Killer Networks Launches AX1650: Wi-Fi 6, Intel Silicon

Killer is the first company out the door with new products based on Intel’s AX200. This is a major step forward for Killer — the company has faced criticism in the past over the reliability of some of its drivers and products. A switch to Intel hardware and driver stacks several years ago have solved many of these problems. This is Killer’s second iteration of its technology on Intel’s driver and hardware stack.

Killer’s AX1650 is built on Intel’s AX200, which means the Killer AX165 packs the same goodies and capabilities as that solution would. The chip includes features like Killer’s Advanced Stream Detection, the Killer Intelligence Engine, and its own prioritization engine. Using Wi-Fi 6 allows Killer to hit up to 2.4Gbps of bandwidth. Killer will be pairing the chip with wired connections capable of 2.5Gbps ethernet — apparently, we’re going to start seeing support for this standard popping up more and more throughout the year. Gigabit Ethernet support is moving to 2.5Gb as well this year, as wireless standards increase and companies want to support customers with wired hardware as vast as their potential wireless connections.

Killer’s software packages allow for a greater degree of network traffic control than is typically provided. Killer’s software analyzes traffic to determine its latency and prioritization characteristics, then routes it accordingly to ensure that low-latency applications are always properly addressed. This evaluation is handled in-hardware, to keep overall CPU utilization lower than it would be otherwise. Its Killer Intelligence Engine is designed to provide useful tips for improving network performance depending on what’s going on inside your own home network.

Dell will be the first company shipping the AX1650, but we expect to see the chip popping up elsewhere in fairly short order. They should also be available on Amazon.

Continue reading

Intel Launches AMD Radeon-Powered CPUs

Intel's new Radeon+Kaby Lake hybrid CPUs are headed for store shelves. Here's how the SKUs break down and what you need to know.

SpaceX Launches ‘Better Than Nothing’ Starlink Beta

Those lucky few who have gotten invitations to try the service will have to pay a hefty up-front cost, and the speeds aren't amazing. Still, it's a new generation of satellite internet.

AMD May Allow Custom RX 6900 XT Cards, Launch Stock May Be Limited

There are rumors that Nvidia may not be the only company facing production shortages this holiday season. High-end GPUs might just be very hard to find in general.

Intel Launches New Xe Max Mobile GPUs for Entry-Level Content Creators

Intel has launched a new consumer, mobile GPU — but it's got a very specific use-case, at least for now.