Tag: #GPU

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series. Ireland details

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy S26 series, featuring our most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experiences yet and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

The Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced capabilities working together as one: incredible performance, an industry leading camera system and Galaxy AI. This provides a strong foundation that gives Galaxy S26 users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day without compromising security or privacy.

Building on Samsung’s decades of innovation in display technology, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the world’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones to unlock a new class of display experiences and reinforce Samsung’s commitment to privacy at a pixel level. Galaxy S26 Ultra also delivers a customised chipset and upgraded thermal management that enable faster and more powerful AI — all wrapped up in the slimmest Ultra yet.

Together, these choices allow the Galaxy S26 series to deliver the most powerful Galaxy experience yet.

“The most powerful phones should also be the easiest to use,” said Annika Bizon, Vice President of Product and Marketing for Mobile Experience at Samsung UK and Ireland. “The Galaxy S26 Series featuring our most intuitive Galaxy AI ever is designed to reduce the mental load people carry daily, with hardware and AI working together so tasks are handled in the background while privacy stays protected at every level. When technology removes friction, you start experiencing what it enables: more time, less effort and the confidence that your life stays yours.”

Engineered for enhanced performance, the Galaxy S26 series is built on the most powerful hardware ever on a Galaxy S series, powered by a customised chipset. Across the line-up, the Galaxy S26 series is engineered for AI performance, power efficiency and thermal management, ensuring demanding tasks run smoothly and consistently, so users can rely on their device when it matters.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, a customised mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy — delivers enhanced performance with significant gains across CPU, GPU, and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.

A CPU performance increase of up to 19% means Galaxy S26 Ultra responds more quickly and handle complex workloads intelligently, even when multiple tasks are running at once. A 39% improvement in NPU performance powers always-on Galaxy AI features that run seamlessly, allowing users to move between tasks without lag or interruption. A 24% boost in GPU performance delivers richer visuals and more fluid gameplay.

To sustain this level of performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a redesigned Vapor Chamber with thermal interface material positioned along the sides of the processor, allowing heat to spread more efficiently across a larger surface area. This improves heat dissipation to keep the device cool and consistent, even during demanding activities such as gaming, multitasking and video capture. Galaxy S26 Ultra also brings Super-Fast Charging 3.0, minimising downtime by reaching up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes.

Embedded into the processor, Samsung’s proprietary technologies enhance visual performance. ProScaler improves image scaling so photos and videos appear rich and clear at a glance by sharpening text and fine detail while smoothing textures. Additionally, Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more subtle and lifelike colours thanks to image processing with four times the precision compared to the previous generation.

Taken together, these advancements deliver dependable all-day performance, making every action feel effortless.

The Galaxy S26 series brings the same focus on intuitive interaction to creativity and productivity, delivered through the industry-leading Galaxy camera system. With an approach that integrates capturing stunning photos and videos, editing and sharing into a single, seamless experience, creativity feels more natural and accessible even without professional tools or technical knowledge.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures  allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video keeps footage clearer and more vibrant even in dim scenes, whether capturing concerts indoors or recording moments around a campfire after sunset. Video capture is further enhanced with upgraded Super Steady capabilities, which add a horizontal lock option for greater stability and to make consistent framing easier to achieve, even with bumpy trails or fast-paced activities.

Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Optimised for advanced creators, it ensures visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing.

Improvements to the AI ISP now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting. Editing photos and videos is just as easy and straightforward, with AI-powered tools built into familiar workflows so users can make changes quickly and unlock their creativity without design expertise.

With the upgraded Photo Assist suite, users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can also add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake. Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s new ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can now be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way, making the process feel fluid rather than final.

Creative Studio builds on this simplicity by bringing creation and customisation into one integrated space, making it easy to act on ideas when inspiration strikes. Starting from a sketch, photo or prompt, users can quickly turn ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalised wallpapers — and refine or share them without switching tools or interrupting creative flow.

The Galaxy S26 series also simplifies frequent visual tasks with AI-powered tools like the Document Scan, which removes distortions and distractions such as creases or fingers to deliver clean scans instantly. Multiple images can be organised automatically into a single PDF, making it easy to digitise receipts, forms or notes.

The Galaxy S26 series is designed to make frequently used experiences feel straightforward and user-friendly, with Galaxy AI reducing the steps between intent and action. It works proactively and seamlessly on the user’s behalf based on context, surfacing the right support at the right moment and automating tasks with minimal manual input. As the technology fades and handles tasks in the background, users can focus on the results.

With Now Nudge, timely and relevant suggestions help users stay in the flow without being distracted. If a friend asks for photos from a recent trip, Galaxy S26 automatically suggests photos from the Gallery, removing the need to search through albums or switch between apps. When receiving a message about a meeting, Galaxy S26 can recognise related Calendar entries and check for conflicts.

On the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief has become proactive and personalised. It surfaces timely reminders for important events – from reservations to travel updates – based on personal context, helping users stay organised throughout the day.

Searching for information is also easier than ever. Circle to Search with Google on the Galaxy S26 series has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, so users can now explore more deeply on multiple parts of an image at once. If users spot a look they love, the feature also identifies everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one search.

Galaxy S26 series features an upgraded Bixby as a conversational device agent, making it more intuitive and easier than ever to interact with Galaxy devices. Users can navigate their devices and adjust settings using natural language, without the need for exact terminology or commands.

Alongside Bixby, Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents, including Gemini[19] and Perplexity[20]. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt. Galaxy S26 can also handle multi-step tasks in the background, streamlining the process on the user’s behalf.

Together, these proactive, personalised and adaptive experiences lay the foundation for more agentic AI experiences — setting the stage for Galaxy devices to become trusted companions that understand and anticipate user needs.

As mobile experiences become more personalised thanks to AI, protecting user privacy becomes even more critical. Samsung builds protection into every layer of Galaxy S26, keeping personal data secure while giving users transparency and control over how their information is used.

Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces privacy at the pixel level with the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display, a breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone. Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, Privacy Display goes beyond anything previously available on mobile devices — hardware and software working as one to protect privacy without compromising the viewing experience.

By controlling how pixels disperse light, the display keeps content clear, bright and comfortable for the user in everyday use, while limiting what others can see. Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, Galaxy’s integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality from all directions when off, and limits visibility for others from side viewing angles when activated, even when switching between portrait and landscape orientation.

Users can customise when it turns on — such as when entering PINs, patterns and passwords or opening selected apps — and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial Screen Privacy intelligently limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views for added discretion, all with minimal impact on power or usability.

The Galaxy S26 series also brings smarter software safeguards that work quietly in the background. AI-powered Call Screening identifies unknown callers and summarises intent, making it easier to safely manage calls. Privacy Alerts use machine learning to proactively notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data, such as precise location, call logs or contacts. These alerts help users quickly understand when apps are seeking deeper access, so they can manage permissions with greater clarity and control.

Private Album, built directly into Gallery, lets users easily hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account. To stay ahead of emerging threats, Galaxy S26 also extends Samsung’s innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection, strengthening device integrity for the future.

New updates to Knox Matrix further strengthen protection across connected Galaxy devices, adding PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for more services such as eSIM transfers and clearer visibility into firmware update status across the ecosystem through Security Status of Your Devices.

These experiences are supported by Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform that protects Galaxy devices from the chip level up. For on-device Galaxy AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts each app’s data, while Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection that isolates sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. Together with settings that let users choose how AI features operate, Galaxy S26 combines hardware and software to deliver a comprehensive, system-wide approach designed to keep personal data protected.

These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. These layers of protection are designed to give users greater transparency, choice and control through Samsung’s continued mobile security innovation in the age of AI. And with seven years of security updates, Galaxy S26 helps keep these layers resilient over time — supporting longer, more confident use well into the years ahead.

Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. The new Galaxy Buds4 series is a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound. When Galaxy S26 is paired with Galaxy Buds4, interactions can continue naturally in moments when using hands isn’t practical. Users can activate AI agents with their voices, manage calls through simple Head Gestures on Buds4 Pro, and stay connected without breaking their flow. Customers who pre-order Samsung Galaxy S26 Series will receive 10% off the new Galaxy Buds4 Series[25] from Samsung.com or Samsung Experience Stores.

Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-order from February 25 and will be available from March 11. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared colour options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue alongside the Samsung.com exclusive colours, Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.

Galaxy S26 starts from RRP €1019 (256GB), Galaxy S26+ from RRP €1289 (256GB) and Galaxy S26 Ultra from RRP €1499.

Samsung.com offers

  • Pre-order now and receive €210 off 1TB for Galaxy S26 Ultra
  • Pre-order now and double the storage to 512GB for the price of 256GB, worth €190 across Galaxy S26 series
  • Trade-in a selected smartphone and receive up to €600 off the Galaxy S26 Series

For additional offers, data plans and finance solutions, please visit samsung.com for more information.

 

See our S25 reviews

Top 5 SFX power supplies for small form factor builds in 2025

Are SFX power supplies ideal for small form factor (SFF) PCs? For sure. At Seasonic, they offer the well-known and time-proven SFX power supply FOCUS Series. They are perfectly fit for the SFF form factor, which our clients highlighted the most. Primarily, because they combine the mix of effectiveness, compact size, and reliable work even during peak loads.

They have a standard size: 125 mm × 125 mm × 63,5 mm. This ensures compatibility with most of the small form factor cases. With the 80 PLUS® Gold certification, they eliminate threats and save you electricity. Particularly, gave 90% of effective work while 50% workload.  

With a 10-year warranty from Seasonic, they bring a high-productive performance to your PC and a long lifespan to its components. Additionally, they are fully modular, which makes it highly comfortable to connect extra components or conveniently organise existing ones. 

How do you choose the right SFX PSU based on wattage and efficiency?

When picking the right SFX PC power supply for a small form factor (SFF) PC, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Power capacity. Start by figuring out how much power your system actually needs, including the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and any other components. We highly recommend using Seasonic’s online power calculator for a more accurate estimate. It even adds an extra 20–30% buffer to ensure your PC runs smoothly under load. No need to calculate all by yourself. 

Efficiency. Go for models with 80 PLUS® Platinum or Titanium certification. Basically, the higher the rating, the less energy is lost as heat. Also, keep in mind that PSUs are most efficient when running at 50–80% of their total capacity, so it’s a good idea to choose one with some headroom.

Other practical things. Look for fully modular power supplies, because they make cable management much easier in tight spaces. And don’t forget to double-check the physical size: standard SFX units are usually 125 × 63.5 × 100 mm. And finally, make sure it fits your case, and that the PSU’s ventilation lines up with the airflow design of your setup for optimal cooling.

 

Which brands offer the most reliable SFX PSUs in 2025?

Seasonic offers SFX solutions with premium quality and highly efficient features that support the smooth operation of your PC. Two key options here are FOCUS SPX PSUs and FOCUS SGX with SFX-L form factor. Both were presented with 750 W and 650 W power, have 80 PLUS® Platinum certification, and a 10-year warranty from Seasonic. But they have slightly different characteristics. 

Seasonic FOCUS SGX Series is its SFX-L power supplies. They have the longest form than standard SFX PSUs, work quieter while giving more power to your PC. 

Seasonic FOCUS SPX Series are pure SFX power supply units (shorter). They are suitable even for the smallest cases where SGX will not fit.

 

What are the key differences between SFX, SFX-L, and ATX PSUs?

ATX PSUs are a standard form factor for power supplies which used in most medium and large cases. Their size is 150  mm × 86 mm × 140 mm. These power supplies have ample space for cooling, larger fans, high power (up to 1200 W and above), a large number of connectors, and, in general, offer quiet PC operation. 

SFX PSUs are a compact form factor measuring, with dimensions 125 mm × 63.5 mm × 100 mm. They were designed for small cases, such as mini-ITX. Thanks to their limited size, SFX units have smaller fans (usually 80 mm), which can lead to higher noise levels under load. The power level usually reaches 600 – 700 W, although some models offer up to 750 W today. They are a go-to for those who want to build a compact but powerful PC.

SFX-L PSUs are an extended version of SFX. The standard size is 125 mm × 63.5 mm × 130 mm. With the extra depth, you can install a bigger fan (120 mm), which improves cooling. They often have higher power ratings (up to 800 W) and 80 PLUS® Gold or Platinum certification. They’re good for builds in compact cases that give you a little more room. SFX-L doesn’t support all cases, so make sure yours does before buying.

Do you need a fully modular SFX power supply for a clean build?

Definitely yes. Especially for small cases, like SFF and mini-ITX. A fully modular SFX power supply lets you connect only the cables you need, which creates less clutter.

Having this kind of power supply also makes upgrades and maintenance easier since you can replace a single cable if it breaks. Yes, it’s pretty cashier than non-modular models, but you are paying for convenience, high performance, and complete freedom when it comes to connecting PC components. 

What cooling and noise levels should you expect from top SFX models?

The Seasonic Focus SPX-750 is one of the top SFX power supplies, combining high power, reliability, and a modern cooling system. This PSU is equipped with a 92 mm fan with Silent Hybrid Fan Control. It means that up to a certain temperature, the fan doesn’t turn on at all, and it runs completely silently. The fan turns on gradually as the temperature rises, so there is less noise.

At low and medium loads (up to 30-40% power), the noise level is only 19-20 dB, which is practically inaudible. The noise increases to 31-36 dB at 40-50% load, which is like a system fan running quietly. However, at high loads (70–100%), the noise can reach 40–53 dB. 

A well-designed cooling system and high-quality components prevent overheating. The fan in the SPX-750 can be used in both hybrid and constant modes, depending on your preferences. The power supply is popular with users, especially for assemblies in compact cases. 

Are SFX power supplies compatible with high-end GPUs and CPUs?

Yes, modern SFX / SFX-L power supplies can power top-of-the-line processors and graphics cards. Even RTX 4090 and Ryzen 9 or Core i9. But only if you have an SFX with enough power (≥ 850 W, preferably 1000 W+ for reserve). We also recommend making sure you have the right cables for your PC or are compatible with 12VHPWR. 

Compactness does not mean limitations. With the right approach, SFX power supplies can easily handle the high-speed components of your PC.

Which are the top 5 SFX PSUs for performance, silence, and compact design in 2025?

Here they are:

Seasonic Focus SPX-750 (80 PLUS® Platinum)

Seasonic is a reliable brand synonymous with quality for power supplies and additional components for your PC. Offers a powerful and reliable power supply with a hybrid cooling mode. Silent at low loads. It’s got high-quality parts and a 10-year warranty. 

Corsair SF750 (80 PLUS® Platinum)

Extremely quiet and compact power supply. Has standard dimensions of 125 mm × 63.5 mm × 100 mm. Features high-quality cooling and is a perfect choice for most SFF builds.

Phanteks Revolt SFX 850W (80 PLUS® Platinum)

A premium choice with PCIe 5.0 support and Zero-RPM mode. Quiet, compact, and convenient. Supports modern GPUs.

Cooler Master V850 SFX (80 PLUS® Gold)

Good price/power ratio. Supports ATX 3.1, fully modular, compact.

SilverStone SX1000R (80 PLUS® Platinum)

One of the most powerful SFX on the market. Ideal for systems with RTX 4090. Works stably, but the noise is slightly higher under high load.

Conclusions

Today, the market offers a lot of options for computer PSUs in the SFX form factor. It’s up to you what to choose, but it’s better to evaluate all pros and cons before buying. Identify each PSU’s individual characteristics, then compare them with your case. This way, you make sure it fits perfectly and gives you the best performance.

Dell Technologies Unveils Next Generation Enterprise AI Solutions with NVIDIA

The world’s top provider of AI-centric infrastructure, Dell Technologies announces innovations across the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA – all designed to help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and achieve faster time to value.

Why it matters

As enterprises make AI central to their strategy and progress from experimentation to implementation, their demand for accessible AI skills and technologies grows exponentially.

Dell and NVIDIA continue the rapid pace of innovation with updates to the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, including robust AI infrastructure, solutions and services that streamline the path to full-scale implementation.

Dell infrastructure advances enterprise AI innovation with enhanced power, efficiency, and scalability

Dell Technologies introduces the next generation of advanced compute, data storage, data management and networking solutions:

  • Air-cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9780 and XE9785 servers simplify integration into existing enterprise data centers, while liquid-cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9780L and XE9785L servers accelerate rack-scale deployment. The new PowerEdge servers support up to 192 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs with direct to chip liquid cooling and can be customized with up to 256 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs per Dell IR7000 rack. As the successors to Dell’s fastest ramping solution ever the Dell PowerEdge XE9680, these platforms can deliver up to four times faster large language model (LLM) training with the 8-way NVIDIA HGX B300.4
  • The Dell PowerEdge XE9712 featuring NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 offers efficiency at rack scale for training and 50 times more AI reasoning inference output and 5x improvement in throughput With new Dell PowerCool technology, this platform helps businesses achieve greater power efficiency.
  • The Dell PowerEdge XE7745 server will be available with NVIDIA RTX Pro™ 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs in July 2025. This platform – supported in the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design – provides a universal platform to help meet the needs of physical and agentic AI use cases like robotics, digital twins, and multi-modal AI applications with support for up to 8 GPUs in a 4U chassis.
  • Dell plans to support the NVIDIA Vera CPU, offering speed, efficiency, and performance.
  • Dell plans to support the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform with a new Dell PowerEdge XE server designed for Dell Integrated Rack Scalable Systems.

 

Connecting it all, Dell extends its networking portfolio to include the Dell PowerSwitch SN5600, SN2201 Ethernet, part of the NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform, and NVIDIA Quantum-X800 InfiniBand switches. These high-density, low-latency switches deliver up to 800 gigabits per second of throughput and are now backed by Dell ProSupport and Deployment Services to provide expert guidance at every stage of AI deployment.

Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA solutions support the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, featuring Dell and NVIDIA compute, networking, storage, and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software providing an end-to- end fully integrated AI solution for enterprises.

Dell AI Data Platform advancements improve AI data management

Because AI is only as powerful as the data that fuels it, organizations need a platform designed for performance and scalability. Dell AI Data Platform advancements provide AI applications with always-on access to high quality data.

  • Dell ObjectScale supports large-scale AI deployments while helping reduce cost and data center footprint with the introduction of a denser, software-defined system. NVIDIA BlueField and Spectrum networking integrations boost performance and scalability.
  • Dell introduces a high-performance solution built with Dell PowerScale, Dell Project Lightning, and PowerEdge XE servers. Using KV cache and integrating NVIDIA’s NIXL Libraries, this solution is ideal for large-scale distributed inference workloads.
  • Dell ObjectScale will support S3 over RDMA, achieving up to 230% higher throughput, up to 80% lower latency and 98% reduced CPU load compared to traditional S3 for better GPU utilization
  • Dell announces an integrated solution that incorporates the NVIDIA AI Data Platform to accelerate curated insights from data and accelerate agentic AI applications and tools.

 

Software updates help organizations seamlessly deploy agentic AI

 

  • The NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, available directly from Dell, offers businesses the option to innovate on the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA with NVIDIA NIM, NVIDIA NeMo microservices, and NVIDIA Blueprints, NVIDIA NeMo Retriever for RAG and NVIDIA Llama Nemotron reasoning models, and seamlessly develop agentic workflows while accelerating time- to-value for AI outcomes.
  • Simplify business-critical AI deployments while providing flexibility and security with Red Hat OpenShift available on the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA.

New managed services streamline operations and drive faster outcomes

The new Dell Managed Services for the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA simplify AI operations with management of the full NVIDIA AI solutions stack — including AI platforms, infrastructure and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. Dell managed services experts handle 24×7 monitoring, reporting, version upgrades and patching, helping teams overcome resource and expertise constraints by providing cost-effective, scalable and proactive IT support.

Perspectives

“We’re on a mission to bring AI to millions of customers around the world,” said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer, Dell Technologies. “Our job is to make AI more accessible. With the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, enterprises can manage the entire AI lifecycle across use cases, from training to deployment, at any scale.”

“AI factories are the infrastructure of modern industry, generating intelligence to power work across healthcare, finance and manufacturing,” said Jensen Huang, founder and chief executive officer, NVIDIA. “With Dell Technologies, we’re offering the broadest line of Blackwell AI systems to serve AI factories in clouds, enterprises and at the edge.”

HighPoint’s PCIe Gen5 x16 RocketStor 8631CW Breaks New Ground for GPU Expansion

HighPoint’s RocketStor 8631CW represents a revolutionary leap forward in eGPU (external GPU) connectivity. Designed for professional media, industrial applications, and high-demand computing environments, the RocketStor 8631CW leverages industry-proven PCIe Switching technology and robust CopprLink CDFP connectivity to deliver an unprecedented x16 lanes of dedicated host-to-device PCIe 5.0 bandwidth.

 

Key Features
Burdened by performance and latency bottlenecks imposed by Thunderbolt and OCuLink connectivity? This groundbreaking solution liberates users from the limitations of conventional eGPU solutions, offering unparalleled performance and flexibility.

Unleash the True Potential of Your GPU with Industry-Leading PCIe Switching Technology: The RocketStor 8631CW harnesses the power of cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 switching technology to ensure your GPU operates at its maximum potential. This technology eliminates the performance and latency bottlenecks commonly associated with traditional eGPU enclosures, providing a seamless and efficient connection between your host system and GPU.

Ready for Today’s Fastest, Power-Hungry GPUs: The RocketStor 8631CW is engineered to support the most advanced, power-hungry GPUs available, including full-height, 2-slot, and 3-slot models from NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and more. It provides a massive 600W of direct power, ensuring that even the most demanding GPUs can operate at peak performance without any power-related constraints.

Robust CopprLink CDFP Connectivity Delivers x16 Lanes of Dedicated Gen5 Host Bandwidth: The innovative CopprLink CDFP connectivity delivers a dedicated x16 lane connection, offering a staggering 128GB/s of bi-directional bandwidth. This ensures that your GPU receives the full bandwidth it needs to handle the most intensive workloads with ease.

Low-Profile LP-MD2 Adapter for Compact Workstations and Mini-PCs: The RocketStor 8631CW includes a low-profile LP-MD2 adapter, making it an ideal solution for compact workstations, rackmount chassis, and mini-PCs. This adapter ensures that even space-constrained systems can take advantage of the RocketStor 8631CW’s powerful capabilities.

Advanced Dual-Fan Cooling System with Programmable Smart Fan Control: To maintain optimal performance, the RocketStor 8631CW features an advanced dual-fan cooling system with programmable smart fan control. This system effectively dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring that your GPU operates at peak performance even under heavy loads.

Simple & Seamless Plug-and-Play Software-less Installation for Linux & Windows Platforms: The RocketStor 8631CW offers a straightforward plug-and-play installation process that requires no additional software. This makes it easy to integrate into both Linux and Windows platforms, allowing for quick and efficient deployment in any professional or industrial environment.

Target Use Cases
AI/ML Computing & Deep Learning: The RocketStor 8631CW is perfect for AI and machine learning applications that require the processing power of high-end GPUs. Its robust connectivity and power delivery ensure that these demanding workloads are handled with ease.

High-Performance Content Creation & Rendering: For content creators and 3D artists, the RocketStor 8631CW provides the performance needed for real-time rendering and high-resolution video editing, making it an invaluable tool for professional media production.

High-End Gaming, VR, and Media Platforms: Gamers and VR enthusiasts can benefit from the RocketStor 8631CW’s ability to support the latest, most powerful GPUs, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Scientific Research & Big Data Analytics: Researchers and data scientists can leverage the RocketStor 8631CW to accelerate complex computations and data analysis, enabling faster insights and more efficient research processes.

Enterprise Workloads & Cloud Computing: The RocketStor 8631CW is also suited for enterprise environments, where it can enhance the performance of cloud computing platforms and support the demanding workloads of large-scale data centers.

In Summary
HighPoint RocketStor 8631CW is a game-changing eGPU expansion solution that breaks free from the constraints of traditional connectivity options. With its industry-leading PCIe Gen5 switching technology, robust CopprLink CDFP connectivity, and advanced cooling system, it delivers unparalleled performance and reliability for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a professional media creator, a data scientist, or an enterprise IT manager, the RocketStor 8631CW is designed to meet your most demanding GPU expansion needs.

Learn More
RocketStor 8631CW – PCIe 5.0 x16 GPU Expansion Chassis
https://www.highpoint-tech.com/rs8631cw-individual-page

Alienware launches next-generation Area-51 laptops to power the future of gaming

Today Alienware has officially launched its most powerful and design-forward gaming laptops to date, the new Alienware Area-51 series. First announced at CES 2025, the Area-51 laptops mark a return of the brand’s most iconic platform—reimagined with next-generation technology and a striking new design language inspired by extraterrestrial phenomena.

Available in 16- and 18-inch models, the Area-51 laptops are built to deliver maximum performance and innovation for gamers and creators alike. Equipped with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX CPU, the laptops offer a total performance package of up to 280W making them the most powerful laptops Alienware has ever produced.

A completely reengineered Cryo-tech™ thermal architecture enables up to 37% more airflow while being 15% quieter than previous models, ensuring high performance without compromise.

The new design dubbed AW30 draws inspiration from the Aurora Borealis, bringing a serene, ethereal aesthetic to the Alienware lineup. A Liquid Teal finish with colour-shifting iridescence, translucent rear thermal shelf with gradient AlienFX lighting, and a Clear Gorilla Glass panel on the underside offer both form and function. These elements combine to deliver an immersive visual experience that mirrors the laptops’ gaming capabilities.

Additional features include RGB fans, a zero-hinge design for cleaner lines, and support for the latest Gen 5 SSDs with up to 12TB of storage and Microsoft DirectStorage for faster load times.

The Alienware Area-51 18 and 16 laptops with RTX 5080 GPUs are now available for purchase on Dell Technologies Ireland website, starting at €4,098.99 and €4,298.99 respectively. Configurations with RTX 5090 and 5070 Ti GPUs will be available soon.

With this launch, Alienware reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming performance and design, offering Irish gamers and tech enthusiasts an experience into the future of high-end computing.

Did the ‘Console Wars’ Prove PC is Still the Best Option for Gamers?

The so-called “console wars” have been raging for decades, with each new generation of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles promising better graphics, more immersive experiences, and exclusive games. And yet throughout all the excitement, there’s one question that keeps resurfacing: has the console battle actually highlighted that PC gaming might still be the ultimate platform for serious gamers?

Let’s take a closer look at what the console wars have taught us – and how they might have actually highlighted the enduring strengths of PC gaming.

The Rivalry of Consoles

Every console generation brings a new wave of hype. When Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X were released, both companies saw record-breaking demand. Fans spent weeks refreshing online store pages in the hopes of snagging one. In fact, Statista reports even in quarter one of 2024, years after release, the PS5 was still selling approximately 2.4 million units.

These new generation machines are undeniably powerful, with fast SSDs, ray tracing, and 4K output. With services like Xbox Game Pass, the value proposition has never been higher. But there are limits, particularly in terms of flexibility, upgradeability, and raw power – areas where PCs continue to shine.

Affordability is Complicated

One of the most common arguments in favour of consoles is price. A PS5 or Xbox Series X costs significantly less than a top-tier gaming PC. That’s true, at least initially. Over time, the picture becomes more complex.

PC games are often cheaper. Steam sales, Humble Bundles, and free game giveaways through platforms like the Epic Games Store mean PC gamers can build vast libraries at a fraction of the cost. Subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass have improved value for console players, but the games only last as long as your subscription.

You can use a PC for more than just gaming. It doubles as a workstation for content creation, music, streaming, work, or betting on sites like betFIRST Sport. For many, that versatility adds to the value.

Power and Performance 

Modern gaming PCs have reached incredible levels of performance. With NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series GPUs and high-end AMD Ryzen processors, gamers can achieve visuals and frame rates that consoles simply can’t match. While consoles are often locked to 30 or 60 frames per second, many PC gamers enjoy 144Hz or higher refresh rates at ultra settings, especially in competitive titles.

Not only that, but PCs are modular, allowing you to upgrade your graphics card or add more RAM. Consoles, by contrast, are “locked”. Once you hit a hardware ceiling, you’re stuck with it until the next generation rolls around (often years down the line).

PCs also support a broader range of gaming peripherals. Want a racing sim setup with a full steering wheel and pedal set? Or perhaps you prefer a mouse and keyboard for pinpoint accuracy in shooters? Some of these accessories are available for consoles, but PC remains the primary platform for customisation.

Game Selection and Modding Flexibility

Consoles do have the advantage when it comes to exclusive titles. But over time, the gap has narrowed. More and more console exclusives are now being released on PC, often with enhanced graphics and features.

PC also offers access to an incredible library of indie games, early access titles, and mods. Games like Skyrim or The Sims 4 become new experiences thanks to community-created content. Platforms like Steam Workshop have made modding accessible to everyone, and for many gamers, that’s a huge draw.

Then there’s emulation. While not always legal depending on the source of the games, many gamers use their PCs to play titles from older consoles (something that’s trickier on PlayStation or Xbox).

Online Services and Ecosystem

Both Xbox and PlayStation charge users to access multiplayer gaming. Although the services (Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus) include monthly games and discounts, they’re ongoing expenses. Meanwhile on PC, multiplayer is usually free outside of specific subscriptions like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV.

PC gamers also enjoy a level of control over their ecosystem that console players don’t. You’re not restricted to a single storefront. You can choose between Steam, GOG, Epic, Battle.net, and more. You can tweak graphics settings, install performance-enhancing mods, or even tinker with files to improve performance on older hardware.

So… Did the Console Wars Settle Anything?

The intense competition between consoles may have shown that the PC is still the most balanced and powerful option overall. While consoles have made huge strides, especially in ease of use and exclusives, they remain limited by their fixed hardware, locked ecosystems, and narrower customisation options.

For gamers who want plug-and-play simplicity, consoles are excellent. But for those who want maximum performance, customization, and freedom, the PC continues to stand tall.

In a sense, the real winner of the console wars might be the platform that never really joined the fight.

 

NVIDIA announced they’ll bring their GeForce 10 GPU series, portability with new NoteBooks. #NVIDIA #Notebook #Gamers

Something all gamers have always dreamt of, is having the same performance of their more than capable desktop computers when going on the road, but even the “gamer laptops” tended to be a little under powered compare to those bigger siblings.

All that is just about to change thanks to NVIDIA and their newly announced GeForce 10 series of GPU made for NoteBooks

Earlier this week, the company let us know that thanks to the new Pascal architecture made for laptops, we can now have the GTX 1080, the 1070 and the 1060 running inside “ultra-portable” NoteBooks.

And according to them, you´ll see only 10% drop in performance compare to desktop cards and up to 3x better performance over previous generations.

Some of the specs we have are:

GeForce GTX 1080 GeForce GTX 1070 GeForce GTX 1060
GPU Architecture Pascal Pascal Pascal
Frame buffer 8 GB GDDR5X 8 GB GDDR5 Up to 6 GB GDDR5
Memory type speed 10 Gbps 3 Gbps 3 Gbps
Boost Clock Actual 1733 MHz 1645 MHz

 

 1670 MHz

Thanks to Pascal, we also have VR ready laptops, with support even for 120Hz monitors.

By now, we’ve seems lots of OEMs jumping on the train to have the latest offers, but something to have in mind will be cost.

There’s no official price at the moment but the MSI computer that already carry the cards are nowhere near “cheap”.

So is up to you, Will you get your “portable Master Race PC” as soon as they become available? Or will you stick to game just at home?

Let us know in the comment section below or join us on twitter

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