CES 2026: Dell's 52-Inch 6K Monitor, AMD Dismisses Intel Arc B390 Threat, MSI PSUs Tackle GPU Meltdowns

The Consumer Electronics Show 2026 continues to showcase pivotal developments in computing hardware, with Day 2 revealing significant advancements in displays, processor technology, and power delivery systems.

Display Innovations Reshape Workspaces
Dell unveiled its UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, featuring a 52-inch curved IPS Black panel with 6K resolution (6,144 × 2,560) and 120Hz refresh rate. Priced at $2,899, the display includes Thunderbolt 4 connectivity supporting up to four simultaneous PCs through KVM switching. The monitor's I/O suite contains four USB-A ports, three USB-C ports, dual HDMI 2.1 inputs, and DisplayPort 1.4 connections. This positions Dell's offering at nearly 40% less than Apple's 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR ($4,999 without stand), despite providing 60% more screen area.

For gamers, MSI introduced the MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 featuring a fifth-generation quantum-dot OLED panel. The 34-inch 3440×1440 display adopts an RGB stripe subpixel layout instead of triangular arrangements, improving text clarity while maintaining OLED's signature contrast ratios (1,500,000:1) and 0.03ms response times. With 360Hz refresh rates and coverage of 99% DCI-P3 color space, the monitor targets competitive gamers needing both speed and color accuracy.

Processor Battles Intensify
Early Panther Lake performance demonstrations showed Intel's Core Ultra X9 388H processor achieving 80-100 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 2026 at 1080p High settings using XeSS upscaling. The integrated Arc B390 GPU features 12 Xe-cores and represents Intel's largest generational graphics leap. However, AMD executives dismissed the threat during CES interviews. Rahul Tikoo, SVP of AMD's Client Product Group, stated: "Strix Halo will outperform it decisively. Intel compared their highest-end configuration against our mid-range solutions and strategically avoided price discussions. Their flagship mobile chip will carry significant cost premiums."

Power Supply Innovations
MSI addressed next-gen GPU power concerns with new ATX 3.1 power supplies featuring GPU Safeguard technology. The systems continuously monitor current flow through the 12V-2×6 connector using shunt resistors and microcontrollers. When abnormal power draw is detected (exceeding 55.2A/662W), the PSU triggers audible alarms and software notifications while capping power delivery to prevent connector failures. This directly responds to RTX 4090 melting incidents and anticipates higher power demands from NVIDIA's upcoming RTX 5090 series.

Additional Highlights

• Asus debuted cable-free AIO liquid coolers using wireless power transfer for pump operation
• Phanteks showcased multi-chamber PC cases optimizing airflow separation
• Frore Systems demonstrated compact AirJet and LiquidJet active cooling modules
• Patriot unveiled premium Viper Xtreme 5 Aurum DDR5 memory kits amid industry-wide price increases

These developments signal continued innovation across display technology, processor competition, and power delivery systems as manufacturers prepare for next-generation components. Dell's monitor expands productivity possibilities, while AMD and Intel's competing GPU architectures set the stage for mobile performance wars later this year.