ASUS has introduced its latest ProArt series laptops, designed to cater to the evolving needs of creators. These new models, powered by advanced AI capabilities, offer a blend of portability, power, and precision. To celebrate the launch, ASUS is hosting an AI PC experiential roadshow, providing consumers with an opportunity to experience these innovative devices firsthand.
Source: ASUS Malaysia
The ProArt P16 and ProArt PX13 are the highlights of this launch. Both laptops feature powerful AMD Ryzen AI processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, delivering exceptional performance for demanding creative tasks. These devices are equipped with ASUS’s AI-powered tools, StoryCube and MuseTree, which streamline creative workflows and enhance productivity.
The ProArt P16 is a 16-inch clamshell laptop designed for creators on the go. Its sleek and durable build houses powerful components, including a 50 TOPS NPU integrated into the AMD Ryzen AI processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. The ProArt PX13, on the other hand, is a versatile 13-inch convertible laptop that offers flexibility and portability without compromising performance.
To celebrate the launch, ASUS is hosting an AI PC experiential roadshow at Plaza Low Yat from August 12th to 18th, 2024. During this event, customers can explore the new ProArt lineup, enjoy exclusive deals, and participate in exciting activities. Visitors can stand a chance to win attractive prizes, including the ROG Ally X, by experiencing the capabilities of ASUS AI PCs.
The roadshow also features incredible deals on select laptops, with discounts of up to RM9,000 available. Additionally, customers can enjoy up to RM866 worth of reward bundles.
Pricing & Availability
The ProArt PX13 is priced at RM9,999, while the ProArt P16 is available for RM12,999. Both models are set to be available in Malaysia starting from August 2024.
ASUS has unveiled a new lineup of servers, workstations, and motherboards powered by AMD’s cutting-edge EPYC 4004 processors. The new lineup brings a range of solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to data centres.
At the heart of these new offerings is the AMD EPYC 4004 processor, renowned for its exceptional performance and energy efficiency. With up to 16 cores per socket, these processors can easily handle demanding workloads, from running complex applications to managing heavy data processing.
ASUS has introduced three key products in this lineup: the Pro ER100A B6, a compact 1U rack server ideal for small businesses; the ExpertCenter Pro ET500A B6, a power-efficient workstation; and two motherboards, the Pro WS 665-ACE and Pro WS 600M-CL, catering to different workstation needs.
These new systems are designed to excel in a variety of applications, including web serving, file sharing, email, CRM, ERP, and content creation. The combination of AMD’s powerful processors and ASUS’ engineering expertise results in robust, reliable, and efficient solutions.
A standout feature of these systems is their support for ASUS Control Center Express, a centralized management software that simplifies IT operations and ensures optimal performance.
By leveraging the capabilities of AMD EPYC 4004 processors, ASUS has created a range of products that empower businesses to achieve their goals without breaking the bank. These solutions offer a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and scalability, making them an attractive choice for organizations seeking to upgrade their IT infrastructure.
While specific pricing and availability details for these new products have not been released, the combination of ASUS’ reputation for quality and AMD’s powerful processors indicates a competitive offering for the market.
Get ready to level up your handheld gaming experience! ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) Malaysia has just announced pre-orders for the ROG Ally X, the successor to their popular ROG Ally handheld console. This latest iteration goes beyond a simple refresh, boasting significant upgrades to internal components, improved ergonomics, and a fresh design – all while retaining the core functionality of seamless Windows 11 gaming on the go.
The ROG Ally X takes the feedback of its predecessor to heart, packing a serious punch under the hood. Gone is the 512 GB storage; the Ally X boasts a whopping 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD, ensuring you have ample space for your entire game library. This upgrade is further complemented by a redesigned motherboard that allows for easy future storage upgrades if needed.
The ROG Ally X was announced earlier this year in June at Computex in Taipei. We’ve got all the details in our coverage of that announcement.
Pricing & Availability
The ROG Ally X is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM4,299. But hurry! Pre-orders placed between July 17th and July 31st, 2024, come with a bonus bundle worth RM658, including a ROG Ally Premium Hard Case, ROG Gaming Charger Dock, and a Screen Protector. Pre-orders are exclusively available online at [link removed].
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has unveiled the latest iteration of its highly acclaimed ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop. This update boasts a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 processor, featuring a built-in NPU for AI-accelerated tasks, making it suitable for various uses beyond gaming.
A Supercharged Gaming Powerhouse
The ROG Zephyrus G16 packs a serious punch! The AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 processor offers 12 cores and 24 threads, ideal for demanding applications. This processing power is further enhanced by a built-in AMD Ryzen AI XDNA 2 NPU, capable of delivering 50 TOPS of AI performance. The CPU and integrated Radeon™ 800M graphics contribute an additional 31 TOPS, bringing the total AI processing power to a staggering 81 TOPS. This translates to significant performance improvements in AI-powered applications, including powerful Windows Copilot tools.
For graphics-intensive tasks like photo and video editing, image generation, and coding, the Zephyrus G16 is equipped with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. This powerhouse delivers up to 321 TOPS of AI processing power at its maximum TGP of 105 watts. Gamers will benefit from features like DLSS 3 super-resolution, utilizing AI to generate high-quality frames and enhance image quality in the latest titles.
In total, the Zephyrus G16 boasts a combined 402 TOPS of local AI processing power, empowering users to run multiple AI applications simultaneously, and revolutionizing workflows for gamers, creators, and engineers alike.
Thin & Light meets Aesthetics
The impressive hardware is housed within the same critically acclaimed thin-and-light design showcased at CES 2024. The exquisitely crafted CNC-milled aluminium chassis features a customizable Slash Lighting array on the lid for a personalized touch.
The ROG Zephyrus G16 boasts a stunning ROG Nebula display with an OLED panel supporting NVIDIA G-SYNC technology. This 16:10 aspect ratio display features a 2.5K resolution and a blazing-fast 240 Hz refresh rate, perfect for both high-end gaming and content creation. For exceptional HDR experiences, the display is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified.
Offering exceptional connectivity and storage options, the ROG Zephyrus G16 comes equipped with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory and supports the new SD Express 7.0 standard for ultrafast SD card performance. Additionally, it is the first ROG laptop to feature WiFi 7 technology, enabling faster speeds with reduced congestion when paired with a compatible router.
Pricing & Availability
ASUS has not yet revealed specific pricing and availability information for the ROG Zephyrus G16.
ASUS unveiled the Zenbook S 16 (UM5606) at its virtual “Always Incredible” event at Computex 2024. This ultraportable laptop boasts a sleek and lightweight design, measuring only 1.1 cm thin and weighing 1.5 kg.
Source: ASUS
The Zenbook S 16 is a fusion of art and technology, featuring a premium all-metal chassis with a unique Ceraluminum lid. Ceraluminum is a new ASUS-developed material that combines the aesthetics and feel of ceramic with the strength of aluminum, resulting in a durable and luxurious finish. Available in Scandinavian White or Zumaia Gray, the Zenbook S 16 caters to users who value both style and performance.
Despite its ultra-slim design, the Zenbook S 16 packs a punch. It leverages the power of up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with a built-in NPU capable of 50 TOPS of AI performance. An advanced 3D vapor chamber cooling system ensures efficient heat dissipation, allowing the processor to deliver up to 28 W TDP while maintaining whisper-quiet operation at under 25 dB.
The Zenbook S 16 boasts a stunning 16-inch 3K 16:10 OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and NanoEdge bezels for an immersive viewing experience. Certified by TÜV for low blue light emission and flicker-free technology, the display prioritizes user comfort during extended use. A six-speaker sound system delivers theater-quality audio, while AI noise cancellation ensures clear and uninterrupted conference calls.
The Zenbook S 16 is equipped with a highly efficient 78 Wh battery and a full complement of I/O ports, including two USB4, USB 3.2 Type-A, HDMI, an audio jack, and an SD card reader, making it ideal for on-the-go productivity. The laptop also prioritizes security with features like a Microsoft Pluton security chip and an FHD AiSense IR camera that supports Windows Hello facial recognition and adaptive lock/dimming functionalities.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606) is available for pre-order starting at US$1,399 (approx. RM 6,618.45) at ASUS worldwide and BestBuy in the US. It will be available in Scandinavian White or Zumaia Gray.
At its “Always Incredible” virtual event during Computex 2024, ASUS introduced a trio of new ProArt laptops designed to empower creators of all levels. These portable studios boast powerful specifications, AI-powered features, and versatile form factors to suit diverse creative workflows.
The ProArt series prioritizes portability without compromising on power. All three models are lightweight and rugged, allowing creators to capture inspiration and bring their ideas to life wherever they go.
ProArt P16: Unmatched Power for Demanding Workflows
The 16-inch ProArt P16 caters to professional creators with its powerful specifications. It features up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU and a top-of-the-line NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, delivering a combined total of up to 321 TOPS. This powerhouse configuration tackles demanding creative tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex animation with ease. The P16 also includes a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI functionalities.
ProArt PX13: Convertible Versatility for Flexible Creation
For creators who value flexibility, the 13-inch ProArt PX13 offers a convertible design with a 360-degree hinge. This allows users to seamlessly switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, adapting to any creative scenario. The PX13 packs a punch with up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, delivering over 300 TOPS of AI performance – ideal for tasks like color grading, texture manipulation, and AI-powered image generation.
ProArt PZ13: Ultraportable Power for Creators on the Move
The ultracompact ProArt PZ13 prioritizes portability for creators who are constantly on the go. This detachable laptop weighs a mere 0.85 kg and features an AI-enabled Snapdragon processor. Despite its compact size, the PZ13 offers a high-resolution 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display for stunning visuals and a magnetically-attached full-size keyboard for effortless switching between tablet and laptop modes.
All three ProArt laptops come equipped with ASUS-exclusive StoryCube and MuseTree apps, powered by local AI. StoryCube simplifies project management by intelligently categorizing scenes and generating clips, while MuseTree helps users generate creative ideas through intuitive graphical interactions. Additionally, a three-month free subscription to Adobe Creative Suite and a six-month free subscription to CapCut Pro are included with each ProArt laptop purchase.
Pricing and Availability
ProArt P16 clamshell laptop: Starts at US$1,899 (approx. RM 8,993.10)
ProArt PX13 convertible laptop: Starts at US$1,699 (approx. RM 8,074.65)
ProArt PZ13 detachable laptop: Pricing to be confirmed
The ASUS ProArt series is available for pre-order at ASUS worldwide.
ASUS announced a refresh of its popular Vivobook series at the Computex 2024 “Always Incredible” virtual event. The new Vivobook laptops integrate AI capabilities, making them suitable for a wider range of users who seek a balance between performance, affordability, and intelligent features.
The Vivobook S 15 (S5507) is the first Vivobook to feature Copilot+ PC technology. This 1.47 cm thin and 1.42 kg light ultraportable laptop leverages the AI power of the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. The Snapdragon processor offers efficient performance with hardware-accelerated AI functions and a long-lasting battery delivering up to 18 hours of productivity or entertainment on a single charge.
The Vivobook S 15 integrates several innovative AI features to elevate the user experience. Windows Studio Effects enhance video calls with adjustable lighting and creative filters, while the ASUS AiSense Camera with AI-powered Security offers functionalities like auto-lock, auto-unlock, and auto-dimming based on user proximity. Live Captions allow real-time captioning of any audio played through the laptop, while Cocreator empowers users to transform sketches into finished artworks using natural language descriptions.
The Vivobook S 15 boasts a stunning 3K 120 Hz OLED display from ASUS Lumina and an immersive Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos audio system, housed in a premium all-metal chassis. The mood-setting single-zone RGB keyboard features a dedicated Copilot key for easy access to AI assistance, perfect for enhancing work and play experiences.
In addition to the Vivobook S 15, existing models like the 14-inch Vivobook S14 (M5406), the 15.6-inch Vivobook S 15 (M5506), and the 16-inch Vivobook S (M5606) have also been upgraded. These laptops now feature up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, delivering exceptional performance in a sleek and lightweight design starting at a mere 1.39 cm thin and weighing as little as 1.3 kg. The upgraded models boast improved cooling with ASUS IceCool thermal technology and offer excellent connectivity with WiFi 7 and a full set of I/O ports.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing information for the Vivobook S 15 will be announced soon. Existing Vivobook S series models featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor are available now. New Windows AI features like Recall and Cocreator in Paint will be available on the Vivobook S 15 starting June 18th, with the remaining Vivobook models receiving a free update to Copilot+ PC experiences when available.
AMD‘s Ryzen laptop chips are getting supercharged with AI performance this year. The new laptop SoCs are not just getting powered up, they’ll be getting a new naming convention too. The new “Ryzen AI” chips are focused on bringing the same performance we’re seeing with ARM’s x64-based chips to its own x86-based chipsets. In fact, if AMD’s own claims are to be believed, it would seem that it’s already well on the way to blowing its competition out of the water.
Source: AMD
Leveraging Zen 5 with AMD’s XDNA2 Architecture
Ryzen AI processors are the first with the company’s new Zen 5 architecture. The new architecture leverages a 4nm fabrication process that allows it to increase performance and efficiency. The Zen 5 architecture also allows for increased branch prediction and accuracy as well as higher throughputs. The architecture is also designed from the ground up for parallelism.
Ryzen AI Brief 1
Source: AMD
The main difference between the Ryzen AI 300 series processors and the mainstream Ryzen 9000 is AMD’s own XDNA2 architecture. This architecture complements the performance of the Zen 5 based SoC with a new NPU. This NPU is capable of achieving an AI performance of 50 TOPS. This outperforms Microsoft’s minimum requirement of 40 TOPS for Copilot+ PCs. XDNA2 NPUs also combine the benefits of both 8-bit and 16-bit performance bringing both performance and accuracy to the platform without quantization.
The new Ryzen AI 300 series processors are equipped with 12 high-performance CPU cores with 24 threads and 50% more on-chip L3 cache memory over Zen 4 processors for thin and light laptops. AMD emphasizes that the NPU performance will be crucial to achieving power efficiency on laptops with AI performance. These NPUs can even be leveraged to drive better gaming performance. It’s also worth noting that these Ryzen AI 300 series processors also come with RDNA 3.5 GPUs in the Radeon 800M graphics.
Source: AMD
New Naming, Better Value and New Laptops
Together with the new architecture, AMD is also streamlining the nomenclature of its Ryzen AI processors. Ryzen AI processors will now feature the Line (ie. Ryzen AI 9 or Ryzen AI 5) followed by the SKU and then the model. So, a high-performance Ryzen AI 9 processor would be labelled as Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. Where the line is denoted by “Ryzen AI 9”, the “HX” denotes the high-performance SKU and the model is denoted by the “370”. Also notable is the reduction in numbers for the nomenclature from 4 digits to 3.
Source: AMD
Well, aside from the shiny new name and architecture, the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 series comes with a whole value set. The processors are undoubtedly part of the AI revolution that is happening when it comes to mobile compute. The AI platform shit will deliver immense value when it comes to performance and power efficiency with laptops. We can expect to see laptops running the Ryzen AI 300 series processors having longer battery life with higher performance thanks to the XDNA2 NPUs that come in the SoC.
We can expect to see laptops with Ryzen AI 300 series processors hit the market in the coming months. Partners like ASUS, MSI, Acer, HP and Lenovo already throwing their backing with laptops in the works. In fact, ASUS has already mentioned a yet-to-be-announced stable of laptops including the ROG Zephyrus G16, ProArt P16 and PX13, Zenbook S 16, ASUS Vivobook S 14, S 15 and S 16, and TUF Gaming A14 and A16. MSI has also already announced the Stealth A16 AI+, Summit A16 AI+, Prestige A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+.
SKUs and Availability
Source: AMD
For now, AMD has announced 2 SKUs of the new Ryzen AI 300 series processors. We can expect to see laptops with these processors hit shelves as early as July 2024. SKU Specifications are as follows:
[i] Max boost for AMD Ryzen processors is the maximum frequency achievable by a single core on the processor running a bursty single-threaded workload. Max boost will vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to: thermal paste; system cooling; motherboard design and BIOS; the latest AMD chipset driver; and the latest OS updates. GD-150
ASUS has unveiled its new Prime family of NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards, including the Prime GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER, Prime GeForce RTX 4070, and Prime GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. Designed with budget-conscious enthusiasts in mind, these cards offer impressive performance housed within a sleek design that’s perfect for small form-factor (SFF) builds.
The trend towards building powerful PCs in compact SFF chassis continues to grow. The new NVIDIA GeForce SFF-Ready program simplifies this process by identifying compatible cases and graphics cards. The Prime GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER and Prime GeForce RTX 4070 join the ranks of SFF-ready cards, measuring a mere 50mm thick and 269mm long. This 2.5-slot design falls comfortably within NVIDIA’s recommended guidelines for SFF PCs, ensuring compatibility and a streamlined building experience.
Despite their slim profile, the Prime GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER, Prime GeForce RTX 4070, and Prime GeForce RTX 4060 Ti pack a punch for cooling. These cards borrow cooling innovations from the ASUS Dual models, with the addition of a third fan. Each card features three Axial-tech fans with nine blades, working with a vented backplate for efficient airflow and noise control.
For silent operation during light workloads, these cards utilize 0 dB technology, allowing the fans to stop when temperatures permit completely. A physical Dual BIOS switch lets users choose between performance and quiet modes for added flexibility.
Durability and reliability are also addressed. Dual ball fan bearings offer double the lifespan of sleeve bearing alternatives, and long-life capacitors ensure extended operation. Additionally, ASUS Auto-Extreme Technology automates the manufacturing process, reducing thermal strain and environmental impact for a long-lasting product.
The Prime family of PC components boasts a shared design language – a classic black-and-white colourway with subtle space-age design elements and minimal RGB lighting. Prime graphics cards seamlessly integrate with this aesthetic, featuring a sleek design and a predominantly black finish that lets the performance do the talking.
The Prime ecosystem extends beyond graphics cards, encompassing motherboards like the cost-effective Prime X670E-Pro WiFi for AMD builds, the Prime AP201 chassis (available in tempered glass or mesh side panel options), and the recently announced Prime AIO liquid CPU cooler. Rounding out the ecosystem are the durable and affordable Prime Gold Series PSUs, available in 750W and 850W options, featuring full modularity, ATX 3.0 standard compliance, 80 Plus Gold certification, and an eight-year warranty.
The latest version of ASUS GPU Tweak III software provides users with granular control over their Prime graphics card. Preset modes allow for easy performance or noise prioritization with a single click, while users can also create custom profiles for specific games.
A new feature, Mobile Monitor, allows users to connect to GPU Tweak III via their phone or other mobile device for real-time monitoring of the graphics card without in-game overlays. Additional improvements include a user-friendly VF Tuner for adjusting the clock speed curve, an enhanced on-screen display, and improved import/export functionality. An integrated GPU-Z interface eliminates the need for separate installation.
The Prime GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER, Prime GeForce RTX 4070, and Prime GeForce RTX 4060 Ti offer enticing options for mainstream gaming builds. Combining a triple-fan cooling solution, long-lasting durability, and an aesthetic that complements the ASUS Prime family of components, these graphics cards deliver exceptional value, especially for builders crafting SFF PCs.
Pricing & Availability
The Prime GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER, Prime GeForce RTX 4070 and Prime GeForce RTX 4060 Ti will be available soon. No pricing details have been revealed at the time of writing.
Together with the announcement of the updates to the Chromebook Plus standard, Google has unveiled a new generation designed for a wider range of users. These Chromebooks from Acer, Asus, and HP come equipped with hardware and software tailored for various tasks, from entertainment and productivity to cloud gaming. Security, seamless Google app integration, and long battery life of up to 10 hours remain core strengths.
The exciting addition comes in the form of Chromebook Plus devices, featuring built-in AI functionalities like interacting with the AI assistant Gemini with a simple click. The starting price for Chromebook Plus devices is $350 (approx. RM 1,530).
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Starting at USD$699)
Ideal for power users, the Spin 714 packs the latest Intel Core Ultra processor in a portable convertible design. The durable aluminium chassis features a touchscreen and a versatile 360° hinge, allowing for seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, and tent configurations. A 1440p QHD webcam with AI-powered enhancements ensures superior video conferencing, while dual microphones paired with upward-facing speakers and DTS Audio deliver high-quality sound.
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 (Starting at $429)
Designed with both everyday tasks and sustainability in mind, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 offers a sleek and eco-friendly design. This 14-inch convertible Chromebook features a micro-edge full HD touchscreen display, rounded edges for a slimmer feel, and a long-lasting battery (up to 10 hours and 15 minutes) with HP Fast Charge technology. The 360° hinge allows for seamless transitions between modes. Additionally, it boasts eco-friendly credentials with EPEAT Gold certification and recycled materials.
More Options for Different Needs
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (starting at $499) prioritizes performance with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. This sleek 14-inch clamshell design offers Wi-Fi 6E for fast connections and optional touchscreen functionality.
For users seeking a compact and versatile companion with ample storage, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (starting at $349) features a 14-inch touchscreen, Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a generous 512GB of storage.
Gamers aren’t being left behind by this generation either! Google has acknowledged the growing popularity of cloud gaming platforms and introduced the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (starting at $649). This Chromebook is specifically optimized for cloud gaming, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience.