A prototype of a Smach Z handheld game console has been unboxed and tested in a YouTube video posted by The Phawx. The device was put through its paces in three 3DMark benchmarks and managed to outscore the GPD Win 2 in all three tests. It's now possible to reserve one of the handhelds for as little as US$10.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Smach-Z-prototype-gets-tested-Challenges-GPD-Win-2-3DMark-scores-and-may-offer-32-GB-RAM-and-Ryzen-Embedded-V1807B-SoC.428015.0.html
There's zero actual chance that they'll ever release a 1807b version. They can't even properly cool the 1605b version at the base 15W TDP, you can't expect them to cool a 35W chip at all. That option box is only there to give the illusion of choice.
Quote from: Arthran on July 22, 2019, 22:47:21
There's zero actual chance that they'll ever release a 1807b version. They can't even properly cool the 1605b version at the base 15W TDP, you can't expect them to cool a 35W chip at all. That option box is only there to give the illusion of choice.
The backers on the lower tier model get free RAM + Storage upgrade (4gb to 8gb/32gb + 480gb SSD, and the PRO + Ultra backers get a fee V1807b core only upgrade as compensation.
Quote from: Arthran on July 22, 2019, 22:47:21
There's zero actual chance that they'll ever release a 1807b version. They can't even properly cool the 1605b version at the base 15W TDP, you can't expect them to cool a 35W chip at all. That option box is only there to give the illusion of choice.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
So, some things like SD card slot are not working. Gamepads is not recognised as Steam controllers. The temperatures are rather high and that fan noise! This thing is also so much bigger, comparable to the Atari Lynx shown. Definitely not pocketable.
List of non-working features known so far.
- Gamepads are not recognized as a game controller
- MicroSD Card slot present but not working.
- Cannot control display panel brightness
- Volume buttons doesn't work.
And of course, awful battery life. Check his latest videos.
He could not show his tweaks because..... He could not see the BIOS with the internal display! In other words he likely had to use an external monitor and keyboard.
This is quite amusing that after so many months since Embedded World 2019, so many things still not working properly. Have no idea why he did not show the problem, maybe he does not want to embarassing things about Smach Z.
In his latest videos, battery life numbers from his replies
15W with 32GB RAM - 74 mins
15w with 16GB RAM - 84 mins
Rest assured battery life at 25W would be much worse. Setting up the gamepads for each game individually everytime is a chore. No way this thing can be considered pre-production or production ready. If they push this thing out then its going to be a shitty console. More like the second coming of Ouya.
The current review sample can hardly handle 25W without tweaking (would constantly go above 100C). The Phawx had to use under-volting to get better temperatures (but would still hit above 90C). Thus that AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807B with 35W minimum TDP would be a rather useless. And to get that AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807B "compensation", backers with basic model will have to upgrade. Does that sound more like last minute money grab?