With the Galaxy Note 20 launch just a week away, all eyes will be on what upgrades Samsung brings to the table. While the chipset might remain unchanged, there might be a silver lining. While Samsung flagship like the Note series and the S series are powered by Snapdragon chipsets in the US and European markets, they come with Exynos chipset in Asian markets such as India. It often tends to lose out on the performance front against Qualcomm Snapdragon counterparts. However, a new leak suggests some good news in this regard. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 release date, price, news and leaks Upcoming smartphones in India: Specs, launch date, price (Image credit: Samsung/WinFuture) According to a tweet by Anthony, a Youtuber, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 will continue to be powered by the Exynos 990 chipset, but with major improvements in terms of the performance and efficiency. These optimizations should bring it closer to the Snapdragon 865 series. He even suggested that it is almost li...
TechRadar - All the latest technology news
Forget all the other tech in the 2018 Ford Expedition – this is a USB charging monster
Photo credit: Josiah Bondy
If you want to point to a single trend in automotive tech, you might pick autonomous driving, safety features like back-up cams, or maybe lane-keeping in even the most affordable cars like the Ford Focus.
Some high-tech marvels like the 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC might catch your eye – it has one of the most beautiful dash displays ever. For trucks, the 2019 RAM 1500 has a screen the size of an iPad Pro, and it’s a wonder to behold.
Then again, some of that tech might need to take a backseat. On a recent test of the 2018 Ford Expedition, a fairly low-tech feature became the one everyone liked to use the most. The SUV has a total of six USB ports scattered throughout the cab, and a wireless charger for anyone with a compatible phone (such as the iPhone X or many Samsung models).
Photo credit: Josiah Bondy
The real trend here is 'bring your own device', and it’s one that worked well in this massive SUV. In the test, we crammed in seven people, all with an iPhone or an iPad. Every single person was able to charge, including my own iPhone X on the wireless charger. On a long trip, this meant everyone was able to watch a movie, play Fortnite, and catch up on work email without any worries about charging up or using a back-up battery.
You might think this is not that important, but in most cars, you won’t find anywhere near seven ways to charge gadgets. On most passenger cars, you’re lucky to find two ports and maybe three at the most (including two in the front and one between the seats).
Powered upWhere is this heading? You can imagine future cars that have USB-C ports instead of the standard USB that’s been around a while. And, we’ll start seeing more and more wireless chargers that use the Qi format. After that, there have been rumblings for years about wireless charging that takes place over the air. I’ve tested products from a company called Energous that can charge over the air (when I tested it, my phone required a special case).
Even the car itself will someday charge over the air. BMW already offers a charging pad for electric cars (available only in Europe for now, although we hear it is coming to the US as well). In the far future, wireless charging could take place as you drive along the road or even from satellites. In other words, how you charge is going to become even more important.
Photo credit: Josiah Bondy
Bring your own gadget is a trend because it simplifies your life. Even when cars have built-in screens, it’s surprising to see how often passengers will pull out their own iPad or iPhone, even when the screen in the car is connected to a 4G LTE signal and looks better.
The bad news for automakers is that it could mean all of the tech available in cars will become less and less important – that we’ll use our phones more for navigation, music streaming, apps, and entertainment. That’s one reason Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have become so popular – connect up, keep your device charged, save all of your settings.
The familiar tech we use all day trumps the tech you might find within the car, although that doesn’t settle the issue of distracted driving. For now, Ford is content providing the juice you need and the tech in the console. At least everyone who is not driving is perfectly content.
On The Road is TechRadar's regular look at the futuristic tech in today's hottest cars. John Brandon, a journalist who's been writing about cars for 12 years, puts a new car and its cutting-edge tech through the paces every week. One goal: To find out which new technologies will lead us to fully driverless cars.
Wear OS 2.1 is now rolling out to Google-powered smartwatches
We reported back in August that Wear OS was getting a hefty update from Google, and the new code is apparently now rolling out to compatible smartwatches. You might want to check the update screen on your wearable and see if the software is ready to go.
A lot of the new changes are cosmetic ones, with an improved, cleaner interface for notifications, the Google Assistant, and the newly revamped Google Fit. Wear OS should be easier to get around with the 2.1 update as well – you can use swipes from the main watch face to get to all the features that matter.
Google says Google Assistant for Wear OS is getting more proactive and may pop up with helpful suggestions when you need them (like a reminder to take an umbrella if it's raining). It might also suggest Assistant features you haven't tried yet from your wrist.
Wear OS vs Apple Watch"As you go about your busy day, every minute matters," Google says. "We're evolving the design of Wear OS by Google to help you get the most out of your time – providing quicker access to your information and notifications, more proactive help from the Google Assistant, and smarter health coaching."
It feels like a critical time for Wear OS at the moment, with new hardware from Qualcomm ready to go and several premium smartwatches rumored to be in the pipeline. Apple just brought out its best Apple Watch yet and Fitbit offers several decent options too.
Any watch that could run Wear OS 2.0 will also be able to run Wear OS 2.1, so unless you're using one of the earliest Google-powered smartwatches in existence, you should be eligible for the update. Google hasn't specified how quickly the roll out is going to happen, so you might have to wait a few days before it reaches your wearable.
Best Wear OS watch 2018: our list of the top ex-Android Wear smartwatchesVia Android Police
The ‘lazy’ option: Should you let a third-party outfit manage your website?
Read enough business journals, and you’ll encounter the expression ‘core business’ on a regular basis.
The phrase refers to the part of the company that creates, produces or services those things which are the intrinsic reason that the business exists. Most firms have departments like human resources and accounts that are important in operational terms, but aren’t ‘core business’ functions.
Some companies will review the various components of their business on a regular basis to determine which parts are core, and which aren’t – potentially outsourcing the latter to other firms, who can then take responsibility for, say, cleaning the offices, finding new recruits, and so on.
In a similar vein, hosting a website, updating the contents and managing any web-related security issues are all complex jobs that require experienced staff to handle. Therefore, rather than accepting those additional tasks, many businesses outsource the whole problem, and have their entire web solution managed by another company.
In these scenarios, the website is designed and developed, then ultimately hosted and managed by a third-party, with minimal contribution from the client company.
This might seem like the ‘lazy’ option on the face of it, but it could also be the most sensible one too. Let’s look at the arguments for doing things this way first, and then the cons, before weighing up the relative merits in our conclusion.
We’ve chosen the best web hosting services right here
An obvious benefit of having the website created and maintained independently is that it won’t involve the hiring of expensive specialist technical staff.
This is especially important if the web project is going to be a relatively short-lived exercise, followed by an update and maintenance phase that can be overseen by less knowledgeable folks.
A big company could easily justify having a web expert, but smaller operations might not need one.
Where the full service agreement is most valuable is if the website must go live within a tight timescale, as that can be specified within the contract and resources allocated accordingly.
On the client side, there needs to be a dedicated project manager to parallel that of the development team, with this manager making sure that milestones are achieved on schedule, and that the live date is still achievable.
This person should also be involved in the creation of the website specification that the developers will subsequently use to construct the site.
Don’t think that because much of the work is done for the client company, that this disconnects the firm from all responsibility, as without branded graphics, content guides and sign-offs, the development team is effectively rudderless.
Costs are traditionally regarded as a disadvantage (more on that shortly). However, with a properly defined specification, delivery schedule and maintenance quote, the costs should at least be ring-fenced.
Internal web projects have a knack of spiralling over their previously agreed budget, and very rarely take into account the hidden impact on staff members who are employed to do other things the majority of their working days.
The companies that provide the full web design, development and maintenance cycle are usually very experienced at delivering these things without stressing their clients, and that peace of mind is really what you’re paying for.
One obvious disadvantage of managed web facilities is the inherent lack of control.
The service and the website provided by a managed service will deliver exactly what the original contract specified, no more or less. Therefore, any major expansions or revisions, or the addition of new technology, will cost extra.
Any company entering into one of these agreements should have a clear understanding of what will happen to the site and its contents when the contract ends – since the line between ownership of code and content might easily be blurred.
Those outfits providing this type of service often have bespoke internal web development tools that are then licensed for use on each project, and without access to those, further changes might not be practical or possible.
But the biggest disadvantage of the lazy approach is undoubtedly cost. The initial design overheads and monthly charges aren’t likely to be cheap, and those providing these services obviously need to make a profit.
How well a full service solution fits a given company will depend on the human resources available, the immediacy of the need for the site, and the level of control and involvement that is required.
A simple website doesn’t need this commercial hammer to be cracked, but those wanting to jump straight into e-commerce might require it.
Bigger companies usually have internal resources; smaller ones would balk at the cost. So, middle-order organizations that are in the process of expanding are the most likely candidates. For them, being able to deliver a professional web solution without becoming web experts is an ideal option.
At any rate, the decision should ultimately be one that reduces the number of senior management headaches, rather than creating extra ones.
10 innovative toys your kids should be playing with
Main image: Anki's Vector robot
The advent of cheaper processors and some clever software flourishes has meant that we're seeing a huge rise in connected toys that interact with children, as opposed to those children simply play with – and there's a smart element to these toys that elevates them above more basic kid-friendly gadgets.
Whether it’s an AR headset, a robot that will help you learn to code, or one of the most lifelike dolls you've ever seen, these are toys that have been designed not just to impress children but – most importantly – to leave a lasting impression.
Below we showcase some of the smartest toys around, all of them packed with innovation that’s sure to spark the curiosity of little minds.
1. Lenovo Star Wars Jedi Challenges
This AR headset by Lenovo was one of the most impressive Star Wars gadgets to come out in support of the latest trilogy. The package contains a headset that transports a child into the world of Star Wars, where they can do battle with their favorite friends or foes, brandishing the accompanying lightsaber. Lenovo has been expanding what can be done with the device, too, recently adding the ability to do one-on-one battle with real-life friends; you can also play Holochess through the device.
2. Anki Vector
Anki Cozmo was one of the most popular toys around when it was first released, combining the idea of a cute desk toy with a robot. Its personality, and the games you could play with it, made it a toy that was equipped for lasting fun. Anki Vector is the upgraded version, pitched at a slightly older audience – this is mainly because it will soon be able to tap into your smart home. The real USP here, though, is how autonomous it is. Where Cozmo, was app-controlled, Vector works on its own – which is pretty mind-blowing.
3. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot
Dash is a programmable robot with a difference. It will teach your kids how to code, while offering up hours of entertainment in the process. It's primarily aimed at children aged 6-11, is around six inches tall and whizzes about on rotating spheres. There are a bunch of apps that work with the device, all packed with tutorials on how to code. The coding is nicely simplified, but if you just want to watch Dash do its own thing there are a number of preset modes to choose from.
4. Sphero Bolt
Sphero has revealed that it's shifting away somewhat from its branded toys – so while we may not see new Star Wars-infused kit for a while, the good news is that the company is really doubling down on what it's great at: educational toys that are part smart, all awesome. The Sphero Bolt is an app-enabled robotic ball that has a really cool LED matrix inside its see-through chassis, coupled with some advanced sensors. The Bolt will teach your kids how to program, and they'll have a whole lot of fun doing it.
5. LittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit
LittleBits has found a brilliant niche in the toy market – self-assembly kits that, when built, create a brilliant connected, programmable toy. Its latest innovation is a synth guitar that can be programmed to play a number of tracks and sounds. Not only does the guitar look great, but there are 12 activities that go with it, thanks to an accompanying app. The brilliant thing about LittleBits is that these kits aren’t the slickest-looking, and for good reason – the things you make look like they’ve been put together by a mad professor, and that only adds to their endearing quality.
6. Bedtime Stories
Bedtime Stories is an innovative app that takes the idea of kids’ storytelling and makes it interactive. Designed for children up to the age of 12, it’s based around story ‘worlds’, spanning multiple genres, and has a vast amount of content that you can access. If that isn’t enough, the app has a feature that lets you build your own story with your child, making it as tailored to them as you want.
7. Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron
Okay, you can obviously buy the Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron but we’re not talking about the small model kit here, but the life-size version that Lego created because, well, it could. Oh, and did we mention that it's fully working and drivable? It took a team of 16 specialists, including design, mechanical and electrical experts 13,000 man-hours to create the car. Over one million bits of Lego Technics were used, which is ridiculously impressive.
8. Luvabella Doll
The Luvabella Doll is definitely a divisive thing. Some will think it’s the coolest toy ever, with its true-to-life facial expressions, engaging personality, and the fact that it moves around pretty much like a real baby. Others – such as those who've seen Child’s Play one too many times – may find it a little creepy. It’s an impressive product, though, merging animatronics with an old-school toy favorite. Another neat feature is Luvabella Doll’s ability to mimic baby noises that, over time, start to become real words – which is charming, unless those words are “Hi, I’m Chucky – wanna play?”
9. Anki Overdrive
Not content with making little robots (see Vector), Anki has also decided to revitalize the remote-control car market with its Overdrive range. Regularly dubbed 'Scalextric on steroids', the idea behind the game is to combine smartphone gaming with real-life toy cars that whiz around specially created tracks. There’s also a Fast & Furious edition of the game, which has got to be one of the best, albeit most obvious, movie tie-ins around.
10. Ultimate Lightning McQueen
The amount of detail that Sphero, the folks behind Bolt, have crammed into the Lightning McQueen smart remote-controlled car is simply stunning. Sphero teamed up with Disney Pixar to make sure the animatronics in the face, the voices, and the eye animations were spot on, to essentially bring the character you see in the movies to life. The result is an expensive but fantastic app-controlled gadget that sets the bar for what can be done in the connected toy space.
TechRadar's Next Up series is brought to you in association with Honor
Ryder Cup 2018: How HPE Aruba is making this year's tournament the most fan-friendly yet
Golf is famously a sport known for its respect for tradition and formality - but in the increasingly digital world of today, the sport has had to react to changing demands from fans and TV viewers across the world.
This weekend sees the 42nd Ryder Cup at the Le Golf National course just outside of Paris, where once again Europe will take on the USA for golf's top team honour.
However the 2018 Ryder Cup is set to be the most tech-friendly yet thanks to a major partnership with technology giant HPE Aruba, and TechRadar Pro headed to Paris to find out more.
How to watch the 2018 Ryder Cup wherever you are"We really want to change the fan experience, and transform the fan experience thanks to technology," Gilles Thiebaut, managing director of HPE France, told us at a media briefing on the opening day of this year's tournament.
"At HPE we believe that the enterprise of tomorrow will be data-driven, so the ability of an enterprise to collect data, extract information about what is possible, and then put it into the hands of people who can do something with it is actually very critical."
Up to 150,000 fans from all around the world will be descending upon Le Golf National over the course of the Ryder Cup weekend, nearly all of whom will have a smart device of some kind, and will most likely look to use it to take pictures or film video - and then share it all online.
This is a marked change from the past (as recently as the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales, fans were banned from taking smartphones onto the course) and requires a robust and scalable network, which is where HPE Aruba comes in.
Aruba has been tasked with establishing and monitoring the network at the course, using its expertise in the wider world to deliver responsive and reliable access to anyone who wants it.
The course has been equipped with 200km of fibre optic cable, along with 15km of underground cable, to support 700 access points around the site - all at a location far away from the buzzing metropolitan Paris centre.
"It is almost unique, it's the only one where you're literally creating an event from nothing," notes Tim Shaw, commercial director for Ryder Cup. "There almost isn't any comparison...it's almost incomparable to be honest."
Thiebaut notes that the lessons learned from this weekend may play a wider role in future HPE projects as well.
"The needs of the Ryder Club today are actually the needs of the enterprise of tomorrow," he says, highlighting similar work the company has done at the Stade de France and Gatwick Airport.
Ultimately, HPE Aruba is aiming to build a "connected course" in its Ryder Cup work, bringing five seperate networks including scoring, wired and operational facilities, into one manageable area.
With the European Tour running 47 events every year across five continents, the need for scalability is paramount, and as such utilises modular infrastructure that can be built up or downgraded as needed.
The data it gains from the thousands of users accessing its network can also be a goldmine for the course organisers and sponsors alike, providing a wealth of real-time information.
HPE Aruba can monitor its network usage to pinpoint particular areas of the course with large numbers of fans, prompting organisers to move more concessions stands to maximise profit.
The system can also identify which players are attracting the biggest crowds, information that can be passed to television networks to tailor their coverage, and for the organisers to perhaps tweak their social media strategy to result in more online interaction.
So as the two teams duel it out over the course of the weekend, the thousands of loyal golf fans flocking to Le Golf National can rest assured that they will be supported by a fast, secure and reliable network that should allow them to have the weekend of their lives.
"We have created a once in a lifetime experience for our fans," says Morten Illum, EMEA vice president at Aruba.
"What this event will deliver to fans is just incredible."
What is 5G? Everything you need to know about next-generation networks
Ryder Cup live stream: how to watch Saturday's USA vs Europe golf wherever you are
If you thought Friday was an intense, hearts-stopping day of golf, Day Two has the potential to be even better. Europe takes a lead of 5-3 in after that incredible foursomes whitewash, but the USA will be determined to restore their pride and lead. And we'll tell you how to watch the whole thing no matter where you live - it's even FREE to live stream if you're in the US.
With everything to play for, captains Thomas Bjørn and Jim Furyk have sent out very strong lineups on Saturday morning. Sergia Garcia and Rory McIlroy are getting things started for the Europeans, while Brooks Koepka - with two major wins in 2018 - is up against them in the first group and the legendary Tiger Woods not far behind.
After losing 17-11 at Hazeltine in 2016, Europe is out for revenge. Leading the troops at Le Golf National is Bjørn, who'll hope Ryder Cup veterans Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson – his four wildcard picks – will inspire the Europeans. Among the other experienced major winners are Justin Rose, Francesco Molinari and McIlroy, who are sure to push their American counterparts to the limit. But opposition captain Furyk has no shortage of talent at his disposal. The likes of Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas dominate the upper reaches of the current world rankings, while all-time greats Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods are on hand to offer that extra guile as part of the captain's picks.
Find out who will come out on top in 2018 by following the instructions below and tuning into a 2018 Ryder Cup live stream from wherever you find yourself in the world without paying a penny.
Great news for golf fans in North America and Canada – the Ryder Cup's official site will be showing all the action for free. There may be some late nights/early mornings involved for US viewers to catch the action from France, but tuning in online should be a breeze wherever you are.
Live stream the Ryder Cup from anywhere
There are number of options for watching the 2018 Ryder Cup golf if you're stateside:
- That live stream at RyderCup.com is the obvious way. Although you'll be limited to what the website wants to show you and we doubt the coverage will have the sheen and depth of most dedicated broadcasters.
- If you're at home and have cable, then NBC is the official broadcaster. The network will be splitting coverage between its main sports channels and it's specialist station, the Golf Channel, which is available from most cable providers. NBC has promised 220 hours of coverage to get right under the Ryder Cup bonnet this year.
- If you're outside the US this weekend but want to access one of the above options, then you can use a VPN service to effectively transport your computer, phone or tablet's IP back to a US location.
Saturday morning's fourball pairings:- Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia vs Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau starts at 8.10am local time (7.10am BST, 2.10am ET, 11,10pm PT Thursday)
- Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton vs Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler starts at 8.25am local time
- Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood vs Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed starts at 8.40am local time
- Ian Poulter and Jon Rahm vs Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth starts at 8.55am local time
Europe team for the 2018 Ryder Cup Paul CaseyTommy FleetwoodSergio Garcia Tyrell HattonRory McIlroyFrancesco MolinariAlex NorenThorbjørn OlesenIan PoulterJon RahmJustin RoseHenrik Stenson US team for the 2018 Ryder Cup Bryson DechambeauTony FinauRicky FowlerDustin JohnsonBrooks KoepkaPhil MickelsonPatrick ReedWebb SimpsonJordan SpiethJustin ThomasBubba WatsonTiger Woods
Image courtesy of RyderCup.com
Best smart thermostat 2018: heating your home using tech
Smart thermostats are excellent additions to any smart home because they let you control the temperature in your abode digitally, and intelligently.
The best smart thermostats learn your routines, like when you leave the house in the morning and when you go to sleep at night. You can control them from anywhere in the world through your phone, enable you to adjust temperatures room-by-room, and even let you control your heating using your voice.
As with most technology, there are a wide range of smart thermostats, and different models each have their own particular selling points. In this guide, we've broken down the best smart thermostats you can buy from the biggest names in the business: Nest, Hive, Honeywell and Tado.
For each smart thermostat, we'll explain their key selling points, and which particular environment each one is best suited to: You may value price over smarts, or want a smart thermostat that looks like a piece of art, rather than something utilitarian.
Because of the nature of the market, a direct comparison isn't actually very helpful, so the units here aren't ranked by number according to our preference. Instead, we recommend each one of these smart thermostats – they're all great. It's up to you to decide which one is best for your needs and home.
Nest is one of the biggest names in the smart home market, and for good reason. This Google-owned company delivers well-designed, easy-to-use products that are packed with serious smarts.
The Nest Learning Thermostat (third generation) is renowned for its ability to learn your routines and adjust itself accordingly. This means that over time your heating system can actually adapt to suit your needs, without you having to do anything.
It also benefits from location-based features that track where your phone is, and will turn the heating on or off depending on your location. But don't worry that it's going to turn off the heating and leave your guests to freeze when you're out, as its built-in sensors enable it to detect whether there's anyone at home.
The main criticisms of the Nest Learning Thermostat are that it doesn't offer zonal control, and that if you're a tech novice it can be a little complicated to set up and use. The absence of zonal control means that while you'll be able to digitally control your property as a whole, you'll still have to manually adjust individual radiators.
That said, if you're looking for a top-of-the range system Nest is a good way to go. Plus, with Google behind it, Nest is a good system to invest in if you're planning to build a wider smart home setup.
Read the full review: Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd generation
Hive is owned by Centrica, one of the UK's leading energy providers, so you can rest assured that you're in experienced hands when it comes to your heating needs. While the company may be British, Hive products have been available in the US since 2017.
The thermostat itself is a collaboration between Hive and Swiss designer Yves Béhar, who's responsible for everything from the August smart lock to PayPal's brand identity. That top-quality styling makes the Hive Active Heating thermostat something you'll be proud to have on your wall.
What's more, Hive has an excellent ecosystem, so you're able to control a vast range of Hive products using a single app. And its thermostat is no slouch, garnering our 'recommended' tag thanks to its simple interface and easy voice assistant integration.
It's worth noting that, like the Nest thermostat above, Hive Active Heating doesn't support Apple's HomeKit, so it's best avoided if you're already invested in Apple's smart home ecosystem.
With a small dial in the middle of its compact design controlling temperature, the Hive Active thermostat gives you the option of keeping things extremely simple, while being packed with features for those who want greater control of their system.
Read the full review: Hive Active Heating 2
The Honeywell Evohome gives you total control over your home, with individual thermostats for each radiator enabling you to set an independent heating schedule for every room in your house.
It's difficult to grasp what a difference this feature makes until you've tried it for yourself. If you live in a house where different inhabitants prefer a different temperature, or if one room always seems to be hotter or colder than the others, this system is going to be a godsend.
What's more, it works with under-floor heating too, so even if you have a large and complicated heating system the Evohome gives you total control over all of it via an app that's a pleasure to use.
The control panel and radiator thermostats aren't going to win any awards for design, coming as they do in plain white plastic, but that's not really the point of the Evohome. It's a simple system, without the bells and whistles of the Nest or Hive, but if you've got a complicated heating system that you want to control digitally, it's hard to beat.
Read the full review: Honeywell Evohome
The Tado Smart Thermostat should be brilliant. It offers the zonal control of the Honeywell Evohome, a slick design that rivals the Hive, and the geofencing smarts to match the Nest, but somehow it doesn't quite manage to pull all these features together into a cohesive system.
It's seriously good-looking – by far the most attractive zonal control on the market – but the app is unintuitive to navigate, and compared to the incredibly user-friendly app on the Evohome, it's positively difficult.
That's not to say it's a bad system – it's still comfortably a 4-star product, and we don't imagine anyone who buys the Tado regretting their purchase. And it's so close to being the perfect system – the one that mixes together the best features of other offerings. The problem is, it just doesn't manage to outshine any of its rivals.
One thing that does make the Tado stand out in this list is Apple HomeKit integration – if you're the proud owner of a HomePod, or you're firmly entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, this is probably the best smart thermostat for you.
It's also worth noting that the things keeping Tado from standing out are all software rather than hardware issues, so these could well be addressed over time. The Tado Smart Thermostat isn't currently available in the US, but as Tado's Cooling system is sold there we'd be surprised if it didn't become available at some point.
Read the full review: Tado Smart Thermostat
If you like the look of the Nest Learning Thermostat but don't fancy shelling out the money for it, there's a cheaper alternative. It definitely looks cheaper – it's made of white plastic, with a white coating on the plastic screen that can make it hard to see the information being displayed – but it does echo the design language of the original Nest Thermostat, so you'll be more than happy to have it on your wall.
As the Nest's smaller sibling it benefits from industry-leading smarts, lacking only the most advanced features of the premium model which most users are unlikely to take advantage of anyway.
The Nest E is a great example of how to streamline a flagship product to make a cheap alternative without damaging the qualities that made the original great. Make no mistake, this isn't flagship quality for bargain price, but it's great value for what it is.
Read the full review: Nest Thermostat E
If it's available where you live, the Ecobee4 is well-worth auditioning for your smart home setup. Like other smart thermostats on our list, you can control the Ecobee4 using a smart speaker or smart hub – but, unlike any of the other entries, the Ecobee4 comes with Alexa built right in.
That means, not only is it a great thermostat that can save you bundles on your energy bill each month but it doubles as a conduit to Alexa and its 10,000-strong library of skills. Besides being able to order pizza (yes, really) the Ecobee4 can be controlled wherever you are in the world – should, say, you forgot to turn that thermostat off before your international flight.
While Ecobee may not have the same clout that Nest has garnered in the last few years, it remains one of the best thermostats on the market, bar none.
Now you've got the best thermostat, check out our Best security camera round-up
Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2018: predictions of the best deals in the US
Our Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2018 predictions are underway in the US, and that means we're scouting the internet for the biggest price drops early.
It's officially deals season because the official Black Friday date is November 23 this year – less than two months before the big post-Thanksgiving invented holiday. What will be on sale for Black Friday 2018? We've got 4KTVs, discounted laptops, the best headphones, cameras, iPhones and video game consoles: PS4, Xbox One and even Nintendo Switch. There's almost too much on sale to list.
The best stores for Black Friday are going to be Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, Kmart and so many others. And, really, the best store is the one with the best price. That's where we come into play, leading you to the lowest price so you can save your hard-earned dollar.
We're going to begin amassing pre-Black Friday deals ahead of November 23 on this page, and be among the first publications to post Black Friday ads of what will be on sale. The date for Cyber Monday November 26, and we often see a spike during this prominent before-Christmas sales event. Why start so early? Well, US retailers, earned $7.9 billion on Black Friday last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That's a nearly 18% increase from the year prior. That doesn't even account for the 6.6 billion earned on Cyber Monday.
This means we expect even bigger deals for 2018 in the US, and in turn, you'll need our expertise to suss out the best prices. There are good prices and great prices for a lot of the things you want to buy, especially electronics. You could walk away with a brand new 4KTV at a supposedly cheap price without our help, or get the same 4KTV at $100 cheaper with the absolute lowest price with our help. That's usually how Black Friday and Cyber Monday work. There are often low prices and lowest prices, and we'll do the digging for you.
Black Friday 2018 predictionsThe Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates change every day, but they're the same days Friday and Monday after Thanksgiving. And really, the routine is the same.
We're going to see 4KTVs on sale from Samsung, LG, Sony, and especially TCL. We really appreciate their TCL Roku TV. Cameras will be on sale from Canon and Nikon, but the most popular camera deals will come from GoPro. No the new GoPro Hero 7 Black won't get a steep discount, but the older GoPro Hero 6 Black and GoPro Hero 5 Black will see significant price drops.
When it comes to video game consoles, Nintendo Switch may get its second year of big deals (it was massively popular last year – and actually in stock), and PS4 and Xbox One will continue to be big sellers on Black Friday. Overall, the best value comes from games bundled with the system rather than reduced prices.
The best noise-canceling headphones, wireless headphone, and Bluetooth speakers are gadgets that just about everyone on your holiday wish list will want in 2018. The same goes for even bigger ticket items: the best iPads, Chromebooks, and fitness trackers, and DSLRs.
You're going to see a lot on sale in these categories, and from these stores – some of which will have early deals in the days and weeks ahead of Black Friday:
Early Amazon dealsEarly Walmart dealsEarly Jet dealsEarly Newegg dealsEarly Dell deals When is Black Friday 2018 in the US?The first thing you may ask is: when is Black Friday? The actual date shifts year-to-year, but it's always the Friday after Thanksgiving.
This year, Black Friday is November 23, 2018. Of course, retailers begin hours and even days ahead of time with pre-Black Friday deals. We'll be running those, too.
When is Cyber Monday 2018 in the US?Cyber Monday is November 26. It's always the Monday following Black Friday, and one of the best ways to find online deals without the hassle of showing up in a store. It's one of the biggest days for TechRadar when it comes to referring people to deals.
What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?The Black Friday vs Cyber Monday debate is an important one. You don't want to buy something for Black Friday only to have it become cheaper on Cyber Monday.
Or do you? Our best advice is to buy everything you need on Black Friday and keep a watch on additional price drops on Cyber Monday. If it's all cheaper on Cyber Monday, return your Black Friday item (or cancel it if that option is still available) and walk away with the cheapest price possible.
But, in advance, Black Friday usually offers steep discounts in stores, while Cyber Monday is almost strictly an online sale. Retailers, like Walmart and Amazon are very keen to keep you shopping all weekend long, so they often slowly roll out deals (with 'rollback prices' in Walmart's case) to keep you browsing throughout the Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates.
Why do Black Friday and Cyber Monday matter?There are two reasons why Black Friday Matters and why Cyber Monday is beginning to matter even more in 2018 than it did a few years ago.
First, Black Friday is when we save up to spend our money on gifts for others (and of course merchandise for ourselves). It's for good reason: almost everything we want is on sale, thanks to retailers who have an interest in selling us on as much of their products as possible. Best Buy will gladly discount a PS4 console bundle by $100 if you're going to buy two or three games with it.
Second, it's when everything comes out. Notice that new GoPro cameras come out right before Black Friday every year and so do new Apple iPhones – the tech product cycle is almost geared toward this invent sales holiday weekend.
It's more of what you want at the prices you've wanted all year. Even better, all of the old versions (so the prior GoPro action camera and year-old iPhone X) will be remarkably cheaper in 2018. You can find the deepest discounts on year-old items.
What sort of deals will we see on Black Friday 2018?Black Friday prediction are easy to make in 2018 because the sales follow a pattern:
Amazon will heavily discount its own stuffApple will offer something small, such as gift cards or Beats headphones4KTVs are going to get massive discountsThere will be really big price drops on laptopsSome accessories will be brilliant valueYou really don’t want to take out a phone contract in the months leading up: networks' Black Friday deals slash the up-front and monthly costsDSLRs and mirrorless camera be cheaper and so will lenses eBay will run Black Friday deals on new products, not just second-hand items What sort of deals will we see on Cyber Monday 2018?Like Black Friday, Cyber Monday has become pretty predictable too. You can expect:
iPads are routinely on sale, especially at Target and Best BuyFashion retailers such as ASOS to offer site-wide discountsElectrical retailers to offer deals on small appliances and white goodsA continuation of many retailers’ existing Black Friday promotions The top deals of Black Friday last yearIt was hard to find Nintendo Switch last year, never mind find it on sale. But we did manage to exclusively discover some price drops a year ago. That made it an instant top-seller.
We also found the iPhone 7 deal ever, a discount on the iPhone X that chipped away at its $1,000 price, and tempting unlocked Google Pixel 2 and Samsung Galaxy S8 deals.
PS4 and Xbox One bundles continue to be big sellers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It seems like every year, as they age (and get better games), retailers are more willing to drop prices on these consoles. That's win-win for consumers.
Amazon continues to mark down its own products: Kindle, Fire tablets and, of course, Echo speakers see dramatic price cuts. We won't see these discounts again until Amazon Prime Day 2019.
The top deals of Cyber Monday last yearListing the best Cyber Monday deals last year started off with cheap iPads. Apple's iPad Pro is wildly expensive for the average consumer. But on that special Monday date last year, you could get up to $120 off the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad.
Sonos speakers and the Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 were also big sellers thanks to price cuts. Yes, Apple's HomePod had just launched and MacBooks do remain very popular, but Sonos and Microsoft have offered better prices (and better value). That was true last year and may remain true in 2018.
What to expect from Black Friday 2018 and Cyber Monday 2018Expect more pre-Black Friday deals than ever and for Cyber Monday to actually begin on 'Cyber Sunday' and even 'Cyber Weekend' as Amazon and others like to call it.
US retailers are stretching out the Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales period in an effort to keep you shopping. It's like a supermarket putting the Milk and the cereal several asiles apart. There are loads of goods in between that will distract you.
But that's good news because while you may buy a bit more, you'll do so at far cheaper prices. In 2018, with the US economy on the rebound, shopping during Black Friday may be a bit easier for the American consumer.
Top deals to expect on Black Friday 2018 and Cyber Monday 2018It's not Black Friday just yet, but we can tell our deals predictions ahead of November 23. We have a good track record year to year.
New iPad 2018, iPad Pro, and iPhone XSApple's cheaper New iPad 2018 may be even cheaper several months after it came out. It's $329 right now, and that could easily be $299 at Walmart, Best Buy or Target, if the retailers are vying for every dollar you have.
An even bigger price drop may come from the iPad Pro. No, not the iPad Pro 2018 that will launch right before Black Friday, but the iPad Pro from mid-2017. Especially on eBay, we see older iPad Pro models get big discounts, and really, they're almost as good except for a few new features.
Will the iPhone XS be on sale for Black Friday? Yes and no. It just launched, so you may not see dramatic price drops, but expect US carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint to offer incentives for signing up for contracts. A lot of times, they'll pay you more money for your older phone when you trade it in to buy a new iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy S9Bad news for Samsung is good news for you on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Since the Samsung Galaxy S9 didn't sell well when it launched earlier this year, the company needs to move inventory. That means we fully expect the Samsung Galaxy S9 unlocked to be far cheaper at the end of 2018. That lines up well for the holidays. The Galaxy Note 9 may also see some discounts, but it won't be as steep.
PS4 and Xbox OneThere's no more Toys R Us anymore, but we expect other US retailers to pick up the slack on PS4 and Xbox One console bundles. They often pair games you were going to buy anyway with the game system at a cheaper price.
Sony's PS4 has been a particularly hot seller whenever TechRadar posts deals about it. Yes, the Nintendo Switch is popular, too, but gamers find PS4 deals to be even more tempting, and Walmart readily discounts it. In 2018, the PlayStation VR headset may be pushed with the console again, so keep that in mind, especially for Cyber Monday. Games like Spider-Man PS4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are the ones to watch out for.
Microsoft needs to move more Xbox One consoles to catch up. That's equally good news for you, since the price could use a drop between now and Black Friday. There are some excellent games on the system as we approach five years with the console, so you're in for good prices and great entertainment.
Cheap 4KTVsIf you don't own a 4KTV yet, then 2018 is the time to buy it because we fully expect, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart to lead the charge on price drops in this area.
4KTV deals are almost certainly going to be where we see the deepest discounts on any product category. They started out expensive – tens of thousands of dollars – but even new 4K OLED TVs have come down in price. You can even buy a big, smart 4KTV for $500.
Our favorite retailer brand in the US has been TCL. Specifically, the TCL Roku TV 2018 has become a great value for everything it offers: 4K resolution, HDR, at a great screen size at a low price – our top recommendation is $650 for a 55-inch TV.
Amazon Echo, Fire TV sticks, Kindles and Fire tabletsAmazon is smart. It's offering cheap electronics to gain a wedge into your budding smart home. Amazon Echo with Alexa are a great example of this. Once you get one – with a hard-to-dismiss price of $29.99 for the Echo Dot – you'll be more inclined to buy something else that's Alexa-compatible for a higher price.
Amazon's tablets and ereaders work the same way. Buying into their Fire HD 10 Tablet and Kindle Paperwhite, typically with $40 to $80 discounts, puts you into the Kindle and Amazon Video ecosystem. But that's okay if you're a Prime member anyway.
Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?The first known mention of Black Friday was in November 1951, when the journal Factory Management and Maintenance used it to describe the issue of people calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving so they could have an extra day off work.
At the same time, police in the US were using the phrases 'Black Friday' and 'Black Saturday' to describe the horrendous traffic jams that occurred at the beginning of the pre-Christmas shopping season. In 1961 some retailers tried to market the day as 'Big Friday' instead, but that one didn’t take off.
Why is Cyber Monday called Cyber Monday?The term was coined by Ellen Davis and Scott Silverman, and it was a deliberate move to promote online shopping back in 2005, when the internet was made of wood and powered by steam.
It was intended to help smaller retailers compete with the big names who were banging on about Black Friday, although of course those big names promptly jumped on the Cyber Monday bandwagon too.
Are Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals real?Oooh, the big question: and generally speaking, yes they are – although in some cases the discounts have been negotiated well in advance with suppliers, so they’re not as spontaneous as the sellers might have you believe.
As with any sales event you’ll see a mixture of genuine bargains, discounted end-of-line stock and strange things found in the back of a warehouse somewhere. In 2016, consumer magazine 'Which?' accused retailers of some pretty dodgy behavior.
If you avoid the slightly-shifty stuff, though, you can get some really great deals. For example, last year we got tons of money off 5K iMacs (end of line stock), Hi-Res audio players (deep discounting in the hope of selling headphones), wireless headphones (from another retailer hoping to sell Hi-Res audio players) and tons of Christmas presents.
And some TechRadar writers were physically restrained from spending all our savings on electric guitars, which were getting some serious discounting on high-end models.
How is TechRadar showing the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals?On our Black Friday 2018 deals page and on our Cyber Monday 2018 deals page. We scour all the top retailers’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on your behalf, with the aid of serious amounts of caffeine, and we’ll tell you whether the deals are worth getting excited about. So whether it’s a 4K HDR OLED TV or a PSVR, if it’s discounted we’ll have the details here.
How should I prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Homework really helps. Some retailers up prices in October so they can offer supposedly amazing discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so don’t be fooled by such shenanigans.
They’re particularly prevalent on expensive consumer electronics such as TVs or laptops with product numbers rather than names, with products worth a few hundred pounds apparently having MSRPs of a million jillion dollars. Tools like CamelCamelCamel and PriceSpy can help you detect both shenanigans and tomfoolery.
It’s also a very good idea to be flexible. For example, if you fancy a Samsung UHD TV it’s best to think about the features you want rather than a specific model number – the BRV553ABD34-82C-9218-X may not be discounted on Black Friday 2018, but an almost identical set with the specification you want probably will be.
How can I stay safe on Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring out the fraudsters and fakers as well as the sellers, so be wary of any unsolicited emails or any links to deals being shared on social media, no matter how legitimate they look; as ever with the internet, anything asking you for card details or login details is a scam.
Phishing sites rake in big piles of cash on Black Friday, so be extra suspicious, and if you’re on a PC, make sure your anti-malware software is up to date – many security suites automatically block known scammers, fraudsters and phishers.
What about physical safety? Wasn’t everybody kung fu fighting on Black Friday?Yes, they were. In fact, it was a little bit frightening. The combination of bargain-crazed shoppers and poor crowd control has long made Black Friday synonymous with injuries and the odd scuffle, and sometimes much more serious trouble – in 2011 a woman pepper-sprayed rival bargain hunters in a California Walmart, while in 2016 a shopper was shot outside a Macy’s in New Jersey.
Cyber Monday didn’t attract the same kind of trouble as it’s always been an internet event, and the more Black Friday moves online the fewer fisticuffs we're seeing.
Check out our tips to avoid scams on Black Friday
LG Watch W7 smartwatch will allegedly launch alongside the LG V40
LG is set to reveal the LG V40 ThinQ smartphone on October 3, but a new report claims the company will unveil something else: the W7 smartwatch, which is said to combine the mechanical hands of an analog wristwatch with a digital display powered by Google's Wear OS platform.
Previous rumors suggested that LG’s next watch would launch back in April (which didn’t happen), but we haven’t heard much about its actual release date, aside from FCC filings hinting it's still in the works – until now. Noted leaker Evan Blass clarified that the device will be called the LG Watch W7 and launch alongside the V40.
It will be the first LG smartwatch to run Wear OS at launch, AndroidHeadlines’ report stated. The display will have a pixel density of 300 ppi (which may be lower than the Apple Watch 4, which 9to5Mac estimated has a 345 ppi screen density).
Many of the details, including the dimensions (45.5 x 45.4 x 12.9mm), screen size (1.2-inch, 360 x 360), processor (Snapdragon Wear 2100) and other specs align with previous leaks. This includes one of the watch’s more interesting benefits: 100 days of battery life with all the “smart” capabilities disabled.
Also see the LG G7 ThinQThe report claims that the smartwatch will also come in a Plus model, coming with both silicone and metal straps as well as a bonus charging cradle, though it doesn’t sound like its specs will differ from the base watch. The wearable will likely start retailing by June, and LG is allegedly targeting global availability, but that still looks up in the air given the possibility of slightly different models with altered specs.
We still don’t know how much LG’s smartwatch will cost, either. Given the price range of the company’s previous watches the LG Watch Style (which launched at $249/£229) and the LG Watch Sport (which started at $349), we previously guessed that the new model would cost about $300/£300 (around AU$400).
Next up: All about the Google Pixel 3
Best gaming chair 2018: the best PC gaming chairs
There’s nothing quite like the best PC games, but no one wants to walk away from them crouching over like Igor from Young Frankenstein. If you really want to bring your gaming and sitting experience to a new level, you can kick back and get comfy in one of the best PC gaming chairs. Because, at the end of the day, if you’re immersed in your favorite RPG, saving the world and everything – you should be comfortable while you do it.
That’s why we set out to compile a list of the best PC gaming chairs you can buy today. While some might look like your dad’s office chair, with all black ‘real leather’ designs – others fully embrace the gamer aesthetic with RGB lighting and loud, clashing colors, making you look like a cybernetic race car driver.
No matter your style, the best gaming chair will be worth your time and money. We don’t mean to brag, but we’ve done plenty of sitting in our time, and have become very familiar with the best gaming chairs. So, get the best gaming PC and load up your favorite game, because we’re going to lay out all the best gaming chairs you can buy today.
It’s no exaggeration to call the Noblechairs Epic Real Leather the best gaming chair. From the cross-thatched embroidery to the real leather of its namesake, if you’re looking for a no-compromises gaming throne, this is it. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to set up. And, once the set-up is complete, the Epic Real Leather is a dream to sit on – and you can customise your position however you want. Just do us a favor, and read the instructions while you’re setting it up.
If you want to play games all day in comfort, but you don’t want a chair that looks like you’re playing games all day, the Autonomous ErgoChair 2 is for you. Marketed as an office chair, the ErgoChair 2 has a very modern and stylish aesthetic to it that will appeal to anyone that doesn’t use RGB as a personality trait. It’s not all style either, as the ErgoChair lets you adjust basically every part of the chair, so that no matter how your body is built, you’re guaranteed to be comfortable while gaming.
This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Respawn 115
Leather and fabric have their advantages, namely to comfort and texture, but sometimes a mesh office chair is best – especially if you live in a warmer climate, where breathability is of utmost importance. The Respawn-300 combines the racing-seat design and lumbar support and mesh material from some high-end office chairs. It really does take comfort to another level and is one of the best PC gaming chairs you can buy today.
This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Noblechairs Epic Real Leather.
Corsair is known for making popular and high-end PC components and gaming peripherals. It’s only fitting, then, that they dip their toes into the gaming chair game – and they may have made one of the best gaming chairs yet. Covered top to bottom in breathable PU leather with neck and lumbar pillows wrapped in microfiber, you’ll be able to game both in comfort and style. And with its rollerblade-style wheels, you’ll be able to move it around on any surface without having to worry about scratching up your floor.
Noblechairs is well known for crafting some of the best gaming chairs out there – and the Noblechairs Icon makes it clear why. While it’s more affordable than the flagship Epic Real Leather, it’s still extremely comfortable and one of the best PC gaming chairs out there. This is thanks to its nice lumbar pillow, which you can easily remove if you don’t like it.
There’s a certain subset of the PC gaming community that needs to have the absolute best of everything, at whatever the cost. These people are going to be absolutely enamored with the Vertagear Triigger 350 SE. It features over 350 individual components with a mix metal, mesh, leather and high-end plastics to create the ultimate PC gaming chair. If you have the money to spare, and you can’t stand to have anything less than the best, you might want to give this chair a look.
Another day, another Noblechairs gaming seat – and the Noblechairs Epic is the best gaming chair for the classier gamer. It features a faux-leather covering inspired by car seats, combining both comfort and a high-end design to make it one of the best gaming chairs you can buy today. And, if you’re the type that shies away from the ‘gamer aesthetic,’ the Epic’s subtle black design is far more elegant than some of the more brightly-colored seats on this list.
For the gamer looking for some extra room in their seat, the Vertagear Racing Series PL6000 is a must-have. Specially designed to provide both added width and height, this is the best gaming chair for anyone with a larger frame – no matter how tall you are, the adjustable headrest means you’ll never experience discomfort. However, this is a complicated chair to assemble, so use the buddy system to build this masterpiece.
The Nitro Concepts C80 is a beautiful, comfy gaming chair that could easily double as an office chair – it looks more expensive than it is. Nitro Concepts was able to keep the price down by making a few compromises that don’t affect the quality of the chair – like using polyurethane instead of leather. And, no compromises were made in the build quality, as this is an impressively sturdy gaming chair. Just make sure you get a friend to help you assemble it – putting it together had us tearing our hair out.
This product is only available in the UK at the time of this writing. US and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the noblechairs Icon
Racing stripes, RGB lighting and loud color palettes aren’t for everyone – some people just prefer something more subdued. If your gaming area is the same place that you work when you’re at home, the Respawn 115 Racing Style Gaming Chair is for you. It features the same basic shape of traditional gaming chairs, with lumbar support padding, reclining back and adjustable arms – but with an exterior style that works for the office too. The only problem is that the lumbar support isn’t connected to the chair in any way, which means you’ll have to readjust it every time you move. Regardless, this is still one of the best PC gaming chairs you can buy.
This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the noblechairs Icon
Nvidia Turing release date, news and features
After two years of waiting, Nvidia Turing is the latest and greatest graphics card architecture for gaming. It was an excruciating wait, but it was worth it.
The Turing-powered Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, RTX 2080 are poised to be the best graphics cards for the games we play over the next few years.
With Nvidia Turing, real-time ray tracing technology is available in a consumer graphics card for the first time – it could bring about a revolution in the way the best PC games look.
It’s a true paradigm shift as, the new GeForce RTX gaming cards may completely change look of the best PC games.
Cut to the chase What is it? Nvidia’s latest graphics card architectureWhen is it out? September 20What will it cost? $599 (£569, AU$899) - $10,000 (£7,830, AU$13,751)
The Nvidia RTX 2080 is available now, while the RTX 2080 Ti and 2070 should be trickling out over the coming weeks. The 2080 Ti should be have limited availability in stores on September 27th, with preorders filtering out already. The GeForce RTX 2070, however, will follow on October 17th.
We’ve also seen some speculation that a mobile version of the RTX 2080 is on the way, and while previous speculation pointed to it launching by the end of 2018 – we have our money on it launching early on in 2019. Either way, if they’re nearly as powerful as Nvidia claims the desktop versions are, we’re going to see some extremely powerful gaming laptops very soon.
For starters, The Nvidia Quadro RTX GPUs are much more expensive, which should come as no surprise for high-end chips such as these.
Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000: $10,000 (£7,830, AU$13,751)Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000: $6,300 (£4,935, AU$8,660)Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000: $2,300 (£1,800, AU$3,160)Of course, these are graphics cards meant for commercial work in the visual effects industry
For more consumer-focused cards, the prices seem to have risen, as well. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti seems to be taking the place of Nvidia’s past Titan cards, whereas the other cards seem to fall in line with the 10-series cards.
The prices for the announced cards is as follows:
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti: $1,199 (£1,099, AU$1,899) Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080: $799 (£749, AU$1,199) Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070: $599 (£569, AU$899)It should be noted that the prices on the store are a bit higher than what Nvidia CEO and founder Jensen Huang revealed at the Nvidia Geforce Celebration at Gamescom 2018 – at the time of writing. For instance, the 2080 Ti was initially revealed at $999, but that price isn’t currently reflected in the online store.
The headline feature of Nvidia Turing is the inclusion of ray-tracing tech that can render more realistic visuals and lighting in real time without having to fall back on programming tricks. These specialized RTX cores essentially calculate how light and sound travel in a 3D environment at a rate of up to 10 GigaRays on the RTX 2080 Ti. These specialized cores will also supposedly allow Nvidia Turing-based graphics cards to process ray tracing up to 25 times faster than Pascal.
When these RTX Cores aren’t in use for processing ray tracing, they’ll essentially switch off, ceasing to draw any power.
In addition to these RTX cores, the Turing Architecture will also feature Tensor Cores, like the ones found in Volta. These specialized cores enable artificial intelligence and neural networking so that Turing cards get better at rendering over time – something previously exclusive to supercomputers.
With the ability to deliver 500 trillion Tensor operations a second, this technology accelerates deep learning training and inferencing. This will allow Nvidia to offer Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which will be a version of super sampling that won’t bring your computer to its knees. Even for games that don’t support this new DLSS tech, these AI-fueled cores should deliver traditional anti-aliasing much more efficiently – up to eight times.
As with Volta, Nvidia Turing is adopting GDDR6 memory – up to 11GB in the RTX 2080 Ti, which can clock in at up to 14Gbps, quite the leap over the Pascal-powered Nvidia Titan Xp that clocked in at 11.4Gbps.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is an absolute behemoth of a GPU. With 4,352 CUDA cores, 11GB of GDDR6 VRAM with a 352-bit memory bus and 18 billion transistors, it’s going to be capable of 4K Ultra gaming at high refresh rates for years to come. It’s no wonder it comes with such a high price tag.
The more mainstream RTX 2080 and RTX 2070 are both still quite impressive, though, and will absolutely destroy the previous generation. The former will feature 2,944 CUDA cores, 8GB of GDDR6 memory and will clocked at 1.5GHz at its base frequency. The 2070, though will be a bit weaker, coming with 2,304 CUDA cores 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM and clocked at 1,410Mhz base.
If you want to dive into deeper detail about how these cards will work we have you covered. Beyond that, we’ll be able to share more detailed performance numbers soon, so keep this page bookmarked, as we’ll update it just as soon as new information comes our way.
Thus far we only have partial specs on three Nvidia Quadro RTX cards:
Nvidia Turing PerformanceNow that we’ve finally been able to test all of the new RTX graphics cards, we have a clear picture of how these cards perform, and frankly, both the RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti are beasts.
As long as you have the high-end specs to back them up, these new Turing cards are able to perform much faster than their Pascal equivalents, and will be able to push it even further once DLSS or deep learning super sampling is more widespread. And, thanks to the AA improvements in the Tensor cores, we’re seeing about a 20-40% increase in games that don't support DLSS.
In our benchmarks, the GeForce RTX 2080 is outperforming the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti by about 11% and the Nvidia GTX 1080 by a more impressive 32% in Middle Earth: Shadow of War in 4K. This performance difference is even more massive when you look at the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti which not only is 20% faster than the RTX 2080 in the same title, but beats out the last-generation 1080 Ti by a massive 30%, destroying the GTX 1080 with a 45% performance delta.
So, in traditional games, there’s no question that Nvidia Turing marks a total upgrade from Pascal. And, over time as drivers mature and users get ready to start overclocking their Turing cards, the difference is only going to grow. That’s not to mention the inclusion of incoming DLSS and ray tracing in games, which should only increase the Nvidia Turing performance gap.
When it comes to ray tracing, we have a better idea of how Nvidia Turing is going to handle performance. Rather than rendering using pure ray tracing techniques, the new graphics cards are going to use a hybrid method – combining both traditional rasterization and ray tracing in order to produce playable frame rates.
The method by which this will be achieved is “Bounding Volume Hierarchy,” or BVH which will track large portions of the scene being rendered for whether or not a ray is being bounced. The RTX cores will then dig deeper into that large portion until it finds the polygon that’s getting hit by the light ray. This method should impact performance far less than tracking each ray live – but will still be quite demanding. In short, Nvidia Turing makes ray tracing easier because it simplifies the math.
Meanwhile, this the latest in AMD Vega
Best RAM 2018: the top memory for your PC
Even the best PCs will eventually experience some kind of slow down over time, especially as operating systems like Windows 10 and macOS Mojave become more and more demanding. If your computer is starting to drag its feet and show its age, you might want to go out and pick up the best RAM to give your PC a healthy speed boost.
One of the first things you’ll notice when looking for the best RAM is just how many different types of memory are out there. Anyone who isn’t extremely well versed in PC hardware is going to have a tough time finding the best RAM for them. And, that’s exactly why we created this list of the best RAM you can buy in 2018.
Every memory kit on this list has been handpicked by the TechRadar editorial staff, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best RAM – no matter what you need. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy upgrade that’ll let you open more Chrome tabs, or even if you’re a gamer looking for the fastest RAM money can buy, you’ll find the best RAM right here on this list.
Some of the best overall RAM on the market comes from Corsair. Their Vengeance series has something for everyone with its LED DDR4 offerings topping our list. On top of giving PC builders that extra touch of vibrancy lighting brings, the Corsair Vengeance LED series’ built-in heat spreaders maximize cooling for higher overclocking and maximum performance. Corsair’s Vengeance LED DDR4 series offers CL16 latency and 3,466 MHz speeds and color coordinated computing.
G.Skill and its Trident Z RGB series are known for their great performance and sick lighting. The top of every memory stick features a full-spectrum rainbow wave light bar that you can use to match your RGB lighting across your entire system. Trident Z RGB DDR4 RAM comes with CAS latencies between 14 and 19 and speeds between 2,400MHz and 4,266MHz. No matter you style, the best RGB Ram is certainly the G.Skill Trident Z RGB.
Kingston’s high-performance HyperX has some of the best DDR3 RAM on the market and the Predator models is particularly tuned for and extreme-performance that’s further expandable with XMP profiles. The Predator DDR3 series achieves CL9 to CL11 latencies and speeds between 1866MHz to 2666MHz.
This Kingston HyperX Fury is auto overclocked memory that won’t empty your wallet. This smart DDR3 or DDR4 RAM auto-detects system components to overclock to the highest speeds possible, optimizing performance for all of Intel’s latest chipsets. It comes with latencies between CL14 and CL16, and has speeds between 2,133 and 2,666MHz. While it’s inexpensive, it really can have a huge impact on the performance of your rig.
Corsair Dominator Platinum is the RAM you need to look at if you need to perform a lot of high intensity tasks. The chrome heat spreaders not only allow for premium performance, but they also allow for maximum bling. Yeah, the massive heatsinks and fans may seem ridiculous, but if you’re running your RAM at 4,000MHz, things can get pretty heated, and fast. On the low end, Corsair also offers a low-latency C14 version of the Dominator Platinum operating at 2,400MHz.
If you’re going for an all-out no-holds-barred build, and you want the flashiest hardware so that your desktop can illuminate your office, you’re going to want the ADATA Spectrix D80. Not only is it available in frequencies up to 5,000MHz, but it’s liquid-cooled, which means you shouldn’t ever have to worry about it overheating on you. The ADATA Spectrix D80 is going to be the best RAM for gaming in an RGB-lit cavern.
HyperX has always been a huge name in desktop memory, and it’s not hard to see why. The DIMMs they release always feature the latest technologies without pushing the price higher than it really needs to be – and the HyperX Predator DDR4 RGB is yet another example. Not only is this ram fast, but it looks good, too – with Infrared Sync tech that promises to actually synchronize the lighting between DIMMs. And, with its stylish black heat spreaders, this is the best RAM if you want your gaming PC to reach max aesthetic.
Corsair’s Vengeance LPX RAM is made for users who want the maximum performance with minimum footprint. This low-profile RAM is essential for PC builds with massive CPU coolers. Despite being so low-profile, they still feature an eight-layer heat spreader to cool while overclocking. While its thin design doesn’t allow for LEDs, but you can get it in three colors: black, red or blue.
Just like their dedication to laptop and desktop RAM, G.Skill has RAM upgrades for Macs, too. Adding more memory on the Apple Store is needlessly expensive, so going with a third-party kit can help you save a ton of money – assuming that your machine is one the last remaining MacBooks or iMacs that are still upgradable. These SO-DIMM have a CAS latency between 9 and 11 and have between 1,333MHz and 1,600MHz. The best bang for the buck seems to be the G.Skill DDR3-1333 for Mac.
Crucial is the go-to replacement RAM for laptop systems. They’ve designed their Crucial Ballistix Sport SODIMMs for efficient battery life in mind while still delivering good speeds for multi-tasking. It’s perfect for those wanting a little more out of their laptop, and this memory will likely offers higher performance speeds than anything coming stock in your laptop., with a latency of CL16 and speeds between 2,300MHz and 2,666MHz.
Best gaming mouse pads 2018: the best mouse mats for gamers
If you would have told us a decade ago that the best gaming mouse pads would feature wireless charging a year ago, we would’ve looked at you funny.
But, that’s just a sign of how much mouse pads have evolved over the last few years. These MLG tablecloths have evolved to feature all kinds of new tech and innovations that’ll change the way you look at that electronic coaster on your desk. They may follow the same general design that mouse pads have for years, but now they come with cool stuff like Qi wireless charging, so you can finally do away with all those charging cables.
We don’t need to tell you that the best mouse pads are important, but if you’re already playing the best PC games on the best gaming PC with one of the best gaming mice, why would you settle for anything less than the best gaming mouse pad?
Unfortunately, when you go out looking for the best mouse pads, one thing you’ll notice is that there are a ton of different ones out there – making it difficult to find the best mouse pad for you. Fortunately, we thought ahead and created a guide to the best gaming mouse pads on the market in 2018. Whether you’re the kind of gamer that likes to light up the room with RGB lighting, or if you just need a reliable pad that’ll let you dominate the competition, we’ve found something for you.
The Corsair MM600 isn’t interested in distracting you with brightly colored lights like the MM800. Instead, it offers a great deal more versatility than its higher priced sibling. This double sided mouse pad stays secure in place with rubber stoppers on each corner so that your mouse moves – not your mouse pad. The MM600 is also made of aluminum, and features a low-friction surface that will boost your response times in-game.
Existing solely as a budget mousepad, the SteelSeries QcK does exactly what you want out of a mousepad and nothing more. The QcK’s surface material has a high thread count for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth glide. At the same time, its rubber base helps prevent it from sliding around your desk while you’re gaming. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and there’s even a higher end version with RGB lighting – the SteelSeries QcK Prism.
Yeah, it might not look like much, but the Cooler Master Make It Yours is one of the best mouse pads for all of your gaming needs. It features a low friction cloth surface for near frictionless mouse movement, and has a nice neutral aesthetic that will help it blend into any setup. It’s not very thick, but it’s still wide enough to freely move around without accidentally moving off of the mouse pad.
This product is only available in the UK as of this writing. US and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the SteelSeries QcK.
Sure, everyone loves RGB lighting, but what if you’re looking for an unobtrusive, seamless desk surface? Well, the ultra thin – less than half a millimeter in height – Razer Sphex v2 is the mouse pad for you. Despite its thin profile, the polycarbonate surface is durable and optimised for laser or optical gaming mouse control. We picked the regular size, but if you have a smaller desk, there’s a Small size variant as well.
The top of the Hiro+ is covered in a vulcanized silicone surface with a 3D structure to help increase your gaming accuracy and speed. The base has a non-slip surface for steady mouse control, and the edges have been rounded for a smoother profile. Its surface is also coated to protect from water and grime, and makes for easy cleaning.
We bet you thought the best gaming mouse pads were just surfaces to move your mouse on top of didn’t you? Well, we don’t blame you – until the Corsair MM1000 Qi hit the market, that’s basically what they were. Not only is this thing one of the best gaming mouse pads, but it also features Qi charging. Launching alongside the Corsair Dark Core RGB SE, which itself features Qi compatibility. The MM1000 Qi isn’t just Corsair’s answer to the Logitech PowerPlay, it takes mouse pads to a new level by letting you charge your phone while playing.
If you’ve had your eye on a RGB mouse-pad to match all of your tricked out peripherals, and you didn’t want to settle for a rigid piece of plastic, you’re in luck. The Razer Goliathus takes Razer’s expert RGB implementation and throws into a soft gaming mouse pad that will let you score those headshots in comfort and style.
You simply can’t go out looking for the best mouse mat for gaming in 2018 without considering RGB. All the hottest gaming peripherals right now boast about how they can light your desk up like a Christmas tree, and the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is no different. On top of Corsair’s always-fantastic RGB implementation, the MM800 uses a low-friction finish that’ll allow for quick and precise tracking across its surface. And if the lighting wasn’t enough, the MM800 uses Corsair’s special CUE2 interface to sync its lighting with your other peripherals and even your PC through RGB share. It’s even available in two materials: cloth and a micro-texture surface.
The Asus ROG Scabbard is less mouse pad and more ‘everything pad’. It can hold your laptop or keyboard and mouse, and whatever other accessories you have lying around – it’s seriously huge. It has a non-slip ROG-red rubber base and low-friction Sheath woven surface for gaming control. Asus has even temperature tested the ROG scabbard down to -30°C – but why you’d game in sub-zero conditions is unimaginable, unless you really take overclocking that seriously.
Are other mouse pads just too soft for your gaming setup? Well, if so, you’re in luck – the MSI Thunderstorm gaming mouse pad is all metal. To be precise, this gaming mouse pad is made of an anodized, hairline-surfaced aluminum material with rubber stoppers. This textured surface is optimized for mouse control and speed, while its L shape allows it to be situated close to the keyboard. And, if that metal surface is just too real for you, you can flip it over for a micro-textured surface and the comfort of cloth.
Best PC power supply 2018: top PSUs for your PC
When you’re building one of the best PCs, the most important things you can do is get one of the best PC power supplies. We know it doesn’t sound too exciting, but every component in your rig relies on the best PC power supply for life. Even if it means you have less money for one of the best graphics cards, you shouldn’t compromise on your power supply.
We’re just going to come out and say it – having a power supply die on you is an awful experience. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms of a dying PC power supply can slip by unnoticed.
Sure, some are as obvious as your PC just outright refusing to turn on, but they can also be as subtle as a power efficiency dip. By the time you notice your PSU is beginning to fail, it may be too late. So, do yourself a favor and buy one of the best PC power supplies today, so it doesn’t fail tomorrow.
It’s not all negative though, as there’s a wide variety of fantastic PC power supplies available right now. And, even if you’re trying to watch your budget, you can still get one of the best PC power supplies. There are even some amazing high-power units, rocking RGB lighting, that can power the best gaming PCs – if you have the cash ready. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you can be sure that you’ll find the best PC power supplies right here on this list.
The Corsair RM750x scores the top spot on this list for one simple reason: it’s the most well-rounded power supply you can buy today. On top of a 10 year warranty and an 80 Gold Plus efficiency rating, the Corsair has a fully modular cable system. This means you only need to install the cables you need – you can say goodbye to the mess of cables and shoddy airflow that non-modular PSUs endure.
If you’re looking to save some cash on your PC build, you don’t have a ton of options for cheap power supplies that aren’t terrible. In situations like this, an economical option like the EVGA 500 B1 might be the best PC power supply for you. For less than the cost of a AAA game, you can expect 500 watts of power transmitted through several SATA cables and two PCIe cables – it covers the bare essentials, which is exactly what a budget power supply should do. The three-year warranty is just the cherry on top.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair RM750x
Even the best PSUs seem to have extremely loud fans, and unlike case fans, it’s not exactly easy to replace them. Luckily, the Straight Power 10 line-up runs nice and quiet. Options range from 400w to 700w, and they’re SLI and Crossfire certified. They’re also modular, meaning you only need to use the cables that are necessary for your build.
The best power supplies have a tendency to be over-sized, taking up way too much space in your PC. However, these days there are plenty of compact pc power supplies that still provide plenty of juice. The Silverstone SX550 is almost half the size of other power supplies, so that you can better facilitate cables and airflow inside your case. Ths makes it the perfect case for micro ATX and mini ITX builds, and you can even slide it into a mid or full-size tower as well, if you feel like it.
If you’re a serious builder that plans on building an absolute behemoth of a rig, with multiple graphics cards, cooling systems on top of some healthy overclocking, the Corsair AX1500i is the best PC power supply for you. It has the highest possible 80 Plus Titanium efficiency rating, and is fully modular, so you only need to add the cables your build actually requires.
If you’re really trying to maximise the visual appeal of your build, a modular power supply is almost essential – you can avoid all of those messy looking wires cluttering up your case. The NZXT E650 takes things a step further. Not only is it a fully modular power supply, meaning you only need to connect the wires you actually need, but it’s also extremely attractive itself, begging to be shown off in your case. This is all topped off with an 80 Plus Gold efficiency rating and a 10-year warranty – not only will it look good, but it’ll deliver power efficiently and last forever while it does it.
In 2018, if your PC isn’t strapped to the nines with RGB lighting, you’re not trying hard enough. Enter the Thermaltake Smart RGB 700W – not only does it have beautiful, addressable RGB lighting, but it also features a reliable 80 Plus efficiency rating and enough power to support even the best gaming PCs. Yeah, it’s not modular, but at less than a hundred bucks, we’re willing to look the other way – especially with that sick lighting.
Pick up the best processors while you're at itBill Thomas and Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
Best CPU cooler 2018: top CPU coolers for your PC
What’s cooler than being cool? That’s right, keeping your PC components ice cold. Here at TechRadar, we love building and overclocking the best gaming PCs we can get our hands on – and we know that the best CPU coolers will help you squeeze every drop of performance out of even the best processors, as lower CPU temps allow your PC to run faster and last longer.
Coming in every shape, size and color, the best CPU cooler for your PC will likely depend on what you’re looking to build. Luckily, the best CPU coolers are available in a wide range of budgets, too – some of the best air coolers are very affordable. And, if you’re looking to push the best processors to the limit, you can still splurge for the latest liquid cooling systems.
No matter what kind of CPU cooler you’re in the market for, we here at TechRadar will help you find it with this list of the best CPU coolers you can buy in 2018 – each one tested and ranked right here.
The Noctua NH-D15 is the best CPU cooler you can buy in 2018 simply because it performs just as well as – if not better than some liquid coolers, while costing a fraction of the price. Now, you might not be too familiar with Noctua’s name, as they’re relatively small in the CPU cooler world, but its business is centered around designing coolers, so you know that when you buy one of their products, you’re getting a product by people who really know their craft. Not only will you get fantastic cooling performance from the NH-D15, but it’s nearly silent too.
Yeah, we know, it’s been around for years. But, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is still one of the best CPU coolers on the market – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Even though it only features four heatpipes and an aluminum fin structure, this legendary CPU cooler has proven again and again to be just as efficient as any liquid cooling system These air coolers are designed to make heat dissipation a breeze – literally – whether you’re playing Destiny 2 at max settings or reading TechRadar in a web browser.
Noctua is an Austrian manufacturer that does one thing, and one thing only: make CPU coolers and fans. What this means is that while the Noctua NH-L9 is tiny, it is still capable of insane cooling with no compromises. This is a fantastic cooler for anyone with a smaller build, or even if you’re using a ton of large components, and you’re not comfortable with liquid cooling.
Corsair has been on top of the all-in-one liquid cooling game for a while now, and the H100i Pro continues the trend. Not only is this thing strapped in the RGB lighting we’ve come to expect from Corsair, but it also features impressive cooling performance, thanks in part to its powerful and unique fans, which you can control through Corsair’s iCue software. This all results in a CPU cooler that not only performs well, but that is also completely customizable.
If you’re looking for a powerful liquid cooler that’ll help contribute to your RGB aesthetic, the Deepcool Gamerstorm Castle 240 RGB is going to make all your dreams a reality. Not only is it a reliable AIO (all-in-one) cooler that can help push your overclocks to the limits, but its addressable RGB will work with a wide range of different controllers, meaning you can effortlessly sync all the lighting in your system. The CPU block stands a little high from your processor, but when it looks this good, does it really matter?
If you’re running one of the best processors, and you want to push it to the limit, the NZXT Kraken X72 is the best CPU cooler for overclocking. Not only does it pack a gigantic radiator, but its high fan speeds ensure that cooling performance is top-notch all the time. And, because it’s 2018, it features addressable RGB and an infinite mirror design that looks amazing in any case. Then, to top it all off, the NZXT Kraken X72 is backed by a 6 year warranty.
There isn’t a single component that can’t be made better with RGB, and Cooler Master knows this – jumping on the RGB bandwagon with the MasterLiquid ML 120R RGB. What’s more, it integrates some of the first addressable LEDs seen on a liquid cooler. This all-in-one liquid cooling solution isn’t just about aesthetics either – as it features an oxidation-free pump and an efficient radiator. This means that not only will it last longer – but it’ll keep your CPU cooler, and all without giving up too much case real estate.
For less than 70 big ones in both US dollars and British sterling, the Arctic Liquid Freezer 120 is a deal you can’t pass up if you’re on the prowl for a liquid cooler that won’t break the bank. While it lacks the bells and whistles of pricier, more extravagant liquid coolers, like the NZXT Kraken, the Arctic Liquid cooler is enough to get you by, not to mention it’s still a massive step up from the classic fan and heatsink pairing. So, while you can’t expect RGB lighting or software – or even hardware-based fan control, the 120mm variant of the Arctic Liquid Freezer will keep your system refrigerated at a (mostly) quiet volume.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair Hydro Series H5 SF
Even if your budget will allow you to really go all-out on a serious liquid cooling solutions, if you have a smaller PC case, you’ll likely not have enough space. That’s where something like the Corsair Hydro H5 SF comes into play. Even on the smallest PC cases, you should able to use this CPU cooler to keep your CPU chilled, even if you have some beastly overclocks going on. And, because it’s a closed loop, you don’t even need to worry about maintenance. Set it up, and let it do its thing – you won’t be disappointed.
Unless you’re already neck deep in the rabbit hole that is silent PC assembly, you’ve probably never heard of NoFan, a South Korean component company that specializes in helping enthusiasts reach that 0dBA silent sweet spot. In doing so, of course, you can count on severely limiting yourself in terms of power, with its CR-95C fanless solution being limited in compatibility to processors whose TDP fall below 95W. Still, the NoFan CR-95C is worth a shot for those sporting low-power rigs that prioritize tranquility over raw horsepower.
This Product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Noctua NH-L9 We’ve also ranked and reviewed the best gaming keyboards of 2018
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation release date, news and features
AMD came out with Ryzen 2nd Generation processors in April 2018, which saw notable improvements over the first generation in power and efficiency. And, back in August, AMD did the same thing with Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation, producing the very best HEDT processors on the market right now – further cementing AMD’s place in the market.
Just like the move from Ryzen to Ryzen 2nd Generation, we’re getting a significant boost in performance with Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation. Not only have the core counts jumped up, but we’re seeing better power management and higher clock speeds across the board. Plus, higher price-to-performance ratios with chips like the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
Although AMD has already released some of the flagship chips, there’s still plenty to be revealed over the coming months. So, be sure to keep this page bookmarked – we’ll keep it updated with any new Threadripper 2nd Generation info that comes our way.
Since Computex 2018, we knew that Ryzen Threadripper Generation 2 would launch in the second half of 2018. And, now the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X have both launched in August 2017.
As for the rest of the Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation lineup, we’re expecting to see the 2970WX and the 2920X sometime in October. We’ll update this page just as soon as we have a solid release date.
Ryzen Threadripper proved to be a much more affordable line of high-end desktop processors than Intel Skylake-X, and it appears these 2nd Generation chips will continue the trend.
Here’s the pricing of the AMD Threadripper Generation 2:
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: $1,799 (£1,639, AU$2,679)Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX: $1,299 (about £1,000, AU$1,755)Ryzen Threadripper 2950X: $899 (about £690, AU$1,210)Ryzen Threadripper 2920X: $649 (about £500, AU$880)Although Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation introduces two higher-end SKUs to the series, AMD’s new HEDT chips (processors for high-end desktop computers) are actually more affordable than the ones they’ve replaced.
The $899 (about £690, AU$1,210) Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is notably $100 cheaper than the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X that initially launched with a $999 (£845, AU$1,359) price tag. Likewise, the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X runs for $649 (about £500, AU$880) and is also more affordable than its predecessor, the $799 (£689, AU$1,069) Ryzen Threadripper 1920X.
At the top-end of the series, the $1799 (about £1,380, AU$2,430) Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX remains more affordable than Intel’s flagship $1,999 (about £1540, AU$2,700) Core i9-7980XE.
Thanks to moving to the same Zen+ 12nm architecture used in the recent Ryzen 2nd Generation processors, Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation gains better power management, higher clock speeds and most notably a huge increase in possible core counts.
Here’s a quick spec breakdown of the current Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation lineup:
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X: 12-cores, 24-threads, clocked at 3.5GHz to 4.3GHzRyzen Threadripper 2950X: 16-cores, 32-threads, clocked at 3.5GHz to 4.4GHzRyzen Threadripper 2970WX: 24-cores, 48-threads, clocked at 3.0GHz to 4.2GHzRyzen Threadripper 2990WX: 32-cores, 64-threads, clocked at 3.0GHz to 4.2GHzOf course, the highlight of AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation lineup has to be the 32-core and 64-thread 2990WX. What’s more impressive is that the CPU is apparently capable of running up to 4.2GHz – a noticeable upgrade over the 1950X top speed of 4.0GHz with half as many cores and threads.
Some may point out that the 28-core processor that Intel showed off at Computex hit 5GHz, but we’re still not 100% sure of the particulars (i.e. cooling setup) surrounding that demo and Intel later clarified it achieved that speed with overclocking.
You may have also spotted the WX suffix at tail end of AMD’s two top-end HEDT processors, and this is to signify a new series of consumer workstation-grade processor meant for creators and innovators. AMD is specifically targeting these two CPUs at creators and innovators such as video editors, those in design and general media creators.
Meanwhile, the X-series Threadripper 2nd Generation processors, the 2920X and 2950X, cater towards streaming gamers who need that extra processing power to drive 4K livestreaming as they game. Once again AMD flexes the strength of its 12nm architecture, by giving us an 2950X that’s 0.3-0.5Ghz faster than the 1950X it replaces, and we haven’t even gotten to overclocking yet.
Luckily, AMD is also sticking to the same TR4 Socket, so anyone looking to upgrade once Threadripper Generation 2 drops shouldn’t have to worry about buying a new board. However, unlike the Ryzen 2nd Generation jump to an X470 chipset, AMD isn’t introducing a new chipset to replace the existing X399 platform – at least in name anyway.
Instead, users will find a few new Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation-ready X399 motherboards designed with improved overclocking performance and power consumption. Thankfully, though, older motherboards are compatible after installing the latest BIOS, and it won’t require you to boot them with an original Ryzen Threadripper CPU or UEFI Boot Kits.
Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation featuresAlthough Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation hasn't jumped to a new chipset, it has got a new bag of tricks thanks to enhanced features and even one that's brand new.
Precision Boost originally controlled CPU frequencies down to 25MHz increments. Now with version two, AMD has sprinkled in an algorithm that ensures the processor intelligently runs at its thermal and electrical limit whenever tasked.
Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR2) has also seen a significant buff allowing it to enable 16% additional processor performance across any number of cores and threads. On the previous generation of Ryzen Threadripper chips, XFR could only influence a small number of cores.
Lastly, Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) is a brand new feature that allows AMD's newest HEDT CPUs to exceed their specifications and max out their power draw from the abundant VRMs on X399 motherboards. Though users will technically void their warranty by doing so, PBO can help users achieve overclocks hitherto undreamt of.
AMD itself achieved a 5.1GHz overclock across all 32-cores with a liquid-nitrogen cooled processor.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation PerformanceWe finally got our hands on the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, and we have to say: the performance is phenomenal. While a lot of the benchmarks need to be updated to recognize the bonkers amount of cores that the 2990WX offers, you can basically throw any workload at the 2990WX and have a ton of performance to spare.
Where the 2990WX falters is in its gaming performance. It falls behind the much more affordable Intel Core i7-8700K and the Ryzen 7 2700X, but that should be expected. Do us a favor – don’t spend $2,000 on a processor for gaming, it’s just not worth it. Buy two GTX 2080 Tis instead.
But, we’re still waiting to get our hands on the rest of the Threadripper 2nd Generation lineup to figure out where they fall, but we’re confident that Intel is feeling the pressure regardless.
Best processors 2018: top CPUs for your PC
The best PC case 2018: top cases for your desktop computer
If you’re thinking about building or buying one of the best gaming PCs, you might want to consider grabbing one of the best PC cases. Sure, they might not be as exciting as the best graphics cards, but all of those shiny and expensive components need to go somewhere right? Why not put them in the best PC case you can find today.
The best PC cases may sound inconsequential next to something like the best processors or an Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti. However, they do offer a major benefit to your build, and can make a huge difference when you’re trying to expand your PC further down the road. And, when you consider the thermal benefits that the best PC cases offer, you can optimize your PC’s performance in a major way.
We don’t need to remind you that heat is the mortal enemy of all PC components, so you should pay special attention to the cooling of your new rig. The best PC cases will maximize airflow to keep all your PC components cool – this will make them faster with more longevity.
When you pull up Amazon or Newegg, looking for the best PC cases, you’ll probably notice just how many PC cases are actually out there. This can make it really hard for the uninitiated to find the best PC case for their builds. Don’t worry, though. We here at TechRadar have your back, as we’ve made a list of the best PC cases you can buy today – each hitting a happy balance between price and performance.
A wise man once said ‘if you’re going to do it, do it big’. And, while we’re still not entirely sure if anyone ever actually said that, the Corsair Obsidian 1000D seems to follow this advice. Packed front to back with up to 18 fan mounts and room for four 480mm radiators, this is the best PC case for keeping your system cool no matter how many high-end components you have. What’s more, this is a dual-system case, meaning you can fit two complete computers. Just imagine having your streaming rig packed into the same case as your gaming rig.
It is extremely rare to see any PC case that even vaguely resembles the Fractal Design Meshify-C. Given that the front of the case is entirely made of a mesh material sectioned off into an array of polygonal shapes, the Meshify-C has a unique style – without compromising on function. With two fans pre-installed, cooling is (forgive us) a breeze, even if the Meshify-C is held back by a number of obstacles.
Nanoxia Deep Silence 4, as it’s name suggests, was crafted with the sole purpose of being quiet as a mouse. This silence-focused case is a well-balanced Micro ATX case that’s affordably priced and even accommodates some of the biggest, most powerful graphics cards with its spacious interior. The fact that you’ll rarely hear it go above 30 decibels is just icing on the very taciturn cake.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Phanteks Evolv Shift X.
Mini-ITX gets closer and closer to toppling Micro-ATX by the day, so it only makes sense that this hot form factor has made its way into NZXT’s new H-series case line. And, believe it or not, NZXT has managed to integrate a ton of the same features as its Micro ATX and mid-tower equivalents, with mesmerising, built-in and Smart Device-controlled RGB lighting and an adaptive noise sensor that sees improvement only by way of the Grid+ V3 fan controller.
When you first look at the Phanteks Evolv Shift X, it looks more like a sound bar than one of the best PC cases, but this helps it vanish into any living area or studio setup. It’s flexible to the point that it looks natural placed under a TV as it does on a desk, next to one of the best gaming monitors. It may only be compatible with a Mini-ITX motherboard, but the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of space for components and liquid cooling loops. If this case is a little large for your preference, you can get the smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift for easier management.
Fractal Design wins again with the Define R5, yet another mid-tower case with a gorgeous aesthetic. The metallic and blue LED-lit face of this case is simple, yet elegant, and is accompanied by noise dampening materials throughout its interior. In spite of the detachable ModuVent panels and drive trays not being toolessly accessible, it’s incredibly easy to build a system inside of the Fractal Design Define R5, plus it’s not as expense as you’d expect from a PC case with such a pretentious name, either.
Cooler Master has made a name for itself for, well, cooling – and the Cooler Master H500P Mesh is further evidence of just how cool they are. The H500P has plenty of space for airflow, even accommodating up to 360mm radiators on the top and front for when you really want to take your cooling to the next level. Add on top of that the RGB lighting and tempered glass side panel and you have the potential to build something beautiful with this case. You should do it.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, while still getting one of the best PC cases, look no further than the Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 Tempered Glass. Not only does it have plenty of space for airflow, it also has a deceptively large amount of space for future expansion, meaning that even at this low price point, you won’t have to worry about fitting a full-sized graphics card. And, when you’re done building, the tempered glass side panel will allow you to show off your handiwork.
If you’re a hardcore Razer fan, this is the best PC case for you. While Razer’s PC manufacturing has been limited to its Blade laptops, it doesn’t manufacture its own desktop PCs – not yet, at least. However, Razer has partnered with Antec to add its signature green-infused flare to the Antec Cube, a small form-factor chassis that supports Mini-ITX motherboards and is, well, a cube. Complete with a deceptively high amount of space for future expansion, the Antec Cube is also compact enough to travel with.
Who says dual-system builds have to be in a hulking full-tower case? The Phanteks Evolv X takes dual-system compatibility and squeezes it into a mid-tower. Even with that second Mini-ITX motherboard installed, there’s plenty of room for E-ATX motherboards and power supplies, and ample cooling. It is pricey for a mid-tower case, but with all this functionality, it kind of has to be. It’s thanks to all of these high-end features that the Phanteks Evolv X is one of the best PC cases around today.
While you’re at it, we've found the best gaming mouse you can buyNot into gaming? The best mouse of 2017 is multi-purpose
AMD Vega release date, news and features: everything you need to know
AMD gave us a sneak peek at its new Vega graphics card architecture way back at CES 2017. What we didn’t know then, though, is that it wouldn’t end up in the hands of consumers until August 2017.
AMD Vega graphics cards found a lot of success as mining cards, which made prices skyrocket until the bubble burst a few months ago. Luckily, AMD Vega cards have fallen back down to reasonable prices – great news for anyone looking for an affordable graphics cards. This is great news, because recent rumors suggest we won’t be seeing AMD Navi for quite a while.
Not that we necessarily need them, though. AMD is winning the war for the most stable drivers on the market, so the Vega cards we already have are doing just fine.
Cut to the chase What is it? The follow-up to AMD’s Polaris GPU architectureWhen's it out? August 14, 2017What will it cost? $499 or £549 (about AU$630)
AMD's affordable, consumer-oriented Radeon RX Vega 64 launched back in August 2017, with three versions including a standard edition model, an aluminum-clad limited edition version and a liquid-cooled design with higher clock speeds.
AMD’s lower-specced Radeon RX Vega 56, which is a direct competitor with the Nvidia GTX 1070, launched a little bit later in August.
AMD then teamed up with Intel, of all companies, to create 8th Generation Kaby Lake-G processors with integrated AMD Vega graphics for laptops – on top of packing some of the best laptops with powerful GPUs, like the spectacular Dell XPS 15 2-in-1.
Later, in February 2018, AMD launched the Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400GAPUs with discrete-class Vega graphics that will be a major help to anyone trying to build a great home-theater PC on a budget.
We wouldn’t see a new graphics card from AMD until it partnered up with PowerColor to introduce the Radeon RX Vega 56 Nano at Computex 2018.
Now, a year later, instead of seeing rumors about a new graphics card on the horizon, we’re instead seeing rumors stating the opposite: we’ll be waiting for the next AMD graphics cards for a while. You’re probably safe investing in the Vega 56 or Vega 64.
AMD has hinted at AMD Vega 7nm GPUs being a thing, but we still don’t know when these more efficient chips will release, or even if they’ll be consumer products when they do. We’ll just have to wait and see.
If AMD Vega is a little rich for your blood, and you’re looking for a new Polaris card, you might be in luck. Right now rumors are pointing to new Polaris graphics cards launching as early as next week. These won’t topple Nvidia Turing, or even AMD Vega, but they’ll be great for anyone on a budget.
And, if you can’t justify ponying up the cash for a Vega card, AMD put out the Ryzen 3 2200G and the Ryzen 5 2400G APUs, with Vega graphics, on February 12, 2018.
Back in August 2017, the AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 launched as a standalone card for $499 or £549 (about AU$630).
That's a big step up from the Radeon RX 500 lineup, which starts at as low as $169 (about £136, AU$219), but this is meant to be AMD's enthusiast-class grade graphics card. It's been a long-awaited sequel to the company's mostly defunct Radeon R9 Fury X, which was still going for a cool $389 (about £315, AU$505) up until the very end.
What's more, at this price point it's competitive against the $549 (£539, AU$1,299) Nvidia GTX 1080 Founders Edition.
After the launch of the Vega 64 in the US, AMD offered two other editions of the card that could be bought exclusively as part of ‘Radeon Packs’, which bundled two free games, and discounts on a Samsung CF791 curved ultra-wide FreeSync monitor and a nice $100 discount on a Ryzen 7 processor and motherboard. The packs are unfortunately unavailable to purchase at time of writing, however.
Unfortunately, those hardware discounts only kicked in if users are buying the said monitor and CPU/motherboard combo at the same time as their Vega GPU. Of course, users could choose to not buy the extra components and peripherals while still getting the two free games, confirmed – in the US at least – to be Wolfenstein II and Prey.
The limited-edition AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 came as part of a Radeon Black Pack for $599 (£460, AU$750). Meanwhile, the liquid-cooled Vega 64 ran for $699 (£530, AU$875), and can only be purchased as part of AMD's Radeon Aqua Pack.
Lastly, you'll be able to purchase the AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 by itself for $400 (about £284, AU$500) MSRP.
At the end of the day, Vega was – at least at launch – as competitive to Nvidia as Ryzen is to Intel. Thankfully, due to the cryptocurrency market cooling down, AMD Vega cards have fallen to a reasonable price. They’re not quite down to MSRP, but they’re pretty close – you won’t have to worry about spending 2-3x MSRP value to upgrade your GPU.
Following its 2017 Capsaicin 2 livestream event, AMD revealed the exact specifications for its two new Vega GPUs, as well as its underlying Vega 10 architecture.
From the chart above, it's clear the most powerful of the bunch will be the liquid-cooled version of the Radeon RX Vega 64. The more expensive water-cooled version will operate at higher base/boost clocks, despite sharing identical specs to its air-cooled twin.
The RX Vega 56, on the other hand, is positioned against Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1070 at $400 (about £305, AU$505). However, early benchmarks have cited performance that greatly outweighed that of its closest competition while running triple-A games at 2560 x 1440.
Like the Polaris 10 architecture that preceded it, AMD's Polaris 10 architecture is built on an 14nm FinFET process that should ultimately make it more power-efficient and robust in performance.
Vega 10 is also noticeably skewed towards delivering on more compute power than raw graphical strength like Nvidia's Pascal GPUs. This will likely mean Vega will be able to better handle the complex calculations of procedural surfaces, volumetric lighting and the overall quality of the in-game graphics.
This era of Vega GPUs also ditches GDDR5 memory altogether for a new format known as HBM2, or high-bandwidth memory. AMD believes its efficient memory offers a 75% smaller footprint than GDDR5 while also being 3.5 times more power-efficient.
AMD also claims that Vega’s high-bandwidth cache controller will improve maximum frame rates by 50% and minimum frame rates by 100% over GDDR5 memory.
Interestingly, Vega 10 is also designed to support up to 16GB of HBM2 memory – which we've already seen from Radeon Vega Frontier Edition – so Nvidia's Titan X may finally get some competition from AMD.
Stay tuned for more details regarding everything AMD Vega, as we'll be updating this page with the latest as it happens. In the meantime, be sure to update to the latest version of AMD Radeon Software Crimson ReLive for a generous helping of GPU control features.
Gabe Carey also contributed to this article
Will Vega be featured in the next best gaming laptops?
AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation release date, news and features: everything you need to know
Intel used to be the default king of the CPU game, crafting the best processors you could buy – no contest. However, AMD changed everything with Ryzen. Right now, AMD is on track to claim 30% of the processor market next quarter with the release of AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation. And, now that AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation is here, with the 32-core Threadripper 2990WX, it looks like things are going to keep getting better for Team Red.
As far as the current generation goes, though,we’ve had a chance to review a wide range of Ryzen 2nd Generation processors from the Ryzen 5 2600X to the powerhouse that is the Ryzen 7 2700X, we know AMD isn’t holding back as it pushes power and value even further.
What’s especially interesting is the future of AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation. AMD has announced the Ryzen 5 2500X and Ryzen 3 2300X, which should dominate the mid-range, while there are rumors that a Ryzen 7 2800X is on the way, which should offer an even more high-end alternative to the 2700X. Perhaps AMD will launch this higher end CPU when Coffee Lake Refresh hits the market.
It doesn’t stop with Threadripper Gen 2, though. According to the latest rumors, AMD is hard at work on Zen 2, the architecture behind AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation processors, and it will – again, according to rumor – support up to 16 cores on mainstream Ryzen chips. If this is true, it’s going to be interesting to see how Intel will compete with its Cannon Lake chips – assuming they ever actually release.
Cut to the chase What is it? AMD's upgraded, budget-friendly processor chipsWhen is it out? April 19, 2018What will it cost? $199 (about £140, AU$260) starting price for the Ryzen 5 2600
The wait for the new AMD chips is finally over. The first generation Ryzen processors shipped out in March 2017 and rolled out throughout 2017. Now, Ryzen 2nd Generation chips have launched at around the same time of year, on April 19, 2018.
Beyond the first few chips AMD released, the timeline points to released for both the 2nd Generation Ryzen Pro and Ryzen Threadripper chips throughout the second half of the 2018. Ryzen Pro chips are designed for business and IT use-cases, with up to 8-cores and 16-threads. Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation is the ‘big daddy’ of AMD’s offering with up to 32-cores for for die-hard creative types.
We’ve also seen an announcement for the Ryzen 5 2500X and Ryzen 3 2300X, however we’re not sure when these mid-range chips are going to make it to market. We here at TechRadar think these chips will be launched in October, to offset Intel’s rumored launch of Coffee Lake Refresh.
Those are all desktop chips, and AMD has launched the Ryzen 7 2700U, along with Ryzen 5 and 3 parts earlier this year. And, laptops are starting to roll out with these chips.
AMD plans for its second generation of Ryzen chips to be just as affordable as the first batch. Granted, delivering more affordable CPUs has always been AMD's edge, but for the first time in years, the cheaper Ryzen chips could honestly hang with, if not surpass, Intel's offerings.
AMD has decided to continue its course with the 2nd Generation models. It was imperative that it delivered affordable, high-performing CPUs. And while we haven’t seen the pricing for the mid-range chips, what we’ve seen so far seems to fall in line with the pricing for the first generation.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X: $329 (about £230, AU$420) AMD Ryzen 7 2700: $299 (about £210, AU$380) AMD Ryzen 5 2600X: $229 (about £160, AU$290) AMD Ryzen 5 2600: $199 (about £140, AU$260)Last year, the quad-core Ryzen 3 1300X debuted at $129 (£112, AU$169), while Intel's Core i3 7350K went for $149 (£169, AU$299). Bump up to the hexa-core Ryzen 5 1600X, and we saw it offered for $249 (£249, AU$359) – compare that to the quad-core Intel Core i5-7600K at $239 (£219, AU$339), although you lose a couple of cores in the process.
We saw the biggest price difference with the Ryzen 7 1800X, which at $499 (£500, around AU$650) was nearly half the price of Intel's Core i7-5960X/6900K. Of course, this lead to Intel introducing a more affordable Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i7-7820X. Meanwhile, the AMD Threadripper 1950X came in at $999 (£999, AU$1,439) and delivered even stronger performance than Intel's like-priced Core i9-7900X.
Of course, AMD recently dropped its Ryzen prices across the board alongside the 2nd Generation announcement, keeping things competitive with Intel as the two companies wage war for your CPU-buying dollars.
AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation specsRyzen 2nd generation processors offer quite the generational leap over their predecessors. They're built using a new 12-nanometer process, which will cram in even more transistors and thus provide more raw speed along the way.
According to AMD 12nm process results in an approximately 16% performance increase and 11% better lower power draw over the original Ryzen's 14nm process.
We have finally seen some rumors swirling around about the Ryzen 2nd Generation APUs, which will succeed the Ryzen 5 2400G and Ryzen 3 2200G. According to PCGamesN, the next generation APUs will be coming out next year, and will feature the same Zen+ 12nm architecture as current Ryzen 2nd Generation CPUs. This could mean APUs could see a similar boost to performance as we saw when the first generation Ryzen chips were succeeded.
AMD says that the Ryzen 2nd Generation chips will be the smallest and fastest desktop processors to date – lofty promises, but ones that are sure to excite PC enthusiasts and users of all stripes. Ryzen 2nd Generation chips will deliver higher clock speeds and introduce the enhanced Precision Boost 2 technology to boost performance during high-drain scenarios.
And, now that we’ve gotten our hands on the Ryzen 7 2700X and the Ryzen 5 2600X, we know that AMD has succeeded in pushing its specs. The 2700X with its 8-cores, 16-threads and speedy boost clock of 4.3GHz that outperforms the Intel Core i7-8700K, AMD has fully embraced the enthusiast market. Even the lower-end Ryzen 5 2600X pushes performance into the next generation with 6-cores, 12-threads and a 4.2 GHz boost clock.
We’ve also seen leaked benchmarks for the yet-to-be announced Ryzen 3 2300X and Ryzen 5 2500X. The former is apparently a four-core, four-thread processor clocked at 3.5GHz and a 4.0GHz boost clock. Meanwhile the rumored Ryzen 5 2500X is a four-core, eight-thread chip, featuring a 3.6GHz core clock, boosting up to 4.0GHz.
We don’t have any pricing or release date information on these rumored chips, but we assume they’ll be great entry-level and mid-range options, respectively – when and if they come out.
Recently, we saw a leak from ASRock pointing to the existence of some low-power E-series Ryzen 2nd Generation chips, the Ryzen 5 2600E and Ryzen 7 2700E. These chips will have a much lower 45W TDP and feature an 8-core design for the Ryzen 7, and 6-cores for the Ryzen 5 – according to the rumor reported by Wccftech.
But, it doesn’t end with the desktop chips. AMD has also released Ryzen 2nd Generation mobile chips in the Ryzen 7 2700U, Ryzen 5 2500U, Ryzen 3 2300U and Ryzen 3 2200U. These all have Vega graphics packed in, meaning you can comfortably do some light gaming on them. The two higher-end chips are four-core, eight-thread processors with boost clocks of 3.8GHz and 3.6GHz for the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5, respectively.
The Ryzen 3 2300U and 2200U are four-core, four-thread chips with 3.4GHz boost clocks. The core difference in these two chips is that the former features stronger Vega graphics, while the 2200U has a higher base clock of 2.5GHz.
AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation is a distillation of everything AMD wanted to do with Ryzen. And, if the specs of the early Ryzen 2nd Generation CPUs are anything to go off of, we’re very excited to see what this lineup looks like by the end of 2018.
AMD has a very technical primer on Precision Boost 2 from its Ryzen Mobile Processor with Radeon Vega Graphics, in case you want to dig into the specs.
We've seen some SenseMi improvements in AMD's recent Ryzen-based desktop APUs, so it stands to reason that we'll see similar performance and efficiency increases in the Ryzen 2nd Generation line. That could include optimized power usage through Pure Power smart sensors and improved overclocking potential from Extended Frequency Range 2.
Anyone looking to upgrade from Ryzen Gen 1 will be happy to know that AMD has kept the same AM4 socket intact, so you won’t need to buy a new motherboard to slot one of these CPUs into your machine. There is also an enhanced X470 chipset that’s optimized for Ryzen 2nd Generation with lower power consumption.
Keep in mind that AMD calls the heart of Ryzen 2nd Generation the Zen+ architecture, rather than Zen 2. What’s the difference? Well, Zen 2 will be an entirely new architecture built on a 7nm process, which – as you can imagine – could provide a world of difference when it comes to power and performance.
AMD's roadmap shows the Zen 2 and Zen 3 (listed at "7nm+") cores coming somewhere between the release of the Zen+ and the year 2020, so that's more likely to appear in 2019.
Zen 2 design is reportedly complete at this point, and it "improves on Zen in multiple dimensions" according to AMD. And the Zen 3 is "on track," as well. AMD could be primed to shake up the CPU industry all over again with the Zen 2, but that's not what we'll see this year: Zen+ is what's powering the Ryzen 2nd Gen chips.
Even so, there's plenty of reason to be excited for the Ryzen 2nd Generation chips, especially if you’re in the market for a PC upgrade this year. And, even with Intel on the defensive, it’s safe to say that AMD knocked it out of the park.
Nvidia Volta release date, news, and features
When it comes to the best graphics cards, Nvidia’s varied selection of titanic GPUs is matched by none. From the wickedly powerful, RTX-injected GeForce RTX 2080 Ti to the entry-level GTX 1050 – and everything in between. Nvidia remains the crowned conqueror of the GPU world.
Because gamers creators and tech companies are always demanding improved GPU performance, the best graphics card will never be enough. This is why Nvidia crafted Volta – the next generation architecture for professionals and creatives alike.
A couple Nvidia Volta cards are already out in the wild. However, these cards are aimed at data scientists and professional artists, and are thus prohibitively expensive – so don’t expect to see them in the best gaming PCs any time soon – not that they’d even be good for gaming in the first place.
Still, we’re pumped to see what Nvidia Volta has to offer, especially when its developments in AI-powered Tensor cores have trickled down to Nvidia Turing’s next generation of GeForce graphics cards like the GeForce RTX 2080 and RTX 2080 Ti.
Cut to the chase What is it? Nvidia's next-gen, 12nm GPU lineWhen is it out? The Tesla V100 and Titan V are out now, but GeForce cards are TBDWhat will it cost? TBD
As mentioned, Nvidia's Volta architecture is already on the market, albeit not in any form that you're likely to slide into your gaming PC. The Tesla V100 was first out the gate in May 2017, as a professional-level GPU built to empower artificial intelligence applications and help run data centers. It's not a consumer-level device by any stretch of the imagination.
On the other hand, the Nvidia Titan V – released in December 2017 – is considered a consumer device, but you might scoff at the $2,999 (about £2149, AU$3800) price point. The Titan V is targeted towards researchers and other high-performance computing needs rather than making PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds look pretty.
Because Nvidia Volta cards are aimed entirely at professionals and creatives, you shouldn’t expect them to be affordable for a gaming build. Both the Volta-powered Titan V and Tesla V100 are ludicrously expensive. The Titan V comes in at a cool $2,999 (£2,800, AU$4,699), where the Tesla V100 will cost you about $8,799 (£8,819, about AU$12,378) – definitely not cards you want to use to run Battlefield V.
As for consumer-grade cards, we don’t think Volta will ever actually create one. Instead, Nvidia Turing was created with real-time ray-tracing tech that’s priced at a level that gamers should find palatable.
Nvidia Volta specsVolta introduces a new 12-nanometer manufacturing process, which marks a significant step up from the 16nm process seen with the Pascal GPUs.
What exactly does that mean?
Well, it means that Nvidia's manufacturing partner TSMC can jam a whole lot more transistors into a comparable amount of space, thus yielding a massive surge in computing ability. You'll get better performance, not to mention significant power savings.
The Titan V packs in 21.1 billion transistors, which collectively provide a stunning 110 teraflops of computing power. New tensor cores are designed to speed up deep learning ability, with nine times more peak computing teraflops over the previous Titan Xp card. And it's twice as energy-efficient too.
Additionally, the Titan V has six graphics processing clusters with 5,120 CUDA cores (up from 3,840 in the Titan Xp) and 320 texture units, and a base clock of 1200MHz that can boost up to 1455MHz. With 12GB HBM2 memory onboard, the Titan V boasts a memory bandwidth of 652.8GB/sec.
The last bit on the specs side is surprising from Nvidia, whom just the last year championed the enhanced speed of GDDR5X memory on its high-end GPUs.
The Nvidia Titan V is the first mainline card to feature high-bandwidth memory outside of the company’s Quadro and Tesla parts. Whether this means HBM2 will be a mainstay of Volta remains to be seen.
All told, it's a potentially enormous upgrade over the last generation of Nvidia cards.
But let's step back for a moment, because comparing a $2,999 gpu to its $1,200 predecessor doesn’t make much sense – and there isn’t going to be any Volta-powered gaming graphics cards, anyway.
Based on these initial pro-level renditions, Volta seems capable of so much more than the previous Pascal-powered GPUs – and even if those are powerful enough right now, Volta appears poised to take AI and professional workloads to previously unseen levels.
Either way, keep this page bookmarked, as we’ll update it as new details, leaks or cards pop up on our radar.
Comments
Post a Comment