Latest news with #workstation
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Dell Taps Qualcomm's AI 100 Chips For Upcoming Pro Max Plus Laptops
At Dell Technologies World 2025 in Las Vegas earlier this month, as you might expect in this day and age, many of the announcements and releases revolved around AI and AI-driven solutions. The day one and two keynote speeches from Michael Dell and Jeff Clarke, both specifically highlighted advancements in AI, from the cloud to the edge, along with AI factories and modern workplace solutions. As a long-time accelerated computing enthusiast, I thought one particular announcement, regarding an upcoming Dell Pro Max Plus mobile workstation, flew a bit under the radar. The Dell Pro Max Plus is a premium 18' desktop-replacement class laptop designed specifically with AI engineers and data scientists in mind. In fact, it is the first machine of its kind to feature not one, but two enterprise-grade discrete NPUs, namely the Qualcomm AI 100. Each AI 100 features 16 of Qualcomm's 7th-gen AI cores with 144 MB of on-chip memory, and each is capable of delivering up to 400 Int8 TOPs and 200 FP16 TOPs of compute performance. Each AI 100 is also paired to 32GB of LPDDR4X memory (64GB in total) offering up to 136GB/s of peak bandwidth, but the entire complement of AI compute resources and memory are presented to the system as a single resource pool. Qualcomm's AI 100 accelerators in the Dell Pro Max Plus are integrated on a custom PCB, that is attached via PCI Express, and installed in the laptop where a discrete GPU would normally reside. Incorporating the discrete AI accelerators with a relatively large memory capacity in this way allows the system to handle large AI models locally, without relying on the cloud, that are simply too much for most on-processor NPUs and discrete GPUs. This is a key differentiator for the Dell Pro Max Plus; the ability to process AI workloads directly on the device enhances security, reduces latency, and ultimately gives users greater control over their proprietary data. Dell's decision to integrate a discrete AI accelerator card rather than a GPU does have some drawbacks, however. While the Qualcomm AI 100s with 64GB of memory will be capable of running models that are simply too large to fit in the 24GB of memory available in even NVIDIA's current, most powerful laptop GPU, the NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell Generation, these Qualcomm chips don't handle any graphics processing or 3D rendering. That will obviously limit gaming on the system (which likely isn't a concern for the users targeted by the Dell Pro Max Plus), but it will also hinder some creator and pro-vis workloads as a result. The Dell Pro Max Plus is built around Intel's most powerful Core Ultra 200HX series processors and offers up to 96GB of system memory, so it'll have plenty of CPU horsepower and a relatively capable integrated GPU with a modern media engine, but neither can make up for the lack of a discrete GPU in some workloads. There are also products built around AMD's 'Strix Halo' Ryzen AI Max series of processors to consider. Strix Halo has a somewhat unique design that combines up to 16 CPU cores with a powerful GPU, connected to system memory over a 256-bit wide memory interface. In a system with 128GB of memory, the GPU in the Ryzen AI Max series can access up to 96GB of memory, which would technically allow it to process even larger models than the pair of AI 100s in the Dell Pro Max Plus, but without as much compute muscle. All that said, the upcoming Dell Pro Max Plus with Qualcomm AI 100s still represents an interesting value proposition for AI engineers and data scientists that can benefit from a mobile form factor. The AI PC landscape is still taking shape, but there's no denying it's here to stay and the need for AI compute resources isn't going away anytime soon. It's great to see Dell taking a chance on an innovative solution and I suspect the Dell Pro Max Plus has many potential users intrigued.
Phone Arena
23-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Dell made a laptop that's less about gaming and more about training your own AI
AI has been the buzzword in just about every tech announcement lately – but Dell is taking it to a whole new level with its latest laptop. Unveiled at Dell Technologies World, the new Dell Pro Max Plus workstation is all-in on AI hardware. Instead of just relying on a GPU like most workstations, this one comes packed with a dedicated neural coprocessor built by Qualcomm. It is designed to handle massive AI workloads – like running huge multi-billion-parameter models – right on the device. Unlike the regular Dell Pro Max line, which includes the usual ISV-certified graphics setups and workstation-grade specs, the Pro Max Plus ditches the GPU entirely. In its place? A discrete neural processing unit (NPU), marking it as the first laptop to ship with enterprise-grade AI hardware in this form. It runs on Qualcomm's AI 100 Interface Card, a component usually reserved for cloud servers or data does that mean in real-world use? You can run AI models with up to 109 billion parameters – locally – without ever needing to connect to the cloud. That is powered by 32 AI cores and 64 GB of dedicated LPDDR4x memory, giving developers the firepower they need to build and test things like AI copilots, chatbots, and enterprise tools all on-device, no data sharing, no cloud bills. Dell Pro Max 16-inch. | Image credit – Dell We don't have full specs yet and Dell hasn't revealed the price either, but this is just the first in what will be a full Pro Max Plus lineup. Not all models will be this AI-focused, though. Dell made it clear: this particular one is aimed at AI engineers and data scientists, so yeah – when it launches later this summer, it is probably going to cost way more than the average user would ever consider I mentioned above, Dell says the Pro Max Plus can run a massive 109-billion-parameter model straight from the laptop – no cloud, no servers, no outside connection needed. That is a big leap for mobile workstations. For businesses, this kind of on-device AI processing is huge. It means sensitive data, AI-generated content and even the prompts themselves all stay private and protected. And in today's AI-first world, that kind of data could become some of a company's most valuable is also a real cost advantage here. Running AI models locally means companies don't need to pay for server space or cloud compute time. Plus, it speeds up development – engineers can build and test AI tools on the spot without relying on remote if you are not a developer and don't need that kind of firepower, there are plenty of AI-forward laptops for regular users, too. The new HP OmniBook 5 comes loaded with Microsoft Copilot+ tools and the updated 13-inch Surface Laptop – the lightest in the lineup at just 2.7 pounds – is another solid option that's also built with AI in mind.
Digital Trends
12-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Intel's next Arc GPU sounds almost too good to be true in latest report
Upon launch, Intel's Arc B580 turned out to be one of the best graphics cards for people on a tight budget. It offered an unprecedented 12GB of memory at a surprisingly low $250 price tag. However, a new leak tells us that Intel — or rather, one of its partners — might have another winner up its sleeve. But will it ever see the light of day? The rumored MaxSun Intel Arc B580 iCraft 24GB surfaced in a regulatory listing in the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). First spotted by Olrak29_ on X (Twitter), the GPU ups the memory capacity from 12GB to 24GB, which is the same as what Nvidia's RTX 4090 sports. This does sound too good to be true, though, and the comparison is an unfair one, because even with 24GB VRAM, the $250 (or more) Arc B580 can't hope to beat Nvidia's $1,600 (definitely more) RTX 4090. Recommended Videos The GPU appears in two variants, both of the iCraft variety, which does indeed exist in MaxSun's lineup. Rumors of an Arc GPU with 24GB of VRAM have been circulating for a while, but most attributed them to Intel's upcoming workstation graphics card, dubbed the Arc Pro A60. This model, made for professionals, might very well sport 24GB VRAM, although it's unclear which GPU die it would use. So, could two products potentially exist? Could Intel be working on a workstation Arc GPU with 24GB of VRAM, all the while its partners release a 24GB version of the flagship B580? It's possible, but it's hard to say just how likely it is. While more VRAM is always a good thing, GPUs like the RTX 4060 Ti 16GB have taught us that without a robust memory interface, the GPU may not see much of a performance uplift outside of higher resolutions — which the B580 was definitely not made for. The Arc B580, if it came with 24GB, might retain the same memory bus, stifling its bandwidth and limiting performance. It'd still be nice for some use cases, but not a massive performance boost. Nvidia's RTX 4090 would still have nothing to worry about. Remember that EEC listings can mean something or nothing at all. Companies file them just in case sometimes, and many of these products are never released. Fortunately, we might not have to wait much longer to find out, as Intel is expected to mention its discrete graphics during Computex later this month.
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WIRED
09-05-2025
- WIRED
The Best Mac Accessories to Amplify Your Workstation
Photograph: Amazon The list above has been carefully curated to include our favorites. But we test so many gadgets! Here are more accessories worth exploring. Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) for $70: This little orb has three AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports on the back, while the front is home to a Qi2 wireless charging pad to recharge your phone. It's ideal if you have a lot of gadgets at your workstation that constantly need to be plugged in. The USB-A ports output 12 watts, and the USB-C ports can output 67 watts. Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $30: This is one of my favorite mice. I've been using it with the MacBook Air (M4), the Mac Mini (M4), and iPad Air (M3). Although I keep it at my desk most of the time, I also throw it in my bag to travel with because it's so lightweight. The ergonomic design is comfortable against my palm, even after a long workday. The buttons are also responsive, and the scroll wheel is nice and smooth. I also love that the Type-C port is on the front of the mouse, which means you can continue to use it while it's plugged in. Photograph: Brenda Stolyar Zotech Aurora Wrist Rest for $36: I know that not everyone will be into a wrist rest that looks like a cloud, but I am. And so is my colleague, Nena Farrell, who reviewed the Logitech Aurora Collection (7/10, WIRED Review) last year. Looks aside, it's super comfortable, but it does have height to it. So I only recommend using it with a mechanical keyboard or another taller keyboard for the best experience. Nuphy Halo75 V2 for $150: Even if you have the iMac, which comes with Apple's Magic Keyboard, you can always upgrade to a third-party option, like a mechanical keyboard. If I had the means, I'd buy the Nuphy Halo75 V2 in every color. You can choose from various switches (you can listen to the typing sounds of each one here). I went with Raspberry, which has a creamy sound but offers enough tactile feedback that's comfortable for typing all day. You can connect the keyboard via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or USB-C. I have it in the cute pink (Sakura Fizz), but it's also available in Mojito, Iconic White, Obsidian Black, and Blue Lagoon. Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac for $104: This is the Mac version of Logitech's MX keyboard. It has a Do Not Disturb key along with the ability to program the function row key with Apple's own apps like Keynote, Photos, Safari, Final Cut Pro, and more. It only comes with tactile quiet switches, which are ideal if you work around other people. They're still satisfying to type on, and it's lightweight and slim enough to travel with, too. The Das Keyboard MacTigr for $179: The MacTigr (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a dedicated Mac layout, a high-quality all-metal build, a two-port USB-C hub, and Cherry MX red switches (that aren't too loud). Photograph: Amazon Satechi Dual-Sided Eco-Leather Deskmate for $28: Satechi's desk mat is made of polyurethane leather that looks pretty and allows for your mouse to glide smoothly over the top. It's dual-sided, too, so you can flip between colors if you want to change it up. Ugreen Revodok Pro 211 Docking Station for $65: This is a mix between a dock and a hub. It comes with three USB ports (one USB-C and two USB-A) that hit up to 900 MB/s of data transfer speeds in testing. It's great if you have a multi-monitor setup at your desk, with the ability to also connect it to a keyboard, mouse, and headphones.
