Computing - Organizer

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) review: standout performance at a mid-range price

8:59 am | August 5, 2024

Lenovo Legion 5i: Two-minute review

Featuring a Nvidia RTX 4050, 4060 or 4070 GPU and a large 16-inch, 165Hz display, the Legion 5i is built to push your gaming experience to the next level. The laptop is also very capable for daily productivity use and blends in at the office or Uni once you turn off the eye-catching RGB lighting. At 32 x 26 x 2.5 cm (0.99 x 14.16 x 10.33 inches) and weighing 2.3kg (5.1lbs), the 5i just makes it into the range of what I would consider as realistically portable, meaning that it slots into a larger backpack or laptop bag without too much fuss.

At the time of writing, the three Legion 5i GPU variants (4050, 4060 and 4070) are sold with the Core i7-14650HX or i9-14900HX CPUs, up to 32GB of RAM, and a 512GB or 1TB SSD. All three video cards use the full 140W power profile. The 5600MHz DDR5 RAM can be upgraded (the 5i supports 64GB) and is typically (but not always) installed as two DIMMs to give dual-channel performance. The 16-inch display has a 165Hz refresh rate and supports G-Sync, has a 2560 x 1600 resolution, a decent 350-nit brightness and displays an excellent 100% of the sRGB color gamut. There’s also a harder-to-buy 500 nits, 240Hz version of the display available in some regions.

Ports include a single HDMI 2.1 connection, one 10Gbps USB-C port with 140W power delivery and DisplayPort 1.4, a 10Gbps USB-C port with just DisplayPort, 3x USB-A 5Gbps ports (one with always-on power), Gigabit Ethernet, an SD card reader and a 3.5mm headset jack.

Lenovo has put a lot of work into the cooling system in the Legion laptops, and the lessons learnt on the high-end machines are replicated even on the affordable models. The result is one of the best-performing RTX 4070 gaming laptops I've tested – it even bests last year's RTX 4070 Legion 5 Pro in gaming results by up to 7%, and is quieter while doing so. This means the 5i can happily run all but the most demanding games over 100fps at the screen's native resolution without dropping quality too far, or push towards the full 165Hz refresh rate the screen is capable of at 1080p. The Legion 5i is also a very capable work machine, and thanks to the inclusion of 140W USB-C you can get near full productivity performance without having to lug the huge Lenovo power brick around. The 80Wh battery doesn’t give much time unplugged though and, even in efficiency mode, I struggled to get four hours of work done, or reach five hours of video playback.

The Legion 5i gives comprehensive yet easy-to-use control over fan speeds and performance modes – including overclocking. The keyboard and trackpad are both excellent, and the RGB lighting modes are fun but also easily customized. The 1080p webcam is reasonable but doesn’t do facial recognition, and there’s no fingerprint reader either, so logging in feels very dated. The speakers are pretty good (but could be louder) and the overall build quality of the 5i is quite nice, despite the chassis being partially built with plastic rather than metal.

While the Legion 5i hardware is top notch, evaluating the value proposition is made more complex by Lenovo’s choice to use constantly shifting pricing and large rolling discounts across different configurations. Lenovo also doesn’t stock all variants, and many are only available from third-party sellers. I certainly wouldn’t be paying the full list price for the Legion 5i, and I suggest waiting for a (frequent) sale before purchasing.

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) screen folded back through 180º to lay flat — The Legion 5i display can fold through 180º to lay flat (Image credit: Future)

Lenovo Legion 5i: Price & availability

How much does it cost? Starting from $1,789.99 / £1,614.99 / AU$3,099
When is it available? It's available now
Where can you get it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia

At the full list price, the Lenovo Legion 5i doesn’t offer standout value, but at the various Lenovo (and third-party retailer) sale prices, it can be a great buy. Generally speaking, I find the best discounts are often direct from Lenovo, but of course it’s always worth checking your favorite retailer too.

Below is a table of the list pricing for the Legion 5i variants sold directly from Lenovo.

Value score: 4 / 5

Lenovo Legion 5i: Specs

Availability varies depending on location, but overall the Legion 5i has a large number of configurations available, although you’ll be hard-pressed to find them all directly from Lenovo. The Lenovo Product Specification Reference is a handy tool to check what variants are available for the Legion 5i.

In the US and UK, the most powerful 5i models include an i9-14900HX CPU, a RTX 4070 GPU, 32GB of RAM and the 500-nit, 240Hz display. While the same model is listed for Australia, at the time of writing it’s not actually available for sale anywhere.

Below is the specs list for the Legion 5i models available direct from Lenovo.

Specs score: 4 / 5

Image 1 of 4

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) closed on desk showing left hand side ports — The left side ports include USB-A, dual USB-C and 3.5mm audio (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 4

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) — The right hand side of the laptop features dual USB-A, a microSD card reader, the webcam e-shutter switch and the Gigabit LAN port (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 4

Image 4 of 4

Lenovo Legion 5i: Design

Well-balanced hardware
Customizable lighting
Fold-flat display

The Legion 5i is a large laptop, but thanks to relatively slim screen bezels and a fairly smart design, it’s still what I would consider portable enough to be carried on the go everyday. That’s helped by Lenovo’s decision to include 100W USB-C PD charging, so you can leave the big power brick at home if you’re not going to indulge in gaming. (Note that the 5i supports 140W over USB-C with a special Lenovo charger – but more on that below)

The Legion 5i stands out with a display that can fold through 180º to lay flat. I love this design for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it means you can toggle the display upside down and share it with someone sitting across from you. Secondly, it makes it easy to use the laptop in your own unique way. For example, with the Legion 5i plugged into a second screen or dock, and using a keyboard and mouse, I liked to open the screen fully, and place the laptop in a vertical stand. That way the laptop screen is raised to the right level to be placed next to a second screen, plus it leaves the vents unobstructed and takes up very little desk space.

The Legion 5i includes a MUX switch for Advanced Optimus graphics switching. This means the laptop can optimize graphics performance and power use automatically based on need, without needing to restart when switching modes. This is a feature not seen on all mid-range gaming laptops, so it’s a great inclusion from Lenovo.

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) rear vents showing removable cover — The Legion 5i includes a swappable vent cover (Image credit: Future)

The laptop display shell is made of aluminum, but the Legion 5i opts for plastic on the main chassis to save weight. This is a good choice overall, and the stiff plastic used doesn’t make the laptop feel any less capable of handling bumps or drops. The laptop is equipped with the Legion TrueStrike keyboard (full-sized, with numpad), that’s pleasant to type on thanks to the 1.5mm key travel and lack of bounce. The keyboard has customizable RGB 4-zone backlighting that can be used to add some bling, or toned down to muted colors (or white) if trying to blend in at the office or university.

The Legion 5i has most of the design elements I value in a gaming laptop, such as user-upgradeable RAM and storage. Port selection is also good, with dual USB-C that includes DisplayPort output on both, and USB-C charging on one. At 10Gbps, the data rate is a bit lower than I would like – in comparison the Gen 8 Legion 5i had 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4. You also get three decently fast 5Gbps USB-A ports, one of which has another feature I love – always-on charging, so you can use the laptop to top up the battery on other devices even when it’s off. It’s also nice to see HDMI 2.1 support (up to 8K), as well as Ethernet, a card reader and a 3.5mm headset jack. The ports are well located around the laptop, with plenty of spacing between them ensuring easy access. The HDMI port and USB-C DisplayPort modes are all driven from the Nvidia GPU, rather than the integrated GPU in the CPU.

The choice to include Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax 2x2) means the Legion 5i doesn’t have the absolute fastest networking, but is still relatively futureproof in terms of high-speed connectivity. The Legion 5i includes a privacy e-shutter on the webcam, but it’s not capable of facial recognition for fast Windows login. You don’t get a fingerprint reader either, and this means the Legion 5i feels a little behind the times when logging in – especially considering the price point. The 80Wh battery is decently sized but I’d much preferred to have seen a larger 99Wh battery – as is featured in some competitors – to help eke out a little extra time unplugged.

Design score: 4 / 5

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) keyboard and trackpad close up — The Legion 5i keyboard has 4-zone RGB (plus white) LED lighting (Image credit: Future)

Lenovo Legion 5i: Performance

Excellent gaming results
Cooler and quieter than average
Great CPU performance for workstation use

Lenovo Legion 5i: Benchmarks

Here's how the Lenovo Legion 5i performed in the TechRadar suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Speed Way: 3,098 Port Royal: 7,882; Time Spy Extreme: 6,279; Fire Strike Ultra: 7,201.

GeekBench 6.3: 2,856 (single-core); 17,201 (multi-core)

Cinebench R24: 1,301 (multi-core); 121 (single-core)

PCMark 10: 7,960

CrystalDiskMark 8 NVMe: 7,071 MB/s (read); 5,165 MB/s (write)

Red Dead Redemption II: (Ultra 1080p) 89fps

Cyberpunk 2077: 1080p, (Ultra) 72fps; QHD, (Ultra) 54fps

F1 2023: 1080p (Ultra): 77fps

PCMark 10 Battery Life: 4 hours and 1 minute

1080p video playback battery life: 4 hours and 54 minutes

I’ve tested a wide range of similarly priced laptops that use the RTX 4070 GPU and, generally speaking, for the same GPU thermal design power (TGP) and similar CPU / RAM spec, gaming results don’t vary a huge amount. But subtle differences in how manufacturers configure their CPU and GPU power profiles, as well as other design choices, can lead to consistent differences overall.

The Legion 5i control software includes three ‘modes’ – Quiet, Balanced and Performance – which vary the performance levels, as well as the amount of noise and heat created. You can swap between them with the function keys, and they’re also indicated by the color of the power button. Mode changes can also be automatically triggered by certain applications or games. There's also the option to do limited overclocking via the Lenovo control software.

Overall, the Legion 5i gets excellent results and is one of the top RTX 4070 performers I've tested. It’s also very stable, and I had no glitches or strange behavior from the Lenovo software, or problems running any games, benchmarks or applications. The Legion 5i has well-designed power and fan profiles that can help tame the noise while still giving high frame rates. The 5i also has more than enough cooling capacity to keep the GPU working hard without hitting excessive temperatures, and still have headroom for the CPU.

The RTX 4070 is well-equipped for 2560 x 1600 gaming, and can run most games at very playable frame rates without dropping back the details. For especially demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, set to ultra ray tracing and high texture detail, the Legion 5i manages 54fps, but that can be bumped up to 69fps (with no loss of playability) if DLSS frame generation is turned on. At 1080p with the same settings, the 5i gives 119fps with DLSS on, or around 68fps with it off. Drop back to (still very playable) low ray tracing and detail settings with DLSS on and you can push Cyberpunk 2077 to 158fps – near to the limits of the 165Hz display.

At full pelt the Legion 5i is dumping 160W+ of heat, so it’s not exactly quiet, or cool. Still, the laptop is easily the quietest 16-inch RTX 4070 (140W) model I’ve tested. Importantly the Lenovo engineers have done a great job of cutting out the more annoying higher-pitched noise from the fans, and it sounds closer to a whooshing roar than a vacuum cleaner. It also helps that the noise (and the heat) is directed out the rear, rather than the sides, so isn’t as obvious. That said, you will still want to be using a headset when gaming – especially as the laptop speakers aren’t the loudest.

The Legion 5i does a great job of keeping the heat generated away from the user. The air inlets are located underneath and vented out the rear, so there isn’t a stream of hot air on your hands. At Lenovo Innovate 24, I also got to see first hand how the cooling system is put together, and it has a focus on keeping heat away from areas such as the underside of the keyboard. This is reflected in my testing, where the hottest part is the rear vents and, even after an intense gaming session, the trackpad only peaked at 26ºC / 78.8ºF, the keyboard at 37ºC / 98.6ºF and the underside was 35ºC / 95ºF. Overall this is a great result, and lower than average for this class of laptop.

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) screen and control software close up — The Legion 5i software gives control over key settings (Image credit: Future)

The powerful Legion 5i cooling system also means the CPU can work to its full potential – making it a very competent workstation when not gaming, and it’s well suited to heavy workloads such as video editing. As a comparison, the i7-14650HX in the Legion 5i has about 30% higher performance than an Intel Ultra 9 185H in heavy multithreaded loads.

Everyday performance on battery is top notch, and most of the time it feels exactly the same as if plugged in. Performance is reduced under heavy loads (or if gaming) of course, because the CPU and GPU are both limited to 50W each when on battery power. For CPU-heavy tasks I saw up to a 30% drop in performance, while gaming suffers a similar reduction in frame rates compared to being plugged in – and only lasts for 57 minutes before the battery runs out!

The Legion 5i can also be run on or charged from USB-C. Using a normal PD charger, the 5i takes up to 100W (20V/5A) and, to get the full 140W, you need a Lenovo USB-C charger capable of non-PD spec compliant 20V/7A. This means a normal 140W (28V/5A) USB-C charger (or power bank) will only charge the 5i at 100W. None of this is an issue real-world as the Legion 5i gives solid performance on USB-C, and happily uses the full amount of power available. Performance on USB-C is similar to running on battery, though the power profiles prioritize the CPU over the GPU. This means workstation use remains snappy when running on USB-C (such as when plugged into a dock) or if charging from a power bank, but don’t expect to do much more than casual gaming without the main Lenovo PSU.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) power supply size comparison at rear of laptop — The 230W PSU for the Legion 5i is slim but large overall (Image credit: Future)

Lenovo Legion 5i: Battery life and Charging

4 hours and 1 minute of regular use when unplugged
4 hours and 54 minutes of video playback
57 minutes of gaming

The Lenovo Legion 5i uses an 80Wh battery, which is decent sized but not quite as good as the 99Wh featured in some competing models. And, to be fair, the Legion 5i is a powerful gaming machine, so battery life is not the highest priority.

Still, 4 hours or so of work unplugged (and around 30 minutes longer if just browsing the internet or watching YouTube videos) is enough to be useful, but still not a great result overall. In contrast, other gaming laptops I've tested with similar spec hardware (including more powerful CPUs) give over 8 hours of video playback with a 99Wh battery. Adjusted for the Legion 5i 80Wh battery, I would expect over 7 hours from the Legion 5i.

When comparing online to other battery-life tests, the results vary widely – from similar results to mine, all the way to video playback of well over 8 hours. This suggests the hardware can be efficient, but the drivers and software are not always switching to less power-hungry modes, and it might take time (and a few software updates) to give a consistent experience.

On the plus side, the Legion 5i offers extra-fast charging and, using the AC PSU, it can top up to 30% battery capacity in just 10 minutes or reach 70% in 30 minutes. In my testing the laptop had no trouble achieving this charge rate – though of course it needs the large PSU to make this happen.

The PSU is pretty chunky and weighs almost a kilogram just by itself, so it’s not great to lug around day to day. Fortunately USB-C charging is not much slower and I found the laptop could reach 50% charge in around 30 minutes, and 70% charge in under 50 minutes. The Legion 5i also charges well from a power bank and is reasonably efficient – though you will need a big 27,000mAh (99Wh) power bank to give the laptop a full charge.

Battery Life and Charging score: 3.5 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion 5i?

Buy it if…

You want excellent gaming performance in a relatively portable package
The Legion 5i isn’t exactly tiny, but considering the large 16-inch screen and full performance GPU, it’s still pretty good for carrying every day.

You want CPU performance
The i7-14650HX (or mighty i9-14900HX) CPU combined with the Lenovo cooling system gives high-end performance for workstation or creator use.

You want to use it for more than just gaming
Excellent USB-C performance and the fold-flat screen mean the Lenovo is also a great option for everything that isn’t gaming.

Don’t buy it if...

You want a very portable gaming option
The Legion 5i isn’t too heavy or thick, but if portability is a prime concern, then consider the Lenovo Legion Slim 5. It has a very similar spec but in a slightly thinner, lighter chassis and is also available in a 14-inch model.

You want a more powerful GPU
The Legion 5i is available with a RTX 4070 or below. If you want the RTX 4080 or 4090, you need to look at the Legion Pro 7i or Legion 9i laptops.

You want a very affordable laptop
The Legion 5i is a great-value machine (when discounted), but it’s still a mid-range model. If you crave affordable RTX 4050 and 4060 focused gaming, check out the Lenovo LOQ series.

Lenovo Legion 5i: Also consider

If my Lenovo Legion 5i review has you considering other options, here are some more gaming laptops to consider:

Asus Zephyrus G16
The G16 has the same 16-inch form factor as the Lenovo Legion, though is a bit slimmer and lighter if portability is more important than maximum performance.

Check out the full Asus Zephyrus G16 review

Gigabyte Aorus 16X
Another powerful 16-inch gaming laptop that’s sold with either a RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 GPU, and it gave excellent benchmark results in our testing.

Take a look at the full Gigabyte Aorus 16X review

Acer Predator Helios 18
Want a bigger screen and more powerful GPU? The Acer Predator Helios 18 is worth a look – while normally very pricey, it can be decent value when discounted.

Read the full Acer Predator Helios 18 review

How I tested the Lenovo Legion 5i

I tested the Lenovo Legion for two weeks
I used it both on a desk, and put it in a backpack for travel
I used it for gaming, as well as office productivity work and video editing

I ran the Lenovo Legion 5i through the usual comprehensive array of TechRadar benchmarks, as well as using it for actual day-to-day work at a desk and on the go. I used the TechRadar movie test for assessing battery life during video playback, and a range of productivity battery benchmarks to further gauge battery life. I also logged power use in a variety of scenarios, including when charging from USB-C, and tested the laptop with a variety of USB-C chargers and power banks.

Dell XPS 13: Two-minute review

The Dell XPS 13 is generally a pretty good series of laptops, usually scoring a four out of five stars rating, though 2022's Dell XPS 13 Plus received a lower score thanks to build quality issues. But how does the latest one stack up, equipped with the powerful Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU? Quite well actually, as it's now one of the best Windows laptops and best laptops of the year, coupling its already stellar design and portability with much-improved battery life and performance.

The design is sleek and smooth as you'd come to expect from the XPS line, starting at a mere 2.59 pounds and measuring only 14.8 mm thin. Thankfully, this version also has a high build quality made from machined (CNC) aluminum, ensuring that it can withstand punishment and the daily wear and tear of commutes. It's available in Platinum or Graphite with a lovely finish that's surprisingly fingerprint-resistant.

black gaming laptop on wooden table — (Image credit: Future)

The XPS 13 has three different display types to choose from, including a 3K+ OLED touch display option, which is beyond stunning for a 13.4-inch screen. The bezels are ultra-thin and yet still able to support a 1080p FHD webcam, which sports generally good picture quality.

Sound quality is incredible, largely due to the 360-degree spatial audio with quad speakers and Dolby Atmos. You can clearly hear each instrument, separate from each other and any vocals, while heavy bass loses very little in terms of integrity even at higher volumes.

The new Dell XPS 13 is based on the Plus in terms of its keyboard, with an edge-to-edge design achieved by removing the lattice and a touchpad and wrist rest made entirely from Gorilla Glass with no visible boundaries. The touch-based toolbar also makes its return which, while visually impressive, is just as inaccessible as it's always been. Both the touchpad and toolbar use haptic feedback in order to give the feeling of pressing a button. But while it can generally work for the former, the latter makes it impossible to know if you hit the right 'button' unless you can see it.

Port selection is still absolutely abysmal as it only has two USB Type-C ports, with no combo jack to speak of (RIP if you do audio editing because only Bluetooth works here). It does come with an adapter for the Type-A port but Dell could have easily fit at least one of those and a jack on the actual laptop.

Like other AI PCs, the Dell XPS 13 features AI Copilot+ integration and the infamous Copilot key that Microsoft shoehorned into all its AI laptop keyboards. This key works and automatically connects you to the general Copilot chatbot - a nice little trick but ultimately not very useful.

Dell XPS 13 9345: Benchmarks

Here's how the Dell XPS 13 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark Steel Nomad: 501; Fire Strike: 5,635; Time Spy: 1,925; Wild Life Unlimited: 16,819
Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 11,128
GeekBench 6.3: 2,797 (single-core); 14,635 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Home Test): 5,495
25GB File Copy: 20.01 seconds
HandBrake 4k to 1080p encoding: 4:47 minutes
CrossMark Overall: 1,396; Productivity: 1,300; Creativity: 1,564; Responsiveness: 1,232
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 19:26:24
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 17 hours, 24 minutes
Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p, Ultra): 21 fps; (1080p, Low): 22 fps

Testing out the Copilot feature on the Dell XPS 13, it works as well as other AI PCs I've tried out so far. The chatbot has three levels - creative, balanced, and precise - and all three work quite well. I used my standard testing parameters including math questions, a mock interview, and a novel outline, and each answer cited several sources and made logical sense. There are also other plugins for additional tasks like other conversation types and shopping help.

There are two other features included in Microsoft Paint, Cocreator and Image Creator, that are both powered by AI models. The former turns your drawings into an AI-generated picture, which varies based on the style you choose and the level of 'creativity' (how much the finished product is based on your own art versus AI generation). Image Creator, the standard AI image generator, uses a credit system that awards you 50 credits upon sign-up and requires you to pay for more. You're better off just using the free Cocreator as it's essentially the same.

The Windows 11 AI Recall, which was set to launch along with Windows AI PCs, is still unavailable as of this writing due to being kicked back to the Windows Insider Program once the manifold security issues were exposed.

Recall works by creating a database of information on your PC through screenshots automatically taken every few seconds, building up a library of images you can search through AI. However, the Recall database, containing all the data from those screenshots and the overall history of your PC usage, is stored in plain text (in an SQLite database).

This makes it almost effortless for hackers to obtain highly sensitive information such as finances, passwords, work data, and more. It remains to be seen whether this feature will make a comeback, but that solely depends on if Microsoft can fix these massive security issues.

The Dell XPS 13's benchmark results are very impressive, standing neck and neck with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7's own results. The Qualcomm CPU alone carries the laptop, maintaining high levels of performance regardless of the amount of tasks being carried out in the background. Each of these benchmark scores showcases the full range of this laptop in terms of handling productivity work, conference calls, streaming, and more.

Image 1 of 4

Image 2 of 4

Image 3 of 4

Image 4 of 4

Like the other AI PCs released in 2024, the Dell XPS 13 laptop I tested had a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU. It not only delivers amazing results in benchmark testing but then translates those results into performance that far outstripes that of earlier XPS 13 models.

While I personally never experienced the same level of performance issues as with the Surface series before the Laptop 7, the Del XPS 13 line did have some hiccups here and there. For example, the XPS 13 Plus I previously reviewed had severe overheating problems that resulted in some sections of the laptop reaching scalding high temperatures. This also impacted performance as it would throttle the CPU.

Thankfully, while this most recent XPS 13 does get a bit warm when pushed to its limits, it doesn't approach the extremes of before. This means that performance remains consistent no matter how long you run your laptop, perfect for handling heavier workloads.

black laptop on wooden table — (Image credit: Future)

The battery life for the Dell XPS 13 is by far the best out of the Snapdragon-powered laptops that I've tested. Under normal use, the battery lasts up to 20 hours with a 'low' of over 18 hours.

When continuously video streaming, the battery lasts on average for 17 and a half hours. The fact that a Dell laptop can match and even surpass many of the best MacBook models in battery life is something I would have never expected, but it's clear Qualcomm has truly outdone itself.

The only downside to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU is that the ARM support, while incredible compared to prior iterations, still has a few compatibility hiccups - mainly dealing with gaming. But even that improves constantly and the vast majority of users won't even notice the hiccups as it doesn't impact everyday use.

Dell XPS 13: Price & availability

How much does it cost? starting price is $1,299 / £1,099 including VAT / AU$2,299
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The starting price for the Dell XPS 13 13.4-inch model is $1,299 / £1,099 including VAT / AU$2,299, netting you a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage in the US, UK, and Australia. Other configurations go up to 64GB/2TB in specs, which will cost $2,499.99 / £1,823.99 including VAT / AU$3,999.60.

It's far pricier than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and M3 MacBook Air 13-inch but comes with overall much better specs including a superior processor, so if you're looking for more of an Ultrabook, then this is the choice for you.

Dell XPS 13: Specs

The Dell XPS 13 13.4-inch model starts with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage with an FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touch display. The highest configuration goes up to 64GB RAM and 2TB in storage with a 3K OLED (2880 x 1800) touch display.

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13?

Buy the Dell XPS 13 if...

You want solid productivity performance
This laptop handles productivity work like a champ including video calls, documents, web surfing, and more - while never sacrificing performance.

You want excellent battery life
The battery life on this laptop is astounding, lasting for up to 20 hours during normal web surfacing use and about 17 and a half hours with video streaming.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
This is an Ultrabook priced like an Ultrabook, meaning you need to expect to pay quite a bit of money for even the base model.

Dell XPS 13: Also consider

If my Dell XPS 13 review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

How I tested the Dell XPS 13?

I tested the Dell XPS 13 for a week
I tested it using productivity and creative applications
I stress-tested the battery using the TechRadar movie test

First, I tested the general weight and portability of the Dell XPS 13 by carrying it around in a laptop bag. After I set it up, I ran several benchmarks to thoroughly test out the new Qualcomm processor. Finally, I used a variety of programs and applications to test out both battery life and general performance during work-like conditions.

The Dell XPS 13 is meant to be a portable laptop with a thin and light chassis. I had to spend a good amount of testing not only on performance issues but also looking for any ventilation issues. I also tested out battery life to see how long it could last off AC power.

I've tested plenty of gaming PCs and laptops, making me more than qualified to understand benchmark test results and how to properly stress test machines to see how well they perform as a work machine.

Asus ROG Ally X: Two-minute review

The Asus ROG Ally X is the surprise follow-up to the ROG Ally, and is the latest entry in the increasingly-competitive handheld gaming PC market.

Since Valve fired the starting gun on this latest arms race with the excellent Steam Deck, various gaming laptop makers have been keen to release their own handhelds, with the likes of MSI and Zotac releasing, or planning to release, their own takes on the form factor.

Arguably the breakout star of this new breed of device was the original ROG Ally, which was launched in 2023. Less than a year later, Asus surprised us all by releasing a follow-up, the ROG Ally X.

Releasing a new version so soon after the original is an interesting move, and suggests that Asus is following a gaming laptop-like release schedule, upgrading its devices every 12 months or so with the latest components. While this does make some sense – it works for gaming laptops to ensure they maintain a performance edge – it’s also risky, as you might alienate customers who bought your earlier model, and it also means that upgrades deliver less-impressive performance improvements.

While yearly updates are commonplace for laptops, it’s a different story when it comes to handheld PCs and consoles. Since the Steam Deck launched in early 2022 there's only been one new model, the Steam Deck OLED, which launched over a year later and which, outside of a much-improved screen, remained largely unchanged hardware-wise.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch, arguably the device that has had the biggest influence on these new handhelds, has also only seen a few small changes to the hardware, apart from the cheaper Switch Lite, and a model with an improved OLED screen. The highly-anticipated Switch 2 has still not been officially announced by Nintendo, seven years after the original launched.

Asus ROG Ally X on desk — (Image credit: Future)

So, when the ROG Ally X was first announced, many people assumed that this was a brand-new version of the handheld due to the name. The reality, however, is that the Ally X is more of an iterative upgrade, more akin to what we’ve seen from its competitors. So, if you’re new to the Ally ecosystem, you’re getting a handheld with some of the most powerful mobile hardware out there. But, if you own the original ROG Ally, it could be hard to justify buying the new model.

As for what’s changed under the hood, the Ally X comes with a larger 80Whr battery (compared to the 40Whr battery of the original), a doubling of SSD storage to 1TB, and a RAM boost from 16GB to 24GB (and it also gets a speed boost).

There have also been tweaks to the design, with a new black look with rounder edges for a more comfortable feel in hand, more reliable and responsive joysticks, D-Pad and face buttons, improved speakers, and an additional USB Type-C port (making two in total, with the new port supporting USB4).

Along with the larger battery, the ROG Ally X now supports up to 100W charging speeds. This is up from the 65W of the original, and should mean recharging times are similar, if not a bit faster. However, it should be noted that the ROG Ally X comes with the same 65W charger as its predecessor – you’ll need to invest in a faster charger, such as Asus’ ROG 140W GaN Charger, to get the benefit.

These changes come at a cost design-wise, with the thickness increasing by 4.5mm and weight by over 11%. While this doesn’t result in a huge impact on the overall portability of the handheld, it’s worth bearing in mind if you already felt the original Ally was a little unwieldly.

While these changes suggest that the ROG Ally X is a decent step up from the original, two of the most important components that affect performance remain unchanged. You still get the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, and the screen remains a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz affair with 500 nits brightness.

This means that gaming performance – which will be the biggest consideration for most people, especially owners of the original Ally – will remain largely the same, so if you want a generational leap you might want to hold out for the Ally 2, or whatever ROG's next handheld ends up being called. Instead, think of the ROG Ally X as a refinement on an already impressive bit of gaming kit.

When it comes to the price, however, there is a leap, with the ROG Ally X going for $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599. This is more expensive than the original, which launched with a base model that cost $499.99, and a more powerful model with the same Z1 Extreme chip as the Ally X for $699.99.

Not only does the ROG Ally X need to justify the $100 price increase, but Asus is continuing to sell the original ROG Ally models at lower prices, which makes pitching the Ally X to gamers all the more difficult.

Asus ROG Ally X: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The ROG Ally X is now available globally, though in the US and Canada, it's exclusive to the Asus online shop and Best Buy. Unlike the original, of which there were two models, there's only one Ally X model, and it costs $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599.

This is a jump from the $699 / £699 that the high-end version of the original launched at. For a gaming handheld, this is an extremely high price, putting the ROG Ally X in budget gaming laptop territory.

One of the best things about the Steam Deck is that it launched at a very affordable price, with the base model selling for $399 / £349, and even the high-end model going for $649 / £569 – well below the asking price of the ROG Ally X.

Of course, the ROG Ally X has much more impressive specs than the now two-year-old Steam Deck, but the fact that Valve’s handheld launched at a price that no gaming laptop could match (no gaming laptop that’s worth buying, at least), meant it was the best option by far for PC gamers wanting to play their games on the go for an affordable price.

However, for the price Asus is asking for the ROG Ally X, there are numerous budget gaming laptops that are worth buying – and while they don’t offer the same level of portability, they offer much better gaming performance thanks to more powerful discrete graphics cards.

This puts the ROG Ally X in a bit of a strange position. If you want the most affordable way to play PC games on a portable device, then the Steam Deck remains a solid choice – and even the original ROG Ally now offers better value for money. And, if you just want the best portable gaming system, the best gaming laptops are the way to go.

But if you want a handheld form factor that offers the best game performance, the ROG Ally X could be right up your street.

Value: 3 / 5

Asus ROG Ally X: Specs

Unlike the original Asus ROG Ally, the ROG Ally X only has one specs configuration.

Asus ROG Ally X: Design

New design with improved buttons
Premium look and feel
Comfortable to hold, but big for a handheld

The design of the ROG Ally X might feel familiar, even if you haven’t owned an Ally device before. With a thumb stick either side of the 7-inch screen, along with a D-Pad on the left and four face buttons (matching the Xbox controller) on the right, the ROG Ally X looks a lot like a Nintendo Switch Lite – and in the new black color scheme it resembles the Steam Deck far more than the white original.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing – this is a form factor which has been proven to work well for handheld consoles (one could argue that it can be traced back to Sega’s Game Gear from the 1990s), and the Xbox button layout means any PC game designed with controllers in mind should play well, with no button mapping required.

There are, though, some key differences in the design that make the ROG Ally X stand out. Unlike on the Steam Deck, there are no touchpads on each side of the screen. On the Steam Deck, these are designed to simulate mouse control for games, although outside of a few point-and-click games I rarely used them when playing, so the fact that the ROG Ally X doesn’t come with them is no big loss. If you prefer playing with a mouse and keyboard you can use the ROG Ally X in dock mode by connecting it up to a USB-C hub, or go with a gaming laptop or desktop PC.

Another more unique design element is the inclusion of RGB lighting around both thumb sticks – which can be customized through the ROG Armoury Crate software –and the lights can be synched to other Asus products. It gives the ROG Ally X a premium look, and as we all know, gamers love RGB lighting. One thing I did notice, however, was that sometimes when charging the device the lights would pulse, which can be a bit distracting.

As well as the more noticeable design changes compared to the earlier model, there are some more subtle changes as well. There’s an additional USB-C port, which supports USB4 speeds, and the thumbsticks and D-Pad have been improved. There’s more resistance to the thumbsticks, which helps give you a feeling of greater control, and the buttons on the back of the device have been made smaller to reduce accidental presses. This is a welcome change, as I found when using the Steam Deck that I’d often hit those buttons by mistake. The body of the ROG Ally X has also been given more rounded corners and edges, which makes it more comfortable to hold.

Asus ROG Ally X in hand — (Image credit: Future)

There are four buttons for launching software and menus, a microSD slot for expanding storage (which is nice to have, but arguably less important thanks to the SSD storage being doubled to a roomy 1TB), an audio jack, and a power button with a built-in fingerprint scanner. This last feature is one of my favorite things, as it lets you log in with just a touch of the button, and it's something the Steam Deck lacks. On the Steam Deck, you have to log in using the onscreen keyboard, and once you've logged in there’s no additional security step required when waking the device. While this is more convenient than having to log in with a password every time you pick up the Steam Deck, it’s also a security risk if it gets stolen or lost. The fingerprint scanner of the Ally X is a nice solution to those issues.

Overall, the design of the ROG Ally X isn’t revolutionary, but it is a refinement. It takes a popular-for-a-reason handheld form factor and makes improvements in almost every aspect, except for size and weight. Anyone who's… er… switching from a Switch, with its dimensions of 9.41 x 4.02 x 0.55 inches / 239 x 102mm x 14mm and a weight of 0.93lbs / 422g, might be shocked picking up the ROG Ally X with its dimensions of 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97 inches / 280.2 x 114 x 37mm, and weight of 1.5lbs / 678g.

It’s also bigger and heavier than the original ROG Ally, and around the same size and weight as the original Steam Deck.

Design: 4 / 5

Asus ROG Ally X: Performance

Same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip as original model
Good gaming performance for a handheld
Windows 11 is still a pain

Benchmarks

Here is how the Asus ROG Ally X performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark Port Royal: 1,685; Fire Strike: 7,680; Time Spy: 3,336
GeekBench 6.3: 2,544 (single-core); 11,255 (multi-core)
25GB File Copy: 19.1 seconds
F1 23 1080p (Ultra) 7fps
Cyberpunk 2077: 1080p (Ultra) 4.94fps
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 8:19:08 hours
PCMark 10 Battery Life (Gaming): 3:04 hours

Hardware-wise, there’s little to fault with the ROG Ally X. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip is the same one that's found in the high-end model of the original Ally X (as well as its competitor the Lenovo Legion).

The chip has been designed by AMD, a company with a long history of making gaming components for both PCs and consoles, especially for handheld gaming PCs, and features an 8-core, 16-thread CPU with a base clock of 3.3 GHz and a boost of 5.1 GHz, as well as a 12-core RDNA 3 GPU. Technical jargon aside, this is a very capable gaming device that puts the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch to shame when it comes to sheer firepower.

The chip also allows the ROG Ally X to make use of some handy AMD features such as AMD Radeon Super Resolution, which upscales graphics for improved performance, and AMD Radeon Boost, which adjusts the resolution in supported games on the fly to keep performance fast and consistent.

The ROG Ally X also offers a range of power settings, called ‘Operating Mode’, which you can quickly switch to depending on what you’re playing. Silent mode lowers the performance of the handheld, which prolongs battery life and means the fans don’t kick in quite so much – making it an ideal mode for when you're playing less demanding indie games while out and about – and Performance mode balances performance and efficiency for smoother gameplay, but at the expense of battery life.

There’s also Turbo mode, which prioritizes performance. This is the setting you’ll want if you’re playing graphically-intensive games and want the highest possible frame rates. This will mean the battery gets depleted much more quickly, but if you play with the Ally X plugged in you get an additional performance bump. The ROG Ally X automatically switches to Turbo mode when you plug it in, which is a nice touch.

Gaming performance is very good, as long as you keep your expectations in check. With graphical settings on high, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut ran at a solid 30fps with default settings. Considering that this is a large open-world game with great visuals, I was very impressed, though this was with the Ally X plugged in and using Turbo mode. I tweaked some settings, including adding frame generation and setting adaptive resolution to target 60fps, and I found that while the game would run mostly at 60fps the frame rates were a lot less stable, with some noticeable drops. Graphics quality was also drastically lowered (due to the Ally X attempting to hit the higher frame rate), with distracting visual artifacts being added, especially during fast-moving scenes and with fog and cloud effects.

At 30fps the game is playable and fun – and while it’s a noticeable step down from how I play it on my usual gaming PC at 4K resolution and 120Hz, it’s certainly impressive that you’re able to play the game on a handheld device. After adjusting to playing at the lower frame rate, I was able to successfully fight off hordes of Mongols – considering how Ghost of Tsushima’s combat requires careful timing for parries and blocking, the frame rate compromise doesn’t impact too much on the playability of the game.

Playing less demanding indie games such as Balatro (a current obsession), is a joy, while the Hades 2 beta looks and plays brilliantly.

For extremely demanding games, however, the ROG Ally X is still going to struggle. Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings can only manage single-digit frames per seconds scores, so you’ll need to do some serious tweaking to the graphics settings to bump up the frame rates. While the 1080p 120Hz, screen looks lovely, there aren’t many modern AAA games that’ll take advantage of it, though older games should be able to go beyond 60fps at full HD resolution.

As the ROG Ally X is a gaming PC at heart, it does mean you can tweak graphical settings to get better performance; this is something PC gamers are used to, but console gamers may feel less comfortable with. It's well worth doing, however, as the results can be impressive. At default settings, Cyberpunk 2077 hits around eight to nine fps, making it unplayable. However, by turning down the graphics settings and enabling AMD FSR 2.1 upscaling on Performance mode, I was able to get it running at 60fps on the Ally X (while plugged in). This is very impressive, as while the graphics take a big hit quality-wise, you're still playing a complex and large game on a handheld. For gamers who grew up with the Gameboy, this is an excellent example of how technology has evolved over the years.

While the hardware side of things is hard to fault, software-wise there are some more annoying niggles – although a lot of this isn’t down to Asus. While I’m not a huge fan of its Armory Crate software on its gaming laptops, it does a decent job of providing a handheld-friendly interface for launching games, and the ability to change the aforementioned performance modes on the fly is very useful – as is the information overlay that can be enabled to show you frame rates, component temperatures and more. You can move the overlay by dragging and dropping it with your finger so that it doesn’t obscure important UI features in a game, which is a nice touch.

System updates are applied through Armory Crate, which does simplify things, but it’s not as easy as updating the Switch or Steam Deck. Those devices let you know when there’s an update available, and you download and install the update and you’re done. With the Ally X you need to install several smaller updates rather than one larger one, with some needing to be installed one at time, and some requiring the handheld to be restarted. I was also prompted to install a BIOS update, which might alarm console-first gamers, though PC gamers will be more accustomed to this way of doing things.

Like the original ROG Ally and most of its competitors – bar the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch – the ROG Ally X runs on Windows 11, and this brings mixed results.

To put it bluntly: Windows 11 is an operating system designed for desktop PCs and laptops, and it remains poorly suited to gaming handhelds. While Asus has tried to mitigate this by having the full-screen Armoury Crate software load when Windows 11 starts, there are many instances where you have to grapple with Windows 11’s interface (such as having to dismiss pop-ups and error messages), and this can be tricky when using the 7-inch touchscreen of the ROG Ally X – you end up trying to jab small buttons in frustration.

Sometimes Windows 11 encounters issues that cause a game to crash, and waking up the ROG Ally X is a frustrating lottery – sometimes your game resumes right where you were, as is the case with the Switch and Steam Deck, but other times you’re dropped onto the Windows 11 desktop. You should be able to get back into the game by tapping the taskbar, expanding it and tapping on the (far too small) icon of the running game, but it’s fiddly, and detracts from the easy and convenient console-like experience Asus is going for.

To be fair, these are issues that are due to Windows 11 being unsuitable for a handheld, and there’s not much Asus can do about that – and these are problems that affect other Windows-based gaming handhelds. However, it does go to show how wise Valve was when creating the Steam Deck to create its own Linux-based operating system, SteamOS, which has been designed specifically for the handheld. This has delivered a much more satisfying user experience, and thanks to the Proton tool, Windows-only games are able to run on Linux without any noticeable impact on performance. If Asus created its own Linux distro specifically for the ROG Ally X, the overall user experience of the handheld could be greatly improved.

Using Windows 11 does have its benefits, however. For a start, it means that all games – and applications – you run on the ROG Ally X can run natively, rather than using a compatibility layer like Proton, so any performance impact, no matter how minor, is avoided.

It gives you a far greater degree of flexibility as well, especially if you use the ROG Ally X with a USB dock, as it effectively turns the handheld into a full Windows 11 desktop PC. While you can also do this with the Steam Deck, Linux has a steeper learning curve, and not every app is available for the open-source operating system.

The ROG Ally X also supports games from every major game store – unlike the Steam Deck, which limits you to playing games bought on Steam. While Steam is by far the most-used game store on PC, which means you’ll likely be launching Steam games on the ROG Ally X regularly, it’s also great to be able to run games from the Epic Games Store, GOG, and more without having to resort to installing third-party tools. If you have a wide selection of the best PC games across numerous libraries, not just Steam, then the ROG Ally X is definitely worth considering, and that flexibility makes a lot of the Windows 11 annoyances worth putting up with.

Overall, the ROG Ally X offers impressive gaming performance thanks to cutting-edge mobile components, but you’re always going to hit a wall when using an integrated GPU rather than having a dedicated graphics card, and that means you won’t get the same level of performance you’d get from a gaming laptop or desktop PC at this price – but that’s the trade-off for the portable handheld form factor.

Windows 11 continues to be a pain for handhelds, but Asus has tried its best to get around a lot of the issues with its Armory Crate software, and while it means you get a sometimes wonky experience that doesn’t feel as consistent what you'll get on the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, the ability to play games from pretty much any store, rather than being tied to one, will be a big plus.

If Microsoft ever does release a version of Windows that’s optimized for handheld PCs (maybe alongside the much-rumored handheld Xbox), then the Ally X will be a much more enjoyable device to use.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Asus ROG Ally X: Battery life

Improved battery life
Good for around three hours of intensive gaming

Because of their small form factor, gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally X will never offer exceptional battery life, especially when playing demanding games, but the increased size of the battery (80Whr vs 40Whr of the originally Ally) is certainly welcome.

In my day-to-day gaming with the Ally X I was pleased with how long the battery lasted. Admittedly, a lot of my time was spent playing the rather undemanding Balatro, but I did also complete a few missions in Ghost of Tsushima. Unlike my trusty, yet aging, Steam Deck, I was able to play for hours on end without being warned of a low battery. It might be due to its age, but my Steam Deck seems to need charging every time I pick it up.

In our battery-life benchmark tests, the ROG Ally X lasted over eight hours with the Battery Informant web-browsing test, and while that’s certainly impressive, you’re not going to be doing much web browsing on this handheld. The far more representative PC Mark 10 gaming benchmark resulted in the battery lasting just over three hours, which is the closer to the kind of battery life you’ll experience when using the Ally X for the main task it was designed for: gaming. I found that between three to five hours of solid gaming is a realistic expectation, depending on the games you play.

This may be a disappointment for console gamers, but for anyone who's used a gaming laptop in the past, this won’t be too surprising. Playing games uses a lot of energy, and that means batteries can get depleted quickly.

Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Asus ROG Ally X?

Buy the Asus ROG Ally X if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go comes with the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip as the ROG Ally X and a larger, higher-resolution and faster 8.8-inch screen, and costs quite a bit less. It doesn't offer the same amount of RAM or SSD storage space, however.

Read our full Lenovo Legion Go review

Asus ROG Ally
The original ROG Ally remains on sale, and has had a price cut now that the Ally X is out, making it a good-value option if you like what you see here, but can't afford the high price tag. The base model features the less powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 chip, which still offers good performance for indie games, and there's a more expensive model with the Z1 Extreme.

Read our full Asus ROG Ally review

How I tested the Asus ROG Ally X

Tested for a few weeks
Pushed it as hard as possible gaming-wise
Played with various settings

I played various games on the ROG Ally X every day for several weeks before writing this review. The games ranged from lightweight indies like Balatro, to more visually-intensive games like Hades 2, and AAA games like Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut and Cyberpunk 2077.

I also ran various benchmark tests to stress the hardware, including game benchmarks with the highest graphical settings and upscaling tech disabled. When gaming, I tweaked the graphics settings and enabled upscaling to get the best possible performance – this often meant dropping the graphics to their lowest settings. So, while the benchmarks might seem very low in some of the results, it doesn't mean you can't get a good gaming experience.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, giving attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained, regardless of when a device was released – if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Asus ROG Ally X: Two-minute review

The Asus ROG Ally X is the surprise follow-up to the ROG Ally, and is the latest entry in the increasingly-competitive handheld gaming PC market.

Arguably the breakout star of this new breed of device was the original ROG Ally, which was launched in 2023. Less than a year later, Asus surprised us all by releasing a follow-up, the ROG Ally X.

Asus ROG Ally X: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

But if you want a handheld form factor that offers the best game performance, the ROG Ally X could be right up your street.

Value: 3 / 5

Asus ROG Ally X: Specs

Unlike the original Asus ROG Ally, the ROG Ally X only has one specs configuration.

Asus ROG Ally X: Design

New design with improved buttons
Premium look and feel
Comfortable to hold, but big for a handheld

It’s also bigger and heavier than the original ROG Ally, and around the same size and weight as the original Steam Deck.

Design: 4 / 5

Asus ROG Ally X: Performance

Same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip as original model
Good gaming performance for a handheld
Windows 11 is still a pain

Benchmarks

Here is how the Asus ROG Ally X performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Playing less demanding indie games such as Balatro (a current obsession), is a joy, while the Hades 2 beta looks and plays brilliantly.

Like the original ROG Ally and most of its competitors – bar the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch – the ROG Ally X runs on Windows 11, and this brings mixed results.

If Microsoft ever does release a version of Windows that’s optimized for handheld PCs (maybe alongside the much-rumored handheld Xbox), then the Ally X will be a much more enjoyable device to use.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Asus ROG Ally X: Battery life

Improved battery life
Good for around three hours of intensive gaming

Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Asus ROG Ally X?

Buy the Asus ROG Ally X if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Read our full Lenovo Legion Go review

Read our full Asus ROG Ally review

How I tested the Asus ROG Ally X

Tested for a few weeks
Pushed it as hard as possible gaming-wise
Played with various settings

HyperX Alloy Rise: one-minute review

The HyperX Alloy Rise sits at the top end of the brand’s gaming keyboard range, claiming to be a strong and fast mechanical board for ultimate performance.

At first glance, the Alloy Rise doesn’t look much like a gaming-oriented peripheral, especially compared to some of the best gaming keyboards around. It only comes in one color, black, and the stylings typical of this market are largely absent. There are a few nods to its target audience, such as RGB backlighting and personalization opportunities, but on the whole, the design of the Alloy Rise is fairly anonymous, which isn’t usually a charge one can level at gaming gear.

It’s also a very substantial piece of hardware, weighing in at 1.3kg. Although the key layout is compact, the chassis is quite thick, which reveals one of the worst design flaws of the Alloy Rise: its lack of wrist support. The elevated height forced my wrists to bend upwards at an uncomfortable angle and put too much pressure on the heels of my palms. Propping up the back feet did help somewhat, but not enough to alleviate the discomfort altogether. What’s really needed here is a wrist rest but, unfortunately, the Alloy Rise doesn’t come with one.

As you would expect from a premium gaming keyboard, the keycaps are made from PBT. They are mildly textured, offering enough grip while still retaining a smooth feel. The default switches underlying them are HyperX’s Red Linear variety, which actuate very quickly with light touches, making them great for fast-paced gaming sessions. However, I found that misinputs were an issue for me, especially when typing. I did acclimatize eventually, but if you’re used to traditional mechanical boards, this might not be an issue for you.

The compact layout makes adopting the WASD position comfortable, with all the important keys easily accessible. The always-awkward Ctrl key is much easier to reach for compared to other boards I’ve used, and the weight and thock of the space bar is a real highlight (although my thumb did tend to hit the back edge of the bar if I didn’t use a wrist rest).

close up of RGB backlighting on HyperX Alloy Rise — (Image credit: Future)

Less of a highlight is HyperX’s take on peripheral software. Ngenuity, as it’s called, lets you rebind every key, offering options for primary and secondary functions, but there are far fewer system-level shortcuts available compared to other manufacturers’ software. It does feature a macro recorder, though. You can also customize the backlighting with different colors and effects, and even sync them with other HyperX devices you have.

Considering where the Alloy Rise stands in its lineup, HyperX seems keen to pitch it as a top-tier gaming keyboard. Based on its feel and performance, it’s nailed that aspect, but the lack of wrist support, in-depth customization software, and wireless capabilities prevent it from being a true standout.

This is a hotly contested market, and there are equally capable boards out there for a similar price or less, including plenty of offerings from big hitters such as Razer, Logitech, and the like.

HyperX Alloy Rise review: price and availability

$199 / £169 / AU$308
75% model available for less
One colorway

The Alloy Rise is priced more or less in line with other premium wired gaming keyboards. There are certainly costlier options out there, such as the Razer Huntsman v2 Analog, but there are also plenty at a similar if not cheaper price point.

HyperX offers some optional extras for the Alloy Rise, including a variety of keycaps, switches, top plates, side badges, and wrist rests. There’s also a 75% variant available, which costs $169 / £149 / AU$277.

If you’re after a full-size board, then the Asus Rog Strix Scope II RX is another option for a cheaper price ($139 / £149 / about AU$210). It uses optical mechanical switches that are also quick and precise. However, the Asus Armory software isn’t up to the same standards as its competitors. It does come with a wrist rest, though.

There are some wireless options available for a similar price, too. The Corsair K65 Wireless is a similar gaming keyboard with a price of $159 / £149 / about AU$250, but it's 75% rather than full size.

Value: 3 / 5

HyperX Alloy Rise review: specs

close up of HyperX Alloy Rise numpad — (Image credit: Future)

HyperX Alloy Rise review: design and features

Solid construction
Nondescript looks
Uncomfortable on wrists

The HyperX Alloy Rise is fairly restrained and understated, as far as gaming peripherals go. Naturally, there’s some RGB lighting to liven up proceedings, but branding is kept to a minimum. The company logo only appears in the faint indentation above the arrow keys and on a small side badge; the latter is attached magnetically and can be swapped out for others sold by HyperX.

Aside from these accouterments, there’s very little to distinguish the Alloy Rise from any other workaday keyboard. Some may prefer this level of anonymity, and to my mind, it certainly beats the garish designs many brands adopt in their bid to appeal to gamers.

That said, there are some aesthetic customization options for the Alloy Rise. Like the aforementioned side badge, the top cover is also magnetically attached and can be swapped out for another design made by HyperX. The keycaps can be replaced too (as well as the underlying switches), and while HyperX claims the same is true of the rotary knob, I couldn’t find any replacement examples on its website.

As for the form factor, the Alloy Rise has a substantial depth, but the full-size version has a surprisingly compact layout. One of the major drawbacks of this board, though, is the lack of wrist support. Due to the thick chassis, the keys sit high above the surface, which forced my wrists to bend to an uncomfortable degree and placed too much pressure on the heels of my palms. The back feet help to alleviate the problem somewhat, but not enough to solve the issue completely.

The full-size model I was given to test comes replete with three extra media keys, nestled in the top-right corner above the number pad. Disappointingly, they feel cheap and out of place compared to the rest of the board. However, the rotary knob, which is available on both keyboard size variants and controls the volume, feels nicely notched for smooth yet precise dials. Pressing it also mutes the audio.

close up of rotary knob on HyperX Alloy Rise — (Image credit: Future)

Ngenuity, the peripheral software HyperX provides, has some customization options, including the ability to set primary functions for every key on the board (and secondary ones for most of them too). It even includes a macro recorder. However, there is a distinct lack of media and system-level operations to choose from, and, disappointingly, you can’t change the function of the rotary knob, which could’ve potentially been useful for making other scrolling-based adjustments, such as switching tabs in a browser and the like.

Setting up the RGB backlighting in Ngenuity is a modular process, giving you the ability to add effects from a predefined list, with several to choose from. You can also sync your lighting preferences between compatible HyperX devices. How much mileage you’ll get out of this depends on how you feel about RGB light shows, but the range of options should satisfy those who are keen on them.

Design & features: 3 / 5

HyperX Alloy Rise review: performance

Super-fast keys
Great for WASD position
Easy to mispress

The Alloy Rise features lightly textured PBT keycaps, making for a smooth feel with sufficient tactility. The stock switches on the Alloy Rise are HyperX’s own Red Linear switches, which actuate with the lightest of touches and rebound very quickly.

This helps to make typing sharper, but I found them to be a double-edged sword: presses are instantaneous, but misfires are all too easy. For those who are used to this level of sensitivity, though, it might not be a problem at all, and I found that I did acclimatize fairly quickly. Another aspect that makes typing a little trickier is that the bumps on the F and J keys aren’t very pronounced, so locating them when touch typing isn’t always easy.

The stock keys aren’t as deep as those on other mechanical boards, which aligns with my preference for shallower keys I can glide over. While they aren’t what you’d call low profile, their short actuation means you don’t have to press very far at all, making typing easier for me compared to other mechanical keyboards I’ve used.

bottom right corner of HyperX Alloy Rise — (Image credit: Future)

Key presses emit the typical mechanical thock, if sounding a little hollower than usual. Coupled with the generous lubrication, this helps to make the Alloy Rise quieter than many of its peers, while still providing enough gratifying feedback.

For gaming, the short travel and sensitive keys are great, although as with typing, I found that I had to be mindful of accidental presses, so this may take some getting used to if you’re coming from less sensitive switch types.

Adopting the WASD position is comfortable, with all the essential gaming keys within easy reach, particularly the Ctrl key, which I often find uncomfortable to hit. The space bar is a joy to mash with your thumb, but only when used with a wrist rest and the back feet raised, otherwise you’re more likely to hit the back edge rather than the top.

Performance: 4 / 5

Should I buy the HyperX Alloy Rise?

Buy it if…

You want to be fast
The proprietary Red Linear switches made by HyperX are very fast and easy to actuate, making for quickfire strokes.

You want to customize your hardware
The keys and switches can be swapped out on the Alloy Rise, as can the magnetic face plate and side badge for added personalization, although this is quite limited.

You want to use it with consoles
In addition to Windows PCs, the Alloy Rise is compatible with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Unfortunately, there is no macOS support.

Don’t buy it if…

You have wrist pain
There is no wrist rest with the Alloy Rise, and it sorely needs one, as the thick chassis creates an uncomfortable angle, and the fold-out feet aren’t enough to resolve the issue.

You want the best peripheral software
Although HyperX has its own peripheral software, Ngenuity, it doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, with limited functionality compared to some of its rivals.

You want to go wireless
The Alloy Rise isn’t wireless, which is a shame considering there are now plenty of great wireless gaming boards out there for the same price or even less.

Also consider

How I tested the HyperX Alloy Rise

Tested for two weeks
Used for gaming and productivity
10+ years of PC gaming experience

I tested the Alloy Rise for around two weeks. I used it for gaming, playing fast-paced FPS games such as Selaco and others. I also used it for work and general productivity, which included plenty of typing.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years and have experience with a wide range of keyboards, including mechanical and membrane, wired and wireless, all with varying switch types and keycaps.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2024

Lofree Edge review: on a mission for thin and light

12:00 am | July 27, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Comments: Off

Lofree Edge: Two-minute review

The Edge is Lofree’s attempt to make a mechanical keyboard as thin and as light as possible, and in that respect, it largely succeeds. But when you set aside this stated goal, is it actually a keyboard you’ll want to use?

Well, the most important metric – the typing feel – gets the Edge off to a positive start. Lofree has used custom Kailh POM linear switches underneath its low-profile keycaps, resulting in a soft, smooth action. It’s fast and comfortable, and we very rarely “bottomed out” when typing, meaning no sore fingers at the end of the day. It results in a quiet, satisfying typing sound that Lofree describes as “library-friendly.” We wouldn’t argue with that.

Image 1 of 2

The Lofree Edge keyboard and MacBook Air laptop against a blue background. — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

The Lofree Edge uses a compact 84-key layout that pushes the arrow keys close to the main body of the keys. That can make finding the right key a little tricky if you’re not used to this layout. It wasn’t a massive problem in games, though – the keys have enough of a raised bump to make finding them by touch simple enough, and games that extensively use the arrow keys are fairly rare.

Lofree has made the Edge as slimline as possible, cutting out extra weight and bulk so that it’s almost as thin as a MacBook Air. You get a magnesium chassis with many holes punched out of the back, low-profile keycaps, and cut-down key switches. Its chassis (excluding the keys) measures 31.9x15.5x1.3cm at its widest (or 1.8cm thick, including the keys). That makes it a dash thicker than the MacBook Air, but it’s close. And at 481g, it’s exceptionally lightweight.

The Lofree Edge keyboard against a blue background. — (Image credit: Future)

However, a byproduct of this process is that the Edge doesn’t feel as high-end as Lofree’s superb Flow keyboard. Yet, at the same time, it is priced much higher, which doesn’t sit well. At the time of writing, the Edge was undergoing crowdfunding on Kickstarter, where it was priced at $129. Yet its regular price will be $249, much higher than the $159 Lofree Flow. Given that state of affairs, we’d pick the Flow every time.

The Edge’s keycaps are made from PBT plastic rather than the more standard ABS, which gives them a slightly textured feel and should help them ward off key shine. It adds to the premium feel of the keyboard, but there is a very noticeable drawback: it’s rare to find PBT keycaps that let backlighting shine through. In the Edge’s case, it’s difficult to see the key legends in dim lighting, a problem exacerbated by Lofree’s decision to use razor-thin lettering on each key. This is much less of a problem on the Flow as it uses thicker key lettering.

The keys’ font choice contributes to the “edgy” aesthetic of the keyboard (perhaps inspiring – or inspired by – the Edge name), which is added to by the exposed screws and carbon fiber top surface. It feels like something out of the late 1990s or early 2000s, like Neo used it to jack into the Matrix. It’s not exactly to my taste, and I’d much rather take legible lettering over this look.

One thing I do appreciate, though, is the Edge’s ability to switch between up to three connected devices via Bluetooth on the fly. It can also flip between macOS and Windows layouts with a quick key press. That flexibility means key mappings are always where you expect them to be, no matter which operating system you use.

Lofree also offers a free Configurator app alongside the keyboard. When I tested it (before the Kickstarter campaign had finished), it was extremely rudimentary. Some features didn’t seem to work at all, while others were hard to use due to a confusing workflow and poorly translated text. This is definitely a weak spot for the Edge.

On the back of the device is a toggle that lets you switch between Bluetooth and wired modes, and there’s also a USB-C port for the wired connection. You get two flip-up feet that let you adjust the angle from flat to slightly raised, although the difference between the two is not huge.

If portability is your first priority for a keyboard, the Lofree Edge is a contender. But it’s not just about compactness, as it offers a surprisingly pleasing typing experience for its slender key profile. However, its high price is hard to justify, and its stylized design will cause opinions to split.

Lofree Edge: Price & availability

The Lofree Edge is currently available on Kickstarter, where the price is listed as $129. That translates to about £102/$195 AUD. The Kickstarter page indicates that the regular price will be $249 (about £198/$376 AUD) once crowdfunding is over.

That regular price will make it expensive, even for normally pricey mechanical keyboards, and much costlier than the $159 Lofree Flow. The reduced crowdfunding price is more reasonable.

Should you buy the Lofree Edge?

Buy the Lofree Edge if...

Don't buy it if...

Lofree Edge: Also consider

How I tested the Lofree Edge

I tested the Lofree Edge over the course of about a week. This included writing articles, browsing the web, and playing games. I used the keyboard on both Windows and macOS and tried switching between different devices and layouts on the go.

Endgame Gear OP1 8k review: a tweakable gaming mouse that just can’t keep up with the competition

12:07 pm | July 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Mice Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: FPS, PC | Comments: Off

Endgame Gear OP1 8k review

The Endgame Gear OP1 8k is the German gaming peripheral specialist’s enhanced version of its OP1 wired mouse, which is capable of polling rates of up to 8,000Hz, hence the '8k' appendage to the model name. Users can also open it up and swap out the switches, which will appeal to the subset of gamers who are very particular about their clicks.

However, what might divide that group is the form factor of the OP1 8k. The small size, combined with the pronounced hump, might make it difficult for some to achieve a secure grip – although Endgame Gear does specify that the mouse only supports a claw grip, making it a suitable option for those who prefer this style. The super-lightweight, which Endgame Gear approximates to be about 50.5g, also helps rapid movement.

Everyone will welcome the lack of drag, though. The USB cable is light and flexible, and the cable base stress-relief is angled upwards – a smart design choice that helps to further reduce surface contact, acting like an ersatz mouse bungee. However, the cloth material surrounding the cable is very thin; during my time with the OP1 8k, it already began to fray slightly, spelling trouble for its long-term durability.

Although the lack of cable drag helps the mouse to perform at its best, the same can’t be said for the PTFE skates. They cover a small surface area, so glides aren’t as smooth as they are with the best gaming mouse options. Thankfully, larger PTFE skates are included in the box, which helps to reduce friction. What’s worse, though, is that using the OP1 8k on hard surfaces can cause the middle to grate unbearably, and even the optional skate that goes around the optical sensor doesn’t fix the problem. But if you’re using the OP1 8k exclusively on padded surfaces, this will be a moot point.

Another disappointing aspect of the OP1 8k is the button quality. The mouse clicks aren’t as snappy as I would have liked, taking too long to rebound. Endgame Gear claims that its Kailh GX switches that come preinstalled have a short internal travel and good “spamability”; I found they couldn’t be actuated quickly enough to make them suitable for such quickfire pressing.

Front view of Endgame Gear OP1 8k on desk — (Image credit: Future)

The side buttons also feel harsh since they aren’t dampened at all, while the scroll wheel is a little too notchy for my preferences, and the middle button doesn’t feel as solid or as secure as it should be. I didn’t have enough confidence to use it in the heat of battle, worrying that I’d trigger the scroll function by mistake. Admittedly, this is an issue I tend to find with many gaming mice.

On the surface, the free configuration tool is as basic as it gets; it wouldn’t look out of place on a Windows 95 machine. The argument could be made that the barebones interface makes it an extremely lightweight application, therefore saving precious computing power. However, during my time with it, it did crash on one occasion, when I was switching back and forth between it and a game window to change settings on the fly. On other occasions when switching, the “Apply” button for confirming adjustments failed to appear. It could well be the case that such problems may not be experienced on setups beyond my own, but it’s an issue worth noting all the same.

There are various settings that can be adjusted using the tool – but, unfortunately, none of them is explained, so unless you’re au fait with the terminology, you’ll likely have some googling to do.

First, it measures sensitivity in the less common unit of counts per inch (CPI) rather than dots per inch (DPI), but essentially they amount to the same thing. Between one and four quick settings are available, which can be cycled through using the mode button on the underside of the OP1 8k. There’s also the ability to adjust the sensitivities of the X and Y axes independently.

Bottom of Endgame Gear OP1 8k — (Image credit: Future)

The lift-off distance (LOD) can be altered to between 1mm and 2mm, which are increments so small that I could barely discern the difference during gameplay. Of course, I’m far from being an esports pro. For most gamers, though, this won’t be a setting worth adjusting given its limited range.

There are also toggle boxes for angle snapping and ripple control, which aren’t settings you always see in peripheral software. There’s no explanation as to what these settings do within the app. So, for those who aren’t familiar with the terms, angle snapping is an aid to help keep your cursor movements along a straight path, whereas ripple control is meant to help smooth mouse movements.

Angle snapping does indeed work as intended; however, I also found that it increases the acceleration of cursor movements, which is jarring. As for ripple control, its aim of reducing mouse jitter comes at the expense of “a few frames of added motion delay,” as Endgame Gear explains on its website, which is anathema to competitive gamers and not worth the cost of activating. Regardless, in practice, I found it made little difference to the smoothing of my movements.

Under the advanced settings tab, you’ll find adjustments for the polling rate, with options between 1,000Hz and 8,000Hz. The aforementioned mode button can cycle through four different poll rates within this range.

There’s a Motion Sync checkbox as well; but yet again, there’s no explanation on what this does. Endgame Gear explains on a Reddit post that the polling events and sensor data become synchronized when enabled, in order to make data more consistent, but at the cost of adding a 1ms input lag. Again, this is something that will probably make some players wince, and during my tests I failed to notice any real difference with this setting turned on.

Close up of side buttons on Endgame Gear OP1 8k — (Image credit: Future)

One feature that certainly is noticeable is the slam click filter, which prevents accidental mouse button activation when vigorously swiping, as you might when using low DPI/ CPI settings in FPS games, for instance. This is a setting that definitely works as intended, and will likely be one you’ll want to have enabled permanently.

Another set of adjustable (and not always seen) parameters are the multiclick filters. These determine how many button presses can be registered in quick succession – more commonly known as debouncing. Those who play Minecraft PvP will be among those most interested in these settings, as rapid-fire clicks are a core part of that game.

There are multi-click filter adjustments for every button on the OP1 8k (barring the underside mode switcher), ranging from 0-25. Lower values increase the number of clicks registered when spamming the given button; but misclicks are more likely, too, so you’ll want to find the setting that works best for you.

The right and left mouse buttons also have an optional dropdown box next to their respective multi-click filter settings, labeled SPDT (single pole, double throw). This refers to the type of switches the mouse buttons use, which allow for greater debouncing adjustments. You’re given three modes to choose between: GX Speed Mode, GX Safe Mode, or off.

The former lowers click latency, while the latter increases it. If off is selected, then you can use the standard 0-25 multi-click filter sliding scale instead. I noticed no real difference between these GX modes and the sliding scale, so it ultimately seems like a wasted addition.

Close up of scroll wheel on Endgame Gear OP1 8k — (Image credit: Future)

Aside from these tweaks, the software also allows you to remap the buttons on the OP1 8k. This doesn’t merely involve swapping them around: you can also assign them to trigger a keyboard key, cycle the CPI, or perform certain media-based functions, such as play, pause, open Windows Explorer or even a web browser – although the latter didn’t work on my PC.

It isn’t just the software that’s customizable; one of the biggest draws of the OP1 8k is that the hardware is customizable, too. A small screwdriver is included, so you can open up the base and swap out the main button switches (and the USB cable) if you so choose.

Endgame Gear offers a variety of different switches, which can be installed without soldering; it’s merely a case of inserting terminals. Endgame Gear even has a universal switch set, so you can use the OP1 8k with any mechanical switches you like, again without soldering. You can also take out the side button switches, although Endgame Gear offers no replacements for these.

I wasn’t able to test out these various switch options for myself, but having opened up the OP1 8k and removed the switches, I can say that it’s a fairly straightforward process. However, I did find that the right mouse button terminal wasn’t as easy to detach as the left. Also, make sure you have the terminal the correct way around when inserting it into the right mouse button slot – I found this was easy to get wrong.

While the OP1 8k aims high in its pursuit of being a high-end gaming mouse, featuring some useful software and hardware customization options, ultimately, it’s let down by its build quality and overall feel, failing to live up to its relatively high asking price.

Endgame Gear OP1 8k: Price and availability

$74 / £69 / AU$125
Available now
Black and white colorways

The OP1 8k is priced at $74 / £69 / AU$125 and is available in the US, UK, and parts of Europe. Despite it having an Australian list price on Endgame Gear’s website, it isn’t currently available in the territory.

Compared to other wired gaming mice on the market, the OP1 8k doesn’t fare well against the competition. Razer is currently offering its DeathAdder V3 wired mouse for less than the current price of the OP1 8k, and although it’s a few years old at this point, it offers a similar spec, including an 8kHz poll rate and an only slightly heavier weight of 59g.

However, the click filtering and movement smoothing parameters that the OP1 8k’s configuration tool offers stand in its favor. Razer’s equivalent software, Synapse, doesn’t provide these same tweaks; but it does offer a whole host of other customizable options with which you can experiment.

Unlike many other gaming mice, you can open up the OP1 8k and change out the switches. However, buying new switches is of course an extra expense, and there’s no option to spec the OP1 8k with the switches of your choice from the outset.

Endgame Gear OP1 8k: Specs

Should you buy the Endgame Gear OP1 8k?

Buy it if...

You want something small and very light
With a weight of about 50g, the OP1 8k is on the lighter end of the scale, and the small size will be welcoming to those with similarly proportioned hands who prefer using a claw grip.

You want to tweak your settings and hardware
Alongside the standard mouse sensitivity adjustments, the configuration tool for the OP1 8k allows you to set smoothing options and alter the debounce sensitivity, too. You can also take it apart to swap out the switches.

Don't buy it if...

You want a wireless gaming mouse
Gone are the days when wireless gaming mice were considered too slow and unreliable for gamers. As a result, hybrid models that allow for both wired and wireless play are more popular than ever; but unfortunately, the OP1 8k is wired only.

You want high-quality clicks
None of the buttons or the scroll wheel on the OP1 8k feel particularly great to actuate, which is a serious problem for gamers. In particular, the mouse buttons just aren’t snappy enough.

Endgame Gear OP1 8k: Also consider

How I tested the Endgame Gear OP1 8k

Tested for two weeks
Used for FPS titles and general PC use
Over a decade of PC gaming experience

To test out the OP1 8k, I played FPS titles Ultrakill and Day of Infamy, which cover both the fast-paced and tactical ends of the genre. I also played strategy, action and adventure games, as well as using it for general PC use, such as web browsing.

I have a decade of PC gaming experience, and my mouse of choice for most of that time has been the evergreen Logitech G502 Lightspeed wireless mouse, which was my main point of comparison alongside the Razer Viper V3 Pro.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: June 2024

GMKtec NucBox G5 mini PC review

9:59 am | July 21, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

GMKtec NucBox G5: 30-second review

For a mini PC of its size, or really Micro PC, the GMKtec NucBox G5 powered by the Alder Lake N97 packs more than enough power for most day-to-day tasks such as office work and multimedia playback. The small size of the machine, equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth, makes connections easy if you're running it behind a display, and with the familiar Windows 11 Pro OS, interaction is straightforward for non-IT professionals.

We've reviewed all the latest and best mini PCs and for us, the overall performance of the machine is impressive for its size, with the OS loading quickly. However, there is a slight pause as apps open, and while you can switch from one office app to another, there will be a noticeable delay. Using this machine, like other N97 and N100-powered mini PCs, requires a balance. As long as you don't overload the system with numerous open browser windows, documents, and spreadsheets, this compact computing solution will serve you well.

However, if you're looking for a small machine that can handle image or video processing, you'll be pushing the limits of this small box. Loading an application like Photoshop will see the machine struggle, with actions taking time to process and the editing experience becoming slow and cumbersome. But then, this isn't what the machine was designed for.

For light to medium-weight office work, it fares OK, packing the same power as larger machines and balancing its resources well between power draw and performance. When it comes to power this comes through the single USB Type-C port and only draws between 15 and 25W, making it ideal if you need a lightweight machine for on-site or off-grid systems or Van life use. Overall, considering its small size and low cost, its performance is incredibly impressive.

GMKtec NucBox G5: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From £142 / $179
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from GMKtec or Amazon.com

With a retail price of around £142 / $179, this machine is cheap at almost every level and widely available. Looking around at the various deals will definitely pay off, with money-off offers regularly featuring on online retailers such as Amazon, as well as direct on the GMKtec official website, which you can check out by clicking here.

Value: 4 / 5

GMKtec NucBox G5: Specs

GMKtec NucBox G5: Design

Maybe because of the small size of the machine the plastic casing simply has less room to flex than it's larger counterparts and therefore gives it a higher quality feel, or then it could simply be the small details, such as the ports and venting that give it a solid quality feel. However, you can tell that this is plastic, and the build quality, while good, reflects its price point.

That small size is convenient when it comes to placing the machine, with small screw holes on the back enabling it to be mounted onto a VESA Mount if needed. Although attaching a mount may be a little overkill seeing as how the small size and weight mean that a bit of Velcro will likely suffice to hold this machine in place on the back of a monitor. The design is compact, yet GMKtec has managed to ensure there are plenty of ports around the body, utilizing every millimetre of space.

One small disappointment with the design is the single USB Type-C port, which is reserved for power delivery rather than data transfer. However, with four USB Type-A ports of different denominations and two HDMI ports, you have plenty of connectivity options. Upgrade options are limited due to the compact design. However, removing the four screws on the base allows the cover to be lifted away, revealing the small form factor SSD, which can be replaced with a model up to 2TB in size.

For such a small machine, an external SSD might be a more budget-friendly option, especially with all those USB ports. The design features plenty of details that enable easy connectivity for networks and accessories. The venting across the top also helps keep the machine cool during long periods of use. Its small size means that the design has had to be refined in order for it to pack in the features the surprising amount of features that it has.

Design: 4 / 5

GMKtec NucBox G5: Features

The GMKtec NucBox G5 is packed with features that make it an excellent choice for light home office use or for companies looking for a full Windows machine to power displays. Its compact size enables it to be placed almost anywhere, while its power allows it to run office apps, playback multimedia, and browse the internet well enough.

One of the standout features of the NucBox G5 is its strong LAN and wireless network support. The built-in dual-band WiFi and compatibility with RJ45 Giga LAN (10/100/1000Mbps) ensure a decent network connection. It also supports Bluetooth 4.2, making it easy to connect with wireless keyboards, mice, and headphones.

Weighing just 206 grams and being 60% smaller than mainstream mini PCs, the NucBox G5 is incredibly portable. If you want to take it with you, that's perfectly possible, although you will need the keyboard, mouse, and monitor to go with it. Measuring 7.2 x 7.2 x 4.4 cm, it is ideal for tight spaces, whether you need a compact solution for a home office or a discreet device to power displays in a business location.

Inside, the NucBox G5 is powered by the Alder Lake N97 processor, which features 4 cores and 4 threads and offers a burst frequency of up to 3.60 GHz. This, coupled with Intel UHD Graphics 1200 MHz, provides adequate performance for light graphics tasks, making it suitable for everyday computing needs such as Microsoft Office apps. However, it is not great for medium to heavy graphics work.

The ability to hook up to two monitors simultaneously through its dual HDMI 4K display is a great productivity feature. It enables you to work on multiple documents, browse the web, or stream videos.

When it comes to connectivity, the NucBox G5 has a variety of ports, including USB 3.2, TF/MicroSD, and an audio jack. This means the additional hard drives and accessories can be easily attached to boost the core system.

Features: 3.5 / 5

GMKtec NucBox G5: Performance

The overall performance of the GMKtec NucBox G5 is excellent considering its small size and affordable price. Designed for light office work, writing in Word, small to medium-sized spreadsheets, internet browsing, and multimedia playback, it performs well. However, through the test it did struggle with large spreadsheets with multiple calculations and trying to run Photoshop or DaVinci Resolve was pushing it a little too far. However, light image and HD video editing are possible using basic apps, but a more powerful machine would be preferable if this is what you need from a machine.

These test results highlight that the NucBox G5 handles everyday tasks such as word and Excel with ease but may show limitations with more demanding applications. The high scores in Crystal Disk Read and Write show decent data access speeds, which is beneficial for loading applications and transferring files. The GeekBench and CineBench scores demonstrate an equally decent CPU performance again for light multitasking and general productivity tasks. However, the Fire Strike and Time Spy scores reveal that the G5 is not suited for intensive gaming or high-end graphics work, even running older games such as Portal 2 while possible is slow.

Performance: 3 / 5

GMKtec NucBox G5: Final verdict

The GMKtec NucBox G5 impresses with its compact size, affordability, and ability to handle light office tasks and multimedia playback well. While it may not be suited for more demanding applications, it offers excellent value for those seeking a small, versatile, and powerful mini PC for everyday use. If you need a budget-friendly solution for basic computing, browsing the internet, office and watching back video, the NucBox G5 is a great choice. However, if your requirements include heavy multitasking or intensive software, you might need to consider a more powerful option.

Should I buy a GMKtec NucBox G5?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT mini PC review

9:52 am | July 20, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: 30-second review

Most mini PCs are indeed small, but the Minsforum AtomMan G7 PT stretches this definition with a size and weight at least double that of average models. However, compared to a desktop, it remains relatively small. The AtomMan G7 PT is also one of the first PCs of this size to take advantage of the new generation of AI chips, which essentially enables the computer to allocate better its resources and power where and when they're needed.

After a tricky setup process with drivers for the new AMD Adrenaline software installed, the system fires into action, delivering an overall impressive performance for all office-based tasks, creative applications, and even a little gaming during downtime. Although this is a machine optimized for the gaming community, and the dual RGB backlight panels highlight this with default graphics that give a pleasing and fun look to the machine, it's equally well suited to the creative sector as well as office use.

That gaming styling carries across to the rest of the machine with the patterned venting design, angles, and finish. However, unlike some other gaming systems, it manages to pull back on the more outlandish design elements, keeping things relatively sleek and stylish. In the office or studio, that design is able to blend in subtly, and more importantly, the machine is well adapted with plenty of connectivity options, offering multiple display links, network options, and fast data transfer ports to connect hard drives and other devices.

Like most of the best mini PC units we've reviewed, while this machine is firmly rooted in the world of gaming, its power and features make it a great solution for those looking for a relatively small form factor machine with plenty of power for both processing and graphics.

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1249
When is it out? 5th August
Where can you get it? The official Minisforum site

The AtomMan G7 PT is priced at $1249 - with a special deal on right now which discounts the price to $999.

You can order direct from the official Minisforum site by clicking here. But note orders won't start shipping in the US until 5 August.

Value: 4 / 5

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: Specs

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: Design

With the dual LED side panel, patterned vents on the side, and overall shape and design of the AtomMan G7 PT, Minisforum has undoubtedly designed this machine with the gaming community in mind. Even down to the fact that some of the backlight patterns have been designed by famous cartoon artists and on release there will be several different options as well as being able to laser cut your own. Swapping and changing these is a fast process, with the backlight panel being held in place by magnets, into which the templates are simply slotted in.

The rest of the design is more reserve and refined, and along with the weight and size of the PC, the fully plastic construction retains a premium feel. Checking over the design, it's instantly obvious that cooling for the CPU, graphics, and storage has been a major consideration, and this becomes clear once you start to take a look inside.

By first removing the LED side panel then the two screws holding the panel beneath in place, you then have almost direct access to the RAM and SSD. The SSD is encased in a large heatsink and fan and takes some getting to but can be upgraded with two slots giving plenty of upgrade options. However, with the test results showing that the standard SSD is already one of the faster SSDs on the market, expanding storage is probably best facilitated through the secondary slot to ensure you retain the speed of the OS.

On the other side of the machine, six larger screws hold the webbed side panel, which once removed exposes the huge GPU. This is far in excess of most Mini PCs and instantly highlights the true potential of this machine. It also helps to explain the design and why it's designed to stand vertically rather than flat.

On the base is the AC power socket which prevents the machine from standing upright without the aid of the stand that's included in the box. The stand and machine use a strong magnet to hold together; it's a neat solution that works well. Once setup, all wires can be plugged in before powering on. At the back, there's a good array with 3.5mm audio in and out, HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB Type-A, one Type-C, and a network port. The front is kept simple with a USB Type-A, one Type-C, 3.5mm audio, and the fan boost. The power button is on top.

Like many AI-enhanced machines, while the physical design of the machine resembles a standard mini or desktop PC, inside software is required to utilize some of the hardware features and adapt the machine to the way in which you want to work. In the case of this machine, that's through the AMD Adrenaline software that enables you to adjust the control of the machine between power and efficiency.

Design: 4 / 5

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: Features

The AtomMan G7 PT features an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor with 16 cores and 32 threads, capable of speeds up to 5.4 GHz. Paired with an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT GPU, this mini PC should be able to handle both creative tasks and gaming with ease. The DDR5 dual-channel memory is expandable up to 96GB, providing a huge amount of headroom for demanding applications.

Storage is also well-supported with a primary M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 SSD slot and an additional M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot for expansion. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, all helping to ensure a fast and reliable connection. Video output options include HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and USB-C.

The machine also includes various peripheral interfaces, such as RJ45 2.5G Ethernet, multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and comprehensive audio options.

Features: 4.5 / 5

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: Performance

From the outset, the AtomMan G7 PT performance closely resembles that of a mid to high-end PC. After installing the Adrenaline software and tweaking settings, the machine handles multiple office applications, large documents, and some of the best video editing software and best photo editors like Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve without issue. The filling of the addition SSD slot or the use of an external SSD using one of the fast USB Type-C ports is recommended for handling large 4K video files, given the internal SSD's 1TB limit.

Throughout testing, the AtomMan G7 PT performed exceptionally well. Office applications ran smoothly, and creative tasks were handled well, albeit with storage limitations for large video projects with the review units limited storage. Gaming performance was superb, with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Tekken 8 running smoothly. This machine bridges the gap between laptop processing and dedicated video editing rigs, making it a versatile choice for professionals and gamers alike.

Performance: 5 / 5

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT: Final verdict

The Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT is a powerful mini PC that combines compact size with desktop-level performance. Ideal for gaming, creative applications, and heavy multitasking, it offers exceptional value for its price. While its gamer-centric design might not appeal to everyone, its performance and versatility make it a standout choice.

Should I buy a Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE review: the best midrange GPU but better

2:00 pm | July 15, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Computing Components Gadgets | Tags: AI, GPU | Comments: Off

ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE: Three-minute review

Earlier this year, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE (Golden Rabbit Edition), initially exclusive to China, emerged as a formidable mid-range GPU contender upon its global release. It not only competes directly with the Nvidia RTX 4070 in terms of price but also rivals the performance of the 4070 Super.

ASRock Steel Legend's version of the RX 7900 GRE retains all the features we appreciated and found lacking in the GPU. This includes 16GB GDDR6 on a 256-bit memory bus, 80 AMD RDNA 3 compute units with RT and AI accelerators, 64MB of AMD Infinity Cache technology, and support for Microsoft DirectX 12 Ultimate.

Priced at $549 (£568.44/AU$1,025), the ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE stands out as one of the best versions of AMD's mid-range GPU.

As with many GPUs from the Taipei, Taiwan-based manufacturer, it includes several appealing extras. Customizable RGB lighting is available through ASRock’s Polychrome RGB Sync app.

The metal backplate not only enhances durability but also adds a sleek look to custom desktop setups. For cooling, it features a triple-striped axial fan with 0dB silent cooling and an Ultra-fit heat pipe for efficient heat dissipation.

An ASRock Steel Series Radeon RX 7900 GRE on a desk — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE boasts higher core (1972MHz) and boost (2,333MHz) clock speeds compared to the version we reviewed last February. While this might yield a slight performance boost, the primary benefit lies in enhanced GPU durability. Buyers can enjoy added visual flair with customizable RGB lighting and an improved cooling solution, all without the concern of accelerated wear on their GPU.

Installation is straightforward, featuring PCI Express 4.0 support and requiring two 8-pin power connectors for its 260W power demand. The card includes three DisplayPort 2.1 ports and one HDMI 2.1 port.

Users will need to download the AMD Software Adrenalin Edition driver for optimal performance. Additionally, ASRock provides the ASRock Tweak 2.0 software for performance tuning and fan control adjustments.

This version of the RX 7900 GRE delivers nearly identical performance, making it ideal for 1440p native resolutions and entry-level 4K gaming, depending on the game. Gamers who also use their desktops for content creation can seamlessly edit high-resolution photos in Photoshop and videos in Premiere Pro without any issues.

Starting with Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, considered a high visual benchmark in gaming, we tested at 1440p native resolution with max settings and ray tracing, achieving frame rates between 30-45 fps. Enabling AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) at a balanced setting boosted frame rates to 60 fps and above.

While FSR isn't as refined as Nvidia’s DLSS, with some noticeable ghosting issues, the RX 7900 GRE’s larger VRAM can provide better performance for GPU-intensive games.

Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Motorsport (2023) also saw respectable frame rates at max settings. Aspiring competitive gamers will definitely be able to get higher 100+ frame rates on games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Counter Strike 2 and Fortnite too.

The ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE is an enhanced version of an already impressive mid-range GPU. It features customizable RGB lighting, a robust metal backplate, and an efficient cooling system with 0dB silent cooling. This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for outstanding 1440p performance.

ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE: PRICE & AVAILABILITY

The ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE is now available in the U.S., UK, and Australia for $549 (£568.44, AU$1,025). It can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon and Newegg.

Priced $50 lower than the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, the RX 7900 GRE offers 16GB VRAM compared to the 4070 Super’s 12GB, providing a slight advantage for 1440p gaming at native resolution.

However, the 4070 Super excels in Ray Tracing and AI upscaling, enhancing games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake II.

ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE: Specs

Should I Buy ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE?

Buy the ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE if…

You require fantastic 1440p performance
The ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE is a 1440p beast with the ability to get some good performance out of 4K as well.

You need a GPU to make your desktop’s fly
The GPU looks great including the metal back panel and customizable RGB lighting.

You want good cooling components and quiet fans
Alongside the triple fan design that’s pretty quiet even when under stress, the ultra-fit heat pipe really goes a long way of keeping components cool.

Don’t buy if…

You need the best ray tracing and AI upscaling
Compared to NVIDIA’s 4070 Super, the RX 7900 GRE can’t keep up with ray tracing performance and AI resolution upscaling through DLSS.

ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE: ALSO CONSIDER

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
Not only can it handle 1440p resolution just as well as the RX 7900 but excels at ray tracing and AI upscaling.

Read the full Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super review

HOW I TESTED ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE

I used the ASRock Steel Legend RX 7900 GRE on my main computer for two weeks, playing games like Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, and Forza Motorsport (2023). I also created video and photo content with Photoshop and Premiere Pro. With specs similar to the RX 7900 GRE we reviewed earlier this year, except for the additional 212Hz boost clock, the benchmarks were almost the same.

I’ve spent the past several years covering laptops and PCs, monitors, and other PC components for Techradar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

First reviewed July 2024

« Previous Page — Next Page »