AMD today announced AMD XConnect technology, making it easier than ever to pair a powerful external Radeon graphics card with a compatible notebook or 2-in-1 using Thunderbolt 3. AMD XConnect technology is a groundbreaking new feature of Radeon Software Crimson Edition 16.3. Traditionally, PC gamers have been faced with the problem of choosing between gaming notebooks, sacrificing portability for gaming performance, or ultrathin notebooks, sacrificing gaming performance for portability.

A lightweight notebook or 2-in-1 with Thunderbolt 3 that is compatible with AMD XConnect technology brings the best of both worlds to life -- conveniently lightweight on its own, but as needed, can easily tap into serious framerates and image quality of a gaming notebook with a powerful external GPU. The connection between the external GPU enclosure configured with Radeon R9 300 Series graphics is made possible over Intel's Thunderbolt 3, and can be connected or disconnected at any time, a first for external GPUs.

AMD is working on a standardized external graphics solution for notebooks. This solution will allow people with ultra-thin notebooks to enjoy the mobility served up by frugal, mainstream hardware; as well as high-end gaming, with the graphics card plugged in at home. It also probably gives AMD greater control over design and cooling solutions. Unlike a mobile GPU that sits inside your notebook, and makes it bulky due to additional cooling and power requirements, an external graphics card sits on your desk, sipping on wall socket power.

AMD's external graphics solution isn't necessarily an AMD-branded piece of hardware, but rather an open specification for notebook vendors to follow. AMD will merely provide the GPUs and software ecosystem that makes the solution truly universal and plug-n-play, with "standardized connectors, cables, drivers, and OS support." Such a graphics card will interface with just any notebook with a high-speed interface (eg: Thunderbolt). Its drivers will make it crunch your games, while sending back output to your notebook's display, over the same connection. This gives you the mobility of an ultra-thin notebook. You should also be able to plug this into your work's boring Dell desktop, or any SFF ITX box. Pictured below is a Razer Core graphics solution embedding a Radeon R9 Nano. Other examples include MSI Gaming Dock and Alienware Graphics Amplifier.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the ultimate Ultrabook, the Razer Blade Stealth. Featuring an incredibly sleek form factor, the latest Intel Core i7 processor and a stunning 4K display, the ultra-thin notebook also gives gamers the option of unprecedented desktop-level gaming performance with the help of the Razer Core via Thunderbolt 3.

Razer is also planning on disrupting the entire PC industry with an innovative new direct-to-consumer model that allows the new Razer Blade Stealth to be sold with premium configurations, but at a lower price point relative to the competition. The Razer Blade Stealth measures 0.52 inches thin and weighs just 2.75 pounds. Razer's latest chassis is CNC-milled out of aircraft grade aluminum, providing a sleek yet solid design. Its 12.5-in. touch display comes in two resolutions: an Ultra HD variant with an eye-dazzling 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution and 100 percent coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, and a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) resolution version. Both displays are touch-enabled and feature wide viewing angles and high-color saturation to display content with striking clarity and accuracy.

Today at CES, we introduced our portfolio of next gen devices: eight new laptops, desktops and monitors across our YOGA, ideapad and ideacentre brands that upgrade nearly every PC experience from work, gaming to entertaining. Leading with the YOGA 900S ultraportable convertible laptop, the new collection offers people distinct choice in performance, aesthetic and mobility.

We engineered the YOGA 900S to be beautifully slim and noticeably lighter than previous models at 12.8 mm and 999 g with a new carbon fiber construction. The Windows 10 laptop features up to 10.5 hours of video playback so travelers can slip it into their carry-on luggage and fly from Las Vegas to London on a single charge. The convertible laptop's 360-degree watchband hinge with four modes makes it easy to work through a long-haul flight in laptop mode with up to Intel Core m7 processor, or to scan social media feeds in tablet mode. It delivers an immersive entertainment experience, thanks to Dolby Audio Premium for crisp sound and optional QHD screen (2560x1440) for crystal clear resolution. New to the YOGA family, it now supports an optional active pen so artists and note-takers alike can unleash their doodles and to-do lists, or annotate webpages on the Microsoft Edge browser using the touch screen.

At DreamHack Winter 2015 today, Lenovo (HKSE:992) (ADR: LNVGY) and Razer revealed their first-ever gaming desktop prototype that will officially launch at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2016. The two companies announced that together they will co-brand and co-market special Razer Edition models of Lenovo's Y series gaming devices - marrying the manufacturing, supply chain and channel relationships of Lenovo, the world's number one PC maker, with the immersive technology and deep expertise of Razer, a leading company in connected gaming devices and software for gamers.

PC gaming today offers a rich and immersive experience - thanks in part to cutting-edge graphics performance, superior processing power, and peripherals designed specifically for gaming. Lenovo will employ its system design and engineering expertise, while Razer will enhance the immersive experience for gamers. All forthcoming Lenovo Razer Edition products will be co-branded and reflect the edgy Lenovo Y series look and feel with iconic Razer elements like customizable Chroma lighting effects.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the Razer Naga Chroma. The latest in the Razer line of mice brings the world's most advanced mouse sensor to the world of MMO gaming. The Razer 5G laser sensor is capable of tracking up to true 16,000 DPI in down to 1 DPI increments. This is significant improvement over a current industry standard of 50 DPI increment tracking. The device boasts effectively no interpolation, which is optimized for multi-display setups with ultra-high display resolutions, ideal for immersive MMO gameplay.

At the heart of the Razer Naga Chroma is its iconic 12 concave mechanical thumb grid buttons with tactile, audible feedback, optimized specifically for MMO gaming. Each button on the thumb grid ergonomically stands out to allow for blind-finding, letting gamers more easily execute commands. "People thought we were crazy when we invented the MMO gaming mouse -- and the Razer Naga went on to surpass even our own expectations -- but now, many of our competitors are trying to recreate the design of this game-changing device," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "We're confident that the sensor technology we are utilizing will keep Razer Naga users a step ahead of their competition."

BlizzCon 2015 - Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, and Blizzard Entertainment, developer and publisher of some of the industry's most epic games, today announced a full suite of Chroma-enabled PC gaming peripherals based on Blizzard's upcoming team-based shooter, Overwatch.

Set in an all-new Blizzard game universe, Overwatch is a 6v6 first-person shooter featuring a vibrant cast of heroes, each with his or her own unique arsenal of weapons and abilities. As part of its official Overwatch gaming peripheral collection, Razer is enhancing the award-winning DeathAdder Chroma gaming mouse, BlackWidow Chroma keyboard and Goliathus Extended mouse mat with Overwatch game elements on the hardware.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the complete re-design of the popular Razer Orochi notebook gaming mouse. The Razer Orochi features the world's most precise mouse sensor for on-the-go gaming.

Retaining the name of its predecessor, the new Razer Orochi features the latest in sensor and battery technology to give gamers pinpoint accuracy and more than double the playing time in wireless mode. Complementing this overhaul, Razer has also added Chroma lighting, dual mode connectivity and a completely re-engineered shell.
At the heart of the new Razer Orochi is a 4G, 8200 DPI laser sensor -- the highest DPI sensor ever fit into a mobile gaming mouse. The result is pinpoint tracking for incredible accuracy and movement speeds of up to 210 inches per second with 50 G acceleration, making the Razer Orochi ideal for every game and play style, from fast reaction FPS gameplay to high-accuracy MOBAs.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer Wildcat for Xbox One, a pro-gamer-validated, tournament-grade, console controller with four multi-function buttons added to the conventional array, which allows gamers to re-bind any button on the controller for easy access. Twenty-five percent lighter than other tournament grade controllers, the Razer Wildcat for Xbox One features an ergonomic shape to increase actuation speed and a quick control panel that allows users to create dedicated button layout profiles for different games on the fly.

"The Razer Wildcat for Xbox One is the third generation Razer Xbox controller and the result of years working with eSports athletes on many prototypes," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "The lightest tournament-grade controller in its class with additional remappable buttons gives gamers an incredible edge." Designed with the feedback of eSports athletes, the Razer Wildcat for Xbox One offers unrivalled durability with reinforced high carbon steel analog stick necks, removable aircraft-grade aluminum triggers, and optional palm grips and analog stick grip caps.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the NZXT S340 - Designed by Razer PC case. The chassis is the latest product to launch from the "Designed by Razer" licensing program, an initiative that provides for third-party production and sale of Razer-designed and -branded PC cases. Razer opened the door to collaborations with case manufacturers last year. "Designed by Razer" candidates are subject to vetting by the award-winning Razer design and engineering team prior to approval. Once greenlit, the joint enterprise mobilizes Razer's design expertise and product engineering sensibilities.

The NZXT S340 - Designed by Razer PC case features an all-steel chassis with Razer signature green triple-headed snake logo on the front panel and the cable management bar. The compact form of the case sits two inches below competing towers with a Razer green power LED and underglow. This latest in the line of cobranded cases offers Razer fans another premium NZXT case with distinct Razer design sensibilities to build into a beast and connect to an arsenal of Razer peripherals that will intimidate any opponent in-game or in real life.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, is working with Intel to deliver a consumer-ready desktop and VR-enabled camera based on Intel RealSense technology for a wide range of experiential applications.

With Intel RealSense technology incorporated into a new Razer product design, users can expect to enjoy significantly enhanced game broadcasting and VR gaming capabilities. Among the novel features of this technology is automatic background removal, which allows game streamers and video conferencing users to remove or replace backgrounds for a more entertaining and immersive experience.

Intel RealSense Cameras are also capable of 3D scanning, motion and gesture recognition, allowing product designers to bring real-world objects and bodies into virtual spaces easily. Many more features and related applications are anticipated for the Intel RealSense technology-enabled Razer device.

We are bang in the middle of an inflection point where the latest generation of CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, memory, displays, and software (Windows 10) just launched. To help our readers wanting to save big on their first gaming PC builds [and because the news is slow these days], TechPowerUp brings to you its Builder's Digest series of guides, on which components we would choose, to build a gaming or media PC from the ground up, at a given price-point.

In this episode, we're trying to build the best gaming PC possible, under $1,700. Our definition of "best" includes not just performance, but also energy-efficiency and noise. $1,700 is a great budget to get building your first serious gaming PC from scratch. Your only semblance of a PC right now is probably a notebook you take to school, and so you need to buy everything that makes up a desktop. Here's how TechPowerUp will spend that money.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer Orbweaver Chroma, a customizable, mechanical, ergonomic gaming keypad that is specifically designed for tournament-grade controls and color synchronization with other Chroma-enabled devices.

Building on the success of the original Razer Orbweaver, the all-new Razer Orbweaver Chroma provides gamers with 20 fully programmable Razer Mechanical Switches; an eight-way directional thumb-pad; adjustable hand, thumb and palm modules; and now, with all of the beloved lighting features first seen on the Razer BlackWidow Chroma keyboard.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer DeathStalker Chroma, a high-performance gaming keyboard featuring fully programmable slim chiclet keycaps and three customizable backlighting zones.

Known for its sleek design that requires a travel distance of only 2mm to actuate, the Razer DeathStalker Chroma provides superior performance when compared to traditional rubber dome membrane switches that require the entire travel distance just to register a keystroke. The ergonomic wrist rest has been designed with the sole purpose of comfortable typing on this low profile keyboard, ensuring countless hours of gameplay without any fatigue. Additionally, the keyboard is now equipped with the award winning Razer Chroma lighting. With three distinct lighting zones and various lighting effects ranging from spectrum cycling, static, breathing to even the iconic wave, the Razer DeathStalker Chroma can be easily personalized to suit any style.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today confirmed it acquired the software assets of OUYA, including its content catalog and online retail platform. The technical team and developer relations personnel behind OUYA, the leading Android game platform for the television, have joined the software team of Razer, the company additionally reported. Financial details of the transaction, which closed on June 12, 2015, were not disclosed.

"Razer has a long-term vision for Android TV and Android-based TV consoles, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box and Alibaba Tmall Box, to which OUYA already publishes," says Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. "OUYA's work with game developers, both triple A and indies, went a long way in bringing Android games to the living room and Razer intends to further that work. This acquisition is envisaged to usher more developers and content to the Android TV platform."

The Razer Tartarus Chroma gaming keypad comes with 25 anti-ghosted, fully programmable keys, including an 8-way thumb-pad for complete control and manoeuvrability.
Now with Chroma customizable lighting, the latest version of this gaming keypad has access to the full spectrum of 16.8 million color options. As a gaming keypad, the Razer Tartarus Chroma provides a comfortable and efficient alternative to keyboards for PC gaming, especially real-time strategy MMOs and other key-intensive games where left- and right-hand independence is useful.

The Razer Tartarus Chroma offers infinite commands with its 25 fully programmable keys allowing users to bind all their preferred skills, macros and hotkeys for a personalized gaming experience. The precise 8-way directional thumb-pad can also act as modifier keys. The Razer Tartarus Chroma features advanced ergonomics with its adjustable wrist-rest that can be angled to maximize comfort. Now featuring Chroma lighting with 16.8 million color options, the keypad opens up a world of practically limitless personalization possibilities and preloaded lighting effects, all easily programmed through Razer Synapse.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the world's most advanced gaming mouse, the new Razer Mamba. The successor to one of the leading wired/wireless gaming mouse, the new Razer Mamba is powered by the world's most precise gaming mouse sensor, the revolutionary Adjustable Click Force Technology, and industry leading gaming grade wired/wireless technology.

The new 5G laser sensor is capable of tracking up to 16,000 DPI which is optimized for multi-display set-ups with ultra-high display resolutions. The 5G laser sensor is also the world's most precise -- with its ability to track up to 1 DPI increments (as opposed to the current industry standard of 50 DPI increments). The next generation gaming mouse sensor is also able to track lift-off cut-off distance as precise as 0.1 mm, reducing on-screen jitter so your aim stays on target even as you move. The 5G laser sensor in the new Razer Mamba was designed to be an extension of your natural hand movement.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the improved Razer Kraken Pro gaming headset. The Razer Kraken Pro now comes with inline controls for volume and mic mute in addition to its fully retractable microphone. "The Razer Kraken Pro encompasses everything serious gamers need in a headset," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "By adding inline controls, the most popular headset among eSports athletes is now more functional than ever."

Available in green, black and white, the Razer Kraken Pro is designed for ultimate comfort, delivering an unmatched balance of weight, functionality and performance. A closed ear cup with plush circumaural padding creates superior sound isolation, ensuring an immersive gaming experience over long periods of time, perfect for practice and tournaments. The Razer Kraken Pro headlines the Kraken family of audio devices, which also includes a USB-powered Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma with 16.8 million customizable color options, and an audio solution for the Xbox One.

Razer, a leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the release of the Razer Firefly, the first hard gaming mouse mat with Razer's Chroma lighting feature. The Chroma feature adds 16.8 million color options and numerous customizable lighting effects to the mouse mat, including reactive, wave and spectrum cycling.

Razer Firefly has lighting along its left, right and bottom borders and can sync up with other Chroma enabled Razer devices for virtually limitless color combinations.
Engineered with all the trusted Razer gaming-grade performance features, the Razer Firefly has a micro-textured finish for the balance between control and speed. The optimized reflective surface ensures mouse movements translate to precise cursor movements and rapid in-game responsiveness.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the Razer Seirēn Pro, a digital microphone designed for streamers and YouTubers.
The Razer Seirēn Pro includes a high-pass filter to remove low-end ambient noises, such as hums, rumbles, traffic and wind, which streamers may face when creating content. This makes the Razer Seirēn Pro digital microphone ideal for the needs of live video broadcasters, YouTubers and even aspiring musicians that value clarity.

Additionally, the Razer Seirēn Pro gives streamers the option of recording via an analog XLR or digital USB connection. The XLR cable allows the Razer Seirēn Pro to be plugged directly into mixing boards and cameras. Users can chain together multiple microphones and instruments to the board with the XLR option, with increased flexibility for adjustments on the fly during live sessions.

Razer announced availability of its flagship compact gaming keyboard, the BlackWidow Tournament Edition Chroma. It's essentially a BlackWidow Tournament Edition, the company's popular numpad-free mechanical gaming keyboard, but the company's swanky new Chroma multi-color key backlit system. The Chroma system, configurable using Razer Synapse software, lets you color-code individual keys over the full RGB palette, and even lets certain games color-code them for you (eg: cop-chases in GTA V cause the function keys to flash police strobe lights). Under the hood, the BlackWidow features Razer's in-house designed mechanical switches, designed for over 60 million keystrokes. Available now in US and Canada, exclusive to Best Buy and Razer Zone, the Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition Chroma is priced at US $140.

Organizers of Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR), a software platform designed to set an open standard for virtual reality devices, today released the OSVR Hacker Developer Kit (HDK) production file and the OSVR development roadmap.

The OSVR HDK is a hackable head-mounted display offering high-quality optics that work to reduce distortion in virtual environments. Any user can view production files of the OSVR HDK and the developer roadmap, streamlining the efforts of those that want to make their own hardware based on its design.

"With the release of the OSVR development roadmap, the process for creating new VR hardware and software on the platform can be accelerated significantly," says Michael Lee, VP of software at Razer. "We welcome the support of VR enthusiasts everywhere."

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the Razer Seirēn (stylized as "Seirēn" and pronounced "Sigh-ren"), a plug-and-play digital microphone designed for studio-grade recording and streaming.

The Razer Seirēn features a versatile multi-pattern USB digital connection capable of four different recording pattern configurations with three custom-tuned 14 mm condenser capsules. This makes the Razer Seirēn digital microphone ideal for the needs of professional musicians, streamers and YouTubers who demand superior clarity. With plug-and-play simplicity this microphone is simple to use at the studio or at home.

Earlier this year, NZXT launched the remarkably clean H440 chassis. With its industry leading innovation and commitment to bringing users the cleanest PC inside and out, the H440 has quickly become an NZXT favorite around the world. Now, NZXT is ecstatic to introduce a special edition H440 that is custom tailored to meet the needs of gamers around the world.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer DeathAdder Chroma gaming mouse. The Razer DeathAdder Chroma features the renowned ergonomic design of its precursor. It is equipped with a 10,000 DPI optical sensor that is able to track lift-off distance as precise as 1 mm on most surfaces, including glass table tops. The upgraded sensor is capable of mouse movement speeds up to 200 inches per second with 50 G acceleration, ensuring exacting accuracy and organic fluidity onscreen.

Together with Razer Synapse: Stats & Heatmaps, the Razer DeathAdder Chroma provides gamers precise details such as game time, button presses, distance moved and even how much overall pressure was exerted while gaming. This incredible amount of technical tracking data coupled with the upgraded ultra accurate sensor allows gamers to tweak the Razer DeathAdder Chroma to their individual play style and further increase their accuracy more than with any other mouse on the planet.