Intel introduced its first Core i9 chip for laptops today and updated Core i5 and i7 processors that include 6 power cores instead of the usual quad-core processors. All of these new processors are designed primarily for high performance laptops and games, so expect to see a number of new shipping notebooks with these new processors. While processors do not matter as much to games (outside of virtual reality) as a modern GPU, several OEMs are today announcing new laptops that combine the latest Intel processor with Nvidia graphics cards.
Here's Acer, Asus, Gigabyte and Samsung that use the latest Intel processors.
Acer Nitro 5
Acer's updated Nitro 5 includes a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, along with the latest core of the 8th-generation i7 and Core i7 + processors, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card and Gigabit WiFi / Ethernet. The optional Core i7 + model also includes Intel's Optane cache, which acts as a bridge between RAM and storage to accelerate things like game loading times. Acer Nitro 5 will also include up to 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB of NVMe PCIe storage. Acer is equipping the Nitro 5 with several ports, including Type-C and HDMI 2.0. Acer Nitro 5 will be available in May at a price of $ 749.
Gigabyte AERO 15 / 15X
The new AERO 15 from Gigabyte includes a 1080p 15.6-inch screen that supports refresh rates of 144Hz and has a small 5mm bezel (apart from a giant chin at the bottom). The screen also has a wide viewing angle with IPS and an option to switch to a 4K screen (without 144Hz refresh rate) in the AERO 15X. The differences between both models are small, and you are choosing mainly between graphic cards and screens. The regular AERO 15 is shipped with the Nvidia GTX 1060 and the AERO 15X upgrades it to the GTX 1070.
Both include the latest Intel Core i7 processors, up to 32 GB of RAM and support for two M.2 slots SSD. Gigabye is also using a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port, an HDMI 2.0 port and two common USB ports on both models along with an SD reader and an ethernet port. Gigabyte has not yet published the prices or the exact availability for AERO 15 or 15X.
Samsung's latest 15.6-inch gaming laptop includes the latest Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16 GB of RAM and more than 1TB of NVMe PCIe storage. The screen does not support anything sophisticated like 144Hz refresh rates or 4K resolution, and it's just a regular 15.6-inch 1080p screen. Samsung is shipping its Odyssey Z with a single USB-C port, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port and support for HDMI displays. The Samsung Odyssey Z Notebook will be available in the United States in the third quarter of 2018, but the company has not yet published the pricing information.
Asus ROG Zephyrus M (GM501)
Asus is known for number of laptops for games, and its latest ROG Zephyrus M includes Intel's latest eighth-generation Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of NVMe PCIe storage. The 1080p 15.6-inch IPS screen also includes 144Hz response rates and support for Nvidia's G-Sync technology. Asus is shipping three models, one without the G-Sync screen and one Nvidia GTX 1060, and two with the high-frequency update screen and a GTX 1060 or GTX 1070. Asus is also outfitting all three models with a single Thunderbolt 3 USB – C port, four USB ports and one HDMI 2.0 port.
The most economical model with a GTX 1060 and 120Hz display will cost $ 1,499, while the 144Hz display and the GTX 1060 model will cost $ 1,899, and the GTX 1070 display with 144Hz will cost $ 2,199. All three models are available for pre-order today, delivery is expected later this month.
Asus ROG G703
Asus also announced today an Intel Core i9 laptop. The 17.3-inch G703 is powered by the new Intel processor and the Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics card. The giant 17.3-inch 1080p IPS screen also includes support for 144Hz refresh rates and Nvidia's G-Sync technology. Inside there is support for up to 64 GB of RAM, along with support for up to three M.2 units in a band configuration.
Asus has all the ports you can imagine, too. There are three USB ports, a single Thunderport 3 USB-C, a mini DisplayPort, Ethernet port, HDMI port and even a card reader. The disadvantage of all this power and connectivity is that the laptop weighs 10 pounds. Asus & Rog G703 will be available later this month starting at $ 3,499.
