I’ve long been a fan of Acer’s excellent Orion gaming desktop line, and here at Computex 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan, I think Acer has just outdone itself. The Predator Orion X is a more compact - but no less powerful - version of Acer’s staple gaming PC, with a slick new design and some impressive specs.
With a 15.4-liter chassis and a total package weight of less than 9 kilograms, this is one of the smallest (if not the smallest) gaming desktops Acer has ever made. It measures just 25.6 x 17.8 x 33.5cm, but that small form factor case doesn’t sacrifice performance to save space; instead, the internals of this PC are smartly designed to make maximum use of the available room inside the case.
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The interior of the chassis is neatly split into three zones: one for the CPU and mainboard, one for the graphics card, and one for the fans and AIO radiator.
Don’t be fooled by the cramped design, though - this is no Corsair One, where space-saving comes at the cost of easy upgradability. Acer designed the Orion X with PC DIY in mind, so accessing these three zones is actually incredibly simple.
Hot swap
On the front of the Orion X, there are three chunky release levers. Pull one, and off pops the corresponding zone panel, making upgrading or repairing a component a cinch. When you’re done, the panels slot back into place easily with no tools required. You can optionally cover the front of the case with a transparent panel, too.
I like that the industrial aesthetic of the Orion X’s exterior makes these release levers blend seamlessly into its visual design. The style might not be for everyone, but I personally love it; the use of RGB here is relatively understated, and the large ‘ZONE 2’ printed on the side evokes a certain genre of sci-fi dystopia that I’ve been known to enjoy.
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It gets better, though. On the front panel of the Orion X, a small flap opens up to reveal a slot containing a swappable M.2 SSD enclosure. Not only is it extra storage in general, which is never a bad thing, but it’s a boon for PC gamers who like to take their games on the go with them.
This alleviates the need for a portable SSD or a USB converter - you can simply take one of the best SSDs and slap a whole PC’s worth of games into this system in an instant. It’s potentially very handy if you’re buying the Orion X as an upgrade to an existing system, too; just extract your old SSD and drop it straight in here.
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The tiny interior does mean that you may be limited in some areas when it comes to switching out certain components, but it's likely you'll never need to.
After all, the RTX 4090 is pretty future-proof. The only possible issue I can see here is if the AIO cooler fails, you'll need to specifically buy another one that fits perfectly - there's no room for a tower air cooler here.
Power under the hood
Despite its small size, the Acer Predator Orion X is packing a seriously respectable spec sheet. Acer has managed to cram a twin-fan RTX 4090 card of its own design inside this PC, so gaming performance is just about as good as it can get. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM (upgradable up to 64GB) and a 2TB PCIe SSD as standard, the GPU is well-supported.
One slightly odd choice here is the CPU, which is an Intel Core i9-13900KS. It’s a very powerful chip, no doubt about that, but I was surprised to find that the Orion X doesn’t use the newer i9-14900K, especially considering that chip has been on the market for months at this point. But then again, the 14th-gen desktop chips were merely a refresh of the 13th-gen Raptor Lake microarchitecture, and we noted in our review that the generational performance gains were next to unnoticeable, so perhaps this was just a smart move from Acer to help keep the price down.
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Speaking of price: the Orion X was actually announced at last year’s Computex, and has already been available to buy in the UK for a few months, albeit a less powerful model sporting an RTX 4080 instead of Nvidia’s flagship 4090 GPU. We don’t have official pricing for this new iteration, but given the current £3,299 price (around US$4,210 / AU$6,330), we can reasonably expect it to be less than £4,000 in the UK.
As for when it’ll arrive on the other side of the Atlantic, that’s not quite clear at this point. While researching, I found some Acer documentation that suggested it was originally slated for launch in the US in September of 2023, but that evidently didn’t happen, so we might be waiting a little longer for an American release. I certainly hope Acer gets its act together and gives us a proper global release soon, because this is one of the best compact PCs I’ve seen in ages.
While the MSI Vector 17 HX isn't going to win any awards for its physical design, this portable has all the performance necessary to stand with some of the best gaming laptops on the market.
Priced at $2,299 / £2,399 / AU$3,099 for a version sporting an RTX 4070 graphics card, it's more costly than many of its rivals. And when you consider that alongside the build quality comprises here (which we'll discuss in more depth later), sadly this means this MSI notebook doesn't quite achieve top marks - but it's still a decent machine.
That's because the MSI Vector 17 HX still largely justifies its higher-than-average price tag by including an excellent Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a superfast Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD so you've got a wealth of power at your fingertips. The bottleneck, therefore, becomes the GPU, given the laptop's native 2,560 x 1,600 resolution 16:10 display. So, while we were sent the RTX 4070 variant for review, you may want to consider the RTX 4080 model for a power boost.
The 17-inch display unfortunately lacks any kind of HDR support which is a real shame. The IPS LED screen is bright enough at 500 nits, but looks a little washed out, especially when factoring in that some of its competitors are utilizing mini-LED and even OLED. Fortunately, with its 240Hz refresh rate, it's fast enough for you not to necessarily mind all that much.
Speaking of that refresh rate, though, you won't necessarily be able to hit frame rates that can fully take advantage of it, given the 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM on board the mobile RTX 4070 - especially at 1440p. However, if you're smart with your settings sliders in 1080p, you can expect framerates of around 100fps. 1440p hovers around the 60fps mark, although DLSS 3's Frame Generation will be able to provide a shot in the arm, at least where it's supported.
Furthermore, the MSI Vector 17 HX doesn't buck the trend of gaming laptops having less-than-stellar battery lives. Its four-cell 99Wh battery pack is decent enough for powering around four hours of light use, but gaming is more limited to about an hour and a half. You'll need to keep the 330W charger close by, or keep the rig perennially plugged in as a dedicated replacement for one of the best gaming PCs.
MSI Vector 17 HX: Price and availability
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How much does it cost? $2,299 / £2,399 / AU$3,099
When is it available? It's on sale now
Where can you get it? In the US, UK and Australia
The MSI Vector 17 HX is available from $2,299 / £2,399 / AU$3,099 for the RTX 4070 model. The peppier version sporting the more powerful RTX 4080 GPU is available for $2,799 / £2,899 / AU$3,399. That positions this gaming laptop in the upper mid-range, pitting it against weighty competition from premium manufacturers.
Price-wise, that's a similar entry point to the Razer Blade 16 and the HP Omen 17 which are far from the cheapest options on the market. With its high asking price, the MSI Vector 17 HX is considerably pricier than other 17-inch RTX 4070 gaming laptops such as the Asus ROG Strix G17, MSI Sword 17 HX, and the Acer Nitro 17. It's not the cheapest RTX 4070 laptop, that's for sure.
Price: 3 / 5
MSI Vector 17 HX: Specs
Here are the specs for the MSI Vector 17 HX at a glance.
MSI Vector 17 HX: Design
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Bulky plastic chassis
Large and fast display
Weighty at 6.6lbs / 3kg
In terms of its build, the MSI Vector 17 HX is on the bulkier side even as far as mid-range laptops go. It's a deliberate and old-fashioned design with its plastic construction and thick-angled hinges that won't be for everyone, but it's at least distinct. You won't find a carefully machine-crafted aluminum chassis here, but it's serviceable enough.
You'll feel the weight of this gaming laptop at 6.6lbs / 3kg, as the MSI Vector 17 HX is a touch heavier than some of the other 17-inch models we already mentioned above. It's still sleek enough to be portable, but its display size and heft may not be ideal if you're thinking of something for everyday use at work or school.
Our review unit had a QHD+ resolution (2,560 x 1,600) screen at 240Hz, however, some variants may feature a 165Hz Full HD display depending on configuration and asking price. There's no support for HDR here, which is a shame, and the screen has a peak brightness of 500 nits; by no means the brightest or most vivid display, but it's good enough for gaming, and fast enough, certainly.
The keyboard on the Vector 17 HX is colorful and full of personality with its multi-zone RGB lightning and decals on each key, even if it doesn't offer the best typing experience. This extends to the trackpad as well - while functional, it feels a little cheap, but you'll likely be using one of the best gaming mice instead, so it's not too big a deal.
A high point is the excellent port selection. You'll find a total of three USB-C ports, two USB 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. They're spread out on both sides and the back of the machine, so you should be fully catered for when using this gaming laptop as a full-on desktop replacement, hooked up to the best gaming keyboard and best gaming monitor.
Design: 3 / 5
MSI Vector 17 HX: Performance
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The performance of the MSI Vector 17 HX is solid thanks to the excellent Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU combined with the respectable RTX 4070, but it's actually the GPU which will be your biggest bottleneck. That's because Nvidia's mobile mid-range graphics card only features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit memory bus.
MSI Vector 17 HX benchmarks
Here's how the MSI Vector 17 HX performed in our suite of industry-standard benchmarks and game tests.
Geekbench 6:
Single - 2,915
Multi - 17,669 3DMark:
Night Raid - 71,732
Fire Strike - 27,029
Time Spy - 12,850
Port Royal - 7,471 PCMark 10: 8,180 Cyberpunk 2077:
1080p - 132fps (Low) ; 86fps (Ultra)
1440p - 102fps (Low) ; 72fps (Ultra)
RT Ultra - 75fps (1080p) ; 73fps (1440p)
Total War: Three Kingdoms:
1080p - 334fps Low ; 96fps Ultra
1440p - 221fps Low ; 59fps Ultra Red Dead Redemption II:
1080p -162fps (Low) ; 88fps (Ultra)
1440p - 121fps (Low) ; 67fps (Ultra) CrystalDiskMark:
Read: 7,024MB/s
Write: 5,203MB/s Cinebench R24:
Single-core - 2,100
Multi-core - 27,484 TechRadar Battery Test: 1 hour 38 minutes
1080p appears to be the sweet spot for this particular variant of the MSI Vector 17 HX, as seen with the gaming benchmarks. Specifically with GPU-heavy games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, you're getting nowhere near the 240Hz refresh rate unless you drop down to Full HD.
This is reflected in the benchmarks for Total War: Three Kingdoms, a CPU-heavy title, which can exceed the maximum refresh rate with the graphical settings reduced. Ray tracing is possible, but won't quite excel in the way that a mobile RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 can (with 12GB and 16GB GDDR6 VRAM respectively). In Cyberpunk 2077 at RT Ultra, you're getting around 70 to 80fps here.
The 13th-gen Core i9 is a powerhouse CPU and this is evident in the stress-testing conducted. Geekbench 6 delivers confident scores of 2,720 and 17,308 for single-core and multi-core respectively, with Cinebench R23 providing superb results of 1,941 and 25,624 respectively. There's nothing this processor won't be able to do, and it offers a whole load of grunt, despite lacking a dedicated NPU (as seen with its Meteor Lake successor).
The Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD inside of the MSI Vector 17 HX is excellent. Despite this tech being replaced by Gen 5.0 models, you won't need anything faster than the tested sequential rates of 6,442MB/s reads and 4,873MB/s writes respectively. Modern PC games are starting to utilize the DirectStorage API for near-instant loading times and ultra textures. Interestingly, there's a Gen 5.0 port available for even faster storage.
The screen natively supports 1600p resolution with its 16:10 aspect ratio, and while you shouldn't experience frame rate drops that are too jarring, you'll need to be mindful of the limitations of the RTX 4070's VRAM. Even 8GB for the desktop version is starting to struggle nowadays in this resolution, and that uses far faster GDDR6X memory. We recommend utilizing Nvidia DLSS 3 Frame Generation where possible for a boost.
Performance: 4 / 5
MSI Vector 17 HX: Battery life
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Lasts around four hours with media playback and browsing
Can game for around an hour and a half on battery
The MSI Vector 17 HX features a four-cell 90Wh battery which is average-sized given the 17-inch chassis of this gaming laptop. In practice, you can expect up to four hours of web browsing and media playback when prioritizing efficiency over performance. You'll need to keep the charging cable handy if you're planning on working all day or enjoying a few longer movies back to back, though.
Gaming on battery power is expectedly poor. We got around an hour and a half from a full charge with Cyberpunk 2077. The mobile RTX 4070 has a TDP of 115W, making it more power-efficient than more powerful discrete graphics, but the battery is still a major concern. It's not a problem unique to the MSI Vector 17 HX, but it's worth noting all the same.
Fortunately, the power cable connects at the back of the device instead of the side, delivering a constant feed of 330W. We'd recommend using a dedicated laptop riser on your gaming desk and doing a little cable management to be more comfortable. As something to carry around with you every day, this machine isn't up to the task, but that's the cost of performance like this.
Battery: 2 / 5
Should you buy the MSI Vector 17 HX?
Buy it if...
You want a big-screen gaming laptop
The MSI Vector 17 HX has a sharp screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It may not be the brightest or most vivid display on the market, but its size and fast refresh rate make it worthwhile.
You want a notebook that's a powerful performer
The MSI Vector 17 HX packs in some beefy components including a powerful CPU and a seriously impressive SSD, alongside a solid choice of GPU.
You want a gaming laptop that excels in 1080p
The RTX 4070M features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM which is ideal for speedy frame rates in Full HD and indeed FHD+ (1200p resolution) for the 16:10 aspect ratio.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best value for money
Simply put, the MSI Vector 17 HX is on the expensive side for an RTX 4070-powered gaming laptop, and you can save a bundle by opting for a competitor instead.
You want a gaming laptop that motors in 1440p
While this machine's native 1600p screen is impressive in some ways, it's held back by the more limited VRAM of the RTX 4070M, which means it can't quite hit the frame rates we'd like to see at 1440p (or 1600p, of course).
MSI Vector 17 HX: Also consider
HP Omen 16
The HP Omen 16 is more affordable than the MSI Vector 17 HX, offering a similar level of performance, albeit in a slightly more compact 16-inch form factor, and with a slower display.
Lenovo has a new line of laptops featuring Qualcomm chips, meant to handle the workload of AI tools and features while maintaining both performance and battery life. The Yoga Slim 7x 14 is the manufacturer's consumer offering, and it's shaping up to be an excellent one.
From my limited time with the laptop, I can tell you it has a relatively thin and light chassis (though the commercial offering was surprisingly lighter), yet feels sturdy. It's a portable, practical machine, which most office workers and students are sure to appreciate.
The specs are also impressive from what we're seeing right now though, depending on the final performance findings, we'll see just how much of a difference the Snapdragon CPU makes. This could be the deciding factor as to whether the Yoga Slim 7x 14 could even be one of the best laptops.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14: Price and availability
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 was revealed just before Computex 2024. Hopefully, we'll find out more information about its availability in other regions once the event comes around.
For now, however, we know that the laptop is launching in the US through Best Buy and Lenovo's online store and will retail for $1,299 (around £1,020 / AU$1,960).
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14: specs
The specs for the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 can be seen below:
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14: Design
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When considering a standard Lenovo laptop, you think of the classic black color with a very squarish and practical build. But the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 is a beautiful Cosmic Blue color that, coupled with its thinner and lighter form factor, makes for a stylish and sleek machine you can take on the go.
The Yoga Slim 7x 14 sports a sturdy yet light chassis and a gorgeous 14.5-inch 3K OLED display, that supports HDR 600 True Black with 1000 nits of brightness. The keyboard is lovely to type on, with wider keys that mitigate mistypes for those with larger fingers or shaky hands.
The laptop packs a 1080P FHD web camera, which is of standard quality and perfectly suited for video conferencing. Unfortunately, it's covered by an E-shutter button and not a physical one, meaning there's always a risk of someone hacking your laptop and spying on you with the camera.
The most disappointing aspect of the Yoga Slim 7x 14 was the meager port selection, which only comes with three USB Type-C ports and one combo jack. I know priority was given to the thin form factor, but it's still a letdown not having some of the basic ports on the laptop.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14: Performance
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The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 is equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite, which not only is expected to give it unparalleled processing power according to all reports we've seen so far. Still, it will also provide the laptop with the battery power it needs to keep up with the energy-intensive AI tasks that it will be running.
According to these same reports, the Qualcomm CPU beats out Apple’s M3 and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H in Geekbench 6 – with 85% and 88% of the speed of the Snapdragon respectively. Its thermals are also impressive, it has great AI acceleration, and the battery life wins over similar market laptops in the local video playback testing.
Since my time with the Yoga Slim 7x 14 was limited, I couldn't perform any benchmarks myself. However, the laptop was quite speedy as I tried out various tasks like internet browsing. I also couldn't test out the AI features it comes with, which was a big selling point of the laptop. But I imagine that it'll work like most other offerings we're seeing right now.
Of course, once we get our hands on it for a review, we'll be able to fully and thoroughly test out all aspects of the laptop and see how Qualcomm's chips hold up.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14: Early Verdict
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The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 could potentially be one of the best laptops on the market, especially in the 14-inch sector. It's a sexy and lightweight machine that comes in an appealing color, a lovely display, a speedy and powerful processor with a long-lasting battery life, and a great keyboard and mousepad combo.
My only real gripe is the abysmal port selection that many other laptops in the same market beat out. But then again, if Apple can get away with it, Lenovo most likely can too. Otherwise, it's shaping up to be a convenient and well-rounded laptop that's perfect for consumers needing a productivity or streaming machine and the price is pretty affordable as well.
It'll also be interesting to see firsthand how well AI plays with the Qualcomm chip – whether the pair will work well together and create something greater than the sum of its parts or if it'll end up clunky and disjointed.
Another month, another rival to Valve's popular Steam Deck gaming handheld. Yes, now PC gaming brand Zotac has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, revealing its own handheld PC at Computex 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.
The Zotac Zone (yes, I know Zotac formats it as ZONE, but I don't want to feel like I'm yelling at you!) will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has used any of the mainstream handheld PCs currently on the market. The MSI Claw, Lenovo Legion Go, and Asus's shiny new ROG Ally X all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day, they're broadly similar devices, and the Zone is no exception.
The physical design is immediately reminiscent of the Steam Deck, since it features a pair of small square trackpads beneath the analog sticks, something notably absent from most of the Deck's existing rivals (the Legion Go has a single pad on the right-hand side). However, the controller layout and general feel of the device is a lot closer to the ROG Ally - and having used my own Ally extensively, I can say that this could be a real competitor.
Screen queen
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The star of the show here - and the thing I noticed first about the Zone - is the 7-inch AMOLED touch display. With a resolution of 1080p, 120Hz refresh rate, and impressive maximum brightness of 800 nits (more than most other PC handhelds), it's a stand-out feature that looks absolutely bloody gorgeous.
That's truly not hyperbole: I played Horizon Zero Dawn and Street Fighter 6 on this thing, and both games looked fantastic. Colors are vibrant and shadows are deep, with no visual artifacts and excellent sharpness. It's no exaggeration to say this is one of the best displays I've seen on a gaming handheld. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that this is a MIPI panel, which means it doesn't support Variable Refresh Rate in games.
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Behind that glorious screen is an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, which delivered solid performance during my hands-on testing. The RDNA 3 integrated graphics perform admirably - and while I wasn't able to properly test framerates, playing on the Zone felt smooth and responsive at 1080p with graphics set to Low or Medium. The Ryzen APU is supported by 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD.
The 8840U is a bit different from the AMD Z1 and Z1 Extreme chips found in several other handhelds (including the Ally and Legion Go), but it has the same number of cores and the same operating frequency. It's just a slightly newer architecture: Hawk Point as opposed to the Z1's Phoenix Point. The main difference here is an improved XDNA processor for better performance with AI workloads, which may come in handy for AI-powered game features like AMD FSR.
Trigger happy
One unique feature I quite liked was the adjustable trigger system. On the back of the unit, both main triggers have a small switch that lets you swap the trigger sensitivity between two stages - basically switching between a normal full press to register input and a hair-trigger response.
It's a neat function that could come in handy for shooters, since the triggers have quite a lot of travel in regular mode, and it's good that the two switches can be toggled independently - I could see myself using the hair-trigger mode on the left trigger for quicker aim-down-sight reactions but sticking with the regular input for actually firing my weapon, so as to avoid misfires.
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Another possible first for gaming handhelds is the inclusion of what looks like a small front-facing webcam to the left of the display. Zotac didn't have any information about this on the event floor, however, and early test units of the Lenovo Legion Go also featured a camera that never made it to the final release, so don't get your hopes up.
I didn't get an exact figure for the weight, but the Zone weighs about the same as the newly-announced ROG Ally X - which is to say, heavier than the more compact Steam Deck, but lighter than the chunky Legion Go. Despite this, it's still quite large, measuring 31cm across, so this might not be the best choice for gamers with smaller hands. There's a small kickstand at the back, which is useful if you want to hook it up to a larger screen via the Thunderbolt 4 port and play using a separate controller.
AMOLED you finish, but...
Unfortunately, no fancy trigger systems nor gorgeous AMOLED screens can hide the fact that some parts of the Zotac Zone feel a little... cheap. Zotac assured me that the unit I was testing was a relatively early beta model, so there's every chance my qualms will be addressed before the product makes it to a full release, but I'd be remiss not to mention the issues here.
Firstly, the D-pad felt very flimsy, and the analog sticks were a bit loose for my liking - some people might not be bothered by the latter, but I definitely prefer the more resistive feeling of the ROG Ally's twin sticks. The additional two rear finger bumpers are also lacking in satisfaction, with a feeble click to them. On the bright side, the triggers, main bumpers, and face buttons all feel solid.
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It's also worth noting that just like every other Windows-based gaming handheld, the OS is poorly suited to this device format. Even with a touchscreen and trackpad, the small display and lack of a physical keyboard make navigating Windows 11 rather cumbersome. I can't really blame Zotac for that, though - it's a frustration of Microsoft's making, and I've already given them the solution...
The factor that may truly prove to be the Zone's downfall, though, is the price. While Zotac hasn't officially confirmed pricing, Spanish tech site Geeknetic has reported that the launch price is expected to be around $800 (about £625 / AU$1200). That's rather expensive considering the specs here; the ROG Ally X is expected to be around the same price, but packs more memory and storage, while the Steam Deck is significantly cheaper than both.
Still, I'm excited to see the Zone hit the market so I can properly test it out. Competition breeds innovation, as they say; more PC gaming handhelds can't be a bad thing. But the competition is really starting to heat up now, so Zotac will need to bring its A-game if it wants to capture a segment of this emerging market.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, part of Asus's lineup of the best gaming laptops, is mostly another refresh of the Zephyrus G16 but with the added AMD NPU. The other models featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 have already launched earlier this year, with this new one made to give buyers more options.
Like with most other NPU-equipped laptops and PCs, the biggest question is whether they'll hold up as the next evolution of processors. Plenty of manufacturers seem to believe so and have been investing accordingly. As they slowly trickle out, we'll see how well founded these investments are.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16: price and availability
The AMD NPU version of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 has been revealed in time for Computex 2024, though we don't have an official release date or pricing yet.
Currently, the Intel versions are available for purchase through the Asus online shop and most major retailers, starting at $2,899.99 (around £799 / AU$1,599). As you can see, the pricing of this gaming laptop is quite premium, as you're paying both for its thin and light frame and that it houses the AI processor.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16: specs
Here are the specs for the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 at a glance.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16: design
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For a gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is quite lightweight and could easily be one of the best thin and light gaming laptops on the market. Though the available color is uninspired, it sports a unique design feature like much of the line's previous iterations.
In this case, it's an LED light that runs diagonally across the top case, adding some much-needed flair to an otherwise bland-looking laptop. I can't imagine how badly this aesthetic gimmick bleeds through battery power, so hopefully, there's a simple way to turn it off when one needs to conserve energy.
It features a solid port selection that includes two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, one combo jack, one SD card reader slot, and one HDMI port. Unfortunately, it's missing an ethernet port, which is odd considering that playing PC games online requires a stable connection that can't be replicated using Wi-Fi.
The display is a 2.5K OLED and sports HDR True Black 500, meaning you'll get a gorgeously clear and sharp picture quality every time. The keyboard features nice-sized keys that are well-suited for a wide range of hand types, and the touchpad is large, so you'll have plenty of space to maneuver.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16: performance
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On paper, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 refresh has some impressive specs, like an Nvidia RTX 4000-series GPU, next-gen AMD NPU, and a display with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time. With these components, it should be one of the fastest laptops out there, able to handle the massive AI workload that it's sure to be put through.
Of course, I wasn't able to benchmark the ROG Zephyrus G16 myself, so I can't say for sure exactly how it compares to current laptops on the market. It uses an AMD NPU instead of a Qualcomm SnapDragon chip, meaning that the battery life will most likely run as well as the average gaming laptop – Which is to say, not very long.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16: early verdict
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The AMD refresh version of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is a solid gaming laptop with a thin and light chassis and a fun visual gimmick. Though it's clearly well-balanced and would serve most gamers well, there's nothing particularly impressive about it either. It's a mostly standard refresh except for the NPU addition.
Those needing an update should consider investing in this one, but if you have a laptop, then there's nothing you're missing out on in particular. I am curious to see how well the NPU coupled with the RTX 4000-series GPUs will perform - whether the difference between an AI processor and a normal one is that great.
There's an argument to be made for packing in as much power as possible when it comes to the best gaming laptops, and that's the space the Acer Predator Triton 17 X occupies. For the most part, it forgoes being the sleekest and smallest of its kind to go all-in on pushing boundaries for those with deep enough pockets to take the plunge.
Priced at $3,599.99 / £3,299.99 / AU$7,999, the Acer Predator Triton 17 X isn't a budget pick by any means, but that's the cost of packing in enough horsepower to give even the best gaming PCs a run for their money. While the mobile RTX 4090 doesn't exactly rival what its desktop counterpart can do, the performance margin is within an acceptable ballpark range; you can think of it as similar to an RTX 4080 desktop GPU.
Where this rig stands out from competitors is with its display. The Triton 17 X features a staggering 250Hz refresh rate with a 1600p resolution screen. That 16:10 aspect ratio means you get more real-estate for gaming, and the results are impressive. Fortunately, the components inside this Predator laptop mean you'll be able to push even the latest and most demanding games to superfast frame rates.
No corners have been cut with the quality-of-life features here, either. This laptop is armed with a six-speaker setup, an excellent keyboard, and a healthy port selection, so even when you're not gaming, you'll have a good experience. Just keep in mind that the Triton 17 X is not the most practical notebook with its 3kg / 6.6lbs heft, so it might not be your daily runner to work or school on the side.
Compounding this is the majorly disappointing battery life. The Acer Predator Triton 17 X lasts around two hours at best when enjoying media playback or browsing the web, and about an hour when getting stuck into one of the latest games. You'll want the charger nearby, but if you can overlook these issues then there's a stellar machine underneath it all.
Acer Predator Triton 17 X: Price and availability
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How much does it cost? $3,599.99 / £3,299.99 / AU$7,999
When is it available? It's out now
Where can you get it? In the US, UK and Australia
The Acer Predator Triton 17 X is one of the pricier gaming laptops on the market, coming in above the $3,000 / £3,000 mark (and at AU$8,000). Considering the hardware inside, that shouldn't come as a huge surprise, though. Acer isn't pulling any punches from the choice of CPU and GPU, through to the display, RAM, and storage. Simply put, it's far from a cheap gaming laptop, but if you want to be on the bleeding edge and have the cash to splash then it could be worthwhile.
As a frame of reference, the price of entry for the Predator Triton 17 X puts it in league with other top-end offerings such as the Origin EON 16SL when fully specced out, or the Alienware M16 and Razer Blade 16 (2023) in higher configurations. You aren't getting the best value for money on the market, nor the strongest price-to-performance ratio, but in terms of sheer raw power, the Triton 17 X has it in spades.
Price: 3 / 5
Acer Predator Triton 17 X: Design
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Stunning 250Hz mini-LED display
Packed with ports
A bit heavy at 3kg / 6.6lbs
Acer Predator Triton 17 X: Specs
Here's what's inside the Acer Predator Triton 17 X supplied to TechRadar.
CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX GPU: Nvidia RTX 4090 RAM: 64GB LPDDR5 Storage: 2TB NVMe Gen 4.0 Display: WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 IPS 250Hz Ports: 2x USB 3.2, 2x USB-C, 2.5Gb Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack, microSD card slot Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.1 Weight: 3kg / 6.6lbs Dimensions: 28 x 38.04 x 2.19cm (LxWxH)
The most notable thing about the Acer Predator Triton 17 X at first glance is the display which is certainly a leading model as far as gaming laptops go. This portable powerhouse packs in a 16:10 WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600 resolution) screen meaning more real-estate is available for gaming than 16:9 can offer. It's bolstered by a 250Hz refresh rate and is Nvidia G-sync compatible, so there's no screen tearing.
It's not the first laptop to feature a mini-LED display, but it is an excellent example of the panel tech in action. While not quite as vivid as OLED, it is considerably brighter, and the 1,000 local dimming zones do a solid job of standing in with similar black levels. Considering the hardware inside, an RTX 4090 mobile GPU backed up by an Intel 13th-gen Core i9 processor, you'll be able to take advantage of that high refresh rate, too.
Acer's design philosophy for this machine is "excellent in excess" and that's clearly demonstrated with the hardware packed into a portable form factor. Mind you, this rig weighs in at 3kg / 6.6lbs making it one of the heavier models on the market. With a 17-inch screen, it's fairly large as well, and while technically portable, the 17 X is unlikely to be something you'll commonly be slinging into a bag. It's more of an out-and-out desktop replacement.
While you're likely to plug in one of the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mice, the Acer Predator Triton 17 X features a solid keyboard and trackpad for casual web browsing and typing. It offers pleasant multi-zone RGB lighting which looks the part when playing in darker environments. The trackpad isn't as nice as some of the glass ones you'll find on a similarly priced Razer Blade, but it gets the job done. Again, a dedicated mouse will do the trick better.
No expense was spared on the connectivity front here, either. There are two USB-C ports, two USB 3.2 ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. You'll have no shortage of options for either work or play, and it's good that the manufacturer chose function over form in this respect, as some thinner laptops can sacrifice port selection to achieve their svelte nature.
Design: 4 / 5
Acer Predator Triton 17 X: Performance
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Unparalleled 1080p and 1440p gaming performance
Silky smooth refresh rate
Gets very hot and loud
You won't be surprised to learn that a gaming laptop powered by the Intel Core i9-13900HX and Nvidia RTX 4090 with 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM absolutely mowed through our suite of benchmarks and games. The display for the laptop tops out at 250Hz, and you'll have all the horsepower necessary to achieve those kind of frame rates in 1080p, and drive very smooth gameplay at 1440p as well.
Acer Predator Triton 17 X benchmarks
Here's how the Acer Predator Triton 17 X got on in our game testing.
Total War: Three Kingdoms (1080p) - 364fps (Low); 140fps (Ultra) Total War: Three Kingdoms (1440p) - 290fps (Low) ; 92fps (Ultra) Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p) - 118fps (Low); 107fps (Ultra) Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p) - 129fps (Low); 89fps (Ultra) Cyberpunk 2077 RT Ultra - 85fps (1080p); 83fps (1440p) Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p) - 147fps (Low) ; 128fps (Ultra) Red Dead Redemption 2 (1440p) - 108fps (Low); 86fps (Ultra) Geekbench 6:
Single - 2,720
Multi - 17,308 3DMark:
Night Raid - 72,575
Fire Strike - 31,498
Time Spy - 16,866
Port Royal - 11,261 PCMark10: 8,069 CrystalDiskMark: Read - 6,441.97; Write - 4,872.65 Cinebench R23: Single - 1,941
Multi - 25,624 TechRadar battery test: 1 hour 8 minutes
It's comparable to what the MSI Titan 18 HX can do, albeit without the 4K resolution, not that you'll necessarily need 4K in such a small display anyway. It wasn't uncommon for the demanding games tested, such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2, to exceed 100fps when maxed out in 1440p. Even CPU-bound titles such as Total War: Three Kingdoms were no sweat for the 13900HX, as this game could exceed a lightning-fast 300fps.
Synthetic figures are equally strong as evidenced by 3DMark's range of GPU benchmarks alongside PCMark 10. Acer hasn't skimped on the choice of Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD either, with a strong performance of 6,441MB/s for reads and 4,872MB/s for writes. All told it's a very encouraging package showcasing the prowess of the hardware, but not without a few drawbacks.
While the RTX 4090M is roughly equivalent to the desktop RTX 4080 with its 16GB GDDR6 VRAM and lower power draw, the combination of CPU and GPU here does result in excess heat and loudness. It wasn't uncommon for the rig to reach upwards of 90 degrees when under stress, with the fans drowning out the otherwise impressive six-speaker surround setup. This could be counteracted by employing the use of one of the best gaming headsets, but it's worth noting all the same.
Using the HDMI 2.1 port, you'll be able to hook up the Acer Predator Triton 17 X to one of the best gaming monitors for that big screen experience should the 17-inch display not be enough for you. You may also want to invest in a dedicated laptop riser to keep the fans of the machine elevated to aid cooling, too.
Performance: 4 / 5
Acer Predator Triton 17 X: Battery life
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Lasts around two hours when web browsing or for media playback
About an hour of gaming on battery power
What's most disappointing about the Acer Predator Triton 17 X is the battery life which just about manages two hours on a single charge with media playback or casual browsing. When gaming, you can expect about an hour or so, give or take, so you'll need to keep a charger handy if you want to have a full session of gaming for the evening.
Keeping the Acer Predator Triton 17 X plugged in at all times isn't ideal in terms of its portability factor, obviously, but as we already observed, it's a little too large and bulky for that anyway. The battery life is a shame considering there's a 99.98Wh four-cell power pack inside, but it's not too big a shock when factoring in that there's 175W of power drawn by the RTX 4090M GPU alone.
Simply put, if you're after excellent battery life for a portable machine then the Acer Predator 17 X won't be for you. Instead, we recommend considering one of the best Ultrabooks, even if you won't get anywhere near the same level of processing power.
Battery: 2 / 5
Should you buy the Acer Predator Triton 17 X?
Buy it if...
You want a no-compromise gaming experience
The Acer Predator Triton 17 X packs a punch with its RTX 4090 GPU and 13th-gen Core i9 CPU backed with a staggering 64GB of RAM. All that power translates to commonly getting over 100fps in 1440p with maxed out details.
You want an out-and-out desktop replacement
With its powerful hardware and generous port selection, you'll be able to hook up the Triton 17 X to an external monitor for a big screen gaming experience.
You're in the market for a productivity powerhouse
While the Acer Predator Triton 17 X is geared towards gamers, its 250Hz refresh rate and cutting-edge hardware make it a good choice for creatives who need all the VRAM and raw performance grunt they can get.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best value for money
There's no getting around the eye-watering MSRP of the Acer Predator Triton 17 X at $3,599.99 / £3,299.99 / AU$7,999. If you're on a tighter budget, you'll clearly want to consider a more mid-range model instead.
You want a laptop with a good battery life
Despite its 99.98Wh battery, you can expect only around an hour of gaming when not plugged in. Media playback doubles that to around two hours based on our battery test (conducted at 50% battery with half max brightness). Whatever the case, don't expect much longevity with the Triton 17 X.
The Asus ROG Ally X's existence has been well known for quite some time now, but now it's been officially revealed in its entirety. Now that the cat is completely out of the bag, we know what specs it's rocking, as well as its pricing and launch date.
But how does it measure up in terms of performance, build quality, and more? I was able to briefly get my hands on the PC gaming handheld and try it out for a bit, seeing if it truly felt like a new model worth releasing. Thankfully, there are plenty of quality-of-life changes both externally and under the hood to justify its existence.
Asus ROG Ally X: price and availability
The Asus ROG Ally X will launch on July 22, 2024, and it will be available in the US, UK, Australia, and other regions.
Currently it's available for pre-order exclusively through Best Buy in the US and Curry’s in the UK for a retail price of $799.99 / £799. In Australia, you can pre-order it from JB Hi-Fi for AU$1,599. The pricing for the ROG Ally X is a bit steeper than the original model, though the latter is still available for purchase and cheaper than ever.
Asus ROG Ally X: specs
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Here are the specs for the Asus ROG Ally X at a glance.
Asus ROG Ally X: design
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There have been several changes to the Asus ROG Ally X's design, both externally and internally, which was inspired by users who gave precious feedback and modders posting videos of them revamping the original ROG Ally for upgrades.
The chassis has been enlarged, allowing for more space for an upgraded motherboard, more memory and storage, and a larger battery, among other changes. Since the chassis is larger, it's much better fitted for those with larger hands, especially as the button layout has also been adjusted to prevent accidental presses.
The joysticks have been completely overhauled to be stiffer and with 5 million rotation cycles, and just by testing them out on a few games, I could immediately feel the difference. They're also larger and the rubber grip feels more comfortable, perfect for longer gaming sessions that leave your hands sweaty. Its D-pad is more precise and just better designed as well, making it much easier to navigate menus in and out of games.
Internally, the larger chassis means that the fans are superior - though they're smaller, they push out more hot air. As a result, the vents no longer push out extremely hot air from the top as you reach over to access the top controls. This also means that Asus was able to update the components, taking a page from all those DIY videos showing buyers modifying for the same reason. It also means you can add upgrades more easily without tearing apart the entire outer casing.
Asus ROG Ally X: performance
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Though I couldn't run any proper benchmarks to test out exactly what the Asus ROG Ally X is capable of, gameplay performance is still just as smooth and nearly as stutter-free as before. The processor hasn't been upgraded for this model, nor has the display, meaning it's more or less the same experience.
The difference, however, is how all those design improvements enhance the gameplay experience. The joysticks and D-pad make navigating through game worlds much smoother, and the adjusted button layout, coupled with the slightly larger system, takes out all the frustration of accidental presses and a too-small chassis that the original system had.
Having more RAM to work with is a boon for more intensive AAA titles that the ROG Ally previously struggled with at times, and the included storage is the perfect amount to install quite a library of the best PC games.
Another upgrade that has the potential to be game-changing is the battery life, as the capacity has been doubled to 80Wh. We'll have to test and see, but if the ROG Ally X could get six hours or more, that alone would be the best reason to invest in this system since not even the Steam Deck can do that.
It'll be interesting to see just how much the improved specs affect performance, which we'll be testing once we get our hands on the PC gaming handheld and take it for a more thorough spin ourselves.
Asus ROG Ally X: early verdict
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So far, the Asus ROG Ally X seems quite promising. Though it only serves as an in-between for the eventual ROG Ally 2, it sports tons of quality-of-life changes and enhancements that address nearly every issue buyers of the original ROG Ally had. For those looking for a new PC gaming handheld that's not the Steam Deck, this could truly be a contender for a true Steam Deck rival.
However, the only drawback that could hold it back is that the processor hasn't been updated, meaning that performance will most likely not change too much from the original. And with that model's price going down while the ROG Ally X starts off quite pricey, this could end up being a major deciding factor in its success.
HP is not only getting in on the AI action with its brand-new laptop, but the HP OmniBook X AI PC represents another massive change for the HP brand - it's consolidating and rebranding to make for an easier consumer shopping experience and to reduce brand confusion.
With this comes both the OmniBook and EliteBook lines, which include all the previous versions of HP laptops but combined within two brands: OmniBook and EliteBook. Both are outfitted with Qualcomm's Snapdragon CPUs and NPU. The latter, in particular, complements each laptop's integrated AI processes.
HP OmniBook X AI PC: price and availability
The HP OmniBook X AI PC was revealed just before Computex 2024.
The HP OmniBook X AI PC will launch in the US through HP.com and Best Buy at a starting price of $1,199.99 (around £1,020 / AU$1,960) with 1TB storage and will begin shipping on June 18, 2024.
HP OmniBook X AI PC: specs
Here are the specs for the HP OmniBook X AI PC at a glance.
HP OmniBook X AI PC: design
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One of the most striking aspects of the HP OmniBook X AI PC is its sleek and gorgeous design. It's also lightweight and thin, two features always welcome in what's supposed to be an everyday portable machine.
It comes in two colors, grey and white, with the latter much more distinctive. The 'OmniBook' label is on the back outside of the laptop, as well as under the keyboard, and opposing it is the new Helix logo representing the line (it's supposed to represent 'AI' and 'DNA').
Opening it reveals an equally gorgeous display and a keyboard filled with wide snappy keys perfect for larger or shaky hands. The touchpad is also sizable, which is a preference of mine as it makes navigation much easier.
The webcam, standard fare in terms of resolution but greatly enhanced by HP's signature lighting tools, has a much more secure physical privacy shutter. It features a poly camera pro-control setting, which automatically transfers over any camera settings to other cameras you connect to the laptop. And the Poly Studio partnership that enhances the camera also adds more audio options.
HP OmniBook X AI PC: performance
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I wasn't able to take the laptop for a true test run, due to the AI features not being available to try out during the hands-on. But, looking at the impressive specs, there's plenty of expectation for the HP OmniBook X AI PC to churn out some excellent benchmark results.
HP did give me some impressive stats that, if they turn out to be true, would put Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite on the map for the foreseeable future. This laptop promises 26-hour video battery life, 22-hour Netflix (or other streaming services) battery life, 20-hour web browsing, nine hours of Teams (or another video conferencing service), and 20 days of battery life keeping the laptop on Standby mode.
It also apparently beat out the M3 MacBook Air on the multithreaded performance benchmark, which would also mean a massive win over Apple when coupled with the battery life. And as for the NPU, I was told that it runs at 45 TOPs
There are tons of AI tools to further enhance the webcam image including spotlight, background blur for conference calls, auto-framing, filters, and camera setting transferring.
There's also the HP AI Companion, a chatbot and hub of AI tools. When used, the data is uploaded to cloud storage first, downloaded again, and then deleted from the cloud to maintain privacy. It seems to be a separate entity from Microsoft Copilot, though I couldn't test it out and see for myself how well it worked.
HP OmniBook X AI PC: early verdict
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Visually, the HP OmniBook X AI PC looks amazing, with a sleek and lovely lightweight design that's sure to appeal to many buyers investing in a productivity machine. Its display is beautiful, and the keyboard and touchpad are also well-crafted and feel responsive and snappy to use.
As for performance and AI, it's difficult to make any judgment calls as I wasn't able to properly benchmark for the former and couldn't test out the latter due to the tools not being available at this time. However, if both the specs and AI features hold up well during our proper review, then we'll have a well-balanced laptop that could easily be one of the best thin and light laptops on the market - even one of the best laptops period.
This year has seen MSI enter the QD-OLED gaming monitor space with several releases through its MPG series. Think of QD-OLED monitors as updated versions of OLED displays with four elements to create an image including an LED backlight, a layer of quantum dots, an LCD matrix, and color filter. Though they’ve already been popular in the high-end television space for a while, they’ve recently entered the gaming market.
The MSI MPG 271QRX is about as fine an example of what an entry-level QD-LED gaming monitor can offer, though its $800 price tag might make some balk at the term 'entry-level' in this case.
What you get for that money though is fantastic. The 27-inch display features a 1440p resolution with a 360Hz refresh rate in addition to an exceptionally fast 0.03ms response time, making it a killer esports display. On a surface level, these attributes are fairly standard for what someone would consider one of the best 1440p gaming monitors, but the QD-LED panel significantly increases image quality beyond the standard QHD display, alongside having both VESE certification for DisplayHDR True Black 400 and Clear 13000.
From enjoying the visual benchmarks set by games like Alan Wake II and Cyberpunk 2077 to competitive shooters such as Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, the MPG 271QRX does a fine job of blending high-end image quality with speedy performance. Even the color accuracy matches Apple displays in terms of creative tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop.
That doesn’t even count the loads of extras such as MSI’s OLED Care 2.0 which improves the durability of the QD-OLED screen in addition to Gaming Intelligence for enhancing the gaming experience through crosshair overlay, customizable RGB lit back panel, and KVM capabilities.
Most importantly, MSI managed to throw in a three-year burn-in warranty as well, critical for any OLED display nowadays. The accumulation of all these fine attributes makes the MSI MPG 271QRX one of the finest examples of a 27-inch 1440p gaming display available today, and well worth the price of entry.
MSI MPG 271QRX : Price & availability
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The MSI MPG 271QRX is available now in the U.S., UK and Australia for $799.99 (£999.00, AU$1,799). Through the MSI store, there are buyer links to various online stores depending on the territory. Retailers in the U.S. include MSI’s own store, Micro Center, and NewEgg among others.
Within the 27-inch 1440p OLED gaming monitor race, the MPG 27QRX’s main competitor is the $800 Alienware AW2725DF. Outside of the price difference, there isn’t a wide difference between the two as far as image quality and performance goes.
This is where feature sets come in and this will largely depend on user preference. If both MPG 271QRX and AW2725DF are too much, the KTC 27-inch standard OLED gaming monitor for $699 might be a better bet for more budget-friendly OLED panels.
Value: 4 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Design
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Various poseabilty settings
Plenty of ports
The design of the MSI MPG 271QRX is such a wonderful union of fantastic visual design and purposeful functionality in nearly every aspect. Even the setup is pretty straightforward with the base and neck design that clips into the back panel. One of the cool things about the design is that poseability is good enough to use the MPG 271QRX in a vertical position if a portrait setting is needed.
There’s a singular power port facing down near the other ports that goes straight to a plug. Meanwhile, PC gamers with multiple consoles will appreciate having a singular DisplayPort and two HDMI 2.1 ports. There’s also an additional USB-C with DisplayPort and 90w charging as well. Other ports include a USB-B for KVM capabilities with the additional two USB-A ports.
Once powered on, it's easy to notice the bright RGB logo that features customizable lighting through the in-display design. It does add a nice flair to the all-black colorway and angular back panel. Though the display is relatively thin, the center in the back panel does protrude outward for things like the head sink alongside other components.
The front of the display has thin bezels on the top and sides with the bottom displaying the MSI logo. On the bottom of the back panel is a small thumb stick that sits between the power and KVM buttons. Finally, there is the beautifully glossy QD-OLED display that also has some amazing anti-glare and anti-reflective coating. Without even turning the MPG 27QRX on, it stands out visually among even the best gaming monitors.
Design 4.5 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Features
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Nice amount of screen image retention options
Game Intelligence and KVM capabilities are great
If the MSI MPG 27QRX doesn't already look jaw-droppingly gorgeous and provide silky smooth performance, its feature set is also fairly hefty.
The first is totally focused on screen image retention through a graphite film back and custom-made heatsink which eliminates the need for a fan. Then there’s MSI OLED Care 2.0 which is a system designed to reduce the OLED screen burn-in through pixel shift, panel protection through pixel refresh, and static screen detection. Carrying over from the previous OLED care system includes static multi-logo and taskbar detection. Making the deal sweeter is a three-year burn-in warranty from MSI.
Outside of standard color correction and game mode features, the MPG 27QRX has Gaming Intelligence. This includes various smart crosshair overlays alongside Optix Scope which provides a built-in aim magnifier. The most interesting one is A.I. Vision which uses deep learning to reveal more details in the dark areas of a game without messing up graphical detail. Through the same in-display menu, users can also change the color of the lit logo on the back panel.
The MPG 27QRX also offers KVM like most premium gaming monitors of the modern era. KVM allows users to use the same keyboard and mouse combo through another device connected to the display. It’s become popular for individuals who stream from one device and play on another.
For console gamers, there’s a console-specific Console mode that automatically accepts 4K signals while supporting HDR.
Features: 4 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Performance
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Image quality and performance are top notch
360Hz refresh rate makes this one of the best OLED monitors for esports
For $800, the MSI MPG 27QRX most definitely makes good on its image quality and performance. Having the QD-OLED display opens up users to bold and crisp colors in addition to deep blacks. VESE certification for DisplayHDR True Black 400 and Clear 13000 enhances HDR visuals to the stratosphere.
Playing more visually arresting games like Alan Wake II, Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Motorsport (2023), and even indie games like Children of the Sun are just beautiful visually. Color accuracy is more than respectable in terms of video and photo editing. There’s no better way to create content, game, and view videos on a 27-inch 1440p display.
Having a 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms definitely will give players a significant competitive edge in more esports games if they have the PC hardware to support it. Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III not only look fantastic but give exceptionally smooth motion without latency.
Performance: 5 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Specs
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Should I buy the MSI MPG 271QRX?
Buy the MSI MPG 271QRX if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also Consider
How I tested the MSI MPG 271QRX:
For the review, the MSI MPG 271QRX was tested over a period of two weeks. During the day, most of the taks revolved around using Google Chrome and Slack. This allowed the use of Google Docs, use management software Asana alongside social media management tools like Hootsuite.
Outside of that, other software mainly used was Slack to communicate with different channels. It was here where we tested general everyday use of the gaming monitor.
In order to test out overall image quality, games played included Alan Wake II, Hogwarts Legacy, and Children of the Sun. This was done to see how games looked on technical visual levels alongside art direction. To test performance and game enhancement features, games such as Helldivers 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III were played.
I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well.
Azulle makes specialist PCs with commercial use at the heart of the design. While this Mini PC sports Windows 11 Pro, the main focus here is on plug-and-play ease of use with a familiar operating system for video conferencing or digital signage. The majority of mini PCs are small and mighty, compact, and powerful enough to rival the abilities of many larger desktop PCs.
This device, on the other hand, features just what it needs to do the job and a design to fit. As such, unlike many of the best mini PC options, this is a more oversized Fire Stick than a PC, with an HDMI connector on one end and a LAN port on the other. These are joined by a USB 3.0 port, a Type-C port, a Kensington lock, a 3.5mm audio port, and an aerial.
The slimline case is solidly built and designed to absorb the heat from the fanless design. As such, the casing has a warning not to touch after prolonged use. This gives you the general idea that once this Mini PC is mounted, it's designed to stay in position without the need for maintenance. While the HDMI connector can be directly inserted into any HDMI port, the company has included a short link cable in the box so the machine can be mounted more discreetly.
When it comes to intended use, while this could be used in the home as a more advanced home entertainment system snugly hidden behind the TV, there are far more practical uses that this machine has been designed for. The first is video conferencing, which is a PC that can be connected to TVs or monitors, microphones, and cameras and hidden away, ready for use in a board or meeting room. Alternatively, it's the ideal size and specification for digital signage, designed to switch on at the start of the day and play video or stills to passersby.
What this machine is not is a mini PC to be used for everyday office tasks such as extensive document updates, placing orders, updating images and video, and definitely not for gaming.
As such, the price reflects this, with a focus on being perfectly tuned to a couple of very distinct uses rather than a mini PC, which can be used for a bit of everything.
Azulle Access: Price and availability
How much does it cost? From $250
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Azulle
The Azulle Access Fanless Mini PC Stick is available through the Azulle website for £248 for the N100 version reviewed here or £219 for the Gemini Lake 40 Series, with the price increasing depending on the accessories you select. Both versions come with Windows 11 Pro, Linux, or no operating system installed.
Value: 4 / 5
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Azulle Access: Specs
Azulle Access: Design
The Azulle Access fanless mini PC stick's design is very sleek. The casing aesthetics serve as part of the cooling process that enables its fanless construction. Aside from being functional, this also gives the mini PC quite a futuristic look, further enhanced by the fold-out antenna.
Like most TV sticks, there's an HDMI socket on one end that plugs directly into a computer monitor or TV. However, as the device is larger and heavier than most TV sticks at 581g, it's a little too bulky to leave suspended horizontally out of the back of the monitor. If the HDMI port is tucked inside the body of the monitor, as is more common for commercial rather than consumer units, then the small PC will sit perfectly flush against the back of the monitor. If not, the company has had the foresight to include a short extension cable that can bridge the connection, enabling you to mount the mini PC in another way.
The design has been well thought through, so the mini PC can be attached to the back of the monitor. The company also sells a range of accessories that offer other discreet mounting options.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Connecting the mini PC is easy, with the USB 3.0 or Type-C ports offering plenty of connection options for mic and camera combos. Bluetooth 5.2 enables a wireless keyboard and mouse. If you want to connect a standard headset, it can be plugged directly into the standard 3.5mm audio port.
When the machine arrives, you can select to have it with Windows 11 Pro, Linux, or nothing pre-installed. In this review, we've chosen the standard Windows 11 Pro, which also comes with Zoom ready to go. Setup couldn't be more straightforward, and within minutes, you should be ready to start using the machine for video conferencing. If you want to use the machine for digital signage, setup is just as simple.
Simply store the files you need on the machine and run them as needed, or load them onto a MicroSD card and run them from there. It really couldn't be simpler.
Design: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Azulle Access: Hardware
The Access Pro, unlike many Mini PCs, is designed to be something other than versatile. It is built with specific tasks in mind and has the physical and computing power to match. This Mini PC is tailored for video conferencing and digital signage, omitting many of the bigger headline features such as a powerful CPU and graphics. Instead, this computer is designed with simplicity at its heart, from mounting through to use.
The design features a compact and lightweight device that is akin to a TV stick, although on a slightly larger scale. It weighs 58g and measures 114.3 x 50.8 x 20.32 mm, making it incredibly portable and easy to mount behind a monitor or TV. The space-saving design helps reduce clutter, and although there will still be a power lead dropping down from the PC, everything else should be packed neatly behind the monitor it's attached to, making it an ideal solution for any office, conference room, or public display area.
Another key advantage of the Access Pro Alder Lake is its fanless design, which enables it to run completely silently. This is beneficial in quiet public locations such as libraries and museums, where displays are needed without the low hum of PC fans.
For video conferencing, the Access Pro Alder Lake enables dual monitor capabilities, supported through its USB-C port to complement the main HDMI. This feature allows you to expand the video conferencing and work displays, if needed, across multiple screens, which can often be useful in meetings. The HDMI connection supports 4K resolution to ensure high-quality playback both in calls and for playing back presentations.
When it comes to digital signage applications, the Access Pro Alder Lake's ability to output 4K at 60FPS via HDMI ensures that advertisements and informational displays are sharp and playback is smooth. One feature that will appeal to signage is the connectivity options, including AX201 WiFi 6 dual-band and Gigabit Ethernet, which help provide fast network connections if the data on the machine needs to be updated. This is especially important if it's streaming content or if real-time updates are needed for digital signage.
Despite its plastic build, the Access Pro Alder Lake is robust and durable, making it suitable for long-term use in various environments. The design and the materials used could be more flimsy. Its small size and light weight also enable easy mounting options so that it can be discreetly installed behind screens or integrated into kiosks. The flat back of the device means that industrial Velcro could be used as an easy mounting option.
The Access Pro Alder Lake N100 is an exceptionally well-designed machine for specific tasks like video conferencing and digital signage. Its compact, silent, and easy-to-install design makes it a great choice. While the features are perfect for the intended use, the features and performance will be very limited outside of video conferencing and signage.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Features: 3 / 5
Azulle Access: Performance
While the Access Pro's benchmark scores may appear low, this compact machine excels in its intended use, making it ideal for video conferencing or digital signage.
The CrystalDiskMark scores, with a read speed of 139.63MB/s and a write speed of 255.04MB/s, indicate reliable storage performance essential for holding files that can be used for playback. These speeds are low compared to today's ultra-fast SSDs; however, they are more than sufficient for the quick retrieval and storage of files necessary for smooth video conferencing and digital signage. If the storage capacity is a little low, the MicroSD card slot will enable you to expand the storage capacity at minimal cost and with minimal technical skill.
In CPU performance tests, the GeekBench scores (Single: 1188, Multi: 931) and CineBench scores (Single: 623, Multi: 1291) show that the Alder Lake N100 processor, while not the most powerful, offers adequate performance for handling basic computing tasks. This level of performance ensures that video conferencing applications such as Zoom, which comes pre-installed, run without lag. Additionally, the GeekBench Compute score of 2307 suggests that the integrated Intel UHD graphics can manage the graphical requirements of 4K video playback as well as video conferencing.
The PCMark score of 1925 and the Windows Experience Index of 5.9 further underline the Access Pro Alder Lake's capability to handle light tasks. Video calls and presentations, word processing, and some Office applications will run smoothly, but don't expect too much.
Despite the absence of scores in more demanding graphics benchmarks like Fire Strike and Time Spy, the machine's real-world performance for its intended use is fine. The Access is able to support 4K output at 30FPS and 60FPS for digital signage and video, stills, and audio, all playback without issue. However, after 24 hours of non-stop playback, the Mini PC is physically hot to the touch, as the label warns.
This is to be expected, and with the fanless construction, you also get a machine that operates silently, something that is essential in many environments. Another point to note is that the Alder Lake N100 CPU has very low power requirements, so even when on for long durations, the power draw is very low. While the device does get hot, it's not overly so, just warmer than most. Critically, the performance doesn't seem to be affected, with playback continuing smoothly.
The Access Pro may have a lower benchmark score; however, with its design targeted toward video conferencing and digital signage, it provides the power and features it needs to do the job. It also enables a compact, silent, and energy-efficient design that delivers reliable performance, making it a more practical and focused solution compared to larger, noisier mini PCs.
Performance: 3 / 5
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Azulle Access: Final verdict
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Azulle Access excels for its intended use and design: video conferencing and digital signage. If used for either, the design and features balance well, and at the price, everything is well-matched. This is a machine with a specific purpose, and Azulle specializes in making these focused machines that may not push the limits of performance but have design tweaks that make them better suited to certain situations and usage than more powerful and complex larger machines.
However, outside of its intended use, this machine will seem decidedly underpowered. While you can use the machine for day-to-day office tasks and its form factor allows it to be neatly tucked away out of sight, in reality, something with a little more power would be needed for regular office tasks. As long as the Azulle Access Fanless Mini PC Stick is utilized for its intended use, its compact design, silent operation, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for focused applications.
Should I buy the Azulle Access mini PC?
If you need a compact and silent computing solution specifically for video conferencing or digital signage, the Azulle Access Fanless Mini PC Stick is a solid choice. However, if you require a more versatile device for everyday computing tasks, you might want to consider other options.
