Thread: Anandtech News

Back in September SanDisk launched the Ultra II for the mainstream market and it's been doing pretty well in the market so far. Today here at CES SanDisk is announcing a new entry-level member to its client SSD family, which is simply called the SSD Plus. Quite surprisingly, the SSD Plus isn't based on TLC NAND, but uses SanDisk's second generation 19nm MLC NAND instead, similar to the high-end Extreme Pro. SanDisk didn't really go into detail about the hardware itself, so at this point I'm not sure where the cost savings are coming from (perhaps it's just lower binned MLC). The controller remains a secret too, although given SanDisk's history I'm pretty confident that it's a Marvell silicon with SanDisk's in-house firmware.
Availability is slated for this quarter (Q1'15) and the SSD Plus will only be available in capacities of 120GB and 240GB due to the entry-level focus. MSRPs are $70 and $110 respective with a warranty of three years. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the technological placement of the SSD Plus as it seems a bit weird to have MLC in the entry-level offering and then TLC in the one level up, but I should have a better understanding of the product once I have a sample on hand.
In addition to the SSD Plus, SanDisk is also announcing an mSATA version of the Ultra II. The core architecture remains unchanged as it's just a different form factor, although interestingly enough the mSATA flavor features less over-provisioning and is available in capacities of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB (whereas the 2.5" Ultra II is 120GB, 240GB, etc...). MSRPs are $74, $116 and $221 respectively and availability is Q1'15.

More...

As part of the CES cavalcade of announcements, after launching Core-M back in September, Intel is formally releasing their next element of the 14 nanometer story: Broadwell-U. As the iterative naming over Haswell-U suggests, Broadwell-U will focus on 15W and 28W units from Celeron to Core i7 using 12 to 48 ­execution units for the integrated graphics. A Broadwell-U processor should drop into any existing Haswell-U equivalent design (i3 to i3) due to pin and architecture compatibility, albeit with a firmware update.

More...

More...

Also on the list of Intel announcements today is that Cherry Trail, the next generation Atom architecture, is shipping to customers. For end-users, this means a realistic time frame of Q2 when products will be on the shelves. Cherry Trail is the successor to Bay Trail on the smaller process node, while offering improved graphics and battery life, similar to the claims made by Broadwell-U earlier today.
Given that Intel’s press release today was short and mentioned connectivity with their XMM726x modem with Cat 6 LTE with aggregation, it sounds specifically that Cherry Trail for smartphones/tablets is the order of the day, rather than larger or desktop systems. Cherry Trail will also be a focus point for Intel’s RealSense technology, with Intel wanting to promote their ‘no wires, no password’ philosophy.
Rather than provide more detail about SKUs and price points, Intel is allowing their customers to announce the products that will be featuring the SoC, with a larger update of specifications to follow. We’ve heard talk of Cherry Trail products that might be announced at CES, and if we catch any we will let you know.

More...

More...

More...

When we ask the motherboard manufacturers about overclocking, most of them say that it is an integral part of their hardware line-up as well as a point to distinguish themselves from the competition. I have been a big fan of the cheaper overclocking oriented models in the mainstream markets, and in order to emulate the success that GIGABYTE has made in that area today they are releasing the X99-SOC Champion aimed at the Haswell-E overclocking crowd. We managed to get a sample in for a launch day review.

More...

Hot on the heels of the official announcement, GIGABYTE is at the ready with their NUC like SFF PCs and implementing Broadwell-U in three different processor combinations. The BRIX and BRIX s are set to offer the Core i3-5010U (2.1 GHz, HD 5500 with 23 EUs), the Core i5-5200U (2.2 GHz, HD 5500 with 24 EUs) and the Core i7-5500U (2.4 GHz, HD 5500 with 24 EUs).

Each unit will give HDMI at a native UHD-4K resolution due to the use of Broadwell-U, albeit at 24 Hz which makes it more suited for films, as well as a mini-DisplayPort. Also included is an 802.11ac 2T2R dual band module, a VESA bracket and four USB 4.0 ports. As a special extra for the Core i7 version, both the BRIX and BRIX s will come with NFC support.
At this point we have no information on pricing or exact release dates, or even the difference between BRIX and BRIX s. As is perhaps visible from the images, the BRIX s will be slightly taller, presumably to either cater for more storage or extra cooling. Hopefully when we swing by GIGABYTE this week at CES we can get some answers. Especially as it might be interesting to see if Iris 6100 models show up or any with Iris Pro in the next six months.
Gallery: GIGABYTE Launches BRIX Models with 14nm Broadwell-U


Edit: The BRIX s will have the higher profile for additional storage, and BRIX s versions will be available for i3, i5 and i7 units.



More...

More...

Lenovo has had a slew of announcements at CES already, but none of the previously announced devices can really compare to the portability of the new LaVie line of notebooks. Lenovo has crafted an Ultraportable series which starts with the 1.72 lb (780 grams) LaVie HZ550, and also includes the LaVie HZ750 convertible PC, which comes in at 2.04 lbs (925 grams) which Lenovo claims makes them the lightest PCs in the world. The LaVie line is the result of the NECP joint venture with NEC, which began in 2011, and this is the first time NECP devices have been offered outside of Japan.

The devices come in at a thin 16.9 mm z-depth, and are made from a super light Magnesium-Lithium alloy case. Both are powered by Intel’s 5^th Generation Core processors, with the i5 being offered in the HZ550, and the i7 available in the HZ750. The HZ550 is more of a traditional clamshell notebook, with a hinge offering 180 degrees of movement to let it sit flat on the table. The 13.3 inch display offers WQHD resolution and an anti-glare coating. 4 GB of memory is the only option in the HZ550, and it comes equipped with a 29.6 Wh battery. Moving up to the HZ750 grants a WQHD or FHD touch screen, and a six cell 44.4 Wh battery along with an optional 8 GB of memory. The HZ750 also offers the Yoga style 360 degree hinge.
Both models will be available in the US in May starting around $1299 and $1499 depending on the model.
Source: Lenovo

More...