G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is announcing the release of low latency DDR5-6400 CL30-39-39-102 memory specification in high-capacity kit configurations, up to 96 GB (2x 48 GB) kit capacity. This high performance memory kit specification will be available under the Trident Z5 RGB and Trident Z5 Royal series, with Intel XMP 3.0 memory overclock profile support.

The G.SKILL DDR5-6400 CL30 memory kit at 96 GB (2x 48 GB) combines high-capacity and low-latency to enable higher performance for memory intensive platforms and uses. The screenshot below shows this 96 GB (2x 48 GB) memory kit operating at DDR5-6400 CL30-39-39-102 with the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero motherboard and Intel Core Ultra 7 265K desktop processor.

Details of ASUS' next generation BTF 2.0 (BTF stands for Back to the Future) platform have appeared online, courtesy of Andreas Schilling from HardwareLuxx. The editor posted pictures from an ASUS presentation over at Bluesky that details one major change to the power connector design, which will make the BTF 2.0 graphics cards compatible with non BTF systems. This suggests that ASUS might consider offering more graphics cards with BTF 2.0 support, since they can be used in any system with the proposed changes.

As you may or may not know, the first generation BTF graphics cards ended up with a power connector at the rear, bottom edge of the graphics cards, placed somewhat behind the PCIe gold fingers. The cards also lacked any other power connectors, which made them exclusive for BTF builds. To solve this conundrum, ASUS moved its GC-HPWR PCB power connector up on the PCB, making sure it clears any motherboard components. However, instead of increasing the height of the motherboard BTF 2.0 connector, the company provides a small adapter that plugs in between the motherboard and graphics card, to make its new BTF 2.0 cards compatible with any system.

Exciting things are happening in the world of memory right now. Many of the headlines are being claimed by a new variety of DIMM, called Clock Unbuffered DIMM (CUDIMM). Featuring an integrated clock driver on the memory stick itself for improved reliability and stability, CUDIMM kits are already shattering speed records. But perhaps you're more concerned with memory capacity than with raw speed. We have some good news for you. The trusted memory professionals at Kingston have cooked up a 64 GB memory module that you'll be able to purchase soon: the Kingston Value RAM DDR5 6400 MT/s 64 GB CUDIMM.

64 GB of DDR5 RAM on a single stick opens intriguing new possibilities. A 128 GB one-DIMM-per-channel (1DPC) configuration is rather tempting. We suspect that many enthusiasts will be tempted by the prospect of installing four of these modules, a move that puts a stunningly large 256 GB (4 x 64 GB) pool of memory at their disposal—without having to venture into quad-channel workstation hardware.

ASUS today announced ASUS NUC 14 Essential, an ultracompact, entry-level mini PC powered by the latest Intel Core N-series processor. Designed for exceptional performance and enhanced power efficiency, the capabilities of NUC 14 Essential are further boosted by a versatile array of ports including Bluetooth 5.3 and Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+). Support for up to three 4K displays provides users with smooth multitasking experiences, allowing them to stream videos, create content, and analyze data with ease.

Energy-efficient performance in a compact package
The latest Intel Core N-series processor enables ASUS NUC 14 Essential to make light work of daily office tasks. Featuring up to eight E-core architectures, the processor offers a perfect balance of energy efficiency and performance, offering a 42% improvement over previous-generation processors. NUC 14 Essential lets users browse the web, attend videoconferences, stream videos, or create content with ease, making it ideal for office workers and students.

Although it wasn't present at the CES 2025 when we were around, ASUS has officially announced the new ASUS ROG NUC, pairing it up with Core Ultra 200HX CPUs and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. According to ASUS, the new ROG NUC will also get an upgraded cooling system, a better "easy-to-upgrade" toolless chassis system, and a slightly different design, all packed in a 282.4x187.7x56.5 mm (bottom: 146 mm) 3L chassis.

As far as the CPU goes, the ROG NUC will get a Core Ultra 9 Series 2 ARL-HX CPU, although it is possible that we will see an SKU with Core Ultra 7 200HX CPU as well. The GPU is NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory, and it supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-6400 memory in two SO-DIMM slots. It supports up to 2 TB of SSD storage in M.2 slot, and comes with one Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, a couple of USB 3.2 10 Gbps Type-A and one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port, two DisplayPort 2.1 and two HDMI 2.1 outputs.

Alphacool has unveiled new waterblocks for NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards at CES 2025. The company has redesigned its Core GPU waterblock series with updated component spacing and flow characteristics, developed through fluid dynamics simulations and practical testing. A change from previous water blocks for RTX 40 series includes the switch to chrome-plated copper cooling surfaces instead of nickel plating, which offers improved durability and surface finish. The waterblocks retain brass fittings and feature a Core emblem above the jetplate. The waterblocks will support cards from major manufacturers including ASUS, MSI, Palit, Gainward, and Inno3D. Specifically, compatibility extends to ASUS ROG Strix and TUF Gaming models, as well as MSI Suprim and Gaming variants. Both RTX 5090 and 5080 Core waterblocks are priced at €199.98.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Slash Sling Bag 4.0, ROG Slash Sleeve 4.0, and ROG Backpack 4.0—all of which are new additions to the ROG urban gear range. Boasting bold aesthetics and functional designs, these bags are the ideal lifestyle travel gear for the urban jungle.

Compact commuter
The ROG Slash Sling Bag 4.0 offers a sleek and elegant carrying case for the ROG Ally or other gaming handhelds, complete with soft inner lining and custom cutouts to safely secure the device. Built from tear- and water-resistant materials, the Sling Bag 4.0 is designed to protect gear from inclement weather as well as the bumps and knocks of daily life. A magnetic Fidlock quick-release buckle enables easy access to the main compartment, while 360° snap hooks and adjustable shoulder straps ensure the bag is always perfectly suited to the user's body and preferred carrying position. Custom ROG monograms inside the bag and ROG logo on the exterior fabric accentuate the bag's bold style.

MAINGEAR, the leader in premium-quality, high-performance gaming PCs, just dropped the curtain on two groundbreaking additions to its APEX line: the all-new APEX FORCE and the upgraded APEX RUSH. These state-of-the-art gaming PCs redefine performance, cooling, and customization for the most discerning gamers.

APEX FORCE: There's No Replacement for Displacement
The APEX FORCE features a full-tower chassis design based on the popular Phanteks NV9, concealed rear external cable management, and panoramic tempered glass panels trimmed with a diffused illuminated edge, that maximizes the premium aesthetics of the FORCE. Inside, it's immediately noticeable that MAINGEAR spent countless hours precisely engineering the APEX hardline cooling system with 10-degree offset tubing to perfectly mate with the chassis' unique design language, making the FORCE a masterpiece of functional design and engineering. Upgradable RGB lighting accentuates the cooling components and premium hardware perfectly.

CyberLink Corp., a leading provider of digital creative editing software and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, is showcasing the cutting-edge AI capabilities and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) optimizations of their Generative AI digital marketing design software, Promeo, and award-winning video and photo editing software, PowerDirector and PhotoDirector, this week during CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

Cognizant of the expanding adoption from PC makers of the latest Intel LunarLake platform and capabilities for AI, CyberLink's close partnership with Intel is ensuring PC makers releasing LunarLake enabled hardware, from laptops to mini-PCs, will be able to take advantage of CyberLink's creative editing software's AI functionalities.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd, the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, in cooperation with the ASUS ROG team, is showcasing multiple overclock achievements on the newly announced ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard, including a high memory speed of DDR5-10600 and another operating at DDR5-6800 CL28 in 1:1 mode, both under Memtest stress-test. Additionally, G.SKILL DDR5 memory is used by ASUS in-house overclocker, Safedisk, to break several overclock records with the latest AMD Ryzen 9 9950X desktop processor.

Exploring OC Limits at DDR5-10600 2x24 GB
Aiming to explore the limits of memory overclock potential of the new motherboard, Safedisk challenged the fastest possible dual-channel memory speed with Memtest stress-test running. The screenshot below shows a 48 GB (2x24GB) memory kit operating at DDR5-10600 with the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard and AMD Ryzen 5 8500G desktop processor, completing the Memtest stress-test with CPU and memory under water chiller cooling.

At the 2025 International CES, ASUS showed off its Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF Gaming graphics card. This card was part of a multi-brand showcase AMD set up in its booth. The card features the latest generation of TUF Gaming board design that the company is debuting with the GeForce RTX 50-series and Radeon RX 90-series. The card features a triple slot cooling solution, with its Axial-Tech fans taking up an entire slot (thicker fans mean lower RPM). The PCB is 2/3 the length of the card, so all airflow from the third fan is vented through the heatsink and out a large cutout on the backplate.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the ASUS TUF Gaming RX 9070 XT is its power connectors. The card calls for three 8-pin PCIe power connectors. We've only seen one other custom RX 9070 XT come with three connectors, and that is the XFX RX 9070 XT Merc 319 Black. The question then arises, what is a small performance-segment GPU going to do with 525 W of power on tap? Most other cards, including the PowerColor Red Devil, come with just two 8-pin connectors (375 W), so does the presence of three connectors mean that the board power of overclocked RX 7090 XT exceed 300 W, and board partners are trying to reduce the load on the 75 W put out by the PCIe slot, by sneaking in a third 8-pin input? This isn't the only oddball power connector configuration we've seen at CES for the RX 9070 series. The ASRock RX 9070 XT Taichi comes with a 16-pin 12V2x6 power connector, although there's no way of telling yet if this is configured for 600 W—it could even be keyed for 300 W.

Today marks the launch of the new ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 (N6506CU), the latest version of this high-performance 15.6-inch laptop designed for pro creators and pro gamers.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 offers seamless creativity and gaming with cutting-edge components: up to the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (Series 2) with a built-in 13 TOPS NPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with a low-latency MUX switch, 24 GB DDR5 RAM, and a 2 TB PCIe SSD. It boasts advanced ASUS IceCool Pro cooling technology that enables up to a 125-watt combined thermal design power (TDP).

ASUS today announced ASUS ExpertCenter P500 Mini Tower (P500MV), a high-performance desktop PC for that's designed to redefine value and performance for small businesses. With the new ASUS Tower Air Cooler thermal design and powered by the latest up to Intel Core i7 processor, P5 Mini Tower unleashes up to 95 W TDP—delivering 30% better peak performance than competitors in its class. With exceptional energy efficiency, this powerful new desktop also saves up to 38% energy.i

Security is paramount with ExpertCenter P500 Mini Tower, so it's backed by the reassurance of multiple ASUS ExpertGuardian protections. This powerhouse meets commercial-grade standards with a NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS, while ASUS assures at least five years of BIOS and driver updates to protect critical data.

ASUS today announced a significant expansion of its innovative Copilot+ PC lineup, the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs, bringing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to users in every segment—empowering more people than ever to embrace the exciting and burgeoning era of AI.

As AI reshapes both how people interact with technology and their expectations of what a computer should be, our all-new Copilot+ PC lineup is designed to meet the growing demand for more affordable, more efficient, more secure and faster laptops that elevate both personal and professional workflows. Powered by the latest AI-enabled processors from Qualcomm, AMD and Intel, and available in a diverse range of styles and form factors, ASUS is leading the charge in making AI technology universally accessible.

ASUS today announced the groundbreaking Zenbook A14 (UX3407) - the lightest 14-inch Copilot+ PC on the market, and also the first all-Ceraluminum ASUS laptop. Zenbook A14 is also the first Zenbook model powered by the latest Snapdragon X Series AI-enabled processors. Zenbook A14 redefines lightweight laptops, addressing traditional challenges like durability, performance, cooling, battery life, limited ports, and cost. Its all-Ceraluminum chassis is ultra-light at under 980 g, durable, and low-maintenance, designed for everyday use. Snapdragon X Series processors deliver outstanding power efficiency and performance with multi-working-day battery life, and the dual-fan thermal system ensures optimal cooling and boosts CPU TDP up to 45 W with minimal noise. As a Copilot+ PC, it enhances productivity and creativity with advanced AI capabilities.

The intuitive design includes an enlarged touchpad supporting Smart Gestures and a versatile range of I/O ports. Seamless integration with Windows Phone Link and Snapdragon Seamless lets users answer calls, manage notifications, and transfer files directly from the laptop. Users can even turn their phone into a webcam. Entertainment shines with the FHD ASUS Lumina OLED display and a powerful super-linear speaker system, offering a cinematic experience. Security is robust with the Microsoft Pluton processor and Windows passkeys for secure authentication storage. AI-driven features like the AI IR Camera system provide facial recognition for automatic login and logout, Adaptive Lock, and Adaptive Dimming, ensuring enhanced privacy and usability. With its lightweight design, robust performance, and advanced features, Zenbook A14 is a true game-changer in portable computing.

ASUS today announced Master Thunderbolt 5 Dock DC510, a sleek 13-in-1 dock that offers seamless connectivity and enhanced productivity with three Thunderbolt 5 and comprehensive I/O. Designed for creators, this sleek dock offers an array of ports to connect and power multiple devices simultaneously, enabling users to create a neat and streamlined workspace. The Master Thunderbolt 5 Dock is able to support single 8K or dual 8K is at 60 Hz, or up to three 4K displays at 144 Hz for immersive visuals. Thunderbolt 5 connectivity delivers up to 80 Gbps transfer speeds and 140-watt fast charging. Plus, the dock includes four USB ports, RJ45 2.5G Ethernet, an audio combo jack, and dual card readers. The sleek chassis of Master Thunderbolt 5 Dock offers toolless access for easy installation of M.2 NVMe SSD and includes white atmospheric lighting to give the dock a look that suits any modern workspace.

Triple 4K display support
ASUS Master Thunderbolt 5 Dock provides creative professionals with enhanced multitasking and productivity capabilities, enabling them to simultaneously work across three 4K displays at 144 Hz, two 8K displays at 60 Hz or one 8K display at 60 Hz.

ASUS today announced its latest all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler, the ROG Ryuo IV SLC 360 ARGB, at CES 2025. This new addition expands the comprehensive ASUS AIO cooler lineup, catering to the diverse needs of gamers, creators, and PC enthusiasts. These advanced solutions offer exceptional thermal performance, streamlined installation, and customizable aesthetics, ensuring optimal cooling for all types of builds. Fully compatible with the latest AMD and Intel 800 series motherboards, ASUS AIO coolers deliver unmatched performance and style.

From the premium ROG Ryuo IV SLC 360 ARGB for pristine BTF setups to the professional-grade ProArt LC 420 for demanding workstations, ASUS offers unparalleled versatility. The ASUS AIO cooler, when paired with a compatible ASUS motherboard, unlocks the full potential of the system, enabling seamless synchronization of RGB lighting, precise fan speed adjustments, and real-time monitoring of CPU statistics through the Armory Crate software.

ASUS today announced the 2025 TUF Gaming laptop lineup, including the first 18-inch member of the family. Featuring the latest processors from AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA, the TUF Gaming A16, F16, and A18 aim to deliver incredible performance without breaking the bank.

The first TUF Gaming 18-inch laptop
The TUF Gaming Alliance is proud to introduce the A18, the first 18-inch laptop in the TUF Gaming lineup. Equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, the TUF Gaming A18 can easily handle the latest games. Also featuring up to 32 GB of DDR5 5600 MHz memory and up to 2 TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage, gamers can easily game, stream, and store their entire library. The A18 also boasts a gorgeous 2.5K resolution 240 Hz display, with an extra-tall 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits of peak brightness, and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colors space for incredibly immersive gameplay.

ASUS extended its line of motherboards at CES 2025, featuring a design that moves power connectors to the back of the board. The company calls this approach "BTF" (Back To Future), aiming to improve cable management in PC builds. The TUF GAMING B850-BTF WIFI and B860-PLUS WIFI models demonstrate this new design, which can deliver up to 600 watts through the motherboard to support modern graphics cards. The boards include Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, PCIe 5.0 support, and multiple M.2 slots for storage devices. In the high-end segment, ASUS presented the ROG Maximus Z890 HERO BTF, compatible with Intel's LGA1851 processors. This board features DDR5 memory support, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and tools like Q-Release for easier graphics card removal.

For professional users, ASUS released the ProArt Z890 CREATOR WIFI, equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports and specialized cooling systems. The company also showed new gaming-focused models including the ROG Crosshair X870E APEX, for the fastest Ryzen 9000X3D series gaming processors. The motherboards share several technical features across different price points. All models support PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards and storage, while most include Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. ASUS has added tool-free installation mechanisms for M.2 drives across the lineup. ASUS has not yet announced pricing or specific release dates for the new motherboards. The BTF design represents a significant change in motherboard layout, though it will require compatible PC cases and power supplies to function as intended. This marks one of the first major changes to standard motherboard design since the ATX format became common in the 1990s.

Expanding its AI PC leadership, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced the Snapdragon X Platform, the 4th platform to join the Snapdragon X Series compute portfolio, designed to deliver performance, multi-day battery life, and Copilot+ PC experiences for even more users globally.

Redefining the PC Category for Mainstream Devices at $600
Utilizing the power of an 8-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU, Snapdragon X is delivering essential performance to the next-generation of PCs. This platform delivers up to 163% faster performance at ISO-power than our competitors who also require 168% more power at ISO-performance, the Snapdragon X processor balances performance and built-in intelligence with a 45 TOPS NPU that runs Copilot+ PC experiences more efficiently. With an integrated power efficient GPU, Snapdragon X supports dynamic graphics ideal for creating presentations, web browsing, or streaming content. Snapdragon X is an ideal solution for students, freelance workers, and budget-conscious consumers who need a reliable and powerful laptop that can keep up with their busy lives. Devices powered by Snapdragon X are expected to be available from leading OEMs including Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP and Lenovo in early 2025 enabling Copilot+ PCs in the $600 range.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the arrival of the 2025 ROG G700 gaming desktop. Featuring cutting-edge silicon from Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA, this desktop is designed completely in-house using only ASUS and ROG components, thoroughly tested and validated in-house to offer gamers incredible performance and reliability. Using standard components and a tool-less chassis, the G700 makes future upgrades and maintenance a dream. High-efficiency airflow and liquid-cooling options keep the high-performance parts operating at their peak, and bold ROG flourishes make the G700 a perfect fit with any battlestation.

As a flagship brand, gamers expect the best performance possible from ROG. The ROG G700 easily lives up to that legacy, featuring either up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285K or up to an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, both capable of buttery-smooth framerates in the latest games. Backing up that CPU power, the G700 comes equipped with up to a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB GDDR7, offering access to the latest software technology like DLSS 3.5 and Frame Generation for higher framerates and visual fidelity than ever before.

ASUS and Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a suite of innovative networking products at CES 2025, pushing the boundaries of Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for gamers, network enthusiasts and home users. In addition, ASUS RT-BE58 Go, a compact mini travels router with versatile connectivity; and ASUS 5G-GO, a sleek 5G mobile router with roaming support in up to 232 countries, both received the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Award. The latest lineup includes ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI, the world's first AI-powered gaming router with a built-in NPU; and the ZenWiFi outdoor series, a robust outdoor Wi-Fi 7 mesh solution. All of these solutions are designed to deliver unparalleled performance, security, and flexibility.

ASUS today announced its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards, including the all-new ROG Astral line that ushers in a new generation of performance. The ROG Astral series combines top-tier frame rates and a sleek, stellar design, with both air-cooled and liquid-cooled variants ready to power a user's next PC.

Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators, Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Users can multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at unprecedented speed, and unleash creativity with NVIDIA Studio. Plus, they can access NVIDIA NIM microservices—state-of-the-art AI models that let enthusiasts and developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows with peak performance on NIM-ready systems.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the arrival of the 2025 ROG Flow Z13, a powerful gaming tablet. This versatile 2-in-1 gaming machine now features the brand new ultra-powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S Graphics and a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible performance and power efficiency. A new stainless steel and copper vapor chamber, larger intake vents and 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans offer 70% more airflow for quiet and efficient cooling.

This 13-inch tablet boasts a stunning ROG Nebula Display, a 2.5K resolution 180 Hz touchscreen with 500 nits of peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Flow Z13 now also features a larger 70Wh battery, a larger touchpad and keycaps, and a convenient Command Center button for quick access to vital system functions. With dual USB-C ports, both of which support USB4 and power delivery, as well as a dedicated HDMI 2.1 port, the Flow Z13 lets gamers leave their dongles at home.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today unveiled a groundbreaking lineup of gaming technology at its Unlock the ROG Lab: For Those Who Dare virtual event for CES 2025. Embracing the spirit of ROG Lab, where innovation breaks new ground, this year's collection redefines what's possible in gaming. Featuring cutting-edge graphics cards, gaming laptops, mini PCs, desktops, monitors, routers, and external GPUs, each product is meticulously crafted to unlock every gamer's full potential, pushing the boundaries of power and performance like never before.

Leading the charge was the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 50 Series, a brand-new line of high-end graphics cards inspired by the limitless expanse of the cosmos. Designed for elite gaming, these cards took center stage by demonstrating new heights of graphics performance with their exceptional cooling, stability, and power. The newly launched products include the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080, the ROG Astral LC GeForce RTX 5090, and the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and 5070 from the expanded ROG Strix portfolio.