: the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, boasting a 500Hz refresh rate, and the Gigabyte MO27U2, offering 4K resolution at 240Hz.

The Aorus FO27Q5P is Gigabyte's new 27-inch flagship monitor. Its 500Hz refresh rate sets a new standard for QD-OLED displays, delivering even better motion clarity and responsiveness. This monitor is expected to be one of the first displays to meet the upcoming ClearMR 21000 standard. The FO27Q5P also boasts VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, ensuring deep blacks and accurate shadow details. You will also find DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 support, offering a massive 80Gbps bandwidth.

The Gigabyte MO27U2 redefines the 27-inch form factor with its 4K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. This combination delivers incredibly sharp and detailed visuals, with a pixel density of 166 PPI. The monitor also boasts exceptional colour accuracy with Delta E ≤ 2 and Pantone Validated certification, making it suitable for content creation and colour-critical work.

Both monitors feature Gigabyte's proprietary OLED Care technology, an AI-powered solution that prevents burn-in and extends the lifespan of the OLED panel. Gigabyte has also enhanced its Tactical Features for these new QD-OLED monitors, including Tactical Switch 2.0, allowing quick switching between different resolutions and aspect ratios. Other features include Night Vision to improve visibility in dark scenes and Black Equalizer 2.0 to enhance contrast and detail.

KitGuru says: Would you consider any of the two new Gigabyte QD-OLED monitors?

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Zowie has once again raised the bar for competitive gaming monitors with the launch of the XL2586X+. This esports-focused display boasts a 600Hz refresh rate, next-generation DyAc 2 technology, and various features designed to give players a competitive edge.

Building on the success of the XL-X+ series, the XL2586X+ utilises a Fast-TN panel to achieve its groundbreaking 600Hz refresh rate, faster than any other gaming monitor currently available. This translates to smooth motion, reduced input lag, and unparalleled clarity, which are crucial for reflex-based competitive titles.

But the advancements don't stop there. Zowie has also incorporated its latest DyAc 2 technology, which builds upon the already impressive DyAc/DyAc+ by using dual backlights with enhanced precision. This results in even better motion blur reduction and ghosting elimination, ensuring crystal-clear visuals even during the most intense action sequences. DyAc 2 also offers softer light output, reducing eye strain and improving visual comfort during long gaming sessions.

The XL2586X+ features a new vivid colour film that enhances colour performance by 35% compared to previous TN panels. This delivers more vibrant and accurate colours, making it easier to spot enemies and reducing the washed-out look often associated with TN displays. Zowie also packed this monitor with features for gamers, including an Auto Game Mode to adjust colour modes between different games and applications automatically. The XL2586X+ also features a robust height-adjustable stand with industrial-grade bearings.

KitGuru says: Would you buy a 600Hz refresh rate TN monitor?

The post Zowie unveils 600Hz gaming monitor ahead of CES first appeared on KitGuru.