eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
The world’s Windows PC makers are gathered this week in Taipei to show off their latest wares at Computex. This year, Dell, one of Microsoft’s staunchest hardware partners, took the wraps off new Windows 10 systems powered by Ryzen, AMD’s latest processor line.
PC enthusiasts and chip industry watchers are keeping a watchful eye on Ryzen, which is widely considered AMD’s first serious challenge to Intel in years. Boasting a powerful and energy-efficient microarchitecture, Ryzen processors are designed to make quick work of business application workloads and help drive virtual reality experiences that can be taxing on run-of-the-mill hardware.
Dell demonstrated its confidence in AMD’s newest processors by launching its first Inspiron Gaming desktop PCs. Running Windows 10 and powered by multicore Ryzen chips, the new PCs use AMD’s SenseMI technology to monitor system resources and temperatures and adjust performance for an optimum energy efficiency and application response.
Graphical processing unit options include GeForce GTX 1060 and Radeon RX580 cards from Nvidia and AMD, respectively. For more demanding workloads the Dell Inspiron Gaming PC is available in VR setups that support Oculus and HTC Vive headsets. However buyers can opt for a 850-watt power supply that supports dual-GPU configurations.
Dell also unveiled a Ryzen-based all-in-one Windows 10 PC. Featuring a 27-inch screen that can deliver 4K visuals (optional), the new Inspiron 27 7000 AIO includes AMD Radeon RX500 Series graphics and far-field microphone technology that can be used with Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana. Prices start at $999.
Both the Inspiron Gaming and Inspiron 27 7000 AIO are available now in China with a global rollout to follow in the coming weeks.
Asus has also jumped on the Ryzen bandwagon with its Republic of Gamers (ROG) sub-brand. In its own hometown, the Taiwanese PC vendor today laid claim to the first gaming laptop powered by the eight-core Ryzen 7 chip, the Strix GL702ZC. Other features on the high-end device include a 17-inch screen and a backlit keyboard.
The company also unveiled a Ryzen-based desktop PC, the G11DF. Also aimed at gamers, the system can push a 4K display and features the company’s upgraded audio technology dubbed ASUS Sonic Studio.
Although AMD has sparked some intense interest in its latest processor technologies, Intel remains a dominating presence at Computex.
Samsung cracked open the lid on its new Notebook 9 Pro during the event. Powered by a seventh-generation Intel Core i7 “Kaby Lake” processor, the 2-in-1 Windows 10 laptop ships with an S Pen stylus, allowing users to take Windows Ink for a spin right out of the box.
Options include a 13.3-inch model with 8GB of RAM and a 15-inch version with 16GB of RAM. Both sizes include a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD).
After putting a full PC capable of running Windows on a stick, Intel is trying a yet another compact form factor. The chip maker today unveiled its new Compute Card.
Intel has stuffed a Core i5 vPro processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage into a package that is slightly larger than a credit card at 95 millimeters by 55 millimeters and has a thickness of just 5 millimeters. Compute Card is expected to ship in August. Hardware partners include Dell, HP and Lenovo.