Computers
Apple unleashes M5 chip, the next big leap in AI
Powers next-gen MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro
Apple has unveiled the new M5 chip, marking its biggest leap yet in AI performance for Apple silicon. Built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology, M5 brings over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to M4, and introduces a next-generation 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core.
The new chip also features Apple’s fastest performance cores, combining up to 10 CPU cores — four performance and six efficiency. This aims to deliver up to 15% faster multithreaded performance over M4.
Alongside a faster 16-core Neural Engine and 30% higher unified memory bandwidth at 153GB/s, M5 powers through AI, creative, and gaming workloads while maintaining Apple’s hallmark energy efficiency.
Optimized GPU built for AI and graphics
Every compute block of M5’s 10-core GPU is optimized for AI, achieving over 6x AI compute compared to M1 and 30% faster graphics than M4. Its third-generation ray-tracing engine delivers up to 45% higher graphics performance, with smoother gameplay, faster rendering, and more realistic visuals in titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
M5 also brings higher refresh rates and sharper visuals to Apple Vision Pro, now capable of rendering 10% more pixels at up to 120Hz. Developers using Apple’s Metal 4 and Core ML frameworks automatically benefit from the GPU’s Neural Accelerators and Tensor APIs, allowing AI-driven apps like Draw Things and LM Studio to run faster than ever.
Faster Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence
The 16-core Neural Engine in M5 enhances performance for on-device AI features, including those powered by Apple Intelligence. Tools like Image Playground and Writing Tools now process tasks more efficiently, while the higher unified memory enables larger models to run locally for improved responsiveness and privacy.
Built for power efficiency and sustainability
With up to 32GB of unified memory, M5 can handle demanding creative apps like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop simultaneously. Its power-efficient design contributes to Apple’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal, reducing energy use across the lifetime of every MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro powered by M5.
Acer is expanding its storage lineup with the PA100 Portable SSD. It’s a compact external drive designed for users who need faster storage across multiple devices.
The PA100 uses USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity. It reaches sequential read speeds of up to 560MB/s and write speeds of up to 430MB/s. This makes it suited for everyday tasks such as transferring large files, backing up content, managing documents, and moving media between devices.
Up to 2TB of portable storage
The PA100 comes in three capacities: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This gives users options depending on whether they need extra space for documents and schoolwork or larger collections of photos, videos, and project files.
Acer also designed the drive with mobility in mind. The PA100 has a slim 9mm profile and a lightweight build, while its reinforced construction is designed to withstand everyday travel and handling.
The drive comes with a 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C and USB-A cable. This allows it to connect to compatible PCs, tablets, smartphones, and other devices without requiring a separate adapter. It also supports major operating systems and USB-C mobile platforms.
Designed for everyday use
Power efficiency is another focus. Acer says the PA100 uses less than 3W during operation, while idle power consumption can drop to as low as 0.62W.
The drive also features an optimized thermal design to help maintain stable performance during extended transfers and daily workloads.
The Acer PA100 Portable SSD is backed by a three-year limited warranty. Pricing and availability may vary by market.
Computers
New Mac mini starts at a whopping $899, only 256GB of storage
It comes with the M6 or the M5 Pro.
Almost two decades ago, Apple was infamous for being an anti-gamer brand. Though the company’s devices touted superior protection against viruses, they couldn’t play video games, alienating a significant chunk of the population and forcing them onto PCs. For a while now, the Mac has changed the status quo, bringing in more powerful hardware that can play games. Today, Apple is championing that cause further through the newly launched Mac mini.
Compared to the chunkier Macs, the Mac mini has a lithe 5” x 5” profile, emphasizing the “mini” in its name. Despite the size, the new mini will tout two flavors of Apple silicon: the M6 and the M5 Pro.
The M6 variant delivers with up to two times faster gaming performance with ray tracing when running Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, compared to the previous M4 version. Meanwhile, the M5 Pro version touts up to 4.5 times faster rendering performance with ray tracing in Blender, compared to the M2 Pro. It will come with macOS 27 Golden Gate out of the box.
You won’t have to worry about connectivity, either. The Mac mini comes with compatibility for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet (going up to 10Gb in upgraded versions). It will also have two USB-C ports, three Thunderbolt 5 ports (but only Thunderbolt 4 for the M6 version), and HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone jack.
Unfortunately, price seems to be another thing that it’s getting from PCs. The new Mac mini has an increased starting price. Specifically, the M6 version starts at US$ 899 (with only 256GB of storage), and the M5 Pro version starts at US$ 1,699 (for 512GB of storage). Preorders are open now, but they ship out on September 22.
SEE ALSO: Apple raises the prices of iPad and MacBook lineups
ASUS has announced the arrival of its latest TUF Gaming desktop lineup models: the TUF Gaming T700 and TUF Gaming T700 Mini.
These new offerings bring heavy-duty performance and military-grade durability to gamers, engineered to endure extreme operational demands while delivering rock-solid stability.
The new ASUS TUF Gaming T700, in particular, is engineered to take on modern AAA titles with its uncompromising performance.
It has an aggressive mecha-inspired MIL-STD chassis, including a transparent side panel to put powerful components on display. Vibrant orange ambient lighting also adds a bold finishing touch.
Inside is an AMD Ryzen 7 8700F processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GPU for high-frame rate gaming.
The T700 also features a robust thermal solution equipped with quad 65 CFM fans and a 240mm liquid cooler.
Meanwhile, the TUF Gaming T700 Mini is tailored for competitive gamers while maintaining a compact, battle-tested chassis.
It has an Intel Core Ultra 5 225F desktop processor, paired with with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics.
This combination provides seamless multitasking, crisp visuals, and reliable frame rates across today’s popular titles.
The internal hardware is cooled by a custom thermal matrix featuring dedicated copper heat pipes and a heavy-duty 90mm cooling fan.
True to the TUF Gaming legacy, the T700 Mini is likewise MIL-STD tested to endure extreme operational demands.
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