
AIM MAX Laptop : $1,000 Laptop Crushes Gaming and Creative Work
In this video, ETA Prime shows how the AIM MAX Plus balances raw power, thoughtful design, and affordability to meet the needs of a diverse audience. From its 16-core, 32-thread processor to its 120 Hz 16-inch display, this laptop is packed with features that cater to both performance enthusiasts and everyday users. But is it truly the fantastic option it claims to be? By diving into its benchmarks, gaming performance, and design choices, we'll uncover what makes this laptop stand out—and where it might fall short. The AIM MAX Plus isn't just another laptop; it's a bold statement in a competitive market. Affordable High-Performance Laptop Processor and Graphics: Built for Demanding Tasks
At the heart of the AIM MAX Plus lies the AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 processor, which is engineered using the advanced Zen 5 architecture. Featuring 16 cores and 32 threads, it operates at a base clock speed of 3 GHz and can boost up to 5.1 GHz, making sure seamless multitasking and the ability to handle heavy workloads. This processor is paired with the Radeon 860S iGPU, which features 40 compute units, the RDNA 3.5 architecture, and a boost frequency of up to 2900 MHz. Together, these components deliver performance comparable to some entry-level discrete GPUs, making the laptop suitable for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks. Users can expect smooth performance across a variety of applications, from demanding games to resource-intensive software. Display and Build: Designed for Immersion and Durability
The AIM MAX Plus features a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600 and a 120 Hz variable refresh rate (VRR). With a peak brightness of 600 nits, the display offers vibrant and sharp visuals, making it ideal for gaming, video editing, and media consumption. The laptop's aluminum chassis not only enhances durability but also adds a premium feel to its design. The backlit chiclet keyboard and non-glass trackpad provide a comfortable and practical user experience, making sure that the device is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. These design choices reflect a thoughtful balance between style and usability, catering to users who value both form and function. AIM MAX Laptop Review : AMD Ryzen Ai MAX 395
Watch this video on YouTube.
Master AMD Ryzen laptopswith the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Memory and Storage: Optimized for Multitasking
Equipped with 32 GB of RAM running at 8,000 MT/s, the AIM MAX Plus is designed to handle intensive multitasking with ease. Of this memory, 8 GB is dedicated to the iGPU, enhancing performance in graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video rendering. For storage, the laptop includes two M.2 2280 slots, supporting up to 4 TB of total capacity. This configuration provides ample space for games, applications, and media files, while also offering flexibility for users who may need to expand their storage in the future. The combination of high-speed memory and versatile storage options ensures that the laptop can meet the demands of a wide range of users. Battery and Charging: Power That Keeps Up
The AIM MAX Plus is powered by an 80Wh battery, which provides reliable performance for extended periods of use. It supports 65W fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge their device and minimize downtime. Additionally, the laptop is compatible with 140W USB Type-C charging via USB 4, offering a convenient and versatile charging solution for users on the go. These features make the AIM MAX Plus a practical choice for individuals who require a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyles, whether they are working, gaming, or traveling. Connectivity and Software: Staying Up to Date
Modern connectivity options are a key feature of the AIM MAX Plus. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making sure fast and reliable wireless performance. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11, providing access to the latest features, updates, and security enhancements. These capabilities ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices and networks, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether you're connecting to peripherals, accessing cloud services, or streaming content, the AIM MAX Plus is equipped to handle it all. Performance and Benchmarks: Competitive Results
Operating at a 65W thermal design power (TDP), the AIM MAX Plus delivers impressive performance across both gaming and productivity tasks. Benchmark results highlight its capabilities: Geekbench 6: Demonstrates strong single and multi-core performance, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Demonstrates strong single and multi-core performance, making it suitable for demanding applications. Cinebench R24: While slightly behind higher-end processors like the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, it offers excellent performance for its price range.
While slightly behind higher-end processors like the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, it offers excellent performance for its price range. 3DMark Time Spy: Scores 8,845 on the iGPU test, showcasing its gaming potential. Gaming Performance: Smooth and Reliable
The Radeon 860S iGPU ensures smooth gameplay, even at high resolutions and settings. Gaming benchmarks reveal its capabilities: Cyberpunk 2077: Achieves 72 FPS at 2560×1600 resolution with high settings and FSR balanced.
Achieves at 2560×1600 resolution with high settings and FSR balanced. Elden Ring: Delivers a consistent 57-60 FPS at 1600p with high settings.
Delivers a consistent at 1600p with high settings. Forza Horizon 5: Runs at over 90 FPS at 1600p with ultra settings.
Runs at over at 1600p with ultra settings. Fortnite: Provides stable performance at ultra settings and 1600p resolution. Thermals and Noise: Effective Cooling
The AIM MAX Plus employs a dual-fan cooling system that maintains average gaming temperatures of 68°C, with peaks of 86°C during stress tests. Noise levels remain moderate, making sure a comfortable user experience even during extended gaming sessions. While the cooling system is effective, it lacks the advanced technologies found in premium laptops, which could further optimize thermal management. Nonetheless, the system is sufficient for most users, balancing performance and noise control effectively. Price and Availability: Targeting Affordability
The AIM MAX Plus is expected to launch in early October 2025, with a target price below $1,000. If this pricing is achieved, the laptop will offer a compelling mix of performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users seeking high-end features. Its combination of powerful hardware, modern design, and practical features positions it as a strong competitor in the sub-$1,000 laptop market. Limitations: Trade-Offs for Cost Efficiency
To maintain its competitive price, the AIM MAX Plus makes certain compromises. It lacks OLED display options and advanced cooling systems, and its RAM configuration is capped at 32 GB. Additionally, while the 65W TDP ensures efficiency, higher TDPs could unlock additional performance with third-party tools. These trade-offs are worth considering for users with specific needs, but they do not significantly detract from the laptop's overall value. A Balanced Choice for Performance and Affordability
The AIM MAX Plus delivers a well-rounded package of performance, versatility, and affordability. Its powerful processor and iGPU make it suitable for gaming, productivity, and entertainment, while its practical design and modern connectivity options enhance usability. If it meets its anticipated price point, the AIM MAX Plus will stand out as a compelling option for users seeking high-end features at a budget-friendly price.
Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Laptops, Top News
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Times
33 minutes ago
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The Guardian
35 minutes ago
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Using Generative AI for therapy might feel like a lifeline – but there's danger in seeking certainty in a chatbot
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Reassurance-seeking, for example, is a key feature in OCD and ChatGPT, by design, provides reassurance in abundance. It never asks why you're asking again. It never challenges avoidance. It never says, 'let's sit with this feeling for a moment, and practice the skills we have been working on'. Tran often reworded prompts until the model gave him an answer that 'felt right'. But this constant tailoring meant he wasn't just seeking clarity; he was outsourcing emotional processing. Instead of learning to tolerate distress or explore nuance, he sought AI-generated certainty. Over time, that made it harder for him to trust his own instincts. Beyond psychological concerns, there are real ethical issues. Information shared with ChatGPT isn't protected by the same confidentiality standards as registered Ahpra professionals. Although OpenAI states that data from users is not used to train its models unless permission is given, the sheer volume of fine print in user agreements often goes unread. Users may not realise how their inputs can be stored, analysed and potentially reused. There's also the risk of harmful or false information. These large language models are autoregressive; they predict the next word based on previous patterns. This probabilistic process can lead to 'hallucinations', confident, polished answers that are completely untrue. AI also reflects the biases embedded in its training data. Research shows that generative models can perpetuate and even amplify gender, racial and disability-based stereotypes – not intentionally, but unavoidably. Human therapists also possess clinical skills; we notice when a client's voice trembles, or when their silence might say more than words. This isn't to say AI can't have a place. Like many technological advancements before it, generative AI is here to stay. It may offer useful summaries, psycho-educational content or even support in regions where access to mental health professionals is severely limited. But it must be used carefully, and never as a replacement for relational, regulated care. Tran wasn't wrong to seek help. His instincts to make sense of distress and to communicate more thoughtfully were logical. However, leaning so heavily on to AI meant that his skill development suffered. His partner began noticing a strange detachment in his messages. 'It just didn't sound like you', she later told him. It turned out: it wasn't. She also became frustrated about the lack of accountability in his correspondence to her and this caused more relational friction and communication issues between them. As Tran and I worked together in therapy, we explored what led him to seek certainty in a chatbot. We unpacked his fears of disappointing others, his discomfort with emotional conflict and his belief that perfect words might prevent pain. Over time, he began writing his own responses, sometimes messy, sometimes unsure, but authentically his. Good therapy is relational. It thrives on imperfection, nuance and slow discovery. It involves pattern recognition, accountability and the kind of discomfort that leads to lasting change. A therapist doesn't just answer; they ask and they challenge. They hold space, offer reflection and walk with you, while also offering up an uncomfortable mirror. For Tran, the shift wasn't just about limiting his use of ChatGPT; it was about reclaiming his own voice. In the end, he didn't need a perfect response. He needed to believe that he could navigate life's messiness with curiosity, courage and care – not perfect scripts. Name and identifying details changed to protect client confidentiality Carly Dober is a psychologist living and working in Naarm/Melbourne In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978. In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, call or text Mental Health America at 988 or chat