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Framework has refreshed its desktop computer with AMD's most powerful processor, paired with an especially large maximum memory configuration. The machine is being positioned as a modular alternative to premium desktops like Apple's Mac Studio.
Engadget tested a midrange Dell XPS 13 with 16GB of RAM after reviewing the base $700 model, which ships with only 8GB. The reviewer found that even with no extra apps open, Windows 11 consumed over half the 16GB unit's memory at idle, suggesting the 8GB base model would leave little headroom for everyday use.
CNET's annual holiday shopping survey found that 73% of holiday shoppers intend to buy tech products or services this season, budgeting an average of $808 — $123 less than last year. The survey also found 32% of respondents plan to start shopping before November, 27% plan to wait for sales, and 84% expect frustrations such as misleading discounts, quick sellouts and inflated baseline prices.
Newegg has cut the price of a CyberPowerPC prebuilt gaming desktop to $1,999.99, a $170 discount. The system pairs an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
A Reddit user reported that G.Skill replaced a failed 32GB stick from their Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64GB DDR5-6000 kit, even though the kit's market price has jumped from $150 at purchase in May 2025 to around $1,200 today. The user, Double-South8863, filed an RMA on September 8, shipped the faulty module on September 15, and received a working replacement within about two weeks, restoring the kit to full capacity.
Lenovo has launched the Googlebook 15, its first laptop in Google's new Googlebook line, at a starting price of $1,099.99 when it goes on sale October 4. That's $200 less than the $1,299 price Google had announced for the device last week. The laptop features a 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen, an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 chip, 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage.
XMG, maker of gaming laptops and Schenker workstations, said DDR5 SO-DIMM memory prices have risen sixfold since July 2025, prompting it to raise laptop prices by €100 to €300 depending on the model. The company attributed the hikes to rising costs across RAM, SSDs, PCBs, CPUs and GPUs, worsened by higher shipping and insurance costs linked to the Middle East conflict affecting Red Sea and Suez Canal freight routes.
GMKtec has released the Evo-X3, a redesigned mini PC built around AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, now shipping with 128GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory as standard. The unit adopts an almost entirely metal CNC-machined chassis in place of its predecessor's plastic-and-aluminum build. Tom's Hardware tested a 128GB/2TB configuration priced at $3,799.99, roughly double what the earlier Evo-X2 cost six months prior.
A gray 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 RAM kit (two modules, CL38-48-48-96 timings, 1.35V) is now available for $439 using promo code SSF73844. This price matches a competing 32GB V-Color Manta XSky kit and is currently the lowest price found for a standalone kit of this capacity and speed.
Raspberry Pi has confirmed its firmware locks boards to their factory RAM configuration, preventing users from swapping in replacement memory chips even to fix failed components. The restriction surfaced after a user couldn't get a Compute Module 5 to recognize a new 4GB chip, with company engineer PhilE explaining the firmware checks additional memory attributes beyond just capacity. Raspberry Pi says the policy exists to stop resellers from installing unauthorized higher-capacity chips and passing modified boards off as factory models.
A 2024 technical essay argues that the history of computing has overemphasized Charles Babbage's mechanical calculator designs while neglecting the development of electronic working memory, or RAM. The author traces this history back to relay-based bistable circuits, explaining how latching relays could store bits and laid groundwork for modern memory systems.
Raspberry Pi confirmed that its firmware locks boards to their factory-installed RAM capacity, preventing users from swapping in higher-capacity chips. Engineer and forum moderator PhilE said the restriction, rolled out in firmware updates since late 2024, exists to stop resellers from installing larger RAM chips of dubious quality and passing boards off as higher-spec devices. He told users attempting DIY RAM upgrades or repairs that the effort is futile because the firmware also checks other device attributes beyond chip size.