Anandtech News

**FEED** · 09-03-18, 08:33 PM

For those that are subscribed to Office 365 Home, Microsoft has announced that they are updating the contract to allow more users to access the subscription, and they’re updating the installation limits as well.
When Office 365 Home was first announced, it was $99/year and gave access to Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, plus additional OneDrive storage for each user. Although the amount of OneDrive space has changed, it’s currently 1 TB of OneDrive per person on the subscription. So in theory, you could have up to 5 TB of file stored in the cloud as well as the Office applications for up to five people.
Office was limited to 10 device installs total, and you could manage which devices were activated through the Office.com portal, but this is changing as well. Five of the devices could be PCs and the rest could be tablets or phones.

Office 365 Home Users
	Office 365 Personal	Office 365 Home (Previous)	Office 365 Home (New)
Office 365 Users	1	5	6
Office Apps	Word Excel PowerPoint OneNote Outlook Publisher Access
Office Installs	1 PC/Mac, 1 tablet, and 1 phone	5 PCs/Macs, 5 tablets and 5 phones	Unlimited devices, 5 signed in to Office per user
OneDrive	1 TB x 1 user	1 TB x 5 users	1 TB x 6 users
Skype minutes	60 x 1 user	60 x 5 users	60 x 6 users
Microsoft Support (Phone/Chat)	Included
Price (USD)	$69.99/year $6.99/month	$99.99/year $9.99/month	$99.99/year $9.99/month

With the new terms, Office 365 Home is now going to cover six people instead of five, and the 1 TB of OneDrive of course extends to that sixth person, increasing the total cloud storage to 6 TB. The device limit has changed as well, with no limits to the number of devices Office is installed on, but each person will only be able to be signed into Office on five devices at a time. This is a big jump though from 10 total for all 5 people.
These new changes come with no additional cost. Office 365 Home still costs $99/year, or $9.99 per month.
Source: Microsoft

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**FEED** · 09-04-18, 08:10 AM

One of the biggest announcements from Huawei this year is that of its new GPU Turbo technology. The claims that it could provide more performance at less power, without a hardware change gave us quite a bit of pause. Internally, more than a few raised eyebrows appeared. As part of our discussions with Huawei this year at IFA, as well as some pretesting, we actually now have a base understanding of the technology, as well as additional insight into some of the marketing tactics – not all of which are the most honest representations of the new feature.

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**FEED** · 09-04-18, 08:10 AM

Does anyone remember our articles regarding unscrupulous benchmark behavior back in 2013? At the time we called the industry out on the fact that most vendors were increasing thermal and power limits to boost their scores in common benchmark software. Fast forward to 2018, and it is happening again.

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**FEED** · 09-04-18, 09:42 AM

Today Samsung is launching a new generation of datacenter SSD models that are intended for small and medium businesses and will be sold through online retailers. Most of the new models are related to existing enterprise SSDs like the PM883 that have only been available to OEMs and the largest customers.

Samsung 860 DCT Specifications
Capacity		960 GB	1.92 TB	3.84 TB
Controller		Samsung MJX
Form Factor		2.5" 7mm SATA
NAND Flash		Samsung 3D TLC
DRAM		1 GB LPDDR4	2 GB LPDDR4	4 GB LPDDR4
Sequential Read		550 MB/s
Sequential Write		520 MB/s
Random Read		98k IOPS
Random Write		19k IOPS
Power Consumption	Read	1.9 W
Write	2.9 W
Idle	1.05 W
Write Endurance		349 TB 0.2 DWPD	698 TB 0.2 DWPD	1396 TB 0.2 DWPD
Warranty		5 years

Starting at the bottom of the new product stack is the 860 DCT SATA SSD. This drive falls between a typical client/consumer drive and what is usually expected from an enterprise SSD. The 860 DCT 's hardware platform is based on the 860 EVO consumer SSD and thus lacks power loss protection, but the firmware is tuned for consistent sustained performance with no SLC write caching. The 860 DCT is intended for cost-sensitive use cases like content distribution networks (CDNs) that have very read-heavy workloads and do not require the extra data integrity guarantees provided by power loss protection. The 860 DCT uses 3D TLC NAND, but this product segment should be taken over by QLC NAND over the next year or two. The 860 DCT's write endurance rating is 0.2 drive writes per day (DWPD), comparable to entry-level client/consumer SSDs.

Samsung 883 DCT Specifications
Capacity		240 GB	480 GB	960 GB	1.92 TB	3.84 TB
Controller		Samsung MJX
Form Factor		2.5" 7mm SATA
NAND Flash		Samsung 3D TLC
DRAM		512 MB LPDDR4		1 GB LPDDR4	2 GB LPDDR4	4 GB LPDDR4
Sequential Read		550 MB/s
Sequential Write		520 MB/s
Random Read		98k IOPS
Random Write		14k IOPS	24k IOPS	25k IOPS	25k IOPS	28k IOPS
Power Consumption	Read	3.6 W
Write	2.3 W
Idle	1.3 W
Write Endurance		341 TB 0.8 DWPD	683 TB 0.8 DWPD	1366 TB 0.8 DWPD	2733 TB 0.8 DWPD	5466 TB 0.8 DWPD
Warranty		5 years

The higher-end SATA drive Samsung is introducing is the new 883 DCT, based on the PM883 introduced at the beginning of the year. This drive features power loss protection and a more typical write endurance rating of 0.8 DWPD. There's no MLC-based SATA SSD in the new product family, reflecting the shift to NVMe/PCIe interfaces for drives intended for write-heavy workloads.

Samsung 983 DCT Specifications
Capacity		960 GB	1.92 TB	960 GB	1.92 TB
Controller		Samsung Phoenix
Form Factor		2.5" 7mm U.2		M.2 22110
Interface, Protocol		PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.2b
NAND Flash		Samsung 3D TLC
DRAM		1.5 GB LPDDR4	3 GB LPDDR4	1.5 GB LPDDR4	3 GB LPDDR4
Sequential Read		3000 MB/s
Sequential Write		1050 MB/s	1900 MB/s	1100 MB/s	1400 MB/s
Random Read		400k IOPS	540k IOPS	400k IOPS	480k IOPS
Random Write		40k IOPS	50k IOPS	38k IOPS	42k IOPS
Power Consumption	Read	8.7 W		7.6 W
Write	10.6 W		8.0 W
Idle	4.0 W		2,6 W
Write Endurance		1366 TB 0.8 DWPD	2733 TB 0.8 DWPD	1366 TB 0.8 DWPD	2733 TB 0.8 DWPD
Warranty		5 years

The mainstream NVMe product in the new family is the 983 DCT, based on the PM983's combination of TLC NAND and the Phoenix controller that also powers the 970 PRO and 970 EVO consumer SSDs. The 983 DCT features substantially higher performance than the 883 DCT SATA drive but comes with the same 0.8 DWPD write endurance rating. The 983 DCT will be available in the M.2 22110 form factor or as a 7mm-thick 2.5" U.2 with slightly higher performance thanks to the higher power and thermal limits of the larger form factor. The PM983 is also manufactured in Samsung's new NF1 form factor, but there are too few systems with NF1 slots to justify releasing a retail 983 DCT in that form factor.

Samsung 983 ZET Specifications
Capacity	480 GB	960 GB
Controller	Samsung Phoenix
Form Factor	PCIe HHHL add-in card
Interface, Protocol	PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.2b
NAND Flash	Samsung "Low Latency V-NAND"
DRAM	1.5 GB LPDDR4
Sequential Read	3400 MB/s
Sequential Write	3000 MB/s
Random Read	TBD
Random Write	TBD
Write Endurance	7440 TB 8.5 DWPD	17520 TB 10 DWPD
Warranty	5 years

Lastly, the new 983 ZET finally brings Samsung's Z-SSD technology to a broader audience. The 983 ZET is features much higher write performance than the 983 DCT and is rated for up to 10 DWPD. This is still well shy of the 30 DWPD that the Z-SSD SZ985 offers, so we may be looking at the first drive to use Samsung's second-generation MLC-based Z-NAND rather than the original SLC, however capacities are still relatively low at up to 960 GB. Low latency is still a key selling point, but Samsung has not yet provided random I/O or latency specs for the 983 ZET. The 983 ZET will be available as a PCIe add-in card, though a future M.2 version based on the SZ983 would not be surprising.
The two SATA drives and the 983 DCT are already shipping and are starting to show up for sale through distributors like Amazon and CDW. The 983 ZET will be available on September 24th. We already have a review sample of the 860 DCT undergoing testing.
Samsung is hosting a press event this afternoon for this product launch, so we will have more details soon.

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**FEED** · 09-05-18, 09:29 AM

Last year we published an article detailing AMD’s progress on its self-set 25x20 goal for its processors: 25x more energy efficiency of its chips by the year 2020. In our Raven Ridge APU analysis, AMD detailed the metrics it uses to measure its success in that goal. Recently AMD updated its graphs showing that improvements in this years devices with Raven Ridge has pushed it closer to its goal. We recap how AMD tests and what these new numbers are.

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**FEED** · 09-05-18, 09:29 AM

Consumer-grade curved monitors have been available for years now, however professional curved monitors are a rarer sight. To that end, at IFA ASUS demonstrated its professional-grade curved ProArt PA34V display aimed at CAD, graphics, and video professionals. The monitor will ship factory-calibrated.
The ASUS ProArt PA34V is based around a 34-inch IPS panel that features a 3440×1440 resolution, a 21:9 aspect ratio, a 1900R curvature, and sporting a maximum refresh rate of 100 Hz. ASUS claims that the display covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut and is calibrated to Delta E < 2 accuracy. To make the display more attractive to prosumers who work and play using the same tools, the ProArt PA34V supports VESA’s Adaptive-Sync technology with a 40 – 100 Hz range and will eventually get AMD’s FreeSync certification.
ASUS officially positions its ProArt PA34V for CAD engineers, video editors, and photographers. Meanwhile, since video and photo professionals usually require wider color gamuts than what the PA34V supports (e.g. DCI-P3), it looks that the PA34V will be a better fit for CAD and web designers (assuming that CAD engineers find a curved display accurate enough).

When it comes to connectivity, the ProArt PA34V has one DisplayPort 1.2 input, two HDMI 2.0 headers, as well as two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The latter is to enable professionals to daisy chain the display with storage and other TB3 devices used in their workflow. Meanwhile, the monitor can be used with up to four PCs and supports PbP and PiP features.
The market of professional monitors is not as saturated as the market of mainstream displays and while it is relatively conservative – making it uneasy for new entrants to expand their presence – it can absorb rather unique solutions. Having launched multiple “regular” ProArt-series monitors designed for professional use, this year ASUS is targeting niches with its 21.6-inch ProArt PQ22UC OLED monitor for on set routines, as well as this new 34-inch curved ProArt PA34V for those who need an ultra-wide display.
ASUS does not disclose when it plans to ship its ProArt PA34V monitor and how much will it cost. Since the display is positioned as a professional solution, I'm expecting it will be priced higher than similar consumer UWQHD LCDs.

ASUS ProArt Curved Professional Display
	PA34V
Panel	34" IPS
Native Resolution	3440 × 1440
Refresh Rate Range	40-100 Hz with Adaptive-Sync
Response Time	?
Brightness	?
Contrast	?
Viewing Angles	178°/178° horizontal/vertical
Curvature	1900 R
Pixel Pitch	0.2382 mm
Connectors	1 × DP 1.2 2 × HDMI 2.0 2 × TB3
USB Hub	?
Audio	?
Color Gamut	100% sRGB calibrated to Delta E < 2 accuracy

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Source: ASUS

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**FEED** · 09-05-18, 10:08 AM

Samsung has quietly added 32 GB unbuffered DDR4 memory modules to its lineup of products. The UDIMMs are based on the company’s 16 Gb chips, which were introduced earlier this year that are already used for 32 GB SO-DIMMs as well as 64 GB RDIMMs.
Samsung’s 32 GB UDIMM is rated to operate at DDR4-2666 date rates at the DDR4 standard voltage of 1.2 V. Samsung does not disclose timings, but since the company sells its own memory modules mainly to large PC OEMs, it is highly likely that the 32 GB UDIMM uses the standard JEDEC latencies for DDR4-2666 (i.e., CL17 17-17 or higher).
32 GB UDIMMs will enable system integrators and PC enthusiasts to build PCs with 128 GB of memory using motherboards with four DDR4 slots. Now it's worth noting that current mainstream CPUs and motherboards are only validated for 64 GB of memory, but eventually we'll either see current platforms validated for the larger DIMMs, or the next generation of platforms will support them from the start.
Samsung’s 16 Gb DDR4 memory chips are made using the company’s 10 nm-class process technology and, according to the company, modules that use these DRAMs are more energy efficient than DIMMs of the same capacity that rely on a larger number of 8 Gb devices.
Since Samsung already lists its 32 GB unbuffered DIMMs featuring the 16 Gb memory chips, it is highly likely that these modules are already available to at least some of its customers. Pricing of the modules is unknown, but a 32 GB DIMM costs around $300 these days.
Note: Image is for illustrative purposes only.
Related Reading:

Source: Samsung

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**FEED** · 09-05-18, 12:27 PM

Lenovo has introduced its new Yoga C930 convertible notebook. Just like last year’s Yoga 920 PC, the new generation Yoga laptop is based on Intel’s 8^th Gen Core i-series processor with four cores, however the C930 comes in a new CNC-machined aluminum enclosure that features a new 360-degree watchband hinge, as well as a Dolby Atmos-supporting soundbar.
The Lenovo Yoga C930 is powered by Intel’s Core i5-8250U or Core i7-8550U processors, which are paired with 8/12/16 GB of DDR4 memory. Storage is provided by a PCIe SSD, with Lenovo offering a range of capacities from 256 GB to 2 TB.
Just like the previous-generation Yoga 920, the latest model is outfitted with a 13.9” IPS display panel with very thin bezels, with a choice of either Ultra-HD (3840×2160) or Full-HD (1920×1080) resolutions. Meanwhile, the new LCD also supports Dolby Vision HDR. Furthermore, Lenovo equipped its Yoga C930 with a Dolby Atmos-supporting soundbar. Speaking of audio subsystem, the convertible laptop is also equipped with a far field microphone and supports Wake on Voice functionality.

When it comes to connectivity, the new Yoga C930 has an 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controller, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, as well as one USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type-A port. In addition, the notebook has a fingerprint reader and a webcam with a privacy shutter.
From portability point of view the new Yoga C930 seems to be very similar to its predecessor, the Yoga 920. The system features a 14.5-mm z-height and weighs 1.38 kilograms (3.04 pounds). As for battery life, the Yoga C930 with a Full-HD display can work for 14.5 hours on one charge, whereas the Yoga C930 with an Ultra-HD screen can work for 9 hours.
Lenovo will start sales of its Yoga C930 in October, with prices starting at $1,399.99. Meanwhile creative professionals will want to take note that Lenovo will be bundling its new 4096-level stylus with the laptop, which may help tip the scales here.
Related Reading:

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**FEED** · 09-05-18, 03:15 PM

QNAP has announced its new three-bay NAS designed for SOHO market. The TS-332X also happens to be one of the industry’s first three-bay NASes that integrates a 10 GbE controller, so it should be able to offer rather high network performance for this market segment.
The QNAP TS-332X is based on Annapurna Labs’ Alpine AL-324 SoC (four ARM Cortex-A57 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz) outfitted with 2 or 4 GB of DDR4-2400 memory (upgradeable to 16 GB) as well as 512 MB of flash memory for caching. The NAS can accommodate three hot-swappable 2.5/3.5-inch SATA HDDs as well as three M.2-2280 SATA SSDs. The storage device officially supports hard drive of up to 12 TB capacity, but it is seemingly just a matter of time before QNAP certifies higher-capacity HDDs for this NAS. In the meantime, even three 12 TB hard drives and three 1 TB SSDs already provide a formidable amount of storage space for SOHO environments.

Like other modern NAS from QNAP, the TS-332X runs the company’s QTS 4.3.5 operating system, which supports a range of storage specific features, most notable RAID 5 and virtual JBOD. Other features include Qtier technology, which regularly places frequently used file/data on SSDs, encryption, snapshots, Qsync cross-platform file sharing (for Apple, Windows, and Linux machines), and so on.
One of the key selling points of the QNAP TS-332X is its set of connectivity options. The NAS has two GbE LAN ports, one 10 GbE LAN connector, three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and one 3.5-mm line-out audio jack. In fact, the TS-332X will probably be one of the industry’s first entry-level NAS with 10 GbE support, which is an evidence that faster wired networks are getting more popular among device makers.
QNAP has already started shipments of the TX-332X with 2 GB and 4 GB of DDR4 memory. MSRPs of the devices are unknown, but their three-bay NAS are usually priced rather reasonably.

QNAP TS-332X Specifications
		TS-332X-2G	TS-332X-4G
CPU	Model	Annapurna Labs Alpine AL-324
Cores	four ARM Cortex-A57 cores
Freq.	1.7 GHz
Encryption Accel.		?
Memory	Speed	DDR4-2400, single-channel
Capacity	2 GB	4 GB
Bays		3 × 2.5/3.5 bays
M.2 Slots		3 × M.2-2280
Storage interface		SATA 6 Gbps
Ethernet		2×GbE, 1×10GbE (integrated)
Audio		1 × audio out
USB		3 × USB 3.0 Type-A
Other I/O		LEDs, buzzer, etc.
Dimensions	Height	142 mm \| 5.59"
Width	150 mm \| 5.9"
Depth	260.1 mm \| 10.24"
PSU		90 W external
OS		QNAP QTS 4.3.5
MSRP		?	?