You by no means know what you’re going to get with CES. In fact, we knew we’d hear loads about AI — test — and that there’d be bulletins of latest CPUs and GPUs — additionally test. However you simply by no means know the way the all of the pomp and hoo-ha of this annual mega tech occasion goes to repay within the real-world, for normal customers. Does the typical PC person have one thing to be enthusiastic about now that the veil has come off of this yr’s product launches?
If the PCWorld workers is any indication, the reply is sure! We discovered loads of cool merchandise, improvements, and advances at this yr’s present which can be at present out there or promise thrilling issues forward. Our picks don’t cease at PC {hardware}, both. What’s CES with out an array of products for the tech-loving way of life? We be aware just a few of our favourite home-tech merchandise, too.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
I’ve by no means witnessed a PC product as hotly anticipated because the GeForce RTX 5090, unveiled by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang throughout this yr’s CES flagship keynote. And this monstrous graphics card lived as much as the hype, at the very least on paper.
The RTX 4090 remains to be the quickest GPU on the planet and the RTX 5090 blows it out of the water in all key areas. It has an astounding 21,760 CUDA cores — 33 % greater than the 4090, and greater than 3 times as many as the brand new RTX 5070. Nvidia graced the cardboard with an ample 32GB of reminiscence (essentially the most ever for a GeForce GPU) and a humongous 512-but reminiscence bus, a high-octane combo for no-compromises 4K gaming and AI workloads alike. And Nvidia’s overhauled DLSS 4 will faucet devoted AI cores to ship efficiency hovering even larger in supported video games.
If players even get an opportunity to purchase it — even at $1,999, the RTX 5090 shall be a screaming deal for AI researchers with all that reminiscence. Everybody goes to need one. -Brad Chacos
Alienware Space-51
Dell
I’m not often one for gaming laptops, however the newly resurrected Space-51 machine from Alienware is perhaps the one which converts me. Not solely is it crammed to the brim with the most recent and best {hardware}, however the Liquid Teal end provides the chassis a novel iridescent sheen and it’s to die for. I really like the departure from the cliched gamer look (i.e., black exterior with scorching crimson accents), as unnecessarily flashy designs make me wince. I a lot favor understated magnificence. The underside of the laptop computer additionally has a transparent window, which lets you see all the {hardware} inside — it is a good contact.
This laptop computer doesn’t shove its gamer id down your throat. As a substitute, it stands tall in a quiet but assured method. -Ashley Biancuzzo
Lenovo Legion Go S, powered by SteamOS
Valve opening SteamOS up for different PC makers is a deeply thrilling growth for the trade, and because the very first SteamOS-powered handheld past the Steam Deck, Lenovo’s Legion Go S would’ve earned its spot right here for that alone. However I’m buzzing about greater than the software program on this.
A giant a part of why the Steam Deck rocks is as a result of it’s so inexpensive. Most of its opponents attempt to carve out niches with premium {hardware} and options — at a lot larger costs. However Lenovo partnered with AMD for an unique license to a extra inexpensive model of AMD’s new game-changing Ryzen Z2 chip, appropriately dubbed “Ryzen Z2 Go.” By utilizing older CPU and GPU cores, Lenovo is ready to supply the entry-level Legion Go S for simply $499 — giving players on a price range a much-needed Steam Deck different. -Brad Chacos
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x with Snapdragon
Mark Hachman / IDG
Lenovo introduced that it’s bringing Snapdragon to mini desktop PCs. Now you’ll be able to lastly get pleasure from Copilot Plus together with your desktop. Whereas each the IdeaCentre Mini x and the ThinkCentre neo 50q are set for the upgrades, it’s the Mini x mannequin that has me most excited.
With the choice for both Snapdragon X or Snapdragon X Plus chips, as much as 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, you’ll be able to completely trick this factor out in order for you. It additionally comes with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and an unbelievable 5 whole USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, plus an HDMI, DisplayPort, and ethernet port. I’m not fairly positive what engineering wizardry they have been in a position to conjure up over there at Lenovo, however no matter it’s, it has me excited to get a brand new mini desktop PC this yr. -Sam Singleton
Second opinion
I’m a mini PC convert. Late final yr, I ditched a large desktop for a mini PC working an Intel “Tiger Lake” Core i7. However now I want I had waited just a few extra months to buy the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x as a substitute.
The Intel mini PC runs unbearably loud at something however essentially the most modest energy settings, whereas the IdeaCentre Mini x, full with a super-efficient Snapdragon X processor, ought to run a lot quieter, similar to its laptop computer counterparts.
However much more importantly, I now need a desktop with an NPU for AI workloads. Throughout a one-hour demo with Qualcomm, they confirmed off a bunch of content-creation apps that immediately hook into Snapdragon NPUs. My thoughts began conjuring how the IdeaCentre Mini x could possibly be a gateway into an entire new world of helpful AI – beginning with video and picture enhancing (which I already do) but additionally working on-device LLMs.
Backside line: I’m unsure how I’ll be utilizing hardware-supported AI in 2025, as a result of this complete AI factor is simply taking off. However I do know I would like the choice to take action, and having that {hardware} in a strong, compact mini PC is simply what I’m searching for. -Jon Phillips
Asus ROG XG Cell eGPU
Asus
In relation to the very best of CES, my vote is for the 2025 Asus ROG XG Cell eGPU and its superior energy and flexibility. As if it wasn’t sufficient that it harnesses the facility of as much as Nvidia’s top-tier RTX 5090 chip with as much as 150W energy, the exterior GPU additionally helps Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for exceptionally excessive bandwidth. Which means it advantages from Thunderbolt 5’s up-to-80Gbps bidirectional knowledge switch speeds.
Asus claims the eGPU can hit at the very least 64Gbps, which surpasses USB 4 and rivals OCuLink. I’m additionally satisfied by XG Cell’s different port choices, which embody HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1, 5Gbps Ethernet, and an SD card reader. It additionally sports activities higher cooling than final yr’s mannequin and its design weighs simply 2.2 kilos. -Dominic Bayley
AMD Ryzen AI Max and HP’s Z2 Mini G1a
HP
AMD’s Ryzen AI Max, beforehand codenamed Strix Halo, has been inflicting a furor within the PC leaks group for months now, and it’s straightforward to see why: It has loads in frequent with AMD’s vaunted Threadripper chips. Threadripper debuted as a wild “jam this thing with all the cutting-edge tech we can” fanatic mission and Ryzen AI Max lives as much as that legacy. Strix Halo pairs plentiful Zen 5 cores and AMD’s highly effective 50 TOPS NPU with extra built-in Radeon CPU cores than any chip ever seen earlier than, with assist for as much as 128GB of unified reminiscence and 96GB only for the GPU. Wild!
That insane GPU + 128GB reminiscence configuration will make this an absolute beast for AI workloads, which demand gobs of reminiscence and quick graphics efficiency. “This is something very, very special,” stated Rahul Tikoo, senior vice chairman and common supervisor of AMD’s shopper computing enterprise, in a recorded briefing for reporters – and he’s completely proper.
Ryzen AI Max largely targets laptops, however essentially the most attention-grabbing launch accomplice as a substitute crams this monster chip within a desktop mini PC. HP’s Z2 Mini G1a comes with a great deal of ports, the flagship 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen AI Max+ Professional 395, 128GB of reminiscence, and as much as 4TB of SSD storage (you’ll be able to add one other 4TB your self through an empty M.2 slot) — actually the maxed-out model of AMD Ryzen AI Max. AI professionals and college students are going to go nuts for this splendidly bizarre machine. -Brad Chacos
Asus Zenbook A14
Michael Crider/Foundry
The Asus Zenbook A14 is the corporate’s first laptop computer to make use of its distinctive ceraluminum end, which bonds a ceramic exterior to an aluminum inside, throughout a laptop computer’s complete chassis (as a substitute of simply the show lid). It’s additionally constructed from magnesium-aluminum alloy, a standard and light-weight materials.
The result’s a slim, transportable laptop computer with a feel and appear not like anything available on the market. Choosing up the machine jogged my memory of dealing with a premium pocket book or a slim hardcover e-book. The Zenbook A14 weighs about 2.1 kilos and measures about six-tenths of an inch thick, with a claimed battery lifetime of 32 hours (!!) due to the Snapdragon X chip inside.
The Zenbook A14 is my favourite laptop computer of all of CES 2025. It’s engaging, transportable and, maybe better of all, inexpensive at a beginning worth of $899. — Matt Smith
SteamOS
Asus/Valve
Brad has already highlighted the Legion Go S, Lenovo’s transportable sequel that makes use of an official construct of SteamOS proper from Valve. And that’s thrilling by itself as a shopper product. However I’m extra interested by SteamOS itself. Whereas these are early days, I feel it’s completely attainable that SteamOS may turn out to be a profitable gaming-focused platform all by itself…which might spell large hassle for Microsoft. Home windows 11 isn’t precisely profitable folks over, they usually is perhaps able to search for another finally. Think about the very actual chance of a gaming laptop computer working the Linux-based SteamOS, offered on to customers. Wild. -Michael Crider
Razer’s Mission Arielle
Razer
As of late, I care much less about how highly effective my tech is and extra about how snug I’m whereas utilizing what I’ve. It sucks to freeze in my chair whereas I’m making an attempt to sport within the winter, and it’s equally depressing in the summertime with sweaty again caught to my chair. Consolation is efficiency, in the event you ask me.
And that’s why the Mission Arielle gaming chair speaks to me. It has a built-in bladeless fan system for cool airflow when it’s scorching and an built-in heater for heat when it’s chilly, and it’s all conveniently managed through a management panel on the chair. Say goodbye to non-public ACs and house heaters. Will Mission Arielle ever go mainstream? Eh, most likely not. However I’m fairly smitten with the idea — assuming Razer retains the worth cheap. -Joel Lee
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable
Mark Hachman / IDG
There are so many options for including further display house for engaged on the highway, from further shows to foldables and extra. Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable is a particular machine, hiding what is basically a second digital monitor behind the display, which will be unrolled when wanted.
That appears to be extraordinarily helpful in addition to structurally sound, at the very least primarily based on my restricted hands-on time. As a man who totes exterior shows and even further notebooks to function further screens, this ThinkBook is one to look at. -Mark Hachman
Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3
Lenovo
As an authorized Android fan, I lament that Android tablets have lengthy been unable (and infrequently even unwilling) to compete with the iPad Mini. A small, high-quality pill is a nut that Google and its companions simply can’t crack. That’s why I’m comfortable to see the Legion Tab Gen 3, an 8.8-inch Android “gaming” pill. A smaller pill is sensible for gaming (not like Acer’s loopy 11-inch Steam Deck-style handheld), and that focus means a extra highly effective Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, roomy 12GB of RAM, and an upgraded display and cooling system. Disgrace concerning the outdated Android 14 OS (don’t maintain out for well timed updates from Lenovo, both), however at the very least somebody is giving this type issue a shot. -Michael Crider
Secondary screens
Corsair
I really like tons of displays round me, enabling multitasking work and feeding me tons of data and video on a regular basis. Which may not be nice for my psychological well being, to be sincere…however I’m nonetheless excited to double down on it. Corsair has a more moderen tackle its devoted desktop widget touchscreen with the 14.5-inch Xeneon Edge. That is basically a mini-monitor, full with USB-C and HDMI assist. However in order for you one thing rather less practical and extra flashy, Govee has animated pixel shows that may reside in your wall or desktop. The Gaming Pixel Mild (which appears to be like form of like an upgraded Mild Shiny toy) may double as an animated clock, climate widget, or sports activities ticker. -Michael Crider
Pawport Sensible Pet Door
Pawport
Give your favourite four-legged buddy the liberty to return and go as they select whereas protecting your private home protected with the Pawport Sensible Pet Door, a retrofit-style gadget that slides in entrance of an present pet door.
With assist from an included Bluetooth tag, the steel-and-aluminum Sensible Pet Door ($499) senses when your pet approaches, opening its doorways mechanically, whereas a sensitivity gauge retains the doorways from unintentionally closing in your furry buddy. You may as well management the door remotely with the Pawport app, whereas pet “curfews” can maintain your pet inside throughout designated hours. -Ben Patterson
Stern Pinball: Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye
I really like pinball. PCWorld doesn’t cowl pinball tables. That’s not often an issue. This yr, it’s.
Stern’s newest desk is rad. You don’t play pinball; you decide a personality after which stage that character up as you play pinball, amassing treasure and loot and exploring dungeons after which ultimately preventing beholders and gelatinous cubes and an animatronic dragon voiced by Michael Dorn. There are ramps, hidden lure doorways, the works. Nerd bliss, all for $7,000.
I performed for a half hour and didn’t need to cease. Stern even supplied to ship us one to check out. For those who see a video on our YouTube channel, you’ll know my goals have been answered. -Mark Hachman
LIFX Luna Lamp
LIFX
With its first ever sensible lamp, LIFX drew inspiration from an early product: its personal SuperColor Ceiling mild, an eye catching, multi-zone fixture that gained our Editors’ Alternative award final yr. Packing in 26 discretely addressable colour zones, the Luna Lamp will be mounted on a wall or positioned on a flat floor, like a countertop or a bedside desk.
The Matter-enabled Luna Lamp additionally boasts a quartet of programmable buttons that may management both the lamp’s personal settings or different close by Matter units — even with out an web connection, due to Matter’s device-to-device binding performance. It’ll be out there in February for $69.99. -Ben Patterson
Plantaform Sensible Indoor Backyard
Plantaform
Not everybody has the out of doors house for a backyard, and even those that do is perhaps restricted by poor climate circumstances throughout elements of the yr. The Plantaform Sensible Indoor Backyard presents a cool and handy different for rising produce at residence, whereas additionally making for a charming indoor showpiece!
A mixture of fog and plant vitamins, cleverly dubbed “fogponics,” feeds as much as 15 crops at a time within the windowed chamber. An accompanying app helps you monitor your crops’ progress, reminds you to fill water reservoirs, enables you to change the lighting schedule, and notifies you when it’s time to reap. The home windows are all detachable for simple entry to your bounty.
Positive, at $500, plus $29.99 for Plantaform’s numerous plant pod packs, it’s not precisely the money-saving proposition you may affiliate with rising your personal meals. However you’ll be able to’t beat the prospect of getting a fresh-produce backyard yr spherical, requiring minimal work, that additionally appears to be like so futuristically superior, are you able to? -Katherine Stevenson
Feno Smartbrush
Feno
One of many largest obstacles to dental care is “compliance” – guaranteeing that we not solely brush twice a day, however that we cowl each portion of our tooth and gums. So, what in the event you didn’t must navigate each nook and cranny inside your mouth? Would your compliance enhance? That is what makes the Feno Smartbrush so intriguing.
You insert this strange-looking gadget inside your mouth, after which 18,000 bristles work in live performance to ship 250 strokes per tooth. The entire course of takes solely 20 seconds. The system additionally contains sensible options like an oral scanner and an app that allows you to share knowledge together with your dentist. It’s an odd idea, definitely, however Feno maintains its brushing expertise beats conventional electrical toothbrushes for dental well being. Accessible for $299. – Jon Phillips
