Intel Core i9, Coffee Lake and Optane: all about Intel’s newest processors for laptops

Intel is poised to solidify its dominance of the mobile computing world with its 2018 release of new Coffee Lake H-series and U-series Intel Core processors, Core i9 CPUs for laptops and Intel Optane taking over mobile memory.

All three new types of product are aimed to give Intel what it needs to deliver top-tier performance for every laptop price point, purpose and form factor. Based on Intel’s promises and early hands-on time with several of these 8th-generation and Core i9 laptops, Intel seems well on its way to delivering.

Starting with the fun stuff, Intel Core i9 brings the firm’s most powerful CPU into the mobile space. The one and only Core i9 processor is the i9-8950HK, clocked at 2.9GHz and maxing out at 4.8GHz across its six cores and 12 threads. The processor has a relatively massive 12MB cache, and it is unlocked for overclocking.

Clearly, the idea with this processor was to bring desktop, hexa-core power to gaming laptops and prosumer devices. Laptops we’ve seen already possess this power include the Asus ROG G703, Aorus X9 DT and MSI GT75 Titan.

Better performance for all

Unlike the laser focus on enthusiast gaming of Core i9 on mobile, Intel looks for its Coffee Lake H- and U-series to improve upon the experiences of all gamers and general users, respectively.

The H series of Intel Core processors brings hexa-core design to Intel Core i7 chips for the first time in the i7-8850H with a 2.6GHz clock speed that boosts to 4.3GHz when needed with a 9MB cache in tow. These hexa-core CPUs should make managing multiple units in strategy and other similar games much more efficient.

Intel’s Coffee Lake U-series, however, simply doubles down on the power of 8th-gen Kaby Lake R with more quad-core chips that range in clock speed from 2.3GHz to 3.0GHz and cache size from 4MB to 8MB. By Intel’s measure using a Core i5-8400U processor, this chip is 2.5 times more responsive and 2.1 times faster in office productivity tasks than a five-year-old system. The new U-series also integrates updated Iris Plus graphics.

To make those gains feel even larger, Intel has brought its Optane high-speed memory to laptops through both direct Optane SSDs for laptops, like the Optane SSD 800p, as well as Optane hybrid drives for disk drives paired with SSDs. According to Intel, the gains amount to 1.3 times performance improvement in data writing and retrieval-related tasks, and 4.7 times faster level loading in games.

Intel hasn’t laid out pricing expectations for any products containing these new processors or storage improvements, rather leaving that up to individual device makers. Expect to see laptops with these new processors inside laptops priced from $500 or £400 onward starting very soon.

• Will AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation rise to meet Intel’s challenge?

April 03, 2018 at 02:01PM
Joe Osborne

The best Xbox One X prices, bundles and sales in Australia (April 2018)

UPDATE: While you could always order your console direct from the Microsoft store for $649, if you scroll down, you'll be able to snag a free copy of Gears of War 4 at no extra cost.

At E3 2017, Microsoft officially unveiled what was formerly known as Project Scorpio — the Xbox One X. This is the full 4K HDR upgrade from Microsoft that fans of the original Xbox One consoles have been waiting for, not to mention newcomers to the platform.

This is the place where we answer any questions you may have about what exactly the new Xbox One X is capable of, – its specs, price, and release date have all been covered here – and ultimately, whether or not you should buy it.

At the moment, the best place to order your console is from the Microsoft store directly for $649, as all retailers are offering it for the same price, but aren't likely to have as much stock as the company's own store.

We'll also be keeping track of any deals and bundles that pop up, so be sure to come back and visit every now and then if you're waiting for a bargain — we're sure to have one if there is one to be had. 

And, of course, if you're wondering what to play on this new beast, we've had a thorough look at the best Xbox One X games available, and which ones will really shine with Microsoft's latest powerhouse.

Best Xbox One X bundles:

The latest Xbox One X deals:

Here's our list of the best Xbox One X prices and deals out at the moment, updated live.

Why should I buy an Xbox One X?

While not technically a 'next-gen' console, the Xbox One X is still a powerful upgrade over the current Xbox One lineup. To simplify things, it's more aligned with Sony's PS4 Pro than it is anything else. The target audience of both consoles are gamers with a 4K HDR TV who want to squeeze the best graphical performance possible out of their favoured console. For those gamers without a 4K TV, there will be modest performance boosts although it's likely not worth the upgrade if you don't have a 4K HDR TV.

We're told that the Xbox One X won't necessarily have any exclusive games released for it, and as far as we know all Xbox One titles will still work with it, so exclusivity and compatbility and reason enough alone to ditch your Xbox One S.

The Xbox One X is making bold claims about true native 4K gaming though with its upcoming titles and if you have a 4K TV with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, the Xbox One X is ready to seriously impress with the likes of Forza Motorsport 7, Metro: Exodus and Anthem set to be true jaw-droppers in the graphics department.

What is the Xbox One X price?

Although it's steep, the price conversion from the US didn't hit us nearly as hard as it normally would. The Xbox One X will cost $649 in Australia while the US will pay $499. 

Where can I order an Xbox One X?

As is to be expected, all the usual suspects in the gaming retail business have the console in stock, although each and every one is offering the new Xbox One X for the same price.

With that in mind, you may as well order your console from The Microsoft Store for $649 as there's a better chance they'll have a bigger stock allocation, given it's the company's own store.

What if I don't care about 4K or want to save money?

Well, the good news is that the standard Xbox One S is a fantastic games console and you'll likely be able to get one with a few games for less than $300 over at our Xbox One deals page.

April 03, 2018 at 02:14PM
Harry Domanski

The best PS4 Pro prices, bundles and sales in Australia (April 2018)

UPDATED: Big W have got the goods right now on a Destiny 2 bundle, or if you're after Far Cry 5 you can spend a little more from EB Games, so head down the page to the bundle section and save some dosh on this Sony beast.

Sony beat Microsoft to the punch with its new 4K gaming system, the PS4 Pro, and you should definitely grab one.

Here you'll find the best prices around on the PlayStation 4 Pro console and any bundle deals available so you can score Sony's excellent 4K system and jump right into the amazing array of PS4 games available at the moment.

We've got a dedicated page if you're looking for some excellent prices on the PlayStation VR and PlayStation Camera.

Keep this page bookmarked and we'll update it with bundles as they arrive, or scroll further down if you've got any burning questions about the new 4K PS4 Pro. To compare PlayStation 4 Pro prices in real time, check out our pick below, or visit our sister site Getprice.

The best PlayStation 4 Pro bundles

While Playstation 4 Pro bundles are constantly shifting from store to store, we've listed and ranked the best current options from the major retailers below so you don't have to do the sniffing and scratching yourself. 

Remember that the value of a bundle will ultimately come down to whether or not you were going to purchase the included game (or games) anyway and while some bundles are obviously better priced than others, you should check to see if that saving is worthwhile.

Need an extra controller on the cheap? Take a look at the best DualShock 4 deals.

What is the PS4 Pro?

Although the PS4 Pro isn't a 'next-gen' console necessarily, it is an upgrade of the PS4 and features the coveted 4K and HDR options that we're hearing so much about. 

The new machine will allow game developers to include 4K options in their games, so expect the like of Uncharted 4, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Days Gone, Horizon: Zero Dawn and more to look even better on a 4K TV.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range is the other buzzword to be excited about as the PS4 Pro will allow for extra detail to be seen on a range of games and also a wider range of colours not usually displayed by traditional HD TVs.

Will my old PS4 games work on PS4 Pro?

Yes. While not every game will be patched to take advantage of the new 4K/HDR capabilities, all of your old games will still work. Not only that, but the default upscaling (if you have a 4K TV) will likely see some improvements to the visuals and the boosted console power may give a slight nudge to the frame rates for some smoother play.

What else can I watch in 4K/HDR on PS4 Pro?

With services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video adopting 4K and HDR, with an ever-growing library entering the services, the PS4 Pro will be excellent as a streaming and media hub for your home theatre. There's also a lot of free 4K content on the YouTube app, and Stan has plenty of 4K although no HDR-compatible content yet.

Does the PS4 Pro support 4K Blu-rays?

No. The Xbox One S does support them though, so this was a bit of a surprise from Sony. So if you're specifically after a 4K Blu-ray player then head over to the competition, but as many viewers are crossing over to streaming services for their digital viewing, this may prove a wise move from Sony in the long run.

Do I need a 4K TV to run a PS4 Pro?

You don't NEED a 4K TV, no. The PS4 Pro will still run as per normal on a regular 1080p TV, although you won't get the benefits of upscaling or HDR though. There's a chance you may see a frame-rate boost or a slim amount of extra detail, but we wouldn't expect a massive leap.

If your mind is on a 4K TV, then you should probably go with a Pro rather than a Slim as it'll future proof you for a while and, realistically, the price jump is worth the longevity. Be sure to look out for a TV that supports HDR too, in order to take full advantage of the PS4 Pro's capabilities.

Will PlayStation VR be better on the PS4 Pro?

Maybe. Early reports seem to suggest it will as the PlayStation VR frame-rate is better on PS4 Pro and the resolution gets a bit of a bump too. You don't need a PS4 Pro to use PlayStation VR but this increase in specs may contribute a little to the immersion.

Does the PS4 Pro have optical audio support?

Yes! Although the optical audio output has been removed from the PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro owners  will still be able to use optical connections for their soundbars and sound systems.

What are the best games on PS4 Pro?

After scrounging through our back catalogue of PS4 games that have received a Pro update patch, we've come up with a feature packed with the games that look the best and have a noticeable difference. Take a look at our extensive list - The best PS4 Pro games.

April 03, 2018 at 02:04PM
Harry Domanski

Apple's plan for Mac processors built in-house is reportedly code-named 'Kalamata'

Apple is reportedly deep into plans to replace the Intel processors that it currently places inside its iMac and MacBook computers with chips of its own, according to Bloomberg sources. 

The initiative to make this change happen is reportedly known internally as ‘Kalamata’, is in developmental stages. However, generating new processor designs and then fabricating them successfully takes more than a year and a half practically.

According to Bloomberg’s sources, this is part of a larger strategy to make all of Apple’s devices work more seamlessly together and will likely be carried out over multiple phases.

More affirmation of a monumental shift

This news follows previous reports that Apple has been planning to rid itself of reliance on Intel regarding its computers. Even without those previous reports, Apple’s intent to do this has been made quite obvious by previous hardware designs.

Apple is now two generations into integrating its own co-processor for Mac computers, the T1 and the T2. The former being found in the 2016-onward MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, controlling its Touch ID function, and the latter being inside the new iMac Pro, managing its secure enclave and webcam performance.

It’s obvious that Apple, with its gobs of cash on hand, would be interested in spending said cash to eliminate ways in which it is losing cash. Providing Intel with 5% of its annual revenue – by Bloomberg's measure – is revenue Apple would surely much rather keep in its pocket.

Any details as to what these processors may be, e.g. whether ARM-based or x86-based designs, are not known at the moment. However, judging from Apple’s deep, intense experience with ARM processors, we have a solid guess.

Further to that point, Apple's plan to bring iOS apps to Mac has been reportedly given the 'Marzipan' codename internally, and using ARM processors – even co-processors – would sure make that easier.

Of course, both Intel and Apple refused to comment. Here’s to one or two more years of Macs with Intel processors inside – get to collecting, Apple geeks.

• These are the best Macs to date

April 03, 2018 at 02:25AM
Joe Osborne

Fortnite is now available for all on the iOS App Store

Fortnite is now available for all on the iOS App Store, well, to those with at least with an iPhone that’s no older than the iPhone SE or iPhone 6S. 

The popular battle royale multiplayer shooter was previously in beta, and available to download via an invitation. But now, all you have to do is open up the App Store on your iOS 11 device, whether it be an iPhone or a tablet (restricted to iPads going back as far as the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4) and it will be ready to download.

Fortnite on mobile, while not yet available on Android, supports cross-platform play, connecting you to matches against players on PC and Xbox One. This ensures that the pool of available teammates and opponents is far higher than if this version of the game were limited to just phones, meaning you’ll always find a game going on.

If now is your first time jumping into the frenzy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, we’ve been busy playing the beta ourselves and have some tips.

Via The Verge

• Fortnite not your style? PUBG just released on mobile as well

April 03, 2018 at 12:51AM
Cameron Faulkner

Acer's ultra-thin all-in-one desktop is now on sale

Acer’s slimmest ever and most stylish all-in-one desktop, the Aspire S24 is finally on sale.

Originally announced at IFA 2017, this 23.8-inch all-in-one follows in the tradition of all-screen computers with guts in the base set by earlier HP Envy models and the Surface Studio. Acer’s desktop is unique in that its main base unit measures in at a scant 0.23-inches.

Within this tiny package, the PC incorporates an 8th generation Kaby Lake Intel Core i5 processor, 12GB of RAM, 1TB of storage space plus an integrated Qi charger. While that might not be enough to game with, the Aspire S24 is aimed at multimedia users with its built-in two-watt 2.1 speaker system enhanced through Acer TrueHarmony and Dolby Audio Premium.

The Acer Aspire S24’s display is equally as impressive with ultra-narrow 0.106 inch bezels for a 90% screen-to-body ratio. The Full HD IPS display also features 178-degree viewing angles that should make screen sharing a little easier.

The Acer Aspire S24 will be available starting this month for $879 (about £630, AU$1,150).

• Not your style? We’ll help you find the best PC for you

April 02, 2018 at 09:26PM
Kevin Lee

Samsung launches the Notebook 5 and Notebook 3 for "everyday premium" computing

Samsung has a couple of new mid-range Windows 10 laptops for your consideration, to sit alongside the Notebook 7 Spin and the Notebook 9 in its portfolio. While they won't break any performance records, they'll see you right for "everyday computing" and "casual gaming", Samsung says.

You can pick up the Notebook 3 with a 14-inch or 15.6-inch screen, while the Notebook 5 sticks with just a 15.6-inch screen. That's with a 720p resolution on the small display and a 1080p on the larger one (the 15.6-inch Notebook 3 lets you choose).

Under the hood you've got your choice of 8th or 7th generation Intel processors – you can go right up to an Intel i7 with discrete Nvidia MX110 or Nvidia MX150 graphics, so it is possible to trick these laptops out to a fairly advanced spec if you want to. As yet the RAM and storage options haven't been announced.

Room for your fingers

Design-wise, Samsung has gone for a familiar, simple but stylish approach. You do get a full-sized keyboard, complete with number pad, on these laptops – so they'd suit someone who has to chew through spreadsheets, type lengthy documents, or do anything else that requires a lot of keyboard work.

If you don't need the latest and greatest specs – particularly in terms of screen resolution – then these laptops should do the job for you. As yet we don't have any details on price though, so it's hard to weigh them up against their rivals.

Samsung says the Notebook 3 and Notebook 5 models are going on sale in South Korea and other "select countries" this month, with wider availability in the second quarter of the year. The Notebook 3 comes in Misty Gray, Night Charcoal, Deep Peach, or Pure White, while the Notebook 5 sticks to Light Titan.

• Cheap laptops 2018: the 10 best budget laptops that (very little) money can buy

April 01, 2018 at 04:30PM
David Nield