<![CDATA[ Latest from PC Gamer UK in Gaming-pcs ]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/hardware/gaming-pcs Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:26:59 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Intel might be cooking up a budget-friendly handheld chip but I'd still be surprised if it's cheap enough or fast enough to matter ]]> Handhelds aren't exactly the most exciting devices right now given just how prohibitively expensive they've become, but you'd better bet my ears perk up a little when I hear of more possible budget-oriented hardware. That's what we could soon have from Intel, if prolific hardware leaker Jaykihn's recent X post is correct.

Decoding the string of numbers, according to Jaykihn, Intel will release a Panther Lake chip with four Performance-cores, no Efficient-cores, four low-power Efficient cores, and most crucially, four Xe cores. Ie, four GPU cores.

Earlier this year, Intel announced the Arc G3 and G3 Extreme processors, aimed squarely at the handheld market. These scaled back the CPU cores but kept plenty of those juicy Xe GPU cores in there—10 and 12, respectively.

Prior to this, to get such Xe cores you had to have, at minimum, the four P-Cores, eight E-Cores, and four LPE-Cores in the Core Ultra X7 358H. The G3 Extreme cut this down to just two P-Cores, and the same number of E-Cores and LPE-Cores. In other words, less CPU grunt but just as much GPU grunt.

Our Dave got his mitts on a handheld with the G3 Extreme in earlier this year and was very impressed. He's since reviewed it and, setting aside its price tag for a moment, remained impressed. The 12 Xe cores really do deliver when crammed into small devices like handheld gaming PCs.

The problem, however, is pricing. Handhelds in general have shot up in price over the past few months, and the G3 Extreme is proving no exception to this. A handheld with one of these in can cost just as much as a midrange or even high-end gaming PC, even given the current inflated PC market. There's no need to mince our words: handheld gaming PCs are cooked right now.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

So, if Intel does bring out a Panther Lake chip with just four Xe cores, it could—one would hope—stand a chance of sitting in some less ridiculously-priced but also less-performant handhelds. However, to echo Gandalf's wise words to Pippin: perhaps that's just a fool's hope. Because after all, it's a memory shortage we're in, not a processor shortage, and the handhelds will still have to secure expensive memory and storage. If Intel ditches the G-series branding, it can get away with slower memory, at least.

We'll just have to wait and see. Scaling all the way back to four Xe cores will put it behind even the eight Xe cores in the previous gen Core Ultra 7 258V's Arc 140V, which adorned the then-high-end MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM. Though the new one, if it comes to fruition, would have newer Xe3 cores compared to the latter's Xe2 cores, so it wouldn't be apples-to-apples. At any rate, the main question will be the mainstay for 2026: pricing.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/intel-might-be-cooking-up-a-budget-friendly-handheld-chip-but-id-still-be-surprised-if-its-cheap-enough-or-fast-enough-to-matter/ K2h36HPNbhnTj52vVRoeJN Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:26:59 +0000 false false false

Handhelds aren't exactly the most exciting devices right now given just how prohibitively expensive they've become, but you'd better bet my ears perk up a little when I hear of more possible budget-oriented hardware. That's what we could soon have from Intel, if prolific hardware leaker Jaykihn's recent X post is correct.

Decoding the string of numbers, according to Jaykihn, Intel will release a Panther Lake chip with four Performance-cores, no Efficient-cores, four low-power Efficient cores, and most crucially, four Xe cores. Ie, four GPU cores.

Earlier this year, Intel announced the Arc G3 and G3 Extreme processors, aimed squarely at the handheld market. These scaled back the CPU cores but kept plenty of those juicy Xe GPU cores in there—10 and 12, respectively.

Prior to this, to get such Xe cores you had to have, at minimum, the four P-Cores, eight E-Cores, and four LPE-Cores in the Core Ultra X7 358H. The G3 Extreme cut this down to just two P-Cores, and the same number of E-Cores and LPE-Cores. In other words, less CPU grunt but just as much GPU grunt.

Our Dave got his mitts on a handheld with the G3 Extreme in earlier this year and was very impressed. He's since reviewed it and, setting aside its price tag for a moment, remained impressed. The 12 Xe cores really do deliver when crammed into small devices like handheld gaming PCs.

The problem, however, is pricing. Handhelds in general have shot up in price over the past few months, and the G3 Extreme is proving no exception to this. A handheld with one of these in can cost just as much as a midrange or even high-end gaming PC, even given the current inflated PC market. There's no need to mince our words: handheld gaming PCs are cooked right now.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

So, if Intel does bring out a Panther Lake chip with just four Xe cores, it could—one would hope—stand a chance of sitting in some less ridiculously-priced but also less-performant handhelds. However, to echo Gandalf's wise words to Pippin: perhaps that's just a fool's hope. Because after all, it's a memory shortage we're in, not a processor shortage, and the handhelds will still have to secure expensive memory and storage. If Intel ditches the G-series branding, it can get away with slower memory, at least.

We'll just have to wait and see. Scaling all the way back to four Xe cores will put it behind even the eight Xe cores in the previous gen Core Ultra 7 258V's Arc 140V, which adorned the then-high-end MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM. Though the new one, if it comes to fruition, would have newer Xe3 cores compared to the latter's Xe2 cores, so it wouldn't be apples-to-apples. At any rate, the main question will be the mainstay for 2026: pricing.

]]> <![CDATA[ A redditor is making super-fancy marble Steam Machine faceplates, *allegedly* sourced from the same quarry as Michelangelo ]]> While I have my issues with the Steam Machine (mostly surrounding its price tag), I really do love the way it looks. It's a classy device, particularly as you can swap out the magnetic faceplates to your taste. I've seen some fairly tasteful designs so far, but none more OTT than this marble version from redditor GinoWT.

The marble used is supposedly from the Carrara quarry basin, which is the one Michelangelo worked from. I know absolutely nothing about marble, but some searching suggests that the old master did indeed use marble from this region.

I cut a Steam Machine faceplate from the same marble Michelangelo used
 from r/steammachine

As for this stuff specifically? Yeah, I'll take a hard pinch of salt with that one. It all looks the same to me—but I am, of course, a classless heathen of the lowest regard. Anyway, GinoWT says they usually cut marble for superyacht materials, so they've got the workshop setup to make square plates of the stuff .

It seems to be more involved than you might think, though, as each needs to be individually finished by hand. "Nobody is scaling this," says GinoWT. I'll take your word for it.

The stone itself is five to six millimetres thick, and bonded onto a 3D-printed structure with magnets to hold it to the front of the Steam Machine. This is apparently the same principle used on superyachts, to keep the weight "sensible" and to prevent the stone from cracking. We really are learning things today, aren't we?

It's not just marble that GinoWT specialises in, either. They've also made a "Sahara Noir" version in black with a gold vein going across it, and another out of Roman travertine. Yes, I had to look that one up as well.

If you're of a classier (and presumably wealthier) disposition than I, GinoWT has a website where you can sign up for one of the first small batches. No mention is made of actual prices beyond the "wait and see" form, so I'm willing to bet they'll be fairly expensive. Still, at what price Michelangelo's supposed leftovers, ey?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/a-redditor-is-making-super-fancy-marble-steam-machine-faceplates-allegedly-sourced-from-the-same-quarry-as-michelangelo/ dt87x6N8qWWtkB7oSqaVQj Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:13:31 +0000 false false false

While I have my issues with the Steam Machine (mostly surrounding its price tag), I really do love the way it looks. It's a classy device, particularly as you can swap out the magnetic faceplates to your taste. I've seen some fairly tasteful designs so far, but none more OTT than this marble version from redditor GinoWT.

The marble used is supposedly from the Carrara quarry basin, which is the one Michelangelo worked from. I know absolutely nothing about marble, but some searching suggests that the old master did indeed use marble from this region.

I cut a Steam Machine faceplate from the same marble Michelangelo used
 from r/steammachine

As for this stuff specifically? Yeah, I'll take a hard pinch of salt with that one. It all looks the same to me—but I am, of course, a classless heathen of the lowest regard. Anyway, GinoWT says they usually cut marble for superyacht materials, so they've got the workshop setup to make square plates of the stuff .

It seems to be more involved than you might think, though, as each needs to be individually finished by hand. "Nobody is scaling this," says GinoWT. I'll take your word for it.

The stone itself is five to six millimetres thick, and bonded onto a 3D-printed structure with magnets to hold it to the front of the Steam Machine. This is apparently the same principle used on superyachts, to keep the weight "sensible" and to prevent the stone from cracking. We really are learning things today, aren't we?

It's not just marble that GinoWT specialises in, either. They've also made a "Sahara Noir" version in black with a gold vein going across it, and another out of Roman travertine. Yes, I had to look that one up as well.

If you're of a classier (and presumably wealthier) disposition than I, GinoWT has a website where you can sign up for one of the first small batches. No mention is made of actual prices beyond the "wait and see" form, so I'm willing to bet they'll be fairly expensive. Still, at what price Michelangelo's supposed leftovers, ey?

]]> <![CDATA[ Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the Steam Boy, a Steam Deck crammed inside a Game Boy-like chassis ]]> I love my Steam Deck. Although the internals are starting to look a bit long in the tooth these days, it still feels like the archetype of what a handheld gaming PC should be. It's a bit large and in charge though, which is why my ears pricked up when I heard of the Steam Boy.

This custom Steam Deck re-imagining is the work of Reddit user PhyFawkes, and the thinking behind it amounts to this: "The Steam Deck motherboard seems pretty small. I wonder if you could make a Steam Deck the size of a Game Boy?"

The SteamBoy (WIP)
 from r/SteamDeckModded

Turns out, for the most part, you can (via Tom's Hardware). The chassis amounts to a 3D-printed PETG shell, which manages to squeeze in not just the Steam Deck's relatively miniature mobo (complete with APU heatsink and fans), but also its rather sizable battery.

PhyFawkes has also tucked the Deck's internal speakers within the frame, alongside the separate audio board and some creative placement of ribbon cables. All this hardware hasn't left a whole lot of room for controls, though, which have been reduced to a D-pad, four traditional face buttons (alongside two system buttons), one thumbstick, and one touchpad.

That's some pretty tidy work, though—especially when you see the Steam Boy next to an original Steam Deck. In terms of footprint, it's well under half the size. The hardware is stacked, Tetris-style, within the frame, so it's a fair bit chonkier.

SteamBoy Teardown and Assembly
 from r/SteamDeckModded

Still, you could reasonably fit one in a large jacket pocket, which is more than you can say for the original Deck.

There is one slight drawback, though. PhyFawkes hasn't yet been able to hook up the screen, which is a suitably sized 1200 x 1080 90 Hz OLED panel in traditional Game Boy config. It's going to require an adapter board between the motherboard output and the display, plus a BIOS mod as well by the looks of things, so that's the next task to be ticked off.

PhyFawkes also says that triggers are on the checklist. At least one of them, anyway, which is apparently in a good spot on the board in terms of being mounted somewhere usable on the outside.

So watch this space, as the Steam Boy is definitely a project to keep an eye on. Alongside all the Steam Machine mods we've been covering recently, like this water cooling project, or this RX 9070 XT eGPU setup. There's something about Valve's hardware that makes y'all want to tear it apart, huh?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/is-it-a-bird-is-it-a-plane-no-its-the-steam-boy-a-steam-deck-crammed-inside-a-game-boy-like-chassis/ YeZKsqHnB3UBMsQeBqjENj Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:57:23 +0000 false false false

I love my Steam Deck. Although the internals are starting to look a bit long in the tooth these days, it still feels like the archetype of what a handheld gaming PC should be. It's a bit large and in charge though, which is why my ears pricked up when I heard of the Steam Boy.

This custom Steam Deck re-imagining is the work of Reddit user PhyFawkes, and the thinking behind it amounts to this: "The Steam Deck motherboard seems pretty small. I wonder if you could make a Steam Deck the size of a Game Boy?"

The SteamBoy (WIP)
 from r/SteamDeckModded

Turns out, for the most part, you can (via Tom's Hardware). The chassis amounts to a 3D-printed PETG shell, which manages to squeeze in not just the Steam Deck's relatively miniature mobo (complete with APU heatsink and fans), but also its rather sizable battery.

PhyFawkes has also tucked the Deck's internal speakers within the frame, alongside the separate audio board and some creative placement of ribbon cables. All this hardware hasn't left a whole lot of room for controls, though, which have been reduced to a D-pad, four traditional face buttons (alongside two system buttons), one thumbstick, and one touchpad.

That's some pretty tidy work, though—especially when you see the Steam Boy next to an original Steam Deck. In terms of footprint, it's well under half the size. The hardware is stacked, Tetris-style, within the frame, so it's a fair bit chonkier.

SteamBoy Teardown and Assembly
 from r/SteamDeckModded

Still, you could reasonably fit one in a large jacket pocket, which is more than you can say for the original Deck.

There is one slight drawback, though. PhyFawkes hasn't yet been able to hook up the screen, which is a suitably sized 1200 x 1080 90 Hz OLED panel in traditional Game Boy config. It's going to require an adapter board between the motherboard output and the display, plus a BIOS mod as well by the looks of things, so that's the next task to be ticked off.

PhyFawkes also says that triggers are on the checklist. At least one of them, anyway, which is apparently in a good spot on the board in terms of being mounted somewhere usable on the outside.

So watch this space, as the Steam Boy is definitely a project to keep an eye on. Alongside all the Steam Machine mods we've been covering recently, like this water cooling project, or this RX 9070 XT eGPU setup. There's something about Valve's hardware that makes y'all want to tear it apart, huh?

]]> <![CDATA[ Someone hooked an RX 9070 XT up to their Steam Machine and it works surprisingly well, like fitting a V8 engine into your Honda Civic ]]> The RX 9070 XT is one of our favourite graphics cards of this generation, as it delivers a hefty whack of gaming performance that can sometimes edge it ahead of the RTX 5070 Ti. As for the Steam Machine... well, I reviewed it and I'd like it a lot more if it was cheaper, put it that way. Or if it was more powerful.

One redditor may have solved the Steam Machine's performance drawbacks by putting the two bits of AMD-powered hardware together. Large_Customer_3840 has hooked the big AMD graphics card in to a Steam Machine as an eGPU, via some clever use of adapters.

"I did this by using the NVMe slot with an NVMe to Oculink adapter" say the redditor, "and then had the NVMe drive on a USB-C NVMe adapter to boot SteamOS."

Apparently, this setup works surprisingly well. "When I turned it on, the 9070 XT became the primary monitor and worked straight away," says our intrepid tinkerer. It's always a good feeling, isn't it?

The only issue to date has been a black screen problem, which revealed the Steam Machine needed to be connected to a TV for the eGPU to work. Other than that? It looks to be plain sailing.

A Steam Machine riding on top of a gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Large_Customer_3840 says they've only tested the performance with Crimson Desert so far, but reports that the Steam Machine/AMD GPU hybrid gets over 100 fps on High. The setup looks to require the removal of the Steam Machine backplate, although the redditor says it could become a permanent upgrade with some modification of the case.

Perhaps some water cooling might be in order, just to put the cherry on the cake? It feels like we're gradually putting together the Franken-Steam Machine over here, and I can't wait to see what the modding community does next.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/someone-hooked-an-rx-9070-xt-up-to-their-steam-machine-and-it-works-surprisingly-well-like-fitting-a-v8-engine-into-your-honda-civic/ v5vB27EoAgx6s4vByrnebh Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:28:38 +0000 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:29:04 +0000 false false false

The RX 9070 XT is one of our favourite graphics cards of this generation, as it delivers a hefty whack of gaming performance that can sometimes edge it ahead of the RTX 5070 Ti. As for the Steam Machine... well, I reviewed it and I'd like it a lot more if it was cheaper, put it that way. Or if it was more powerful.

One redditor may have solved the Steam Machine's performance drawbacks by putting the two bits of AMD-powered hardware together. Large_Customer_3840 has hooked the big AMD graphics card in to a Steam Machine as an eGPU, via some clever use of adapters.

"I did this by using the NVMe slot with an NVMe to Oculink adapter" say the redditor, "and then had the NVMe drive on a USB-C NVMe adapter to boot SteamOS."

Apparently, this setup works surprisingly well. "When I turned it on, the 9070 XT became the primary monitor and worked straight away," says our intrepid tinkerer. It's always a good feeling, isn't it?

The only issue to date has been a black screen problem, which revealed the Steam Machine needed to be connected to a TV for the eGPU to work. Other than that? It looks to be plain sailing.

A Steam Machine riding on top of a gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Large_Customer_3840 says they've only tested the performance with Crimson Desert so far, but reports that the Steam Machine/AMD GPU hybrid gets over 100 fps on High. The setup looks to require the removal of the Steam Machine backplate, although the redditor says it could become a permanent upgrade with some modification of the case.

Perhaps some water cooling might be in order, just to put the cherry on the cake? It feels like we're gradually putting together the Franken-Steam Machine over here, and I can't wait to see what the modding community does next.

]]> <![CDATA[ The Steam Machine design makes for a frightfully good tissue box, and now you can 3D print your own ]]> Achoo! Sorry, my hayfever's been playing up again. Let me just grab a tissue from my Steam Machine... is something you could be saying if you're willing to 3D print the replica this generous individual over on Reddit designed and shared.

The Steam Machine Style Tissue Box Cover (or 'Enclosure') is, practically speaking, just a tissue box. But I'll be damned if I'm not tempted to buy a 3D printer just to make one. It looks very much like a real Steam Machine, sans all the actual gubbins that makes it, well, the real thing.

You can download the 3D files from MakerWorld and have one of your own. The creator Boyso expands: "Default print profiles are meant to be used with a 0.4 mm nozzle and a smooth build plate. Additional print profiles are provided where it prints on its side for textured build plates."

Boyso also explains: "To keep things authentic, I've included two print profiles: 512 GB [or] 2 TB. Just like the real thing... except they're exactly the same. Pick whichever capacity makes you feel faster."

Personally, I'd be going for the 2 TB one—you just never know. Placebo effects are real, after all.

I turned a Steam Machine into a tissue box.
 from r/steammachine

One thing to note, however, is that it might be worth holding off from using the 'textured plate print profiles' given ones reviewer's poor experience with this. The creator has since replied and said they're going to redesign things to avoid the issues they ran into with these specific profiles. So, it seems no matte surfaces on the design until those get fixed.

Provided you're using a working profile and have access to a 3D printer, this project could be a good way to get a faux glimpse of a Steam Machine in your home—lord knows a real one is expensive enough to make it a difficult proposition.

If you have a Steam Controller, you might even be able to fit a custom faceplate charger onto the tissue box. But I'm getting ahead of myself again—just tissues, for now. Isn't that enough?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/the-steam-machine-design-makes-for-a-frightfully-good-tissue-box-and-now-you-can-3d-print-your-own/ uWc8VeeGPVWh8zbaD2YpWL Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:16:15 +0000 false false false

Achoo! Sorry, my hayfever's been playing up again. Let me just grab a tissue from my Steam Machine... is something you could be saying if you're willing to 3D print the replica this generous individual over on Reddit designed and shared.

The Steam Machine Style Tissue Box Cover (or 'Enclosure') is, practically speaking, just a tissue box. But I'll be damned if I'm not tempted to buy a 3D printer just to make one. It looks very much like a real Steam Machine, sans all the actual gubbins that makes it, well, the real thing.

You can download the 3D files from MakerWorld and have one of your own. The creator Boyso expands: "Default print profiles are meant to be used with a 0.4 mm nozzle and a smooth build plate. Additional print profiles are provided where it prints on its side for textured build plates."

Boyso also explains: "To keep things authentic, I've included two print profiles: 512 GB [or] 2 TB. Just like the real thing... except they're exactly the same. Pick whichever capacity makes you feel faster."

Personally, I'd be going for the 2 TB one—you just never know. Placebo effects are real, after all.

I turned a Steam Machine into a tissue box.
 from r/steammachine

One thing to note, however, is that it might be worth holding off from using the 'textured plate print profiles' given ones reviewer's poor experience with this. The creator has since replied and said they're going to redesign things to avoid the issues they ran into with these specific profiles. So, it seems no matte surfaces on the design until those get fixed.

Provided you're using a working profile and have access to a 3D printer, this project could be a good way to get a faux glimpse of a Steam Machine in your home—lord knows a real one is expensive enough to make it a difficult proposition.

If you have a Steam Controller, you might even be able to fit a custom faceplate charger onto the tissue box. But I'm getting ahead of myself again—just tissues, for now. Isn't that enough?

]]> <![CDATA[ The 'world's first' water-cooled Steam Machine is a Frankenstein's monster of neon pink tubing and external hardware ]]> Although I criticised the Steam Machine for its hefty price tag upon release, part of me hoped the creator community might do something interesting with it. Lo and behold, we now have the first example of a water-cooled version—and I can't help but be impressed.

The Not-so-steamy Machine (as I shall call it) is the work of Stefan Warecka, who claim's it's the "world's first" example. They've posted a short video on Reddit summarising some of the build process, which begins with... attacking the Steam Machine's carboard box with an angle grinder. Good lord.

Watercooled Steam Machine Build Video
 from r/PcBuild

Despite the "hack first and ask questions later" approach, the end product is a rather beautiful Steam Machine with a fan-cooled radiator strapped to the back, a custom CNC-ed water block, and lots of external tubing—which is then duly filled with a neon-pink liquid solution. It looks like a mini PC that's spent a long night on the Pepto-Bismol. We've all been there, folks.

Warecka says that APU temps have dropped by 20-30 degrees, and a full video is coming soon to their YouTube channel. In the meantime, we can only guess at the potential performance benefits. Cyberpunk 2077 is shown running in the background, so hopefully some benchmarks are on their way.

I'm also struggling to wrap my head around the concept. The standard Steam Machine runs cool and quiet with a clever air cooling design, while the neat form factor means you can tuck it easily under your TV. This one? Not so much.

Worlds first Watercooled Steam Machine
 from r/PcBuild

Still, I suppose it doesn't matter. This project seems to be focused on the fun of hacking one up for giggles, and that's a principle I can stand behind. Techmagnet says the next step is to open it up again and work on the VRM cooling, "which is quite challenging as the MOSFETs are super tiny… and also they run quite on the limits of thermal design which sucks."

Godspeed, you goggle-clad maestro of mayhem. Just put the angle grinder away, would you? I know a few mechanics with missing fingers that might advise you against that sort of thing. Just a thought.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/the-worlds-first-water-cooled-steam-machine-is-a-frankensteins-monster-of-neon-pink-tubing-and-external-hardware/ 2zf5n8CSYDtWX3kTaJAa7N Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:07:58 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:08:21 +0000 false false false

Although I criticised the Steam Machine for its hefty price tag upon release, part of me hoped the creator community might do something interesting with it. Lo and behold, we now have the first example of a water-cooled version—and I can't help but be impressed.

The Not-so-steamy Machine (as I shall call it) is the work of Stefan Warecka, who claim's it's the "world's first" example. They've posted a short video on Reddit summarising some of the build process, which begins with... attacking the Steam Machine's carboard box with an angle grinder. Good lord.

Watercooled Steam Machine Build Video
 from r/PcBuild

Despite the "hack first and ask questions later" approach, the end product is a rather beautiful Steam Machine with a fan-cooled radiator strapped to the back, a custom CNC-ed water block, and lots of external tubing—which is then duly filled with a neon-pink liquid solution. It looks like a mini PC that's spent a long night on the Pepto-Bismol. We've all been there, folks.

Warecka says that APU temps have dropped by 20-30 degrees, and a full video is coming soon to their YouTube channel. In the meantime, we can only guess at the potential performance benefits. Cyberpunk 2077 is shown running in the background, so hopefully some benchmarks are on their way.

I'm also struggling to wrap my head around the concept. The standard Steam Machine runs cool and quiet with a clever air cooling design, while the neat form factor means you can tuck it easily under your TV. This one? Not so much.

Worlds first Watercooled Steam Machine
 from r/PcBuild

Still, I suppose it doesn't matter. This project seems to be focused on the fun of hacking one up for giggles, and that's a principle I can stand behind. Techmagnet says the next step is to open it up again and work on the VRM cooling, "which is quite challenging as the MOSFETs are super tiny… and also they run quite on the limits of thermal design which sucks."

Godspeed, you goggle-clad maestro of mayhem. Just put the angle grinder away, would you? I know a few mechanics with missing fingers that might advise you against that sort of thing. Just a thought.

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve has added 'initial' SteamOS gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ ]]> Valve is still beavering away at the internals of SteamOS, and the latest update notes for the 3.8.25 Beta release mention the addition of "initial gamepad support" for several non-Valve gaming handhelds. The mighty MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is on the list, as are two offerings from Ayaneo.

These are the Ayaneo Pocket S2, an Android-first, Snapdragon-powered device that launched in June of last year, and the Konkr Fit, a recently-launched Windows handheld released under one of Ayaeno's sub-brands.

The Fit comes in two AMD APU flavours, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. It's also got TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers, which should hopefully benefit from the latest update.

Tucked away at the bottom of the "Non-Valve Devices" section is a note on updated gamepad support for the OneXPlayer Apex. You know, the one with an optional plug-in liquid cooling tower released back in the pre-memory crisis times, when ultra-high-end handhelds made a small modicum of sense.

Anyway, it seems Valve is working hard on SteamOS compatibility with the latest handheld releases—even if they're increasingly looking like some of the biggest victims of the RAMpocalypse so far.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Alongside gaming laptops, gaming PCs, consoles... all the things we like, basically.

Speaking of recently-released devices hit hard by the pricing stick, the update also includes new firmware for the Steam Machine, which is supposed to fix a couple of problems including "a rare issue where CPU performance could be degraded until reboot after waking up from sleep."

No software update is going to solve the consumer pricing problem in hardware right now, but it's pleasing to see Valve trucking on anyway. If you're planning on dropping some serious cash on a new handheld gaming PC sometime soon, it seems SteamOS is rapidly becoming ready for you. Even if your bank balance might not be, naturally.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/valve-has-added-initial-steamos-gamepad-support-for-several-new-gaming-handhelds-including-the-msi-claw-8-ex-ai/ haiAsus725eVUhVzvPEuPS Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:05:21 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:05:44 +0000 false false false

Valve is still beavering away at the internals of SteamOS, and the latest update notes for the 3.8.25 Beta release mention the addition of "initial gamepad support" for several non-Valve gaming handhelds. The mighty MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is on the list, as are two offerings from Ayaneo.

These are the Ayaneo Pocket S2, an Android-first, Snapdragon-powered device that launched in June of last year, and the Konkr Fit, a recently-launched Windows handheld released under one of Ayaeno's sub-brands.

The Fit comes in two AMD APU flavours, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. It's also got TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers, which should hopefully benefit from the latest update.

Tucked away at the bottom of the "Non-Valve Devices" section is a note on updated gamepad support for the OneXPlayer Apex. You know, the one with an optional plug-in liquid cooling tower released back in the pre-memory crisis times, when ultra-high-end handhelds made a small modicum of sense.

Anyway, it seems Valve is working hard on SteamOS compatibility with the latest handheld releases—even if they're increasingly looking like some of the biggest victims of the RAMpocalypse so far.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Alongside gaming laptops, gaming PCs, consoles... all the things we like, basically.

Speaking of recently-released devices hit hard by the pricing stick, the update also includes new firmware for the Steam Machine, which is supposed to fix a couple of problems including "a rare issue where CPU performance could be degraded until reboot after waking up from sleep."

No software update is going to solve the consumer pricing problem in hardware right now, but it's pleasing to see Valve trucking on anyway. If you're planning on dropping some serious cash on a new handheld gaming PC sometime soon, it seems SteamOS is rapidly becoming ready for you. Even if your bank balance might not be, naturally.

]]> <![CDATA[ Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) review ]]> The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 is a fantastic 16-inch gaming laptop. There you go, review over, we can all go home. But wait, because it's got a serious flaw that should make you hold your fire before pressing the order button. And that flaw, as those familiar with the ongoing memory crisis may have already guessed, is the price.

Asus has sent me a 64 GB LPDDR5, RTX 5080-equipped machine for testing, and the same-specced model is currently listed for an astonishing $4,800. Cheaper models with more reasonable amounts of RAM are available—but even the 32 GB, 1 TB version is currently listed at Best Buy for $4,400.

I'm sorry, but that's simply too much to pay for an RTX 5080 gaming laptop. Even one as lovely as this. Particularly as the phenomenal Razer Blade 16 (2026) in RTX 5080 trim is $400 cheaper, with the same Intel Panther Lake-based chip.

If you can find the new G16 for the same money as the Razer Blade 16 during the sales, the choice becomes a lot more difficult. The Asus machine is a worthy competitor, what with its excellent chassis design, stunning 240 Hz OLED display, and superb portability. It's a gaming laptop I've enjoyed testing, particularly as it's capable of knocking the MSI Stealth 16 AI+ for six in certain gaming benchmarks.

Better still, it's got excellent battery life. This is a machine I would happily take on the road with me, gaming in bliss as I go. But when it's this expensive, I can't give it the wholehearted recommendation my heart desires.

Money matters, and when the G16 is listed for such teeth-chattering prices, I have to dock some precious points off the score.

The memory crisis has affected gaming laptops particularly badly in recent months—and by the looks of things, it's not going to get better any time soon. My hope for the G16 is that the sales periods will bring it down to more reasonable figures, in which case you'll find me shouting its virtues from the nearest rooftop. But as things currently stand? It's simply too pricey to gain a top spot.

Buy if...

✅ You've got the cash to splash: If money is no object, then the new Asus G16 is a fantastic gaming laptop well worth considering. The Razer Blade 16, however, is the better of the two.

✅ You want something truly portable: As 16-inch gaming laptops go, they don't come much more backpack-friendly than this.

Don't buy if...

❌ You're on a budget: I hate to keep hammering the same point home, but the price is truly eye-watering.

❌ You want ultimate frame rates: Concessions need to be made in a slim and light gaming laptop—and while the G16 is a great performer in its class, bulkier models will likely outpace it in the gaming benchmarks.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) features

An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop next to a benchmarking rig

(Image credit: Future)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 tested specs

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025)

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H

Intel Core Ultra 9 285H

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (160 W Max TGP)

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (120 W Max TGP)

Memory

64 GB LPDDR5X-8533

32 GB LPDDR5X-7467

Storage

1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Expansion slots

2x M.2 NVMe (one used)

2x M.2 NVMe (one used)

Display

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

Dimensions

35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.79 cm | 13.94 x 9.69 x 0.59 ~ 0.70-inches

35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.79 cm | 13.94 x 9.69 x 0.59 ~ 0.70-inches

Battery

90 Whr

90 Whr

Weight

1.95 kg (4.3 lbs)

1.95 kg (4.3 lbs)

Price

$4,800

$3,600 (64 GB model) / £3,400

The new Zephyrus G16 looks much the same as the old model, but under the hood it's had some significant tweaks. The largest of which is the addition of a Panther Lake-based Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor, the same as you'll find in the new Razer Blade 16.

It's a 16-core chip, breaking down into four Performance cores, eight Efficient, and four Low Power Efficient beasties. As with the new Blade, that core loadout might seem a little underpowered at first, but the Core Ultra 9 386H makes a compelling case for itself as a powerful gaming CPU tucked inside a slim laptop frame.

My particular review sample comes with a ludicrous 64 GB of LPDDR5X-8533, paired with a… 1 TB SSD. I'm not sure who'd spec out a G16 this way, as I'd much rather have half the RAM and double the storage space, which is more traditional for a high-powered gaming lappy. Still, that's what Asus sent me, so that's what I'll be testing.

An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future
An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future
An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future
An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future

The 2026 G16 comes in many flavours, with up to an RTX 5090 crammed within its aluminium chassis. This one's got an RTX 5080 mobile, with a raised TGP of 135 W compared to the older model's 120 W limit. It can be pushed all the way up to 160 W in Manual mode within the Asus Armory Crate software—but I've mostly tested it at 135 W in Turbo mode, as your average user isn't likely to dive too far into the manual settings.

That being said, on paper, it's an impressive max power limit for such a slim and sleek machine.

It's still one of the best-looking (and feeling) super-portable 16-inch gaming laptops you can buy

Asus has made a few tweaks to the keyboard, too. The deck has been reinforced to prevent flex, and the keycaps now have an anti-fingerprint coating, which feels rather grippy underneath my fingertips.

The hinge also uses two torsion springs to make it easier to lift, which is a nice touch. It's full of little bits of refinement, sprinkled on top of what was already an excellent design.

A close up of the keyboard of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026

(Image credit: Future)

The 240 Hz OLED panel has also received some attention, as it now features a peak brightness rating of 1100 nits and VESA TrueBlack 1000 HDR certification. It's a sumptuous 1600p display, and a rival to the Blade 16's similarly-specced screen.

Overall, the G16 looks and feels near-identical to the old model when you pass it around in your hands. It's still got a large slash of tasteful LED lights on the lid, it's still one of the best-looking (and feeling) super-portable 16-inch gaming laptops you can buy, and this new version has received some tasty hardware upgrades. A strong start, I would say.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 performance

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) sitting on a test bench

(Image credit: Future)

At 1080p, the new G16 puts on a good showing against the other RTX 5080-equipped, slim-as-you-like gaming machines in my charts—although the much chonkier Legion Pro 7i looms menacingly at the bottom.

Still, the fresh-faced Asus lappy is often significantly faster than the old model. This becomes obvious in our CPU-heavy Baldur's Gate 3 test, where the new Panther Lake chip beats the older Core Ultra 9 285 H quite handily.

1080p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1080p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
52
39
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
50
44
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
55
32
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
66
44
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
68
38
020406080
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H52 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H50 Avg FPS, 44 1% Low FPS
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H55 Avg FPS, 32 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H66 Avg FPS, 44 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX68 Avg FPS, 38 1% Low FPS
The 2026 version of the G16 handily beats its predecessor in every benchmark at 1080p, and often beats the similarly-specced MSI Stealth 16 AI+ to boot. The much-chonkier Lenovo, however, wins the day overall.

It also scorches ahead in Black Myth Wukong, beating the new, similarly-specced MSI Stealth 16 AI+ by a massive 29 frames. In fact, it's only eight frames behind the new RTX 5090-equipped Razer Blade 16. Admittedly, the G16 still gets mopped up by the Razer in many of my other benches, but still. Small wins for the 135 W RTX 5080 mobile, and all that.

1600p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
31
24
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
28
21
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
34
22
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
39
30
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
40
28
010203040
Cyberpunk 2077 (Native res. RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H31 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H28 Avg FPS, 21 1% Low FPS
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H34 Avg FPS, 22 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H39 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX40 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS

At 1600p, the 2025 G16 catches back up to its younger sibling in several of my tests. We're now out of CPU limited territory and into a zone where the GPUs can more freely compete, and as a result the mere 15 W difference between the two Asus machines means they track fairly closely. Apart from BG3, of course, which still takes all the CPU grunt you can throw at it.

The MSI Stealth, however, finds a sudden burst of speed in the Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition benchmark, jumping ahead of both G16s by a full six frames in the averages. It's still way off the pace in Black Myth, though, albeit slightly ahead in Cyberpunk 2077.

Small wins for the 135 W RTX 5080 mobile, and all that

And yes, it's time to talk about those two beasts lurking at the bottom. Our Razer Blade 16 sample might be an RTX 5090-equipped monster, but it's worth mentioning that it's available for the same cash as this particular spec at the time of writing. It's got the G16 firmly licked in three of my benchmarks, although pulls roughly level in the averages in BG3 and Black Myth.

And then there's the rocketship that is the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10. It's not a slim model, and it's got pretty awful battery life, as we'll see in the charts later. But I've thrown it in as an example of what a much less portable, full-fat gaming laptop can do when pushed to the limit. Dare I point out it's significantly cheaper, too? Food for thought.

Real-world gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution with Quality upscaling enabled, and frame gen. where applicable

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
95
79
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
85
48
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
97
53
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
112
75
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
124
83
037.575112.5150
Cyberpunk 2077 (Native res. RT Ultra + Quality upscaling, 2x FG) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H95 Avg FPS, 79 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H85 Avg FPS, 48 1% Low FPS
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H97 Avg FPS, 53 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H112 Avg FPS, 75 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX124 Avg FPS, 83 1% Low FPS
Interestingly, with upscaling enabled, the MSI Stealth 16 AI+ inches ahead of the new G16 by a few frames on average. It's still miles off the pace of the Razer and Lenovo machines, though.

Turn on the upscaling (and frame gen, in certain benches) and something rather interesting happens. The MSI Stealth 16 AI+, a lappy that's performed rather inconsistently across our gaming tests up until now, suddenly comes out on top versus the other lightweight RTX 5080 machines—at least when it comes to average frame rate.

It's not by a whole lot when compared to the new G16, and the MSI's 1% lows are often all over the place, but still. Not too shabby. And yes, the Blade 16 and the Lenovo rule the charts once more.

It's a lot of cash for these sorts of frame rates, even if the portability factor is off the charts

The Razer lappy stomps ahead by 15 frames on average in Cyberpunk, but the Lenovo goes another 12 frames further than that. It's a shame it's harder to shove one in your shoulder bag, isn't it?

Overall, it's a fairly impressive set of gaming results for the new G16. However, the price of this particular model keeps ringing in my ears. Yes, it's got 64 GB of RAM, and yes, the 32 GB version is $400 cheaper. But squaring these prices relative to the performance? It's a lot of cash for these sorts of frame rates, even if the portability factor is off the charts.

CPU performance

CPU performance figures taken from the Cinebench R24 single-core and multi-core benchmarks

Cinebench 2024

Multi-core index score
Single-core index score
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1215
124
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
1171
125
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1221
124
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1200
124
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
2039
138
07501,5002,2503,000
Cinebench 2024 Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1215 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H1171 Multi-core index score, 125 Single-core index score
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1221 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1200 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX2039 Multi-core index score, 138 Single-core index score
The 2026 Asus G16, MSI Stealth 16 AI+, and the Razer Blade 16 all have the same CPU, and it's pleasing to see how closely they track with each other. The mighty 24-core chip in the Lenovo, however, flexes its muscles once more.

Hey, look at all those near-as-makes-no-difference Cinebench figures. All the Core Ultra 386H chips perform almost identically here, although the elder Core Ultra 9 285H in last year's G16 creeps ahead by a single point in the single-core scores, and drops slightly behind in the multi-core index figures.

Cinebench R24 can be a little twitchy, so I reckon if I ran all our Panther Lake machines through these benchmarks hundreds of times, you'd see them trade places by small amounts. One thing I would bet on, though, is that the 24-core Arrow Lake chip found in the Legion Pro 7i would beat them all no matter what.

Again, what we're seeing here is the difference between a chonky gaming laptop, and an ultra-portable machine. Larger chassis designs mean better airflow, and that means more thermal capacity for fire-breathing, ultra-fast components.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 thermals

A close up of the badge on the top of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

(Image credit: Future)

One of my major issues with the 2025 version of the Asus G16 is the fan noise. That might sound slightly odd, as all gaming laptops can make a racket when pushed to their limits; however, the old G16 liked to spin up its fans at a moment's notice. Then spin them down again. Then back up. Then… you get the idea.

There was also a high-pitched, whiney note that sang out over the top of all the whooshing air, which proved rather irritating over a full working day. Thankfully, the 2026 G16 has no such issues, which makes it much more civilised to live with. It still sounds like a hairdryer in Turbo mode, but again, pretty much all gaming laptops do.

Real-world gaming temperatures

Gaming temperature results recorded during multiple Metro Exodus EE runs

Gaming temperatures

Avg CPU (°C)
Max CPU (°C)
Avg GPU (°C)
Max GPU (°C)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
72
98
69
77
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
74
81
68
72
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
92
100
81
87
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
82
98
62
77
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
94
105
74
79
037.575112.5150
Gaming temperatures Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H72 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 69 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H74 Avg CPU (°C), 81 Max CPU (°C), 68 Avg GPU (°C), 72 Max GPU (°C)
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H92 Avg CPU (°C), 100 Max CPU (°C), 81 Avg GPU (°C), 87 Max GPU (°C)
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H82 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 62 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX94 Avg CPU (°C), 105 Max CPU (°C), 74 Avg GPU (°C), 79 Max GPU (°C)
The new G16 is great at keeping its GPU cool, although the Panther Lake CPUs in each of our Core Ultra 9 386H machines like to run hot. The big Arrow Lake chip in the Lenovo is the toastiest of them all, though.

Not only is the G16 much quieter during day-to-day usage, but it's pretty good at keeping its GPU cool during gaming. The Core Ultra 9 386H, however, likes to run fairly hot when given the opportunity, as you can see across all our Panther Lake-chipped laptops.

You can also start to see where the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i gets its extra performance from. Its CPU is beefier, and occasionally jumps well over the 100 degree mark—while its 175 W RTX 5080 also likes to suck down power and turn it into heat, as well as frames.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 battery life

The Intel and Nvidia badges on top of the inner deck of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

(Image credit: Future)

The new G16 manages an impressive 117 minute gaming battery life figure, sending it to the top of my chart. It's only five minutes more than the older model, but I'd still say that's a pretty good win. It's also relatively light on the battery during a regular working day, which means I haven't felt the need to lug the charger around as often as I would with other gaming laptops.

Gaming battery life

Results recorded in the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test, with screen brightness set to 50% and Wi-Fi disabled

PCMark 10 gaming battery life test (minutes)

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
117
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
112
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
104
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
102
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
73
037.575112.5150
PCMark 10 gaming battery life test (minutes) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H117
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H112
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H104
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H102
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX73
The G16 reigns supreme in the gaming battery life stakes, and it's clear to see the portable advantage of our slim and light laptops over the much chonkier, slightly old-school Lenovo.

That 117 minute result equates to 13 minutes more than the MSI Stealth 16 AI+, 15 minutes more than the Razer, and a massive 44 minutes longer than the Lenovo.

Again I'm reminded of why you might want to sacrifice gaming performance for portability, beyond the convenience of shoving a slimmer machine in your bag. The Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 may be a lot quicker, but it's got a lot of disadvantages over the Asus G16, too.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 aesthetics

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the Razer Blade 16 back to back

(Image credit: Future)

The aluminium G16 has always been one of my favourite laptop designs, and little has changed with the 2026 model. This version's silver-y frame (Eclipse Gray, if you ask Asus) is tastefully neutral to behold, looking more like an executive business laptop than a gaming machine.

Which means it'll look as good in the boardroom as it does on your desk. Many modern gaming laptops overplay their hand when it comes to the gamer aesthetic, which can leave you feeling like a bit of a plum when you want to answer some emails in an airport departure lounge.

No such worries here. The only hint that the G16 might be a gaming model comes in the form of the font on the keyboard, which still looks like it'd be better suited to a Star Citizen control panel than an all-business laptop design. I doubt anyone will really notice, though.

A close up of the ROG Nebula OLED screen on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

(Image credit: Future)

All this being said, if I had to pick the best looking laptop of the current crop (and the one with the better keyboard, thanks to its longer, more positive switch travel) it'd be the Razer Blade 16.

The Asus is a very pretty gaming laptop, but the Blade 16 is just plain purposeful. Moody, even. And as a tempestuous so-and-so myself, I like that. Plus, the Razer's trackpad is a little nicer to use, even if the G16's is also rather good.

The G16's 240 Hz ROG Nebula OLED panel, though, is a genuine competitor with the Blade's similarly-specced model. It's lush, vibrant, and delivers pretty much everything you could want out of a gaming laptop display. Sitting the two side by side, it's quite difficult to tell which has the better screen of the two.

Perhaps the Blade, if I was really pushed. Still, the G16 has nothing to be ashamed of in the display department.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 software

(Image credit: Asus)

The Asus Armoury Crate software package isn't the most straightforward of affairs, I have to admit. Still, the switching options between power modes are easy to find, and a click on an image depicting the laptop itself (which isn't as obvious as it sounds) leads to plenty of extra options for customising the lighting, process handling, keybinds, and more.

The home page shows real time info for the CPU, GPU, and memory, along with readouts for the fan speeds. There's also a "Playground" menu in the sidebar that allows you to sync the lighting between various Asus products, adjust wallpapers, and all that sort of jazz.

If I had a major critique of the software (and Armoury Crate is far from alone in this regard), it's that it feels very… bitty. All the info and customisation options you can think of are in here. Somewhere. If you look hard enough.

A straightforward selection of menus, rather than a host of buttons, toggles, and sliders scattered all over the shop, would make the whole thing gel together a little more seamlessly.

(Image credit: Asus)

There's also a greyed-out "Manual" power option, which is adjusted via a separate menu. Here you can tweak the CPU and GPU clock speeds, along with the option to boost the TGP of the latter all the way up to a 160 W top limit. The Asus reviewer's guide recommends you do this with the fan speeds pegged at 100%— which, as you might expect, is very loud.

Armoury Crate also provides you with a warning screen as you confirm the settings, absolving Asus from any responsibility if things go wrong. Which is enough to make you cross your fingers when you're testing the limits of a $4,800 gaming laptop, let me tell you.

An overclocking warning from the Asus Armoury Crate software

(Image credit: Asus)

We don't normally test overclocked gaming laptops beyond the Turbo or standard Maximum presets, but I put in my earplugs and ran the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark regardless.

At top wattage settings (and at 1600p with DLSS Quality and 2x frame gen. enabled) this resulted in a 99 fps average, with 83 fps 1% lows. Essentially, a four fps gain in terms of average frames over the 135 W Turbo mode.

I also recorded an 84 degree peak from the GPU during the benchmark, which seems a little on the hot side to me. The marginal gains, plus the very loud fans and toastier peak GPU temps, don't endear me to the whole idea of messing with the GPU wattage in a machine this slim. It's a nice option to have, but I'd stick to the presets if I were you.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 value

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the Razer Blade 16 side by side

(Image credit: Future)

And so we reach a crucial point. The concept of "value" and the term "gaming laptop" are two very difficult things to square in 2026, and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 is a prime example of why. It's a lovely machine, and one I wish I didn't have to mark down over such trifling concerns as, y'know, money.

But the facts are simple. My review sample is $4,800, and that's far too much to pay for an RTX 5080 lappy. Even if it does come with 64 GB of RAM, for reasons that still elude me.

Luckily, the 32 GB version is a fair bit cheaper. I've found one for $4,400 at Best Buy, although it's still got a somewhat-miserly 1 TB SSD. For this sort of cash, I'd definitely be wanting more room for my games—and I'd want it included as part of the package, rather than having to make a pricey component upgrade for myself.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 off to the side of the Razer Blade 16

(Image credit: Future)

Here's another issue. The Razer Blade 16 2026, a laptop that, in my estimation, is even more desirable than the G16, is available in a RTX 5080 + 1 TB SSD config for $4,000. That's a $400 saving over the equivalent G16, and far from chump change. Plus it's got the same Intel chip, another excellent OLED panel, and a chassis, keyboard, and trackpad design that's got the G16 2026 beat. Even if it's just by a nose.

In previous years, both the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the smaller, 14-inch G14 have been recurring entries on our gaming laptop deals page. I know, because I'm the one that updates it. Often, RTX 5070 and RTX 5080 variants have dropped down well below the $2,000 mark, and that's made them fantastic value for what you end up receiving.

If you can find one with a healthy discount? Go for it.

This time around, though, I've got a feeling it might be different. The memory crisis continues to rip its way through the gaming laptop market, and I don't think we're likely to see such heavy price reductions on these new 2026 models.

Unless they stop selling entirely, or you're prepared to wait for the Black Friday sales. It's a hard thing to judge, but I don't think I've got that small crumb of comfort to lean on—at least not in the same way I might have done previously.

All of which is to say, I think the G16 is a fantastic high-end gaming device, with a gorgeous OLED display and plenty to recommend it for. But it's hugely over-priced as things stand, and that's a fatal flaw hanging over the head of what is otherwise a highly-recommendable gaming laptop.

If you can find one with a healthy discount? Go for it. At full price, though? I'd urge you to check out the Razer lineup instead. Your money goes further, and the machine you'll end up with… well, it simply has the edge.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-2026-review/ D9HRoAXmmbE9a5yRWs2wFL Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:49:06 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:49:47 +0000 false false false

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 is a fantastic 16-inch gaming laptop. There you go, review over, we can all go home. But wait, because it's got a serious flaw that should make you hold your fire before pressing the order button. And that flaw, as those familiar with the ongoing memory crisis may have already guessed, is the price.

Asus has sent me a 64 GB LPDDR5, RTX 5080-equipped machine for testing, and the same-specced model is currently listed for an astonishing $4,800. Cheaper models with more reasonable amounts of RAM are available—but even the 32 GB, 1 TB version is currently listed at Best Buy for $4,400.

I'm sorry, but that's simply too much to pay for an RTX 5080 gaming laptop. Even one as lovely as this. Particularly as the phenomenal Razer Blade 16 (2026) in RTX 5080 trim is $400 cheaper, with the same Intel Panther Lake-based chip.

If you can find the new G16 for the same money as the Razer Blade 16 during the sales, the choice becomes a lot more difficult. The Asus machine is a worthy competitor, what with its excellent chassis design, stunning 240 Hz OLED display, and superb portability. It's a gaming laptop I've enjoyed testing, particularly as it's capable of knocking the MSI Stealth 16 AI+ for six in certain gaming benchmarks.

Better still, it's got excellent battery life. This is a machine I would happily take on the road with me, gaming in bliss as I go. But when it's this expensive, I can't give it the wholehearted recommendation my heart desires.

Money matters, and when the G16 is listed for such teeth-chattering prices, I have to dock some precious points off the score.

The memory crisis has affected gaming laptops particularly badly in recent months—and by the looks of things, it's not going to get better any time soon. My hope for the G16 is that the sales periods will bring it down to more reasonable figures, in which case you'll find me shouting its virtues from the nearest rooftop. But as things currently stand? It's simply too pricey to gain a top spot.

Buy if...

✅ You've got the cash to splash: If money is no object, then the new Asus G16 is a fantastic gaming laptop well worth considering. The Razer Blade 16, however, is the better of the two.

✅ You want something truly portable: As 16-inch gaming laptops go, they don't come much more backpack-friendly than this.

Don't buy if...

❌ You're on a budget: I hate to keep hammering the same point home, but the price is truly eye-watering.

❌ You want ultimate frame rates: Concessions need to be made in a slim and light gaming laptop—and while the G16 is a great performer in its class, bulkier models will likely outpace it in the gaming benchmarks.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) features

An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop next to a benchmarking rig

(Image credit: Future)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 tested specs

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025)

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H

Intel Core Ultra 9 285H

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (160 W Max TGP)

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (120 W Max TGP)

Memory

64 GB LPDDR5X-8533

32 GB LPDDR5X-7467

Storage

1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Expansion slots

2x M.2 NVMe (one used)

2x M.2 NVMe (one used)

Display

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

Dimensions

35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.79 cm | 13.94 x 9.69 x 0.59 ~ 0.70-inches

35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.79 cm | 13.94 x 9.69 x 0.59 ~ 0.70-inches

Battery

90 Whr

90 Whr

Weight

1.95 kg (4.3 lbs)

1.95 kg (4.3 lbs)

Price

$4,800

$3,600 (64 GB model) / £3,400

The new Zephyrus G16 looks much the same as the old model, but under the hood it's had some significant tweaks. The largest of which is the addition of a Panther Lake-based Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor, the same as you'll find in the new Razer Blade 16.

It's a 16-core chip, breaking down into four Performance cores, eight Efficient, and four Low Power Efficient beasties. As with the new Blade, that core loadout might seem a little underpowered at first, but the Core Ultra 9 386H makes a compelling case for itself as a powerful gaming CPU tucked inside a slim laptop frame.

My particular review sample comes with a ludicrous 64 GB of LPDDR5X-8533, paired with a… 1 TB SSD. I'm not sure who'd spec out a G16 this way, as I'd much rather have half the RAM and double the storage space, which is more traditional for a high-powered gaming lappy. Still, that's what Asus sent me, so that's what I'll be testing.

An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future
An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future
An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future
An Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 shot from various angles on a test bench
Future

The 2026 G16 comes in many flavours, with up to an RTX 5090 crammed within its aluminium chassis. This one's got an RTX 5080 mobile, with a raised TGP of 135 W compared to the older model's 120 W limit. It can be pushed all the way up to 160 W in Manual mode within the Asus Armory Crate software—but I've mostly tested it at 135 W in Turbo mode, as your average user isn't likely to dive too far into the manual settings.

That being said, on paper, it's an impressive max power limit for such a slim and sleek machine.

It's still one of the best-looking (and feeling) super-portable 16-inch gaming laptops you can buy

Asus has made a few tweaks to the keyboard, too. The deck has been reinforced to prevent flex, and the keycaps now have an anti-fingerprint coating, which feels rather grippy underneath my fingertips.

The hinge also uses two torsion springs to make it easier to lift, which is a nice touch. It's full of little bits of refinement, sprinkled on top of what was already an excellent design.

A close up of the keyboard of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026

(Image credit: Future)

The 240 Hz OLED panel has also received some attention, as it now features a peak brightness rating of 1100 nits and VESA TrueBlack 1000 HDR certification. It's a sumptuous 1600p display, and a rival to the Blade 16's similarly-specced screen.

Overall, the G16 looks and feels near-identical to the old model when you pass it around in your hands. It's still got a large slash of tasteful LED lights on the lid, it's still one of the best-looking (and feeling) super-portable 16-inch gaming laptops you can buy, and this new version has received some tasty hardware upgrades. A strong start, I would say.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 performance

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) sitting on a test bench

(Image credit: Future)

At 1080p, the new G16 puts on a good showing against the other RTX 5080-equipped, slim-as-you-like gaming machines in my charts—although the much chonkier Legion Pro 7i looms menacingly at the bottom.

Still, the fresh-faced Asus lappy is often significantly faster than the old model. This becomes obvious in our CPU-heavy Baldur's Gate 3 test, where the new Panther Lake chip beats the older Core Ultra 9 285 H quite handily.

1080p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1080p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
52
39
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
50
44
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
55
32
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
66
44
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
68
38
020406080
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H52 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H50 Avg FPS, 44 1% Low FPS
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H55 Avg FPS, 32 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H66 Avg FPS, 44 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX68 Avg FPS, 38 1% Low FPS
The 2026 version of the G16 handily beats its predecessor in every benchmark at 1080p, and often beats the similarly-specced MSI Stealth 16 AI+ to boot. The much-chonkier Lenovo, however, wins the day overall.

It also scorches ahead in Black Myth Wukong, beating the new, similarly-specced MSI Stealth 16 AI+ by a massive 29 frames. In fact, it's only eight frames behind the new RTX 5090-equipped Razer Blade 16. Admittedly, the G16 still gets mopped up by the Razer in many of my other benches, but still. Small wins for the 135 W RTX 5080 mobile, and all that.

1600p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
31
24
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
28
21
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
34
22
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
39
30
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
40
28
010203040
Cyberpunk 2077 (Native res. RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H31 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H28 Avg FPS, 21 1% Low FPS
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H34 Avg FPS, 22 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H39 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX40 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS

At 1600p, the 2025 G16 catches back up to its younger sibling in several of my tests. We're now out of CPU limited territory and into a zone where the GPUs can more freely compete, and as a result the mere 15 W difference between the two Asus machines means they track fairly closely. Apart from BG3, of course, which still takes all the CPU grunt you can throw at it.

The MSI Stealth, however, finds a sudden burst of speed in the Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition benchmark, jumping ahead of both G16s by a full six frames in the averages. It's still way off the pace in Black Myth, though, albeit slightly ahead in Cyberpunk 2077.

Small wins for the 135 W RTX 5080 mobile, and all that

And yes, it's time to talk about those two beasts lurking at the bottom. Our Razer Blade 16 sample might be an RTX 5090-equipped monster, but it's worth mentioning that it's available for the same cash as this particular spec at the time of writing. It's got the G16 firmly licked in three of my benchmarks, although pulls roughly level in the averages in BG3 and Black Myth.

And then there's the rocketship that is the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10. It's not a slim model, and it's got pretty awful battery life, as we'll see in the charts later. But I've thrown it in as an example of what a much less portable, full-fat gaming laptop can do when pushed to the limit. Dare I point out it's significantly cheaper, too? Food for thought.

Real-world gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution with Quality upscaling enabled, and frame gen. where applicable

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
95
79
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
85
48
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
97
53
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
112
75
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
124
83
037.575112.5150
Cyberpunk 2077 (Native res. RT Ultra + Quality upscaling, 2x FG) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H95 Avg FPS, 79 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H85 Avg FPS, 48 1% Low FPS
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H97 Avg FPS, 53 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H112 Avg FPS, 75 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX124 Avg FPS, 83 1% Low FPS
Interestingly, with upscaling enabled, the MSI Stealth 16 AI+ inches ahead of the new G16 by a few frames on average. It's still miles off the pace of the Razer and Lenovo machines, though.

Turn on the upscaling (and frame gen, in certain benches) and something rather interesting happens. The MSI Stealth 16 AI+, a lappy that's performed rather inconsistently across our gaming tests up until now, suddenly comes out on top versus the other lightweight RTX 5080 machines—at least when it comes to average frame rate.

It's not by a whole lot when compared to the new G16, and the MSI's 1% lows are often all over the place, but still. Not too shabby. And yes, the Blade 16 and the Lenovo rule the charts once more.

It's a lot of cash for these sorts of frame rates, even if the portability factor is off the charts

The Razer lappy stomps ahead by 15 frames on average in Cyberpunk, but the Lenovo goes another 12 frames further than that. It's a shame it's harder to shove one in your shoulder bag, isn't it?

Overall, it's a fairly impressive set of gaming results for the new G16. However, the price of this particular model keeps ringing in my ears. Yes, it's got 64 GB of RAM, and yes, the 32 GB version is $400 cheaper. But squaring these prices relative to the performance? It's a lot of cash for these sorts of frame rates, even if the portability factor is off the charts.

CPU performance

CPU performance figures taken from the Cinebench R24 single-core and multi-core benchmarks

Cinebench 2024

Multi-core index score
Single-core index score
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1215
124
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
1171
125
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1221
124
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1200
124
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
2039
138
07501,5002,2503,000
Cinebench 2024 Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1215 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H1171 Multi-core index score, 125 Single-core index score
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1221 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1200 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX2039 Multi-core index score, 138 Single-core index score
The 2026 Asus G16, MSI Stealth 16 AI+, and the Razer Blade 16 all have the same CPU, and it's pleasing to see how closely they track with each other. The mighty 24-core chip in the Lenovo, however, flexes its muscles once more.

Hey, look at all those near-as-makes-no-difference Cinebench figures. All the Core Ultra 386H chips perform almost identically here, although the elder Core Ultra 9 285H in last year's G16 creeps ahead by a single point in the single-core scores, and drops slightly behind in the multi-core index figures.

Cinebench R24 can be a little twitchy, so I reckon if I ran all our Panther Lake machines through these benchmarks hundreds of times, you'd see them trade places by small amounts. One thing I would bet on, though, is that the 24-core Arrow Lake chip found in the Legion Pro 7i would beat them all no matter what.

Again, what we're seeing here is the difference between a chonky gaming laptop, and an ultra-portable machine. Larger chassis designs mean better airflow, and that means more thermal capacity for fire-breathing, ultra-fast components.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 thermals

A close up of the badge on the top of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

(Image credit: Future)

One of my major issues with the 2025 version of the Asus G16 is the fan noise. That might sound slightly odd, as all gaming laptops can make a racket when pushed to their limits; however, the old G16 liked to spin up its fans at a moment's notice. Then spin them down again. Then back up. Then… you get the idea.

There was also a high-pitched, whiney note that sang out over the top of all the whooshing air, which proved rather irritating over a full working day. Thankfully, the 2026 G16 has no such issues, which makes it much more civilised to live with. It still sounds like a hairdryer in Turbo mode, but again, pretty much all gaming laptops do.

Real-world gaming temperatures

Gaming temperature results recorded during multiple Metro Exodus EE runs

Gaming temperatures

Avg CPU (°C)
Max CPU (°C)
Avg GPU (°C)
Max GPU (°C)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
72
98
69
77
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
74
81
68
72
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
92
100
81
87
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
82
98
62
77
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
94
105
74
79
037.575112.5150
Gaming temperatures Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H72 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 69 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H74 Avg CPU (°C), 81 Max CPU (°C), 68 Avg GPU (°C), 72 Max GPU (°C)
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H92 Avg CPU (°C), 100 Max CPU (°C), 81 Avg GPU (°C), 87 Max GPU (°C)
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H82 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 62 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX94 Avg CPU (°C), 105 Max CPU (°C), 74 Avg GPU (°C), 79 Max GPU (°C)
The new G16 is great at keeping its GPU cool, although the Panther Lake CPUs in each of our Core Ultra 9 386H machines like to run hot. The big Arrow Lake chip in the Lenovo is the toastiest of them all, though.

Not only is the G16 much quieter during day-to-day usage, but it's pretty good at keeping its GPU cool during gaming. The Core Ultra 9 386H, however, likes to run fairly hot when given the opportunity, as you can see across all our Panther Lake-chipped laptops.

You can also start to see where the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i gets its extra performance from. Its CPU is beefier, and occasionally jumps well over the 100 degree mark—while its 175 W RTX 5080 also likes to suck down power and turn it into heat, as well as frames.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 battery life

The Intel and Nvidia badges on top of the inner deck of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

(Image credit: Future)

The new G16 manages an impressive 117 minute gaming battery life figure, sending it to the top of my chart. It's only five minutes more than the older model, but I'd still say that's a pretty good win. It's also relatively light on the battery during a regular working day, which means I haven't felt the need to lug the charger around as often as I would with other gaming laptops.

Gaming battery life

Results recorded in the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test, with screen brightness set to 50% and Wi-Fi disabled

PCMark 10 gaming battery life test (minutes)

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
117
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H
112
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
104
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
102
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX
73
037.575112.5150
PCMark 10 gaming battery life test (minutes) Data
ProductValue
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H117
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | RTX 5080 (120 W) | Core Ultra 9 285H112
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ | RTX 5080 (125 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H104
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H102
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275HX73
The G16 reigns supreme in the gaming battery life stakes, and it's clear to see the portable advantage of our slim and light laptops over the much chonkier, slightly old-school Lenovo.

That 117 minute result equates to 13 minutes more than the MSI Stealth 16 AI+, 15 minutes more than the Razer, and a massive 44 minutes longer than the Lenovo.

Again I'm reminded of why you might want to sacrifice gaming performance for portability, beyond the convenience of shoving a slimmer machine in your bag. The Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 may be a lot quicker, but it's got a lot of disadvantages over the Asus G16, too.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 aesthetics

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the Razer Blade 16 back to back

(Image credit: Future)

The aluminium G16 has always been one of my favourite laptop designs, and little has changed with the 2026 model. This version's silver-y frame (Eclipse Gray, if you ask Asus) is tastefully neutral to behold, looking more like an executive business laptop than a gaming machine.

Which means it'll look as good in the boardroom as it does on your desk. Many modern gaming laptops overplay their hand when it comes to the gamer aesthetic, which can leave you feeling like a bit of a plum when you want to answer some emails in an airport departure lounge.

No such worries here. The only hint that the G16 might be a gaming model comes in the form of the font on the keyboard, which still looks like it'd be better suited to a Star Citizen control panel than an all-business laptop design. I doubt anyone will really notice, though.

A close up of the ROG Nebula OLED screen on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

(Image credit: Future)

All this being said, if I had to pick the best looking laptop of the current crop (and the one with the better keyboard, thanks to its longer, more positive switch travel) it'd be the Razer Blade 16.

The Asus is a very pretty gaming laptop, but the Blade 16 is just plain purposeful. Moody, even. And as a tempestuous so-and-so myself, I like that. Plus, the Razer's trackpad is a little nicer to use, even if the G16's is also rather good.

The G16's 240 Hz ROG Nebula OLED panel, though, is a genuine competitor with the Blade's similarly-specced model. It's lush, vibrant, and delivers pretty much everything you could want out of a gaming laptop display. Sitting the two side by side, it's quite difficult to tell which has the better screen of the two.

Perhaps the Blade, if I was really pushed. Still, the G16 has nothing to be ashamed of in the display department.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 software

(Image credit: Asus)

The Asus Armoury Crate software package isn't the most straightforward of affairs, I have to admit. Still, the switching options between power modes are easy to find, and a click on an image depicting the laptop itself (which isn't as obvious as it sounds) leads to plenty of extra options for customising the lighting, process handling, keybinds, and more.

The home page shows real time info for the CPU, GPU, and memory, along with readouts for the fan speeds. There's also a "Playground" menu in the sidebar that allows you to sync the lighting between various Asus products, adjust wallpapers, and all that sort of jazz.

If I had a major critique of the software (and Armoury Crate is far from alone in this regard), it's that it feels very… bitty. All the info and customisation options you can think of are in here. Somewhere. If you look hard enough.

A straightforward selection of menus, rather than a host of buttons, toggles, and sliders scattered all over the shop, would make the whole thing gel together a little more seamlessly.

(Image credit: Asus)

There's also a greyed-out "Manual" power option, which is adjusted via a separate menu. Here you can tweak the CPU and GPU clock speeds, along with the option to boost the TGP of the latter all the way up to a 160 W top limit. The Asus reviewer's guide recommends you do this with the fan speeds pegged at 100%— which, as you might expect, is very loud.

Armoury Crate also provides you with a warning screen as you confirm the settings, absolving Asus from any responsibility if things go wrong. Which is enough to make you cross your fingers when you're testing the limits of a $4,800 gaming laptop, let me tell you.

An overclocking warning from the Asus Armoury Crate software

(Image credit: Asus)

We don't normally test overclocked gaming laptops beyond the Turbo or standard Maximum presets, but I put in my earplugs and ran the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark regardless.

At top wattage settings (and at 1600p with DLSS Quality and 2x frame gen. enabled) this resulted in a 99 fps average, with 83 fps 1% lows. Essentially, a four fps gain in terms of average frames over the 135 W Turbo mode.

I also recorded an 84 degree peak from the GPU during the benchmark, which seems a little on the hot side to me. The marginal gains, plus the very loud fans and toastier peak GPU temps, don't endear me to the whole idea of messing with the GPU wattage in a machine this slim. It's a nice option to have, but I'd stick to the presets if I were you.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 value

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the Razer Blade 16 side by side

(Image credit: Future)

And so we reach a crucial point. The concept of "value" and the term "gaming laptop" are two very difficult things to square in 2026, and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 is a prime example of why. It's a lovely machine, and one I wish I didn't have to mark down over such trifling concerns as, y'know, money.

But the facts are simple. My review sample is $4,800, and that's far too much to pay for an RTX 5080 lappy. Even if it does come with 64 GB of RAM, for reasons that still elude me.

Luckily, the 32 GB version is a fair bit cheaper. I've found one for $4,400 at Best Buy, although it's still got a somewhat-miserly 1 TB SSD. For this sort of cash, I'd definitely be wanting more room for my games—and I'd want it included as part of the package, rather than having to make a pricey component upgrade for myself.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 off to the side of the Razer Blade 16

(Image credit: Future)

Here's another issue. The Razer Blade 16 2026, a laptop that, in my estimation, is even more desirable than the G16, is available in a RTX 5080 + 1 TB SSD config for $4,000. That's a $400 saving over the equivalent G16, and far from chump change. Plus it's got the same Intel chip, another excellent OLED panel, and a chassis, keyboard, and trackpad design that's got the G16 2026 beat. Even if it's just by a nose.

In previous years, both the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the smaller, 14-inch G14 have been recurring entries on our gaming laptop deals page. I know, because I'm the one that updates it. Often, RTX 5070 and RTX 5080 variants have dropped down well below the $2,000 mark, and that's made them fantastic value for what you end up receiving.

If you can find one with a healthy discount? Go for it.

This time around, though, I've got a feeling it might be different. The memory crisis continues to rip its way through the gaming laptop market, and I don't think we're likely to see such heavy price reductions on these new 2026 models.

Unless they stop selling entirely, or you're prepared to wait for the Black Friday sales. It's a hard thing to judge, but I don't think I've got that small crumb of comfort to lean on—at least not in the same way I might have done previously.

All of which is to say, I think the G16 is a fantastic high-end gaming device, with a gorgeous OLED display and plenty to recommend it for. But it's hugely over-priced as things stand, and that's a fatal flaw hanging over the head of what is otherwise a highly-recommendable gaming laptop.

If you can find one with a healthy discount? Go for it. At full price, though? I'd urge you to check out the Razer lineup instead. Your money goes further, and the machine you'll end up with… well, it simply has the edge.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'Slightly ugly, and insanely functional': Check out this custom Steam Machine faceplate that doubles as a charging stand ]]>
What if a faceplate wasn't just for looks? I am working on a new kind of faceplate
 from r/steammachine

The Steam Machine may be hard to get a hold of and prohibitively expensive, but as is ever the case with Valve, its community is very creative. It's not even been two months since its launch, yet someone has already made a faceplate that doubles up as a charging stand for the Steam Controller.

As shared on the Steam Machine subreddit, user NefariousnessWhole25 has shared their faceplate concept. Though an earlier prototype had a shelf to hold the controller in place, they say that the magnets inside the charging puck are actually powerful enough to hold the controller up. The puck is a small, well, puck that comes with the Steam Controller that functions both as a charger and as a connector to your PC. It's pretty neat.

The plate holds the puck in place with friction, and there's a small space to fit the end of the USB Type-C cable into. Importantly, it doesn't have the wire for the puck sticking out of the top of the plate either, giving it a pretty clean aesthetic. You can even use the faceplate by itself as a rudimentary stand, though I think it might look a tad funny given its size.

The creator says they are still finishing the final touches and also says they're open to DMs from Valve, Jsaux or Dbrand, if any of the companies want to chat about the design.

One commenter calls it "slightly ugly, and insanely functional", and that seems like a pretty fair description. With the controller in the stand, I personally quite like the look, but it does look a little hollow when the controller is taken off.

Valve's new and improved Steam Controller during a visit to Valve's HQ in Bellevue, Washington.

(Image credit: Future)

It solves one small issue I'd personally have using the Steam Controller day-to-day: the lack of a charging stand. I think the puck is great, and I wish more controllers came with a charger/connector combo, but the puck alone means I'd leave the Steam Controller just lying on a desk, often not charging. I use the GameSir G7 Pro 8K almost every day, and I've never had to charge it, because it just doesn't look right when it's not on its included stand.

I suspect the Steam Machine's front panel will be a source of creativity for those who actually buy the device over the coming years, because Valve has released the CAD design files for both the Steam Machine and Steam Controller, enabling modders to customise it to their heart's content. The only problem here is that it's shared under a "Creative Commons 'Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike 4.0 International" which means one can't sell their work.

Still, one doesn't always need a financial incentive to make something great, as is proved by this very mod.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/slightly-ugly-and-insanely-functional-check-out-this-custom-steam-machine-faceplate-that-doubles-as-a-charging-stand/ H9k5EGT89RJDLyrQ63vBYa Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:07:35 +0000 false false false
What if a faceplate wasn't just for looks? I am working on a new kind of faceplate
 from r/steammachine

The Steam Machine may be hard to get a hold of and prohibitively expensive, but as is ever the case with Valve, its community is very creative. It's not even been two months since its launch, yet someone has already made a faceplate that doubles up as a charging stand for the Steam Controller.

As shared on the Steam Machine subreddit, user NefariousnessWhole25 has shared their faceplate concept. Though an earlier prototype had a shelf to hold the controller in place, they say that the magnets inside the charging puck are actually powerful enough to hold the controller up. The puck is a small, well, puck that comes with the Steam Controller that functions both as a charger and as a connector to your PC. It's pretty neat.

The plate holds the puck in place with friction, and there's a small space to fit the end of the USB Type-C cable into. Importantly, it doesn't have the wire for the puck sticking out of the top of the plate either, giving it a pretty clean aesthetic. You can even use the faceplate by itself as a rudimentary stand, though I think it might look a tad funny given its size.

The creator says they are still finishing the final touches and also says they're open to DMs from Valve, Jsaux or Dbrand, if any of the companies want to chat about the design.

One commenter calls it "slightly ugly, and insanely functional", and that seems like a pretty fair description. With the controller in the stand, I personally quite like the look, but it does look a little hollow when the controller is taken off.

Valve's new and improved Steam Controller during a visit to Valve's HQ in Bellevue, Washington.

(Image credit: Future)

It solves one small issue I'd personally have using the Steam Controller day-to-day: the lack of a charging stand. I think the puck is great, and I wish more controllers came with a charger/connector combo, but the puck alone means I'd leave the Steam Controller just lying on a desk, often not charging. I use the GameSir G7 Pro 8K almost every day, and I've never had to charge it, because it just doesn't look right when it's not on its included stand.

I suspect the Steam Machine's front panel will be a source of creativity for those who actually buy the device over the coming years, because Valve has released the CAD design files for both the Steam Machine and Steam Controller, enabling modders to customise it to their heart's content. The only problem here is that it's shared under a "Creative Commons 'Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike 4.0 International" which means one can't sell their work.

Still, one doesn't always need a financial incentive to make something great, as is proved by this very mod.

]]> <![CDATA[ Microsoft quietly deletes 32 GB RAM recommendation, which I'm sure has nothing to do with it bringing back 8 GB laptops ]]> Earlier this year, Microsoft posted a support document titled "How to optimize your gaming PC setup" where it said that 16 GB of memory is "plenty for most gamers" but "32 GB is ideal for serious players who run the most demanding titles or use heavy mods". That document has since been deleted.

That's as reported by Windows Latest, who noticed the change this week. Now, clicking on the link address to the support document redirects you to the Windows Learning Center instead.

Interestingly, Microsoft, in a separate support document, declared 32 GB to be the "no-worries" upgrade back in May, and that support document has since been deleted too. Two separate documents that recommend 32 GB of memory being taken down is certainly strange behaviour, and implies it wasn't just an accident.

And it would make sense for Microsoft not to pitch 32 GB of memory, given that it just recently announced it would be bringing back 8 GB Surface laptops in May. Microsoft seemed to remove the 8 GB memory option in the 7th-generation Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Surface Pro 12th edition, which are the previous versions of both laptops.

These new laptops don't even meet the memory requirements to be labelled a Copilot+ PC, and they're mighty expensive, with the Intel Core Ultra 5 standard Surface with 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage being an eye-watering $1,299.

This is a shame as its initial assessment seems about right, in my estimation. 16 GB of memory is fine for most games, but 32 GB is ideal, especially for less casual gamers. I went for 32 GB of DDR5 memory in my own rig, and wouldn't want less, but I also reckon I play more than most.

Microsoft Surface 9

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The memory crisis may be a problem for Microsoft, as suggested by a dip in console sales (though this 29% decline could be somewhat attributed to the life cycle of the console and tariffs raising prices), but the company's AI usage is also one of the larger contributors to the mess in the first place. The end consumer is paying for the expansion of AI in many ways, but the most pressing to a PC gamer is the fact that they're paying more and more for less storage and memory.

As such, it would probably be a bad look for Microsoft to recommend 32 GB when its latest Surface Pro device will fetch a minimum of $2,750 to get so much memory. And Microsoft seems unlikely to backtrack on this pricing for some time. Samsung, one of the big three memory manufacturers, reckons we will see a "severe" memory supply crisis next year and "Beyond 2029, it is hard to say because of more limited visibility."

AMD did a similar thing recently. After arguing gamers should look to "Game beyond 4 GB [of VRAM]" back in 2020, it has just recently launched a 4 GB graphics card, the RX 9050.

While these big companies continue to put more and more funding into AI, we'll just have to sit with our meagre supplies of memory until it all blows over. Here's hoping 2029 is the year things get better. Or is it 2030?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/microsoft-quietly-deletes-32-gb-ram-recommendation-which-im-sure-has-nothing-to-do-with-it-bringing-back-8-gb-laptops/ hgfVnZyjHA55wpVbpEnSaj Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:12:10 +0000 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:29:32 +0000 false false false

Earlier this year, Microsoft posted a support document titled "How to optimize your gaming PC setup" where it said that 16 GB of memory is "plenty for most gamers" but "32 GB is ideal for serious players who run the most demanding titles or use heavy mods". That document has since been deleted.

That's as reported by Windows Latest, who noticed the change this week. Now, clicking on the link address to the support document redirects you to the Windows Learning Center instead.

Interestingly, Microsoft, in a separate support document, declared 32 GB to be the "no-worries" upgrade back in May, and that support document has since been deleted too. Two separate documents that recommend 32 GB of memory being taken down is certainly strange behaviour, and implies it wasn't just an accident.

And it would make sense for Microsoft not to pitch 32 GB of memory, given that it just recently announced it would be bringing back 8 GB Surface laptops in May. Microsoft seemed to remove the 8 GB memory option in the 7th-generation Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Surface Pro 12th edition, which are the previous versions of both laptops.

These new laptops don't even meet the memory requirements to be labelled a Copilot+ PC, and they're mighty expensive, with the Intel Core Ultra 5 standard Surface with 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage being an eye-watering $1,299.

This is a shame as its initial assessment seems about right, in my estimation. 16 GB of memory is fine for most games, but 32 GB is ideal, especially for less casual gamers. I went for 32 GB of DDR5 memory in my own rig, and wouldn't want less, but I also reckon I play more than most.

Microsoft Surface 9

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The memory crisis may be a problem for Microsoft, as suggested by a dip in console sales (though this 29% decline could be somewhat attributed to the life cycle of the console and tariffs raising prices), but the company's AI usage is also one of the larger contributors to the mess in the first place. The end consumer is paying for the expansion of AI in many ways, but the most pressing to a PC gamer is the fact that they're paying more and more for less storage and memory.

As such, it would probably be a bad look for Microsoft to recommend 32 GB when its latest Surface Pro device will fetch a minimum of $2,750 to get so much memory. And Microsoft seems unlikely to backtrack on this pricing for some time. Samsung, one of the big three memory manufacturers, reckons we will see a "severe" memory supply crisis next year and "Beyond 2029, it is hard to say because of more limited visibility."

AMD did a similar thing recently. After arguing gamers should look to "Game beyond 4 GB [of VRAM]" back in 2020, it has just recently launched a 4 GB graphics card, the RX 9050.

While these big companies continue to put more and more funding into AI, we'll just have to sit with our meagre supplies of memory until it all blows over. Here's hoping 2029 is the year things get better. Or is it 2030?

]]> <![CDATA[ Gamers report a BIOS update is bricking their Legion Go handhelds, and Lenovo is quoting over $250 to fix the issue outside of warranty ]]> Though it's a chunky handheld gaming PC, we highly rated the original Lenovo Legion Go (though we liked the Legion Go S SteamOS a fair bit more). Unfortunately, owners of the two-year old hardware are now reporting that a recent BIOS update is bricking their handhelds.

The BIOS update in question is version N3CN42WW for the Legion Go 8APU1. At time of writing, this was still available from Lenovo's support servers, despite user reports of black screens and ineffective BIOS self-healing following the update.

In a recent post to the r/LegionGo subreddit, moderators have advised users to not update and to 'just comment with +1 if you are [affected].' Beyond this, the scope of the issue (and whether every Lenovo Legion Go is affected) is still unclear.

One Redditor claims that when they reached out to Lenovo directly, the company allegedly quoted them a little over €237 (about $273) to repair their Lenovo Legion Go (via VideoCardz). This was because the Redditor's device warranty had recently expired. Lenovo is otherwise still repairing or replacing handhelds free of charge for those whose devices still fall within warranty.

One commenter wrote, "Had the same issue, I just [paid around €120 to reactivate] the warranty, I want them to repair it, not at my cost. This is insane."

At least one other Redditor has taken matters into their own hands with a fairly non-standard recovery approach of direct SPI programming. PitStop Computers has also reported on its attempts to find a fix. Despite all of the aforementioned reports, Lenovo has not yet issued an advisory notice about the latest version of the BIOS.

Long story short, if you've not recently updated your Lenovo Legion Go, sticking with an older BIOS version is probably best for now. If you have updated and are experiencing issues on a device with active warranty coverage, reaching out to Lenovo remains your best bet. Should reaching out to Lenovo not be an option for you, you may want to explore rolling your device back to BIOS version N3CN40WW.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/gamers-report-a-bios-update-is-bricking-their-legion-go-handhelds-and-lenovo-is-quoting-over-usd250-to-fix-the-issue-outside-of-warranty/ CoNWjBqGm2kpcEh2PYFTtd Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:59:14 +0000 false false false

Though it's a chunky handheld gaming PC, we highly rated the original Lenovo Legion Go (though we liked the Legion Go S SteamOS a fair bit more). Unfortunately, owners of the two-year old hardware are now reporting that a recent BIOS update is bricking their handhelds.

The BIOS update in question is version N3CN42WW for the Legion Go 8APU1. At time of writing, this was still available from Lenovo's support servers, despite user reports of black screens and ineffective BIOS self-healing following the update.

In a recent post to the r/LegionGo subreddit, moderators have advised users to not update and to 'just comment with +1 if you are [affected].' Beyond this, the scope of the issue (and whether every Lenovo Legion Go is affected) is still unclear.

One Redditor claims that when they reached out to Lenovo directly, the company allegedly quoted them a little over €237 (about $273) to repair their Lenovo Legion Go (via VideoCardz). This was because the Redditor's device warranty had recently expired. Lenovo is otherwise still repairing or replacing handhelds free of charge for those whose devices still fall within warranty.

One commenter wrote, "Had the same issue, I just [paid around €120 to reactivate] the warranty, I want them to repair it, not at my cost. This is insane."

At least one other Redditor has taken matters into their own hands with a fairly non-standard recovery approach of direct SPI programming. PitStop Computers has also reported on its attempts to find a fix. Despite all of the aforementioned reports, Lenovo has not yet issued an advisory notice about the latest version of the BIOS.

Long story short, if you've not recently updated your Lenovo Legion Go, sticking with an older BIOS version is probably best for now. If you have updated and are experiencing issues on a device with active warranty coverage, reaching out to Lenovo remains your best bet. Should reaching out to Lenovo not be an option for you, you may want to explore rolling your device back to BIOS version N3CN40WW.

]]> <![CDATA[ MacBook Neo outperforms Dell XPS 13 in Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark—though I wouldn't recommend gaming on either notebook ]]> Remember those 'I'm a Mac, and I'm a PC' ad spots from years ago? Such platform rivalry feels like old, mouldering hat these days (especially to a console-gaming interloper like me). That said, we live in a world where both the MacBook Neo and the Dell XPS 13, two notebooks alike in dignity, are vying for the crown of 'most affordable entry-level notebook' at $699 a piece.

The rivalry is old news, though a fresh twist in the tale is that apparently large Microsoft Word files actually open faster on the MacBook Neo. Independent testing carried out by PhoneBuff found that the Neo opened a 500-page Word document in a hair over 7 seconds, whereas a similarly specced Dell XPS 13 took 12 seconds (via Windows Latest).

It's quite the upset—you'd think that after all these years, Microsoft would offer the optimum Word Doc experience within Windows. To add insult to injury, the MacBook Neo doesn't even have Apple's speedy M-series silicon, but instead features what is essentially a repurposed phone chip in the A18 Pro. Though, to be fair, this 'mere' phone chip is still comparable to older M-series chips.

Notebooks like this can handle more than just note-taking. The Dell XPS 13 features an Intel Core 5 320 (a stripped-down version of the Panther Lake chips we like a lot), which should offer plenty of other opportunities to shine throughout PhoneBuff's testing. For instance, on startup the Dell XPS 13 races to the desktop in 24 seconds. The MacBook Neo takes very nearly twice as long, clocking in at 40 seconds. Mind you, that may not really be an, ahem, apples to apples comparsion as the notebooks are running two different operating systems.

But as both of the laptops tested were configured with only 8 GB of RAM, you'd perhaps expect this to be a closer run thing. PhoneBuff's battery efficiency and creative workload tests are a lot more variable, but there's only one thing that I'm interested in here: gaming performance.

Origami Linux on a Dell XPS 13 laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Cyberpunk 2077 on a notebook? It's more likely than you think—though with some caveats, obviously. The MacBook Neo loaded up CD Projekt Red's techno dystopia in a hair under 41 seconds, whereas the Dell XPS 13 managed it in 55. When it comes to the game benchmark, though, you can't even attempt to run it at ultra settings on the Dell XPS 13.

Otherwise, when running fullscreen, the XPS 13 averages 16 fps in the benchmark, whereas the MacBook Neo averages almost 20 fps. Now, the MacBook Neo outperforming the Dell was not something I was expecting. Though I also wouldn't necessarily call 20 fps 'playable,' let alone 'enjoyable'.

Our Ian managed to get the MacBook Neo to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 30 FPS in his own testing earlier this year. He writes in his review, "The downside is that to get this, you need to dip below Steam Deck settings, using the Low graphics profile, with the resolution at 720p, and with MetalFX upscaling in performance mode. That's not great, and looks a little soft thanks to all the upscaling going on, but at least it is technically playable."

Personally, I think I'll be sticking with my rig for Cyberpunk 2077—though either notebook might still get a look in for less hardware-intensive indie releases and visual novels.

If you manage your gaming expectations accordingly, then the XPS 13's 13-inch OLED touch display is nothing to sneeze at. The XPS 13's OLED also enjoys P3 colour gamut, meaning it supports a slightly wider range of colours than the MacBook Neo. Furthermore, its 120 Hz refresh rate is twice that of the MacBook Neo's screen—at the very least, scrolling through a webpage will feel a smidge smoother on the Dell, even if its Intel Core 5 320 chip will struggle to keep up with your competitive favourites.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/macbook-neo-outperforms-dell-xps-13-in-cyberpunk-2077-benchmark-though-i-wouldnt-recommend-gaming-on-either-notebook/ ZW4hAbnUawmHze9eGgaL4Q Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:24:56 +0000 false false false

Remember those 'I'm a Mac, and I'm a PC' ad spots from years ago? Such platform rivalry feels like old, mouldering hat these days (especially to a console-gaming interloper like me). That said, we live in a world where both the MacBook Neo and the Dell XPS 13, two notebooks alike in dignity, are vying for the crown of 'most affordable entry-level notebook' at $699 a piece.

The rivalry is old news, though a fresh twist in the tale is that apparently large Microsoft Word files actually open faster on the MacBook Neo. Independent testing carried out by PhoneBuff found that the Neo opened a 500-page Word document in a hair over 7 seconds, whereas a similarly specced Dell XPS 13 took 12 seconds (via Windows Latest).

It's quite the upset—you'd think that after all these years, Microsoft would offer the optimum Word Doc experience within Windows. To add insult to injury, the MacBook Neo doesn't even have Apple's speedy M-series silicon, but instead features what is essentially a repurposed phone chip in the A18 Pro. Though, to be fair, this 'mere' phone chip is still comparable to older M-series chips.

Notebooks like this can handle more than just note-taking. The Dell XPS 13 features an Intel Core 5 320 (a stripped-down version of the Panther Lake chips we like a lot), which should offer plenty of other opportunities to shine throughout PhoneBuff's testing. For instance, on startup the Dell XPS 13 races to the desktop in 24 seconds. The MacBook Neo takes very nearly twice as long, clocking in at 40 seconds. Mind you, that may not really be an, ahem, apples to apples comparsion as the notebooks are running two different operating systems.

But as both of the laptops tested were configured with only 8 GB of RAM, you'd perhaps expect this to be a closer run thing. PhoneBuff's battery efficiency and creative workload tests are a lot more variable, but there's only one thing that I'm interested in here: gaming performance.

Origami Linux on a Dell XPS 13 laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Cyberpunk 2077 on a notebook? It's more likely than you think—though with some caveats, obviously. The MacBook Neo loaded up CD Projekt Red's techno dystopia in a hair under 41 seconds, whereas the Dell XPS 13 managed it in 55. When it comes to the game benchmark, though, you can't even attempt to run it at ultra settings on the Dell XPS 13.

Otherwise, when running fullscreen, the XPS 13 averages 16 fps in the benchmark, whereas the MacBook Neo averages almost 20 fps. Now, the MacBook Neo outperforming the Dell was not something I was expecting. Though I also wouldn't necessarily call 20 fps 'playable,' let alone 'enjoyable'.

Our Ian managed to get the MacBook Neo to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 30 FPS in his own testing earlier this year. He writes in his review, "The downside is that to get this, you need to dip below Steam Deck settings, using the Low graphics profile, with the resolution at 720p, and with MetalFX upscaling in performance mode. That's not great, and looks a little soft thanks to all the upscaling going on, but at least it is technically playable."

Personally, I think I'll be sticking with my rig for Cyberpunk 2077—though either notebook might still get a look in for less hardware-intensive indie releases and visual novels.

If you manage your gaming expectations accordingly, then the XPS 13's 13-inch OLED touch display is nothing to sneeze at. The XPS 13's OLED also enjoys P3 colour gamut, meaning it supports a slightly wider range of colours than the MacBook Neo. Furthermore, its 120 Hz refresh rate is twice that of the MacBook Neo's screen—at the very least, scrolling through a webpage will feel a smidge smoother on the Dell, even if its Intel Core 5 320 chip will struggle to keep up with your competitive favourites.

]]> <![CDATA[ Razer Blade 16 (2026) review ]]> My, how the world can change in a year. The previous version of the Razer Blade 16 shot to the top of our best gaming laptop guide upon its release in 2025, thanks to its fantastic chassis design, great performance, and battery-powered gaming abilities, among other virtues. Yes, it was hugely expensive. But thanks to a stunning all round package, it was worth the money if you had the cash to splash.

Now I sit with the Razer Blade 16 (2026) in front of me—and on the surface, not a whole lot has changed. I've been provided with an RTX 5090-equipped config with 32 GB of DDR5, a 2 TB SSD, and a 240 Hz 16-inch OLED display, all wrapped up in the same chassis as the old model. So far, so brilliant. The major change to this refresh, though, is the addition of one of Intel's Panther Lake-based laptop processors, the Core Ultra 9 386H.

It's a very speedy gaming CPU, and a worthy addition to the Blade 16's armoury. But the thing I'm struggling with, as I'm sure you might have already guessed, is the price. Prepare yourself, folks. This particular Blade 16 costs, and there's no getting round it, $4,900/£4,800.

That's $400 more than the previous RTX 5090-equipped Blade, and, as usual, you can largely blame the memory crisis. But for this sort of price, I'm not quite as convinced by the Blade 16 as I used to be. It's still a sumptuous, fabulous machine, and I'd have one in a heartbeat if I had all the money in the world. But I'd also have a gold-plated Lamborghini and a spare room made of chocolate, while I'm at it.

Which is to say, it's become more difficult to justify the Blade 16's value for this sort of moolah. It's super-portable for a 16-inch machine, and that's worth a lot. It's a wonderfully-premium object, too, with a fantastic screen. And it gets good battery life, all the while running relatively quietly if you drop it down into Balanced mode. It's very… civilised. And I love that.

But spending nearly five grand on an RTX 5090 gaming laptop that can be soundly beaten in the performance stakes by the often-cheaper, RTX 5080-toting Lenovo Legion Pro 7i? The idea of it stops me in my tracks. Is the Razer better in many other ways? Undoubtedly. But the price to performance delta is now skewed, and that gives me the odd doubt.

There are cheaper, lesser-GPUed models of the Blade 16 available, and if I was buying one with my own money, that's where I'd be looking. The Razer Blade 16 is an astonishing piece of engineering, and rarely have I wanted a gaming laptop more. But crucially, I think its MSRP across the range is now substantial enough to keep me awake at night—and as a result, I've got to knock it down by a peg or two.

Buy if...

✅ You want the ultimate slim and light gaming machine: Some laptops are faster, it's true. But if you want something skinny that either excels, or punches hard in every single category a gaming laptop can be tested in, the Blade 16 is for you.

✅ You want a stunning chassis: The Blade 16 still has the best chassis design of any gaming laptop we've ever come across, and slips into most backpacks with ease.

Don't buy if...

❌ You're watching your pennies: There's no getting round it, every single model of Blade 16 is very pricey given the hardware inside. Cheaper than some, though.

❌ You want maximum performance: Slim and light gaming laptops come with compromises, so you can find higher frame rates (and much chonkier chassis designs) elsewhere.

Razer Blade (2026) features

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop in front of a TV with a neon sign in the background

(Image credit: Future)
Razer Blade 16 tested specs

Razer Blade 16 (2026)

Razer Blade 16 (2025)

CPU

Intel Core UItra 9 386H

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (175 W Max TGP)

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (175 W Max TGP)

Memory

32 GB LPDDR5X-9600

32 GB LPDDR5-8000

Storage

2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Expansion slots

2 x M.2 NVMe (one used)

2 x M.2 NVMe (one used)

Display

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

Dimensions

14.9 ~ 17.4 x 250.5 x 355 mm | 0.59 ~ 0.69 x 9.86 x 13.98 inches

14.9 ~ 17.4 x 250.5 x 355 mm | 0.59 ~ 0.69 x 9.86 x 13.98 inches

Battery

90 Whr

90 Whr

Weight

2.14 kg / 4.71 lbs​

2.14 kg / 4.71 lbs​

Price

$4,900 / £4,800

$4,500 / £3,900

The 2026 version of the Blade 16 is still a lush device, and my review sample has a specs sheet to be proud of. The major internal change over our previously tested model comes in the form of the Panther Lake-based Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor, which replaces the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 found in last year's top-spec config.

It's a 16-core CPU, which breaks down into four Performance cores, eight Efficient, and four Low Power Efficient types. That core distribution might sound a little weak on paper, but in practice it adds up to create a powerful gaming chip, with a 4.9 GHz max boost frequency and a maximum boosted power draw of 80 W.

Unfortunately, the iGPU here isn't the Arc B390 found in Intel's top-of-the-line Panther Lake chips, which feels like a bit of an omission. Instead you get a four Xe3-cored "Intel Graphics" tile, which means that for battery-based gaming you're probably going to want to lean on the dGPU. Which in this case is a beastly RTX 5090 mobile chip capable of maxing out at a 175 W TGP.

It'll sip much less power than that in practice, of course, and you'll need a Razer cooling pad to enable its potential top wattage figure. Still, the lack of a feisty iGPU is a missed opportunity for genuinely mobile gaming, if you ask me.

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop on white gravel
Future
A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop on a wooden desk
Future
A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop on a wooden desk, half closed
Future
The left hand side of the Razer Blade 16 2026 gaming laptop, showing the USB ports and power cable
Future
The keyboard of the Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop, lit up in green
Future

Lower-specced variants of the Blade 16 are available, going all the way down to an RTX 5060/Ryzen AI 9 365 config with 16 GB of DDR5 and a 1 TB SSD. Even this "bottom-spec" model, though, has an eye-watering price given the hardware inside. It's $2,400, to be precise. Oof.

Still, my top-end sample is well-equipped no matter which way you look at it. It's got 32 GB of LPDDR5X-9600, a 2 TB Gen4 SSD, and a truly stunning 240 Hz OLED display, complete with DisplayHDR TrueBlack1000 certification.

Every other laptop manufacturer should take a look at Razer's efforts and make notes

It's still one of the best panels I've had the pleasure of setting my eyes upon—although it's got some serious competition in the form of the new ROG Nebula OLED displays found in the latest Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 models.

All this high-end hardware comes wrapped in a chassis that still stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Blade 16 is astonishingly slim given the components inside, and its crisp-edged, all-business frame feels like the pinnacle of gaming laptop design.

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop outside on white gravel

(Image credit: Future)

I say all business, but it's still got a big, neon green Razer logo on the back and an RGB-lit keyboard. You can always turn the lighting off, but I quite like the contrast it creates. Gamer executive chic? Something like that, anyway.

The keyboard has more travel than you might expect from a low-profile unit, and my typing accuracy has noticeably improved when clicking away at its keys on the go. As for the trackpad? It's glorious, with a large, smooth-yet-tactile surface and ultra-responsive clicks.

Every other laptop manufacturer should take a look at Razer's efforts here and make notes. Simply put, every part of the Blade 16 looks and feels top notch. It's amazing what huge gobs of cash will buy, isn't it?

Razer Blade (2026) performance

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop being held up to the sky

(Image credit: Future)

Jumping straight into the 1080p benchmarks, it's clear that the new Intel chip has done the Blade 16 some good when it comes to gaming performance. In Baldur's Gate 3, the newly-sharpened Blade manages to pull an impressive 21 fps lead in the averages over its older AMD-chipped sibling, with substantially higher 1% lows to boot.

1080p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1080p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
66
44
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
52
39
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
63
34
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
68
38
020406080
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H66 Avg FPS, 44 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H52 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 37063 Avg FPS, 34 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX68 Avg FPS, 38 1% Low FPS
The Blade 16 (2026) is comfortably faster than the previous version in most of my 1080p gaming benchmarks, although the Legion 7i Pro remains supreme.

In Cyberpunk 2077, though, that lead shrinks to a mere 3 fps average, albeit with 10 frames gained in the 1% lows. The Blade 16 also beats the new Asus G16 quite handily, although runs into some trouble when faced with the mighty Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10.

The Lenovo machine also scorches ahead in Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, leaving every other lappy on this chart firmly in its wake. It's a good example of how some high-wattage components in a chonkier laptop chassis can gulp down power, spin up the fans, and pull beyond their weight under duress.

1600p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
39
30
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
31
24
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
39
29
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
40
28
010203040
Cyberpunk 2077 (Native res. RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H39 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H31 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 37039 Avg FPS, 29 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX40 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS
The 2026 Blade 16 beats its older sibling at 1600p, and gains a decent overall lead on the RTX 5080-equipped G16—but the Legion Pro 7i still rules the roost.

At 1600p, the 2026 Blade 16 is virtually tied with both the older model and the Legion Pro 7i in Cyberpunk 2077. However, the Lenovo lappy knocks all our other machines for six in Baldur's Gate 3 and Black Myth Wukong.

Despite the Legion being an RTX 5080-equipped machine, it's got a tendency to power ahead of many other gaming laptops (including some of the RTX 5090-equipped ones) thanks to a brace of very powerful cooling fans, a monstrous 24-core Intel CPU, and a larger chassis. Thermal throttling will hold back performance with any machine, and the Lenovo is better at letting its hardware run wild and free.

It's a much heftier beast, though. While you could certainly shove its substantial, 6 lbs, rear-lipped chassis into a backpack, it's a laptop that focuses on raw performance over portability. By contrast, what the Blade 16 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 are aiming for is a balance between gaming chops and day-to-day usability.

Real-world gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution with Quality upscaling enabled, and frame gen. where applicable

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
112
75
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
95
79
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
104
73
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
124
83
037.575112.5150
Cyberpunk 2077 (1600p, RT Ultra + upscaling, 2x FG) Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H112 Avg FPS, 75 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H95 Avg FPS, 79 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370104 Avg FPS, 73 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX124 Avg FPS, 83 1% Low FPS
It's a pretty convincing win for the Blade 16 over two of our tested machines on average, but here comes the Legion to spoil the party once more.

Add some upscaling and frame generation into the equation, and the Blade 16 pulls ahead of both the Asus and the previous model by substantial amounts in two of my benches. The Legion Pro 7i, though, gives it a pasting in Cyberpunk and Black Myth once more, although drops a single frame behind it on average in F1 24, with worse 1% lows.

What we're seeing here is the difference between a full fat, slightly old-school gaming laptop design with modern components, versus three slim and light machines designed to be taken on the road. While the Blade 16's gaming performance has definitely been improved by the addition of a new Intel chip, it's worth noting that better raw performance (for cheaper) can still be found elsewhere.

Gaming GPU usage

Average GPU frequency and power usage recorded during multiple Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition benchmark runs

GPU stats

Avg GPU freq. (MHz)
Avg GPU power (W)
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1853
143
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1868.53
112
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
1874
106
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
2375
127
07501,5002,2503,000
GPU stats Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1853 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 143 Avg GPU power (W)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1868.53 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 112 Avg GPU power (W)
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 3701874 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 106 Avg GPU power (W)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX2375 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 127 Avg GPU power (W)
The Blade 16 (2026) seems happier to send more juice to its GPU than the older model, but the average frequency is still significantly lower than the RTX 5080 in the Legion Pro 7i.

Looking at the GPU frequency figures, we can start to see where the Legion Pro 7i finds its extra grunt. While it's got toastier temps overall, the Lenovo machine's RTX 5080 is allowed to clock much higher than the other mobile GPUs on this chart.

CPU performance

CPU performance figures taken from the Cinebench R24 single-core and multi-core benchmarks

Cinebench 2024

Multi-core index score
Single-core index score
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1200
124
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1215
124
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
1246
118
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
2039
138
07501,5002,2503,000
Cinebench 2024 Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1200 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1215 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 3701246 Multi-core index score, 118 Single-core index score
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX2039 Multi-core index score, 138 Single-core index score
The Core Ultra 9 386H found in both the new Blade 16 and the G16 is plenty quick—although the 24-core chip in the Legion Pro 7i is a genuine monster.

As for productivity, the Cinebench R24 benchmark shows the Core Ultra 9 386H tracking near-identically in both the Blade 16 and the new Asus G16. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is ahead by a nose in the multi-core stakes, but a little off the pace of both in terms of single-core performance.

But here comes the Legion Pro 7i once more, with its 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX streaking ahead in both benches. It's no great surprise given the big Intel chip's fearsome specs sheet, but it's still impressive to see how far one of Intel's higher-core-count Arrow Lake CPUs can pull ahead when given room to breathe.

Razer Blade 2026 thermals

The backside of a Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop, showing the rear fan exhausts

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to fan noise, the Blade 16 is a bit of a hairdryer in Turbo mode, which is where you'll get the performance figures above. It keeps its component temperatures decently in check while gaming, but the fan noise is very intrusive.

You can say the same about just about any gaming laptop running at full tilt, though, and I've certainly heard worse. Much, much worse, now I come to think of it.

Real-world gaming temperatures

Gaming temperature results recorded during multiple Metro Exodus EE runs

Gaming temperatures

Avg CPU (°C)
Max CPU (°C)
Avg GPU (°C)
Max GPU (°C)
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
82
98
62
77
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
72
98
69
77
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
86
95
82
86
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
94
105
74
79
037.575112.5150
Gaming temperatures Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H82 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 62 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H72 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 69 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 37086 Avg CPU (°C), 95 Max CPU (°C), 82 Avg GPU (°C), 86 Max GPU (°C)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX94 Avg CPU (°C), 105 Max CPU (°C), 74 Avg GPU (°C), 79 Max GPU (°C)
The new Razer Blade 16 is better at keeping its GPU chilled than our 2025 test sample, although the CPU runs a little hotter.

Drop the Blade 16 down into its Balanced power mode, and the fan noise, temps, and component speeds drop with it. It's remarkably quiet at these settings, although as you would expect, this does affect the gaming performance.

I recorded a 12 fps lower result in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1600p with Quality upscaling and frame gen enabled, resulting in a 100 fps average with 68 fps 1% lows. That's still plenty fast enough for me, and likely where I'd keep the Blade 16 at all times if I owned one myself.

And therein lies the Blade 16's party trick. When you combine its portability, good frame rates at Balanced power settings, and the still-decent battery life you'll see below, the whole package starts to make a lot more sense. It's capable of being civilised in a way most high-powered laptops are not, and that goes a significant way towards justifying the expense.

Razer Blade 2026 battery life

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop standing on its end in an open position

(Image credit: Future)

The new Blade 16 claims to have better overall battery life than the older model, but when it comes to my gaming test figures, that doesn't prove out. To keep things even, all of our laptops are tested by setting screen brightness to 50%, disabling the Wi-Fi, and unplugging them from the wall—which, in the Blade 16's case, causes the software to switch into a Balanced power mode.

A 102 minute score is pretty good going, but it's still significantly lower than the previous model.

Gaming battery life

Results recorded in the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test, with screen brightness set to 50% and Wi-Fi disabled

PCMark 10 gaming battery life test

Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
102
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
117
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
135
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
73
037.575112.5150
PCMark 10 gaming battery life test Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H102
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H117
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370135
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX73
The new Blade 16 drops significantly behind the previous model in this particular test, although it's still a long way ahead of the Legion Pro 7i.

Synapse has an extra Battery Saver setting that lowers the power draw even further, though, so for extra points I enabled it and ran the test again. This resulted in an extra six minutes or so of battery life, which isn't exactly mindblowing. Given the limited gains, I'd prefer to keep the performance of Balanced mode while I was gaming on the go.

Regardless, although the 2026 version of the Blade can't match the older model for gaming battery life in my regular testing, it's still an impressive result when compared to the Legion Pro 7i—which puts the difference between these machines in stark contrast.

You might get more performance elsewhere for your cash, but if you want usable battery life and gaming chops, you'll be paying for it. The Blade 16 might not be the fastest gaming laptop on the planet, but when it comes to travel convenience, it's still a fearsome contender.

Razer Blade 2026 aesthetics

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop on carpet

(Image credit: Future)

The Blade 16 is a truly gorgeous machine. The crisp chassis design, stealthed-out colour palette and trim corners create a moody, purposeful aesthetic that I can't get enough of. This Razer lappy is here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, and guess what? It's all out of Hubba Bubba.

In all seriousness, this is a gaming laptop with the gamer aesthetic tastefully reigned in, which means it wouldn't look out of place in your next business meeting, or on the train to work. It's still got a big neon green Razer logo on the back and an RGB keyboard, but both can be turned off for the true stealth experience. It's lean, mean, and beautifully well-made.

The 240 Hz OLED panel of the Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)

And while we're on aesthetics, I have to rave about the Blade 16's 240 Hz OLED display. You can spot this panel from across a crowded room, as I have done at many tech conferences and events. It's stunningly vibrant without appearing over-saturated, and has caused me to stare gormlessly at benchmark demos running in the background that I'd ordinarily glance at with indifference. And the contrast levels? Sumptuous.

I've spent a lot of time gaming on many different OLED displays, and they're usually very impressive. This one, though? It still stands out from the crowd.

Razer Blade (2026) software

Razer Synapse display settings running on the Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop

(Image credit: Razer)

No laptop software is perfect, and Razer Synapse is no exception. Still, it's pretty straightforward to configure, with clearly laid-out presets for Silent, Balanced, and Performance modes to help reign in some of the fan noise (and the performance, naturally) when attached to the wall.

CPU and GPU power settings can be custom configured for the plugged in modes, but the battery options limit you to Balanced and Battery Saver power presets—although you can still switch the fans between an automatic mode and a fixed speed option within the menus.

I'd like to see some more manual power configuration options while on battery, but alas, the software suddenly changes from "do what you like" to "not on my watch, buddy." Otherwise, there are plenty of settings to play with. The display, speakers, keyboard, trackpad, and lighting can be tuned to your preferences, and there's a floating bar along the top showing you real time data for your CPU and GPU temps, fan speeds, and more.

There's also a Battery Health Optimizer, which can be manually set to prevent the battery from topping itself up to the maximum, extending its overall lifespan. It's nothing revolutionary, but the Synapse integration feels reasonably comprehensive and easy enough to mess with, even if it's not quite as granular as something like Lenovo's LegionSpace solution.

Razer Blade (2026) value

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop on white gravel, with its screen tilted

(Image credit: Future)

The Razer Blade (2026) is now substantially more expensive than the previous model, and the new CPU isn't really to blame. The memory crisis has torn its way through the gaming laptop market, and the Blade 16 is far from immune. Which means that many of the Blade 16's competitors have also jumped in price. But now it's sitting perilously close to the five grand mark, a gaming laptop I genuinely adore is suddenly a tougher sell.

Our Dave gave the previous version's performance a solid thumbs up, even though it was off the pace when compared to some heftier, far-less-portable machines. It was quieter, more refined, more pleasant to live with. And that offset some of the benchmark quibbles, an opinion I very much agree with for the newer model.

However, while the much-faster (and much chonkier) Lenovo Legion Pro 7i can often be found for significantly less, I can't help but wonder how much the Blade's ultra-premium, ultra-portable design is actually worth. More, certainly. But substantially more? It's a very difficult thing to square.

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

There is a silver lining, though. The RTX 5080 Blade 16, with the same speedy Intel chip (albeit with a 1 TB SSD), can be found for $4,000. The RTX 5070 Ti version is cheaper still, at $3,500. And while these are still eye-watering sums for a gaming laptop, you can buy a lot of the best things the Blade has to offer for a substantially lower price.

The Razer Blade 16 is a fabulous machine, there's absolutely no doubt. If I had a huge amount of disposable cash to spend, I'd spec one out with relatively little thought. It screams desirability from every angle, and I've loved spending time with my review sample. Plus, it's still one of the easiest 16-inch machines to stuff in your bag and take on your next flight.

But at these prices, I think some of the Blade 16's drawbacks start to weigh more heavily upon its svelte frame. It's still one of the best gaming laptops money can buy—but for this sort of cash, I think it's lost just a touch of its shine.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/razer-blade-16-2026-review/ 7ysLkANjhLkLSSTYSuTMVV Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:44:57 +0000 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:22:41 +0000 false false false

My, how the world can change in a year. The previous version of the Razer Blade 16 shot to the top of our best gaming laptop guide upon its release in 2025, thanks to its fantastic chassis design, great performance, and battery-powered gaming abilities, among other virtues. Yes, it was hugely expensive. But thanks to a stunning all round package, it was worth the money if you had the cash to splash.

Now I sit with the Razer Blade 16 (2026) in front of me—and on the surface, not a whole lot has changed. I've been provided with an RTX 5090-equipped config with 32 GB of DDR5, a 2 TB SSD, and a 240 Hz 16-inch OLED display, all wrapped up in the same chassis as the old model. So far, so brilliant. The major change to this refresh, though, is the addition of one of Intel's Panther Lake-based laptop processors, the Core Ultra 9 386H.

It's a very speedy gaming CPU, and a worthy addition to the Blade 16's armoury. But the thing I'm struggling with, as I'm sure you might have already guessed, is the price. Prepare yourself, folks. This particular Blade 16 costs, and there's no getting round it, $4,900/£4,800.

That's $400 more than the previous RTX 5090-equipped Blade, and, as usual, you can largely blame the memory crisis. But for this sort of price, I'm not quite as convinced by the Blade 16 as I used to be. It's still a sumptuous, fabulous machine, and I'd have one in a heartbeat if I had all the money in the world. But I'd also have a gold-plated Lamborghini and a spare room made of chocolate, while I'm at it.

Which is to say, it's become more difficult to justify the Blade 16's value for this sort of moolah. It's super-portable for a 16-inch machine, and that's worth a lot. It's a wonderfully-premium object, too, with a fantastic screen. And it gets good battery life, all the while running relatively quietly if you drop it down into Balanced mode. It's very… civilised. And I love that.

But spending nearly five grand on an RTX 5090 gaming laptop that can be soundly beaten in the performance stakes by the often-cheaper, RTX 5080-toting Lenovo Legion Pro 7i? The idea of it stops me in my tracks. Is the Razer better in many other ways? Undoubtedly. But the price to performance delta is now skewed, and that gives me the odd doubt.

There are cheaper, lesser-GPUed models of the Blade 16 available, and if I was buying one with my own money, that's where I'd be looking. The Razer Blade 16 is an astonishing piece of engineering, and rarely have I wanted a gaming laptop more. But crucially, I think its MSRP across the range is now substantial enough to keep me awake at night—and as a result, I've got to knock it down by a peg or two.

Buy if...

✅ You want the ultimate slim and light gaming machine: Some laptops are faster, it's true. But if you want something skinny that either excels, or punches hard in every single category a gaming laptop can be tested in, the Blade 16 is for you.

✅ You want a stunning chassis: The Blade 16 still has the best chassis design of any gaming laptop we've ever come across, and slips into most backpacks with ease.

Don't buy if...

❌ You're watching your pennies: There's no getting round it, every single model of Blade 16 is very pricey given the hardware inside. Cheaper than some, though.

❌ You want maximum performance: Slim and light gaming laptops come with compromises, so you can find higher frame rates (and much chonkier chassis designs) elsewhere.

Razer Blade (2026) features

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop in front of a TV with a neon sign in the background

(Image credit: Future)
Razer Blade 16 tested specs

Razer Blade 16 (2026)

Razer Blade 16 (2025)

CPU

Intel Core UItra 9 386H

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (175 W Max TGP)

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (175 W Max TGP)

Memory

32 GB LPDDR5X-9600

32 GB LPDDR5-8000

Storage

2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Expansion slots

2 x M.2 NVMe (one used)

2 x M.2 NVMe (one used)

Display

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz

Dimensions

14.9 ~ 17.4 x 250.5 x 355 mm | 0.59 ~ 0.69 x 9.86 x 13.98 inches

14.9 ~ 17.4 x 250.5 x 355 mm | 0.59 ~ 0.69 x 9.86 x 13.98 inches

Battery

90 Whr

90 Whr

Weight

2.14 kg / 4.71 lbs​

2.14 kg / 4.71 lbs​

Price

$4,900 / £4,800

$4,500 / £3,900

The 2026 version of the Blade 16 is still a lush device, and my review sample has a specs sheet to be proud of. The major internal change over our previously tested model comes in the form of the Panther Lake-based Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor, which replaces the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 found in last year's top-spec config.

It's a 16-core CPU, which breaks down into four Performance cores, eight Efficient, and four Low Power Efficient types. That core distribution might sound a little weak on paper, but in practice it adds up to create a powerful gaming chip, with a 4.9 GHz max boost frequency and a maximum boosted power draw of 80 W.

Unfortunately, the iGPU here isn't the Arc B390 found in Intel's top-of-the-line Panther Lake chips, which feels like a bit of an omission. Instead you get a four Xe3-cored "Intel Graphics" tile, which means that for battery-based gaming you're probably going to want to lean on the dGPU. Which in this case is a beastly RTX 5090 mobile chip capable of maxing out at a 175 W TGP.

It'll sip much less power than that in practice, of course, and you'll need a Razer cooling pad to enable its potential top wattage figure. Still, the lack of a feisty iGPU is a missed opportunity for genuinely mobile gaming, if you ask me.

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop on white gravel
Future
A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop on a wooden desk
Future
A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop on a wooden desk, half closed
Future
The left hand side of the Razer Blade 16 2026 gaming laptop, showing the USB ports and power cable
Future
The keyboard of the Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop, lit up in green
Future

Lower-specced variants of the Blade 16 are available, going all the way down to an RTX 5060/Ryzen AI 9 365 config with 16 GB of DDR5 and a 1 TB SSD. Even this "bottom-spec" model, though, has an eye-watering price given the hardware inside. It's $2,400, to be precise. Oof.

Still, my top-end sample is well-equipped no matter which way you look at it. It's got 32 GB of LPDDR5X-9600, a 2 TB Gen4 SSD, and a truly stunning 240 Hz OLED display, complete with DisplayHDR TrueBlack1000 certification.

Every other laptop manufacturer should take a look at Razer's efforts and make notes

It's still one of the best panels I've had the pleasure of setting my eyes upon—although it's got some serious competition in the form of the new ROG Nebula OLED displays found in the latest Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 models.

All this high-end hardware comes wrapped in a chassis that still stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Blade 16 is astonishingly slim given the components inside, and its crisp-edged, all-business frame feels like the pinnacle of gaming laptop design.

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop outside on white gravel

(Image credit: Future)

I say all business, but it's still got a big, neon green Razer logo on the back and an RGB-lit keyboard. You can always turn the lighting off, but I quite like the contrast it creates. Gamer executive chic? Something like that, anyway.

The keyboard has more travel than you might expect from a low-profile unit, and my typing accuracy has noticeably improved when clicking away at its keys on the go. As for the trackpad? It's glorious, with a large, smooth-yet-tactile surface and ultra-responsive clicks.

Every other laptop manufacturer should take a look at Razer's efforts here and make notes. Simply put, every part of the Blade 16 looks and feels top notch. It's amazing what huge gobs of cash will buy, isn't it?

Razer Blade (2026) performance

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop being held up to the sky

(Image credit: Future)

Jumping straight into the 1080p benchmarks, it's clear that the new Intel chip has done the Blade 16 some good when it comes to gaming performance. In Baldur's Gate 3, the newly-sharpened Blade manages to pull an impressive 21 fps lead in the averages over its older AMD-chipped sibling, with substantially higher 1% lows to boot.

1080p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1080p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
66
44
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
52
39
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
63
34
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
68
38
020406080
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H66 Avg FPS, 44 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H52 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 37063 Avg FPS, 34 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX68 Avg FPS, 38 1% Low FPS
The Blade 16 (2026) is comfortably faster than the previous version in most of my 1080p gaming benchmarks, although the Legion 7i Pro remains supreme.

In Cyberpunk 2077, though, that lead shrinks to a mere 3 fps average, albeit with 10 frames gained in the 1% lows. The Blade 16 also beats the new Asus G16 quite handily, although runs into some trouble when faced with the mighty Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10.

The Lenovo machine also scorches ahead in Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, leaving every other lappy on this chart firmly in its wake. It's a good example of how some high-wattage components in a chonkier laptop chassis can gulp down power, spin up the fans, and pull beyond their weight under duress.

1600p gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
39
30
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
31
24
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
39
29
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
40
28
010203040
Cyberpunk 2077 (Native res. RT Ultra) Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H39 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H31 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 37039 Avg FPS, 29 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX40 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS
The 2026 Blade 16 beats its older sibling at 1600p, and gains a decent overall lead on the RTX 5080-equipped G16—but the Legion Pro 7i still rules the roost.

At 1600p, the 2026 Blade 16 is virtually tied with both the older model and the Legion Pro 7i in Cyberpunk 2077. However, the Lenovo lappy knocks all our other machines for six in Baldur's Gate 3 and Black Myth Wukong.

Despite the Legion being an RTX 5080-equipped machine, it's got a tendency to power ahead of many other gaming laptops (including some of the RTX 5090-equipped ones) thanks to a brace of very powerful cooling fans, a monstrous 24-core Intel CPU, and a larger chassis. Thermal throttling will hold back performance with any machine, and the Lenovo is better at letting its hardware run wild and free.

It's a much heftier beast, though. While you could certainly shove its substantial, 6 lbs, rear-lipped chassis into a backpack, it's a laptop that focuses on raw performance over portability. By contrast, what the Blade 16 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 are aiming for is a balance between gaming chops and day-to-day usability.

Real-world gaming performance

This chart shows average and 1% low frame rate results in various tested games at 1600p resolution with Quality upscaling enabled, and frame gen. where applicable

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
112
75
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
95
79
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
104
73
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
124
83
037.575112.5150
Cyberpunk 2077 (1600p, RT Ultra + upscaling, 2x FG) Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H112 Avg FPS, 75 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H95 Avg FPS, 79 1% Low FPS
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370104 Avg FPS, 73 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX124 Avg FPS, 83 1% Low FPS
It's a pretty convincing win for the Blade 16 over two of our tested machines on average, but here comes the Legion to spoil the party once more.

Add some upscaling and frame generation into the equation, and the Blade 16 pulls ahead of both the Asus and the previous model by substantial amounts in two of my benches. The Legion Pro 7i, though, gives it a pasting in Cyberpunk and Black Myth once more, although drops a single frame behind it on average in F1 24, with worse 1% lows.

What we're seeing here is the difference between a full fat, slightly old-school gaming laptop design with modern components, versus three slim and light machines designed to be taken on the road. While the Blade 16's gaming performance has definitely been improved by the addition of a new Intel chip, it's worth noting that better raw performance (for cheaper) can still be found elsewhere.

Gaming GPU usage

Average GPU frequency and power usage recorded during multiple Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition benchmark runs

GPU stats

Avg GPU freq. (MHz)
Avg GPU power (W)
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1853
143
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1868.53
112
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
1874
106
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
2375
127
07501,5002,2503,000
GPU stats Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1853 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 143 Avg GPU power (W)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1868.53 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 112 Avg GPU power (W)
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 3701874 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 106 Avg GPU power (W)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX2375 Avg GPU freq. (MHz), 127 Avg GPU power (W)
The Blade 16 (2026) seems happier to send more juice to its GPU than the older model, but the average frequency is still significantly lower than the RTX 5080 in the Legion Pro 7i.

Looking at the GPU frequency figures, we can start to see where the Legion Pro 7i finds its extra grunt. While it's got toastier temps overall, the Lenovo machine's RTX 5080 is allowed to clock much higher than the other mobile GPUs on this chart.

CPU performance

CPU performance figures taken from the Cinebench R24 single-core and multi-core benchmarks

Cinebench 2024

Multi-core index score
Single-core index score
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1200
124
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
1215
124
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
1246
118
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
2039
138
07501,5002,2503,000
Cinebench 2024 Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1200 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H1215 Multi-core index score, 124 Single-core index score
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 3701246 Multi-core index score, 118 Single-core index score
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX2039 Multi-core index score, 138 Single-core index score
The Core Ultra 9 386H found in both the new Blade 16 and the G16 is plenty quick—although the 24-core chip in the Legion Pro 7i is a genuine monster.

As for productivity, the Cinebench R24 benchmark shows the Core Ultra 9 386H tracking near-identically in both the Blade 16 and the new Asus G16. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is ahead by a nose in the multi-core stakes, but a little off the pace of both in terms of single-core performance.

But here comes the Legion Pro 7i once more, with its 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX streaking ahead in both benches. It's no great surprise given the big Intel chip's fearsome specs sheet, but it's still impressive to see how far one of Intel's higher-core-count Arrow Lake CPUs can pull ahead when given room to breathe.

Razer Blade 2026 thermals

The backside of a Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop, showing the rear fan exhausts

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to fan noise, the Blade 16 is a bit of a hairdryer in Turbo mode, which is where you'll get the performance figures above. It keeps its component temperatures decently in check while gaming, but the fan noise is very intrusive.

You can say the same about just about any gaming laptop running at full tilt, though, and I've certainly heard worse. Much, much worse, now I come to think of it.

Real-world gaming temperatures

Gaming temperature results recorded during multiple Metro Exodus EE runs

Gaming temperatures

Avg CPU (°C)
Max CPU (°C)
Avg GPU (°C)
Max GPU (°C)
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
82
98
62
77
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
72
98
69
77
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
86
95
82
86
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
94
105
74
79
037.575112.5150
Gaming temperatures Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H82 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 62 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H72 Avg CPU (°C), 98 Max CPU (°C), 69 Avg GPU (°C), 77 Max GPU (°C)
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 37086 Avg CPU (°C), 95 Max CPU (°C), 82 Avg GPU (°C), 86 Max GPU (°C)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX94 Avg CPU (°C), 105 Max CPU (°C), 74 Avg GPU (°C), 79 Max GPU (°C)
The new Razer Blade 16 is better at keeping its GPU chilled than our 2025 test sample, although the CPU runs a little hotter.

Drop the Blade 16 down into its Balanced power mode, and the fan noise, temps, and component speeds drop with it. It's remarkably quiet at these settings, although as you would expect, this does affect the gaming performance.

I recorded a 12 fps lower result in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1600p with Quality upscaling and frame gen enabled, resulting in a 100 fps average with 68 fps 1% lows. That's still plenty fast enough for me, and likely where I'd keep the Blade 16 at all times if I owned one myself.

And therein lies the Blade 16's party trick. When you combine its portability, good frame rates at Balanced power settings, and the still-decent battery life you'll see below, the whole package starts to make a lot more sense. It's capable of being civilised in a way most high-powered laptops are not, and that goes a significant way towards justifying the expense.

Razer Blade 2026 battery life

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop standing on its end in an open position

(Image credit: Future)

The new Blade 16 claims to have better overall battery life than the older model, but when it comes to my gaming test figures, that doesn't prove out. To keep things even, all of our laptops are tested by setting screen brightness to 50%, disabling the Wi-Fi, and unplugging them from the wall—which, in the Blade 16's case, causes the software to switch into a Balanced power mode.

A 102 minute score is pretty good going, but it's still significantly lower than the previous model.

Gaming battery life

Results recorded in the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test, with screen brightness set to 50% and Wi-Fi disabled

PCMark 10 gaming battery life test

Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
102
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H
117
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
135
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX
73
037.575112.5150
PCMark 10 gaming battery life test Data
ProductValue
Razer Blade 16 (2026) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H102
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) | RTX 5080 (135 W) | Core Ultra 9 386H117
Razer Blade 16 (2025) | RTX 5090 (175 W) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370135
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | RTX 5080 (175 W) | Core Ultra 9 275 HX73
The new Blade 16 drops significantly behind the previous model in this particular test, although it's still a long way ahead of the Legion Pro 7i.

Synapse has an extra Battery Saver setting that lowers the power draw even further, though, so for extra points I enabled it and ran the test again. This resulted in an extra six minutes or so of battery life, which isn't exactly mindblowing. Given the limited gains, I'd prefer to keep the performance of Balanced mode while I was gaming on the go.

Regardless, although the 2026 version of the Blade can't match the older model for gaming battery life in my regular testing, it's still an impressive result when compared to the Legion Pro 7i—which puts the difference between these machines in stark contrast.

You might get more performance elsewhere for your cash, but if you want usable battery life and gaming chops, you'll be paying for it. The Blade 16 might not be the fastest gaming laptop on the planet, but when it comes to travel convenience, it's still a fearsome contender.

Razer Blade 2026 aesthetics

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop on carpet

(Image credit: Future)

The Blade 16 is a truly gorgeous machine. The crisp chassis design, stealthed-out colour palette and trim corners create a moody, purposeful aesthetic that I can't get enough of. This Razer lappy is here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, and guess what? It's all out of Hubba Bubba.

In all seriousness, this is a gaming laptop with the gamer aesthetic tastefully reigned in, which means it wouldn't look out of place in your next business meeting, or on the train to work. It's still got a big neon green Razer logo on the back and an RGB keyboard, but both can be turned off for the true stealth experience. It's lean, mean, and beautifully well-made.

The 240 Hz OLED panel of the Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)

And while we're on aesthetics, I have to rave about the Blade 16's 240 Hz OLED display. You can spot this panel from across a crowded room, as I have done at many tech conferences and events. It's stunningly vibrant without appearing over-saturated, and has caused me to stare gormlessly at benchmark demos running in the background that I'd ordinarily glance at with indifference. And the contrast levels? Sumptuous.

I've spent a lot of time gaming on many different OLED displays, and they're usually very impressive. This one, though? It still stands out from the crowd.

Razer Blade (2026) software

Razer Synapse display settings running on the Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop

(Image credit: Razer)

No laptop software is perfect, and Razer Synapse is no exception. Still, it's pretty straightforward to configure, with clearly laid-out presets for Silent, Balanced, and Performance modes to help reign in some of the fan noise (and the performance, naturally) when attached to the wall.

CPU and GPU power settings can be custom configured for the plugged in modes, but the battery options limit you to Balanced and Battery Saver power presets—although you can still switch the fans between an automatic mode and a fixed speed option within the menus.

I'd like to see some more manual power configuration options while on battery, but alas, the software suddenly changes from "do what you like" to "not on my watch, buddy." Otherwise, there are plenty of settings to play with. The display, speakers, keyboard, trackpad, and lighting can be tuned to your preferences, and there's a floating bar along the top showing you real time data for your CPU and GPU temps, fan speeds, and more.

There's also a Battery Health Optimizer, which can be manually set to prevent the battery from topping itself up to the maximum, extending its overall lifespan. It's nothing revolutionary, but the Synapse integration feels reasonably comprehensive and easy enough to mess with, even if it's not quite as granular as something like Lenovo's LegionSpace solution.

Razer Blade (2026) value

A Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop on white gravel, with its screen tilted

(Image credit: Future)

The Razer Blade (2026) is now substantially more expensive than the previous model, and the new CPU isn't really to blame. The memory crisis has torn its way through the gaming laptop market, and the Blade 16 is far from immune. Which means that many of the Blade 16's competitors have also jumped in price. But now it's sitting perilously close to the five grand mark, a gaming laptop I genuinely adore is suddenly a tougher sell.

Our Dave gave the previous version's performance a solid thumbs up, even though it was off the pace when compared to some heftier, far-less-portable machines. It was quieter, more refined, more pleasant to live with. And that offset some of the benchmark quibbles, an opinion I very much agree with for the newer model.

However, while the much-faster (and much chonkier) Lenovo Legion Pro 7i can often be found for significantly less, I can't help but wonder how much the Blade's ultra-premium, ultra-portable design is actually worth. More, certainly. But substantially more? It's a very difficult thing to square.

A Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

There is a silver lining, though. The RTX 5080 Blade 16, with the same speedy Intel chip (albeit with a 1 TB SSD), can be found for $4,000. The RTX 5070 Ti version is cheaper still, at $3,500. And while these are still eye-watering sums for a gaming laptop, you can buy a lot of the best things the Blade has to offer for a substantially lower price.

The Razer Blade 16 is a fabulous machine, there's absolutely no doubt. If I had a huge amount of disposable cash to spend, I'd spec one out with relatively little thought. It screams desirability from every angle, and I've loved spending time with my review sample. Plus, it's still one of the easiest 16-inch machines to stuff in your bag and take on your next flight.

But at these prices, I think some of the Blade 16's drawbacks start to weigh more heavily upon its svelte frame. It's still one of the best gaming laptops money can buy—but for this sort of cash, I think it's lost just a touch of its shine.

]]> <![CDATA[ OEM Steam Deck LCD batteries are back in stock on iFixIt, but now cost $130 for just the part ]]> Last month I reported that replacement batteries for the original LCD version of the Steam Deck would return to the iFixIt store after a brief absence. Well, Valve sent more batteries, and you can purchase these replacements from iFixIt right now. Unfortunately, the replacement battery alone now costs $130.

Purchasing a new L-shaped battery without the kit bundle used to only set you back about $80. These new replacement parts for the Steam Deck LCD are still rated for 5200 mAh, and have the same 40 Wh capacity like the old ones, though they cost $50 more. That's a nearly 63% increase (via VideoCardz).

If you don't mind picking up a non-OEM part instead, iFixIt also offers an aftermarket version of the LCD battery for only 80 bucks. This was introduced as a stop-gap while Valve's batteries were out of stock, but they feature the same Watt and Milliamp Hour capacity.

It's also worth noting that you can purchase replacement batteries for the Steam Deck OLED from iFixIt too, though these still only cost $80. As it's for a newer model, the OLED batteries instead enjoy 50.08 Wh, and 6470 mAh. That's about 20% more capacity than the LCD Steam Deck, though its OEM batteries still cost $50 more.

As disappointing as it is, this price jump is perhaps unsurprising. For one thing, Valve quietly discontinued the LCD Steam Deck late last year. For another, in the midst of a memory supply crisis which is driving up the price of new gaming PC components by the day, more and more folks may be moving to fix up older hardware instead.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/oem-steam-deck-lcd-batteries-are-back-in-stock-on-ifixit-but-now-cost-usd130-for-just-the-part/ pAAxSCf45gMhycoaKMU9oS Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:01:57 +0000 false false false

Last month I reported that replacement batteries for the original LCD version of the Steam Deck would return to the iFixIt store after a brief absence. Well, Valve sent more batteries, and you can purchase these replacements from iFixIt right now. Unfortunately, the replacement battery alone now costs $130.

Purchasing a new L-shaped battery without the kit bundle used to only set you back about $80. These new replacement parts for the Steam Deck LCD are still rated for 5200 mAh, and have the same 40 Wh capacity like the old ones, though they cost $50 more. That's a nearly 63% increase (via VideoCardz).

If you don't mind picking up a non-OEM part instead, iFixIt also offers an aftermarket version of the LCD battery for only 80 bucks. This was introduced as a stop-gap while Valve's batteries were out of stock, but they feature the same Watt and Milliamp Hour capacity.

It's also worth noting that you can purchase replacement batteries for the Steam Deck OLED from iFixIt too, though these still only cost $80. As it's for a newer model, the OLED batteries instead enjoy 50.08 Wh, and 6470 mAh. That's about 20% more capacity than the LCD Steam Deck, though its OEM batteries still cost $50 more.

As disappointing as it is, this price jump is perhaps unsurprising. For one thing, Valve quietly discontinued the LCD Steam Deck late last year. For another, in the midst of a memory supply crisis which is driving up the price of new gaming PC components by the day, more and more folks may be moving to fix up older hardware instead.

]]> <![CDATA[ Steam Machine reservation queue should be caught up by the end of 2026, Valve says ]]> In a new update on Steam Machine sales, Valve says it's "fulfilling orders on a daily basis," and that it expects that everyone currently in the reservation queue will have an opportunity to purchase the machine they've been waiting for—by, uh, the end of the year.

Announced in June, Valve's system for determining who gets first crack at a Steam Machine was essentially a lottery. Signups were taken until June 25, after which all entries were randomized into a reservation order: Those near the top of the list were added to the reservation queue and would have a Steam Machine reserved for them, while everyone else was put on a waitlist, where they'd linger until more stock became available.

"With each reservation queue and corresponding waitlist being per-product, per-region, they can move at different speeds based on demand," Valve explained in the latest update. "This means for some products in some regions, we've reached the end of the reservation queue and have started inviting folks from the waitlist."

Valve also noted that this does not mean anyone on the waitlist will leapfrog people who already have a reservation: "We're only dipping into waitlists if and when we reach the end of the reservation queue for that product and region."

Being moved into the reservation queue is actually the penultimate step in the process—once you receive the email notifying you of your ascended status, you've got three days to pull the trigger and actually buy the thing, or your reservation will go to someone else. So it's not necessarily that everyone will have their Steam Deck by the end of 2026, just that emails enabling purchases should be sent out by then. As Valve explained:

"If you have a reservation, you can expect an email offering you the chance to purchase by the end of the year. If you have a spot on one of the waitlists, there is a chance you could be moved into reservations depending on which product you're on the list for; in those instances we will email you about your new reservation status first, with a purchase email to follow once your spot in that queue comes up."

So it's good news to the extent that yes, they're coming, but not great news because, y'know, it's July. There's still a lot of 2026 left, and that means at least some of you eager Steam Machine beavers out there are in for long waits ahead before you can actually get your hands on your hot (well, warm) new rig. Here's to 2027, I guess?

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/steam-machine-reservation-queue-should-be-caught-up-by-the-end-of-2026-valve-says/ FNYNBP845V8Vb8Jo26Yn7Z Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:30:57 +0000 false false false

In a new update on Steam Machine sales, Valve says it's "fulfilling orders on a daily basis," and that it expects that everyone currently in the reservation queue will have an opportunity to purchase the machine they've been waiting for—by, uh, the end of the year.

Announced in June, Valve's system for determining who gets first crack at a Steam Machine was essentially a lottery. Signups were taken until June 25, after which all entries were randomized into a reservation order: Those near the top of the list were added to the reservation queue and would have a Steam Machine reserved for them, while everyone else was put on a waitlist, where they'd linger until more stock became available.

"With each reservation queue and corresponding waitlist being per-product, per-region, they can move at different speeds based on demand," Valve explained in the latest update. "This means for some products in some regions, we've reached the end of the reservation queue and have started inviting folks from the waitlist."

Valve also noted that this does not mean anyone on the waitlist will leapfrog people who already have a reservation: "We're only dipping into waitlists if and when we reach the end of the reservation queue for that product and region."

Being moved into the reservation queue is actually the penultimate step in the process—once you receive the email notifying you of your ascended status, you've got three days to pull the trigger and actually buy the thing, or your reservation will go to someone else. So it's not necessarily that everyone will have their Steam Deck by the end of 2026, just that emails enabling purchases should be sent out by then. As Valve explained:

"If you have a reservation, you can expect an email offering you the chance to purchase by the end of the year. If you have a spot on one of the waitlists, there is a chance you could be moved into reservations depending on which product you're on the list for; in those instances we will email you about your new reservation status first, with a purchase email to follow once your spot in that queue comes up."

So it's good news to the extent that yes, they're coming, but not great news because, y'know, it's July. There's still a lot of 2026 left, and that means at least some of you eager Steam Machine beavers out there are in for long waits ahead before you can actually get your hands on your hot (well, warm) new rig. Here's to 2027, I guess?

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> <![CDATA[ One Redditor spent four months building a 'Turkish kebab PC' with working spinning components ]]>
Turkish kebab PC
 from r/pcmasterrace

Though I don't know if I like the idea of getting a little hungry every time I see my PC, I can say I'm kind of in love with the Turkish kebab PC that user Zestyclose-Salad-290 has shown off over on the PCMR Subreddit. And that's because it's truly weird one-of-a-kind.

For those unlucky enough to have never had a Turkish kebab, it is a mixture of meat placed on a rotisserie, and a carver is used to cut it up into small strips. In the PC homage, there is a spinning fan, GPU, motherboard, and PSU inside a glass case, with four fans at the bottom and four fans at the top to control the temps.

The pole in the center of the build has an RGB strip around it, illuminating all the hardware. It's a truly ridiculous build, and one I'd assume was purely for show, if the creator didn't also post it on builds.gg, a PC building website, to explain the methodology.

The build is kitted out with a Ryzen 5 3600X, 16 GB of DDR 4 memory, an MSI RTX 3070 Super and 1 TB of SSD storage. Interestingly, with them reporting the case being around $1,000, the case is by far the most expensive part of the entire build.

They reportedly took four months to build it, and didn't even know if it would work until the third. They claim, "The slip rings are the key to how it can rotate without the cables getting twisted up."

Slip rings tend to be used in machinery to give power to components that need to spin or move. Zestyclose-Salad-290 says slip rings "are used everywhere from your ceiling fan, to an MRI machine, to a merry go round, or to a power generating wind turbine."

They also admit that the design is pretty impractical (who could have seen that coming?). They say, "This is a backward and unnecessarily complicated application of slip rings. Normally, only the bare minimum electronics are installed on the rotating part, with the rest being on the stationary base. I've put most of the electronics (the PC) in the rotating chamber, just because I thought it was cool that you could."

Not only is the PC functional, but it has a little switch on the front that can set the motor to spin in slow motion, regular speed, or at "maximum speed". No, it's not clear if making the motor spin quicker makes the PC run any faster, but it will probably feel a bit more powerful spinning at high speeds.

Anyone else getting a little peckish all of a sudden?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/one-redditor-spent-four-months-building-a-turkish-kebab-pc-with-working-spinning-components/ ZTEoPSRmZkqBanBjUYF9wE Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:54:34 +0000 false false false
Turkish kebab PC
 from r/pcmasterrace

Though I don't know if I like the idea of getting a little hungry every time I see my PC, I can say I'm kind of in love with the Turkish kebab PC that user Zestyclose-Salad-290 has shown off over on the PCMR Subreddit. And that's because it's truly weird one-of-a-kind.

For those unlucky enough to have never had a Turkish kebab, it is a mixture of meat placed on a rotisserie, and a carver is used to cut it up into small strips. In the PC homage, there is a spinning fan, GPU, motherboard, and PSU inside a glass case, with four fans at the bottom and four fans at the top to control the temps.

The pole in the center of the build has an RGB strip around it, illuminating all the hardware. It's a truly ridiculous build, and one I'd assume was purely for show, if the creator didn't also post it on builds.gg, a PC building website, to explain the methodology.

The build is kitted out with a Ryzen 5 3600X, 16 GB of DDR 4 memory, an MSI RTX 3070 Super and 1 TB of SSD storage. Interestingly, with them reporting the case being around $1,000, the case is by far the most expensive part of the entire build.

They reportedly took four months to build it, and didn't even know if it would work until the third. They claim, "The slip rings are the key to how it can rotate without the cables getting twisted up."

Slip rings tend to be used in machinery to give power to components that need to spin or move. Zestyclose-Salad-290 says slip rings "are used everywhere from your ceiling fan, to an MRI machine, to a merry go round, or to a power generating wind turbine."

They also admit that the design is pretty impractical (who could have seen that coming?). They say, "This is a backward and unnecessarily complicated application of slip rings. Normally, only the bare minimum electronics are installed on the rotating part, with the rest being on the stationary base. I've put most of the electronics (the PC) in the rotating chamber, just because I thought it was cool that you could."

Not only is the PC functional, but it has a little switch on the front that can set the motor to spin in slow motion, regular speed, or at "maximum speed". No, it's not clear if making the motor spin quicker makes the PC run any faster, but it will probably feel a bit more powerful spinning at high speeds.

Anyone else getting a little peckish all of a sudden?

]]> <![CDATA[ Linux kernel patch can boost the Steam Deck's 1% low frame rate by as much as 31% in early testing ]]> A number of recent Linux driver patches has reportedly resulted in significant performance gains for the Steam Deck. Valve's handheld runs on the Linux-based SteamOS, and these patches can apparently improve the Steam Deck's 1% low frame rates by as much as 31%.

A fresh 'epp_boost' feature for the AMD P-State driver is largely responsible for the performance boost. David Vernet, a Linux kernel hacker at Meta, is the developer behind it. The feature implements per-core Energy Performance Preference (EPP) for AMD CPUs. As far as I know, it's not yet been reviewed by AMD's Linux kernel engineers, though Vernet explains via the Linux kernel mailing list that it was developed with gaming specifically in mind (via Phoronix).

Vernet offers a technical breakdown of the inefficiency these patches are designed to address, writing, "In active (EPP) mode the platform autonomously picks the operating point between min_perf and max_perf, biased by the EPP hint, and the kernel only rewrites the CPPC request on policy or limit changes. A workload dominated by one mostly-busy thread that takes frequent short sleeps (common in gaming workloads, for example) can fare poorly under this strategy."

He elaborates, "Each sleep decays the hardware's performance signal, causing post-wakeup bursts to start at a low operating point and inflating tail latency even though the CPU is essentially fully busy while work is available," going on to add, "A game's main or render thread typically blocks briefly on a futex or a GPU fence every frame, and the resulting frequency droop shows up directly as stale frames and inflated frame-time percentiles."

Vernet writes that the most obvious fix would have been to globally force "EPP=performance" but this would not have been power efficient—especially for handhelds like the Steam Deck. So, instead these patches introduce "an opt-in, per-core EPP boost." From there, Vernet offers a breakdown of technical precedents, his testing methodology, and how the fix works in specific detail but honestly I've barely been keeping up with all the Linux riddling to this point. For those who reckon they'll fare better than me, you can read the message archive here.

A Steam Deck LCD on a wooden desk, with the SteamOS menu screen on the display

(Image credit: Future)

I've not had a chance to check out the patch myself, but Phoronix took a look using the Civilization VI game benchmark. Their testing apparently saw the 1%-low fps pick up by 31.8%, and frame time improve by 4.1%. That's not nothing for Valve's years old handheld, though newer AMD Ryzen systems would likely also benefit.

Mind you, that's only so long as you don't mind a spot of noodling in Linux's guts to activate the epp_boost feature after downloading the patch. To get the most out of the patch, you'll need to set 'amd_pstate.epp_boost=1'. After that, '/sys/module/amd_pstate/parameters/epp_boost' can be used to check whether the feature is active. I know I said handhelds are cooked, but I will still gladly take any performance boost offered to my wizened Steam Deck.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/linux-kernel-patch-can-boost-the-steam-decks-1-percent-low-frame-rate-by-as-much-as-31-percent-in-early-testing/ XkQMwrxkVsKBWnTvBnFuck Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:16:35 +0000 false false false

A number of recent Linux driver patches has reportedly resulted in significant performance gains for the Steam Deck. Valve's handheld runs on the Linux-based SteamOS, and these patches can apparently improve the Steam Deck's 1% low frame rates by as much as 31%.

A fresh 'epp_boost' feature for the AMD P-State driver is largely responsible for the performance boost. David Vernet, a Linux kernel hacker at Meta, is the developer behind it. The feature implements per-core Energy Performance Preference (EPP) for AMD CPUs. As far as I know, it's not yet been reviewed by AMD's Linux kernel engineers, though Vernet explains via the Linux kernel mailing list that it was developed with gaming specifically in mind (via Phoronix).

Vernet offers a technical breakdown of the inefficiency these patches are designed to address, writing, "In active (EPP) mode the platform autonomously picks the operating point between min_perf and max_perf, biased by the EPP hint, and the kernel only rewrites the CPPC request on policy or limit changes. A workload dominated by one mostly-busy thread that takes frequent short sleeps (common in gaming workloads, for example) can fare poorly under this strategy."

He elaborates, "Each sleep decays the hardware's performance signal, causing post-wakeup bursts to start at a low operating point and inflating tail latency even though the CPU is essentially fully busy while work is available," going on to add, "A game's main or render thread typically blocks briefly on a futex or a GPU fence every frame, and the resulting frequency droop shows up directly as stale frames and inflated frame-time percentiles."

Vernet writes that the most obvious fix would have been to globally force "EPP=performance" but this would not have been power efficient—especially for handhelds like the Steam Deck. So, instead these patches introduce "an opt-in, per-core EPP boost." From there, Vernet offers a breakdown of technical precedents, his testing methodology, and how the fix works in specific detail but honestly I've barely been keeping up with all the Linux riddling to this point. For those who reckon they'll fare better than me, you can read the message archive here.

A Steam Deck LCD on a wooden desk, with the SteamOS menu screen on the display

(Image credit: Future)

I've not had a chance to check out the patch myself, but Phoronix took a look using the Civilization VI game benchmark. Their testing apparently saw the 1%-low fps pick up by 31.8%, and frame time improve by 4.1%. That's not nothing for Valve's years old handheld, though newer AMD Ryzen systems would likely also benefit.

Mind you, that's only so long as you don't mind a spot of noodling in Linux's guts to activate the epp_boost feature after downloading the patch. To get the most out of the patch, you'll need to set 'amd_pstate.epp_boost=1'. After that, '/sys/module/amd_pstate/parameters/epp_boost' can be used to check whether the feature is active. I know I said handhelds are cooked, but I will still gladly take any performance boost offered to my wizened Steam Deck.

]]> <![CDATA[ Framework 13 Pro review ]]> The moment you touch the new Framework 13 Pro laptop you know it's different to what's come before. Despite the bubblegum pink USB Type-C ports I've jammed in either side of the machine, this is a serious laptop for serious work. But it's also still instantly recognisable as one of the company's eminently upgradeable and repairable notebooks. This is the true beauty of Framework's new machine, a laptop that at once exists as the pinnacle of its hardware journey, but also steadfastly refuses to compromise on the core principles that has made it one of my favourite PC builders.

Though, it must be said, that refusal to compromise here comes at a hell of a cost because of the focus on ultra expensive LPCAMM2 memory.

This is a next-generation Framework laptop, but is still completely compatible with every Framework 13 device the company has shipped in the past five years or so. That is a hell of an achievement, meaning that you could have an ageing 13-inch laptop and pick and choose from the company's Marketplace store whichever parts of the new machine you wanted. If all you wanted was the beautiful new CNC aluminium chassis and input cover, go for it; if you just wanted the new touchscreen, be our guest.

But it's the full package here, with the Panther Lake-based Core Ultra Series 3 mainboard at its heart, that has made this hands down the best Framework machine you can buy or build. Every detail of the new laptop feels exquisite… bar one. And I know it's a familiar refrain from me now, but I wish there was a more premium display option. I've been spoiled by OLEDs and Retina displays, and if Framework wants to truly own its 'MacBook for Linux' tagline then that's the only place it falls down. And even then, only slightly.

Otherwise, I'm in love with what Panther Lake offers this device—almost silent operation, super-long battery life, and outstanding gaming performance—as well as how it feels, both in terms of that new chassis and this vastly improved keyboard and haptic touchpad. The Framework 13 Pro represents the idealistic young company all grown up, and it's a machine that's an absolute delight to use.

Buy if...

✅ You're sold on its ethos: If you want an upgradeable laptop that will stand the test of time Framework has proved time and again its commitment to the bit.

✅ You want a MacBook-feeling Linux laptop: Of course it's more than happy with Windows, but Framework has ensured its grown-up machine has deep Linux distro compatibility out of the box.

Don't buy if...

❌ You ever check your bank account: The memory crisis has bitten the Framework 13 Pro hard, most especially in the Intel configuration with the spiking cost of LPCAMM2 modules, making this an incredibly expensive laptop.

Framework 13 Pro features

Processor

Intel Core Ultra X7 358H

Cores

4 Performance, 8 Efficient, 4 Low Power Efficient

Threads

16

Boost clock speed

4.8 GHz

Graphics

Intel Arc B390

RAM

32 GB LPDDR5X-7467 MT/s (LPCAMM2)

Storage

1 TB SanDisk SN7100

Display

13.5-inch touchscreen

Resolution

2880 x 1920

Refresh

120 Hz

Battery

74.5 Whr

Power brick

100 W GaN

Weight

1.44 kg

Dimensions

15.85mm x 296.63mm x 228.98mm

Price

$2,899 / £2,899

From a pure performance and efficiency point of view, it's the Intel mainboard sitting inside the Framework 13 Pro which makes this such a powerful and usable laptop. The Core Ultra X7 358H chip baked into it comes with the magnificent Arc B390 integrated graphics core that has made the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ such an outstanding gaming handheld, and that gives the 13 Pro some impressive gaming chops, too.

One other interesting thing to note about the new mainboard is its use of LPCAMM2 modules. Interesting… and expensive. When the design choices were made—with the goal of maintaining high memory bandwidth and throughput for the Panther Lake CPU without soldering on LPDDR5X and losing upgradeability or repairability—Framework would have known it was a more expensive option, but the memory crisis has made that exponentially worse.

There is also a level of fear to dropping in a new memory module that I've not experienced before. When you add in the LPCAMM2 module you need to line it up on a whole load of pins. Pins which, like motherboard socket pins, are very much incompatible with an errant thumb brushed across them. Too casual installation will kill a new mainboard real quick.

Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future
Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future

That new Intel SoC has been wrapped in a new cooler, which along with the efficiency gains of the Panther Lake architecture, allows for regularly silent operation. Combine that efficiency with the increased battery capacity of 74 Whr (compared to 61 Whr in previous versions of the machine) and you're getting stellar battery life out of the machine.

To cope with that increased battery girth Framework has redesigned the CNC machined aluminium bottom cover to have less of a taper to the front of it. The actual thickness of the frame hasn't really changed, but it's more uniform now. Which is no bad thing, and really does give it that MacBook/Razer Blade feel to the chassis. Impressively though, it is still backwards compatible with all the other Framework 13 laptops the company has ever released in that you could order the chassis on its own and drop your existing system into it without an issue.

Also getting the CNC aluminium treatment is the top cover for the rear of the display and the input cover housing the keyboard and the new haptic touchpad, both of which are excellent. The increased travel on the keyboard makes it a joy to type on, and the responsive trackpad is a real improvement over the original, and was designed especially for Apple folk coming across the divide to a PC laptop. My only concern is that multi-finger gestures too easily actuate a press, which is difficult to configure on the Fedora distro I'm using at the moment.

Finally, the Framework 13 Pro comes with a new touchscreen panel. It's a 120 Hz display, with a 2880 x 1920 native resolution that runs impressively bright (up to 700 nits) if you want it to. What it isn't, however, is a responsive OLED display. It's not a gaming panel, as CEO Nirav Patel explains to me when I speak to him on the show floor at Computex, but there is still a level of ghosting to the display which doesn't feel as premium as everything else about the device.

Framework 13 Pro value

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

The concept of 'value' for the Framework 13 Pro is a tricky one. On the one hand you have the fact that the best version of this machine comes with the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, and they demand the fastest LPDDR5X memory you can give them. And, to ensure Framework sticks to its upgrade/repair ethos, it is using LPCAMM2 modules to deliver that fast LPDDR5X memory.

These are not common, and they are not cheap. There are few suppliers, and Framework recently admitted that its current supplier for these Micron modules has increased the cost by "more than double". You only have to look at the configurator on the Framework website for the 13 Pro to see what that means. A 16 GB LPCAMM2 module costs $239, while the 32 GB version adds another $800 onto the cost of the laptop. That makes the cost of the Framework 13 Pro rather prohibitive for most mere mortals.

Even a 16 GB 13 Pro config will run you well over $2,000. And even if you switch to AMD, the HX 370 Framework 13 Pro configs of the same spec costs just shy of $2,500.

The other side of this, however, is that Framework has been walking the walk on long-term upgradeability for its devices for many years over many different generations of PC hardware from different manufacturers. That means the initial premium outlay for a Framework system can be offset by the fact that you may not have to buy another whole laptop again for a very, very long time given the level of granular upgrades on offer.

I will grant you that this is a very high bar to get over, however. When the cost of an initial Framework 13 Pro purchase is this high you're going to have to keep hold of this thing, upgrading piece-by-piece for many generations, to even get close to breaking even with someone who just bought a new machine every time, and hang the ecological consequences.

Framework 13 Pro sound

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the actual audio experience, Framework has added new side-firing speakers to the design, rather than the original down-firing ones. They deliver impressive clarity and will go pretty loud, too, but they are still just laptop speakers. Basically, do not expect real room-filling audio with thumping bass.

But it's the other sound production side of the Framework 13 Pro that has me truly impressed, and that's the fan noise. It's long been an issue for me and Framework laptops; there's no way to control the fan levels unless you hack in some third-party tools made by the community, and they noise has often trended far too far to the unpleasant for my liking, especially when under serious load.

That was a concern for me as someone who wanted to use the B390 iGPU at the heart of the Core Ultra X7 CPU inside this machine for gaming. I shouldn't have been worried, however, as even when I'm pushing the Arc GPU the system is tuned to rein it back in a little (but not too much) and keep it running at a genuinely quiet level. There is fan noise, but it's slight at worst.

For most of the time I've been using the Framework 13 Pro outside of gaming, though, it's been all but silent. And often actually silent.

Framework 13 Pro performance

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

When I first started benchmarking the Framework 13 Pro, with its Intel Core Ultra X7 358H chip, I'd come off the back of testing the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with the very similar Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor. And there was a slight level of disappointment at seeing the performance not quite hitting those levels or the levels of our initial Panther Lake performance tests when the architecture first came out.

But I've already mentioned just how quiet a device this 13 Pro machine is, and that's as true when doing CPU rendering as it is when I'm pushing it with Cyberpunk 2077. On a machine such as this I'll take a few missing frames per second in exchange for an actual experience that doesn't make me want to stab myself in the ears to get away from the sound.

1 / 3

1080p gaming performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B390
29
22
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B390
33
16
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M
22
18
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-90
27
19
010203040
Black Myth Wukong (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B39029 Avg FPS, 22 1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B39033 Avg FPS, 16 1% Low FPS
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M22 Avg FPS, 18 1% Low FPS
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-9027 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS
For the most part, the Framework 13 Pro is able to keep up with the most powerful handheld gaming PC of today thanks to that Panther Lake iGPU.

You can see in the CPU benchmarks that the chip is bouncing off 100 °C and thermally throttling, and it's the cooling limitations necessary to maintain the chilled experience which are slightly holding back the gaming frame rates, too.

System performance

Single-core index score
Multi-core index score
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B390
114
893
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B390
111
794
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M
115
988
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-90
151
1391
03757501,1251,500
Cinebench 2024 Data
ProductValue
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B390114 Single-core index score, 893 Multi-core index score
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B390111 Single-core index score, 794 Multi-core index score
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M115 Single-core index score, 988 Multi-core index score
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-90151 Single-core index score, 1391 Multi-core index score
As soon as you see the thermal performance of the X7 358H inside the Framework 13 Pro you can see why the 16-thread chip is only marginally ahead of the 14-core G3 Extreme version in multi-core performance.

Even if we are talking about a slight tempering of the performance of the Arc B390 iGPU compared with other devices sporting Intel's top integrated graphics, it's still the most powerful that you will find and places this machine head and shoulders above the best that AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 can muster.

And I was already pretty impressed with that.

Framework 13 Pro aesthetics

Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future
Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future
Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future

With its graphite black, CNC milled aluminium chassis the Framework 13 Pro is the most effortlessly stylish laptop the company has ever produced. It feels like the culmination of everything Framework has been working towards for these six years. The slightly chunkier styling, necessitated by the bigger batter sitting underneath the touchpad at the front of the device, makes it feel far more solid than before.

And actually makes it feel far more like the MacBook it's trying to ape, and the Razer Blade 14 that it's potentially going to replace as my daily driver.

It actually is more solid, too, as you can pick it up by the corner and the extra structural rigidity afforded by that new aluminium frame means there is zero give. The same is true of the keyboard as well which betrays no movement bar the extra travel of the keys Framework has deliberately introduced into this version.

But then you've also got all the other Framework touches that has made its 13-inch laptop such a pleasing device for years. You have your choice of coloured and translucent bezels as well as a plethora of colours for the USB Type-C input modules. For this layout I've gone for a pair of bubblegum pink ports and a translucent grey bezel for that extra techie feel. But that's my preference and you can make your own choices at the point of purchase yourself.

Framework 13 Pro software

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

There is no bloat, because there doesn't have to be any software included at all.

If you just want to stick a Linux distro onto your device the SSD will be shipped blank, likewise if you want to use your own copy of Windows rather than spend $200 on a needless Windows Pro license.

There is a driver bundle for Windows you can download from the Framework support site, and you will need Wi-Fi drivers in hand when you install Windows ('cos that's still a thing), but Linux support is largely there out of the box when you install your distribution of choice.

The slight downside of this, as I noted before, is that there is no system control software. That means there is no granular control over power options beyond the OS options, and there are no fan controls, either. The fan control issue isn't a thing for Panther Lake, however, thanks to its quiet operation straight off the bat, but I wish I could control the SoC's TDP as easily as you do on a gaming handheld, but that's a relatively minor gripe in a world that is often replete with too many different bits of control software fighting each other.

Framework 13 Pro battery life

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Of course this is not a gaming laptop, but the level of gaming performance you can get out of this ostensibly productivity laptop is excellent. Development by day, gaming by night. Or on the go, because the battery life of the Framework 13 Pro is also very, very good.

Stick it on balanced mode in Windows and boot up a game and you'll find the battery drains in a little under two hours, but the latest Arc drivers include the same Endurance mode I loved so well in the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+. It doesn't quite get you the same five hours of gaming that handheld delivers, but you're still not getting far off a doubling of the gaming uptime of the standard mode.

That does try and stick you to 30 fps as a rule, but when you're trying to keep gaming as long as possible when you're on the move—or trying to make sure that when you're done playing you have some power left for some actual work—then it's a worthy compromise.

That, however, is a Windows thing, requiring the latest Intel Arc drivers and isn't necessarily something you can replicate within a Linux environment. Almost all of Framework's impressive 13 Pro battery life numbers are recorded from a Windows installation, with only its seven days of standby measured with Ubuntu.

That doesn't mean it's bad in Linux, not by a long shot. I'm using a Fedora Cosmic Atomic distribution at the moment, and have been running it all day long today, without it going into standby once, playing music, downloading games, and having video meetings, as well as writing this review, and I've only gone through half the battery capacity in six hours. It's all-day battery life for sure, though I think Panther Lake's optimisations are probably going to be felt more keenly in a Windows environment.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/framework-13-pro-review/ VRhQczsWm3d4tLpQ4mqQy6 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:25:42 +0000 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:08:07 +0000 false false false

The moment you touch the new Framework 13 Pro laptop you know it's different to what's come before. Despite the bubblegum pink USB Type-C ports I've jammed in either side of the machine, this is a serious laptop for serious work. But it's also still instantly recognisable as one of the company's eminently upgradeable and repairable notebooks. This is the true beauty of Framework's new machine, a laptop that at once exists as the pinnacle of its hardware journey, but also steadfastly refuses to compromise on the core principles that has made it one of my favourite PC builders.

Though, it must be said, that refusal to compromise here comes at a hell of a cost because of the focus on ultra expensive LPCAMM2 memory.

This is a next-generation Framework laptop, but is still completely compatible with every Framework 13 device the company has shipped in the past five years or so. That is a hell of an achievement, meaning that you could have an ageing 13-inch laptop and pick and choose from the company's Marketplace store whichever parts of the new machine you wanted. If all you wanted was the beautiful new CNC aluminium chassis and input cover, go for it; if you just wanted the new touchscreen, be our guest.

But it's the full package here, with the Panther Lake-based Core Ultra Series 3 mainboard at its heart, that has made this hands down the best Framework machine you can buy or build. Every detail of the new laptop feels exquisite… bar one. And I know it's a familiar refrain from me now, but I wish there was a more premium display option. I've been spoiled by OLEDs and Retina displays, and if Framework wants to truly own its 'MacBook for Linux' tagline then that's the only place it falls down. And even then, only slightly.

Otherwise, I'm in love with what Panther Lake offers this device—almost silent operation, super-long battery life, and outstanding gaming performance—as well as how it feels, both in terms of that new chassis and this vastly improved keyboard and haptic touchpad. The Framework 13 Pro represents the idealistic young company all grown up, and it's a machine that's an absolute delight to use.

Buy if...

✅ You're sold on its ethos: If you want an upgradeable laptop that will stand the test of time Framework has proved time and again its commitment to the bit.

✅ You want a MacBook-feeling Linux laptop: Of course it's more than happy with Windows, but Framework has ensured its grown-up machine has deep Linux distro compatibility out of the box.

Don't buy if...

❌ You ever check your bank account: The memory crisis has bitten the Framework 13 Pro hard, most especially in the Intel configuration with the spiking cost of LPCAMM2 modules, making this an incredibly expensive laptop.

Framework 13 Pro features

Processor

Intel Core Ultra X7 358H

Cores

4 Performance, 8 Efficient, 4 Low Power Efficient

Threads

16

Boost clock speed

4.8 GHz

Graphics

Intel Arc B390

RAM

32 GB LPDDR5X-7467 MT/s (LPCAMM2)

Storage

1 TB SanDisk SN7100

Display

13.5-inch touchscreen

Resolution

2880 x 1920

Refresh

120 Hz

Battery

74.5 Whr

Power brick

100 W GaN

Weight

1.44 kg

Dimensions

15.85mm x 296.63mm x 228.98mm

Price

$2,899 / £2,899

From a pure performance and efficiency point of view, it's the Intel mainboard sitting inside the Framework 13 Pro which makes this such a powerful and usable laptop. The Core Ultra X7 358H chip baked into it comes with the magnificent Arc B390 integrated graphics core that has made the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ such an outstanding gaming handheld, and that gives the 13 Pro some impressive gaming chops, too.

One other interesting thing to note about the new mainboard is its use of LPCAMM2 modules. Interesting… and expensive. When the design choices were made—with the goal of maintaining high memory bandwidth and throughput for the Panther Lake CPU without soldering on LPDDR5X and losing upgradeability or repairability—Framework would have known it was a more expensive option, but the memory crisis has made that exponentially worse.

There is also a level of fear to dropping in a new memory module that I've not experienced before. When you add in the LPCAMM2 module you need to line it up on a whole load of pins. Pins which, like motherboard socket pins, are very much incompatible with an errant thumb brushed across them. Too casual installation will kill a new mainboard real quick.

Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future
Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future

That new Intel SoC has been wrapped in a new cooler, which along with the efficiency gains of the Panther Lake architecture, allows for regularly silent operation. Combine that efficiency with the increased battery capacity of 74 Whr (compared to 61 Whr in previous versions of the machine) and you're getting stellar battery life out of the machine.

To cope with that increased battery girth Framework has redesigned the CNC machined aluminium bottom cover to have less of a taper to the front of it. The actual thickness of the frame hasn't really changed, but it's more uniform now. Which is no bad thing, and really does give it that MacBook/Razer Blade feel to the chassis. Impressively though, it is still backwards compatible with all the other Framework 13 laptops the company has ever released in that you could order the chassis on its own and drop your existing system into it without an issue.

Also getting the CNC aluminium treatment is the top cover for the rear of the display and the input cover housing the keyboard and the new haptic touchpad, both of which are excellent. The increased travel on the keyboard makes it a joy to type on, and the responsive trackpad is a real improvement over the original, and was designed especially for Apple folk coming across the divide to a PC laptop. My only concern is that multi-finger gestures too easily actuate a press, which is difficult to configure on the Fedora distro I'm using at the moment.

Finally, the Framework 13 Pro comes with a new touchscreen panel. It's a 120 Hz display, with a 2880 x 1920 native resolution that runs impressively bright (up to 700 nits) if you want it to. What it isn't, however, is a responsive OLED display. It's not a gaming panel, as CEO Nirav Patel explains to me when I speak to him on the show floor at Computex, but there is still a level of ghosting to the display which doesn't feel as premium as everything else about the device.

Framework 13 Pro value

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

The concept of 'value' for the Framework 13 Pro is a tricky one. On the one hand you have the fact that the best version of this machine comes with the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, and they demand the fastest LPDDR5X memory you can give them. And, to ensure Framework sticks to its upgrade/repair ethos, it is using LPCAMM2 modules to deliver that fast LPDDR5X memory.

These are not common, and they are not cheap. There are few suppliers, and Framework recently admitted that its current supplier for these Micron modules has increased the cost by "more than double". You only have to look at the configurator on the Framework website for the 13 Pro to see what that means. A 16 GB LPCAMM2 module costs $239, while the 32 GB version adds another $800 onto the cost of the laptop. That makes the cost of the Framework 13 Pro rather prohibitive for most mere mortals.

Even a 16 GB 13 Pro config will run you well over $2,000. And even if you switch to AMD, the HX 370 Framework 13 Pro configs of the same spec costs just shy of $2,500.

The other side of this, however, is that Framework has been walking the walk on long-term upgradeability for its devices for many years over many different generations of PC hardware from different manufacturers. That means the initial premium outlay for a Framework system can be offset by the fact that you may not have to buy another whole laptop again for a very, very long time given the level of granular upgrades on offer.

I will grant you that this is a very high bar to get over, however. When the cost of an initial Framework 13 Pro purchase is this high you're going to have to keep hold of this thing, upgrading piece-by-piece for many generations, to even get close to breaking even with someone who just bought a new machine every time, and hang the ecological consequences.

Framework 13 Pro sound

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the actual audio experience, Framework has added new side-firing speakers to the design, rather than the original down-firing ones. They deliver impressive clarity and will go pretty loud, too, but they are still just laptop speakers. Basically, do not expect real room-filling audio with thumping bass.

But it's the other sound production side of the Framework 13 Pro that has me truly impressed, and that's the fan noise. It's long been an issue for me and Framework laptops; there's no way to control the fan levels unless you hack in some third-party tools made by the community, and they noise has often trended far too far to the unpleasant for my liking, especially when under serious load.

That was a concern for me as someone who wanted to use the B390 iGPU at the heart of the Core Ultra X7 CPU inside this machine for gaming. I shouldn't have been worried, however, as even when I'm pushing the Arc GPU the system is tuned to rein it back in a little (but not too much) and keep it running at a genuinely quiet level. There is fan noise, but it's slight at worst.

For most of the time I've been using the Framework 13 Pro outside of gaming, though, it's been all but silent. And often actually silent.

Framework 13 Pro performance

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

When I first started benchmarking the Framework 13 Pro, with its Intel Core Ultra X7 358H chip, I'd come off the back of testing the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with the very similar Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor. And there was a slight level of disappointment at seeing the performance not quite hitting those levels or the levels of our initial Panther Lake performance tests when the architecture first came out.

But I've already mentioned just how quiet a device this 13 Pro machine is, and that's as true when doing CPU rendering as it is when I'm pushing it with Cyberpunk 2077. On a machine such as this I'll take a few missing frames per second in exchange for an actual experience that doesn't make me want to stab myself in the ears to get away from the sound.

1 / 3

1080p gaming performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B390
29
22
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B390
33
16
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M
22
18
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-90
27
19
010203040
Black Myth Wukong (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B39029 Avg FPS, 22 1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B39033 Avg FPS, 16 1% Low FPS
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M22 Avg FPS, 18 1% Low FPS
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-9027 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS
For the most part, the Framework 13 Pro is able to keep up with the most powerful handheld gaming PC of today thanks to that Panther Lake iGPU.

You can see in the CPU benchmarks that the chip is bouncing off 100 °C and thermally throttling, and it's the cooling limitations necessary to maintain the chilled experience which are slightly holding back the gaming frame rates, too.

System performance

Single-core index score
Multi-core index score
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B390
114
893
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B390
111
794
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M
115
988
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-90
151
1391
03757501,1251,500
Cinebench 2024 Data
ProductValue
Framework 13 Pro | Core Ultra X7 358H | Arc B390114 Single-core index score, 893 Multi-core index score
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | Arc G3 Extreme | Arc B390111 Single-core index score, 794 Multi-core index score
Framework 13 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Radeon 890M115 Single-core index score, 988 Multi-core index score
Asus Zenbook A16 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Adreno X2-90151 Single-core index score, 1391 Multi-core index score
As soon as you see the thermal performance of the X7 358H inside the Framework 13 Pro you can see why the 16-thread chip is only marginally ahead of the 14-core G3 Extreme version in multi-core performance.

Even if we are talking about a slight tempering of the performance of the Arc B390 iGPU compared with other devices sporting Intel's top integrated graphics, it's still the most powerful that you will find and places this machine head and shoulders above the best that AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 can muster.

And I was already pretty impressed with that.

Framework 13 Pro aesthetics

Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future
Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future
Framework 13 Pro laptop
Future

With its graphite black, CNC milled aluminium chassis the Framework 13 Pro is the most effortlessly stylish laptop the company has ever produced. It feels like the culmination of everything Framework has been working towards for these six years. The slightly chunkier styling, necessitated by the bigger batter sitting underneath the touchpad at the front of the device, makes it feel far more solid than before.

And actually makes it feel far more like the MacBook it's trying to ape, and the Razer Blade 14 that it's potentially going to replace as my daily driver.

It actually is more solid, too, as you can pick it up by the corner and the extra structural rigidity afforded by that new aluminium frame means there is zero give. The same is true of the keyboard as well which betrays no movement bar the extra travel of the keys Framework has deliberately introduced into this version.

But then you've also got all the other Framework touches that has made its 13-inch laptop such a pleasing device for years. You have your choice of coloured and translucent bezels as well as a plethora of colours for the USB Type-C input modules. For this layout I've gone for a pair of bubblegum pink ports and a translucent grey bezel for that extra techie feel. But that's my preference and you can make your own choices at the point of purchase yourself.

Framework 13 Pro software

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

There is no bloat, because there doesn't have to be any software included at all.

If you just want to stick a Linux distro onto your device the SSD will be shipped blank, likewise if you want to use your own copy of Windows rather than spend $200 on a needless Windows Pro license.

There is a driver bundle for Windows you can download from the Framework support site, and you will need Wi-Fi drivers in hand when you install Windows ('cos that's still a thing), but Linux support is largely there out of the box when you install your distribution of choice.

The slight downside of this, as I noted before, is that there is no system control software. That means there is no granular control over power options beyond the OS options, and there are no fan controls, either. The fan control issue isn't a thing for Panther Lake, however, thanks to its quiet operation straight off the bat, but I wish I could control the SoC's TDP as easily as you do on a gaming handheld, but that's a relatively minor gripe in a world that is often replete with too many different bits of control software fighting each other.

Framework 13 Pro battery life

Framework 13 Pro laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Of course this is not a gaming laptop, but the level of gaming performance you can get out of this ostensibly productivity laptop is excellent. Development by day, gaming by night. Or on the go, because the battery life of the Framework 13 Pro is also very, very good.

Stick it on balanced mode in Windows and boot up a game and you'll find the battery drains in a little under two hours, but the latest Arc drivers include the same Endurance mode I loved so well in the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+. It doesn't quite get you the same five hours of gaming that handheld delivers, but you're still not getting far off a doubling of the gaming uptime of the standard mode.

That does try and stick you to 30 fps as a rule, but when you're trying to keep gaming as long as possible when you're on the move—or trying to make sure that when you're done playing you have some power left for some actual work—then it's a worthy compromise.

That, however, is a Windows thing, requiring the latest Intel Arc drivers and isn't necessarily something you can replicate within a Linux environment. Almost all of Framework's impressive 13 Pro battery life numbers are recorded from a Windows installation, with only its seven days of standby measured with Ubuntu.

That doesn't mean it's bad in Linux, not by a long shot. I'm using a Fedora Cosmic Atomic distribution at the moment, and have been running it all day long today, without it going into standby once, playing music, downloading games, and having video meetings, as well as writing this review, and I've only gone through half the battery capacity in six hours. It's all-day battery life for sure, though I think Panther Lake's optimisations are probably going to be felt more keenly in a Windows environment.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'Easily the dumbest thing I've ever built': Guy puts spikes and taser on Steam Deck to stop family from using it ]]> Have you ever been sick of your family using your electronics without asking, and thought 'boy, I should put spikes and a taser on this thing'? If the answer is yes, then you're like Redditor ConroyyJenkinss (presumably no relation to Leroy), who has done just that.

Taking to the Steam Deck subreddit, they recently announced "I Built a Security System for My Steam Deck", and it is one heck of a security system.

steamdeck
 from r/SteamDeck/comments/1v6osor/i_built_a_security_system_for_my_steam_deck

"I got sick of my family always draining my Steam Deck's battery and not recharging it", ConroyyJenkinss said, so they decided to 3D print a spiky case they made in Blender to snap onto the side of the device. That makes it tough to hold.

From there, they rigged up a Raspberry Pi with a speaker to an object detection camera, and wrote a Python script to "play a goofy audio clip" and set off a taser fitted to the top of the Deck after a few seconds. No, they don't say what the audio is. As far as I can tell, the taser is just there to scare would-be battery thieves, as it can't make contact from its perch above the Steam Deck.

You might be wondering why the Redditor didn't simply put a password on the Steam Deck and leave it at that. Jenkinss says, "This minimises the risk of them touching my Steam Deck at all, they are forced to ask for permission now."

Naturally, this defense mechanism isn't designed to actually serve its purpose. It's a goofy experiment that is done just to see if it can be done. Jenkinss even acknowledges in the comment section that disarming the taser and taking the spike case off is a hassle. I suppose there's more justification to keep the device safe, with it recently seeing a huge price increase.

One redditor in the comments section calls it "hostile architecture for gadgets", and now I'd love to see a tournament of the most abrasive and over-the-top defence mechanisms against the painful experience of having your family waste your battery life.

ConroyyJenkinss says it is "easily the dumbest thing I've ever built but it works, and nobody touches my Steam Deck anymore."

Yeah, I can see why.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/easily-the-dumbest-thing-ive-ever-built-guy-puts-spikes-and-taser-on-steam-deck-to-stop-family-from-using-it/ oLPdN9eMZ5y5JFgaTwd5ZQ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:57:20 +0000 false false false

Have you ever been sick of your family using your electronics without asking, and thought 'boy, I should put spikes and a taser on this thing'? If the answer is yes, then you're like Redditor ConroyyJenkinss (presumably no relation to Leroy), who has done just that.

Taking to the Steam Deck subreddit, they recently announced "I Built a Security System for My Steam Deck", and it is one heck of a security system.

steamdeck
 from r/SteamDeck/comments/1v6osor/i_built_a_security_system_for_my_steam_deck

"I got sick of my family always draining my Steam Deck's battery and not recharging it", ConroyyJenkinss said, so they decided to 3D print a spiky case they made in Blender to snap onto the side of the device. That makes it tough to hold.

From there, they rigged up a Raspberry Pi with a speaker to an object detection camera, and wrote a Python script to "play a goofy audio clip" and set off a taser fitted to the top of the Deck after a few seconds. No, they don't say what the audio is. As far as I can tell, the taser is just there to scare would-be battery thieves, as it can't make contact from its perch above the Steam Deck.

You might be wondering why the Redditor didn't simply put a password on the Steam Deck and leave it at that. Jenkinss says, "This minimises the risk of them touching my Steam Deck at all, they are forced to ask for permission now."

Naturally, this defense mechanism isn't designed to actually serve its purpose. It's a goofy experiment that is done just to see if it can be done. Jenkinss even acknowledges in the comment section that disarming the taser and taking the spike case off is a hassle. I suppose there's more justification to keep the device safe, with it recently seeing a huge price increase.

One redditor in the comments section calls it "hostile architecture for gadgets", and now I'd love to see a tournament of the most abrasive and over-the-top defence mechanisms against the painful experience of having your family waste your battery life.

ConroyyJenkinss says it is "easily the dumbest thing I've ever built but it works, and nobody touches my Steam Deck anymore."

Yeah, I can see why.

]]> <![CDATA[ MSI celebrates 40 year anniversary by unveiling a SEVEN GRAND LAPTOP ]]> My favourite hardware news stories lately have all followed a similar line of logic: 'Why? Well, why not?' But when it comes to the laptop MSI just unveiled as part of its 40th anniversary, I can't move past 'But why though?'

The sticking point for me is the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition's ludicrous $7,000 price tag. Sure, you're getting an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU with a pretty face-melting 24 GB of GDDR7, plus an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. And, sure, some versions of the RTX 5090 will set you back a couple grand all on their own, but not usually the slimmer laptop kind. Anyway, 7,000 smackers is still a lot of money for the power.

I hate to say it but the oodles of SSD storage and the whopping 96 GB of DDR5 might have something to do with it (thanks, memory crisis). Hey, at least if you buy directly from MSI, you also get a free code for Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

This very pricey gaming laptop also enjoys an 18-inch MiniLED screen, which features a maximum resolution of 3840×2400. The refresh rate is a not too shabby 120 Hz, but at this price point I was kind of expecting something fast enough to make my eyes roll back in my head.

Joking aside, I'm struggling to understand who this gaming laptop is really for, beyond an MSI super fan (or a scaly fan with deep pockets and terrible taste in dragon art).

The MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition in a gradient void.
MSI
The MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition in a gradient void.
MSI
The MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition in a gradient void.
MSI

It's far from the only spenny anniversary hardware we've seen this year. For instance, the Asus' ROG sub-brand celebrated two decades, launching a shiny, aluminium-dressed-up-as-copper motherboard back in May. The Astral ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and a China-exclusive DRAM kit also got anniversary editions. Again, it's all a bit too rich for my blood, but I'll admit that those glistening gold designs are almost tasteful.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/msi-celebrates-40-year-anniversary-by-unveiling-a-seven-grand-laptop/ GjjHa7PeCpU8jUcsfdaUBQ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:41:12 +0000 false false false

My favourite hardware news stories lately have all followed a similar line of logic: 'Why? Well, why not?' But when it comes to the laptop MSI just unveiled as part of its 40th anniversary, I can't move past 'But why though?'

The sticking point for me is the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition's ludicrous $7,000 price tag. Sure, you're getting an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU with a pretty face-melting 24 GB of GDDR7, plus an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. And, sure, some versions of the RTX 5090 will set you back a couple grand all on their own, but not usually the slimmer laptop kind. Anyway, 7,000 smackers is still a lot of money for the power.

I hate to say it but the oodles of SSD storage and the whopping 96 GB of DDR5 might have something to do with it (thanks, memory crisis). Hey, at least if you buy directly from MSI, you also get a free code for Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

This very pricey gaming laptop also enjoys an 18-inch MiniLED screen, which features a maximum resolution of 3840×2400. The refresh rate is a not too shabby 120 Hz, but at this price point I was kind of expecting something fast enough to make my eyes roll back in my head.

Joking aside, I'm struggling to understand who this gaming laptop is really for, beyond an MSI super fan (or a scaly fan with deep pockets and terrible taste in dragon art).

The MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition in a gradient void.
MSI
The MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition in a gradient void.
MSI
The MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition in a gradient void.
MSI

It's far from the only spenny anniversary hardware we've seen this year. For instance, the Asus' ROG sub-brand celebrated two decades, launching a shiny, aluminium-dressed-up-as-copper motherboard back in May. The Astral ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and a China-exclusive DRAM kit also got anniversary editions. Again, it's all a bit too rich for my blood, but I'll admit that those glistening gold designs are almost tasteful.

]]> <![CDATA[ I would only play Halo: Campaign Evolved on handheld with upscaling ]]> I've been playing Halo: Campaign Evolved on the rather beefy Asus ROG Xbox Ally X without upscaling and things aren't looking pretty. Well, they are looking quite pretty, but they certainly aren't running pretty. You'll definitely want some upscaling to do that, and in my testing, FSR Medium is the best way to go.

Strangely, there isn't an option to disable upscaling altogether in Halo Campaign Evolved as of the time of writing. There are instead 'native' modes with TSR, FSR or DLSS. This essentially acts like anti-aliasing, without any of the performance benefits of upscaling.

With TSR set to native, I saw an average fps of 20 and 1% lows of 14.3 fps.

With FSR set to native, I saw a similar 22 average fps and lows of 19 fps. I would have assumed these would be identical, but they are similar enough to be within some degree of variance. Either way, FSR might be a better shout if it's taxing the silicon a little less.

I've been testing with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X in performance mode, whilst plugged in, running at around 17 W. This is arguably the best mode for the handheld, being decently performant without being too loud. The ROG Xbox Ally X is no slouch in specs, kitted out with the Zen 5 AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory. It's on the higher end of the gaming handheld market right now.

There are some handheld-specific settings for Halo: Campaign Evolved. For instance, it has a very low graphical mode, which I couldn't access outside of the plucky ROG Xbox Ally X. This tones down the graphics quality but gives you better performance in return.

My money would be on TSR between the three available upscalers. Over three separate gaming tests, I saw an average fps of 31 and lows of 25.6 fps on TSR Ultra, which is a bit higher than native. Personally, I'd like lows in the 30s for smoother gameplay, and FSR can get you that… at a cost.

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
FSR Low
49
39
FSR Medium
43
34
FSR Ultra
33
27
FSR Native
22
19
TSR Low
33
30
TSR Medium
32
28
TSR Ultra
31
26
TSR Native
20
14
015304560
Halo: Campaign Evolved | Very Low Data
ProductValue
FSR Low49 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS
FSR Medium43 Avg FPS, 34 1% Low FPS
FSR Ultra33 Avg FPS, 27 1% Low FPS
FSR Native22 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS
TSR Low33 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
TSR Medium32 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS
TSR Ultra31 Avg FPS, 26 1% Low FPS
TSR Native20 Avg FPS, 14 1% Low FPS

With FSR set to low, and using the Very Low graphical setting, I saw an average of 48.6 fps and lows of 38.6 fps. I'd call this 'perfectly playable' on the little 7-inch 1080p display. FSR Medium gave me an average fps of 42.6 with lows of 34 fps.

From my time so far, I reckon FSR Medium with very low graphics is the absolute sweet spot. That's what I stuck with as I have continued playing the game after I got all my testing stats.

Halo: Campaign Evolved on Asus ROG Xbox Ally X on Medium settings
Medium settings on Asus ROG Xbox Ally XFuture
Halo: Campaign Evolved onvery low on Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
Very low settings on Asus ROG Xbox Ally XFuture

FSR Low offers better performance, but it gives up too much clarity for me. FSR is genuinely really tough to justify on a bigger screen, so I wouldn't bother on my main gaming PC, but FSR Medium with very low textures looks perfectly fine on the ROG Xbox Ally X.

And, most importantly, the difference between Low and Ultra graphics settings is surprisingly subtle here. It's still more or less the same game: it's just a little less pretty, and, with upscaling, has a slight bit more of a sheen to it in motion. Make sure to turn off motion blur, too. It's awful.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/i-would-only-play-halo-campaign-evolved-on-handheld-with-upscaling/ PcUBUKYEzmVRgo5yNcX8n8 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000 false false false

I've been playing Halo: Campaign Evolved on the rather beefy Asus ROG Xbox Ally X without upscaling and things aren't looking pretty. Well, they are looking quite pretty, but they certainly aren't running pretty. You'll definitely want some upscaling to do that, and in my testing, FSR Medium is the best way to go.

Strangely, there isn't an option to disable upscaling altogether in Halo Campaign Evolved as of the time of writing. There are instead 'native' modes with TSR, FSR or DLSS. This essentially acts like anti-aliasing, without any of the performance benefits of upscaling.

With TSR set to native, I saw an average fps of 20 and 1% lows of 14.3 fps.

With FSR set to native, I saw a similar 22 average fps and lows of 19 fps. I would have assumed these would be identical, but they are similar enough to be within some degree of variance. Either way, FSR might be a better shout if it's taxing the silicon a little less.

I've been testing with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X in performance mode, whilst plugged in, running at around 17 W. This is arguably the best mode for the handheld, being decently performant without being too loud. The ROG Xbox Ally X is no slouch in specs, kitted out with the Zen 5 AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory. It's on the higher end of the gaming handheld market right now.

There are some handheld-specific settings for Halo: Campaign Evolved. For instance, it has a very low graphical mode, which I couldn't access outside of the plucky ROG Xbox Ally X. This tones down the graphics quality but gives you better performance in return.

My money would be on TSR between the three available upscalers. Over three separate gaming tests, I saw an average fps of 31 and lows of 25.6 fps on TSR Ultra, which is a bit higher than native. Personally, I'd like lows in the 30s for smoother gameplay, and FSR can get you that… at a cost.

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
FSR Low
49
39
FSR Medium
43
34
FSR Ultra
33
27
FSR Native
22
19
TSR Low
33
30
TSR Medium
32
28
TSR Ultra
31
26
TSR Native
20
14
015304560
Halo: Campaign Evolved | Very Low Data
ProductValue
FSR Low49 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS
FSR Medium43 Avg FPS, 34 1% Low FPS
FSR Ultra33 Avg FPS, 27 1% Low FPS
FSR Native22 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS
TSR Low33 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
TSR Medium32 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS
TSR Ultra31 Avg FPS, 26 1% Low FPS
TSR Native20 Avg FPS, 14 1% Low FPS

With FSR set to low, and using the Very Low graphical setting, I saw an average of 48.6 fps and lows of 38.6 fps. I'd call this 'perfectly playable' on the little 7-inch 1080p display. FSR Medium gave me an average fps of 42.6 with lows of 34 fps.

From my time so far, I reckon FSR Medium with very low graphics is the absolute sweet spot. That's what I stuck with as I have continued playing the game after I got all my testing stats.

Halo: Campaign Evolved on Asus ROG Xbox Ally X on Medium settings
Medium settings on Asus ROG Xbox Ally XFuture
Halo: Campaign Evolved onvery low on Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
Very low settings on Asus ROG Xbox Ally XFuture

FSR Low offers better performance, but it gives up too much clarity for me. FSR is genuinely really tough to justify on a bigger screen, so I wouldn't bother on my main gaming PC, but FSR Medium with very low textures looks perfectly fine on the ROG Xbox Ally X.

And, most importantly, the difference between Low and Ultra graphics settings is surprisingly subtle here. It's still more or less the same game: it's just a little less pretty, and, with upscaling, has a slight bit more of a sheen to it in motion. Make sure to turn off motion blur, too. It's awful.

]]> <![CDATA[ Acer and Gigabyte will launch RTX Spark laptops too, but not before Microsoft and Co. ]]> Nvidia's Arm-based processor for laptops was unveiled after much waiting at Computex back in June. RTX Spark is Nvidia's first proper go at a consumer chip, combining CPU and GPU, and while it is of course targeted at AI workloads, it's also targeted at gaming. Now, Nvidia has confirmed which will be the first brands of RTX Spark laptop to come to market this fall and which will follow those.

According to Nvidia, "RTX Spark systems will be available this fall from Asus, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface and MSI, with models from Acer and Gigabyte to follow."

The initial few aren't a big surprise given these are the exact companies that were announced as partners when RTX Spark was revealed. Of note is Acer and Gigabyte following the initial six, though.

As Chinese news site the Commercial Times points out (via VideoCardz), MSI and Asus will be the first Taiwanese companies to launch Spark lappies. But given it was the Surface Laptop Ultra that RTX Spark was most commonly shown running on at Computex, it'll be surprising if that's not the first one to market.

That being said, I'm looking forward to RTX Spark laptops other than the Surface. Back when it was announced, I reported just how much I liked the look of the thin MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+.

An RTX Spark in-hand on the left, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on the right.

(Image credit: Future (left), AP - Associated Press (right))

If laptops as thin as this can really pump out 100 fps at 1440p like Nvidia claims—and our Dave's hands-on experience gaming on RTX Spark certainly does make me hopeful—then getting that kind of power out of such a thin laptop is an exciting prospect. Though I guess that will depend on the TDPs and cooling in question, too.

The other big announcement from Nvidia at SIGGRAPH 2026, at least as far as we gamers are concerned, was a closer look at how DLSS 5 works. For now, the AI filter looks to be controllable with just a couple of sliders, though Nvidia says it's working on building more controls for devs. And I can't deny that cranking up the subsurface scattering on masked-off environmental objects looks pretty damn good to my eyes, even if the controls are limited.

That technology will launch this fall, too, so the end of 2026 might be an interesting time for PC gaming. Setting aside the usual affordability provisos given the current state of the market, of course.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/acer-and-gigabyte-will-launch-rtx-spark-laptops-too-but-not-before-microsoft-and-co/ wDfqmGuGo4sfuja6VYLziJ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:54:37 +0000 false false false

Nvidia's Arm-based processor for laptops was unveiled after much waiting at Computex back in June. RTX Spark is Nvidia's first proper go at a consumer chip, combining CPU and GPU, and while it is of course targeted at AI workloads, it's also targeted at gaming. Now, Nvidia has confirmed which will be the first brands of RTX Spark laptop to come to market this fall and which will follow those.

According to Nvidia, "RTX Spark systems will be available this fall from Asus, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface and MSI, with models from Acer and Gigabyte to follow."

The initial few aren't a big surprise given these are the exact companies that were announced as partners when RTX Spark was revealed. Of note is Acer and Gigabyte following the initial six, though.

As Chinese news site the Commercial Times points out (via VideoCardz), MSI and Asus will be the first Taiwanese companies to launch Spark lappies. But given it was the Surface Laptop Ultra that RTX Spark was most commonly shown running on at Computex, it'll be surprising if that's not the first one to market.

That being said, I'm looking forward to RTX Spark laptops other than the Surface. Back when it was announced, I reported just how much I liked the look of the thin MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+.

An RTX Spark in-hand on the left, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on the right.

(Image credit: Future (left), AP - Associated Press (right))

If laptops as thin as this can really pump out 100 fps at 1440p like Nvidia claims—and our Dave's hands-on experience gaming on RTX Spark certainly does make me hopeful—then getting that kind of power out of such a thin laptop is an exciting prospect. Though I guess that will depend on the TDPs and cooling in question, too.

The other big announcement from Nvidia at SIGGRAPH 2026, at least as far as we gamers are concerned, was a closer look at how DLSS 5 works. For now, the AI filter looks to be controllable with just a couple of sliders, though Nvidia says it's working on building more controls for devs. And I can't deny that cranking up the subsurface scattering on masked-off environmental objects looks pretty damn good to my eyes, even if the controls are limited.

That technology will launch this fall, too, so the end of 2026 might be an interesting time for PC gaming. Setting aside the usual affordability provisos given the current state of the market, of course.

]]> <![CDATA[ Steam Deck sales are estimated to have plummeted by around 80% since the massive price hikes earlier this year, back of the napkin maths suggests ]]> The Steam Deck was once a budget champion, but no longer. Ever since the price hikes earlier this year, Valve's handheld has become difficult to argue for as a value proposition—and according to recent sales estimates by Boiling Steam, it appears that consumers may agree.

The site has attempted to estimate the number of Steam Deck units sold by tracking its position on the Steam Top Sellers listing, and extrapolating data in relation to the entries above and below it (via XDA).

This back-of-the-napkin maths is hardly definitive, but it suggests that when the Steam Deck dropped from around fourth and fifth on the chart position to between tenth and fifteenth after the price adjustments in May of this year, the drop in weekly units sold would equate to roughly 80-82%.

Boiling Steam suggests that a slip to fourteenth on the Top Sellers list from its previous top five position represents a drop in gross revenue of approximately 72%, something the outlet characterises as a "complete collapse in total sales."

Presuming Boiling Steam's earlier estimate of between 11,000 and 18,000 units sold a week pre-price increase is correct, the figures would equate to between 1,400 and 3,000 units sold weekly in mid-2026. "The effect could not be clearer," says the outlet. "A 72% revenue contraction combined with a 54% price increase has completely shut down the demand for the Steam Deck."

A Steam Deck LCD on a wooden desk, with the SteamOS menu screen on the display

(Image credit: Future)

Immediately after the price increases, replenished stock was reportedly sold out in North America, so it seems that some well-heeled buyers bit the bullet—at least initially. In fact, it's worth pointing out that regional shortages in Steam Deck supplies may have had their part to play in the Deck's position in the Top Seller rankings, which could skew this data significantly.

There's also a fair amount of guesswork here, as the outlet has made assumptions about the average Steam Deck price across the range for 2025 sales data, and extrapolated estimated weekly revenues for the positioning of the surrounding top-selling games. All of which is to say, a pinch of salt may well be required.

Still, it's been a grim 2026 in general for handheld gaming fans. While there's been plenty to get excited about on the hardware front, including Intel's Panther Lake-based Arc G3 and G3 Extreme offerings and the magnificent MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, the memory crisis-induced pricing has tarnished what was once an excellent entry point into PC gaming.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

And the Steam Deck really was the entry point to beat all entry points. The cheaper LCD models have since been retired, the OLED models are hugely expensive given the performance you receive for your cash, and we're left wondering if the form factor will survive as anything other than a niche category for the very well-off.

I recently reported on a $5,299 handheld offering from Ayaneo, a 128 GB beast that I can't possibly see selling in large numbers for that sort of price. But, like Valve and countless other hardware providers, the company has felt the need to increase the pricing to cover memory and storage costs. Never mind global shipping uncertainty and a whole host of other contributing factors.

Those of you who picked up a Steam Deck back when it was cheap are probably feeling pretty pleased with yourselves right now, and rightly so. But, if these estimates are correct, I'd imagine Valve may be beginning to ask itself whether the hassle—combined with dropped sales figures—makes the whole endeavour worth it. And that, for PC gaming on the go, would be a sad state of affairs indeed.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/steam-deck-sales-are-estimated-to-have-plummeted-by-around-80-percent-since-the-massive-price-hikes-earlier-this-year-back-of-the-napkin-maths-suggests/ 9e4UNDMFDL5eVMkUckHn3W Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:06:35 +0000 false false false

The Steam Deck was once a budget champion, but no longer. Ever since the price hikes earlier this year, Valve's handheld has become difficult to argue for as a value proposition—and according to recent sales estimates by Boiling Steam, it appears that consumers may agree.

The site has attempted to estimate the number of Steam Deck units sold by tracking its position on the Steam Top Sellers listing, and extrapolating data in relation to the entries above and below it (via XDA).

This back-of-the-napkin maths is hardly definitive, but it suggests that when the Steam Deck dropped from around fourth and fifth on the chart position to between tenth and fifteenth after the price adjustments in May of this year, the drop in weekly units sold would equate to roughly 80-82%.

Boiling Steam suggests that a slip to fourteenth on the Top Sellers list from its previous top five position represents a drop in gross revenue of approximately 72%, something the outlet characterises as a "complete collapse in total sales."

Presuming Boiling Steam's earlier estimate of between 11,000 and 18,000 units sold a week pre-price increase is correct, the figures would equate to between 1,400 and 3,000 units sold weekly in mid-2026. "The effect could not be clearer," says the outlet. "A 72% revenue contraction combined with a 54% price increase has completely shut down the demand for the Steam Deck."

A Steam Deck LCD on a wooden desk, with the SteamOS menu screen on the display

(Image credit: Future)

Immediately after the price increases, replenished stock was reportedly sold out in North America, so it seems that some well-heeled buyers bit the bullet—at least initially. In fact, it's worth pointing out that regional shortages in Steam Deck supplies may have had their part to play in the Deck's position in the Top Seller rankings, which could skew this data significantly.

There's also a fair amount of guesswork here, as the outlet has made assumptions about the average Steam Deck price across the range for 2025 sales data, and extrapolated estimated weekly revenues for the positioning of the surrounding top-selling games. All of which is to say, a pinch of salt may well be required.

Still, it's been a grim 2026 in general for handheld gaming fans. While there's been plenty to get excited about on the hardware front, including Intel's Panther Lake-based Arc G3 and G3 Extreme offerings and the magnificent MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, the memory crisis-induced pricing has tarnished what was once an excellent entry point into PC gaming.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

And the Steam Deck really was the entry point to beat all entry points. The cheaper LCD models have since been retired, the OLED models are hugely expensive given the performance you receive for your cash, and we're left wondering if the form factor will survive as anything other than a niche category for the very well-off.

I recently reported on a $5,299 handheld offering from Ayaneo, a 128 GB beast that I can't possibly see selling in large numbers for that sort of price. But, like Valve and countless other hardware providers, the company has felt the need to increase the pricing to cover memory and storage costs. Never mind global shipping uncertainty and a whole host of other contributing factors.

Those of you who picked up a Steam Deck back when it was cheap are probably feeling pretty pleased with yourselves right now, and rightly so. But, if these estimates are correct, I'd imagine Valve may be beginning to ask itself whether the hassle—combined with dropped sales figures—makes the whole endeavour worth it. And that, for PC gaming on the go, would be a sad state of affairs indeed.

]]> <![CDATA[ Acer's Predator Atlas 8 pricing puts the nail in the handheld coffin for me: it is now a luxury market ]]> A couple of months ago, Intel announced a couple of new chips for handheld gaming PCs, the Intel Arc G3 and G3 Extreme. It was certainly exciting to have something new on that front, given we've been seeing mostly the same silicon crammed inside such devices for a very long time. But at the time I warned that signs pointed towards yet more prohibitively expensive price tags. And now we're seeing Acer's pricing for its new Predator Atlas 8 handhelds, it's safe to say I was unfortunately right.

As spotted by KitGuru and confirmed by yours truly, the UK pricing for these handhelds, containing new Intel Panther Lake chips and expected to launch in October this year, ranges from £1,000 to £1,500. The cheapest has a regular G3 chip, 16 GB of memory, and a 512 GB SSD. You can up the memory to 24 GB for another £100.

A G3 Extreme version with a 1 TB SSD and 24 GB of memory will be able to be nabbed for £1,300, and bumping that up to 32 GB of RAM will get you up to the top £1,500 price tag.

Converting those figures to dollars, that makes for a handheld that ranges from (roughly) $1,300 to $2,000. Though of course prices don't usually track exchange rates exactly.

Yep, that's pretty expensive. But it's also par for the course for handhelds now, it seems. Our Dave has actually just reviewed an MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM featuring a G3 Extreme chip and that, too is in this ballpark. It's $1,800, a figure I noted as being likely back in May, given currency conversions of EU/AUS retailer listings.

At Computex in June, MSI told us that it was targetting $1,500 for the Claw 8 EX AI+, but that also came with the caveat that was depending on market forces. And those market forces have not been kind, as evidenced by the subsequent price change. Again, not unexpected, but as with memory prices in general, just an unfortunate reality of the industry right now.

To be clear though, the G3 Extreme chip is incredibly performant, with its 12 Xe cores helping the new Claw handheld handily beat others like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X in the games we tested at 1080p. So it's not quite as bad as paying so much for a non-G3 Extreme handheld. And it's certainly not as expensive as, erm, some options we're seeing surface.

But it's still mighty expensive. When the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X launched we thought that was expensive at $1,000, and now we reckon it's the best handheld gaming PC on the market because all the rest are just so damn expensive. It's a shame, given the handheld market for a while was looking like a decent entry into PC gaming. Now the market is looking more like an ultra-niche luxury one.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/acers-predator-atlas-8-pricing-puts-the-nail-in-the-handheld-coffin-for-me-it-is-now-a-luxury-market/ 8rKHHAcFUMcdN73pTG6wXN Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:00:09 +0000 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:37:29 +0000 false false false

A couple of months ago, Intel announced a couple of new chips for handheld gaming PCs, the Intel Arc G3 and G3 Extreme. It was certainly exciting to have something new on that front, given we've been seeing mostly the same silicon crammed inside such devices for a very long time. But at the time I warned that signs pointed towards yet more prohibitively expensive price tags. And now we're seeing Acer's pricing for its new Predator Atlas 8 handhelds, it's safe to say I was unfortunately right.

As spotted by KitGuru and confirmed by yours truly, the UK pricing for these handhelds, containing new Intel Panther Lake chips and expected to launch in October this year, ranges from £1,000 to £1,500. The cheapest has a regular G3 chip, 16 GB of memory, and a 512 GB SSD. You can up the memory to 24 GB for another £100.

A G3 Extreme version with a 1 TB SSD and 24 GB of memory will be able to be nabbed for £1,300, and bumping that up to 32 GB of RAM will get you up to the top £1,500 price tag.

Converting those figures to dollars, that makes for a handheld that ranges from (roughly) $1,300 to $2,000. Though of course prices don't usually track exchange rates exactly.

Yep, that's pretty expensive. But it's also par for the course for handhelds now, it seems. Our Dave has actually just reviewed an MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM featuring a G3 Extreme chip and that, too is in this ballpark. It's $1,800, a figure I noted as being likely back in May, given currency conversions of EU/AUS retailer listings.

At Computex in June, MSI told us that it was targetting $1,500 for the Claw 8 EX AI+, but that also came with the caveat that was depending on market forces. And those market forces have not been kind, as evidenced by the subsequent price change. Again, not unexpected, but as with memory prices in general, just an unfortunate reality of the industry right now.

To be clear though, the G3 Extreme chip is incredibly performant, with its 12 Xe cores helping the new Claw handheld handily beat others like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X in the games we tested at 1080p. So it's not quite as bad as paying so much for a non-G3 Extreme handheld. And it's certainly not as expensive as, erm, some options we're seeing surface.

But it's still mighty expensive. When the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X launched we thought that was expensive at $1,000, and now we reckon it's the best handheld gaming PC on the market because all the rest are just so damn expensive. It's a shame, given the handheld market for a while was looking like a decent entry into PC gaming. Now the market is looking more like an ultra-niche luxury one.

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve has replaced a Steam Machine for free after it was stolen by porch pirates, saving one UK redditor roughly £1,000 ]]> The Steam Machine is a pricey piece of hardware. Which is why UK redditor mdumtshali must have been heartbroken (or very annoyed) when theirs was stolen from their doorstep after the Royal Mail dropped it off while they were at work.

The delivery driver sent a picture of the Steam Machine box to prove it had been delivered, and even tried to cover it with a plastic bag (via Notebookcheck). But alas, when mdumtshali returned home, porch pirates (my new favourite term) had already absconded with the ill-fated mini PC.

However, mdumtshali says they eventually contacted Steam Support, which duly agreed to send out a replacement Steam Machine free of charge. "Honestly, kudos to Steam Support," says the redditor. "[I] thought I was going to be out £1000, which I really can't afford."

Steam Support initially asked mdumtshali to check with neighbours to see if the parcel had been taken in, which they duly did to no avail. As the Steam Machine is a high-value item, it's surprising that a signature wasn't required by the Royal Mail for delivery confirmation, which would have likely prevented this whole fiasco in the first place.

Royal Mail Left My Steam Machine Outside
 from r/steammachine

As Notebookcheck points out, the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 stipulates that sellers must ensure that items reach buyers, so this is less a case of good-guy Valve and more "Valve follows the rules"—which is still pretty pleasing to see in this "screw-you-got-mine" world of ours.

In other countries, however, the consumer protections aren't quite so clear-cut. Chalk one battered, bruised, and broken point up for this silly little country of mine, and kudos to Steam Support for quickly coming to this redditor's aid in their time of need.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/valve-has-replaced-a-steam-machine-for-free-after-it-was-stolen-by-porch-pirates-saving-one-uk-redditor-roughly-gbp1-000/ DzwXhErkBiJMQjF2uwvbX Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:00:54 +0000 false false false

The Steam Machine is a pricey piece of hardware. Which is why UK redditor mdumtshali must have been heartbroken (or very annoyed) when theirs was stolen from their doorstep after the Royal Mail dropped it off while they were at work.

The delivery driver sent a picture of the Steam Machine box to prove it had been delivered, and even tried to cover it with a plastic bag (via Notebookcheck). But alas, when mdumtshali returned home, porch pirates (my new favourite term) had already absconded with the ill-fated mini PC.

However, mdumtshali says they eventually contacted Steam Support, which duly agreed to send out a replacement Steam Machine free of charge. "Honestly, kudos to Steam Support," says the redditor. "[I] thought I was going to be out £1000, which I really can't afford."

Steam Support initially asked mdumtshali to check with neighbours to see if the parcel had been taken in, which they duly did to no avail. As the Steam Machine is a high-value item, it's surprising that a signature wasn't required by the Royal Mail for delivery confirmation, which would have likely prevented this whole fiasco in the first place.

Royal Mail Left My Steam Machine Outside
 from r/steammachine

As Notebookcheck points out, the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 stipulates that sellers must ensure that items reach buyers, so this is less a case of good-guy Valve and more "Valve follows the rules"—which is still pretty pleasing to see in this "screw-you-got-mine" world of ours.

In other countries, however, the consumer protections aren't quite so clear-cut. Chalk one battered, bruised, and broken point up for this silly little country of mine, and kudos to Steam Support for quickly coming to this redditor's aid in their time of need.

]]> <![CDATA[ MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM review ]]> It's clear the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is the best gaming handheld in terms of almost all the metrics that count. It's the most powerful—delivering gaming performance well beyond that of the ROG Xbox Ally X with its AMD-powered Z2 Extreme APU—and it has an absolutely killer battery life, too. But these aren't the only metrics that count. Sure, they're the key ones if we're talking about what it's like to actually live with the MSI Claw 8 etc. but there's a large hurdle to get over before then. And it's a hurdle built out of pure cash.

The Claw 8 etc. is a handheld that's become as much of a casualty of the current memory and hardware crisis as the Steam Machine. To the point where, here at launch it's just looking like a near $2,000 toy for the really rather rich.

And this is a real failing for a handheld gaming PC. These aren't devices that are meant to be your sole machine; they're complementary systems for when you're travelling around, or just want to sit on a sofa instead of at your gaming desk. Which is why the Steam Deck was such a success. It understood the balance of price and performance was vital in this burgeoning market, and that it needed to be something additive to your gaming experience, not exclusory. And other players, such as Asus and Lenovo, were able to use their buying power to keep costs relatively low for their own subsequent devices.

That's all out of the window now, because there is no way to produce an affordable version of a handheld rocking the outstanding Intel Arc G3 Extreme silicon, whatever your buying power is. Which is a huge shame, because it really is the best gaming handheld I've ever spent time with. The chip at its heart is almost the entire reason behind that; because of its mix of extreme power and extreme Panther Lake efficiency it nails what I've always wanted a handheld gaming PC to be.

The level of compromise over the visual quality and frame rate of your games is impressively light, and while range anxiety is not necessarily a solved issue, the Endurance mode battery life is a bit of a revelation. But it's not all about Intel's silicon, because the enhanced MSI Claw design also plays its part. The weight is beautifully distributed, making it feel far lighter than it should, and the extended controller grips make it far more comfortable for a long session.

Buy if...

✅ You want the best handheld silicon: The MSI Claw 8 etc. is the current pinnacle of handheld gaming PC technology and if that's what you need in your life, it's right here for you.

Don't buy if...

❌ A handheld needs to be an affordable second-device: At $1,800 the Claw 8 etc. costs the same as a full Radeon RX 9070 XT gaming PC, making it very much a luxury purchase and an impulse buy only for the mega-loaded.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ features

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)
Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM specs

Processor

Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

Chipset

Integrated SoC

Memory

32 GB LPDDR5x-8533 onboard, dual channel

Display

8-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), Touchscreen, 48~120Hz VRR, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level panel

Graphics

Intel Arc GPU B390

Storage Slot

1 x NVMe M.2 2280 SSD by PCIe Gen 4 x4

Sensor

6-Axis IMU Vibration Motor

Communication

Intel Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v6

Audio

2 x 2 W Speakers / 1x Audio combo jack / DTS Audio Processing / Hi-Res Audio ready

I/O Port

2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™ / Power Delivery 3.0)
1 x microSD Card Reader
1 x Audio Combo Jack

Security

Fingerprint sensor on power button

Battery/Adapter

4-Cell, Li-Polymer, 80 Whr / 65 W USB-C PD 3.0

Dimension

296~321 (W) x 130 (D) x 25~48 (H) mm

Weight

785 g

Color

Void Purple

Price

$1,800 / £1,400

The key feature for the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is its Intel Arc G3 Extreme silicon. This is the first chip from Intel that is explicitly designed for a handheld ecosystem, and the fact that it is denoted as an 'Arc' chip highlights its gaming credentials, and the focus on its integrated GPU. In fact, Intel's Tom Petersen went so far as to pitch his claim to actually call the chip a GPU with an integrated CPU when I spoke to him at Computex earlier in the year.

Though I'm pretty confident his pitch didn't get very far with the Intel leadership.

The integrated graphics are the same as those sitting in the top-end Panther Lake processors, the Arc B390. That's a 12 Xe core chip and one that's impressively capable at 1080p gaming, especially at low wattage levels, but the chip as a whole contains some interesting optimisations dedicated to handheld gaming specifically.

The most obvious is how the split between Performance, Efficient, and Low Power Efficient cores lines up in the new chip spec. Where your standard Core UItra 9 or 7 Panther Lake chip comes with four Cougar Cove Performance cores to give it that extra processing grunt, Intel has cut that in half, with only two Performance cores in the G3 series of chips.

Alongside that pair, are eight Darkmont Efficient cores and a further four Darkmont LP Efficient cores. That then gives you a 14-core processor, so you can have some decent multi-core performance in there without dedicating too much silicon to the highest-performing—and most thirsty—cores Intel has in the whole Panther Lake stack.

(Image credit: Intel)

And the Darkmont cores are plenty versatile and powerful enough in this form, and not the weakheart cores you might have in your head from the first flush of Intel's big/little core design. This isn't a mobile workstation after all, this is a gaming chip, and everything is focused around that.

To that end the G3 chips come with the latest version of Intel's Intelligent Bias Control software (IBC v3.5). This is a piece of software designed to balance power between CPU and GPU tiles, and here it allows for the complete parking of the more power-hungry Performance cores when the chip is operating at a low power level, below 14 W. It also affects the Windows scheduler and points more work towards the Efficient cores; it's almost the entirely opposite way the original scheduler was designed when Intel first brought the hybrid core layout to the PC.

But, having played with a couple of other Arc G3 Extreme handhelds—the OneXPlayer 3 and the Acer Predator Atlas 8—there is a lot that MSI is bringing to the table here, too. And much of it is a vast improvement over the previous Claw handhelds. MSI has been making Intel-based handheld gaming PCs for a couple generations now and they've been decent, but never class-leading. That's changed here with the Claw 8 EX AI+, where it's focused on nailing the design in terms of ergonomics and the ephemeral feel of a device, as well as supporting the efficient Intel architecture with a fat 77.8 Whr battery.

The flared design of the grips mirrors the Xbox controller and therefore the comfort of the Xbox Ally X, and all the buttons feel far more definite than the slightly woolly, imprecise controls on the previous Claw devices. We also have Hall effect sticks and triggers to give you more accuracy and remove the issue of stick drift over time, too.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future

The 8-inch IPS-like panel taking up the front of the Claw—and oddly slightly jutting out at the bottom—is a really solid 1920 x 1200 screen. With VRR support, you're getting a refresh rate from 48 - 120 Hz and an impressively bright display, too. It's rated for a typical luminance level of 500 nits, which means you don't have to have it anywhere near 100% to get a very playable level of brightness on the thing.

It's not all on the outside, either. The internals have been given an upgrade, and arguably the most important is the one you'll barely notice. The cooling. MSI has used taller fans in the twin cooling array inside it, and there is an impressive amount of clearance between the outer shell and those li'l spinny things. All told, you're getting an extra 5 W of cooling capacity compared to previous Claw designs, and apparently 9% more airflow.

Combine that with the noted Panther Lake/Arc G3 efficiency, and you get a cooling system that stays mercifully quiet, but still impressively effective when you're really pushing the graphics silicon to its fullest.

Another internal feature that pleases me is the SSD. It's super easy to unscrew and pry the back off the Claw—without breaking the plastic shell—and you're immediately presented with the SSD. This makes it simple to replace or upgrade the standard 1 TB of storage it comes with, but MSI has also ensured compatibility with full-size 2280 SSDs as well as the smaller designs.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ performance

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

If you've seen anything of our coverage of Intel's Panther Lake you'll know we're big fans of its gaming performance, and that hasn't changed with my testing of this new MSI Claw and its Arc G3 Extreme processor. In fact, it has only been enhanced because of its effectiveness at low power especially.

Our standard handheld gaming PC benchmarking suite sees the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ topping the table with only one exception, the ageing Horizon Zero Dawn upscaling benchmark, which relies on an older version of AMD's FSR technology. It's an impressive display, with it not being at all close in most games compared with the current pinnacle of AMD's own dedicated handheld silicon, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the ROG Xbox Ally X.

1 / 3

1080p gaming performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM
33
16
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
26
19
MSI Claw 8 AI+
20
15
Lenovo Legion Go S
15
11
Black Myth Wukong (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM33 Avg FPS, 16 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X26 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 AI+20 Avg FPS, 15 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Go S15 Avg FPS, 11 1% Low FPS
The Arc G3 Extreme chip in the Claw 8 EX AI+ shows how dominant it is over AMD's best handheld chip, and the last generation Intel iGPU in the previous MSI Claw 8 device.

As soon as you start twiddling the upscaling knobs you're getting to never less than fully playable on all the games in our tests. And that's without even going down the frame generation route. If you find a game, such as Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which has Intel's own XeSS FG baked into it, you are laughing. It pairs so well with the Arc G3 Extreme chip that Intel believes it should become a vital part of your gaming experience, and I have to agree.

From spending time playing Batman on the device, with multi frame gen enabled, it really does make a huge difference to the smoothness of the game, without hugely impacting the input latency. It's one of those times where I completely forgot what I was testing because all of the tech and frame gen faded into the background as I just spent time playing a great PC game without thinking about anything else.

Thankfully, that's how Intel is talking about frame gen with regards to the G3 Extreme series. It's all about making the experience smoother, not necessarily about winning people over with explicitly higher measured frame rates. That is what frame generation is good for: smoothing out gaming performance, not for giving you a veneer of higher performance.

1 / 2

Endurance mode performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)
37
29
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)
50
28
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)
39
30
Black Myth Wukong | Upscaling (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)37 Avg FPS, 29 1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)50 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)39 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
With the MSI Claw running in its Endurance mode you are getting impressively close to the full performance of the AMD Z2 Extreme chip in Xbox Ally X.

But one of the things that really stands out to me is the efficiency of the new Intel silicon when it comes to Endurance mode. When you enable Endurance in the MSI quick settings it turns on efficiency mode, which theoretically locks the frame rate to 30, 40, or 60 fps. Well, I'm not entirely sure about that, given the variety in average fps I've measured in my benchmarking, but it certainly pulls down the peak PL2 performance down to a maximum of 20 W, with PL1 stuck at 15 W.

This effectively doubles the battery life of the device, but delivers gaming performance that, to all practical purposes, feels about the same as you would get from running the Xbox Ally X at its top settings. There are times where the full power of the Z2 Extreme does edge out the 15 - 20 W performance of the MSI Claw, but those aren't all that common.

This performance and efficiency one-two punch is a hell of a double-whammy.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ value

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

Value? In the current handheld gaming market, surely you jest? This is where all my positivity about the new Intel Arc G3 series architecture and MSI's re-design of the Claw evaporates up against the molten heat of the memory crisis, because there is no getting away from the fact that we're talking about a gaming handheld that costs $1,800.

As soon as the AI/datacentre market started hoovering up all available DRAM and subsequently NAND memory the writing was on the wall for consumer technology. The laws of supply and demand meant prices were only going to spiral upwards and this has arguably hit the MSI Claw harder than many others.

That's because Panther Lake and the Arc G3 series chips' performance targets were designed around the bandwidth of high-performance LPDDR5X memory. Intel reportedly mandated at least LPDDR5X-7467 for a system to be classed as having either the top B370 or B390 iGPUs, otherwise they would just be noted as 'Intel Graphics'. The G3 Extreme here sits alongside 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533, which costs a pretty penny and is likely a big reason for the high price of the device itself.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

I spoke to Intel's Tom Petersen at Computex earlier this year specifically about whether we'd see any machines using the non-Extreme version of the two G3 chips the company announced, and he was sceptical precisely because of this.

"I don't know the answer to that one," he says. "It's a great question. I think we're in a weird time with the whole DRAM thing going on right now, where the pricing difference between the two chips is small, and small relative to what's going on with DRAM.

"So, if you're going to spend the money on DRAM, why not just get the best one? I think there's some of that going on. As DRAM prices come down and the market starts normalising a little bit, then the differentiation of price that you can get by picking different SKUs will be a more important differentiator than the end user. That's my guess."

Which kinda sucks. The memory just costs far more than the difference between the two G3 processors, making that saving largely irrelevant for anyone looking to try and create a cheaper option.

You only have to look at the Acer Predator Atlas 8, which is also using the G3 series of chips and is releasing a straight Arc G3 version. But that's looking to be priced around $1,500 despite using the cheaper chip. The equivalent Atlas 8 compared to the MSI Claw 8 etc. is running to over $2,000. However you cut it, the mix of CPU and memory silicon is expensive.

So, the price is understandable then, but that doesn't change the fact that at this level it's impossible to recommend the Claw 8 etc. to anyone who makes their purchases with any form of value judgement in mind. If you're just after the best/fastest, and hang the expense, all power to you, but for the rest of us there's little by way of a value proposition here.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ sound

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the actual sound reproduction of the speakers in the MSI Claw EX AI+ they're fine. Nothing more, nothing less. Arguably there's not a whole lot you can do with the sort of space you have to jam a set of speakers into, but they still do an admirable job anyway. Though I will say that I'd still advise you to use a set of earbuds or headphones with the device for the best aural experience.

But the other side of this equation is the sound the device's cooling makes when you're pushing the silicon to its limits. And in that I'm far more impressed.

It's not that the device is silent under load—you will still hear those fans when they're really blowing—but the tone is as unobtrusive as they get and the work MSI has done to improve the cooling array of the latest MSI Claw has really paid off. If you're rocking Endurance mode and playing some relatively lightweight games you will barely hear the whoosh of air carrying off the heat from the silicon.

And even if you are hammering the G3 Extreme, I never felt the same sort of loathing I get from a really egregious gaming laptop's turbine roar under gaming loads.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ thermals

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

This is an Intel CPU, so when we really put it under sustained load, such as with a ten minute Cinebench 2024 run, then yes, we're going to be hitting high temperatures. But it's also no different to the sorts of temperatures you'll see from AMD's own handheld chips when put under the same processing pressure.

There's a solitary degree in it, which could easily be passed off as variance in testing, but the Arc G3 Extreme in the MSI Claw measured 97 °C as its maximum temperature, while the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X hits 96 °C.

Cooling

Thermal performance

Max CPU temp (°C)
Max CPU package power (W)
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM
97
37
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
96
55
Lenovo Legion Go S
99.2
38
Thermal performance Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM97 Max CPU temp (°C), 37 Max CPU package power (W)
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X96 Max CPU temp (°C), 55 Max CPU package power (W)
Lenovo Legion Go S99.2 Max CPU temp (°C), 38 Max CPU package power (W)
The thermal performance of the MSI Claw is impressive, however the Xbox Ally X is doing more work with higher power draw.

But at no point do either of these handhelds ever get to the point where they are too hot to touch. The cooling design vents the hot air out of the top of the MSI Claw, while drawing it in from twin fans oriented to pull in from the rear of the device. This means you're never hit by the hot air when you're using it in a normal way, with the screen out in front of you.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ software

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

We're still talking about a Windows-based handheld, and even with the Xbox Mode operating to full effect, the MSI Claw remains a device that feels like it's got a bunch of software snakes writhing around under the surface all fighting to control what happens in there. The simple, unified nature of SteamOS is what has drawn people to Valve's Linux-based operating system, and why a bunch of other Linux distributions have co-opted it as the front-end for their own handheld versions.

But Windows is still very much a desktop OS, and one that still has some roots in the aging operating systems of its past that it cannot escape. There are still Windows 2000-era menu systems lurking inside Windows 11 if you look not very hard at all. And even with the Xbox mode layer cleaning things up for handhelds it's still not entirely unified.

Yes, you can have Steam boot into Big Picture mode, but I found Xbox mode seemed to block that from loading immediately after booting. So you're still going to boot into either MSI's own game and system launcher or the Xbox app. Either way is clunky and requires you to jump through a few more hoops, click a few more buttons, to get to the game you want.

Then there's the overlay. Pressing the menu button on the Claw brings up what's essentially the Gamebar menu as an overlay, just like with the Xbox Ally X. Except here, after maybe a one second delay, it will jarringly flick you over to the MSI quick menu. I will say this is probably where you want to land when you hit that button, as it gives you all the necessary control over performance, controls, and recording, but it's not a slick experience.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ battery life

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

If gaming performance is the attention grabbing metric for most PC gamers when it comes to handheld PCs, battery life is the one that will have the biggest impact on your overall experience with the device when you get it in your hands.

I was already impressed with the MSI Claw EX AI+ CG3EM when I first ran my battery life benchmarks on its default, AI Engine power mode. This gets you running up to 37 W and I am getting another half an hour of solid gaming time over and above the Xbox Ally X, and that's all while performing at a much higher level.

But the joy for me of the new Arc G3 Extreme chip is its performance when you're not throwing that much power down its throat. Switch on Endurance mode in the MSI quick menu, which puts you in the Efficiency preset in the Intel Graphics Software app, and my measured battery life literally doubles.

Battery life

PCMark 10 | Battery life (gaming test)

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)
308
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)
153
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)
125
MSI Claw 8 AI+ (Default)
129
Lenovo Legion Go S (Default)
126
Asus ROG Ally X (Default)
128
OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro (Default)
82
0100200300400
Battery life (minutes)
PCMark 10 | Battery life (gaming test) Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)308
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)153
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)125
MSI Claw 8 AI+ (Default)129
Lenovo Legion Go S (Default)126
Asus ROG Ally X (Default)128
OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro (Default)82

We use PCMark's Gaming battery life test, which loops through older 3DMark tests, continually hammering the battery until it gives out and the system goes into shutdown. And with Endurance mode enabled I've seen the Claw go from two and a half hours in that test to over five hours. And, remember, that will give you essentially the same actual gaming performance as the ROG Xbox Ally X across most games I've tested.

Now, that doesn't mean battery life is a solved issue, but this is you playing games without worrying about what that little percentage indicator in the top right of your screen says. And if you're playing something like Olli Olli World or Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, you can expect to bat well above that five hours average, too.

In fact, Intel actually measured the battery life of the Claw with the classic Team Fortress 2 running on it, and managed to get a healthy 11 hours of game time out of it. Actually, nearer 12. That's more than enough TF2 for anyone.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/msi-claw-8-ex-ai-cg3em-review/ Tu2eiMSEFpQAcy3BdWL7BK Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:39:49 +0000 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:39:53 +0000 false false false

It's clear the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is the best gaming handheld in terms of almost all the metrics that count. It's the most powerful—delivering gaming performance well beyond that of the ROG Xbox Ally X with its AMD-powered Z2 Extreme APU—and it has an absolutely killer battery life, too. But these aren't the only metrics that count. Sure, they're the key ones if we're talking about what it's like to actually live with the MSI Claw 8 etc. but there's a large hurdle to get over before then. And it's a hurdle built out of pure cash.

The Claw 8 etc. is a handheld that's become as much of a casualty of the current memory and hardware crisis as the Steam Machine. To the point where, here at launch it's just looking like a near $2,000 toy for the really rather rich.

And this is a real failing for a handheld gaming PC. These aren't devices that are meant to be your sole machine; they're complementary systems for when you're travelling around, or just want to sit on a sofa instead of at your gaming desk. Which is why the Steam Deck was such a success. It understood the balance of price and performance was vital in this burgeoning market, and that it needed to be something additive to your gaming experience, not exclusory. And other players, such as Asus and Lenovo, were able to use their buying power to keep costs relatively low for their own subsequent devices.

That's all out of the window now, because there is no way to produce an affordable version of a handheld rocking the outstanding Intel Arc G3 Extreme silicon, whatever your buying power is. Which is a huge shame, because it really is the best gaming handheld I've ever spent time with. The chip at its heart is almost the entire reason behind that; because of its mix of extreme power and extreme Panther Lake efficiency it nails what I've always wanted a handheld gaming PC to be.

The level of compromise over the visual quality and frame rate of your games is impressively light, and while range anxiety is not necessarily a solved issue, the Endurance mode battery life is a bit of a revelation. But it's not all about Intel's silicon, because the enhanced MSI Claw design also plays its part. The weight is beautifully distributed, making it feel far lighter than it should, and the extended controller grips make it far more comfortable for a long session.

Buy if...

✅ You want the best handheld silicon: The MSI Claw 8 etc. is the current pinnacle of handheld gaming PC technology and if that's what you need in your life, it's right here for you.

Don't buy if...

❌ A handheld needs to be an affordable second-device: At $1,800 the Claw 8 etc. costs the same as a full Radeon RX 9070 XT gaming PC, making it very much a luxury purchase and an impulse buy only for the mega-loaded.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ features

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)
Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM specs

Processor

Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

Chipset

Integrated SoC

Memory

32 GB LPDDR5x-8533 onboard, dual channel

Display

8-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), Touchscreen, 48~120Hz VRR, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level panel

Graphics

Intel Arc GPU B390

Storage Slot

1 x NVMe M.2 2280 SSD by PCIe Gen 4 x4

Sensor

6-Axis IMU Vibration Motor

Communication

Intel Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v6

Audio

2 x 2 W Speakers / 1x Audio combo jack / DTS Audio Processing / Hi-Res Audio ready

I/O Port

2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™ / Power Delivery 3.0)
1 x microSD Card Reader
1 x Audio Combo Jack

Security

Fingerprint sensor on power button

Battery/Adapter

4-Cell, Li-Polymer, 80 Whr / 65 W USB-C PD 3.0

Dimension

296~321 (W) x 130 (D) x 25~48 (H) mm

Weight

785 g

Color

Void Purple

Price

$1,800 / £1,400

The key feature for the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is its Intel Arc G3 Extreme silicon. This is the first chip from Intel that is explicitly designed for a handheld ecosystem, and the fact that it is denoted as an 'Arc' chip highlights its gaming credentials, and the focus on its integrated GPU. In fact, Intel's Tom Petersen went so far as to pitch his claim to actually call the chip a GPU with an integrated CPU when I spoke to him at Computex earlier in the year.

Though I'm pretty confident his pitch didn't get very far with the Intel leadership.

The integrated graphics are the same as those sitting in the top-end Panther Lake processors, the Arc B390. That's a 12 Xe core chip and one that's impressively capable at 1080p gaming, especially at low wattage levels, but the chip as a whole contains some interesting optimisations dedicated to handheld gaming specifically.

The most obvious is how the split between Performance, Efficient, and Low Power Efficient cores lines up in the new chip spec. Where your standard Core UItra 9 or 7 Panther Lake chip comes with four Cougar Cove Performance cores to give it that extra processing grunt, Intel has cut that in half, with only two Performance cores in the G3 series of chips.

Alongside that pair, are eight Darkmont Efficient cores and a further four Darkmont LP Efficient cores. That then gives you a 14-core processor, so you can have some decent multi-core performance in there without dedicating too much silicon to the highest-performing—and most thirsty—cores Intel has in the whole Panther Lake stack.

(Image credit: Intel)

And the Darkmont cores are plenty versatile and powerful enough in this form, and not the weakheart cores you might have in your head from the first flush of Intel's big/little core design. This isn't a mobile workstation after all, this is a gaming chip, and everything is focused around that.

To that end the G3 chips come with the latest version of Intel's Intelligent Bias Control software (IBC v3.5). This is a piece of software designed to balance power between CPU and GPU tiles, and here it allows for the complete parking of the more power-hungry Performance cores when the chip is operating at a low power level, below 14 W. It also affects the Windows scheduler and points more work towards the Efficient cores; it's almost the entirely opposite way the original scheduler was designed when Intel first brought the hybrid core layout to the PC.

But, having played with a couple of other Arc G3 Extreme handhelds—the OneXPlayer 3 and the Acer Predator Atlas 8—there is a lot that MSI is bringing to the table here, too. And much of it is a vast improvement over the previous Claw handhelds. MSI has been making Intel-based handheld gaming PCs for a couple generations now and they've been decent, but never class-leading. That's changed here with the Claw 8 EX AI+, where it's focused on nailing the design in terms of ergonomics and the ephemeral feel of a device, as well as supporting the efficient Intel architecture with a fat 77.8 Whr battery.

The flared design of the grips mirrors the Xbox controller and therefore the comfort of the Xbox Ally X, and all the buttons feel far more definite than the slightly woolly, imprecise controls on the previous Claw devices. We also have Hall effect sticks and triggers to give you more accuracy and remove the issue of stick drift over time, too.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
Future

The 8-inch IPS-like panel taking up the front of the Claw—and oddly slightly jutting out at the bottom—is a really solid 1920 x 1200 screen. With VRR support, you're getting a refresh rate from 48 - 120 Hz and an impressively bright display, too. It's rated for a typical luminance level of 500 nits, which means you don't have to have it anywhere near 100% to get a very playable level of brightness on the thing.

It's not all on the outside, either. The internals have been given an upgrade, and arguably the most important is the one you'll barely notice. The cooling. MSI has used taller fans in the twin cooling array inside it, and there is an impressive amount of clearance between the outer shell and those li'l spinny things. All told, you're getting an extra 5 W of cooling capacity compared to previous Claw designs, and apparently 9% more airflow.

Combine that with the noted Panther Lake/Arc G3 efficiency, and you get a cooling system that stays mercifully quiet, but still impressively effective when you're really pushing the graphics silicon to its fullest.

Another internal feature that pleases me is the SSD. It's super easy to unscrew and pry the back off the Claw—without breaking the plastic shell—and you're immediately presented with the SSD. This makes it simple to replace or upgrade the standard 1 TB of storage it comes with, but MSI has also ensured compatibility with full-size 2280 SSDs as well as the smaller designs.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ performance

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

If you've seen anything of our coverage of Intel's Panther Lake you'll know we're big fans of its gaming performance, and that hasn't changed with my testing of this new MSI Claw and its Arc G3 Extreme processor. In fact, it has only been enhanced because of its effectiveness at low power especially.

Our standard handheld gaming PC benchmarking suite sees the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ topping the table with only one exception, the ageing Horizon Zero Dawn upscaling benchmark, which relies on an older version of AMD's FSR technology. It's an impressive display, with it not being at all close in most games compared with the current pinnacle of AMD's own dedicated handheld silicon, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the ROG Xbox Ally X.

1 / 3

1080p gaming performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM
33
16
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
26
19
MSI Claw 8 AI+
20
15
Lenovo Legion Go S
15
11
Black Myth Wukong (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM33 Avg FPS, 16 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X26 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 AI+20 Avg FPS, 15 1% Low FPS
Lenovo Legion Go S15 Avg FPS, 11 1% Low FPS
The Arc G3 Extreme chip in the Claw 8 EX AI+ shows how dominant it is over AMD's best handheld chip, and the last generation Intel iGPU in the previous MSI Claw 8 device.

As soon as you start twiddling the upscaling knobs you're getting to never less than fully playable on all the games in our tests. And that's without even going down the frame generation route. If you find a game, such as Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which has Intel's own XeSS FG baked into it, you are laughing. It pairs so well with the Arc G3 Extreme chip that Intel believes it should become a vital part of your gaming experience, and I have to agree.

From spending time playing Batman on the device, with multi frame gen enabled, it really does make a huge difference to the smoothness of the game, without hugely impacting the input latency. It's one of those times where I completely forgot what I was testing because all of the tech and frame gen faded into the background as I just spent time playing a great PC game without thinking about anything else.

Thankfully, that's how Intel is talking about frame gen with regards to the G3 Extreme series. It's all about making the experience smoother, not necessarily about winning people over with explicitly higher measured frame rates. That is what frame generation is good for: smoothing out gaming performance, not for giving you a veneer of higher performance.

1 / 2

Endurance mode performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)
37
29
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)
50
28
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)
39
30
Black Myth Wukong | Upscaling (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)37 Avg FPS, 29 1% Low FPS
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)50 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)39 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS
With the MSI Claw running in its Endurance mode you are getting impressively close to the full performance of the AMD Z2 Extreme chip in Xbox Ally X.

But one of the things that really stands out to me is the efficiency of the new Intel silicon when it comes to Endurance mode. When you enable Endurance in the MSI quick settings it turns on efficiency mode, which theoretically locks the frame rate to 30, 40, or 60 fps. Well, I'm not entirely sure about that, given the variety in average fps I've measured in my benchmarking, but it certainly pulls down the peak PL2 performance down to a maximum of 20 W, with PL1 stuck at 15 W.

This effectively doubles the battery life of the device, but delivers gaming performance that, to all practical purposes, feels about the same as you would get from running the Xbox Ally X at its top settings. There are times where the full power of the Z2 Extreme does edge out the 15 - 20 W performance of the MSI Claw, but those aren't all that common.

This performance and efficiency one-two punch is a hell of a double-whammy.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ value

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

Value? In the current handheld gaming market, surely you jest? This is where all my positivity about the new Intel Arc G3 series architecture and MSI's re-design of the Claw evaporates up against the molten heat of the memory crisis, because there is no getting away from the fact that we're talking about a gaming handheld that costs $1,800.

As soon as the AI/datacentre market started hoovering up all available DRAM and subsequently NAND memory the writing was on the wall for consumer technology. The laws of supply and demand meant prices were only going to spiral upwards and this has arguably hit the MSI Claw harder than many others.

That's because Panther Lake and the Arc G3 series chips' performance targets were designed around the bandwidth of high-performance LPDDR5X memory. Intel reportedly mandated at least LPDDR5X-7467 for a system to be classed as having either the top B370 or B390 iGPUs, otherwise they would just be noted as 'Intel Graphics'. The G3 Extreme here sits alongside 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533, which costs a pretty penny and is likely a big reason for the high price of the device itself.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

I spoke to Intel's Tom Petersen at Computex earlier this year specifically about whether we'd see any machines using the non-Extreme version of the two G3 chips the company announced, and he was sceptical precisely because of this.

"I don't know the answer to that one," he says. "It's a great question. I think we're in a weird time with the whole DRAM thing going on right now, where the pricing difference between the two chips is small, and small relative to what's going on with DRAM.

"So, if you're going to spend the money on DRAM, why not just get the best one? I think there's some of that going on. As DRAM prices come down and the market starts normalising a little bit, then the differentiation of price that you can get by picking different SKUs will be a more important differentiator than the end user. That's my guess."

Which kinda sucks. The memory just costs far more than the difference between the two G3 processors, making that saving largely irrelevant for anyone looking to try and create a cheaper option.

You only have to look at the Acer Predator Atlas 8, which is also using the G3 series of chips and is releasing a straight Arc G3 version. But that's looking to be priced around $1,500 despite using the cheaper chip. The equivalent Atlas 8 compared to the MSI Claw 8 etc. is running to over $2,000. However you cut it, the mix of CPU and memory silicon is expensive.

So, the price is understandable then, but that doesn't change the fact that at this level it's impossible to recommend the Claw 8 etc. to anyone who makes their purchases with any form of value judgement in mind. If you're just after the best/fastest, and hang the expense, all power to you, but for the rest of us there's little by way of a value proposition here.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ sound

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the actual sound reproduction of the speakers in the MSI Claw EX AI+ they're fine. Nothing more, nothing less. Arguably there's not a whole lot you can do with the sort of space you have to jam a set of speakers into, but they still do an admirable job anyway. Though I will say that I'd still advise you to use a set of earbuds or headphones with the device for the best aural experience.

But the other side of this equation is the sound the device's cooling makes when you're pushing the silicon to its limits. And in that I'm far more impressed.

It's not that the device is silent under load—you will still hear those fans when they're really blowing—but the tone is as unobtrusive as they get and the work MSI has done to improve the cooling array of the latest MSI Claw has really paid off. If you're rocking Endurance mode and playing some relatively lightweight games you will barely hear the whoosh of air carrying off the heat from the silicon.

And even if you are hammering the G3 Extreme, I never felt the same sort of loathing I get from a really egregious gaming laptop's turbine roar under gaming loads.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ thermals

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

This is an Intel CPU, so when we really put it under sustained load, such as with a ten minute Cinebench 2024 run, then yes, we're going to be hitting high temperatures. But it's also no different to the sorts of temperatures you'll see from AMD's own handheld chips when put under the same processing pressure.

There's a solitary degree in it, which could easily be passed off as variance in testing, but the Arc G3 Extreme in the MSI Claw measured 97 °C as its maximum temperature, while the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X hits 96 °C.

Cooling

Thermal performance

Max CPU temp (°C)
Max CPU package power (W)
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM
97
37
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
96
55
Lenovo Legion Go S
99.2
38
Thermal performance Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM97 Max CPU temp (°C), 37 Max CPU package power (W)
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X96 Max CPU temp (°C), 55 Max CPU package power (W)
Lenovo Legion Go S99.2 Max CPU temp (°C), 38 Max CPU package power (W)
The thermal performance of the MSI Claw is impressive, however the Xbox Ally X is doing more work with higher power draw.

But at no point do either of these handhelds ever get to the point where they are too hot to touch. The cooling design vents the hot air out of the top of the MSI Claw, while drawing it in from twin fans oriented to pull in from the rear of the device. This means you're never hit by the hot air when you're using it in a normal way, with the screen out in front of you.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ software

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

We're still talking about a Windows-based handheld, and even with the Xbox Mode operating to full effect, the MSI Claw remains a device that feels like it's got a bunch of software snakes writhing around under the surface all fighting to control what happens in there. The simple, unified nature of SteamOS is what has drawn people to Valve's Linux-based operating system, and why a bunch of other Linux distributions have co-opted it as the front-end for their own handheld versions.

But Windows is still very much a desktop OS, and one that still has some roots in the aging operating systems of its past that it cannot escape. There are still Windows 2000-era menu systems lurking inside Windows 11 if you look not very hard at all. And even with the Xbox mode layer cleaning things up for handhelds it's still not entirely unified.

Yes, you can have Steam boot into Big Picture mode, but I found Xbox mode seemed to block that from loading immediately after booting. So you're still going to boot into either MSI's own game and system launcher or the Xbox app. Either way is clunky and requires you to jump through a few more hoops, click a few more buttons, to get to the game you want.

Then there's the overlay. Pressing the menu button on the Claw brings up what's essentially the Gamebar menu as an overlay, just like with the Xbox Ally X. Except here, after maybe a one second delay, it will jarringly flick you over to the MSI quick menu. I will say this is probably where you want to land when you hit that button, as it gives you all the necessary control over performance, controls, and recording, but it's not a slick experience.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ battery life

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

(Image credit: Future)

If gaming performance is the attention grabbing metric for most PC gamers when it comes to handheld PCs, battery life is the one that will have the biggest impact on your overall experience with the device when you get it in your hands.

I was already impressed with the MSI Claw EX AI+ CG3EM when I first ran my battery life benchmarks on its default, AI Engine power mode. This gets you running up to 37 W and I am getting another half an hour of solid gaming time over and above the Xbox Ally X, and that's all while performing at a much higher level.

But the joy for me of the new Arc G3 Extreme chip is its performance when you're not throwing that much power down its throat. Switch on Endurance mode in the MSI quick menu, which puts you in the Efficiency preset in the Intel Graphics Software app, and my measured battery life literally doubles.

Battery life

PCMark 10 | Battery life (gaming test)

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)
308
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)
153
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)
125
MSI Claw 8 AI+ (Default)
129
Lenovo Legion Go S (Default)
126
Asus ROG Ally X (Default)
128
OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro (Default)
82
0100200300400
Battery life (minutes)
PCMark 10 | Battery life (gaming test) Data
ProductValue
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Endurance mode)308
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM (Default)153
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (Default)125
MSI Claw 8 AI+ (Default)129
Lenovo Legion Go S (Default)126
Asus ROG Ally X (Default)128
OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro (Default)82

We use PCMark's Gaming battery life test, which loops through older 3DMark tests, continually hammering the battery until it gives out and the system goes into shutdown. And with Endurance mode enabled I've seen the Claw go from two and a half hours in that test to over five hours. And, remember, that will give you essentially the same actual gaming performance as the ROG Xbox Ally X across most games I've tested.

Now, that doesn't mean battery life is a solved issue, but this is you playing games without worrying about what that little percentage indicator in the top right of your screen says. And if you're playing something like Olli Olli World or Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, you can expect to bat well above that five hours average, too.

In fact, Intel actually measured the battery life of the Claw with the classic Team Fortress 2 running on it, and managed to get a healthy 11 hours of game time out of it. Actually, nearer 12. That's more than enough TF2 for anyone.

]]> <![CDATA[ Think gaming handhelds are too expensive? Ayaneo says 'hold my beer,' lists $5,000+ monster ]]> Ayaneo said it was suspending pre-orders for its Next 2 gaming handheld earlier this year after rising storage costs and the ongoing memory crisis made it "no longer sustainable." Well, it's now listed on Ayaneo's website—with an asking price for the top model of $5,299.

I'll wait for you to pick up your jaw. Back with us? Good. The top-end Ayaneo Next 2 comes with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which is a Strix Halo beastie that's damn expensive no matter the device you find it in.

Storage wise, you get a 2 TB SSD. Sheesh, I know NAND prices are silly right now, but surely a single NVMe drive can't be entirely to blame. As for the RAM? Well it's... oh. Oh I see. The top spec model comes with, brace yourselves, 128 GB of LPDDR5x-8533.

Yep, that would account for the super-silly price tag. I know the the Next 2 is positioning itself to be the handheld to end all handhelds, but 128 GB of RAM? For what, exactly?

It's a Windows-based machine, so I suppose you could get up to some AI-based tomfoolery with it. Other than that, though, I cannot see a world where a 128 GB gaming handheld makes any sense.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Of course, there are cheaper models available. The 64 GB version will run you *gulp* $3,699, whereas the entry level model (and I use the term very loosely) with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is a mere $2,999, with shipping said to begin at the end of this month.

No matter which way you look at it, each of these prices is simply too much to pay for most mere mortals. And those with the cash to splash will still likely wince a little at this pricing.

Remember when I said the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X was kinda good value now at $1,000? Yep, that's the world we're living in in 2026, folks. And unfortunately, it's probably only going to get worse from here.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/think-gaming-handhelds-are-too-expensive-ayaneo-says-hold-my-beer-lists-usd5-000-monster/ y2ZJuP94gjdYAXw7FC2dq4 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:55:41 +0000 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:49:25 +0000 false false false

Ayaneo said it was suspending pre-orders for its Next 2 gaming handheld earlier this year after rising storage costs and the ongoing memory crisis made it "no longer sustainable." Well, it's now listed on Ayaneo's website—with an asking price for the top model of $5,299.

I'll wait for you to pick up your jaw. Back with us? Good. The top-end Ayaneo Next 2 comes with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which is a Strix Halo beastie that's damn expensive no matter the device you find it in.

Storage wise, you get a 2 TB SSD. Sheesh, I know NAND prices are silly right now, but surely a single NVMe drive can't be entirely to blame. As for the RAM? Well it's... oh. Oh I see. The top spec model comes with, brace yourselves, 128 GB of LPDDR5x-8533.

Yep, that would account for the super-silly price tag. I know the the Next 2 is positioning itself to be the handheld to end all handhelds, but 128 GB of RAM? For what, exactly?

It's a Windows-based machine, so I suppose you could get up to some AI-based tomfoolery with it. Other than that, though, I cannot see a world where a 128 GB gaming handheld makes any sense.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Of course, there are cheaper models available. The 64 GB version will run you *gulp* $3,699, whereas the entry level model (and I use the term very loosely) with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is a mere $2,999, with shipping said to begin at the end of this month.

No matter which way you look at it, each of these prices is simply too much to pay for most mere mortals. And those with the cash to splash will still likely wince a little at this pricing.

Remember when I said the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X was kinda good value now at $1,000? Yep, that's the world we're living in in 2026, folks. And unfortunately, it's probably only going to get worse from here.

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve says there's no end in sight to the memory crisis, and prices are only going to increase: 'Honestly, it's still getting worse' ]]> As the AI boom gobbles up graphics cards, SSDs, memory sticks, and more, building a gaming PC has become eye-wateringly expensive (and it's never exactly been cheap). If, like me, you've been holding out in the hope those prices will drop to more sensible levels soon, I'm sorry to say that's looking unlikely.

Earlier this month, research showed that memory prices are predicted to rise sharply between now and 2027, with no reductions expected until 2028. Now, Valve has shared its own view of the hardware market, and it's equally glum. Speaking to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier about the company's long road to the Steam Machine, Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat said the company only sees prices going up in the short to medium term:

"Honestly, it's still getting worse," Aldehayyat explained. "Just in case people are not aware. What people are seeing on retail shelves right now, from our observations, is lagging what we're seeing from a bulk supply by at least three to six months."

Oof. Valve also provided some insight into how the memory crises affected the Steam Machine's launch. Unsurprisingly, initial supply of the Steam Machine was impacted by memory availability. "We're basically building everything we can," fellow engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained. "We're limited by memory capacity, for sure."

A Steam Machine with a red faceplate attached, in front of a TV

(Image credit: Future)

Valve didn't go into detail about how many Steam Machines have been produced or sold up to this point. But according to Bloomberg, Valve does not view the success of the device in terms of raw sales figures. Rather, it's about providing players with a viable option for open-source PC gaming in their living rooms.

"We suspect that the Steam Machine is a really good way to solve a very real problem that people have," Aldehayyat said. "If that's borne out to be true, from our opinion, it's a success."

In addition, Griffais said the memory crisis hasn't altered Valve's plans for the future of the device. "Users are getting their machines," he said. "For a lot of the experience, the work starts. We'll be doing that for years to come."

The memory crisis wasn't the only subject Valve addressed during the chat. The company also discussed why it opted against launching an exclusive game for the Steam Machine. I had vaguely hoped the launch of new Steam hardware might coincide with the reveal of a certain Half-Life sequel, but Valve said that it's much more interested in "having the whole PC catalog" as its "'launch exclusive'".

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouseView Deal

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-says-theres-no-end-in-sight-to-the-memory-crisis-and-prices-are-only-going-to-increase-honestly-its-still-getting-worse/ gdhre24BKDPSxKbhfTEznG Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:03:29 +0000 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:22:24 +0000 false false false

As the AI boom gobbles up graphics cards, SSDs, memory sticks, and more, building a gaming PC has become eye-wateringly expensive (and it's never exactly been cheap). If, like me, you've been holding out in the hope those prices will drop to more sensible levels soon, I'm sorry to say that's looking unlikely.

Earlier this month, research showed that memory prices are predicted to rise sharply between now and 2027, with no reductions expected until 2028. Now, Valve has shared its own view of the hardware market, and it's equally glum. Speaking to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier about the company's long road to the Steam Machine, Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat said the company only sees prices going up in the short to medium term:

"Honestly, it's still getting worse," Aldehayyat explained. "Just in case people are not aware. What people are seeing on retail shelves right now, from our observations, is lagging what we're seeing from a bulk supply by at least three to six months."

Oof. Valve also provided some insight into how the memory crises affected the Steam Machine's launch. Unsurprisingly, initial supply of the Steam Machine was impacted by memory availability. "We're basically building everything we can," fellow engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained. "We're limited by memory capacity, for sure."

A Steam Machine with a red faceplate attached, in front of a TV

(Image credit: Future)

Valve didn't go into detail about how many Steam Machines have been produced or sold up to this point. But according to Bloomberg, Valve does not view the success of the device in terms of raw sales figures. Rather, it's about providing players with a viable option for open-source PC gaming in their living rooms.

"We suspect that the Steam Machine is a really good way to solve a very real problem that people have," Aldehayyat said. "If that's borne out to be true, from our opinion, it's a success."

In addition, Griffais said the memory crisis hasn't altered Valve's plans for the future of the device. "Users are getting their machines," he said. "For a lot of the experience, the work starts. We'll be doing that for years to come."

The memory crisis wasn't the only subject Valve addressed during the chat. The company also discussed why it opted against launching an exclusive game for the Steam Machine. I had vaguely hoped the launch of new Steam hardware might coincide with the reveal of a certain Half-Life sequel, but Valve said that it's much more interested in "having the whole PC catalog" as its "'launch exclusive'".

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouseView Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve to send iFixIt more Steam Deck LCD batteries, replacements will be back in stock next week ]]> 15 July, 2026: The original Steam Deck launched with an LCD screen back in 2022. Four years later, and Valve is apparently sunsetting replacement parts for this older model. A Redditor reached out to iFixIt to query the availability of a replacement battery for their LCD Steam Deck. Unfortunately, iFixIt responded that it was looking "less and less likely" that it would receive more OEM batteries for this model (via VideoCardz).

Another iFixIt representative chimed in on the comment thread under the Reddit post, writing, "To add clarity: it’s not that we’re choosing to not stock these anymore. Unfortunately, Valve is just starting to sunset these parts. We’re looking at alternatives!"

If the battery in your own LCD Steam Deck looks not long for this world, you're not completely out of luck as iFixIt said it was "actively evaluating aftermarket options." Currently, the company does not have a "confirmed timeline for when either OEM or aftermarket stock would be available" for the LCD model.

iFixIt already sells an aftermarket replacement battery for the Steam Deck OLED. Though this could physically fit inside the LCD Steam Deck shell, the OLED battery isn't really an option for a number of technical reasons.

You can no longer buy the more affordable LCD model of the Steam Deck directly from Valve, as these were quietly discontinued last year. That said, sunsetting replacement batteries four years post-release—you know, when a handheld gaming PC is likely to start to show its age with dwindling battery capacity—still doesn't feel fantastic. Such a truncated lifespan for OEM replacement batteries also seriously undermines the longevity of Valve's promises of repairability across its other hardware offerings.

iFixit Customer Support response for LCD Steam Deck batteries
 from r/SteamDeck

We have reached out to Valve for an official comment, and will update if we hear anything concrete.

So, what can you do? Besides re-visiting Valve's own Steam Deck teardown or reading iFixIt's handy-dandy battery replacement guide in anticipation of aftermarket stock, I would also advise treating your Steam Deck better than I've been treating mine recently.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/unfortunately-valve-is-just-starting-to-sunset-these-parts-aftermarket-battery-replacements-may-soon-be-only-option-for-lcd-steam-deck/ NbCgcyfLYbCRw2Wm9LgKeT Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:01:53 +0000 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:48:47 +0000 false false false

15 July, 2026: The original Steam Deck launched with an LCD screen back in 2022. Four years later, and Valve is apparently sunsetting replacement parts for this older model. A Redditor reached out to iFixIt to query the availability of a replacement battery for their LCD Steam Deck. Unfortunately, iFixIt responded that it was looking "less and less likely" that it would receive more OEM batteries for this model (via VideoCardz).

Another iFixIt representative chimed in on the comment thread under the Reddit post, writing, "To add clarity: it’s not that we’re choosing to not stock these anymore. Unfortunately, Valve is just starting to sunset these parts. We’re looking at alternatives!"

If the battery in your own LCD Steam Deck looks not long for this world, you're not completely out of luck as iFixIt said it was "actively evaluating aftermarket options." Currently, the company does not have a "confirmed timeline for when either OEM or aftermarket stock would be available" for the LCD model.

iFixIt already sells an aftermarket replacement battery for the Steam Deck OLED. Though this could physically fit inside the LCD Steam Deck shell, the OLED battery isn't really an option for a number of technical reasons.

You can no longer buy the more affordable LCD model of the Steam Deck directly from Valve, as these were quietly discontinued last year. That said, sunsetting replacement batteries four years post-release—you know, when a handheld gaming PC is likely to start to show its age with dwindling battery capacity—still doesn't feel fantastic. Such a truncated lifespan for OEM replacement batteries also seriously undermines the longevity of Valve's promises of repairability across its other hardware offerings.

iFixit Customer Support response for LCD Steam Deck batteries
 from r/SteamDeck

We have reached out to Valve for an official comment, and will update if we hear anything concrete.

So, what can you do? Besides re-visiting Valve's own Steam Deck teardown or reading iFixIt's handy-dandy battery replacement guide in anticipation of aftermarket stock, I would also advise treating your Steam Deck better than I've been treating mine recently.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'Yes, that's Counter-Strike on a PSP!': Modder gets favorite PC FPS working on Sony's 22-year-old handheld console ]]> Admittedly, I've been feeling pretty dour about the whole handheld gaming PC thing lately, but I do still love having the option to take big games on the go. What I love a lot less is just how chunky modern handhelds have to be in order to contain and cool all of their internal hardware. Perhaps I'm just yelling at clouds but if you ask me, the Switch Lite and the PlayStation Portable had the right idea when it came to a portable form factor.

Well, an enterprising modder has apparently heard my cloud-yelling. Developer Yifeng Wang has created OpenStrike, a Counter-Strike clone that apparently enjoys a tiny 12 MB RAM footprint and runs at 60 FPS on Sony's 22-year-old PSP handheld (via Tom's Hardware).

Though described as only being a proof-of-concept, the developer still went incredibly hard on this project; Wang built his own Rust-based 3D engine called Pocket3D, plus a JavaScript engine called PocketJS. We're still a ways off from seeing the OG's buying stages find their way into OpenStrike, but all eight of Counter-Strike's original maps have been tested, and you can try your hand at elimination matches against bots in the current build.

If you're interested in noodling with this project yourself, either on your own original hardware or via an emulator, you can check out the GitHub Distro here. However, you'll need to supply your own copy of the Counter-Strike asset data.

OpenStrike makes the most of some fascinating technical limitations. For instance, the original PlayStation Portable features a teeny-weeny 4.3-inch display with a 480 x 272 resolution. OpenStrike runs at this native resolution at 60 fps thanks to some very neat technical know-how.

For one thing, non-visible areas of the map are still culled via Binary Space Partitioning, rather than a more modern, and potentially hardware intensive, algorithmic solution. For another, graphical assets are pre-processed, baking lightmaps into vertex colors rather than relying on any realtime or on-startup calculation shenanigans. So, no, this is not the most dynamic or shiny these maps have ever looked but it gives the decades old hardware room to catch its breath.

OpenStrike also works on 2011's PS Vita handheld console with native graphics. This slightly more sprightly hardware enjoys a display that is a whole 5-inches big, offering a resolution of 960 x 544. Okay, I admit it—I'll happily take the Steam Deck's 7.4-inch OLED display with its 1280 x 800 resolution over that dinky little canvas. If you're less keen on the whole Sony hardware dimension, you could alternatively take a look at Counter-Strike 1.6 right here in your browser.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/yes-thats-counter-strike-on-a-psp-modder-gets-favorite-pc-fps-working-on-sonys-22-year-old-handheld-console/ h7qkby36E28ckbixA26Zd Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:59:25 +0000 false false false

Admittedly, I've been feeling pretty dour about the whole handheld gaming PC thing lately, but I do still love having the option to take big games on the go. What I love a lot less is just how chunky modern handhelds have to be in order to contain and cool all of their internal hardware. Perhaps I'm just yelling at clouds but if you ask me, the Switch Lite and the PlayStation Portable had the right idea when it came to a portable form factor.

Well, an enterprising modder has apparently heard my cloud-yelling. Developer Yifeng Wang has created OpenStrike, a Counter-Strike clone that apparently enjoys a tiny 12 MB RAM footprint and runs at 60 FPS on Sony's 22-year-old PSP handheld (via Tom's Hardware).

Though described as only being a proof-of-concept, the developer still went incredibly hard on this project; Wang built his own Rust-based 3D engine called Pocket3D, plus a JavaScript engine called PocketJS. We're still a ways off from seeing the OG's buying stages find their way into OpenStrike, but all eight of Counter-Strike's original maps have been tested, and you can try your hand at elimination matches against bots in the current build.

If you're interested in noodling with this project yourself, either on your own original hardware or via an emulator, you can check out the GitHub Distro here. However, you'll need to supply your own copy of the Counter-Strike asset data.

OpenStrike makes the most of some fascinating technical limitations. For instance, the original PlayStation Portable features a teeny-weeny 4.3-inch display with a 480 x 272 resolution. OpenStrike runs at this native resolution at 60 fps thanks to some very neat technical know-how.

For one thing, non-visible areas of the map are still culled via Binary Space Partitioning, rather than a more modern, and potentially hardware intensive, algorithmic solution. For another, graphical assets are pre-processed, baking lightmaps into vertex colors rather than relying on any realtime or on-startup calculation shenanigans. So, no, this is not the most dynamic or shiny these maps have ever looked but it gives the decades old hardware room to catch its breath.

OpenStrike also works on 2011's PS Vita handheld console with native graphics. This slightly more sprightly hardware enjoys a display that is a whole 5-inches big, offering a resolution of 960 x 544. Okay, I admit it—I'll happily take the Steam Deck's 7.4-inch OLED display with its 1280 x 800 resolution over that dinky little canvas. If you're less keen on the whole Sony hardware dimension, you could alternatively take a look at Counter-Strike 1.6 right here in your browser.

]]> <![CDATA[ Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating ]]> Games on Steam have already been enjoying the various shades of the Steam Deck Compatibility check mark for some time now. Well, now you can check a title's compatibility on both the Steam Machine and SteamOS right there on its store page.

A few beats after the Steam Machine's June release, you can now check whether Valve's funky game box is up to the task of playing the depths of your backlog at a glance. On Steam, just click 'learn more' next to the Steam Deck compatibility rating for a brief breakdown of what works and what doesn't across Valve's various hardware and software platforms.

However, not all games enjoy a full Steam Machine compatibility rating; as spotted by Ars Technica, Black Myth: Wukong's compatibility is still listed as unknown, accompanied by a message that says "Valve is still learning" about the 2024 game, and that it doesn't "currently have further information regarding Steam Machine compatibility." In the case of Wukong, this could be because the game is too GPU and/or CPU intensive, causing the title to fail to reach a minimum threshold of, say, FPS while in-play on Valve's game box.

Otherwise, the game is listed as running "successfully on SteamOS". That means you're not limited to the Steam Machine's hardware specs (or indeed its disappointing price point or availability). You could instead opt to enjoy Wukong plus all the benefits of SteamOS on hardier hardware from someone other than Valve, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S.

Swapping to SteamOS on your home machine, for example, can come with its own share of drawbacks, however. For just one thing, Valve's Linux-based OS is known to often not play well with the kernel-level anti-cheat systems you'll increasingly find in competitive games nowadays.

A Steam Machine connected to a 55-inch gaming TV with the SteamOS interface on display

(Image credit: Future)

Anyway, Valve is apparently "still learning" about a number of games when it comes to Steam Machine compatibility, including but not limited to Dragon’s Dogma 2, Elden Ring Nightreign, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Resident Evil Requiem. That said, a number of games that are just about 'Playable' on Valve's handheld—such as 007: First Light—make the most of the Steam Machine's more powerful hardware and get bumped up to 'Verified'.

Personally, I've been jumping between much less graphically demanding titles. Level-based diorama builder Shanty Town enjoys 'Verified' status on both Steam Deck and Steam Machine, plus SteamOS compatibility. My other favourite this month has been Magical Princess (I feel like the title says it all), which instead enjoys the caveat-laden rating of 'Playable' on both the Steam Deck as well as the Steam Machine due to some text input and button glyph display shenanigans.

For now, you can't filter store results via Steam Machine or SteamOS compatibility, though that feature will likely soon follow. After all, the Great on Frame category was recently introduced, likely heralding the Steam Frame's imminent release. When that VR headset drops, we'll potentially see a similar compatibility category arrive too.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/steam-machine-compatibility-checks-are-here-though-not-every-game-on-the-store-enjoys-a-rating/ yrwwz4pZdzmY7aUg4gTTQY Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:11:23 +0000 false false false

Games on Steam have already been enjoying the various shades of the Steam Deck Compatibility check mark for some time now. Well, now you can check a title's compatibility on both the Steam Machine and SteamOS right there on its store page.

A few beats after the Steam Machine's June release, you can now check whether Valve's funky game box is up to the task of playing the depths of your backlog at a glance. On Steam, just click 'learn more' next to the Steam Deck compatibility rating for a brief breakdown of what works and what doesn't across Valve's various hardware and software platforms.

However, not all games enjoy a full Steam Machine compatibility rating; as spotted by Ars Technica, Black Myth: Wukong's compatibility is still listed as unknown, accompanied by a message that says "Valve is still learning" about the 2024 game, and that it doesn't "currently have further information regarding Steam Machine compatibility." In the case of Wukong, this could be because the game is too GPU and/or CPU intensive, causing the title to fail to reach a minimum threshold of, say, FPS while in-play on Valve's game box.

Otherwise, the game is listed as running "successfully on SteamOS". That means you're not limited to the Steam Machine's hardware specs (or indeed its disappointing price point or availability). You could instead opt to enjoy Wukong plus all the benefits of SteamOS on hardier hardware from someone other than Valve, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S.

Swapping to SteamOS on your home machine, for example, can come with its own share of drawbacks, however. For just one thing, Valve's Linux-based OS is known to often not play well with the kernel-level anti-cheat systems you'll increasingly find in competitive games nowadays.

A Steam Machine connected to a 55-inch gaming TV with the SteamOS interface on display

(Image credit: Future)

Anyway, Valve is apparently "still learning" about a number of games when it comes to Steam Machine compatibility, including but not limited to Dragon’s Dogma 2, Elden Ring Nightreign, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Resident Evil Requiem. That said, a number of games that are just about 'Playable' on Valve's handheld—such as 007: First Light—make the most of the Steam Machine's more powerful hardware and get bumped up to 'Verified'.

Personally, I've been jumping between much less graphically demanding titles. Level-based diorama builder Shanty Town enjoys 'Verified' status on both Steam Deck and Steam Machine, plus SteamOS compatibility. My other favourite this month has been Magical Princess (I feel like the title says it all), which instead enjoys the caveat-laden rating of 'Playable' on both the Steam Deck as well as the Steam Machine due to some text input and button glyph display shenanigans.

For now, you can't filter store results via Steam Machine or SteamOS compatibility, though that feature will likely soon follow. After all, the Great on Frame category was recently introduced, likely heralding the Steam Frame's imminent release. When that VR headset drops, we'll potentially see a similar compatibility category arrive too.

]]> <![CDATA[ Handheld gaming PCs are cooked ]]>

PC Gamer headshot - Jessica Kinghorn

(Image credit: Future)

This month I've been: Inducting my daughter into a life of crime in Magical Princess, and constructing cozily cluttered dioramas in Shanty Town—two games I'm confident would also be fantastic on a handheld.

The idea of taking serious hardware horsepower on the go was always the dream of my misspent, console-gaming youth. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved how older handheld systems made a calling card out of their limitations (and in the case of Nintendo, offered a hardware gimmick or gaming experience you couldn't find anywhere else). The fact that now you can play many of the same games on a portable device that you can also play in your gamer den would've blown my younger self's mind.

Unfortunately, the dream-come-true of handheld gaming PCs feels like it is coming to an end.

Our Andy updates our handheld gaming PC deals each week and recently shared a shocking revelation: 'Somehow, the $1,000 Asus ROG Ally Xbox X is the best value gaming handheld I can think of right now.' If you've got the cash then, sure, the Asus ROG Ally Xbox X with its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of onboard SSD storage makes sense for the asking price. But where does that leave you if you're on a much tighter budget?

The memory supply crisis has raised the pricing floor of all handhelds. Case in point, the device that we still rate as the best budget handheld gaming PC is the Steam Deck. The more affordable LCD models were quietly discontinued last year, leaving those looking to buy a Steam Deck new with only the very shiny OLED models to choose from. Years after release, the price for the base 512 GB OLED model has increased from $549 to $789. The 1 TB model has seen an almost 50% price increase, jumping from $649 to $949. The answer, then, to where that leaves the more budget-conscious? Without a paddle.

Despite this price hike (and the handheld's aged internals), both models of the Steam Deck sold out in North America shortly after the increase was announced back in May. The 1 TB model, which is going for £779 where I'm based in the UK, appears to be out of stock again at the time of writing. But I doubt this is a sustainable trend.

Valve Steam Deck OLED handheld PC

(Image credit: Future)

Let's zoom out a smidge. I update our best SSD deals every week, so I've not had the luxury of ignoring how storage prices have been climbing since the tail end of last year. Research suggests that memory prices are likely to rise as much as 50% in Q3 alone. Recent analysis by Bernstein suggests prices won't dip until 2028, when major manufacturers are expected to complete a number of capacity-increasing builds.

But here and now in 2026, it's not just gaming PC components that have seen price increases as a result of the memory supply crisis. For example, the Playstation 5 has seen three different price increases over the last six years and now costs a minimum of $650. I've written about it before but, despite buying a launch day PS5, it's becoming increasingly unlikely I'll pick up a PS6 day one. After all, if the PS5 Pro costs $900 today, how much more will the PS6 cost?

Hey, maybe Bernstein's predictions will bear out and hardware pricing will look a lot more sensible by the time Sony's next-gen console drops in 2028 or even 2029. But in the here and now, handheld gaming PCs remain in an arguably much more difficult position within the consumer market.

For those who don't already have a gaming PC, there's little doubt that a $650 base PS5 is going to look like the more economical option (particularly as Sony won't be bringing its handful of exclusives to PC in future, but maybe it's just me mourning the loss of, like, four games). If you already own a gaming PC, you'll likely want to save your pennies for increasingly expensive component upgrades. Where would a handheld feature in either budget?

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Ally X handheld gaming PCs

(Image credit: Future)

The data suggests gamers generally are still willing to part with the cash for new hardware—though they aren't necessarily picking up a handheld gaming PC. A recent Circana report shared that the handheld of choice was overwhelmingly the Nintendo Switch 2, with the hybrid console largely credited for a year-over-year hardware spending increase that grew by 69%, climbing to $500 million this past March.

The Switch 2 saw its own price increase announced back in May, so it's worth pondering how much of this recent consumer clamour was motivated by a desire to scoop the console before it became more expensive. Even so, Nintendo's handheld is set to cost $500 from September 1 in the US.

A picture of a Nintendo Switch 2, in mouse mode, with Cyberpunk 2077 in the background

(Image credit: Future)

There are plenty of PC gamers who have no interest in what the big N is doing these days, but a broad-view of today's gaming audience suggests a lot of gamers are more platform-agnostic. For instance, a 2023 Comscore report found 76% of gamers play across multiple platforms. Therefore, it's hard to ignore handheld gaming PC's most obvious competitor, even if the Switch 2 is underpowered compared to many of the available portable gaming options.

In short, the most performant handheld gaming PCs ask a price that's far too rich for my blood, and the best budget option is arguably not quite as compelling as Nintendo's offering (even after the price hike comes into effect later this year).

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck next to each other

(Image credit: Future)

To paraphrase Andy's point, there's a chance gaming handhelds eventually revert to occupying a boutique niche for gamers with especially deep pockets. That's how they were in the before times prior to the Steam Deck's launch, with smaller Chinese outfits, such as OneXPlayer, releasing expensive, weak, poorly optimised devices. That's not really the future I want for handheld gaming PCs, but it's a strong possibility. However, given the state of, well, everything, I find myself taking a bleaker outlook.

The most performant handheld gaming PCs ask a price that's far too rich for my blood, and the best budget option is arguably not quite as compelling as Nintendo's offering.

In the longer term, it doesn't feel like handheld gaming PCs are the most economical proposition for brands or manufacturers either. For example, back in March Ayaneo suspended pre-orders for its uber-powerful Next 2 gaming handheld after costs approached 'twice the price we originally set'. To be clear, I strongly doubt Valve is going to pack it in with the Steam Deck any time soon. However, smaller companies with a much less diverse portfolio than, say, the company behind one of the largest storefronts for digital games, are likely to struggle.

What seems certain is that prices will continue to rise and meaningful chunks of the devices' audience will be priced out. My concern is that the maths may simply no longer math, and hardware companies will increasingly decide that handheld gaming PCs specifically just aren't worth it. For my wide-eyed younger self, I hope I'm wrong.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/handheld-gaming-pcs-are-cooked/ s3UmrSsWajpEftwPAHK5dd Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000 false false false

PC Gamer headshot - Jessica Kinghorn

(Image credit: Future)

This month I've been: Inducting my daughter into a life of crime in Magical Princess, and constructing cozily cluttered dioramas in Shanty Town—two games I'm confident would also be fantastic on a handheld.

The idea of taking serious hardware horsepower on the go was always the dream of my misspent, console-gaming youth. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved how older handheld systems made a calling card out of their limitations (and in the case of Nintendo, offered a hardware gimmick or gaming experience you couldn't find anywhere else). The fact that now you can play many of the same games on a portable device that you can also play in your gamer den would've blown my younger self's mind.

Unfortunately, the dream-come-true of handheld gaming PCs feels like it is coming to an end.

Our Andy updates our handheld gaming PC deals each week and recently shared a shocking revelation: 'Somehow, the $1,000 Asus ROG Ally Xbox X is the best value gaming handheld I can think of right now.' If you've got the cash then, sure, the Asus ROG Ally Xbox X with its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of onboard SSD storage makes sense for the asking price. But where does that leave you if you're on a much tighter budget?

The memory supply crisis has raised the pricing floor of all handhelds. Case in point, the device that we still rate as the best budget handheld gaming PC is the Steam Deck. The more affordable LCD models were quietly discontinued last year, leaving those looking to buy a Steam Deck new with only the very shiny OLED models to choose from. Years after release, the price for the base 512 GB OLED model has increased from $549 to $789. The 1 TB model has seen an almost 50% price increase, jumping from $649 to $949. The answer, then, to where that leaves the more budget-conscious? Without a paddle.

Despite this price hike (and the handheld's aged internals), both models of the Steam Deck sold out in North America shortly after the increase was announced back in May. The 1 TB model, which is going for £779 where I'm based in the UK, appears to be out of stock again at the time of writing. But I doubt this is a sustainable trend.

Valve Steam Deck OLED handheld PC

(Image credit: Future)

Let's zoom out a smidge. I update our best SSD deals every week, so I've not had the luxury of ignoring how storage prices have been climbing since the tail end of last year. Research suggests that memory prices are likely to rise as much as 50% in Q3 alone. Recent analysis by Bernstein suggests prices won't dip until 2028, when major manufacturers are expected to complete a number of capacity-increasing builds.

But here and now in 2026, it's not just gaming PC components that have seen price increases as a result of the memory supply crisis. For example, the Playstation 5 has seen three different price increases over the last six years and now costs a minimum of $650. I've written about it before but, despite buying a launch day PS5, it's becoming increasingly unlikely I'll pick up a PS6 day one. After all, if the PS5 Pro costs $900 today, how much more will the PS6 cost?

Hey, maybe Bernstein's predictions will bear out and hardware pricing will look a lot more sensible by the time Sony's next-gen console drops in 2028 or even 2029. But in the here and now, handheld gaming PCs remain in an arguably much more difficult position within the consumer market.

For those who don't already have a gaming PC, there's little doubt that a $650 base PS5 is going to look like the more economical option (particularly as Sony won't be bringing its handful of exclusives to PC in future, but maybe it's just me mourning the loss of, like, four games). If you already own a gaming PC, you'll likely want to save your pennies for increasingly expensive component upgrades. Where would a handheld feature in either budget?

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Ally X handheld gaming PCs

(Image credit: Future)

The data suggests gamers generally are still willing to part with the cash for new hardware—though they aren't necessarily picking up a handheld gaming PC. A recent Circana report shared that the handheld of choice was overwhelmingly the Nintendo Switch 2, with the hybrid console largely credited for a year-over-year hardware spending increase that grew by 69%, climbing to $500 million this past March.

The Switch 2 saw its own price increase announced back in May, so it's worth pondering how much of this recent consumer clamour was motivated by a desire to scoop the console before it became more expensive. Even so, Nintendo's handheld is set to cost $500 from September 1 in the US.

A picture of a Nintendo Switch 2, in mouse mode, with Cyberpunk 2077 in the background

(Image credit: Future)

There are plenty of PC gamers who have no interest in what the big N is doing these days, but a broad-view of today's gaming audience suggests a lot of gamers are more platform-agnostic. For instance, a 2023 Comscore report found 76% of gamers play across multiple platforms. Therefore, it's hard to ignore handheld gaming PC's most obvious competitor, even if the Switch 2 is underpowered compared to many of the available portable gaming options.

In short, the most performant handheld gaming PCs ask a price that's far too rich for my blood, and the best budget option is arguably not quite as compelling as Nintendo's offering (even after the price hike comes into effect later this year).

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck next to each other

(Image credit: Future)

To paraphrase Andy's point, there's a chance gaming handhelds eventually revert to occupying a boutique niche for gamers with especially deep pockets. That's how they were in the before times prior to the Steam Deck's launch, with smaller Chinese outfits, such as OneXPlayer, releasing expensive, weak, poorly optimised devices. That's not really the future I want for handheld gaming PCs, but it's a strong possibility. However, given the state of, well, everything, I find myself taking a bleaker outlook.

The most performant handheld gaming PCs ask a price that's far too rich for my blood, and the best budget option is arguably not quite as compelling as Nintendo's offering.

In the longer term, it doesn't feel like handheld gaming PCs are the most economical proposition for brands or manufacturers either. For example, back in March Ayaneo suspended pre-orders for its uber-powerful Next 2 gaming handheld after costs approached 'twice the price we originally set'. To be clear, I strongly doubt Valve is going to pack it in with the Steam Deck any time soon. However, smaller companies with a much less diverse portfolio than, say, the company behind one of the largest storefronts for digital games, are likely to struggle.

What seems certain is that prices will continue to rise and meaningful chunks of the devices' audience will be priced out. My concern is that the maths may simply no longer math, and hardware companies will increasingly decide that handheld gaming PCs specifically just aren't worth it. For my wide-eyed younger self, I hope I'm wrong.

]]> <![CDATA[ Asus ZenBook A16 review ]]> When Qualcomm released its first batch of ARM-based Snapdragon X processors two years ago, they worked well enough, but failed to set the PC gaming world on fire. It's not really what they were meant for, and if decades of buying computer parts have taught me one thing, it's never to buy into the first generation of a new product. I still do it, of course, as the Oculus Rift sitting unloved in its box shows, but I'm always left with the feeling that I should know better.

The main downside of the OG Snapdragon, once software compatibility issues were smoothed out, was its GPU. The Adreno cores buried somewhere in the chipset felt underpowered for anything heavier than Stardew Valley, and while DirectX and Vulcan compatibility was high, and driver updates refined the process, some games just didn't work.

With the release of the Snapdragon X2, a few things have changed. The main one is that the CPU package now comes with a lot more processing cores—18 on the Elite Extreme model we've got here—but the GPU is also a lot better. It's now putting out the sort of benchmark results you'd expect from Intel iGPUs, and in some tests can even produce better results than Panther Lake.

ZenBook A16 specs

CPU

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme

NPU

Qualcomm Hexagon (80 TOPS)

Graphics

Qualcomm Adreno

Memory

48 GB

Storage

1 TB SSD, MicroSD

Screen size

16-inch

Screen type

OLED

Resolution

2880 x 1800

Refresh rate

120 Hz

Ports

2x USB4, 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio

Wireless connectivity

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Dimensions

353 x 242 x 14 mm

Weight

1.2 kg

Price

$2,200 | £2,100

Buy if...

✅ Gaming is of secondary importance: If you just want to be swanking around with one of the latest and greatest productivity laptops, and showing off just how long your battery life is, the ZenBook delivers.

Don't buy if...

❌ You like to play games on something more than medium settings: The Adreno iGPU is still the weakest part of the package, and so is the game support side of things.

The ASUS ZenBook A16 we're looking at here is one of the first Snapdragon X2 laptops on the market. It boasts the Elite Extreme version of the chip, a name that makes you wonder where they're going to go next if they release an even better one. Elite Extreme Pro Max Gold Caviar Truffle Edition, perhaps. This one has 18 cores, and according to CPU-Z 12 of those are Performance cores running at 4.4 GHz, with the other six being Efficient cores running at 3.6 GHz. That's a lot of cores, and with ARM chips' ability to produce exceptional single-core performance (as shown by Apple's M5 last year) I had high hopes for this one.

And I was right. The X2 doesn't hit the same Geekbench 6 heights as the M5, but it's close, and beats the desktop Core Ultra 7 265KF and mighty Ryzen 9 9955HX in the single-core test. It beats those chips in the Geekbench multi-core test too, along with the Core Ultra 9 275HX from the Alienware 16 Area 51, and roughly the same as the 14-core M4 Pro in a 16in MacBook Pro.

Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future
Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future

The elephant in the room here is Panther Lake, which is going to be appearing in new laptops at the same time as the X2. And in Geekbench, the X2 and Core X9 388H both score over 3,000 points in the single-core test, with the X2 marginally in front, but in multi-core the gap widens, probably because the Intel chip only has four of the full-fat performance cores and 16 in total. It scores 17,924. The X2: 22,785. That's a difference of almost 24%.

Moving over to the Cinebench single-core CPU rendering test, which has been known to bring laptops to their knees and in which 100 is a respectable score, the X2 scores 151. A laptop running the X9 388H scores 130 in this test, and the multi-core rendering workout goes the same way, with the X2's 1391 beating the Panther Lake chip's 1173.

All this is assuming, of course, that the same tests applied to different CPU architectures can be directly compared. Geekbench has been designed for this, though as more of a tool for plotting broad relationships rather than a perfect one-to-one comparison between PCs.

All that single-core performance makes the ZenBook A16 very responsive, and if Microsoft's new Low Latency Profile makes its way to Windows on ARM it should make things even better. The fact that Asus has paired Qualcomm's X2 with 48 GB of fast RAM certainly helps too.

Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future
Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future

Things are looking quite good for the ARM chip until you remember it still uses an integrated Adreno GPU, and we have yet to see one that's paired with a discrete graphics chip. Still, it's not bad for an iGPU, supporting DX12 Ultimate and Vulkan 1.4, and putting out enough frames to play games in 1080p as long as you don't mind medium to low settings. Cyberpunk 2077 looks surprisingly good on medium, and while there are some shimmering textures in Blackmyth: Wukong, it doesn't struggle too badly as long as you remember to switch FSR upscaling on. Older titles such as Horizon: Zero Dawn look like what they are: PS4 games (albeit ones running at nearly 60 fps in this case, rather than the locked 30 fps of the console version). But it's great to see the Adreno is capable enough to play them as they were originally meant to be seen.

There are still some issues with the occasional game—F1 2024, for example (and this might be a different story with a more up to date release), putting up a notice that it's not compatible with ARM processors. This could also be because it's a fairly new processor at the time of writing, and a few software patches and driver updates will sort it right out.

On the outside, this is an unassuming laptop, though as a 16-incher it has a presence that you just don't find in smaller models. It's a kind of beigy grey, which isn't utterly unpleasant but certainly stands out from all the black and silver casings out there, and is made from Asus' Ceraluminum material that's some sort of unholy amalgam of aluminium and ceramics. It has a matte feel, and makes the A16 extremely light, but it's also stiff enough to handle by the corner without the trackpad becoming non-functional.

Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future
Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future

That trackpad is a big one, too, smoother than the surrounding casing but the same colour, and a better experience than the keyboard, which doesn't have much travel and is the worst aspect of this particular package. The screen, however, might be one of the best. It's a 2.8k 16:10 OLED, not a touch-sensitive one, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's sharp, bright (500 nits), colourful and all the things a laptop screen should be. Battery life is exceptional—at least it is if all you're doing is looping a video, at which it kept going for almost 17 hours. Make it work a bit harder and that's going to drop, and there's a fan to keep it cool when it's under load.

So once again, Qualcomm has released a capable chip with a bit of a weak GPU, though it's nowhere near as bad as last time. Asus has then put it into a laptop with an excellent screen, though it is a little bit expensive when you could pick up something with a low-end GeForce chip for less, and have a superior gaming experience.

I can't help thinking though, that if someone could teach the X2 to talk to an RTX card, even as an eGPU, then we could have something truly fearsome on our hands.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/asus-zenbook-a16-review/ uerTRP2xkLJ8DD2ks9GN9N Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:44:56 +0000 false false false

When Qualcomm released its first batch of ARM-based Snapdragon X processors two years ago, they worked well enough, but failed to set the PC gaming world on fire. It's not really what they were meant for, and if decades of buying computer parts have taught me one thing, it's never to buy into the first generation of a new product. I still do it, of course, as the Oculus Rift sitting unloved in its box shows, but I'm always left with the feeling that I should know better.

The main downside of the OG Snapdragon, once software compatibility issues were smoothed out, was its GPU. The Adreno cores buried somewhere in the chipset felt underpowered for anything heavier than Stardew Valley, and while DirectX and Vulcan compatibility was high, and driver updates refined the process, some games just didn't work.

With the release of the Snapdragon X2, a few things have changed. The main one is that the CPU package now comes with a lot more processing cores—18 on the Elite Extreme model we've got here—but the GPU is also a lot better. It's now putting out the sort of benchmark results you'd expect from Intel iGPUs, and in some tests can even produce better results than Panther Lake.

ZenBook A16 specs

CPU

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme

NPU

Qualcomm Hexagon (80 TOPS)

Graphics

Qualcomm Adreno

Memory

48 GB

Storage

1 TB SSD, MicroSD

Screen size

16-inch

Screen type

OLED

Resolution

2880 x 1800

Refresh rate

120 Hz

Ports

2x USB4, 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio

Wireless connectivity

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Dimensions

353 x 242 x 14 mm

Weight

1.2 kg

Price

$2,200 | £2,100

Buy if...

✅ Gaming is of secondary importance: If you just want to be swanking around with one of the latest and greatest productivity laptops, and showing off just how long your battery life is, the ZenBook delivers.

Don't buy if...

❌ You like to play games on something more than medium settings: The Adreno iGPU is still the weakest part of the package, and so is the game support side of things.

The ASUS ZenBook A16 we're looking at here is one of the first Snapdragon X2 laptops on the market. It boasts the Elite Extreme version of the chip, a name that makes you wonder where they're going to go next if they release an even better one. Elite Extreme Pro Max Gold Caviar Truffle Edition, perhaps. This one has 18 cores, and according to CPU-Z 12 of those are Performance cores running at 4.4 GHz, with the other six being Efficient cores running at 3.6 GHz. That's a lot of cores, and with ARM chips' ability to produce exceptional single-core performance (as shown by Apple's M5 last year) I had high hopes for this one.

And I was right. The X2 doesn't hit the same Geekbench 6 heights as the M5, but it's close, and beats the desktop Core Ultra 7 265KF and mighty Ryzen 9 9955HX in the single-core test. It beats those chips in the Geekbench multi-core test too, along with the Core Ultra 9 275HX from the Alienware 16 Area 51, and roughly the same as the 14-core M4 Pro in a 16in MacBook Pro.

Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future
Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future

The elephant in the room here is Panther Lake, which is going to be appearing in new laptops at the same time as the X2. And in Geekbench, the X2 and Core X9 388H both score over 3,000 points in the single-core test, with the X2 marginally in front, but in multi-core the gap widens, probably because the Intel chip only has four of the full-fat performance cores and 16 in total. It scores 17,924. The X2: 22,785. That's a difference of almost 24%.

Moving over to the Cinebench single-core CPU rendering test, which has been known to bring laptops to their knees and in which 100 is a respectable score, the X2 scores 151. A laptop running the X9 388H scores 130 in this test, and the multi-core rendering workout goes the same way, with the X2's 1391 beating the Panther Lake chip's 1173.

All this is assuming, of course, that the same tests applied to different CPU architectures can be directly compared. Geekbench has been designed for this, though as more of a tool for plotting broad relationships rather than a perfect one-to-one comparison between PCs.

All that single-core performance makes the ZenBook A16 very responsive, and if Microsoft's new Low Latency Profile makes its way to Windows on ARM it should make things even better. The fact that Asus has paired Qualcomm's X2 with 48 GB of fast RAM certainly helps too.

Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future
Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future

Things are looking quite good for the ARM chip until you remember it still uses an integrated Adreno GPU, and we have yet to see one that's paired with a discrete graphics chip. Still, it's not bad for an iGPU, supporting DX12 Ultimate and Vulkan 1.4, and putting out enough frames to play games in 1080p as long as you don't mind medium to low settings. Cyberpunk 2077 looks surprisingly good on medium, and while there are some shimmering textures in Blackmyth: Wukong, it doesn't struggle too badly as long as you remember to switch FSR upscaling on. Older titles such as Horizon: Zero Dawn look like what they are: PS4 games (albeit ones running at nearly 60 fps in this case, rather than the locked 30 fps of the console version). But it's great to see the Adreno is capable enough to play them as they were originally meant to be seen.

There are still some issues with the occasional game—F1 2024, for example (and this might be a different story with a more up to date release), putting up a notice that it's not compatible with ARM processors. This could also be because it's a fairly new processor at the time of writing, and a few software patches and driver updates will sort it right out.

On the outside, this is an unassuming laptop, though as a 16-incher it has a presence that you just don't find in smaller models. It's a kind of beigy grey, which isn't utterly unpleasant but certainly stands out from all the black and silver casings out there, and is made from Asus' Ceraluminum material that's some sort of unholy amalgam of aluminium and ceramics. It has a matte feel, and makes the A16 extremely light, but it's also stiff enough to handle by the corner without the trackpad becoming non-functional.

Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future
Asus ZenBook A16 Qualcomm-based laptop
Future

That trackpad is a big one, too, smoother than the surrounding casing but the same colour, and a better experience than the keyboard, which doesn't have much travel and is the worst aspect of this particular package. The screen, however, might be one of the best. It's a 2.8k 16:10 OLED, not a touch-sensitive one, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's sharp, bright (500 nits), colourful and all the things a laptop screen should be. Battery life is exceptional—at least it is if all you're doing is looping a video, at which it kept going for almost 17 hours. Make it work a bit harder and that's going to drop, and there's a fan to keep it cool when it's under load.

So once again, Qualcomm has released a capable chip with a bit of a weak GPU, though it's nowhere near as bad as last time. Asus has then put it into a laptop with an excellent screen, though it is a little bit expensive when you could pick up something with a low-end GeForce chip for less, and have a superior gaming experience.

I can't help thinking though, that if someone could teach the X2 to talk to an RTX card, even as an eGPU, then we could have something truly fearsome on our hands.

]]> <![CDATA[ E-Ink faceplates for the Steam Machine are coming, but not from Valve ]]> You saw it in the Steam Machine reveal, and now it's finally happening: E-Ink faceplates. The twist in this tale though is that Valve isn't the one making it.

Instead, that honour goes to Shenzhen-based peripherals and accessories brand Jsaux. If you want to be near the front of the queue for Color E-Ink, Mono E-Ink, or Color Dot Matrix faceplate, you can drop your email here.

Jsaux also shared a better look at all three designs via X. Beyond that, neither pricing information nor a release date has yet been announced (via The Verge).

Besides the plain black panel that comes standard with every Steam Machine, the 2 TB model also enjoys 'red fabric and solid walnut' faceplates. But despite showing off a bunch of funky options in the run-up to the Steam Machine's launch, Valve has said it doesn't currently have 'any specific plans' to make more.

Instead, Valve plans to release the CAD files for the Steam machine's housing so you can make your own. It has also already released the necessary files for its own internally developed 'inkterface'—though this may still not be the most beginner-friendly project (via Digital Foundry).

Despite Valve's pretty chill approach to DIY hardware customisation, that hasn't stopped some brands from getting ahead of themselves. For example, Dbrand touted a Companion Cube-inspired case for the Steam Machine that it ultimately had to cancel as the company never actually got Valve's permission to make it.

If the memory supply crisis would only ease up, and Valve were able to make its funky game box cheaper, I could be persuaded to have a go at making my own faceplate monstrosity. Now, where did I leave that ancient Decoden kit…?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/e-ink-faceplates-for-the-steam-machine-are-coming-but-not-from-valve/ 2UfxDH85MUU7EdrZVmhbwZ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:11:07 +0000 false false false

You saw it in the Steam Machine reveal, and now it's finally happening: E-Ink faceplates. The twist in this tale though is that Valve isn't the one making it.

Instead, that honour goes to Shenzhen-based peripherals and accessories brand Jsaux. If you want to be near the front of the queue for Color E-Ink, Mono E-Ink, or Color Dot Matrix faceplate, you can drop your email here.

Jsaux also shared a better look at all three designs via X. Beyond that, neither pricing information nor a release date has yet been announced (via The Verge).

Besides the plain black panel that comes standard with every Steam Machine, the 2 TB model also enjoys 'red fabric and solid walnut' faceplates. But despite showing off a bunch of funky options in the run-up to the Steam Machine's launch, Valve has said it doesn't currently have 'any specific plans' to make more.

Instead, Valve plans to release the CAD files for the Steam machine's housing so you can make your own. It has also already released the necessary files for its own internally developed 'inkterface'—though this may still not be the most beginner-friendly project (via Digital Foundry).

Despite Valve's pretty chill approach to DIY hardware customisation, that hasn't stopped some brands from getting ahead of themselves. For example, Dbrand touted a Companion Cube-inspired case for the Steam Machine that it ultimately had to cancel as the company never actually got Valve's permission to make it.

If the memory supply crisis would only ease up, and Valve were able to make its funky game box cheaper, I could be persuaded to have a go at making my own faceplate monstrosity. Now, where did I leave that ancient Decoden kit…?

]]> <![CDATA[ Geekom A9 Max AI AMD Mini PC review ]]> Honestly, I want to like the Geekom A9 Max, I really do. From a pure design perspective, the hardware, the engineering behind it, the connectivity bundled into this thing, it's on another level. And it's just a bloody pretty thing at that, at least as far as Mini PCs go. You'd think it'd be a shoo-in for our best SFF PC list, without question. But there's a catch, because of course there is.

I may as well rip the band-aid off right now. It's the memory. I can already see the PR team squirming as they read that sentence, and it genuinely does pain me to say it, I promise. Geekom has decided to ship the A9 Max AI with a single stick of 32 GB DDR5 @ 5600 MT/s. And that is a decision that has effectively starved AMD's Radeon 890M of any modicum of the performance it can actually generate. I know this because I have extensively tested this hardware most recently, in Acemagic's Mini PC Retro X5, which, like-for-like, practically has the same spec, bar a smaller SSD, and a slightly older CPU.

The performance impact that this one tiny decision has had on the overall architecture is nuts, and combined with the wildly high price tag being what it is, it's by far the thing that's decimated that review score. If Geekom turned around tomorrow and popped 2x 16 GB sticks in this config instead of this single-channel nonsense, I can happily tell you right now, the score would bounce up by a good 15%, because in almost every other way, the A9 Max is excellent.

A9 Max AI specs

CPU

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

Cores | Threads

12 | 24

Clock speed

up to 5.2GHz

GPU

AMD Radeon 890M

RAM

32GB (1x32GB) DDR5-5600

Storage

2 TB Kingston OM8TAP42048K1-A00 PCIe 4.0 (2x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots available)

Rear I/O

2x 2.5Gb ethernet, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 4.0 Type-C, 2x HDMI 2.1, DC-in

Front I/O

4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, SD Card Reader, 3.5 mm audio out

Power

120 W

Dimensions

135 x 132 x 46mm

Price

£1,600 | $1,799 (as configured)

Buy if...

✅ You need a compact AI-focused workhorse: The A9 Max has some serious engineering chops. Chuck an extra DRAM stick in here and an SSD, and you're looking at one mean local LLM solution or workstation.

Don't buy if...

❌ You're a gamer: Without a second stick of RAM by default, the A9 Max lacks the memory bandwidth to compete with machines half its cost.

And, breathe. I'll get back to that in a minute. Still, for £1,600 in the UK or $1,800 US, it's generally not a bad offering (memory aside). You get that 32 GB RAM capacity, a 2TB Kingston PCIe 4.0 SSD (it's not the best), AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 CPU, A Radeon 890M iGPU, and a hell of a lot of connectivity.

The chip itself is relatively new on the scene, only really landing with us in January of this year. Though it's effectively a refreshed Strix Point (HX 370 series) chip, still built out of the same silicon architecture as its predecessor. You get those four Zen 5 cores, and eight Zen 5c cores for a fat 12/24 multi-threaded config, and it's all still built on the back of TSMC's 4 nm process as well. What's different? Well… clock speeds have been bumped ever so slightly up (with an extra 100 MHz on boost), oh, and the "biggest" update comes in the form of the NPU, which has seen its performance flick up to 86 TOPS versus its predecessor's 80 (huzzah, our AI datacenter worries are finally solved).

Connectivity is wild, too. There's so much here if you're looking for a lightweight workstation that's not brimming with a dedicated GPU and full-fat processor. There's no less than five USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, two USB 4.0 Type-Cs, twin 2.5 Gbe, along with support for twin HDMI 2.1 ports, as well as the other bells and whistles you'd expect. No Thunderbolt, of course, but you do get WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Alright, I'm going to give you some numbers now, and they're quite clearly bad. But, it's important that we all collectively have context on this before I act like a wailing harpie and impale this memory situation into the dirt with my shiny shiny words (honestly, it's a miracle I get paid for this).

So, we test our SFF PCs (with iGPUs) at 1080p on the medium graphical preset. For this little wee dissection, I'm going to be using that Acemagic X5 I mentioned earlier for comparison. It has the same Radeon GPU, the same memory speed, memory capacity, a better SSD (albeit smaller), and practically the same CPU for what it's worth (technically, the A9 Max has a better chip here). On average, across all our test titles, with and without upscaling, across five separate games, separate engines, separate developers, the A9 Max landed just 23.1 fps. The Retro X5, with its dual-channel memory, 47.6 fps.

Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
1 / 3

1080p gaming performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Geekom A9 Max
9
7
Acemagic Retro X5
20
16
Black Myth Wukong (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
Geekom A9 Max9 Avg FPS, 7 1% Low FPS
Acemagic Retro X520 Avg FPS, 16 1% Low FPS
You can clearly see how a memory bandwidth starved iGPU is hobbled by having single channel memory here.

It's not a limitation that sits solely with gaming, either. In 7-Zip, compression and decompression were markedly slower, multi-core performance in CineBench was down too, and the only times it did beat out the HX 370 was in single-threaded tasks, where memory bandwidth is less of a thing. Not exactly a riveting score sheet then. Even 3DMark's Storage benchmark came out significantly slower, which I can't believe even for a second is entirely down to the drive being just that much sloppier than the EXT X200E found in the X5 is.

1 / 2

Synthetic CPU performance

Single-core index score
Multi-core index score
Geekom A9 Max
119
1101
Acemagic Retro X5
107
1169
Cinebench R24 Data
ProductValue
Geekom A9 Max119 Single-core index score, 1101 Multi-core index score
Acemagic Retro X5107 Single-core index score, 1169 Multi-core index score
This is likely where Geekom's claims about limited performance difference ring true, as you can see both systems performing well.

Just to be doubly sure, I re-ran the whole benchmark suite, and triple-checked GPU frequencies, temps and power draw throughout that process too, noting down average frequencies as well (not typically something we report on for these machines). The X5 maxed out at 2,764 MHz and 2,100 MHz on average, at 60 degrees and with 50 W on max draw. The A9, 3,100 MHz at max, 2,300 MHz on average, with a top temp of 63 degrees and 55 W of power usage. By all accounts, then, the GPU itself was running at full tilt, but was just starved of memory bandwidth.

Geekom knows about this, too. In fact, I was pre-briefed that this was a decision it had made in advance. The justification being that it provides end-users with the option to expand their memory solution later down the line with an additional stick of 32 GB. Which, yeah, okay, I don't necessarily disagree with.

Geekom also notes that, actually, the performance drops are only in synthetic benchmarks, and don't affect real-world performance. Which I do disagree with.

Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future

You can quite clearly see that this does massively impact real-world results. In fact, more so than in the synthetic tests, by my calculations. What's particularly frustrating about all this is that nowhere on the product pages (at least at time of writing) does it suggest that the A9 Max ships with a single stick. It's all "dual-channel compatible", "up to 128 GB", or "32 GB RAM", "High-speed memory".

It's a difficult thing to just accept, because the truth of it is the A9 Max is an outstanding piece of design. It's cool, quiet, and it's clear that the CPU in particular is seriously potent, particularly in localised AI applications if that's your jam. The sad reality is, we've already seen what this hardware can do; it just came in a beige box at half the price.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/geekom-a9-max-ai-amd-mini-pc-review/ KuzsXtZyWvfT86Uw4NmkEh Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:05:24 +0000 false false false

Honestly, I want to like the Geekom A9 Max, I really do. From a pure design perspective, the hardware, the engineering behind it, the connectivity bundled into this thing, it's on another level. And it's just a bloody pretty thing at that, at least as far as Mini PCs go. You'd think it'd be a shoo-in for our best SFF PC list, without question. But there's a catch, because of course there is.

I may as well rip the band-aid off right now. It's the memory. I can already see the PR team squirming as they read that sentence, and it genuinely does pain me to say it, I promise. Geekom has decided to ship the A9 Max AI with a single stick of 32 GB DDR5 @ 5600 MT/s. And that is a decision that has effectively starved AMD's Radeon 890M of any modicum of the performance it can actually generate. I know this because I have extensively tested this hardware most recently, in Acemagic's Mini PC Retro X5, which, like-for-like, practically has the same spec, bar a smaller SSD, and a slightly older CPU.

The performance impact that this one tiny decision has had on the overall architecture is nuts, and combined with the wildly high price tag being what it is, it's by far the thing that's decimated that review score. If Geekom turned around tomorrow and popped 2x 16 GB sticks in this config instead of this single-channel nonsense, I can happily tell you right now, the score would bounce up by a good 15%, because in almost every other way, the A9 Max is excellent.

A9 Max AI specs

CPU

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

Cores | Threads

12 | 24

Clock speed

up to 5.2GHz

GPU

AMD Radeon 890M

RAM

32GB (1x32GB) DDR5-5600

Storage

2 TB Kingston OM8TAP42048K1-A00 PCIe 4.0 (2x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots available)

Rear I/O

2x 2.5Gb ethernet, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 4.0 Type-C, 2x HDMI 2.1, DC-in

Front I/O

4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, SD Card Reader, 3.5 mm audio out

Power

120 W

Dimensions

135 x 132 x 46mm

Price

£1,600 | $1,799 (as configured)

Buy if...

✅ You need a compact AI-focused workhorse: The A9 Max has some serious engineering chops. Chuck an extra DRAM stick in here and an SSD, and you're looking at one mean local LLM solution or workstation.

Don't buy if...

❌ You're a gamer: Without a second stick of RAM by default, the A9 Max lacks the memory bandwidth to compete with machines half its cost.

And, breathe. I'll get back to that in a minute. Still, for £1,600 in the UK or $1,800 US, it's generally not a bad offering (memory aside). You get that 32 GB RAM capacity, a 2TB Kingston PCIe 4.0 SSD (it's not the best), AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 CPU, A Radeon 890M iGPU, and a hell of a lot of connectivity.

The chip itself is relatively new on the scene, only really landing with us in January of this year. Though it's effectively a refreshed Strix Point (HX 370 series) chip, still built out of the same silicon architecture as its predecessor. You get those four Zen 5 cores, and eight Zen 5c cores for a fat 12/24 multi-threaded config, and it's all still built on the back of TSMC's 4 nm process as well. What's different? Well… clock speeds have been bumped ever so slightly up (with an extra 100 MHz on boost), oh, and the "biggest" update comes in the form of the NPU, which has seen its performance flick up to 86 TOPS versus its predecessor's 80 (huzzah, our AI datacenter worries are finally solved).

Connectivity is wild, too. There's so much here if you're looking for a lightweight workstation that's not brimming with a dedicated GPU and full-fat processor. There's no less than five USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, two USB 4.0 Type-Cs, twin 2.5 Gbe, along with support for twin HDMI 2.1 ports, as well as the other bells and whistles you'd expect. No Thunderbolt, of course, but you do get WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Alright, I'm going to give you some numbers now, and they're quite clearly bad. But, it's important that we all collectively have context on this before I act like a wailing harpie and impale this memory situation into the dirt with my shiny shiny words (honestly, it's a miracle I get paid for this).

So, we test our SFF PCs (with iGPUs) at 1080p on the medium graphical preset. For this little wee dissection, I'm going to be using that Acemagic X5 I mentioned earlier for comparison. It has the same Radeon GPU, the same memory speed, memory capacity, a better SSD (albeit smaller), and practically the same CPU for what it's worth (technically, the A9 Max has a better chip here). On average, across all our test titles, with and without upscaling, across five separate games, separate engines, separate developers, the A9 Max landed just 23.1 fps. The Retro X5, with its dual-channel memory, 47.6 fps.

Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
1 / 3

1080p gaming performance

Avg FPS
1% Low FPS
Geekom A9 Max
9
7
Acemagic Retro X5
20
16
Black Myth Wukong (1080p Medium) Data
ProductValue
Geekom A9 Max9 Avg FPS, 7 1% Low FPS
Acemagic Retro X520 Avg FPS, 16 1% Low FPS
You can clearly see how a memory bandwidth starved iGPU is hobbled by having single channel memory here.

It's not a limitation that sits solely with gaming, either. In 7-Zip, compression and decompression were markedly slower, multi-core performance in CineBench was down too, and the only times it did beat out the HX 370 was in single-threaded tasks, where memory bandwidth is less of a thing. Not exactly a riveting score sheet then. Even 3DMark's Storage benchmark came out significantly slower, which I can't believe even for a second is entirely down to the drive being just that much sloppier than the EXT X200E found in the X5 is.

1 / 2

Synthetic CPU performance

Single-core index score
Multi-core index score
Geekom A9 Max
119
1101
Acemagic Retro X5
107
1169
Cinebench R24 Data
ProductValue
Geekom A9 Max119 Single-core index score, 1101 Multi-core index score
Acemagic Retro X5107 Single-core index score, 1169 Multi-core index score
This is likely where Geekom's claims about limited performance difference ring true, as you can see both systems performing well.

Just to be doubly sure, I re-ran the whole benchmark suite, and triple-checked GPU frequencies, temps and power draw throughout that process too, noting down average frequencies as well (not typically something we report on for these machines). The X5 maxed out at 2,764 MHz and 2,100 MHz on average, at 60 degrees and with 50 W on max draw. The A9, 3,100 MHz at max, 2,300 MHz on average, with a top temp of 63 degrees and 55 W of power usage. By all accounts, then, the GPU itself was running at full tilt, but was just starved of memory bandwidth.

Geekom knows about this, too. In fact, I was pre-briefed that this was a decision it had made in advance. The justification being that it provides end-users with the option to expand their memory solution later down the line with an additional stick of 32 GB. Which, yeah, okay, I don't necessarily disagree with.

Geekom also notes that, actually, the performance drops are only in synthetic benchmarks, and don't affect real-world performance. Which I do disagree with.

Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future
Geekom A9 Max AI mini PC
Future

You can quite clearly see that this does massively impact real-world results. In fact, more so than in the synthetic tests, by my calculations. What's particularly frustrating about all this is that nowhere on the product pages (at least at time of writing) does it suggest that the A9 Max ships with a single stick. It's all "dual-channel compatible", "up to 128 GB", or "32 GB RAM", "High-speed memory".

It's a difficult thing to just accept, because the truth of it is the A9 Max is an outstanding piece of design. It's cool, quiet, and it's clear that the CPU in particular is seriously potent, particularly in localised AI applications if that's your jam. The sad reality is, we've already seen what this hardware can do; it just came in a beige box at half the price.

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam machine, y'know for the three people who managed to buy one and inexplicably want a different OS ]]> There's something almost endlessly endearing about the wee Steam Machine box. It's beautifully designed, beautifully small, and it's a gaming PC that you wouldn't mind sticking in/on whatever furniture your TV sits on. But it's also hard to buy, was manufactured in small numbers, and commands an incredibly high price for a PC with a weak last-gen GPU and single-channel memory.

But, bless 'em, Valve is still trying to carry on as though it's all fine. And to that end, it has now listed the Windows drivers for its Steam Machine so users can easily switch from the installed SteamOS software to Microsoft's more-pervasive operating system. The drivers are all listed on the support pages for Steam Hardware, sitting just underneath the options for the different Steam Deck SKUs.

In the interests of choice and customisation, that's great. Having the option to switch from Linux to a more widely supported OS means that all the games which are blocked from SteamOS (such as most online shooters) are now available to you if you commit the sin of an operating system switch.

Okay, that's maybe a little harsh, but it does feel like one of the boons of the Steam Machine is innate support for SteamOS—something that's still not all that widespread for desktop PCs—making for a particularly ideal living room/TV-connected experience. Though I will say that the Steam Controller itself takes much of the pain out of using Windows from a sofa, which also kinda undermines the SteamOS positivity.

Anyways, if you're one of the (lucky?) few who managed to get hold of a Steam Machine, or at least have a golden ticket for the reservation queue, then you can download the latest Windows drivers ready for a clean install of the MS OS right now.

There are a few caveats, however. The first is that it's a binary choice, as currently there isn't a clean way to dual-boot both SteamOS and Windows on one Steam device. Valve says that it will release an installer with a dual-boot wizard "for SteamOS once it's complete" whenever that is. Though I would say you could easily just add in another Linux OS which will boot into the SteamOS gaming frontend, such as Bazzite or Nobara; that will allow you to dual boot.

You will also need to connect your Steam Machine via Ethernet to enter a Windows product key, as the Wi-Fi drivers don't get installed until later. I'm sure there would actually be a way to install the supplied Wi-Fi drivers during Windows installation, but you could also create your Windows install drive using Rufus and have it create a local account automatically to get around that.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/valve-has-released-windows-drivers-for-the-steam-machine-yknow-for-the-three-people-who-managed-to-buy-one-and-inexplicably-want-a-different-os/ N3Thvn8cb6hkALa4C3VARY Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:10:49 +0000 false false false

There's something almost endlessly endearing about the wee Steam Machine box. It's beautifully designed, beautifully small, and it's a gaming PC that you wouldn't mind sticking in/on whatever furniture your TV sits on. But it's also hard to buy, was manufactured in small numbers, and commands an incredibly high price for a PC with a weak last-gen GPU and single-channel memory.

But, bless 'em, Valve is still trying to carry on as though it's all fine. And to that end, it has now listed the Windows drivers for its Steam Machine so users can easily switch from the installed SteamOS software to Microsoft's more-pervasive operating system. The drivers are all listed on the support pages for Steam Hardware, sitting just underneath the options for the different Steam Deck SKUs.

In the interests of choice and customisation, that's great. Having the option to switch from Linux to a more widely supported OS means that all the games which are blocked from SteamOS (such as most online shooters) are now available to you if you commit the sin of an operating system switch.

Okay, that's maybe a little harsh, but it does feel like one of the boons of the Steam Machine is innate support for SteamOS—something that's still not all that widespread for desktop PCs—making for a particularly ideal living room/TV-connected experience. Though I will say that the Steam Controller itself takes much of the pain out of using Windows from a sofa, which also kinda undermines the SteamOS positivity.

Anyways, if you're one of the (lucky?) few who managed to get hold of a Steam Machine, or at least have a golden ticket for the reservation queue, then you can download the latest Windows drivers ready for a clean install of the MS OS right now.

There are a few caveats, however. The first is that it's a binary choice, as currently there isn't a clean way to dual-boot both SteamOS and Windows on one Steam device. Valve says that it will release an installer with a dual-boot wizard "for SteamOS once it's complete" whenever that is. Though I would say you could easily just add in another Linux OS which will boot into the SteamOS gaming frontend, such as Bazzite or Nobara; that will allow you to dual boot.

You will also need to connect your Steam Machine via Ethernet to enter a Windows product key, as the Wi-Fi drivers don't get installed until later. I'm sure there would actually be a way to install the supplied Wi-Fi drivers during Windows installation, but you could also create your Windows install drive using Rufus and have it create a local account automatically to get around that.

]]> <![CDATA[ Somehow, the $1,000 Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is the best value gaming handheld I can think of right now ]]>
Andy Edser, hardware writer

PC Gamer headshot - Andy Edesr

(Image credit: Future)

This month I've been: Testing the Steam Machine, and trying to get my head around its price tag. Also, I've suddenly found myself surrounded by refreshed gaming laptops. A nice problem to have, ey?

I like handheld gaming PCs. Note that I've carefully used the word "like," rather than love. In all honesty, I wish they were faster. Or more portable. Concessions need to be made if you want to play demanding games on the go, it's true. But, in recent months, it's the price that's really put the tin lid on the whole handheld gaming affair for me.

The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS, a handheld we fell in love with last year at its $830 MSRP, is now listed for $1,332. Or how about the MSI Claw 8 AI+, a mega handheld I personally gave a 90% score to (while admitting it was rather expensive) at $900? Now you'll be lucky to find one for under $1,200. Its recently-announced, Panther Lake-powered successor? That'll rack you up $1,799 at pre-order prices.

I know, I know. It's another article from me complaining about pricing, and I realise I probably sound like a stuck record. But I cannot think of a PC gaming hardware category more screwed by the memory crisis than the handheld market right now. I update our handheld gaming PC deals every week, and recently I had to make an admission:

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, a machine we rightly criticised for having a "super-high price tag" on its release just eight months ago, is now what I'd call the best value proposition on the market. For one thousand smackeroonies. A cool grand. Serious cash.

That's the price of a budget, yet soul-affirming, weeklong beachside holiday for two. And yet, if I were to recommend you buy any gaming handheld under today's ridiculous pricing conditions, it'd be this one.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Ally X handheld gaming PCs
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future

It's properly fast, for a start. With an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU furnished with RDNA 3.5 graphics tech and 24 GB of LPDDR5x-8000, it's got a specs sheet that allows it to monster pretty much every other handheld we've ever tested.

You get a 1 TB SSD as well, which should allow room for plenty of modern games. There's also the ROG Xbox Ally (non-X) to consider at $600, but the Ryzen Z2 A chip at its core feels a little underpowered—although it's still worth some thought at that price.

Compare and contrast either with the Steam Deck OLED, which now runs you $949 for the 1 TB model. Sure, it's got a nicer screen. But the now-aging internals simply don't make any sense for this sort of money. A bit like the Steam Machine, now I come to think of it—although I digress.

Plus, the ROG Xbox Ally Xs Windows Xbox full screen experience (what a horrible mash-up of terms) is pretty darn good. It's no SteamOS, but it's nevertheless a pretty seamless way of interacting with the system via the medium of thumbsticks. And Steam's Big Picture Mode is still an option for sorting through your games library, of course.

It's quiet, comfortable, and—again I can't believe I'm saying this—reasonably priced given what you receive compared to the competition. Somehow, the Xbox handheld has managed to place itself within the market at the right price, at almost the right time.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Which makes me wonder how much longer it'll be before that MSRP jumps. Given the state of *gestures wildly* everything else in the consumer electronics industry right now, I'd imagine that within the next few months, this column will become defunct.

I'm kind of astonished that the ROG Xbox Ally X is still sitting at its $1,000 MSRP as we speak, and something deep in my bones tells me that won't be the case for much longer.

I wonder whether handhelds will survive as anything other than boutique devices for the very well-heeled.

This isn't a call to action, I should stress. Honestly, if I was curious about buying a gaming handheld right now and already owned a PC, I would probably save my money instead.

But if you're dead set on buying a portable gaming machine to shove in your shoulder bag for your next flight, this is the one that makes the most sense in the current market.

And that's a wild state of affairs. With reports indicating that the memory crisis, and the associated tech price increases will continue (and likely worsen) throughout 2027, and possibly 2028 as well, I genuinely can't fathom what sort of price/performance metrics I'll be using to write handheld reviews over the next couple of years.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

How do I score what are essentially hobbyist devices, pleasurable adult frivolities, when they all command such eye-popping amounts of cash? How do I square any real concept of "value" with devices that I know damn well would cost much, much less, if it wasn't for AI holding us all over a barrel?

Gaming is already an expensive hobby. Even more so when you want handheld convenience combined with high performance. But pricing seems to be rising at such a rapid rate, I wonder whether handhelds will survive as anything other than boutique devices for the very well-heeled.

They're very difficult to wholeheartedly recommend in 2026, I'll tell you that much for free.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/somehow-the-usd1-000-asus-rog-ally-xbox-x-is-the-best-value-gaming-handheld-i-can-think-of-right-now/ Ek5vSRrGNngp7p5RMfumTY Sat, 04 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:20:51 +0000 false false false
Andy Edser, hardware writer

PC Gamer headshot - Andy Edesr

(Image credit: Future)

This month I've been: Testing the Steam Machine, and trying to get my head around its price tag. Also, I've suddenly found myself surrounded by refreshed gaming laptops. A nice problem to have, ey?

I like handheld gaming PCs. Note that I've carefully used the word "like," rather than love. In all honesty, I wish they were faster. Or more portable. Concessions need to be made if you want to play demanding games on the go, it's true. But, in recent months, it's the price that's really put the tin lid on the whole handheld gaming affair for me.

The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS, a handheld we fell in love with last year at its $830 MSRP, is now listed for $1,332. Or how about the MSI Claw 8 AI+, a mega handheld I personally gave a 90% score to (while admitting it was rather expensive) at $900? Now you'll be lucky to find one for under $1,200. Its recently-announced, Panther Lake-powered successor? That'll rack you up $1,799 at pre-order prices.

I know, I know. It's another article from me complaining about pricing, and I realise I probably sound like a stuck record. But I cannot think of a PC gaming hardware category more screwed by the memory crisis than the handheld market right now. I update our handheld gaming PC deals every week, and recently I had to make an admission:

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, a machine we rightly criticised for having a "super-high price tag" on its release just eight months ago, is now what I'd call the best value proposition on the market. For one thousand smackeroonies. A cool grand. Serious cash.

That's the price of a budget, yet soul-affirming, weeklong beachside holiday for two. And yet, if I were to recommend you buy any gaming handheld under today's ridiculous pricing conditions, it'd be this one.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Ally X handheld gaming PCs
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
Future

It's properly fast, for a start. With an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU furnished with RDNA 3.5 graphics tech and 24 GB of LPDDR5x-8000, it's got a specs sheet that allows it to monster pretty much every other handheld we've ever tested.

You get a 1 TB SSD as well, which should allow room for plenty of modern games. There's also the ROG Xbox Ally (non-X) to consider at $600, but the Ryzen Z2 A chip at its core feels a little underpowered—although it's still worth some thought at that price.

Compare and contrast either with the Steam Deck OLED, which now runs you $949 for the 1 TB model. Sure, it's got a nicer screen. But the now-aging internals simply don't make any sense for this sort of money. A bit like the Steam Machine, now I come to think of it—although I digress.

Plus, the ROG Xbox Ally Xs Windows Xbox full screen experience (what a horrible mash-up of terms) is pretty darn good. It's no SteamOS, but it's nevertheless a pretty seamless way of interacting with the system via the medium of thumbsticks. And Steam's Big Picture Mode is still an option for sorting through your games library, of course.

It's quiet, comfortable, and—again I can't believe I'm saying this—reasonably priced given what you receive compared to the competition. Somehow, the Xbox handheld has managed to place itself within the market at the right price, at almost the right time.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

Which makes me wonder how much longer it'll be before that MSRP jumps. Given the state of *gestures wildly* everything else in the consumer electronics industry right now, I'd imagine that within the next few months, this column will become defunct.

I'm kind of astonished that the ROG Xbox Ally X is still sitting at its $1,000 MSRP as we speak, and something deep in my bones tells me that won't be the case for much longer.

I wonder whether handhelds will survive as anything other than boutique devices for the very well-heeled.

This isn't a call to action, I should stress. Honestly, if I was curious about buying a gaming handheld right now and already owned a PC, I would probably save my money instead.

But if you're dead set on buying a portable gaming machine to shove in your shoulder bag for your next flight, this is the one that makes the most sense in the current market.

And that's a wild state of affairs. With reports indicating that the memory crisis, and the associated tech price increases will continue (and likely worsen) throughout 2027, and possibly 2028 as well, I genuinely can't fathom what sort of price/performance metrics I'll be using to write handheld reviews over the next couple of years.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC

(Image credit: Future)

How do I score what are essentially hobbyist devices, pleasurable adult frivolities, when they all command such eye-popping amounts of cash? How do I square any real concept of "value" with devices that I know damn well would cost much, much less, if it wasn't for AI holding us all over a barrel?

Gaming is already an expensive hobby. Even more so when you want handheld convenience combined with high performance. But pricing seems to be rising at such a rapid rate, I wonder whether handhelds will survive as anything other than boutique devices for the very well-heeled.

They're very difficult to wholeheartedly recommend in 2026, I'll tell you that much for free.

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve's aim for a console-like experience with its Steam Machine lands a little too close for comfort as one of the first cases of 'Red Line of Death' comes to light (Update: The machine survived) ]]> Despite its high price and somewhat disappointing gaming chops, Valve's Steam Machine appears to be selling well, with lots of buyers showing off their new purchase on social media. And in what seems to be the first published instance, the consumer coverage also includes a console-like Red Ring Line of Death.

Well, the Steam Machine was pretty cool for the 20 minutes that it worked
 from r/steammachine

Reddit user me_hill posted a thread on how they were enjoying playing No Man's Sky on their new Steam Machine, but got an RLoD after applying a software update. Just as with the Xbox 360's notorious Red Ring of Death, Valve uses the LEDs on the front panel to indicate the operational status of its little PC box.

Anything white or blue is fine and dandy, but if it's red, then something's not right. In me_hill's case, half a line of slowing pulse red LEDs points to a GPU failure. Hopefully, since this occurred after a software update, it's not an actual hardware bail-out, but rather something not booting correctly and then reporting the error.

That's not to say that the Steam Machine is going to be immune to hardware failures, because the mass production of any product is going to result in something initially passing quality checks, but popping its clogs later down the line.

And the Steam Machine uses a lot of mass-produced stuff, despite claiming to have 'semi-custom' chips from AMD. The CPU and GPU might be unique to Valve's box of underwhelm in terms of production code, but the chips themselves are physically no different to the Ryzen 5 7540U and Radeon RX 7600M.

The Redditor has indicated that they've contacted Valve for support, so hopefully there's a solution for them. If not, then at least they've got something that can do a passing impression of KITT or a Cylon Centurion. Just a completely mute impression. And one that's cost them $1,000.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/valves-aim-for-a-console-like-experience-with-its-steam-machine-lands-a-little-too-close-for-comfort-as-one-of-the-first-cases-of-red-line-of-death-comes-to-light/ WAHoYZqNFFkuqySPJvAbXa Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:02:59 +0000 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:41:06 +0000 false false false

Despite its high price and somewhat disappointing gaming chops, Valve's Steam Machine appears to be selling well, with lots of buyers showing off their new purchase on social media. And in what seems to be the first published instance, the consumer coverage also includes a console-like Red Ring Line of Death.

Well, the Steam Machine was pretty cool for the 20 minutes that it worked
 from r/steammachine

Reddit user me_hill posted a thread on how they were enjoying playing No Man's Sky on their new Steam Machine, but got an RLoD after applying a software update. Just as with the Xbox 360's notorious Red Ring of Death, Valve uses the LEDs on the front panel to indicate the operational status of its little PC box.

Anything white or blue is fine and dandy, but if it's red, then something's not right. In me_hill's case, half a line of slowing pulse red LEDs points to a GPU failure. Hopefully, since this occurred after a software update, it's not an actual hardware bail-out, but rather something not booting correctly and then reporting the error.

That's not to say that the Steam Machine is going to be immune to hardware failures, because the mass production of any product is going to result in something initially passing quality checks, but popping its clogs later down the line.

And the Steam Machine uses a lot of mass-produced stuff, despite claiming to have 'semi-custom' chips from AMD. The CPU and GPU might be unique to Valve's box of underwhelm in terms of production code, but the chips themselves are physically no different to the Ryzen 5 7540U and Radeon RX 7600M.

The Redditor has indicated that they've contacted Valve for support, so hopefully there's a solution for them. If not, then at least they've got something that can do a passing impression of KITT or a Cylon Centurion. Just a completely mute impression. And one that's cost them $1,000.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'Meh': Ex-PlayStation president Shuhei Yoshida weighs in on Valve's Steam Machine after a few hours with it ]]> Previously serving as the president of SIE Worldwide Studios for Sony and then becoming the head of PlayStation Indies in 2019, Shuhei Yoshida retired last year. He has since taken to giving industry analysis over on X. With the Steam Machine and its mighty price tag serving as a big discussion point, Yoshida has had a couple of hours with the machine. So far, he doesn't seem mighty impressed.

Yoshida recently said on X, "3D performance is just…meh", going on to add, "The system recommends to default to 1080p—am I going back to PS4 days?"

This middling performance is something our Andy said of the device in his review. We saw performance sitting at significantly less than even comparably priced mini PCs, with the Atomman G1 Pro handily beating it. The Steam Machine's RDNA 3-era graphics hardware seems to particularly struggle with ray tracing, but it's not particularly pretty across the board when you consider the price.

Yoshida is critical of this, saying, "But the price was very unfriendly. Hard to recommend to people unless for research." He also finds that games take a "loooooooong" time to boot.

Yoshida also had thoughts to share on the new Steam Controller. Though he likes the notion of having touchpads in a controller, he does complain that they are very "touchy" and hard to use.

He also finds the sticks are looser than he'd like. Assuming the ex-PlayStation head of indies likes the PS5 controller, these two complaints make some sense to me. I lament the lack of stick drift protection in the DualSense, but they do have tactile, snappy sticks, and the touchpad is pretty out of the way (unless you play with a claw grip like I do).

Valve's new Steam Machine during a visit to Valve HQ in Bellevue, Washington. The Steam Machine is a compact living room gaming PC.

(Image credit: Future)

Still, not all is bad, according to Yoshida. The ex-Sony president likes SteamOS as a UI, enjoys that you can turn on the system through nothing but the Steam Controller, and he praises the changeable face plate. He also enjoys the boot-up videos. Ultimately, he says, "It allows me to play Steam games on my living room TV, which is a reason enough to keep it."

Yoshida does clarify he has only gotten a few hours with it so far, but I suspect his observations will be fairly common for Steam Machine owners, considering our own testing. It's a pricey and underpowered device. Yoshida does offer one bit of praise to finish out his thoughts, though: "The small form factor and quietness is super good."

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/meh-ex-playstation-president-shuhei-yoshida-weighs-in-on-valves-steam-machine-after-a-few-hours-with-it/ fY6yiQjoueK3DNuavVFtCB Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:10:41 +0000 false false false

Previously serving as the president of SIE Worldwide Studios for Sony and then becoming the head of PlayStation Indies in 2019, Shuhei Yoshida retired last year. He has since taken to giving industry analysis over on X. With the Steam Machine and its mighty price tag serving as a big discussion point, Yoshida has had a couple of hours with the machine. So far, he doesn't seem mighty impressed.

Yoshida recently said on X, "3D performance is just…meh", going on to add, "The system recommends to default to 1080p—am I going back to PS4 days?"

This middling performance is something our Andy said of the device in his review. We saw performance sitting at significantly less than even comparably priced mini PCs, with the Atomman G1 Pro handily beating it. The Steam Machine's RDNA 3-era graphics hardware seems to particularly struggle with ray tracing, but it's not particularly pretty across the board when you consider the price.

Yoshida is critical of this, saying, "But the price was very unfriendly. Hard to recommend to people unless for research." He also finds that games take a "loooooooong" time to boot.

Yoshida also had thoughts to share on the new Steam Controller. Though he likes the notion of having touchpads in a controller, he does complain that they are very "touchy" and hard to use.

He also finds the sticks are looser than he'd like. Assuming the ex-PlayStation head of indies likes the PS5 controller, these two complaints make some sense to me. I lament the lack of stick drift protection in the DualSense, but they do have tactile, snappy sticks, and the touchpad is pretty out of the way (unless you play with a claw grip like I do).

Valve's new Steam Machine during a visit to Valve HQ in Bellevue, Washington. The Steam Machine is a compact living room gaming PC.

(Image credit: Future)

Still, not all is bad, according to Yoshida. The ex-Sony president likes SteamOS as a UI, enjoys that you can turn on the system through nothing but the Steam Controller, and he praises the changeable face plate. He also enjoys the boot-up videos. Ultimately, he says, "It allows me to play Steam games on my living room TV, which is a reason enough to keep it."

Yoshida does clarify he has only gotten a few hours with it so far, but I suspect his observations will be fairly common for Steam Machine owners, considering our own testing. It's a pricey and underpowered device. Yoshida does offer one bit of praise to finish out his thoughts, though: "The small form factor and quietness is super good."

]]> <![CDATA[ French retailer briefly offers the 'Stim Machine,' a Steam Machine competitor made of standard PC components for less than a grand ]]> Categorically, I cannot afford to buy my own Steam Machine. Much to my chagrin, the most basic 512 GB model still costs $1,049. Even Valve's own engineers wish their game box was cheaper. Thankfully, a French retailer is stepping in to try and do what even Valve could not: offer a compact PC for very slightly less than a grand.

LDLC has unveiled its own compact gaming PC, even going as far as to initially dub it the 'Stim Machine.' The retailer has since dropped this name in favour of the less ire-tempting 'LDLC PC box' (via VideoCardz). Though no longer available to buy, the 500 GB model used standard PC components and went for €1,000 as a kit you would need to assemble yourself.

A pre-built model was also briefly available. This went for €1,040, a price point directly comparable to how much the Steam Machine is selling for in Europe. The compact desktop even came with a tutorial on how to install SteamOS, though obviously that's not a hoop you would have to jump through to get the Steam Machine up and running.

So, what was the 'Stim Machine' offering beyond a potentially sub-1,000 euro price tag with some assembly required? For a start, the specs sheet includes a more recent RDNA 4 GPU in the cheap and (mostly) cheerful AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT. This GPU has a few extra compute units (and a much newer architecture) compared to the Steam Machine's semi-custom RDNA 3 card.

The LDLC PC Box has a Ryzen 5 8400F processor, whereas Valve's offering enjoys a similar, semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T chip. So far, so comparable. Thanks to its standard Mini-ITX motherboard, the LDLC PC Box also has 16 GB of upgradeable DDR5 memory, as well as 500 GB of NVMe storage with two additional SATA slots on top. The Steam Machine also features a single 512 GB internal SSD, plus a MicroSD slot.

While achieving such comparable specs for less than a grand is impressive, that's still a whole lot of Euros for a relatively low amount of gaming horsepower (thanks, memory supply crisis). In other words, even if LDLC's PC Box was still available to buy and I was based in France, it's still a little rich for my blood. Ah well, I'll just hit repeat on Daft Punk's 2005 banger—that's almost just as good, right?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/french-retailer-briefly-offers-the-stim-machine-a-steam-machine-competitor-made-of-standard-pc-components-for-less-than-a-grand/ ZtUosGQxvNdAjNVmrnVo8G Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:54:25 +0000 false false false

Categorically, I cannot afford to buy my own Steam Machine. Much to my chagrin, the most basic 512 GB model still costs $1,049. Even Valve's own engineers wish their game box was cheaper. Thankfully, a French retailer is stepping in to try and do what even Valve could not: offer a compact PC for very slightly less than a grand.

LDLC has unveiled its own compact gaming PC, even going as far as to initially dub it the 'Stim Machine.' The retailer has since dropped this name in favour of the less ire-tempting 'LDLC PC box' (via VideoCardz). Though no longer available to buy, the 500 GB model used standard PC components and went for €1,000 as a kit you would need to assemble yourself.

A pre-built model was also briefly available. This went for €1,040, a price point directly comparable to how much the Steam Machine is selling for in Europe. The compact desktop even came with a tutorial on how to install SteamOS, though obviously that's not a hoop you would have to jump through to get the Steam Machine up and running.

So, what was the 'Stim Machine' offering beyond a potentially sub-1,000 euro price tag with some assembly required? For a start, the specs sheet includes a more recent RDNA 4 GPU in the cheap and (mostly) cheerful AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT. This GPU has a few extra compute units (and a much newer architecture) compared to the Steam Machine's semi-custom RDNA 3 card.

The LDLC PC Box has a Ryzen 5 8400F processor, whereas Valve's offering enjoys a similar, semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T chip. So far, so comparable. Thanks to its standard Mini-ITX motherboard, the LDLC PC Box also has 16 GB of upgradeable DDR5 memory, as well as 500 GB of NVMe storage with two additional SATA slots on top. The Steam Machine also features a single 512 GB internal SSD, plus a MicroSD slot.

While achieving such comparable specs for less than a grand is impressive, that's still a whole lot of Euros for a relatively low amount of gaming horsepower (thanks, memory supply crisis). In other words, even if LDLC's PC Box was still available to buy and I was based in France, it's still a little rich for my blood. Ah well, I'll just hit repeat on Daft Punk's 2005 banger—that's almost just as good, right?

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve says it is 'definitely' investigating an Arm-based gaming future on top of its work on FEX ]]> Arm chips are making increasing inroads into the realm of PC gaming. Valve is already all over the chip architecture, and is planning to launch an Arm-specific version of SteamOS alongside its Snapdragon-based VR headset, the Steam Frame, later this year. But what about the Steam Machine?

We asked Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais whether Arm was in consideration for the Steam Machine 2. "Definitely, yeah," Pierre-Loup answered, "[In addition to our work on] things like FEX, we're just trying to be able to support everything, right?"

For those unfamiliar, FEX is a translation layer that allows games built for x86 architecture to run on Arm chips, similar to how Proton gets games made for Windows to run on Linux. Pierre-Loup adds, "If we have more options to pick from, and if users have more options to pick from [...] to play all the latest games in their back catalog library, they'll have a better outcome in terms of finding something that is cheaper for the horsepower that they need."

Arm chips are an enticing alternative to x86 CPUs for gaming PCs specifically. So, we may see something of a chip architecture slap fight before long (especially after Nvidia went all-in on a custom Arm architecture for their RTX Spark lineup). Many game developers are also already working on Arm game ports, and wholly Arm-native versions; our Dave was especially impressed to see an Arm-native version of Alan Wake 2 running on a pre-release model of Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra earlier this year.

On the subject of the Steam Machine and potential follow-ups in an Arm-based future, Pierre-Loup says, "When we're designing a system like that, we're just like users: Picking parts, trying to figure out what makes sense. So for us, yeah, things like FEX and the work that we've done on SteamOS and Proton are more like catalysts to get to a better outcome in terms of price performance, and all that—for sure, we would consider any platform."

Mind you, don't expect an Arm-based follow up any time soon. Though Valve has said that the Steam Machine won't have "as long of a timeframe" as the Steam Deck, new models are constrained by "a matter of when it makes sense to [upgrade], at what price point, at what time, on what games are available."

The memory supply crisis has had a significant impact on more things than the game box's price, with Valve even unsure whether it was gonna have any Steam Machines to sell at the start of 2026. Bearing in mind the RAMpocalypse likely won't ease until maybe 2028, we're unlikely to see a sequel any time before then.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-says-it-is-definitely-investigating-an-arm-based-gaming-future-on-top-of-its-work-on-fex/ Fgk9Ai6bTjBsFDrDpyZPVL Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:32:27 +0000 false false false

Arm chips are making increasing inroads into the realm of PC gaming. Valve is already all over the chip architecture, and is planning to launch an Arm-specific version of SteamOS alongside its Snapdragon-based VR headset, the Steam Frame, later this year. But what about the Steam Machine?

We asked Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais whether Arm was in consideration for the Steam Machine 2. "Definitely, yeah," Pierre-Loup answered, "[In addition to our work on] things like FEX, we're just trying to be able to support everything, right?"

For those unfamiliar, FEX is a translation layer that allows games built for x86 architecture to run on Arm chips, similar to how Proton gets games made for Windows to run on Linux. Pierre-Loup adds, "If we have more options to pick from, and if users have more options to pick from [...] to play all the latest games in their back catalog library, they'll have a better outcome in terms of finding something that is cheaper for the horsepower that they need."

Arm chips are an enticing alternative to x86 CPUs for gaming PCs specifically. So, we may see something of a chip architecture slap fight before long (especially after Nvidia went all-in on a custom Arm architecture for their RTX Spark lineup). Many game developers are also already working on Arm game ports, and wholly Arm-native versions; our Dave was especially impressed to see an Arm-native version of Alan Wake 2 running on a pre-release model of Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra earlier this year.

On the subject of the Steam Machine and potential follow-ups in an Arm-based future, Pierre-Loup says, "When we're designing a system like that, we're just like users: Picking parts, trying to figure out what makes sense. So for us, yeah, things like FEX and the work that we've done on SteamOS and Proton are more like catalysts to get to a better outcome in terms of price performance, and all that—for sure, we would consider any platform."

Mind you, don't expect an Arm-based follow up any time soon. Though Valve has said that the Steam Machine won't have "as long of a timeframe" as the Steam Deck, new models are constrained by "a matter of when it makes sense to [upgrade], at what price point, at what time, on what games are available."

The memory supply crisis has had a significant impact on more things than the game box's price, with Valve even unsure whether it was gonna have any Steam Machines to sell at the start of 2026. Bearing in mind the RAMpocalypse likely won't ease until maybe 2028, we're unlikely to see a sequel any time before then.

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve doesn't currently have 'any specific plans' for more Steam Machine faceplates, so you'll have to make them yourself ]]> Cards on the table, the first thing that piqued my interest about the Steam Machine's initial reveal were the interchangeable faceplates. After all, I am but a simple hardware creature with a penchant for the aesthetic. Unfortunately, Valve has no plans to release a whole slew of custom plates for their tiny game box.

We caught up with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais to talk all things Steam Machine, including customisation options. "Right now the two plates that come with the two terabyte SKU are what we're doing," Pierre-Loup explains, "And we don't really have any specific plans around what else [we might do]."

The 2TB Steam Machine comes with the 'red fabric and solid walnut' faceplates but, just because Valve has no plans to make more, that doesn't mean fresh faceplates are no-go from other sources, though. "We want to make sure that third parties can do everything they need to there, and that people tinkering at home can also do that," Pierre-Loup adds, "So, like usual, we'll be releasing all the CAD [3D files] and the dimensions for the outside, the attachment points for the magnets and the sizing of all that so that folks can make their own stuff."

Valve has already released the new Steam Controller's CAD files for easier customisation, though at time of writing we're still waiting on these files for the Steam Machine. That hasn't stopped some from taking matters into their own hands though.

Perhaps most notably, peripheral and accessory maker Dbrand teased custom Companion Cube housing for the Steam Machine last year. Unfortunately, they've had to start issuing refunds since the game box's release as it turns out the company had never actually got Valve's permission to make it.

To be clear, this was a third-party customisation being sold commercially, hence why Valve asked for it to be taken down. Fresh faceplates made for fun and not profit are unlikely to attract the same ire. So, yes, if you wanted to make your own Companion Cube inspired housing, you could—you just couldn't sell it like Dbrand attempted to.

I'm no 3D modelling wiz, so a single swappable faceplate appeals more to me anyway. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to gather a bunch of cute Decoden bits, clear my schedule, and make my Steam Machine look like a tasty little snack (complete with fake whipped cream, my temps be damned).

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-doesnt-currently-have-any-specific-plans-for-more-steam-machine-faceplates-so-youll-have-to-make-them-yourself/ SSfvxL36aYfKkaLFbKH2LZ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:26:42 +0000 false false false

Cards on the table, the first thing that piqued my interest about the Steam Machine's initial reveal were the interchangeable faceplates. After all, I am but a simple hardware creature with a penchant for the aesthetic. Unfortunately, Valve has no plans to release a whole slew of custom plates for their tiny game box.

We caught up with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais to talk all things Steam Machine, including customisation options. "Right now the two plates that come with the two terabyte SKU are what we're doing," Pierre-Loup explains, "And we don't really have any specific plans around what else [we might do]."

The 2TB Steam Machine comes with the 'red fabric and solid walnut' faceplates but, just because Valve has no plans to make more, that doesn't mean fresh faceplates are no-go from other sources, though. "We want to make sure that third parties can do everything they need to there, and that people tinkering at home can also do that," Pierre-Loup adds, "So, like usual, we'll be releasing all the CAD [3D files] and the dimensions for the outside, the attachment points for the magnets and the sizing of all that so that folks can make their own stuff."

Valve has already released the new Steam Controller's CAD files for easier customisation, though at time of writing we're still waiting on these files for the Steam Machine. That hasn't stopped some from taking matters into their own hands though.

Perhaps most notably, peripheral and accessory maker Dbrand teased custom Companion Cube housing for the Steam Machine last year. Unfortunately, they've had to start issuing refunds since the game box's release as it turns out the company had never actually got Valve's permission to make it.

To be clear, this was a third-party customisation being sold commercially, hence why Valve asked for it to be taken down. Fresh faceplates made for fun and not profit are unlikely to attract the same ire. So, yes, if you wanted to make your own Companion Cube inspired housing, you could—you just couldn't sell it like Dbrand attempted to.

I'm no 3D modelling wiz, so a single swappable faceplate appeals more to me anyway. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to gather a bunch of cute Decoden bits, clear my schedule, and make my Steam Machine look like a tasty little snack (complete with fake whipped cream, my temps be damned).

]]> <![CDATA[ '99% of the work was already done in a sense': Valve says it has less to fix with the Steam Machine because they already fixed it on the Steam Deck ]]> Hardware development, much like games, is all about iteration. So, it's fair to say we wouldn't have the Steam Machine without the Steam Deck. We recently spoke to Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais, and asked them whether they felt Valve's ongoing work on the Steam Deck meant there'd be less to fix with the Steam Machine.

"Oh, for sure, yeah." said Pierre-Loup. He goes on to acknowledge that the Steam Machine required a lot of focus on specific aspects Valve didn't have to worry about for the Steam Deck—things like the "discrete GPU, VRAM management, ray tracing performance, all this stuff."

But those unique features aside, the foundation of the two platforms is very similar. He says, "The other 99% of the work [on the Steam Machine was] already done in a sense."

Yazan also highlights that the way many people were already using their Steam Decks presented a compelling use case for the Steam Machine. "People were using their Steam Deck docked to their TV, and they're having a great experience without us doing any specific work," He says, "So, it was almost proven before we even started working on it in some ways."

Though our Wes rated the Steam Deck when it debuted back in 2022, the handheld gaming PC didn't enjoy the smoothest launch due to stock issues. The platform itself also had its share of teething troubles, including but not limited to a whiny fan, stick drift caused by a software problem, and a buggy dock. Valve continues to support the device and these kinks, plus a number of other quirks, have all been significantly ironed out. In other words, much of the foundation was already laid for whatever Valve would do next.

"We tend to want to work like that—incremental steps that always add up. When we worked on Steam Input, and just input stuff in general, the [original] Steam Controller, we were solving and kinda thinking around a lot of the same issues that we were trying to solve with Seam Deck," Pierre-Loup adds, "And we just kinda kept working on the same thing, just adding a little bit to it every time, right? It was very incremental and I think we're still working towards more increments, towards completing the experience overall."

None of that is to say it's been clear skies for the Steam Machine. For one thing, Valve feared stock issues would strike again at the start of this year. The impacts of the memory supply crisis on the Steam Machine cannot be understated, with 'Making it cheaper' sitting top of the list of things the engineers wish they could change about the hardware.

Getting back to Valve's further iterations, what can we expect from a Steam Machine sequel? According to Pierre-Loup and Yazan, the Steam Machine won't have as long of a timeframe as the Steam Deck, but new models are 'just a matter of when it makes sense.' In other words, with no end in sight for the RAMpocalypse until maybe 2028, don't expect to see a Steam Machine 2 (or a Steam Deck followup for that matter) any time soon.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/99-percent-of-the-work-was-already-done-in-a-sense-valve-says-it-has-less-to-fix-with-the-steam-machine-because-they-already-fixed-it-on-the-steam-deck/ TrvFJwu22yQqqrG3nDy8s Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:51:54 +0000 false false false

Hardware development, much like games, is all about iteration. So, it's fair to say we wouldn't have the Steam Machine without the Steam Deck. We recently spoke to Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais, and asked them whether they felt Valve's ongoing work on the Steam Deck meant there'd be less to fix with the Steam Machine.

"Oh, for sure, yeah." said Pierre-Loup. He goes on to acknowledge that the Steam Machine required a lot of focus on specific aspects Valve didn't have to worry about for the Steam Deck—things like the "discrete GPU, VRAM management, ray tracing performance, all this stuff."

But those unique features aside, the foundation of the two platforms is very similar. He says, "The other 99% of the work [on the Steam Machine was] already done in a sense."

Yazan also highlights that the way many people were already using their Steam Decks presented a compelling use case for the Steam Machine. "People were using their Steam Deck docked to their TV, and they're having a great experience without us doing any specific work," He says, "So, it was almost proven before we even started working on it in some ways."

Though our Wes rated the Steam Deck when it debuted back in 2022, the handheld gaming PC didn't enjoy the smoothest launch due to stock issues. The platform itself also had its share of teething troubles, including but not limited to a whiny fan, stick drift caused by a software problem, and a buggy dock. Valve continues to support the device and these kinks, plus a number of other quirks, have all been significantly ironed out. In other words, much of the foundation was already laid for whatever Valve would do next.

"We tend to want to work like that—incremental steps that always add up. When we worked on Steam Input, and just input stuff in general, the [original] Steam Controller, we were solving and kinda thinking around a lot of the same issues that we were trying to solve with Seam Deck," Pierre-Loup adds, "And we just kinda kept working on the same thing, just adding a little bit to it every time, right? It was very incremental and I think we're still working towards more increments, towards completing the experience overall."

None of that is to say it's been clear skies for the Steam Machine. For one thing, Valve feared stock issues would strike again at the start of this year. The impacts of the memory supply crisis on the Steam Machine cannot be understated, with 'Making it cheaper' sitting top of the list of things the engineers wish they could change about the hardware.

Getting back to Valve's further iterations, what can we expect from a Steam Machine sequel? According to Pierre-Loup and Yazan, the Steam Machine won't have as long of a timeframe as the Steam Deck, but new models are 'just a matter of when it makes sense.' In other words, with no end in sight for the RAMpocalypse until maybe 2028, don't expect to see a Steam Machine 2 (or a Steam Deck followup for that matter) any time soon.

]]> <![CDATA[ Dragon Age: Origins is 'Unsupported' on Steam Deck, but it runs incredibly and it's currently only $3 ]]> I've wanted to revisit Dragon Age: Origins on PC for years. I played the PS3 version back in 2009, which isn't as bad as people say it is, though it does lack the PC version's tactical view and, of course, mod support.

Origins has been on my wishlist for well over a decade, but I finally scooped it up during the current Steam Summer sale. It's a negligible $3 for the Ultimate Edition, which bundles in the Awakening expansion and a bunch of other stuff (there's no Standard Edition on Steam anyway). I probably would have gotten around to revisiting Origins earlier had it not been for the Steam Deck 'Unsupported' badge warning me off.

There's a decent enough reason for this, I suppose: when I bit the bullet and downloaded Origins on my Deck, the first thing I saw was a very unpromising, antiquated 4:3 game launcher. After I tinkered with the graphics settings here, I had no option to save my changes and back out. In other words, pending the results of any troubleshooting, I needed to make do with a 800x600 display, with graphics detail set to low.

But wait! Origins isn't one of those long-in-the-tooth PC games that makes you back out to its launcher to change graphics settings. From the game itself I was able to change the resolution to the Deck's native 1280x800, and turn graphics and texture detail up to "very high". At those settings I'm getting an unwaveringly locked 60 fps, though if you must have 90 fps you can do that too, though it's not as consistent.

The next obstacle is the fact that Dragon Age: Origins for PC doesn't have gamepad support like its console versions obviously have. Thankfully, there's an amazing Community Layout for that. Khar's Dragon Age: Origins marries the immersive control of a third-person action game while retaining the essential mouse controls. Movement is mapped to the left stick, while the mouse pointer is mapped to the right track pad (it's also mapped to the right stick but that feels really bad). As I'm moving around I can use the mouse pointer to activate objects, trigger conversations, or make selections from the hot bar at the bottom of the screen.

The only problem I've found with this config is that, for some reason, it maps quick load to L4. I was accidentally pressing this instead of L5 (which serves as a right mouse click) and that is obviously problematic. So to be safe, I changed it to open the map instead, and then mapped quick save to to upper D-pad button.

I've been loving my return to Origins, and despite the 'Unsupported' badge it's absolutely perfect on Steam Deck. It takes far less tinkering than some 'Playable' games I've booted. Who knows, now I may even get around to playing Dragon Age 2. That one's meant to be good, right?

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/dragon-age-origins-is-unsupported-on-steam-deck-but-it-runs-incredibly-and-its-currently-only-usd3/ Dq4ziWnk2PTmiiyvPcGJYQ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:29 +0000 false false false

I've wanted to revisit Dragon Age: Origins on PC for years. I played the PS3 version back in 2009, which isn't as bad as people say it is, though it does lack the PC version's tactical view and, of course, mod support.

Origins has been on my wishlist for well over a decade, but I finally scooped it up during the current Steam Summer sale. It's a negligible $3 for the Ultimate Edition, which bundles in the Awakening expansion and a bunch of other stuff (there's no Standard Edition on Steam anyway). I probably would have gotten around to revisiting Origins earlier had it not been for the Steam Deck 'Unsupported' badge warning me off.

There's a decent enough reason for this, I suppose: when I bit the bullet and downloaded Origins on my Deck, the first thing I saw was a very unpromising, antiquated 4:3 game launcher. After I tinkered with the graphics settings here, I had no option to save my changes and back out. In other words, pending the results of any troubleshooting, I needed to make do with a 800x600 display, with graphics detail set to low.

But wait! Origins isn't one of those long-in-the-tooth PC games that makes you back out to its launcher to change graphics settings. From the game itself I was able to change the resolution to the Deck's native 1280x800, and turn graphics and texture detail up to "very high". At those settings I'm getting an unwaveringly locked 60 fps, though if you must have 90 fps you can do that too, though it's not as consistent.

The next obstacle is the fact that Dragon Age: Origins for PC doesn't have gamepad support like its console versions obviously have. Thankfully, there's an amazing Community Layout for that. Khar's Dragon Age: Origins marries the immersive control of a third-person action game while retaining the essential mouse controls. Movement is mapped to the left stick, while the mouse pointer is mapped to the right track pad (it's also mapped to the right stick but that feels really bad). As I'm moving around I can use the mouse pointer to activate objects, trigger conversations, or make selections from the hot bar at the bottom of the screen.

The only problem I've found with this config is that, for some reason, it maps quick load to L4. I was accidentally pressing this instead of L5 (which serves as a right mouse click) and that is obviously problematic. So to be safe, I changed it to open the map instead, and then mapped quick save to to upper D-pad button.

I've been loving my return to Origins, and despite the 'Unsupported' badge it's absolutely perfect on Steam Deck. It takes far less tinkering than some 'Playable' games I've booted. Who knows, now I may even get around to playing Dragon Age 2. That one's meant to be good, right?

]]> <![CDATA[ Steam Machine preorder emails are in the wild, and it finally feels real: Valve is actually gonna release this thing in 2026 ]]> If you signed up for a spot in the Steam Machine reservation queue, you might want to take a quick look at your email, because the notices for those who made it into the first wave—and those who did not—have been sent.

I did not personally order a Steam Machine for several reasons, which in truth can be boiled down to one reason:

Yowzah! (Image credit: Valve)

Instead, I heard about the email sendout from Game Awards host Geoff Keighley, who apparently took the shotgun approach to the lottery and came out of it with a reservation for a 512GB model.

(Image credit: Geoff Keighley (Twitter))

Videogame deals poster Wario64, who also claimed a golden ticket, took note of an added bonus: Buying one will net you a veritable butt-ton of Steam Summer Sale trading cards.

Buying a Steam Machine can earn you at least 105 Summer Sale 2026 Trading Cards during the Summer Sale.

— @wario64.bsky.social (@wario64.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-06-26T20:56:05.574Z

randomized lotteryAs explained by PC Gamer hardware hero Jacob Ridley, Valve opted against a first-come, first-served approach to selling the Steam Machine, and instead went with a randomized lottery: Everybody who wants one puts their name in the metaphorical hat, and from there a random selection of potential buyers are selected and notified.

I say "potential" because those whose names are drawn have three days to complete the purchase after the unit they were selected for is available—if they don't, their reservation will be cancelled and the next person in the queue will get the shot instead.

That provides a very small sliver of hope for those who missed the bus: As others on social media have shared, those folks received an email saying, "As we work our way through the reservation queue, some customers may cancel their reservations. If that happens, you may be moved into the reservation queue, and you'll be notified by email that you have a reservation after all."

Valve said when it announced the randomized reservations to "limit resellers," because as we've seen in the past, when high-demand hardware shows up, scalpers are never far behind. And yes, it's happening here too: Valve may have limited resellers but it hasn't eliminated them completely, and listings for preorder access are already appearing on sites like eBay, with obscenely inflated prices attached.

(Image credit: eBay)

You do you, but me? I think I'd rather just wait.

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/steam-machine-preorder-emails-are-in-the-wild-and-it-finally-feels-real-valve-is-actually-gonna-release-this-thing-in-2026/ hop69LctV5k8z9uq4RaYPG Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:22:07 +0000 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:56:37 +0000 false false false

If you signed up for a spot in the Steam Machine reservation queue, you might want to take a quick look at your email, because the notices for those who made it into the first wave—and those who did not—have been sent.

I did not personally order a Steam Machine for several reasons, which in truth can be boiled down to one reason:

Yowzah! (Image credit: Valve)

Instead, I heard about the email sendout from Game Awards host Geoff Keighley, who apparently took the shotgun approach to the lottery and came out of it with a reservation for a 512GB model.

(Image credit: Geoff Keighley (Twitter))

Videogame deals poster Wario64, who also claimed a golden ticket, took note of an added bonus: Buying one will net you a veritable butt-ton of Steam Summer Sale trading cards.

Buying a Steam Machine can earn you at least 105 Summer Sale 2026 Trading Cards during the Summer Sale.

— @wario64.bsky.social (@wario64.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-06-26T20:56:05.574Z

randomized lotteryAs explained by PC Gamer hardware hero Jacob Ridley, Valve opted against a first-come, first-served approach to selling the Steam Machine, and instead went with a randomized lottery: Everybody who wants one puts their name in the metaphorical hat, and from there a random selection of potential buyers are selected and notified.

I say "potential" because those whose names are drawn have three days to complete the purchase after the unit they were selected for is available—if they don't, their reservation will be cancelled and the next person in the queue will get the shot instead.

That provides a very small sliver of hope for those who missed the bus: As others on social media have shared, those folks received an email saying, "As we work our way through the reservation queue, some customers may cancel their reservations. If that happens, you may be moved into the reservation queue, and you'll be notified by email that you have a reservation after all."

Valve said when it announced the randomized reservations to "limit resellers," because as we've seen in the past, when high-demand hardware shows up, scalpers are never far behind. And yes, it's happening here too: Valve may have limited resellers but it hasn't eliminated them completely, and listings for preorder access are already appearing on sites like eBay, with obscenely inflated prices attached.

(Image credit: eBay)

You do you, but me? I think I'd rather just wait.

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve says Steam Machine won't have 'as long of a timeframe' as Steam Deck, and new models are 'just a matter of when it makes sense' ]]>

I'll be honest, my Steam Deck is still trucking along just fine, even with four years of light between today and its 2022 release date. Nevertheless, there are more than a few people who'd quite like a Steam Deck 2 (though, uh, even they are probably prepared to wait for prices to become sane). It's been a while, after all.

Well, perhaps some good news, then: in our chat with Valve engineers Pierre-Loup Griffais and Yazan Aldehayyat, the pair said that the Steam Machine is a bit of a different beast. "I don't think we're thinking about [the Steam Machine] with quite as long of a timeframe as something like the Steam Deck," said Griffais.

"The Steam Deck, by its nature, needs a little bit more of a fixed performance target for both developers and users to make sense of, 'What can I play on this?' and not have that picture change once every year, every two years," said Griffais. "Whereas the Steam Machine is very much in line with gaming PCs. There's a big gradient of it: low-end CPUs, high-end CPUs and GPUs—Steam Machine is somewhere on that gradient, right? So I think it's a little bit less important to have a fixed performance target for, like, five years for a product like that."

So, there you have it, right? Steam Machine 2 imminent, perhaps releasing concurrently with Steam Machine 3? Well, not quite. While Valve doesn't think the Steam Machine needs to hew to Steam Deck timeframes, that doesn't mean it's diving right into a second iteration.

"At the same time," continued Griffais, "we don't really have immediate plans to be like, 'In N years we'll have a different performance target,' or something. We're actually really curious to see how things pan out… there's a lot of questions about the new systems generation, how that's gonna roll out, how games are gonna adapt." In other words, Valve is paying attention to how console manufacturers and other tech firms are handling the transition to a new generation in our current, RAM-crisis-afflicted world.

Aldehayyat was quick to point out that the next iteration of Steam Machine hardware isn't right around the corner, either, and that's partially just a reflection of PC gamers' modern habits. "I think we're seeing a natural slowdown of the upgrade cycle for gaming PCs," said Aldehayyat, "so in some ways that probably means that the Steam Machine is a viable product for longer than you would have expected if it was launching 10 years ago." That means the Machine as-is "probably has more longevity… it's gonna basically be in line with typical PC upgrade cycles and what people typically do.

"It's just a matter of when it makes sense to [upgrade], at what price point, at what time, on what games are available. Like if a bunch of new games come out on Steam that require more performance, that would probably make us wanna upgrade the Steam Machine faster." Alright, guess we're waiting for Cyberpunk 2 then.

2026 games: All the upcoming games
Best PC games: Our all-time favorites
Free PC games: Freebie fest
Best FPS games: Finest gunplay
Best RPGs: Grand adventures
Best co-op games: Better together

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-says-steam-machine-wont-have-as-long-of-a-timeframe-as-steam-deck-and-new-models-are-just-a-matter-of-when-it-makes-sense/ kSg7kqg7x9t7o8KczWkBz5 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:11:11 +0000 false false false

I'll be honest, my Steam Deck is still trucking along just fine, even with four years of light between today and its 2022 release date. Nevertheless, there are more than a few people who'd quite like a Steam Deck 2 (though, uh, even they are probably prepared to wait for prices to become sane). It's been a while, after all.

Well, perhaps some good news, then: in our chat with Valve engineers Pierre-Loup Griffais and Yazan Aldehayyat, the pair said that the Steam Machine is a bit of a different beast. "I don't think we're thinking about [the Steam Machine] with quite as long of a timeframe as something like the Steam Deck," said Griffais.

"The Steam Deck, by its nature, needs a little bit more of a fixed performance target for both developers and users to make sense of, 'What can I play on this?' and not have that picture change once every year, every two years," said Griffais. "Whereas the Steam Machine is very much in line with gaming PCs. There's a big gradient of it: low-end CPUs, high-end CPUs and GPUs—Steam Machine is somewhere on that gradient, right? So I think it's a little bit less important to have a fixed performance target for, like, five years for a product like that."

So, there you have it, right? Steam Machine 2 imminent, perhaps releasing concurrently with Steam Machine 3? Well, not quite. While Valve doesn't think the Steam Machine needs to hew to Steam Deck timeframes, that doesn't mean it's diving right into a second iteration.

"At the same time," continued Griffais, "we don't really have immediate plans to be like, 'In N years we'll have a different performance target,' or something. We're actually really curious to see how things pan out… there's a lot of questions about the new systems generation, how that's gonna roll out, how games are gonna adapt." In other words, Valve is paying attention to how console manufacturers and other tech firms are handling the transition to a new generation in our current, RAM-crisis-afflicted world.

Aldehayyat was quick to point out that the next iteration of Steam Machine hardware isn't right around the corner, either, and that's partially just a reflection of PC gamers' modern habits. "I think we're seeing a natural slowdown of the upgrade cycle for gaming PCs," said Aldehayyat, "so in some ways that probably means that the Steam Machine is a viable product for longer than you would have expected if it was launching 10 years ago." That means the Machine as-is "probably has more longevity… it's gonna basically be in line with typical PC upgrade cycles and what people typically do.

"It's just a matter of when it makes sense to [upgrade], at what price point, at what time, on what games are available. Like if a bunch of new games come out on Steam that require more performance, that would probably make us wanna upgrade the Steam Machine faster." Alright, guess we're waiting for Cyberpunk 2 then.

2026 games: All the upcoming games
Best PC games: Our all-time favorites
Free PC games: Freebie fest
Best FPS games: Finest gunplay
Best RPGs: Grand adventures
Best co-op games: Better together

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve wasn't sure it was gonna have any Steam Machines to sell at the start of 2026: 'Things looked really dire' ]]>

It is a singularly bad time to purchase computer parts or release a computer product. The RAM crisis has made memory and storage costs astronomical, and the most recent indignity it's inflicted around our neck of the woods is the price of the Steam Machine—a box whose min-spec edition will still set you back $1,049. Valve itself wishes it was cheaper.

But I guess even an expensive box is better than no box at all, which—to hear Valve tell it—may have been a possibility. When we sat down and chatted with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais, we got to chatting about how the company's overall stock of Steam Machines is looking as it gears up to ship them. The answer? Less than there would be in a pre-RAM-crisis world, but way better than the beginning of the year, when Valve wasn't certain it would have any Steam Machines at all.

Griffais said the stock of Steam Machines is "a little bit less" than it would have been pre-crisis, but that Valve's built up "a sizable amount compared to what it initially looked like. Things looked really dire at the beginning of the year. We weren't sure if there was gonna be anything at all."

Compared to that, I suppose any number of boxes seems good, and heck, securing supply even in non-apocalyptic circumstances is hard: "I wanna emphasise that, even under the best of circumstances, getting enough quantity for day one is always hard-slash-impossible, I think," said Aldehayyat. "From our perspective, we still got to a pretty good place," said Griffais.

"Typically what happens with a product like this, is the day one demand is going to be a big, big percentage of the year one demand," Griffais continued. "You just cannot have your factory building for six months… there's always gonna be some gap between supply and demand the first couple of days, couple of weeks." Thus, the Steam Machine reservation system that has been running since last Monday, which lets people enter themselves into a queue which is set to be all shaken up today, ideally achieving a modicum of fairness in distribution.

"I'm really proud of where we're at in terms of, like, our sourcing guys did a great job. I think the quantities we have are really good given the circumstances, and our hope is to kinda catch up to demand as quickly as possible," said Griffais. It's certainly better than nothing.

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-wasnt-sure-it-was-gonna-have-any-steam-machines-to-sell-at-the-start-of-2026-things-looked-really-dire/ nhZenEQ94VBBNa6MHBfGaY Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:37:26 +0000 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:03:15 +0000 false false false

It is a singularly bad time to purchase computer parts or release a computer product. The RAM crisis has made memory and storage costs astronomical, and the most recent indignity it's inflicted around our neck of the woods is the price of the Steam Machine—a box whose min-spec edition will still set you back $1,049. Valve itself wishes it was cheaper.

But I guess even an expensive box is better than no box at all, which—to hear Valve tell it—may have been a possibility. When we sat down and chatted with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais, we got to chatting about how the company's overall stock of Steam Machines is looking as it gears up to ship them. The answer? Less than there would be in a pre-RAM-crisis world, but way better than the beginning of the year, when Valve wasn't certain it would have any Steam Machines at all.

Griffais said the stock of Steam Machines is "a little bit less" than it would have been pre-crisis, but that Valve's built up "a sizable amount compared to what it initially looked like. Things looked really dire at the beginning of the year. We weren't sure if there was gonna be anything at all."

Compared to that, I suppose any number of boxes seems good, and heck, securing supply even in non-apocalyptic circumstances is hard: "I wanna emphasise that, even under the best of circumstances, getting enough quantity for day one is always hard-slash-impossible, I think," said Aldehayyat. "From our perspective, we still got to a pretty good place," said Griffais.

"Typically what happens with a product like this, is the day one demand is going to be a big, big percentage of the year one demand," Griffais continued. "You just cannot have your factory building for six months… there's always gonna be some gap between supply and demand the first couple of days, couple of weeks." Thus, the Steam Machine reservation system that has been running since last Monday, which lets people enter themselves into a queue which is set to be all shaken up today, ideally achieving a modicum of fairness in distribution.

"I'm really proud of where we're at in terms of, like, our sourcing guys did a great job. I think the quantities we have are really good given the circumstances, and our hope is to kinda catch up to demand as quickly as possible," said Griffais. It's certainly better than nothing.

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> <![CDATA[ The one thing Valve would change about the Steam Machine? 'Make it cheaper' ]]>

Valve has a new cube coming out, and boy is it pricey. The Steam Machine finally broke cover last Monday, revealing that its absolute cheapest model would still set you back $1,049—for which you can thank the RAM crisis. It caused some consternation, with a lot of people who might have thought themselves day-one buyers balking at the sum. Well, Valve balked too.

PCG sat down and chatted with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais ahead of last Monday's reveals and, yep, they're not happy about the price either. We asked the pair, if they could snap their fingers and magically change one thing about the Steam Machine, what would it be? Their answer was quick: the price.

"Make it cheaper," laughed Aldehayyat, in response to the question. "Yeah, I mean, that's an easy one," agreed Griffais. But it sounds like Valve went through the wringer when it came to negotiating memory and storage for the Steam Machine. "Things that, two years or a year ago—commodity things—you would just say, 'Yeah, I need that much,' and you just pay the normal price for it and it's all good. Now you have to negotiate really hard just to secure a few thousand."

As for the hardware? Valve's pretty chuffed with it, sounds like. "It's kind of perfect for what I need because we've shaped it like that, right?" said Griffais, though Aldehayyat added "We're open for feedback. I think we're pretty biassed, obviously."

Oh, there was one thing: "We always want more ports," said Griffais. "People want more ports. The thing would be full of ports on all the sides if we listened to everyone." Mark it down, folks: Steam Machine 2 to feature a trypophobic mess of ports on all available surfaces.

Anyway, the result of Valve's hardware travails is that a min-spec Steam Machine costs $1,049. And Valve says it's not gonna subsidise the cost owing to its "religious" refusal to "build a more closed system." On the plus side, you could always turn your own PC into a Steam Machine, provided you're using an AMD GPU. As of SteamOS 3.8, Valve has given its official blessing to SteamOS installs on non-Valve hardware.

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/the-one-thing-valve-would-change-about-the-steam-machine-make-it-cheaper/ wtVuFQoNqduqpNRP4Cnix5 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:09:47 +0000 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:05:43 +0000 false false false

Valve has a new cube coming out, and boy is it pricey. The Steam Machine finally broke cover last Monday, revealing that its absolute cheapest model would still set you back $1,049—for which you can thank the RAM crisis. It caused some consternation, with a lot of people who might have thought themselves day-one buyers balking at the sum. Well, Valve balked too.

PCG sat down and chatted with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais ahead of last Monday's reveals and, yep, they're not happy about the price either. We asked the pair, if they could snap their fingers and magically change one thing about the Steam Machine, what would it be? Their answer was quick: the price.

"Make it cheaper," laughed Aldehayyat, in response to the question. "Yeah, I mean, that's an easy one," agreed Griffais. But it sounds like Valve went through the wringer when it came to negotiating memory and storage for the Steam Machine. "Things that, two years or a year ago—commodity things—you would just say, 'Yeah, I need that much,' and you just pay the normal price for it and it's all good. Now you have to negotiate really hard just to secure a few thousand."

As for the hardware? Valve's pretty chuffed with it, sounds like. "It's kind of perfect for what I need because we've shaped it like that, right?" said Griffais, though Aldehayyat added "We're open for feedback. I think we're pretty biassed, obviously."

Oh, there was one thing: "We always want more ports," said Griffais. "People want more ports. The thing would be full of ports on all the sides if we listened to everyone." Mark it down, folks: Steam Machine 2 to feature a trypophobic mess of ports on all available surfaces.

Anyway, the result of Valve's hardware travails is that a min-spec Steam Machine costs $1,049. And Valve says it's not gonna subsidise the cost owing to its "religious" refusal to "build a more closed system." On the plus side, you could always turn your own PC into a Steam Machine, provided you're using an AMD GPU. As of SteamOS 3.8, Valve has given its official blessing to SteamOS installs on non-Valve hardware.

Steam Frame: Valve's new wireless VR headset
Steam Machine: Compact living room gaming box
Steam Controller: A controller to replace your mouse

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve greenlights SteamOS installs on normal PCs with AMD GPUs, so you can go make your own Steam Machine if you don't wanna fork over $1,049 ]]> Mostly what I do here at PC Gamer is wait for my colleagues to post about their tech issues in Slack and tell them to install Linux in response. Webcam broken? Linux. Frame drops? Linux. Distant relationship with your father? Linux can fix that. I am unfathomably, incandescently popular and no one wants me to be quiet.

A common response to my implorations goes something like this: "I'm waiting for SteamOS." Well, stop waiting for SteamOS. SteamOS is here. Amid the hubbub of yesterday's Steam Machine hardware announcements, Valve slipped in a surreptitious little software note too: as of SteamOS 3.8, you can now officially stick Valve's Linux distro on whatever hardware you want, with the caveat that it's gotta be running an AMD GPU, at least for now.

This was not, to be clear, a rank impossibility before yesterday. In fact, our Dave James stuck an older version of SteamOS onto a Framework laptop last year. But now you've got Valve's actual, official blessing, and hopefully a slightly easier time of it.

The notice was tucked in at the end of the Steam Machine's FAQ, where Valve writes, "we are continuing to work toward enabling SteamOS to be used on more hardware than just ours. In fact, with the newly-released SteamOS 3.8, you can run the same code and operating system as Steam Machine on your own living-room PC using whatever PC parts you want… Right now, only AMD GPUs are supported, but we're working on expanding support for the future." Valve's working on support for additional GPUs, though, but I suspect we might have a while to wait.

As any Nvidia owner on Linux (hello, that is me) will know, team green drivers can be a bit of a faff. Where pretty much every AMD owner on Linux will default to using the very good, open-source Mesa drivers—you usually don't even have to do anything; they'll just install by default—Nvidia's driver situation for its modern cards is a hybrid of open-source and proprietary tech. While there are totally open-source Nvidia drivers out there—the Nouveau project—they're not up to snuff for games.

The short and tall of which is that I and my RTX 4080 are gonna have to wait to take SteamOS for a test run (you can always install Bazzite, with its out-of-the-box Nvidia support, for a similar experience), but hey—if you're an AMD user, you can check out Valve's guide to installing SteamOS right now, and embrace the sunlit uplands of Linux on the desktop.

2026 games: All the upcoming games
Best PC games: Our all-time favorites
Free PC games: Freebie fest
Best FPS games: Finest gunplay
Best RPGs: Grand adventures
Best co-op games: Better together

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-greenlights-steamos-installs-on-normal-pcs-with-amd-gpus-so-you-can-go-make-your-own-steam-machine-if-you-dont-wanna-fork-over-usd1-049/ B7QZuwpZhwUrnD8mBpvYs4 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:13:51 +0000 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:03:33 +0000 false false false

Mostly what I do here at PC Gamer is wait for my colleagues to post about their tech issues in Slack and tell them to install Linux in response. Webcam broken? Linux. Frame drops? Linux. Distant relationship with your father? Linux can fix that. I am unfathomably, incandescently popular and no one wants me to be quiet.

A common response to my implorations goes something like this: "I'm waiting for SteamOS." Well, stop waiting for SteamOS. SteamOS is here. Amid the hubbub of yesterday's Steam Machine hardware announcements, Valve slipped in a surreptitious little software note too: as of SteamOS 3.8, you can now officially stick Valve's Linux distro on whatever hardware you want, with the caveat that it's gotta be running an AMD GPU, at least for now.

This was not, to be clear, a rank impossibility before yesterday. In fact, our Dave James stuck an older version of SteamOS onto a Framework laptop last year. But now you've got Valve's actual, official blessing, and hopefully a slightly easier time of it.

The notice was tucked in at the end of the Steam Machine's FAQ, where Valve writes, "we are continuing to work toward enabling SteamOS to be used on more hardware than just ours. In fact, with the newly-released SteamOS 3.8, you can run the same code and operating system as Steam Machine on your own living-room PC using whatever PC parts you want… Right now, only AMD GPUs are supported, but we're working on expanding support for the future." Valve's working on support for additional GPUs, though, but I suspect we might have a while to wait.

As any Nvidia owner on Linux (hello, that is me) will know, team green drivers can be a bit of a faff. Where pretty much every AMD owner on Linux will default to using the very good, open-source Mesa drivers—you usually don't even have to do anything; they'll just install by default—Nvidia's driver situation for its modern cards is a hybrid of open-source and proprietary tech. While there are totally open-source Nvidia drivers out there—the Nouveau project—they're not up to snuff for games.

The short and tall of which is that I and my RTX 4080 are gonna have to wait to take SteamOS for a test run (you can always install Bazzite, with its out-of-the-box Nvidia support, for a similar experience), but hey—if you're an AMD user, you can check out Valve's guide to installing SteamOS right now, and embrace the sunlit uplands of Linux on the desktop.

2026 games: All the upcoming games
Best PC games: Our all-time favorites
Free PC games: Freebie fest
Best FPS games: Finest gunplay
Best RPGs: Grand adventures
Best co-op games: Better together

]]> <![CDATA[ Valve confirms it's 'working with AMD on FSR 4 support for Steam Machine' ]]> The Steam Machine is finally here, with pre-orders now live, so long as you can get lucky in the reservation system lottery that is. And, honestly, we're kinda underwhelmed with the thing, beautiful wee companion cube though it is. Though that's more the fault of the AI apocalypse hoovering up all the memory and making the price of the Steam Machine utterly prohibitive for the entry level PC gamers it was originally aimed at. But Valve is still committed to improving the system, and has announced ahead of launch it is working directly with AMD to bring FSR 4 support in for the Steam Machine and its RDNA 3-powered GPU.

Steam Machine

Valve Steam Machine with red material front panel

(Image credit: Future)

"We’ve been working with AMD on FSR 4 support for Steam Machine," we're told by Valve, "and can confirm that it will be coming soon."

Unfortunately that's all it's saying in regards to an actual release date, but then AMD itself has been rather cagey about when it's going to be getting FSR 4 support opened up beyond the original RDNA 4 target GPUs. Back in May AMD said it would be bringing FSR 4's machine learning-based upscaling to RX 7000-series graphics cards in July, but notably said during Computex that no decision had been made about whether it would be opened up to the RDNA 3.5 GPUs housed in its Ryzen AI Max APUs or the chips powering the latest AMD-powered gaming handhelds.

Which seems to suggest that July launch date is very much just for the RX 7000-series graphics cards alone and not a blanket level of support for the RDNA 3 architecture and above. That would also explain why Valve would have to be working directly with AMD to ensure its semi-custom 28 CU RDNA 3 GPU is going to get support for the improved upscaler in FSR 4.

"We can’t say more about timing," Valve notes, "but are excited for you to test it on your Steam Machine press units once it’s available. It should offer a significant improvement in upscaling graphical quality."

While the improvement in upscaling quality will definitely be a benefit for the Steam Machine, it's a double-edged sword of a feature. The Steam Machine's relatively weak GPU component needs upscaling and frame generation to be able to cope with modern games at decent graphics presets and at the sort of resolutions you'll want to see on a modern TV in your living room. So, chances are almost every game you play on the Steam Machine will want to be using upscaling.

That means it's a win that you'll get the best image quality AMD can muster for that upscaling experience. However, the machine-learning model of the improved FSR 4 upscaler is more performance intensive, especially for hardware that it was not initially designed for, namely RDNA 4 GPUs. And when performance is at a premium with the Steam Machine, that little bit extra hardware overhead for FSR 4 could mean that it's not an automatic on for some users, and could just be another balancing act owners are going to have to juggle with their new PC console.

The other thing to note is that FSR 4 support is not natively enabled in a whole lot of games right now. The list of supporting titles for FSR Redstone (inc FSR 4, AKA FSR Upscaling) looks extensive on first glance, but only around 20-odd have it natively built in; all the other games on the list need to have it enabled via the Adrenalin Driver software. How those games can get FSR 4 enabled in SteamOS is going to be interesting to see, if it happens at all.

]]> https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/valve-confirms-its-working-with-amd-on-fsr-4-support-for-steam-machine/ PdFJVXpHSbCbBUu4mCar2S Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:05:00 +0000 false false false

The Steam Machine is finally here, with pre-orders now live, so long as you can get lucky in the reservation system lottery that is. And, honestly, we're kinda underwhelmed with the thing, beautiful wee companion cube though it is. Though that's more the fault of the AI apocalypse hoovering up all the memory and making the price of the Steam Machine utterly prohibitive for the entry level PC gamers it was originally aimed at. But Valve is still committed to improving the system, and has announced ahead of launch it is working directly with AMD to bring FSR 4 support in for the Steam Machine and its RDNA 3-powered GPU.

Steam Machine

Valve Steam Machine with red material front panel

(Image credit: Future)

"We’ve been working with AMD on FSR 4 support for Steam Machine," we're told by Valve, "and can confirm that it will be coming soon."

Unfortunately that's all it's saying in regards to an actual release date, but then AMD itself has been rather cagey about when it's going to be getting FSR 4 support opened up beyond the original RDNA 4 target GPUs. Back in May AMD said it would be bringing FSR 4's machine learning-based upscaling to RX 7000-series graphics cards in July, but notably said during Computex that no decision had been made about whether it would be opened up to the RDNA 3.5 GPUs housed in its Ryzen AI Max APUs or the chips powering the latest AMD-powered gaming handhelds.

Which seems to suggest that July launch date is very much just for the RX 7000-series graphics cards alone and not a blanket level of support for the RDNA 3 architecture and above. That would also explain why Valve would have to be working directly with AMD to ensure its semi-custom 28 CU RDNA 3 GPU is going to get support for the improved upscaler in FSR 4.

"We can’t say more about timing," Valve notes, "but are excited for you to test it on your Steam Machine press units once it’s available. It should offer a significant improvement in upscaling graphical quality."

While the improvement in upscaling quality will definitely be a benefit for the Steam Machine, it's a double-edged sword of a feature. The Steam Machine's relatively weak GPU component needs upscaling and frame generation to be able to cope with modern games at decent graphics presets and at the sort of resolutions you'll want to see on a modern TV in your living room. So, chances are almost every game you play on the Steam Machine will want to be using upscaling.

That means it's a win that you'll get the best image quality AMD can muster for that upscaling experience. However, the machine-learning model of the improved FSR 4 upscaler is more performance intensive, especially for hardware that it was not initially designed for, namely RDNA 4 GPUs. And when performance is at a premium with the Steam Machine, that little bit extra hardware overhead for FSR 4 could mean that it's not an automatic on for some users, and could just be another balancing act owners are going to have to juggle with their new PC console.

The other thing to note is that FSR 4 support is not natively enabled in a whole lot of games right now. The list of supporting titles for FSR Redstone (inc FSR 4, AKA FSR Upscaling) looks extensive on first glance, but only around 20-odd have it natively built in; all the other games on the list need to have it enabled via the Adrenalin Driver software. How those games can get FSR 4 enabled in SteamOS is going to be interesting to see, if it happens at all.

]]>